Vertical Pursuit

Artificial Intelligence is a hot topic these days, and it’s advancing at warp speed. It’s exciting, but also very concerning, because of the trans humanist movement that seems to be coming along with it. Is this human evolution, or is this a planned rebellion against God? Buckle up.

Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace. That sure sounds good, but it’s not quite that easy, as we all know. In this episode we discuss the differences between mercy and forgiveness, and how it can truly be a gift to yourself. Also, how the freedom to forgive, or not, was a gift to us. 

Healthy expectations can be a good thing. But, expectations can also destroy things in many ways. And, what’s the difference between hope and expectation? What are the ways we can guard against disappointment, frustration, and resentment, which can come as a result of unrealistic expectations- of others, of ourselves, of out circumstances? 

No matter the circumstance or subject matter of conversations these days, things usually circle back to the importance of knowing the truth. There are not different versions of the truth, there is just THE truth. While that was never a debate in the past, for some reason it is today. In this episode, we get to the heart of many matters of the day, with the goal of circling back to the one truth we can count on.

“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like MEN, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13. This could turn out to be the mission verse for Vertical Pursuit, and in this episode we go through some of the most pressing issues we are hearing from men as of late. It’s not getting easier, for sure, but we also know the adventure in your life will be found in responsibility and sacrifice, and not in comfort. 

There are many in this world who use fear to control us, and there is a lot to be fearful of right now. But, don’t let fear call all the shots. This takes discipline and great faith. A healthy fear of God is how we defend against fear in the world. 

Of course, we want to always be grace-filled and loving, but at what point do our beliefs strengthen our confidence to the point that we’re ready to fight for them? In a shaken world, standing firm and being bold is one way we can walk in obedience.

How many examples do we have to see of people we once held in high esteem crashing to the ground because they compromised? We always think of these as being major forks in the road, and they can be. But, they can also be the smallest of decisions that face us every day. Where is your line in the sand? How slippery is the slope?

We are bombarded every day with lies from the enemy. You are not good enough, strong enough, wise enough, are undeserving, and don’t have what it takes, are examples. Have the strength to fight back with your own truths, and don’t get caught in the crazy cycle. For every lie, God arms us with the power to rebuke them.

We hear all the time how men chase rest, peace, and refreshment. There is a shortage of all three, in a big way, right now. Yet, the Bible doesn’t just suggest it, it commands that we practice it. How do we put aside our need for constant achievement, practice resistance and reclamation, and reach the rarified air of true rest?