The Watching World

Les and Pastor Kyle Worsham discuss spiritual dryness.

What is spiritual dryness?

A feeling of being depleted or empty. Many people describe it as feeling far from the presence of God or having minimal or no spiritual growth

What 3 things can cause spiritual dryness?

Situations and mindsets: lusts of the flesh and pride are the primary ones

Lusts: Peter said that fleshly lusts wage “war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11). Fleshly desires dull the senses of spiritual things. We start to chase after things of this world rather than things of the Kingdom, which leaves us dry.

Pride: Pride is the sin that kills faith and trust in God. Pride crept into the garden, and it creeps into your lives today. When we go through life and feel “good” about our state of being, we can forget the Lord and think all we have is from our own strength and doing. Pride seeks adoration and appreciation. It forgets that great and mighty things will be done by God's Spirit, not by our strength.

Lack of consuming God’s Word: The Bible says that God’s Word is a lamp and a light. It reveals the places to walk. So often, we are spiritually dry because we don’t know what to do in a given situation. We become so focused on other things or the difficulty of our situation that it takes away from time in God’s Word and prayer. Spiritual dryness is a red flag to cut away distraction and carve out time with God every day.

How to overcome lust, pride, and lack of consuming God’s Word

Lust: Ask God to reveal to you any areas that are unchecked. What are you “consuming” that is actually drying you up rather than refreshing and nourishing your spirit? This could be watching certain movies, listening to certain music, or gathering with people who speak against God’s Word.

Pride: Ask God to reveal areas where pride has crept in. God says that He gives grace to the humble and resists the proud. If you are feeling spiritually dry, humbly come before God and repent. Ask Him to renew a right spirit within you (Psalm 51:10-12).

Lack of consuming God’s Word: Ask God what He wants you to let go of to begin to receive refreshment from the Living Water. This takes spiritual discipline and commitment, but the harvest will be abundant in due season.

Is there a hidden gift in spiritual dryness?

Yes! Spiritual dryness is not pleasant, but it is a reality for us at various points in our faith journey. As with anything—in times of joy and trials—we must be willing to ask God what He wants us to see and learn from every circumstance. Seasons of spiritual dryness are no different.

Jesus said if anyone thirsts, come. Spiritual dryness leaves us thirsty. But unless we thirst, we won’t draw near to the One who can give us living water. The key to overcoming spiritual dryness is to reposition our minds to come to Jesus and drink!

How to overcome spiritual dryness

Recognize it as an invitation to come to Jesus.

David’s example in Psalm 42: He didn’t allow his past or his feelings to drive him. He decided to praise and hope in God.

Worship.

Get into the Word.

Pray out loud.

Journal: record prayers and how God answers them.

Join community and attend revival weekend.

Livingproof.co/revival

With Revival Weekend just around the corner, Les Norman and guest host Mark McGaughey discuss baptism: what it means and why we should do it.

Baptism is the picture of being immersed in Christ, fully covered in Him. It started as a ritual to purify the Israelites of contamination before entering the tabernacle. John the Baptist called the nation of Israel to repent and wash themselves clean of their sin. Jesus took it a step further. His body represented the uncleanness of humanity. He wanted to be washed as an example, so others would follow.

Why should you be baptized? To be clear, baptism doesn’t provide salvation. Faith in Jesus Christ saves you.

Acts 2:41 tells us that “those who accepted his message were baptized.” Repentance should come before any outward manifestation of water baptism. Afterward, baptism tells the world that you have professed your faith in Jesus. It’s also a reminder of your identity in Christ.

If you’ve decided to get baptized, Revival Weekend is the perfect time. Revival Weekend begins Friday, August 19 and continues through Sunday, August 21. Join us for worship, family fun, and baptisms.

Check out more details or register at livingproof.co/revival

Les Norman and Pastor Phil talk about what is revival and how can we apply scripture to it?

We are often in need of need spiritual refreshment.

Spiritual revival means spiritual reawakening is on the horizon. In other words, what was once…

Asleep is awakened

Stagnant is moving

Dry is refreshed

Dead is alive

Hidden is revealed

Spiritual revival increases devotion to God for His children and makes known His power through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit knocks on the door of the heart for both the Believer and non-Believer, eliciting a response.

When this happens, we have a fresh perspective of our need for Jesus and see ourselves in light of God’s graciousness and holiness. It brings humility and awe.

As a result, lives are changed. We are becoming living proof of a loving God to a watching world.

How to apply Bible verses about revival and receive refreshment

List of verses:

Psalm 19:7

Psalm 51:10

Psalm 119

2 Chronicles 7:14

Isaiah 57:15

Ephesians 5:14

Apply

Pray and Seek

To apply the scriptures about spiritual revival, we must humble ourselves, turn to the Lord, and boast in Him, not ourselves.

Ask and Speak

To apply the scriptures about spiritual revival, we must ask and speak according to God’s Word. His Word unfolds and gives light (Psalm 119:130). It imparts understanding to the simple and causes the enemy to flee.

To apply the scriptures about spiritual revival, we must join together in community. God uses us to multiply His impact in an area while blessing and encouraging His children.

Livingproof.co/revival

oday Les Norman and special guest host Mark Denison tackle a sensitive yet pervasive topic: pornography.

The pornography industry is a billion-dollar industry, ensnaring about 64% of men outside the church and 60% inside it. It doesn't just affect men, either. An estimated 40% of sex addicts are women.

Mark Denison and his wife, Beth, co-founded There's Still Hope after he recovered from sexual addiction himself. There’s Still Hope provides resources to men, women, and churches to aid with recovery and restoration from sexual addiction. In this episode, Mark guides us through the factors that lead to sexual addiction, common triggers and how to overcome them, and the important steps to begin the journey to recovery.

If you're struggling with sexual addiction, the first step is to surrender to Jesus Christ. Jesus died for you and he wants you to live in freedom. Mark tells us that while sexual addiction cripples, secrets kill. Confessing your addiction and seeking help from others can help end this cycle.

There's Still Hope offers informational resources, 1:1 mentoring, and programs designed to help you. You can also visit Abundant Life's website to learn more about Regen. Regen is a Christian-based, 12-step recovery program that meets at the Lee’s Summit campus.

There’s Still Hope

https://theresstillhope.org

Abundant Life

https://livingproof.co/ministry/regeneration/

In this episode of the Watching World Podcast, Les interviews Gina Pastore, inspirational speaker, author, and radio host of The Real Life with Gina Pastore and David James.

Gina is also the widow of Frank Pastore, former MLB player, and radio host. After thirty-five incredible years of marriage, Frank’s sudden death shattered Gina’s identity and future. In this episode, she talks about their early marriage and how she found new beauty after suffering from a devastating loss.

If you’re struggling with grief, Gina wants you to know that acute grief will not last forever. While it never goes away completely, it does become easier to cope with after a time. In the meantime, be open to what God has for you, receive love from family and friends, and don’t be afraid to seek out counseling if you need it.

You can read more of Gina’s story in her book Picking Up the Pieces of My Shattered Life. Keep an eye out for her latest book as well, Braided: Woven Together by Tragedy, which releases in October.

Know that Abundant Life is here for you as well. Check out the website for grieving resources and next steps for your faith.

Gina Pastore

https://kkla.com/personality/gina-pastore

Abundant Life

https://livingproof.co/caregroups

Welcome to the Watching World Podcast with Les Norman. In this episode, we chat with Austin Henry about serving in the church. Austin Henry is the Children’s Ministry Leader at Abundant Life Blue Springs.

As a child, he first felt the pull toward ministry after visiting a church Christmas production in Tulsa. It wasn't long before serving became a regular part of his life. He grew up in a family that actively served in the church. Looking back, some of his favorite memories were of his siblings and parents serving on Sundays together. Volunteering with his family also gave him a behind-the-scenes look at ministry that prepared him for his work today.

If you're interested in ministry but you feel like you're too young or aren’t sure how to get plugged in, Austin encourages you to go to God. Ask him to use you to the best of your ability for His glory. He will! He’ll take you to places that you’ll never believe.

To learn more about Abundant Life Blue Springs or one of our many ministries, check out our website.

Abundant Life

https://livingproof.co

Thanks for listening to the Watching World Podcast with Les Norman. In this episode, special guest host Jennifer Maggio discusses single parenting and her own inspiring journey into ministry. Jennifer is a four-time, award-winning author and speaker, the founder of The Life of a Single Mom Ministries, and the host of the Life of a Single Mom Podcast.

The Life of a Single Mom Ministries began as a small Bible study group in Jennifer’s living room, but her journey into ministry started long before that. In 1999, while in the midst of brokenness and financial crisis, God told her that she would serve single moms. Eventually, she began attending church. While she struggled with the feeling that she didn’t belong, this first step allowed the Lord to minister to her broken heart and slowly transform her.

Jennifer and Les encourage single parents to praise while in the pit because it is merely a season. Even after we surrender to Him, our troubles don't go away. There is suffering and loneliness as a single parent. However, God restores all and has a purpose for everything we go through.

The Life of a Single Mom Ministries is a global non-profit organization with over 1600 ministries across the United States. It teaches churches how to minister to single-moms in an effective way. The Life of A Single Mom Ministries also offers Single Mom University, a collection of 160 life-skill classes for single parents. Topics include co-parenting with an ex, overcoming abuse, pregnancy, empty-nesting, and more.

As a special gift to the Watching World Podcast listeners, Jennifer is giving a free year of access to Single Mom University. To sign up, visit https://singlemomuniversity.com. Apply for the scholarship and mention either “Les Norman” or “The Watching World Podcast” for a full year’s access for free.

The Life of a Single Mom Ministries

https://thelifeofasinglemom.com/

Abundant Life

https://livingproof.co

n this episode of the Watching World Podcast, guest host Rod Handley, the creator of Character That Counts, gives us insight on Biblical Manhood in the Face of a Crazy World.

What should the biblical man be doing when the world has turned upside down and the line between right and wrong has been erased?

Rod encourages us to look at the 4 responsibilities God gave Adam:

Courageously follow the Word of God. That is, engaging, meditating, and studying it. God’s Word gives us our marching orders.

Love and protect women. Not just our mothers, wives, and daughters. All women should be viewed as special and worthy of protection.

Excel at the work God has entrusted to us.

Better God's world through the legacy we pass on. This refers to our spiritual children as well as our biological children.

As Biblical men, we need to respond appropriately when our beliefs are twisted or challenged. We can act as self-made men (responding based on our own beliefs); image-conscious men (responding based on the world’s beliefs); or transformed men (responding based on what the Bible says). We should let the Word of God proclaim who we are and how we respond.

Unfortunately, Satan often derails us from our path to the fully transformed man with these six common problems:

Father wounds

Lack of a clear manhood vision

Unprocessed trauma

Addictive habits

Lack of community or close friends

Becoming spiritually stuck

Do you struggle with one or all of these problems? Community and accountability helps us become the godly men we are supposed to be. It allows us to grow together through confession. There’s a radical difference between men who choose to be connected and those who are not.

We can choose between the “good life” or the “glorified life.”

When you live the “good life”, everything appears okay, but something is still missing. When you live the “glorified life”, you've surrendered your life to Christ. The “glorified life” gives us freedom from fear and anxiety. It allows us to become the men that God called us to be.

Rod Handley teaches men about Biblical manhood at his Youtube channel, https://youtube.com/c/RodHandley. He also leads the class, “Base Camp,” at Abundant Life Lee’s Summit, from 6:00-8:00pm. You can also attend Rod's independent groups every Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Visit his website, Character That Counts, for more details.

Abundant Life Church Website:

livingproof.co

Rod Handley

Characterthatcounts.org

Thank you for listening to the Watching World Podcast with Les Norman. In this episode, we chat with Michael and Hannah Pygman about answering God's mission call. Husband and wife of over a year now, Michael and Hannah share a passion for missions. In fact, they met on an inner-city mission trip with Paradigm. Since then, they have gone on mission trips to the Middle East and plan to move overseas soon.

They believe their own country is a mission field as well. Outreach programs with Paradigm and prayer groups have been an important part of their ministry.

Do you feel a call toward missions? Learn more about missions, ministry, and counseling at Abundant Life's website.

Abundant Life

https://livingproof.co

In this episode, host Les Norman talks with Author Patrick Morley, Main in the Mirror and his new book The Four Voices: Taking Control of the Conversation in Your Head.

In the first line of the book, "Are you tired of feeling confused or overwhelmed by the voices competing in your head for control of your head and heart?" . In his new book, Patrick talks about the 4 voices we battle. The World, The Flesh, The Devil, The Holy Spirit. Which voice do you listen to?

This book gives you practical ways and a guide to determine and identify the 4 voices and how to take control of them and ultimately take steps to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and distinguish the truth.

livingproof.co

maninthemirror.org