Pursuing God with Dave and Gene

In Acts 28, Paul heals the father of Publius instantly with the touch of his hand—but the very next verse describes others who were “cured” through a longer, therapeutic process. Gene points out today that God sometimes works in moments, but often He works through months of care, recovery, and time. Just as Paul and the shipwreck survivors needed three months on Malta to heal, we sometimes need extended space to grieve, adjust, and recover. Healing is not about faking that you’re fine—it’s about giving God time to bring you through.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.

In Acts 28, after Paul shakes off a poisonous snake without harm, the islanders quickly shift their opinion of him—first calling him a murderer, then a god. Gene points out today how fickle public opinion can be and how unjust criticism often lands hardest on those already hurting. Proverbs 10:19 reminds us, “When words are many, sin is not absent.” Sometimes the wisest response is simply presence, not advice. In seasons of healing, what matters most is the steady love of Jesus—unchanging, even when people’s opinions swing wildly.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.

After the shipwreck of Acts 27, Paul and 275 others wash ashore on Malta—a name that means “place of refuge.” Gene reminds us today that we all need our own Malta: a space to recover, be refreshed, and heal. But as Paul’s story shows, refuge isn’t always simple. At first, the islanders extend unusual kindness, offering warmth and care. Moments later, when a viper latches onto Paul’s hand, the same people heap unjust criticism, assuming he must deserve it. Healing seasons often bring both kindness and misunderstanding, but Scripture reassures us that calamity is not punishment—it’s part of living in a broken world.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.

After Paul’s shipwreck in Acts 27, we find him in Acts 28 entering a season of healing. Luke, the physician who recorded the book of Acts, reminds us that recovery—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—often requires time. Gene shares today that just as Hippocrates once wrote, “Healing is a matter of time,” Scripture echoes that truth: there is “a time to heal” (Ecclesiastes 3). If you’ve ever wrestled with hurts, grief, or struggles you couldn’t just “snap out of,” this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone—and that God can meet you in the slow work of healing.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.

As Acts 27 reaches its climax, Paul turns a shipwreck into a survival story. He activates everyone on board—giving each person a role so fear doesn’t paralyze them but purpose sustains them. And when the ship finally breaks apart, Paul’s absolute faith in God’s promise carries all 276 people safely to shore. Gene reminds us today that effective leaders don’t just organize plans—they empower people and trust God’s power to bring those plans to life.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.

In Acts 27, as the storm raged and panic spread, Paul shifted the crew’s focus. Instead of obsessing over the obstacles ahead, he pointed to the objective: survival. He urged them to eat, regain strength, and prepare for what was coming. Gene reminds us today that effective leaders see beyond the hurdles to the finish line. And like Paul, they don’t just speak courage—they model it. True leadership is proven when actions match words, especially in crisis.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.

In Acts 27, Paul not only survives the storm—he strengthens others in the middle of it. Even as the ship is breaking apart, he points the crew to God’s presence and promises, reminding them to take courage. Gene shows us today that effective leaders build others up when fear takes hold. And just as Paul refused to let the sailors abandon ship, true leaders never compromise on the absolutes of God’s Word. Integrity may cost you, but it also secures the trust and courage of those you lead.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.

In Acts 27, Paul steps up even as a prisoner on a storm-battered ship. First, he takes initiative—warning the crew of dangers ahead. Later, when fear has gripped every man on board, Paul speaks with authority, sharing God’s promise of protection and courage. Gene reminds us today that true leaders don’t just point out problems; they step forward to meet needs. And when storms come, they ground others with the unshakable authority of God’s Word.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.

Today Gene begins our journey through Acts 27, where the apostle Paul sets sail for Rome as a prisoner. Though ranked last among 276 people, Paul rises to the top when storms hit—not because of authority, but because he earned trust. Leadership, Gene reminds us, isn’t about titles or rank; it’s about character proven in crisis.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.

As Paul closes his prayer in Ephesians 1, Gene reminds us that every believer has a heavenly account overflowing with spiritual wealth. We’ve learned to calculate the balance, understand the currency, and cash the checks of purpose, privilege, and power. The key to living this out? Prayer — praying these truths into our hearts so we walk daily with confidence, identity, and strength. It’s time to stop searching for what we already have and start living like the rich people we are in Christ.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.