What is your heart song singing today?

What’s on your playlist? What will fill your mind and heart and home today? 

Give Me Jesus – Fernando Ortega

 

Seek Ye First – Karen Lafferty 

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God – Matthew 6:33

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God And His righteousness

And all these things shall be added unto you, Allelu Alleluia

Ask and it shall be given unto you, Seek and ye shall find

Knock and it shall be opened unto you, Allelu Alleluia

 

Spirit of the Living God  – Daniel Iverson

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me – 2 Corinthians 3:3

Spirit of the Living God, Fall fresh on me

Spirit of the Living God, Fall fresh on me

Melt me mold me, Fill me use me

Spirit of the Living God, Fall fresh on me

 

Speak O Lord – Getty Music

Speak, O Lord, as we come to You, To receive the food of Your Holy Word

Take Your truth, plant it deep in us, Shape and fashion us in Your likeness

That the light of Christ might be seen today, In our acts of love and our deeds of faith

Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us, All Your purposes for Your glory

Teach us Lord, full obedience, Holy reverence, true humility

Test our thoughts and our attitudes, In the radiance of Your purity

Cause our faith to rise, cause our eyes to see, Your majestic love and authority

Words of pow’r that can never fail, Let their truth prevail over unbelief

Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds, Help us grasp the heights of Your plans for us

Truths unchanged from the dawn of time, That will echo down through eternity

And by grace we’ll stand on Your promises, And by faith we’ll walk as You walk with us

Speak, O Lord, till Your church is built, And the earth is filled with Your glory

Today’s Guests

Dr. Linda Mintle – Dr. Linda Mintle Show

Dr. Linda Mintle joins us to help us think through why blame is continuing and unity is suffering in our country. She and Carmen lead us through the relationship between blame casting and the fundamental attribution error while also leading us to various verses that encourage us to build one another up and not tear each other down.

Juan Martinez – Author of “Beyond the Yellow Brick Road”

Juan’s book is God’s story in his life. He grew up and became a drug dealer by 14 years old, then was convicted of crimes that caused him to be sent to prison for 10 years. While imprisoned, he became a pastor and criminal justice and drug policy advocate to elicit reform. In 2017 he and his wife fled Hurricane Harvey and amidst the struggle realized that “storms in life connect people to the truth of God.” His mission now is to shepherd people toward a meaningful relationship to God. For more info on his ministry and book go to juanmartinez.tv.

 

Today’s Episode

https://nwmedia-ondemand.streamguys1.com/mornings-with-carmen/20210118104018-01-18-2021-Mornings-with-Carmen-HR2.mp3

 

The Faith on Which We Stand

Thanking God for a weekend of relative peace – and praying for our nation in the week, months and years ahead.

Reminded yesterday of the faith upon which we stand and the faith in which we stand and the importance of evangelism:

Romans 10:9-17

“… if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 

For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.  For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.  For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? 

And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?

And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 

And how are they to preach unless they are sent? 

As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?”  

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

Today’s Guests

Zach Jenkins – Cedarville University

If you’ve been listening to the show for a while, you have probably come to expect Zach Jenkins, Doctor of Pharmacy on Monday to help us understand the latest Covid-19 news. Well, he is back again to cover the headlines among a few other Covid-19 side stories.

Dr. Walter Strickland – Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Dr. Strickland joins us on this MLK day to discuss his views of God’s Kingdom. Among that discussion is a variety of resources and topics ranging from Dr. King’s sermon “Our God is Able” to discussions about the movie, Selma and how Dr. King lead his people.

Today’s Episode

https://nwmedia-ondemand.streamguys1.com/mornings-with-carmen/20210118104018-01-18-2021-Mornings-with-Carmen-HR1.mp3

 

On The Reconnect, we seek to engage the culture in a way that honors Jesus and brings Him back into the conversation.

Instead of Celebrators at the National Mall, We Will See Troops

     Scenes from our nation’s capital – as preparations are underway for the inauguration of the 46th President include thousands of uniformed, armed military personnel. As of last night, 3000 members of the National Guard were already present in and around the Capitol building. By next Tuesday, that number will grow to 26,000 and they will be joined by thousands of active duty military.

Supporters of the incoming president traditionally gather on the National Mall in Washington to welcome him on Inauguration Day before taking in a parade and attending parties throughout the city. But the National Mall will be closed for President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration due to security concerns.

 

Today’s Guest

Dan Dewitt – Cedarville University & Theolatte – Weekend Worldview Reader

The Weekend Worldview Reader is a compilation of links to articles, essays, reviews and videos that Dan has compiled that he considers interesting or important from a biblical worldview. In today’s episode we cover some topics from this weeks Worldview Reader such as “Towards a Jesus-Centered Apologetic” and “Don’t Save All the Good Words Until They are Gone.” For more of Dan’s work or even one of his favorite bags of coffee, check out Theolatte.com

 

Today’s Episode

https://nwmedia-ondemand.streamguys1.com/mornings-with-carmen/20210115102008-01-15-2021-Mornings-with-Carmen-HR1.mp3

 

This is a Cool Idea

https://religionnews.com/2021/01/13/clyburn-to-propose-lift-every-voice-and-sing-as-national-hymn/

We talked at the open of the first hour about the need to pray for revival if want things to be changed by God in the land in which we live. Revival, we noted, has never been sent without a concerted plea from God’s people who acknowledge the depth of their own sin and their nation’s desperate need for God. 

My colleague, Bill Arnold, is having an extended conversation with my next guest, Peter Kapsner, about prayer. I’m bringing Peter on early today to talk about that series and what he and Bill are learning about the practice and power of persistent prayer. 

Today’s Guests

Peter Kapsner – 50 Shades of Truth

Peter joins us once again to discuss some a diversity of topics from around the headlines. Some of the topics today include:

* How do we feel when people outside your immediate family say, “I love you”?

* Biden being sworn in with family Bible

Liuan Huska – Author of “Hurt Yet Whole”

Liuan Huska has written a book. Its full title is “Hurting Yet Whole: Reconciling Body and Spirit in Chronic Pain and Illness” She acknowledges that many Christians suffer with chronic pain and many have gone into silence because they have been told that in the Christian life we will experience wholeness through healing. Amidst that silence she tackles certain questions they may be asking such as, “Am I not asking God the right way?”, “Is something wrong with me?”. Overall, the goal of Liuan in her book is to bring everyone, especially the chronically ill, closer to Jesus. For more info on this book go to: https://www.ivpress.com/hurting-yet-whole

 

 

Today’s Episode

https://nwmedia-ondemand.streamguys1.com/mornings-with-carmen/20210114110018-01-14-2021-Mornings-with-Carmen-HR2.mp3

 

In the Last Times

A week ago, CNN commentator Chris Cuomo called Florida Senator Marco Rubio “Mr. Bible Boy,” mocking Rubio’s practice of posting verses of scripture on his Twitter feed and freely referencing relevant passages of Scripture in interviews and elsewhere.

Senator Rubio responded: “The verses I tweet are usually the ones chosen by the Catholic Church for that day’s mass (sic) But the fact he thinks words written thousands of years ago are relevant to current events proves the Bible isn’t just a book, it’s the word of God AMEN.”

Cuomo’s criticism included a jab that “Rubio’s got a Bible verse for every moment,” to which I simply say: Amen.  

So, where in the Word are you today?

Let’s read from the concluding verses of the book of Jude.

17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

 

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Today’s Guest

Dana Hall McCain – Freelance Columnist

Dana is a freelance columnist who prioritizes the intersections of faith, public policy, and culture. She is also on the Leadership Council of the SBC’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. Today Carmen and Dana discuss Alabama’s “11,000th” win in the National Championships, sins of omission, and evangelical faith.

Today’s Episode

https://nwmedia-ondemand.streamguys1.com/mornings-with-carmen/20210114110018-01-14-2021-Mornings-with-Carmen-HR1.mp3

 

To Impeach or Not to Impeach, That is NOT the Only Question

You’re going to hear a lot today about impeachment and whether or not the President of the United States should be removed from office. Let me encourage you to consider that there are valid arguments for and against AND it can be argued either way utilizing biblical examples. Yep.

 

Will you trust The LORD for the justice, provision, freedom, healing, encouragement, love, care, protection, and righteousness we need? 

Will you pray, speak, and act in ways that lead those you influence to do the same?

The Gospel Coalition has a new series on Why Christians and Church leaders should care about economics. It’s a topic we actually take up each week with Bill English; we begin that today. 

 

Today’s Guests

Bill English – Bible & Business

We start a new topic with Bill today: Why Christians and Church leaders should care about economics. In today’s episode, among other points of his, Bill argues for the necessity of a strong government in order to foster an innovative and entrepreneurial society. In his argument he calls for businesses to step up and support the democracy in three key ways: speaking out (with voices and money); acting collectively; and addressing the roots of our widespread anger.

Josh Packard – Ex Director of Springtide Research Institute

Josh is a researcher, speaker, and academic. He studies the sociology of religion and how it is expressed in new ways. Today with Josh, we ask the question, Are Church Leaders Losing Generation Z? For more background for our conversation check out Kevin Singer’s article here from Outreach Magazine.

 

Today’s Episode

https://nwmedia-ondemand.streamguys1.com/mornings-with-carmen/20210113115010-01-13-2021-Mornings-with-Carmen-HR2.mp3

 

 

Esteeming Marriage

In anticipation of a conversation with Toni Nieuwhof about marriage, Carmen wanted to highlight the verse from Hebrews 13 where we are instructed to esteem marriage and hold uphold it with honor. Reading it in the context of the chapter she was reminded of just how much God has to say in the Bible about the role of Christians as part of a civil society. So, in our Where in the Word segment, let’s read Hebrews chapter 13.

1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent[a] have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. 19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.

 

Today’s Guests

Toni Nieuwhof – Author of “Before You Split”

Toni is a family law mediator, former divorce attorney and co-host of the Smart Family Podcast. In this first book of hers, she tries to help couples and individuals move from feeling stuck, overwhelmed and disconnected in their marriage toward a hopeful future, acknowledging along the way the hard work it takes to stay together and the reality of what’s at stake if they seperate.

For more information on Toni’s work along with this book, click the links below!

* Her Website: ToniNeuwhof.com

* Instagram: @ToniNieuwhof

* Facebook: Toni Nieuwhof

* Book: https:ToniNieuwhof.com/books or Amazon.com

On The Reconnect, we seek to engage the culture in a way that honors Jesus and brings Him back into the conversation.

What a Mob Looks Like

a reminder of the past

a warning sign of a sickness within: like chest pains indicate heart disease

a forecast of things to come if immediate intervention does not happen

a mirror of reality that must not be rationalized away nor minimized in terms of the threat to our nation

Here is an opinion piece from a journalist for the Washington Post who was inside of the recent mob at the Capitol: What It Looks Like When a Mob Turns on You 

What a Christian Looks Like

Romans 13 ESV

1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

 

Today’s Guests

Mark Caleb Smith – Cedarville University

The current state of impeachment, Trump to Biden Presidency transition, and the Republic’s internal enemy are all on the docket for conversation with Mark today. Let us pray and support those over authority over us as we practice what is taught in Romans 13.

Professor Ryan Owens – University of Wisconsin, Madison

Professor Owens is one of the authors of a new survey which was taken at the University of Wisconsin – Madison which polled students’ to find their beliefs about topics surrounding the First Amendment. Some examples of the data from the survey are: 1. Nearly 40% of students believe the government should restrict the speech of climate change deniers. 2. Over 50% of students believe government should restrict the speech of racially insensitive people.

Today’s Episode 

https://nwmedia-ondemand.streamguys1.com/mornings-with-carmen/20210112122009-01-12-2021-Mornings-with-Carmen-HR1.mp3