thinking out loud

In this message, Terry Timm explores the unfailing love and compassion of God as depicted in the story of the prophet Hosea, emphasizing God's relentless pursuit and forgiveness despite humanity's tendency to stray. Timm highlights the contrast between the expectations of a patriarchal society and God's revolutionary expression of parental love, culminating in the ultimate revelation of this love through Jesus Christ.

In this message, Terry Timm explores the life of Moses, the prototype prophet. In Exodus 19, God calls His people into covenant, reminding them they are His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. Through Moses we see what it means to be a prophet: one who encounters God directly, leads God's people in freedom and faithfulness, and intercedes on their behalf. Moses is remembered in Deuteronomy 18 as the prophet par excellence, and the New Testament points us to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of Moses' role — the One who mediates a new covenant of grace and truth.

In this message, Terry Timm explores the prophetic call of Amos, emphasizing God's vision of justice and righteousness for the world. He highlights themes such as God's concern for the marginalized, the reality of collective evil, and justice rooted in God's dream for creation. Listeners will be chllenged to engage with issues of justice and righteousness in their own lives and communities, urging them to let their worship translate into action.

In this message, Richie Reeder explores the often-overlooked practice of lament, encouraging listeners to embrace honest expressions of grief, sorrow, and pain as a pathway to healing and spiritual growth. Drawing upon the book of Lamentations and the teachings of prophets like Jeremiah, he emphasizes that true healing arises from acknowledging and naming our suffering before God, rather than bypassing or suppressing it. Richie encourages the community to become a source of comfort and presence for others by sharing in their burdens and fostering a space where lament leads to wholeness and restoration.

In this message, Terry Timm introduces a new series titled "The Way of the Prophet," where he explores the roles and callings of prophets like Jeremiah and Huldah. He emphasizes the prophetic tasks of facing reality, grieving over the world's brokenness, and moving forward with hope.

In this message, Terry Timm uses the metaphor of life as a marathon to explore the stages of the "critical journey," a process of spiritual formation with six distinct stages, including the inevitable experience of hitting a "wall." He discusses the importance of recognizing where one is on this journey and the invitations that each stage offers, emphasizing God's omnipresence and the role of grace throughout. Ultimately, Terry encourages listeners to embrace their current stage, seek community support, and rely on God's grace to navigate their spiritual path.

In this uplifting message, Richie Reeder explores the theme of love through the lens of the "critical journey" framework, focusing on stage six, the life of love. By tracing Peter's transformation in the Bible and reflecting on 1 Corinthians 13, Reeder emphasizes the importance of embodying Christ-like love as a natural, sacrificial way of being. He challenges the audience to cease striving and embrace a deep, authentic relationship with God that transcends superficial efforts.

In today's message, Terry Timm invites us to explore the transformative journey of faith through the lens of Esther's story. He challenges us to consider what we might accomplish for God's kingdom if failure were not an option and we were willing to surrender everything. As we delve into stage five of the critical journey, Terry encourages us to embrace radical trust and courageously step into the outward journey God calls us to.

In this message, Terry Timm explores the concept of "hitting the wall" in both physical and spiritual journeys, drawing parallels between running a marathon, mountain climbing, and navigating life's profound spiritual crises. The book of Jonah serves as a case study for understanding how encountering such walls can lead to deep transformation, emphasizing the importance of embracing mystery, slowing down, and surrendering control to God.

In this message, Katherine Sikma Wadsworth explores "stage four" of the faith journey, describing it as a challenging but transformative period typically prompted by crises that shatter previous beliefs. She compares this stage to a lobster molting its shell, emphasizing the discomfort and vulnerability involved in shedding outdated worldviews to allow for growth. Despite the difficulties and isolation of this inward journey, it presents a vital opportunity for deep healing and a deeper relationship with God.