New Day Podcast

We have created many ways to express our connection to/with a particular church or to God/Jesus. There is what is known as "Witness Wear" as well as bumper stickers or emblems to put on our cars. There are myriads of sayings on coffee cups and placards or knick knacks for display. Yet, what matters most are the things that we put on from the inside out - from a new heart and spirit - that will truly indicate our connection to and love for the Lord.

We live in a day and age that is often sorely lacking in gracious commuication. Whether it be in person or posts on social media, harsh comments and responses often dominate these types of conversations. The Book of Proverbs offers this counsel: "He who guards his lips (words) guardshis life, but he who speaks (writes) rashly will come to ruin." We need to extend grace - unmerited favor - to one another in order build one another up and encourage each other.

Another day, another storm. Does your life ever feel that way? Does it feel like a continual cycle that leaves you feeling overwhlemed and struggling with "that sinking feeling"? Then know that Jesus is very much aware of what you are facing, and that He cares very much about you and your situation. He has the power and the compassion to "come and save you" as the great I Am. Yet know this, that even though He is the "On Time God", He may not show up exactly when you would like or how you would expect. But He always shows up!

We all face various kinds of storms in our lives - literally or figuratively. In the midst of these storms it is easy to develop "that sinking feeling" of despair and of being overwhelmed. This episode focuses on why those storms may arise and how we can successfully navigate our way through them.

Wouldn't it be great if our lives, at least in general, could be characterized by our experiencing a "peaceful, easy feeling"? (Like the song by the Eagles from 1972.) That most likely is not the case because we live in a world that rarely offers us such a thing, and certainly not for any length of time. Yet there is a kind of peace that offers rest, tranquility, harmony, and completeness. It involves unimpaired or even repaired relationships, and perfect well being. Yet, while it is freely offered and readily available to all, it is only found in an "other worldly" source.

Trust is an important aspect in our lives. But who can you really trust? Some people put their trust in power and postion. Others trust in themselves or other people. Still others trust in their accumulated wealth. Yet all of these can change and not be truly reliable. There is One who is an unchanging Rock, who is the same yesterday and forever. That, perhaps is the best place in which to place our trust.

There are many ways we can alter the reality around us. It may be through virtual reality or the use of some kind of mood altering, perception changing, emotional processing medication (drug). However, what if we ultimately altered our reality - the reality of what we are thinking, feeling, or experiencing by bringing it to God and thereby living in an altared reality?

We sing songs without necessarily considering - or beleiving - the words we are singing. This can be true with any kind or style (genre) of music, but is particularly concerning when it involves contemporary "worship" songs. It is much like the saying: "God said it; I believe it; that settles it." Does it really? Or is it just easy to simply sing along with today's music that is so well written and performed? What impact does our singing actually have on our lives?

Life is a journey we all make and along the way we all encounter some difficult and often unexpected situations. One source of encouragement during those times can come from listening to - and perhaps even singing along with - encouraging music. And one source for this is found in "God's Music" (aka Worship Music), especially songs that are truly scripturally based.

"Life is a journey - enjoy the ride" is a phrase that was made popular via a 1996 commercial series by Nissan. Wouldn't it be great if our journey in /of life was one great adventure after another. Yet we know that isn't reality, is it? So during those difficult, uncertain, and even unsettling times we need a source of true encouragement (and not just a new car!). God - who is never changing - and His Word - that is everlasting - offer just such encouragement for us, no matter the circumstance or situation.