Based on:

Mark 6:41-44 (NIV)

Taking the five loaves and two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of men who had eaten was five thousand.

Excerpt:

Jesus shows them how it works by simply taking what they have and thanking God for it. It is the act of giving thanks that shifts their perspective and allows the disciples to see that everybody there has to have a little something to offer. If they put it all together and thank God for it, then they will have more than enough to meet the need of all the people.

Based on: Matthew 21:12-13

Excerpt:

A trigger can be a small seemingly inconsequential thing. However, it is seriously connected to numerous consequential events in one’s life. The innocent stranger has no knowledge of the far reaching roots of the trigger.

Based on Jeremiah 8:22 (NIV):  Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why is there no healing for the wound of my people?

Excerpt:  While we are transitioning, America is left with a gaping wound inflicted by friendly fire. We have not been attacked from external enemy forces as in a time of war, but in a time of peace we have been besieged by a weapon of mass destruction from within our own ranks. A three headed beast of racism, hatred and violence has been unchained, and is running rampant across America. Many feel that it will not be easily subdued.

Based on Revelation 21:1 (NIV)

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away…

Excerpt:

New life and new beginnings are clear indicators of God’s restoration. Beauty from ashes is a sign of God’s enduring presence. A way out of no way is evidence of God’s prevailing power.

The songwriter says, “I looked at my hands and my hands looked new. I looked at my feet and my feet did too.” This newness comes from having been tried in the fired and coming out as pure gold. We have come too far in 2020 to turn back now. We are going to see this year out to its end. By the power of God, we will push our way to new beginnings.

Based on: 2 Corinthians 2:17 (NIV)

Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.

Excerpt:

For those who are still trying to decide on the best candidate to lead this country out of its current state of crisis and into stability, your knowledge may be limited and you belief may be faulty, but your faith in God should always line up on the side of that which is just, merciful and true. These should be the determining factors as you vote. Ask yourself these final questions: Is the candidate just? Is the candidate merciful? Is the candidate truthful?

Based on - Romans 8:28 (VOICE)

We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful, when we love Him, and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.

Excerpt:

When our lives have been marked by a great deal of pain, it is easy to think that there is some negative force working against us. But Paul encourages us to tear up that old script and receive a new script. We are admonished to know that God has the master script of our lives, and it is engineered in our favor.

Based on: Haggai 2:9 (NIV)

Excerpt: 

It is critical that the prophet emphasizes the present moment. 70 years of exile can cause one to become mired in the past or fixated on the future. Only those who see through the eyes of God, hear through the ears of God, and feel through the heart of God can find hope when the present seems hopeless.

Based on - Acts 27:23-24 (NIV)

Excerpt:

We have entered the last quarter of 2020. If this quarter is anything like the past two quarters, then we are in for a rocky ride. Many want to rush through to the end of 2020 and be done with the whole thing.

However, if we rush through, then we will miss out on a powerful season filled with infinite possibilities for growth. I know that 2020 has made many of us weak, but that does not mean that we can’t finish the year strong. We can go out better than when we came in. To do so we will have to steady ourselves and stand strong.

Title: “Hurt, Hurts Like Hell”

It is based on Psalm 126:4-5 (NIV). "Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy."

Excerpt: 

With the experience of loss comes the unwelcomed presence of grief. This is a strange companion who takes up residence in our lives. Grief hovers in the morning, at noon, and throughout the night. It hangs around for what seems to be an eternity.

This episode is based on Isaiah 55:8-9.

Excerpt:

So often we question God’s timing. We ask, “Why now and why not then?” These are valid questions based upon the information available to us.

Yet, it is only the information that is not available to us that can provide a sufficient response. That information rests in the head, heart and hands of God. It is way too much for us to understand.