YOU Podcast

God created you on purpose for a purpose. Think for a few moments about the implications of that statement. What if life does have purpose? What if I have a purpose, a specific purpose? What if there truly is a God who has created me to fulfill His purpose, and if so, what is that purpose? People have responded to questions like these in various ways:

I once heard someone say, “Many people spend more time planning their vacations than they spend planning their lives.” Indeed, some individuals arrive at the end of life disappointed they didn’t live more purposeful lives. They regret missed opportunities.

“Most people spend more time planning a one-week vacation than they spend planning their life.”

In the book of Genesis, we read the biblical perspective on God’s purpose for humanity. God created us in His image and gave us dominion over all the earth and everything in it. Although sin has marred God’s image in us, His purpose for us remains. Oh, what a blessing it is that we can represent God and His purposes on earth!

The post PROMISES WE CAN COUNT ON: God’s Promise of Fruitfulness (YOU-Sum’24, Study 1, Session 1) appeared first on YOU.

With the annual charity drive in full swing, a university representative reached out to fellow alumni. One conversation sounded like this:

“Good evening. Our records indicate that you haven’t yet contributed to our “Building the Legacy” fund. This year, we’d like to provide more scholarships to help more brothers and sisters achieve their dream of going to college. Would you like to give today?”

Without hesitation, the man replied, “Brother, I have a family to take care of. We just rebounded from the pandemic, and between the wife, kids, and bills, I don’t have the extra to give.”

To put it mildly, generosity is a stretch for some of us! It doesn’t flow naturally from our hearts, even for believers. Though giving is a delicate subject, God’s Word puts a great deal of importance on it.”

“I get it,” the alumni rep stated. “Family first. No worries. We’ll reach out again next year.”

With a shrug, the man replied, “Honestly, even if I have it, I probably won’t give it. I have to look out for me and mine. If I don’t, who will?”

To put it mildly, generosity is a stretch for some of us! It doesn’t flow naturally from our hearts, even for believers. Though giving is a delicate subject, God’s Word puts a great deal of importance on it. Let’s look at a powerful passage that has some practical insights to grow in generosity!

The post THE JOY OF GIVING (YOU-Spr’24, Special Focus Study, Session SF) appeared first on YOU.

A familiar analogy that my pastor frequently says to the members is that we are not called to be “Lone Ranger” Christians. We were never meant to live this Christian life alone. God has put us around other Christians so that we might shape and sharpen one another. One of the greatest examples of this that I have seen is when a fellow believer has experienced the loss of a loved one.

We are not called to be “Lone Ranger” Christians. We were never meant to live this Christian life alone.”

How encouraging it is for the suffering, distressed, or saddened person to receive a phone call from their fellow brother and sisters in Christ? How comforting it is when they wrap their arms around you and give the person an encouraging word? Death can be a tough time for any person, but it is so much tougher if you’re dealing with the loss by yourself. I have heard from many who experienced a loss that it would have been impossible for them to endure it without their church family. Let’s continue to be there for one another and live life together in Christ!

The post BEING AN AUTHENTIC CHURCH: Doing Life Together in Christ (YOU-Spr’24, Study 2, Session 6) appeared first on YOU.

The sports industry is big business. One of the most popular to watch is football. The fanbase of some of these teams is huge. I remember my husband wearing a sweatshirt of his favorite team, the Tennessee Titans. A Titans fan walked up to him and enthusiastically discussed with him their team. This person was a complete stranger. Families during Superbowl season host parties in honor of their team. During the game, you see them comforting and encouraging one another. The funniest thing is when they start encouraging the players on the screen. The players can’t even hear them, but they are supported. This proves that sports fans have an unusual brotherhood.

We must carefully shine before others that they may see God’s love, care, goodness, mercy, grace, and patience. Let us shine for Christ!”

This is the image that Christians must display before the world. When they see us; they must see a true brotherhood and sisterhood. In a world where people are constantly at odds with one another; we must be unified. There is a song that says, “the Jesus in me loves the Jesus in you. It’s so easy (x3), so easy to love.” The church should reflect Christ. We must emulate Him. The world is looking at the church and the way we interact with each other. We must carefully shine before others that they may see His love, care, goodness, mercy, grace, and patience. Let us shine for Christ!

The post BEING AN AUTHENTIC CHURCH: Serving in Christ (YOU-Spr’24, Study 2, Session 5) appeared first on YOU.

Maranda Curtis sings a song entitled, “Nobody Like You Lord.” Some churches sing this song as part of praise and worship on Sunday mornings. In the recorded version of the song, toward the last part of the song the artist says, “Who wouldn’t serve a God like this?” These lyrics speak to the magnificence of the Lord God Almighty, particularly His works and ways. Ms. Curtis’s song highlights why Christians serve God the Father through Jesus Christ. He demonstrates that He is a healer, sustainer, and provider.

When you think about all of the tragedies that have happened in the world and how God has kept you; it’s easy to say, “Who wouldn’t serve a God like this?””

When you think about all of the tragedies that have happened in the world and how God has kept you; it’s easy to say, “Who wouldn’t serve a God like this?” He has healed many of us from illnesses that sometimes even the doctors were baffled. Their medical studies couldn’t even explain it. Even as we hear testimonies like that; we can say, “Who wouldn’t serve a God like this?” You see as we, a body of believers, come together on Sunday morning; we all have experienced the faithfulness of God. When you hear the testimonies of others and even think of how God has kept you; it is easy to say, “Who Wouldn’t Serve a God Like That?” As we are experiencing the mercies of God through the week, the momentum has built up. It evokes us to worship our King of King and Lord of Lords. How encouraging it is to corporately worship this amazing God! He is worthy to be praised!

The post BEING AN AUTHENTIC CHURCH: Worshiping God (YOU-Spr’24, Study 2, Session 4) appeared first on YOU.

In today’s society, there are various companies that specialize in tracing the genealogy of families. In doing so, they seek to help people discover their ancestors, traditions, culture, origins, and history. This information, in many cases, provides the individual or family, a sense of identity. For years this research was done through word of mouth, photos and family records. Through technological advancements this work is now done digitally. Ancestry.com started in 2012 and enables its subscribers to trace their family back many generations. It is safe to say that users will either be elated or disappointed in who they are related to.

As Christians, our worth is not connected to the type of genealogy that can be searched through a website. Our identity is found in Christ.”

As Christians, our worth is not connected to the type of genealogy that can be searched through a website. Our identity is found in Christ. We can boldly proclaim that Christ has given us a new identity. We are now forgiven, loved, cared for, etc., because of the Lord Jesus. Through Him, we learn we are more than the external— our career, economic status, or appearance. We know that we are chosen ones, dear children of God, His sheep, children of light, vessels of honor, and heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ (Rom 8:17). What a sense of worth we have in knowing that we have such a strong identity!

The post BEING AN AUTHENTIC CHURCH: Growing in Christ (YOU-Spr’24, Study 2, Session 3) appeared first on YOU.

“Sharing is caring” is a popular phrase that communicates that people demonstrate that they care when they share what they have with others. We see many examples of this in our daily lives. As a teacher, I witnessed this in action when during the time of recess students would share the ball on the playing field with each other. As a parent, I saw this phrase come to life when one of my children shared with or even gave away their toys to other children.

“Sharing is caring” is a popular phrase that communicates that people demonstrate that they care when they share what they have with others.”

Shoppers who run across a great sale or a fantastic deal tend to share that information with those they know and even with complete strangers. You want them to benefit from the deal just as you have. The excitement and enthusiasm that is displayed when sharing about a clothing sale, a place to get quality merchandise for cheap, or a place to save on gas can be infectious. People tend to continue to share what they deem as good news. This is what sharing should look like in the body of Christ. Christians have the best news of all. As we enter into this lesson, let each of us make the necessary changes in our thoughts and feelings so we can share the best deal of all with the same enthusiasm as we do temporal things.

The post BEING AN AUTHENTIC CHURCH: Sharing Christ (YOU-Spr’24, Study 2, Session 2) appeared first on YOU.

During the housing market craze many homebuyers were faced with bidding on homes that had multiple offers. In order to have an advantage and an attractive offer many bought homes without a home inspection. How sad it was when some found out that their home had foundation issues.

As a child, we sang the song, “The Wise Man Built His House Upon a Rock.” The song is based on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:24-27. I didn’t understand it at the time. It basically is stating that in this world, we will encounter many challenges. Our foundation determines how we persevere during those times. Just like a house with a bad foundation; a relationship not built upon The Rock will not last. Let’s not end up like the homeowners who are faced with knowing that the foundation on which their home is built will not last.

Just like a house with a bad foundation; a relationship not built upon The Rock will not last.”

We can rest assured that if our foundation is built on the True Rock, Jesus Christ we will be able to endure. As church, it is imperative that all we do is centered around Christ. Though Satan may throw his fiery darts; as believers we can stand if our foundation is solid. The sure foundation for Christians is not just hearing the words of Christ but actually doing it. This way we know our foundation is solid.

The post BEING AN AUTHENTIC CHURCH: Built on Christ (YOU-Spr’24, Study 2, Session 1) appeared first on YOU.