Light In Your Corner

Man Climbs Tree, Experiences Dramatic Transformation. Results will SHOCK You!

We are used to paying for transformation. Want a better body? Better bank account? Better friends? Better home? You can have it all…for a price.

But what about when the transformation happens first?

That’s Zaccheus’s story. The transformation was the gift–the gift that led him to give away all the things that he used to value. Because that’s what happens when you find something far better. That’s what happens when Jesus calls you by name and dwells with you. 

The transformation was dramatic but that’s not even the best part. Here’s the best part: Jesus came to seek and to save the lost, and that means He came for you.

ALSO:

• Campaigning for a global holiday 
• Who would you cast as Zaccheus?
• Rich in possessions, poor in spirit
• Clamoring for love we already have
• Dying to self v. Killing yourself for the Gospel
• Jesus wasn’t multitasking

#lightinyourcorner #redemption #transformation #grace #forgiveness #love #jesus

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Jim Carrey: “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer.”

The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton: https://www.amazon.com/Devil-Dark-Water-Stuart-Turton/dp/1728234298/ref=pd_ci_mcx_mh_mcx_views_0?pd_rd_w=BC57k&content-id=amzn1.sym.225b4624-972d-4629-9040-f1bf9923dd95%3Aamzn1.symc.40e6a10e-cbc4-4fa5-81e3-4435ff64d03b&pf_rd_p=225b4624-972d-4629-9040-f1bf9923dd95&pf_rd_r=EQ4YHTRDVW9617CE1AG3&pd_rd_wg=9qpzO&pd_rd_r=9090b037-0b67-4fed-a703-4bba875ffa23&pd_rd_i=1728234298

What’s Your Story?

Today we talk about stories, which makes sense because our lives, and our stories, are meant to be shared.

So it is no surprise that in Luke 18, Jesus uses stories to convey some important messages. The first, that we should keep praying and never give up. The second, that humility trumps arrogance every time.

And then we have those sweet sweet kiddos that can’t stay away from Jesus.

Each story, each group of people, shares something in common: they are loved by God.

You are too. So what is your story? And how can your life be a monument to the kindness and mercy and love of God hundreds of stories high?

ALSO:

• Monica’s secret ceiling journals
• The books our kids can’t put down
• Lord of the Flies hits different
• We get old and tired, God never does
• #mountainbikingproblems #buttbruises
• Scaring our kids, but in a literary way

#Jesus #humility #lightinyourcorner #stories #storytelling 

Scripture: Luke 18:1-17

The reason behind Walden Media: https://imprimis.hillsdale.edu/let-them-at-least-have-heard-of-brave-knights-and-heroic-courage/

“Since it is so likely that they will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. Otherwise you are making their destiny not brighter but darker.” C.S. Lewis

“The kingdom of God is wherever the things God wants to get done get done.” Brant Hansen Life is Hard. God is Good. Let’s Dance.

“This kingdom is really, really good, and here’s my theory: we all want it, deep down, even people who won’t admit it and don’t even believe in it. And here’s another of my weird theories—one indicated by goose bumps: we all get brief flashes of it in life, fleeting impressions that leave us moved or yearning for more. We may not even be able to explain why. There’s a German word for this, because they have a word for everything: It’s fernweh, which literally means “farsickness.” 1 It’s feeling homesick for a place you’ve never been.”

— Life Is Hard. God Is Good. Let's Dance.: Experiencing Real Joy in a World Gone Mad by Brant Hansen

https://a.co/abkEUWP

Nate Bargatze “Hello World” Christian Parents video clip: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/imij7QJbSLA

Ted Dekker: “The Circle Series” of books: https://teddekker.com/products/the-circle-trilogy

Ted Dekker “Journey To Impossible Places” Book Series: https://teddekker.com/pages/journey-to-impossible-places

Forgiveness isn’t a new topic, and honestly, it is pretty cut and dry. However, that doesn’t make it easy, and “cut and dry” can look messy and frayed. 

Especially when we are trying to take it seriously. 

So what do we do when someone keeps on sinning against us? Or when we don’t want to forgive? Or when we don’t know where to start? Or when it forces us to confront the part we played in the conflict?

Jesus didn’t answer every question about forgiveness but He was very clear on the fact that we should forgive. Like in Luke 17. 

So today we tackle some of the hardest verses in the Bible. Sound like fun? We promise there is some light for all of us in this episode!

ALSO:

• Parenting our kids to repent quickly and still feel the consequences of their choices
• Insights into The Chosen’s depiction of this topic
• A world full of Monicas and Laurens 
• God, help me want to forgive

Scripture: Luke 17:1-6

TED Talks: 

The Real Risk of Forgiveness–And Why It’s Worth It | Sarah Montana | TEDxLincolnSquare

Forget Forgiveness and Harness Hate | Olivia Porter | TEDxChicago

Why Forgiveness is Unnecessary | Carmelle Kemp | TEDxBearCreekPark

Forgiveness in an Age of Anger | Brant Hansen | TEDxHarrisburg

Book: "Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools: An Invitation to the Wonder and Mystery of Prayer" by Tyler Staton

Somehow We Manage

Monica and Lauren are back, baby!! The last month has been all kinds of crazy, but we made it through and we’re back together…over Zoom.

There are some parables Jesus tells that make us scratch our head, and today we tackle one of those kinds of parables! The dishonest manager was a bit of a scamp, and not the lovable kind. So why does Jesus talk about him? What is the point?

We are all managers–stewards of the gifts God has given us–and boy has He given us a lot. So how can we manage those gifts, big and small, in a way that shows other people how good God really is?

How can we use what we have to love the people around us?

Also: 

• Lauren lives in Florida and is easily distracted by birds.
• All the adults are hanging out at Lowes.
• Monica is a green screen whiz.
• Our fascination with frauds.
• Practicing faithfulness (or dishonesty) in the little things.

Light: God has given us SO MANY GIFTS to manage!

Action: Inventory your gifts. How can we use those gifts to bless others?

DISCLAIMER: Lauren mentions a show called Bad Girls, but it is actually called Good Girls. Don’t look up shows called Bad Girls. They don’t look very wholesome. 

Scripture:
Luke 16:1-13

Media:
- The Office (Episode "The Secret") Season 2, Episode 13.
- Suits (TV Show)
- Surviver (Season 41)
- Bob Goff: Love in Chaos (Bible Study through RightNow Media)
- Breaking Bad (TV Show)
- Good Girls (TV Show)

What the World Needs Now

There are so many whys in life. Why did that happen? Why did I say that? Why do they act that way? 

But here is a super big why:

Why does God love us? For what purpose?

Well listen up! Because this news is SO GOOD!

God loves us so that He can show us how much He loves us. How awesome is that?!

It’s all grace, friends. Not a thing we could do to earn it. He did it all. 

He loved us and made us His workmanship, and set about giving us good works so we could experience our true purpose on earth–reflecting His love wherever we are, whenever we are. 

Happy New Year, everyone!

ALSO:

• A wager on the romance between Mary and Joseph?
• Approaching goals in love
• You are needed
• There’s no scarcity here
• Ideas for the new year!

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Media:

Cinema Therapy (Ten Keys to Support Your Partner from THE NATIVITY STORY): https://youtu.be/MV0IBwLwcYI?si=vUvgBfA0So9nw_A-

Modern Love: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8543390/

Frozen: Disney Movie

“The Messengers” Movie from Angel Studios

“The Nativity” Movie

“5 Love Languages” Book by Gary Chapman

We typically think of joy that belongs to us. Joy is on our greeting cards, home decor, t-shirts.

We think of the shepherds rejoicing, Mary and Joseph rejoicing, the wise men rejoicing. People were excited. Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

We rarely think of how excited God was. So excited that He didn’t just send one angel–he sent a whole host. Even though this gift wasn't for them they were still super excited because they displayed the joy of the Father!

So what gives God joy? Lean in here–you do. 

That’s what Luke 15 is all about. Reconciling Himself to you, carrying you home, that is what inspires God to throw a party. He gathers His friends and celebrates. He points to you and says, “That’s my kid!”

Also: 

• Our LEAST favorite Christmas songs 
• Teddy the squeaky neighbor dog
• Joy is best when shared!
• God is the rowdy one!
• Being the fun folks

Scripture: Luke 15:1-32

Media:

“Last Chance Detectives” Audio Drama

“Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer (PS. Christopher McCandless does NOT die by bear attack.  I think I was crossing two separate stories in my mind.  But he dies of starvation and by eating bad moose meat after not smoking it correctly.  The actual quote in his journal at the end was, “Happiness is only real when shared.”

“Prodigal God” by Tim Keller

“Brant and Sherri Oddcast” Podcast

”The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.“

‭‭Zephaniah‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/59/zep.3.17.ESV

We all know December is busy and frantic and full of high expectations. But can it also be full of peace? Is peace actually possible at any moment? Really?

It is. But it doesn’t come easy

Because things are coming for your peace. 

Good news, though! Jesus has an answer for us. Jesus IS the answer for us. What does this have to do with Luke 14? Let’s find out! 

ALSO: 
Peace= not striving for status. 
Peace= not comparing yourself to others.
Peace= not wasting brain energy on deciding where I fit.
Peace= accepting the lowest place.
Peace= identity not rooted in the opinion of others.
Peace= positioning yourself in a way that assumes the best about others.
Peace= creating space for others to be honored.
Peace= lowering yourself AND your expectations. 

—Simplifying
—Finding someone to talk to
—Practical ways to practice peace 

Scripture: Luke 14:7-11 ESV

Media:
Poor Bishop Hooper- Band on Spotify who created songs from Psalms https://open.spotify.com/artist/7AgYdpiGbObyY3WVJXxhi0?si=R0P4LertSUejGswBfb4o0A

“Untangle Your Emotions” Book by Jennie Allen https://www.amazon.com/Untangle-Your-Emotions-Naming-Knowing/dp/0593193415/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=677951576878&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9019035&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=689602664989230982&hvtargid=kwd-2229209999508&hydadcr=22165_13517535&keywords=untangle+your+emotions&qid=1702585527&sr=8-1

“Parks and Recreation” Episode “Bowling for Votes” 2012 https://youtu.be/fTOYZ9Jr1V0?si=G5YyqcKilM5H29fp 

“Holiday in Handcuffs” Hallmark Movie https://youtu.be/vWChEKOGL4g?si=go7N9r2YvsFJbr44

“A Merry Friggin’ Christmas” Moviehttps://youtu.be/TGkBu_qALpg?si=RS6Bbx-tQbM44Q2X

“The Office Ladies” Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/office-ladies/id1480311435

“Bluey” Kids TV Show https://www.youtube.com/live/DbiKrRUNFuE?si=5cNdq13Os9Zt4sf7 

Look closely. What does the kingdom of God look like? It looks like the smallest things. 

It looks like the woman hunched in the corner, on her own. 

It looks like a tiny seed.

It looks like a little mundane yeast. 

It looks like people showing up for people. 

You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t even have to be healthy. Jesus sees you. Jesus calls you near. Jesus loosens the chains that bind you. 

Because no circumstance and no person escapes His notice. Not you. Not your struggle. He is good like that. 

ALSO:

• Monica’s parable of the hibiscus tree
• The battle of the time-traveling Laurens 
• What you plant grows
• Lamentation as worship

Scripture: Luke 13:10-21

Media:
“Tiny Beautiful Things”  Hulu TV Show
“As For Me” Adrienne Camp Bible Study
“Love in Chaos” Bob Goff Bible Study
Bible Project: Hope: https://youtu.be/4WYNBjJSYvE?si=8XPifaGXUfhouleP

Good News: It’s in There Somewhere

You guys, Luke 12 has some words. Jesus warns and comforts, warns and comforts, warns and comforts. Today we talk about both and we have some good news for you:

The comfort wins.

Where is the comfort when we are lonely and forgotten? When we are in need? When we are divided?

It is where it always was: in Jesus. And you and I have Jesus in abundance. 

So then we ask, where does our neighbor find comfort? 

The answer is the same, but the vehicle for their comfort might look a lot like you. 

ALSO: 

• God sees it–He sees your service.
• Trusting God gives us freedom to let go and help others.
• What can we do to show people that they matter? How can we connect?
• Is it even a parade if it doesn’t have candy?

LIGHT: It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom! There is nothing to fear.

ACTION: Reach out to someone who might be lonely. If it is you, still reach out!

Notes: 

Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1433556693/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aaxitk=eb2aa079a02b554a6c34dfb3f1542601&hsa_cr_id=0&qid=1701200389&sr=1-1-9e67e56a-6f64-441f-a281-df67fc737124&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_sccd_asin_0_title&pd_rd_w=gEsrT&content-id=amzn1.sym.417820b0-80f2-4084-adb3-fb612550f30b%3Aamzn1.sym.417820b0-80f2-4084-adb3-fb612550f30b&pf_rd_p=417820b0-80f2-4084-adb3-fb612550f30b&pf_rd_r=BSGY4N2S4KNAF7DX72BQ&pd_rd_wg=SU8CK&pd_rd_r=b0beee96-3e9f-4204-b919-3c8bdb6d5439

Hidden Christmas by Tim Keller https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Christmas-Timothy-Keller-audiobook/dp/B01LY0WS4S/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19PDSDSBKVSQ&keywords=hidden+christmas+timothy+keller&qid=1701200389&sprefix=Hidden%2Caps%2C124&sr=8-1

One Hit Wonder?: Lil Boo Thing by Paul Russell

Veggie Tales: Saint Nicholas (on Prime now!) https://www.amazon.com/Veggietales-Saint-Nicholas-Joyful-Giving/dp/B002FOFX6U/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2HFGCPJCAB1VZ&keywords=veggie+tales+saint+nicholas+dvd&qid=1701200181&sprefix=Veggie+tales+sa%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1

Cup of Comfort Book: https://www.amazon.com/Cup-Comfort-Book-Christmas-Prayer/dp/1440500517/ref=sr_1_2?crid=NQ14GTL65DE0&keywords=Cup+of+comfort+Christmas&qid=1701189511&sprefix=cup+of+comfort+christmas%2Caps%2C119&sr=8-2

Ann Voskamp 

We don’t skip Thanksgiving here at Light in Your Corner!! We celebrate it, hard.

Today we have some fun talking about Thanksgiving (and Black Friday) traditions and memories. We discuss how we find joy in all the family togetherness and we take time to discuss hard things in our lives that we are thankful for. 

We pray that this episode blesses your Thanksgiving week! We are thankful for you!

“See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭24‬ ‭ESV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/59/1th.5.15-24.ESV

Short article on the placement of Thanksgiving Day:

https://www.britannica.com/story/why-is-thanksgiving-in-the-us-celebrated-on-a-thursday

Longer article on the placement of Thanksgiving Day:

https://time.com/5455162/thanksgiving-on-thursday/

Jordan Raynor’s article about giving thanks for your thorns and thistles:

https://www.jordanraynor.com/blog/the-curse-is-god-s-love-in-disguise-here-s-why