The Life for Life Podcast

Jehovah Shammah means "The Lord is there," and this week Pastor Jeremy Bedell opens Ezekiel's prophecy to a people living in exile: separated from home, separated from where they belonged, with Jerusalem in ruins behind them. God's word to them was not abandonment. It was restoration. The city would be rebuilt, and its very name would declare that the presence of God is there.

That same promise runs through the whole Bible. "I will never leave you nor forsake you" is what God told Moses in Deuteronomy 31, what He told Joshua before Jericho in Joshua 1, and what Hebrews 13:5 repeats to us. God has never changed who He is. We are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, the place where His presence lives, and He wants to dwell in you, walk with you, and talk with you, even in the middle of whatever you are dealing with.

But the promise comes with a step. God told Moses and Joshua to be brave and courageous, and He tells us the same. If we will only be brave and courageous to take that next step, whatever it is, trusting that He will be with us when we are obedient to His direction, we find that He was there all along.

And the reason He can promise to never forsake you is the cross. In Mark 15, Jesus cried out the words of Psalm 22: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" God forsook Himself, Jesus absorbing the separation our sin deserved, so that you would never be abandoned. He experienced abandonment so that you could live in His presence. He will never leave you. He will never let you lie in ruins. Jehovah Shammah: the Lord is there, and the Lord is here.

Intro music: "Beautiful Worship Piano" by Denis Pavlov, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.

The Mission: Living Life "As Unto the Lord"

If I could only talk about one thing for the rest of my life, it would be the true nature of God. Your understanding of who He is—whether He is a judge waiting to strike you or a Father looking to heal you—is the foundation for everything. Once you know who He is, you can finally discover your identity as a son or daughter.

But there is a "Why" behind knowing God and knowing yourself. It isn't just for your own benefit or success. You aren't the destination; you are a vessel. We grow, we heal, and we thrive so that we can be effective for the Mission.

The Singular Mission: The Great Commission

There is one mission for every believer: to make God famous and exalt the name of Jesus. We have been commissioned—meaning we have been entrusted with authority for a particular function. That function is to get people to "come home" to the Father.

This mission is where fulfillment is found. If you are building a business, your "why" should be to create financial margin to fund the Gospel. If you are seeking health, it’s so you can have the strength to serve. We don't just "soak up" church services; we get equipped so we can go back out and take ground.

A New "Why"

Everything in the Kingdom is backwards to our natural flesh. Our flesh doesn't want to give, serve, or pray for enemies. But the Kingdom compels us. When you give your life to Jesus, you have to address the "Old Whys."

Did you do things because you were afraid?

Because you were bitter?

Because you were insecure?

God wants to heal those roots so you can have a New Why. In the Kingdom, there is no in-between: it is either of God or it is of you. Whether you are parenting, working, or spending money, the question is: Are you doing it "as unto the Lord" or "as unto yourself"?

Choose to Accept the Mission

Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). Because He has the authority, He can grant it to you. But you have to choose to accept the mission. Accepting the mission requires everything—it requires giving up your own way.

"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me." — Matthew 16:24

When you give up your life, you don't lose; you trade your "crap" for His Life. You give Him your shame, your sickness, and your debt, and you receive the life of God—all caps, bolded, and italicized.

Clearing the Blockages

God is a flow. He is the God of generations, and His presence is constantly moving. My challenge to you is to assess your heart: Where are the corks, dams, or blockages stifling that flow?

Is it laziness?

Is it greed?

Is it an area of your life you think you know how to handle better than He does?

Pull the stoppers out. Let the Word refine you. When we are about the Father’s purpose, Romans 8:28 promises that everything—even the obstacles—will work together for your good.

Intro music: "Beautiful Worship Piano" by Denis Pavlov, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.

We’ve all been there—that "halftime" moment where you feel the weight of the week beginning to burn through your spiritual reserves. You realize that while you’ve been running the race, your tank is getting low. In those moments, we don't just need a break; we need a momentum generator.

The Word of God is exactly that. It is an impossible force that cannot fail to produce. As it says in Isaiah, His Word cannot return void. When God says, "Let there be light," light doesn't just consider showing up—it manifests. When you put yourself in the environment of the Word, you aren't just checking a religious box; you are engaging a mighty power that is actively turning, washing, and illuminating your life.

The Trap of the Servant Mentality

Coming out of a hard season—what some might call the "pigpen"—it is easy to settle for a servant’s heart. We know our failures. We know our past. We feel unlovable and unqualified, so we say to the Father, "Just let me be a hired hand. I’m satisfied just to be back in the house."

But God is looking to do overwhelmingly more than that. He isn't looking for more employees; He is looking for sons.

Settling for a servant mentality is actually a disservice to the Father. He has demonstrated His resolve and His devotion through the sacrifice of His Son so that you could operate in the bloodline. A servant works for a wage, but a son takes ownership of the vision. A servant stays because he has to; a son stays because he belongs.

Identity Precedes Behavior

If you want to see the atmosphere of your home change, it doesn't start with trying to "act better." It starts with sonship.

When you begin to think like a son, talk like a son, and act like a son, your identity changes. And when your identity changes, your desires follow. According to Ephesians 3:20, God is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, but notice the "how": according to His power that is at work within us.

The transformation isn't coming from your willpower; it’s coming from the Word working inside you. As your heart heals, your marriage begins to heal. As your mind is restored, the atmosphere of your home shifts. You aren't just surviving the week anymore; you are managing the household of God and expanding the Father’s vision.

Stay on Offense

Don't get to the end of your life well-rested. There is a time for rest, but the Bible speaks far more about running than it does about sitting down. We have a race to run, and the only way to finish it is to stay "on offense."

Stay in the room. Stay in the Word. Keep generating that momentum. You aren't just a servant who got lucky enough to get back in the door—you are a son of the Most High, and His mighty power is at work in you right now to accomplish exactly what He promised.

Intro music: "Beautiful Worship Piano" by Denis Pavlov, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.

This message challenges believers to move from a servant mindset to embracing full sonship in God’s family. Like the prodigal who settled for servant status, many live unworthy when God offers restoration as beloved children—unlocking authority, purpose, and victory through surrendered obedience.

The Prodigal’s Mindset: Servant or Son?

The prodigal planned to return as a servant—“I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (Luke 15:19)—better than the pigpen but far below the Father’s heart. The Father ignored it, restoring full sonship: robe, ring, sandals, feast. Many Christians live “servant-minded,” grateful yet disqualified, missing the privileges of sonship.

God’s Heart: Full Restoration as Children

God doesn’t offer partial reconciliation—He adopts us as children (Galatians 4:5-7), calling us “Abba, Father.” We’re not slaves earning approval but heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). His love qualifies us; our response is trust and surrender, not performance.

Crucifying the Old Self for New Life

“My old self has been crucified with Christ… it is Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). The old identity—sinful, separated—dies on the cross. Christ’s life in us brings light, authority, and dominion (Colossians 1:13). Daily crucify fleshly urges to live led by His Spirit.

Living as Children of Light

You’re children of light, not darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:5). Set apart by truth (John 17:17), renew your mind (Romans 12:2) to think, speak, and act as God’s child. This expands kingdom influence—serving, giving, loving—reflecting His glory.

A Call to Action

Embrace sonship—write Galatians 2:20, Romans 12:1-2, Luke 15:17-24. Study daily. Surrender servant mentality; live as God’s child with authority. Next week: special events—join us!

Intro music: "Beautiful Worship Piano" by Denis Pavlov, used under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.

We’re taking a special NOT FORGOTTEN OFFERING—100% goes straight to the mission field and to our neighbors right here who are hurting.

Two directions, one purpose: show the world Jesus has not forgotten them.

1️⃣ World Compassion

2️⃣ Local Outreach – Not Forgotten Gifts

Every dollar given = gospel tools in closed nations + gospel conversations right here at home.

No admin fees. No delay. Immediate impact.

Give right now online → select “Not Forgotten Offering” at lifeforlife.church/giving

Remember those in prison as if you were there yourself. Remember the mistreated as if you felt their pain. Remember the lost… because Jesus never forgets.

Let’s be the church that remembers.

Tonight we celebrate God’s original design for family—His idea, His structure, His blessing. As we dedicate these children, we commit to raising them in the truth of His Word, rejecting the enemy’s corruption and embracing the covenant promise that every generation can walk in His light and purpose.

Family Is God’s Idea

God created family from the beginning: “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). He designed male and female, parents and children, to reflect His image and govern in love. The enemy corrupts this design—division, brokenness, rebellion—but Jesus redeems it, restoring authority and purpose through His blood.

The Power of Dedication

Dedication is a public declaration: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). It’s not magic, but a covenant resolve to train children in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6), anchoring them in God’s Word so they never depart from it. We reject generational defeat and embrace generational blessing through obedience.

Reject Corruption, Receive Redemption

The world corrupts family—selfishness, rebellion, confusion—but we receive God’s grace and reject evil. As parents and church family, we gently guide, love unconditionally, and speak truth, helping each child discover their God-given identity and purpose.

A Collective Commitment

We’re stronger together—every joint supplies (Ephesians 4:16). This church family supports these parents, providing community, teaching, and accountability. We’re not salvaging brokenness; we’re walking in the light from day one, raising children who know they are handpicked by God for this generation.

A Call to Action

Parents, stand with your children—dedicate them tonight. Church family, commit to support them. Write down Joshua 24:15 and Proverbs 22:6, pray them daily, and live them out. Let’s raise a generation that serves the Lord wholeheartedly.

This powerful message answers the question every believer eventually asks: “Why does it really matter if I grow, obey, and endure?” Because God’s unconditional love doesn’t cancel the conditional promises—your reasonable service expands your capacity to know Him, make Him known, and receive the crowns awaiting those who endure to the end.

It Starts with Simple Faith

The journey begins with believing God exists and rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus, the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), reveals His heart—He rescues, not condemns. Acknowledging our sinfulness opens us to His redemption, making us righteous by faith (Romans 5:1), not performance.

Why Obedience Matters

God’s love is unconditional, but His promises are conditional. Living submitted to His leadership—denying flesh, renewing the mind (Romans 12:2)—honors His preference for us. It’s our reasonable service (Romans 12:1), expanding capacity to reach others. Disobedience limits influence; obedience unlocks kingdom impact.

Endure to Receive the Crowns

Endurance wins: crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8), crown of life (James 1:12), crown of glory for shepherding well. Trials are guaranteed (John 16:33), but victory is assured when we trust Christ living in us (Galatians 2:20). Quitting loses everything; enduring inherits every promise.

The Church: Stronger Together

We’re stronger collectively—every joint supplies (Ephesians 4:16). Your growth isn’t just for you; it equips you to strengthen others and reach the lost. Love over knowledge builds the church (1 Corinthians 8:1). Your surrender today expands tomorrow’s harvest.

A Call to Action

Choose endurance—write down Galatians 2:20, Romans 12:1-2, and the crown verses. Study them daily. Join us next week for baptisms at the Landing (5 PM). Surrender rebellion, live by trusting Christ in you, and run to win the crowns waiting.

This message traces God’s light from creation to Christ to your heart (Genesis 1 → John 1 → 2 Corinthians 4:6). You were made to live in His presence, separated from darkness. His Word sanctifies—sets you apart—so you can walk in victory, purpose, and joy every single day.

From the Beginning: God is Light

In the beginning, God said, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3)—His presence, His anointing, His very life. On day one He separated light from darkness and called the light “day.” You were created on day six to live in that light, to walk with Him in perfect fellowship.

The Breach… and the Rescue

Sin brought separation—darkness covered mankind. But the Word became flesh (John 1:14). Jesus, the true Light, came into the world so darkness could never overpower Him (John 1:5). He tasted death and darkness so the light could shine again in human hearts.

The Miracle: Light in You

“For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts…” (2 Corinthians 4:6). The same God who spoke light into existence now speaks it into you. You are no longer darkness—you are children of the light and children of the day (1 Thessalonians 5:5).

Sanctified = Set Apart by Truth

Jesus prayed: “Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your word, which is truth” (John 17:17). His Word renews your mind, heals your heart, and equips you to live holy—set apart—in a broken world. You’re not of the darkness anymore; you carry His light wherever you go.

A Call to Action

Live as children of the day—write down 2 Corinthians 4:6, John 17:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:5. Read them daily. Let His truth sanctify you. Next Sunday: special Not Forgotten Offering + baptisms at the Landing (5 PM). Come ready to give, celebrate, and walk fully in His light!

This message emphasizes building a stronger church through love, humility, and obedience, rejecting idolatry and embracing God’s truth. As His body, we receive His grace, reject evil, and redeem lives for His glory—focusing on collective growth, gentle accountability, and making disciples who impact the world.

The Church as Christ’s Body

We are the church—stronger together, each joint supplying (Ephesians 4:16). Ownership means volunteering, serving, and creating opportunities for ministry. God’s presence moves when we gather, lifting the room through giftings and presence. No one-man show; everyone contributes to reach more families and glorify Him.

Receive, Reject, Redeem

Believers receive God’s love, mercy, and salvation; reject evil like immorality and greed; and redeem what’s corrupted—family, church—back to God’s design (Genesis 1:26-28). He created for dominion; Jesus restored it. Our obedience expands capacity for His kingdom, turning trials into testimonies.

Love Strengthens, Knowledge Puffs Up

Knowledge feels important, but love builds the church (1 Corinthians 8:1-3). Avoid offending weaker believers with freedom; gently restore those in sin (Galatians 6:1). Humility and proximity sharpen us (Proverbs 27:17). Arrogance divides; love unites, attracting the lost with patience and grace.

Reject Idolatry, Embrace Obedience

Idolatry elevates created things—money, status—over God (Exodus 32:1-8, Colossians 3:5). Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24), surrendering preferences for His will. Obedience, not performance, pleases God; it’s practicing disciplines to hear His voice and impact others eternally.

A Call to Action

Commit to love-driven growth: volunteer, serve kids, meet needs. Write verses like 1 Corinthians 8:1 and Galatians 6:1, study them, and let God renew you. Gather next week for baptisms—surrender rebellion, embrace obedience, and strengthen His church together.

In or Out: Committing to the One True God

This message challenges us to commit fully to the one true God—Elohim, Yahweh, Jesus—rejecting middle ground in a spiritual battle. Rooted in His covenant names and victory over death, it calls for faith that overcomes fear, renews our minds, and aligns us with His peace, urging us to live boldly as His reconciled people.

The One True God Demands Commitment

There’s no in-between—you’re either with Jesus or not (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). God, as spirit (John 4:24), created us in His image (Genesis 1:26-27), giving His name—Yahweh—as a covenant of relationship. Faith in His existence and goodness (Hebrews 11:6) is the starting point, rejecting man-made gods or self-made rules, anchoring us in His unchanging truth.

Victory Over Fear Through Faith

Jesus’ resurrection conquered death (John 16:33), eliminating fear of judgment for those justified by faith (Romans 5:1). God rescues, not condemns, absorbing sin’s penalty Himself. This peace with God, a gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), frees us from worry, inviting us to trust His presence over visible struggles, living as holy vessels of His Spirit.

Renewing the Mind Against Worldly Drift

The devil corrupts God’s creation, tempting us to drift from truth (Colossians 1:20-22). Surrendering carnal preferences—money, status, or comfort—aligns our minds with God’s will (Romans 12:2). Disciplines like prayer and study combat this, ensuring Christ’s life in us transforms our actions, making us beacons of His peace in a divided world.

Living as Reconciled and Holy

Christ, the head of the Church (Colossians 1:18), reconciles us to God, making us holy and blameless (Colossians 1:22). This isn’t about perfection but practicing obedience, supporting each other to stay anchored. Baptism next week symbolizes this commitment, calling us to live out His victory, impacting others with His love and authority.

A Call to Action

Choose to be “in” with God—write down verses like John 16:33 and Colossians 1:20, study them, and surrender fully. Join us next week for baptisms at the Landing (5 PM), embracing His peace. Respond tonight—confess Jesus as Lord and let His truth reign, turning from drift to devotion in His holy presence.