On this episode of the podcast we discuss the idea of foolishness, and how what we see as wisdom, God sees as foolishness and vice versa. The conversation is full of seeming contradiction, but God’s wisdom far outweighs ours we see how God takes our way of thinking and flips it upside down to reveal an even more powerful display of his grace and mercy.
In this episode we dive into some of the surprising ways God fulfills his promises, drawing parallels between biblical narratives and our own lives. From Abram and Sarai all the way to the resurrection of Jesus, and still today, God often has a way of making himself known, often in ways we would never expect.
On this episode of the podcast we begin a series of discussions on the book “Easter Earthquake” by James A. Harnish. How does the resurrection of Jesus shape your idea of salvation? Is it something you keep for yourself, or is it meant for you to share?
December 25: Read Isaiah 53 NLT Christmas Day has arrived at last! Where has your faith journey taken you this Advent season? To a better understanding of God? A deeper relationship with Jesus? Perhaps a new call to action to further the Kingdom of God? Hopefully to all of these things and more! Let us share one last journey to bring better focus to this day. During the Napoleonic wars of the early 19th century in Europe, Napoleon, Emperor of France, was making war on Austria. A certain Austrian town came under interest, and he wanted to capture it. As the town had no strong defense forces guarding…
Every family or individual has traditions they look forward to renewing on Christmas Eve. When I was younger and my family gathered at my grandparents’ home, I would find time to go into the room where the Christmas tree was located and sit in the chair next to the tree. It was simply a time for me to be with God. I would be grateful for God’s gift of Jesus and the gift of family. As I sat in the glow of the lights of that beautiful tree, I let God’s light of love wash over me and I just let myself “be” with God. You may be…
December 23: Read Luke 2:8-11 NLT Christmas is about God’s love for us through Jesus. His birth, life, crucifixion, and resurrection is not just ordinary news, and not even good news, but great news that brings great joy to all people. How will this news spread to all? Through us, Jesus’ followers. We must do our part in sharing the gospel. Christmas would not be complete without singing “Joy to the World.” The first line of each of the 4 verses is what we need to proclaim to the world: Joy to the world, the Lord is come.Joy to the world, the Savior reigns.No more let sin and…
December 22: Read Psalm 32:1-2 NLT One of my favorite Christmas memories was when the family gathered at my grandparent’s crowded house. There were not enough beds (sound familiar?) so some of us young people had to sleep on pallets on the floor while a few lucky ones slept on couches. My brother and I slept on one of the pallets in the same room where the Christmas Tree was located. Our cousin, Mark, slept in the same room, but was lucky enough to snag the couch. My brother and I decided Mark was destined to become a cop because of his determination that night to see Santa…
Winter Solstice/Longest Night December 21: Read John 11:17-44 NLT For many people Advent and the Christmas season are not times of happiness and joy, but a time of grieving and a sense of loss. Especially for those who have lost a loved one since the last Advent season. I have lost both of my parents, and the first few Christmases after their deaths were mixtures of joy and sadness. Because of faith, God will lead us through this sadness with his great love for us. Christmas is a celebration of the coming of the one who will be our sacrifice for sins and who will conquer death for…
December 20: Read Luke 2:21-38 NIV The gospel of Luke mentions two people who have been on a very long journey of waiting for the Messiah to come. Both Simeon and Anna encounter our baby Messiah at the temple. As was custom, Mary and Joseph travel to Jerusalem to give an offering for Jesus’ birth and for ritual cleansing of Mary after childbirth. Led by the Holy Spirit, Simeon is moved to be at the temple when they come. It is highly likely that Simeon is a priest, though scripture doesn’t name him as such, but he performs the rituals of sacrificing the offerings Mary and Joseph bring.…
December 19: Read Hosea 12:6 NIV When I was little, we had these beautiful reindeer ornaments we put on our tree every year. Each reindeer had a name of Santa’s famous reindeer who led him on his Christmas Eve adventures across the land to deliver gifts to children. Those ornaments were my favorite ones on the tree. As we got closer to Christmas Eve, I would move them from the bottom of the tree up closer and closer to the top, signifying they were getting closer and closer to taking off and bringing Santa on his journey to my house…with gifts! It was the anticipation of Christmas Day…
