Your Weekly Calling

What if everything you think will make you happy… won't?

A new phone. A bigger house. A better job. That completely unnecessary Amazon purchase at 11:30 at night. We convince ourselves that the next thing will finally make us happy. And for about eleven minutes, it does.

In this episode of Your Weekly Calling, Brad dives into Ecclesiastes chapter 2, where Solomon had everything most of us dream about—money, success, possessions, entertainment, and unlimited opportunities. Yet after experiencing it all, he described it as chasing after the wind.

Brad also shares the story of John D. Rockefeller, one of the wealthiest men in American history, and explores why the desire for "just a little bit more" never seems to go away. From expensive gadgets to video games that somehow get boring two weeks after you buy them, we all know what it's like to chase the next big thing.

But here's the truth: If your happiness is always waiting on the next thing, you'll spend your whole life waiting to be happy.

Maybe the problem isn't that we don't have enough. Maybe it's that we're expecting the things we have to give us something only God can provide.

This week, Brad challenges us to stop chasing what we don't have and start appreciating what God has already placed in front of us.

Because the good things in life make terrible gods. They're meant to be enjoyed, not worshiped.

And maybe, just maybe, the life you're waiting to enjoy is the life God is already inviting you to be thankful for.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:1–11, 24–25

In this episode, Brad discusses the story of Zacchaeus, a short man who sought change and transformation in his life. Through the lens of Zacchaeus' encounter with Jesus, the conversation explores themes of desperation, hope, and the power of grace and repentance. Brad emphasizes that Jesus invites us as we are, without needing to clean up first, and that true transformation comes from accepting this invitation. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and the parts they may be hiding, reminding them that Jesus sees them and desires to bring change.

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Ever talked yourself out of doing something before you even tried? Maybe it was a job opportunity, a difficult conversation, or talking to someone you liked. Brad once got so nervous meeting a girl in junior high that he pointed to his friend when she asked which one was Brad. Yeah, fear will do that to you.

In this episode of Your Weekly Calling, Brad dives into 2 Timothy 1:6–7, where Paul reminds Timothy to fan into flame the gift God has given him and not let fear control his life.

Through the incredible true story of Aron Ralston, the hiker who survived being trapped in a Utah canyon for five days, Brad explores what it means to take action even when you're terrified.

Because here's the thing: Being afraid doesn't mean you have to stop being faithful.

Are you waiting for God's direction, or are you just afraid to move? Are you using the gifts He's given you, or letting fear convince you that somebody else could do it better?

You don't have to have everything figured out. You don't have to be the best. And you definitely don't have to feel fearless.

Sometimes faith is simply taking that next step, even when your knees are shaking.

The question is: What would you do differently if fear wasn't making the decision?

We've all said it: “I've got this.”

Whether it's fixing something around the house, dealing with a difficult situation, or trying to navigate life on our own, we tend to think we're a whole lot stronger than we actually are.

But what happens when life proves otherwise?

This past Sunday at CrossPoint Church, Pastor Brad Lowe took us into Mark 14:32–52, where Peter is convinced he'll never abandon Jesus. He's confident, he's determined, and he's ready to make some pretty big promises.

There's just one problem. Peter doesn't know his own weakness nearly as well as Jesus does.

While Peter is talking about everything he's going to do, Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, overwhelmed with sorrow and surrendering Himself to the Father's will.

And when the pressure finally comes, the disciples run. But Jesus stays.

In this week's Weekly Calling, we're looking back at Sunday's message and asking some questions that hit a little closer to home. Where are we relying on our own strength? Are we recognizing our weaknesses and taking steps to guard against temptation? And are we really depending on God, or are we just asking Him to bless the plans we've already made?

Because here's the good news: Our hope isn't found in being strong enough. It's found in a Savior who remained faithful when we couldn't.

Maybe this week, instead of telling ourselves, “I've got this,” we need to start with three better words:

“Jesus, I need You.”

Temptation rarely shows up looking like a bad idea. Usually, it looks like something we really, really want.

In this episode of Your Weekly Calling, Brad dives into 2 Samuel 11 and the story of David and Bathsheba. David was a man after God's own heart, a giant slayer, and a king. But one bad decision started a chain reaction that would change his life.

So how does someone who loves God end up making such a terrible choice? And why do we keep finding ourselves tempted by things we know aren't good for us?

Brad explores how temptation works, why our weaknesses matter, and how the little decisions we make can lead to much bigger consequences.

But here's the good news: Being tempted doesn't mean you've failed, and giving in doesn't mean God is finished with you.

You always have a choice. And when temptation comes knocking, the answer isn't to see how close you can get without crossing the line.

It's to turn around and run toward Jesus.

We say Jesus is worth everything—but does the way we live actually show it?

In Mark 14, a woman pours out an incredibly expensive jar of perfume on Jesus. Everyone around her calls it a waste. Jesus calls it beautiful.

This week on Your Weekly Calling, Brad looks at what this moment teaches us about worship, sacrifice, and the things we truly value. Because eventually, what matters most to us shows up in the way we live.

The question isn't just what you say Jesus is worth.

What does your life say He's worth?

Have you ever looked back at a season of your life and thought, “Man, I wasted a lot of time there”? In this episode of Your Weekly Calling, Brad dives into the book of Joel and two powerful words from God: “Even now.”

Through Joel’s promise to restore “the years the locusts have eaten,” a personal story about a relationship that didn’t work out, and the true story of Thomas Edison rebuilding after a devastating fire, Brad explores how God can redeem the seasons we thought were wasted.

You can’t change what happened. You can’t go back and rewrite the past. But your worst chapter doesn’t have to become the title of your story.

Instead of asking, “Why did I waste that?” maybe it’s time to ask, “God, how can You use that?”

Because even now, God isn’t finished.

Ever feel like everyone else is getting picked while you're stuck watching from the sidelines? In this episode of Your Weekly Calling, Brad dives into 1 Samuel 16 and the surprising moment God chooses David—the kid his own family didn't even bother inviting into the room.

Through David's story and a look at Abraham Lincoln's long road of setbacks before becoming president, Brad explores what it means to trust God's timing when you feel overlooked. Maybe you're not behind. Maybe the season that feels insignificant is actually preparing you for what's next.

The season nobody thought mattered, mattered to God.

100 episodes. A lot of Bible names pronounced wrong. A few guest voices. And one faithful God through all of it.

For the 100th episode of Your Weekly Calling, Brad looks back at where it started and the simple lesson God has continued to teach him along the way: you don't need to know where the journey ends to be faithful with the next step.

Through Joshua 4, the story of Israel's memorial stones, and a lesson from Winston Churchill, Brad challenges us to stop looking so far ahead that we forget what God has already done. Where has God been faithful in your life? What prayers has He answered? What doors has He opened—or closed? And what step is He asking you to take next?

You don't need the entire map. You just need enough faith for the next step.

Here's to 100 episodes—and whatever God does with the next 100.

In this week’s episode of Your Weekly Calling, Brad takes a refreshing dive into a topic that might seem out of place in a busy, responsibility-filled world—fun. He kicks things off with a simple yet profound question: Are you having fun today? For many of us, the answer might be a resounding “no,” especially when we’re caught in the grind of everyday life—driving to work, dreading the tasks ahead, and feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities. But Brad brings a thought-provoking perspective rooted in Proverbs 17:22: "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

Brad explores the importance of joy and fun, which can often be seen as optional, something we do only after we've “checked off” everything else. He challenges this mindset, reminding us that fun isn't a luxury, but a vital part of life. Brad shares how he personally loves to have fun and embrace his goofball side. While he acknowledges that serious conversations and moments can be hard for him, he emphasizes that God didn’t create us to live joyless lives. Rather, He created us to experience joy and fun as a reflection of His goodness.

He encourages listeners to celebrate even the smallest moments in life. Have you taken a moment today to celebrate the fact that you woke up? That you're heading to work, connecting with people, and experiencing the world around you? Brad reminds us that fun and joy are in the everyday moments—whether it’s spending time with family, enjoying a sunrise, or simply being present in a moment of laughter. He points to the life of Jesus, who took part in celebrations, attended weddings, dined with friends, and delighted in children. Jesus was no stranger to joy, and He invites us to partake in that same joy in our daily lives.

Brad also notes that fun isn’t a break from faith—it is a part of it. Fun reflects God’s character. God is a joyful God. His creation—from the beauty of nature to the laughter of children—shows us His creativity and delight. Brad shares that his mind is always buzzing with creative ideas, and he encourages listeners to embrace the joy of creativity in their own lives as well.

Key Takeaways:

• Fun is not a luxury; it’s a vital part of our lives that reflects God’s goodness and joy.
• Proverbs 17:22 reminds us that a cheerful heart is like medicine for the soul.
• Fun doesn’t mean neglecting responsibilities—it’s about celebrating the life God gave us.
• Take joy in the everyday moments: waking up, spending time with others, and appreciating the world around you.
• Jesus Himself enjoyed moments of celebration, showing that fun and faith are connected.
• Fun and joy reflect God’s character and creativity. Embrace the joy in creation and your everyday life.

Brad leaves listeners with this question: When was the last time you celebrated the life God gave you? Whether it’s laughing with friends, enjoying nature, or simply being present in a moment of joy, fun is not just an escape from life—it’s part of God’s design for us.

If you enjoyed this lighthearted yet deeply meaningful episode, be sure to subscribe and join us next week for more conversations that help you live out your calling with joy and purpose!

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