Where the Wild Things Aren't

Sure, we all have a past. We all have a story, but sometimes we are too embarrassed of our story to even begin to share it with others. We allow our vanity to keep us from sharing with others that they might be encouraged by our story, and more importantly, by HIS story in us!

Luke's account of Paul before King Agrippa offers us an out line. Tell of your past, your personal encounter with the Savior, and challenge others to do the same. We are changed by Christ in us, and that change is the breaking news the world needs!

"Our affinity for stories begins at an early age, as little kids begging weary parents, 'Read it again! Read it again!'" - Bill Hybels

Death. It is appointed once for everyone (Hebrews 9:27). It is not an easy topic, but this isn't your typical conversation about death.

In fact, our lives were meant to be lived out loud. We are intended to not stay silent, otherwise the rocks will cry out in praise (Luke 19:40). 

All of creation sings the praises of our God, don't you think it is time for us to join in? 

So, let's talk about death. 

We are called to love. We are to be humble...but with humility comes vulnerability and accountability..and then this:

"Simon, Simon, look out. Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." - Jesus (Luke 22:31-32)

We have a Savior who warns us, prays for us, and intercedes on our behalf! But we also need to be realistic in this world we are in. 

This one truly is from the heart. 

Who am I? 

It's the age old question we all try to answer.  It may better be answered by saying Who were we created to be?

We are sinners. We are evil. And until we have an understanding of that, we can never grow as we were intended. God alone can fix it for us, but we are constantly trying to fix it ourselves. The answer?

Trust Him. He is the Answer.

Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?

Often we don't exactly know where the journey may take us, but if we trust God there are many times we have been told what "must" happen...are we willing to do what is necessary to travel to our destination? 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." - Proverbs 3:5-6

Why is it we are content staying in our comfort zones? What is it that makes us want to remove any discomfort from our lives?

We were not made to be comfortable in fleshly desires, and quite honestly, if the things going on around us in the world today do not make you uncomfortable...maybe you need to rethink somethings...

Hold on....you're about to become uncomfortable.

"You were running well. Who prevented you from being persuaded regarding the truth? This persuasion does not come from the one who calls you." - Galatians 5:7-8

SEASON THREE PREMIERE

"Come and See" - John 1:46b

Those whose lives were changed by an encounter with Jesus wanted others to find the same joy they had found, and they did it with these words. "Come and see!" They wanted others to have the same life changing experience that they did. What is so hard for us today in sharing the Gospel?

Why is it that we draw lines of division in society and tell some that they cannot participate? What is it about a true experience with Christ that drops every line of division and leads us to go out and joyfully exclaim to others to "Come and see!"? Are you willing to experience Him today? 

Come and see!

SEASON TWO FINALE

"For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well." - Psalm 139:13-14

Life is sacred. Life should be protected. But what is life? Why should we protect it? Before you write off this episode, please take the time to listen. I assure you we all have a part to play in protection of life. 

Music included: Please Forgive Them · Big Tent Revival Choose Life ℗ 1999 Ardent Records LLC Released on: 1999-09-21 Producer: Kevin Paige

"Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6

Taking a trip down memory lane...not of the podcast, but of my childhood. Looking at the impact the examples of my mom and dad did for my life. Celebrating my parents on the week that marked the 9th anniversary of dad's passing. 

"How?" 

It's a question I've been asked over and over again over the past few weeks. How do I love them? How do I show kindness? How should I treat them? How is addressed in Titus 3. In fact, it is addressed throughout the Word of God. We can learn from the teachings of the Apostle Paul to Titus on how to set the example...by first remembering where they are is what we came from. 

Titus 3:3 - "For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another."

But also remembering who we now are:

Titus 3:4-5 - "But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us —not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy — through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”