Zeal Stoker

A Good Friday message! Sharing ancient passages (Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53), reflecting on Jesus’ passion—bogus trials, betrayal, false accusations against Him; physical assault and ultimately the murder of the only real good person who ever lived. Jesus died the death penalty you and I should have died. This is why it is called “Good Friday”!

Looking at one of the most powerful, prophetic, and emotionally charged days in human history. Palm Sunday or Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem was foretold by the prophets of YHWH more than 500 years prior. This segment discusses Jesus courage as well as the prophetic nature of our Scriptures. Hosanna!!!

Why don’t we pray as we ought to? Prayer can seem boring. We think our problems are too small to “bother God.” We don’t have time. We’re afraid of sounding stupid compared to others. Maybe we’re so convinced of God’s sovereignty we don’t pray because we know He’s got this! Regardless our feelings, James (5:13-18) tells us to pray until something happens (PUSH).

Amidst our plans and ambitions we should seek God’s will. Sounds simple, but how are we to respond to suffering and loss, like when people hurt us or those we love? Sometimes God calls us to wait, and wait quietly. The problem is we feel waiting is passive and our silence to be weak. James says otherwise (James 5:1-12)

We have a tendency to measure success by setting and achieving goals. But God measures success different than we do. Where you and I may think we have arrived by getting to a certain place or position, or receiving some token of success, God measures success in increments of faithfulness. This podcast discusses our plans and discerning God’s will (James 4:13-17)

This podcast (James 4:11-12) discusses the impact of slander & backbiting in the church, and how to prevent it. When we judge others from a place of anger, hurt, and envy, we neglect godly judgment, bringing God’s judgment on ourselves.

“Where do wars and fights come from among you?” This segment (James 4:1-10) discusses the impact of selfishness and poor communication upon our relationships with God and those made in His image. Our sinfulness aligns us with Satan, but James calls us to humble ourselves—submit to God and resist the Devil. Herein the listener will find practical tools to do just that.

Got wisdom? James says, “Show it!”This episode (James 3:13-18) discusses godly wisdom vs. demonic. Proof is in the fruit. This isn’t to say evil spirits in dwell or possess believers when we operate in worldly, demonic “wisdom”, but when bitter, envious, and self-seeking, we are behaving like the enemy.

The bit, rudder, tongue & fire…small things capable of steering, influencing and consuming on a large scale. This segment (James 3:1-12) discusses the power of words, and the connection between the tongue and the heart.

Like a body without breath is lifeless, faith without action is dead. This episode discusses the tension between faith and works (James 2:14-26), where justification is not necessarily about “going to heaven”, but being “a friend of God”.