Seek First

Are you frustrated because you don't feel like God is showing up in your life in the way you hoped He would? Ephesians 3:20 describes to believers that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above what we could ask or think.... ACCORDING to the power that worketh within us. Did you forget about the second half of that verse? That's okay, we did too. Join Andrew and Lauren as they take a closer look at this verse.

This week Andrew and Lauren dive a little deeper into the meaning of "Immanuel" (God with us.) It wasn't enough for God to form you, to know the number of hairs in your head, or even to be your creator. He robed himself in flesh to be with you. How intimate is that? He can be your provider, your sustainer, your source of life - but have you let Him in on a personal level to spend time with you each day? Psalm 121:4 tells us that our King does not slumber nor does he sleep. He's very much aware of your current state and stress level. He isn't asleep on your situation, and he doesn't require any prerequisites to fellowship. He just wants to be with you right where you are. 

Are you feeling the pressure of the holiday season weighing you down? Decorate the house, buy the gifts, send the Christmas cards, plan the gatherings.. Does the list ever end? In the midst of the chaos and joy this time of year brings, take time to say "no" to a few obligations to be still. Our necessity for rest is a gentle reminder from for creator that we can't make it in our own power, but we must abide in Him. Join Andrew and Lauren in this episode as they discuss what the Bible says about rest. 

Andrew and Lauren interview Roger Zimmerman on the topic of balancing a full time career and ministry.

Great emphasis is placed on the role Mary played in the Christmas story in Matthew 1 and Luke 1, but we often skim over the details for Joseph. He was the missing puzzle piece in the story to fulfill the prophesy that the Messiah would come from the lineage of David. What role is God asking you to play? It cost Joseph his reputation, his name, the normal life he had built, but the story would not be complete without Him. Scripture compares the significance of the role we play to the different members of the body. You are valuable. You are essential. You are the missing piece. Hebrews 12 says it so well "..let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus." Don't compare your role to those around you, but look to Jesus and run your race with perseverance. No one else can accomplish the job quite like you.

Salvation is not the final destination for a believer; it's the beginning of the journey. John 3:16 teaches us "For God so loved the world, He GAVE.." Our example of a christ-centered lifestyle is to love others in a way that compels us to give. When we give generously, scripture teaches us that we will be recipients of unmerited favor, blessing, and provision from God. Join Andrew and Lauren as they kick off the holiday season refocusing on the role we have as modern day disciples.

In John 21 we find the disciples fishing on a boat after Jesus had resurrected. When John told the others who was calling out to them from the shore, Peter leaped out of the boat made his way through 100  yards of water to get to Jesus. Yes, the same Peter that denied Jesus three times before the crucifixion was rushing to him after Jesus resurrected. What about shame? Condemnation? Embarrassment? None of that stood in the way of Peter and his Lord. No matter your mistakes, your past, or your failures, His kindness is there to draw you back to repentance. In Matthew 18 we find that the shepherd leaves the 99 to find the 1. The body of Christ is not, and will not be complete without the one. It isn't complete without YOU. Run back to Jesus today- even if that means you have to jump off a boat to swim through 100 yards of water. 

Andrew and Lauren interview Adam and Karissa King on the topics of depression and anxiety. We hope this is a blessing to you.

Here’s how you can connect with Adam and Karissa:

Website: www.dearyoungmarriedcouple.com

Phone: (916) 678-1797

E-mail: [email protected]

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Join Andrew and Lauren as they discuss hearing the voice of God with Anthony Nutter.  We hope this is a blessing to you. 

Have you ever felt like your faith was interrupted? You were all in. You took a leap of faith. You even looked like a fool. You believed God could do it… but then, it seems God honors everyone else’s sacrifice but yours. In Mark 5, that had to have been how Jairus felt. Being a leader in the synagogue he had status and a reputation on the line when he went to Jesus for help. He put himself on the line, risked it all, and someone else interrupted the journey to his miracle. Join us this week on the podcast as we discuss interrupted faith.