Why do things sometimes fall apart even when our intentions are good?

In this week's message from 2 Samuel 6, we explore one of the most sobering moments in Scripture. David sets out to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. The worship is loud. The celebration is intense. The passion is real.

But underneath the celebration are small compromises.

The wrong people. The wrong method. Good intentions that ignored God's instructions.

And the result is devastating.

This message challenges us to wrestle with some hard but necessary questions:

• Are we choosing convenience over obedience?
• Are we substituting intensity for integrity?
• Are we trying to protect God instead of simply obeying Him?
• Are small compromises creating bigger damage than we realize?

The good news? God's heart has not changed. He still wants to bless us with His presence.

But we have to prepare for it.

If life feels off, distant, or spiritually stuck, this message is an invitation to reset and realign.

What happens when people try to control God instead of honoring Him?

In this powerful message from 1 Samuel 5, we watch what happens after the Ark of the Covenant is captured and placed in the temple of Dagon. The Philistines assume their god has defeated the God of Israel.

But by morning, their idol is face down. And the next morning? It's shattered. This message reminds us that:

• God will not share His glory.

• Idols eventually fall.

• Pain can be a wake-up call.

• The power isn't in objects, rituals, or strategies. The power is in the presence of God.

If you've been tempted to prop something else up in God's place—career, relationships, comfort, control—this message will challenge and encourage you.

God is loving. God is holy. And He refuses to be treated lightly.

Take your next step. Press play.

Have you ever asked God to bless something you never asked Him about in the first place?

This week on Continuing the Conversation, we go deeper into 1 Samuel 4 and wrestle with a hard but honest question: Is God truly leading our decisions—or are we bringing Him in after we've already decided what we want?

Israel went into battle without seeking God. When they lost, they tried to fix it by bringing the Ark of the Covenant—treating God's presence like a lucky charm instead of a holy reality. The result was devastating.

Craig and Colin unpack:

• Why God doesn't bless plans we never surrendered to Him

• The difference between inviting God to lead and using Him as backup

• How our preferences can quietly outweigh God's commands

• What it actually means to give God "weight" in our lives

If you've felt spiritually stuck, defeated, or distant from God, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

Don't just listen—take the next step. Let's keep continuing the conversation.

🔔 Subscribe for honest conversations, fresh insights, and practical faith for real life. Like, share, and comment if this episode hit home.

As always, shoot us your questions at [email protected] and enjoy today's episode. Also, check out our YouTube Channel and the Playlist titled "Questions with Craig" for more resources.

Or submit your PRAYER REQUESTS for our care team.

============================= Continuing The Conversation: Feed Credits =============================

HOST:: Colin McFarland, Craig Smith PRODUCTION + MIXING:: Zac Anderson CREATIVE DIRECTOR:: Colin McFarland :: VIDEO + SEO DIRECTORS:: Zac Anderson, Maddie Brouwer

A Product of The Mission Hills Podcast Network in Littleton, CO. © Mission Hills Church - All Rights Reserved

Have you ever asked God to bless something you never asked Him about in the first place?

In this week's message, we unpack 1 Samuel 4 and wrestle with a hard question: Is God truly leading our battles—or are we just bringing Him in after we've already decided what we want?

Israel went into battle without seeking God. When they lost, they tried to fix it by bringing the Ark of the Covenant—as if God's presence could be controlled like a lucky charm. What followed was devastating.

Craig talk about:

• Why God doesn't bless plans we never ran past Him

• The difference between bringing God to the fight and using Him as backup

• How preferences can quietly outweigh God's commandments

• What it really means to give God "weight" in our lives

If you've ever wondered why you feel spiritually stuck, defeated, or distant from God—this message is for you.

We all love the idea of second chances—but what does it really mean when God gives you one? In this powerful conversation, Craig and Colin dive into what it looked like for the Israelites to get a second chance at the Promised Land, and why some didn't get to enter. They unpack Hebrews 6, spiritual disqualification, the difference between failure and rebellion, and why God's grace always goes deeper than our past mistakes. It's honest, rich, and full of hope—and it might just change the way you think about failure and faith.

🔁 This is for anyone who's ever wondered: "Can I come back from this?" The answer? Yes—with Jesus, there's always a way back.

🔔 Subscribe for honest conversations, fresh insights, and practical faith for real life. Like, share, and comment if this episode hit home.

As always, shoot us your questions at [email protected] and enjoy today's episode. Also, check out our YouTube Channel and the Playlist titled "Questions with Craig" for more resources.

Or submit your PRAYER REQUESTS for our care team.

============================= Continuing The Conversation: Feed Credits =============================

HOST:: Colin McFarland, Craig Smith PRODUCTION + MIXING:: Zac Anderson CREATIVE DIRECTOR:: Colin McFarland :: VIDEO + SEO DIRECTORS:: Zac Anderson, Maddie Brouwer

A Product of The Mission Hills Podcast Network in Littleton, CO. © Mission Hills Church - All Rights Reserved

Standing at the edge of the Jordan, Israel faces another chance to choose faith over fear as God calls them to focus on His presence and follow Him into the unknown. This message reminds us that faith isn't about feeling confident—it's about stepping forward in obedience and trusting God to make a way.

The Bible's rules and detailed instructions aren't about pushing people away—they're about getting things ready for God to be close, because God has always wanted to dwell with His people. Even though sin makes that closeness complicated, the good news is that God does the heavy lifting Himself, drawing near to us not because we've earned it, but because He wants a relationship with us.

In today's behind-the-scenes conversation, Craig Smith and Colin McFarland dive deep into the end of Psalm 27 and unpack how our unspoken preferences—like avoiding pain or discomfort—can quietly hijack our spiritual direction. They reflect on how unchecked wounds influence our decisions, and how God invites us to clear out the noise so we can follow His better way. Plus, Craig shares a vulnerable look at leadership, growth, and the importance of allowing pain to stretch your capacity. Whether you're leading others, growing in your faith, or trying to heal, this episode will challenge and encourage you.

🔔 Subscribe for honest conversations, fresh insights, and practical faith for real life. Like, share, and comment if this episode hit home.

As always, shoot us your questions at [email protected] and enjoy today's episode. Also, check out our YouTube Channel and the Playlist titled "Questions with Craig" for more resources.

Or submit your PRAYER REQUESTS for our care team.

============================= Continuing The Conversation: Feed Credits =============================

HOST:: Colin McFarland, Craig Smith PRODUCTION + MIXING:: Zac Anderson CREATIVE DIRECTOR:: Colin McFarland :: VIDEO + SEO DIRECTORS:: Zac Anderson, Maddie Brouwer

A Product of The Mission Hills Podcast Network in Littleton, CO. © Mission Hills Church - All Rights Reserved

When life has you lost and lies have you surrounded, you need more than your old strategies. You need God's way forward. Discover how to silence the accusations, face the right direction, and declare God's goodness even when you can't see it yet.

Is God really silent—or is He just preparing you for something greater?

In this episode of Continuing the Conversation, Craig and Colin are back and unpack the often misunderstood "silent seasons" of our faith journey. From the 400 years between the Old and New Testaments to the quiet in our own lives, we explore why God might seem distant and how to navigate those moments with wisdom and trust.

We also dive into Psalm 27, discuss the power of biblical rhythms, and share personal stories of waiting, confusion, and clarity. If you've ever asked, "Where is God right now?"—this episode is for you.

🔔 Subscribe for honest conversations, fresh insights, and practical faith for real life. Like, share, and comment if this episode hit home.

As always, shoot us your questions at [email protected] and enjoy today's episode. Also, check out our YouTube Channel and the Playlist titled "Questions with Craig" for more resources.

Or submit your PRAYER REQUESTS for our care team.

============================= Continuing The Conversation: Feed Credits =============================

HOST:: Colin McFarland, Craig Smith PRODUCTION + MIXING:: Zac Anderson CREATIVE DIRECTOR:: Colin McFarland :: VIDEO + SEO DIRECTORS:: Zac Anderson, Maddie Brouwer

A Product of The Mission Hills Podcast Network in Littleton, CO. © Mission Hills Church - All Rights Reserved