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45. Declarations (Bonus Episode) Aug 23, 2022

Show notes

In this episode I share some of the declarations that I have written for myself. Hopefully, some of them will be an encouragement to you too. Remember though, it's important for you to personalize them or come up with your own as well based off of what the Lord is currently teaching you.
As I shared in the episode, I'm including the declarations below. I wanted to write out the Scriptures in their entirety next to each one, but it would exceed the amount of space I'm provided in this podcast description. As such, I just put the Scripture references next to each declaration.
DECLARATIONS:
Jesus is all that I need. (Psalm 23:1)
Every moment of every day I set the Lord before me. No matter what comes, I am stable because He is with me. (Psalm 16:8-9; 112:7)
I continually give thanks regardless of my circumstances and emotions. My days are an endless stream of gratitude to the Lord for who He is and all that He’s done for me. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
I put others first. I run to the back of the line. I hurry to the low seat. I live to serve, not to be served. (Mark 10:42-45)
I am led by the Spirit. I consciously and willingly yield to Him today and place my mind under His control. (Romans 8:14)
Jesus loves me. He meets me with open arms, not a pointed finger. (Matthew 11:28-30)
All of my guilt, shame, and condemnation has been nailed to the cross. There is none left for me. (Romans 8:1-4)
I am not dragged around by my thoughts or emotions. I trust the Lord and look to Him for guidance and answers. He shows me what to do. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
God gives me wisdom when I ask for it, and He doesn’t point a finger in my face for needing it. He is not disappointed or irritated with my need for wisdom. (James 1:5-6)
I don’t know everything, and I don’t have to always be right. I am a learner and a listener, not a know-it-all. I can learn something from everyone. (Proverbs 18:2)
I don’t seek conflict, but I don’t run from it either. (Proverbs 28:1)
God is my provider. I don’t worry about finances. I just seek Him. (Matthew 6:31-34)
I am not an anxious person. Any anxiety I experience I immediately cast at the feet of Jesus, give thanks, and ask for His wisdom. Then I leave the matter there unless He tells me to do otherwise. (Philippians 4:6-7)
I do what’s right, not what’s easy. (Still working on a verse)
I am a finisher, not just a starter. (Still working on a verse)
I look to the Lord and not to food for comfort. I don’t overeat. By the power of the Holy Spirit, I’m temperate and self-controlled. (Proverbs 25:16)
The Lord sees me. He is fully aware of what I’m facing and how I’m feeling, and He cares. (Genesis 16:13)
I’m a joyful person regardless of my circumstances. God has filled my heart with joy. He is the source of my joy. (Psalm 4:6-7; 16:11)
**CORRECTIONS/CLARIFICATIONS**
When sharing my first declaration, I said the Scripture reference was Psalm 23. Specifically, it's Psalm 23:1.

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44. The renewal of our minds Aug 15, 2022

Show notes

In this episode we discuss the importance of being transformed by the renewal of our minds by declaring truth daily so as to change the way that we think.
Other episodes referenced in this one:

Episode 20: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
Episode 26: Taking thoughts captive 101

Pastor Craig Groeschel's book Winning the War in Your Mind can be purchased HERE.

Scriptures referenced:

Luke 10:38-42
Matthew 11:30
John 14:26
Romans 12:2
Philippians 4:6-9
Romans 8:1
2 Corinthians 5:21
Hebrews 13:5
Proverbs 12:15
Psalm 16:8-9
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Proverbs 18:2
Mark 10:42-45
Psalm 4:6-7
Psalm 16:11

43. Compassionate or just empathetic? Aug 01, 2022

Show notes

In this episode we discuss the important difference between empathy and compassion.
Episodes referenced:

Episode 39: "Seventy-seven times"
Episode 42: "By this all people will know..."

www.blueletterbible.org is the resource that I mentioned that is helpful for doing studies in the original languages.
Here are the words that I focused on in this episode (click on the highlighted link to go to the corresponding page):

splagchnizomai (σπλαγχνίζομαι G4697)
splagchnon (σπλάγχνον G4698)

List of verses where splagchnizomai is used:

Matthew 9:36
Matthew 14:14
Matthew 15:32
Matthew 18:27
Matthew 20:34
Mark 1:41
Mark 6:34
Mark 8:2
Mark 9:22
Luke 7:13
Luke 10:33
Luke 15:20

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

Romans 12:15b
Matthew 9:35-10:8
Acts 1:8
Matthew 14:13-21
Matthew 15:32-39
Matthew 18:21-35 (especially verses 25-27)
Matthew 20:29-34
Mark 1:40-42
Luke 10:25-37 (especially verse 33)
Luke 15:11-32 (especially verse 20)
Matthew 5:46
Colossians 3:12-14

**CORRECTIONS/CLARIFICATIONS**

When reading the passage out of Matthew 15, I somehow accidentally jumped over verse 35, which says, "And directing the crowd to sit down on the ground"

42. "By this all people will know..." Jul 15, 2022

Show notes

In this episode we talk about the importance of love in the life of a believer.
Other episodes referenced in this one:

21. "I never knew you"
24. The Gospel

Quote by Pete Scazzero: "Love really is the mark of a true and mature spirituality."
Quote by my pastor Jeff Kapusta: "Crisis reveals character."
I mentioned blueletterbible.org. I wanted to include the link to that website HERE.
Scriptures used:

John 13:34-35
John 3:16
Romans 13:8-10
Matthew 22:37-40
John 1:14
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
1 Corinthians 12:31b
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Galatians 5:22-23
1 Corinthians 10:13
Proverbs 17:3
James 4:6
Matthew 23:12
Psalm 51:10
1 John 3:1
Psalm 23
Hebrews 13:5

**CORRECTIONS/CLARIFICATIONS**

When quoting Matthew 22:37-40 I said, "And He said to them..." It is actually, "And He said to him..."
I said that being able to quote Scripture doesn't indicate maturity at all. I want to clarify that a little more. What I meant is that just because someone can quote Scripture doesn't mean that they are spiritually mature; however, if someone is growing in spiritual maturity, then they should also certainly be growing in biblical knowledge as well. To put it simply, just because someone can quote Scripture doesn't make them mature, but if someone is mature, then they will most likely know quite a bit of Scripture.
When reading 1 John 3:1, I accidentally omitted the word "to" at one point. It doesn't change the meaning, but here is the portion of the verse that I was reading, "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are."

41. Good things come to those who wait Jul 01, 2022

Show notes

The journal entry I mention in this episode captures the focus of the entire thing:
"I was just praying and asked the Lord for wisdom, and I think He showed me something wonderful. He’s promised to give wisdom; so, when I ask I need to truly be confident that He will give it. I can rest in that assurance. It's a guarantee! However, I’ve wanted that wisdom same day or same week. There is no guarantee of when it will come or how it will come; the guarantee is simply that it will come! Good things come to those who wait. So, if I’m asking God for wisdom in a matter and He hasn’t given it to me yet, then I just need to wait for the Lord. I shouldn’t make a move. I must not become impatient. If I don’t wait for the Lord, then I will just be doing what is right in my own eyes."
Other episodes referenced in this one:

Episode 32: Wisdom series: Connect the dots
Episode 35: Wisdom series: "And David inquired of the Lord"
Episode 36: Wisdom series: Jethro's advice
Episode 37: Wisdom series: Perspective

Scriptures used in this episode:

James 1:5-8
Proverbs 2:1-15
Judges 21:25
Proverbs 3:5-6
Matthew 23:12
Psalm 27:14
Genesis 16
Psalm 46:10
Proverbs 12:15
Psalm 119:105
Psalm 1:1-2

40. Scars or Scabs? Jun 15, 2022

Show notes

In this episode we talk about experiencing emotional healing from the Lord.
The quote that I referenced from my pastor was: "If our past is still affecting us, it's not our past."
Here are the items that we talked through:

God sees you, and He cares.
He understands.
His heart is one of compassion towards you.
Cry out to Him. Where there is no prayer there is no progress.
Apply Romans 8:28-29 to the sources of the pain.
Give thanks in all circumstances.

Here are some of the main Scriptures I used/referenced:

2 Corinthians 3:17
Isaiah 61:1-3
Luke 4:16-30
Psalm 139:23-24
John 16:33
John 14:27
Psalm 34:18
Psalm 4:7
Psalm 16:11
Galatians 5:22-23
Genesis 16:13
Matthew 6:8
Matthew 6:32
Hebrews 4:14-16
Matthew 8:2-3
John 4:46-54
Matthew 9:35-36
Matthew 15:32
Hebrews 13:8
Romans 8:1
Matthew 19:13-15
Matthew 23:1-36
Matthew 11:16-19
Matthew 11:28-30
Psalm 23:1-3a
Jeremiah 17:9
Psalm 107:6
Luke 18:1-8
Luke 11:5-13
Psalm 30:2
Psalm 30:11-12
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Romans 8:28-29
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Philippians 4:6-7
Galatians 6:2

**CORRECTIONS/CLARIFICATIONS**

I say that the account of Jesus reading from the scroll of Isaiah was at the end of Luke 4. It is actually closer to the middle of Luke 4.
At one point I referenced "Psalm 38". The correct reference is Psalm 34:18.
When discussing the Angel of the Lord, I mentioned that this was the seedbed for the Trinity. By saying this I was not implying that the Trinity did not always exist. All three Members of the Trinity have always existed from eternity past. My point was simply to address the wrong idea that the Trinity is a New Testament invention, which it clearly is not. We discuss the Trinity more in episode 25 entitled "The Trinity".
I mentioned that "Hagar" meant "the immigrant". While I originally heard this from a reputable source that I trust, I had trouble finding this definition while double checking. Another suggested meaning of the name is "to flee".
I referred to an incident where a man came and asked Jesus to heal his servant who was in bed and Jesus did and when the man returned the next day he was told that his servant recovered at the very hour that he had been speaking with Jesus. I accidentally combined multiple accounts in my mind. It was not the man's servant but his son. The account is recorded in John 4:46-54.
At one point I said, "Here we agree with things, but here we believe them." I pointed to my head and then to my heart when saying this.

39. "Seventy-seven times" Jun 01, 2022

Show notes

In this episode we talk about the vital importance of forgiving others.
I referenced an episode that I uploaded about the Gospel. That was episode number 24 (entitled "The Gospel").
Here is the quote from Lewis B. Smedes that I read: "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you."
Scriptures used:

Matthew 18:15-35
2 Kings 4:1-7
Romans 3:23
Romans 6:23
Ephesians 2:8-9
2 Corinthians 5:21
Ephesians 4:30-32
Luke 7:36-50
1 John 4:7-20
Matthew 22:34-40
Romans 8:1
Hebrews 12:5-13
John 3:16
Luke 23:34
Romans 12:19
Matthew 6:14-15
Psalm 66:18
Mark 11:20-25
John 14:13
1 John 5:14-15
James 4:3

**CORRECTIONS/CLARIFICATIONS**

I said that a talent was a unit of measurement. It would've probably been more helpful and accurate to refer to it as a monetary unit instead of a unit of measurement (although I suppose it does "measure" an amount of money so to speak).
I used the word "exorbitant" to describe the king's generosity and compassion. Perhaps "extreme" would have been a better word. Sometimes exorbitant can have a negative connotation about it, which is most certainly not what I was implying. I was only referring to the king's mercy in positive terms.
When reading Matthew 18:34, I said, "...until he should pay off all his debt." I accidentally added the word "off". The verse actually says, "...until he should pay all his debt."
I read Matthew 18:33 as, "And should you not have had mercy...". It's actually "And should not you have had mercy..." It was just a slight word order change that didn't affect the meaning in any way.

38. Know who you are May 15, 2022

Show notes

Here is that list I mentioned listing out a few things that are true of us in Christ:
Nothing can separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:38-39

In Christ I am a new creation.
2 Corinthians 5:17

In Christ I am the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21

There is no condemnation for me in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1
Romans 8:33-34

I have been adopted into the family of God. God is my Father.
John 1:12-13
Romans 8:14-17

The Lord will never ever leave me nor forsake me.
Hebrews 13:5

I have the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:9

I no longer am who I was. I am dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Sin no longer has dominion over me.
Romans 6:6
Romans 6:11
Romans 6:14
Galatians 2:20

God will not ever let me be tempted beyond my ability. No matter what situation I find myself in, it is never too much because God is faithful.
1 Corinthians 10:13

I have everything I need to live the life God has called me to live.
2 Peter 1:3-4

Quote I used:
"Without being too technical, the verb lay aside can be translated one of two ways, (1) either indicating a completed past action (this would be our position in Christ) or (2) an action the believer is to carry out (almost giving it the sense of an imperative)." (https://www.preceptaustin.org/ephesians_420-22)

Other podcast episodes that I referenced that are helpful companions to this one (in order of appearance):
Episode 21: "I never knew you"
Episode 34: Justification
Episode 14: Our funeral leads to our freedom

Scriptures used:
John 11:35
John 11:38-44
John 11:11-15
John 11:25
2 Corinthians 5:17
Romans 6:6
Ephesians 4:17-24
Ephesians 2:1-3
John 1:12-13
Romans 8:14-17
2 Corinthians 5:21
Romans 8:9
Galatians 5:22-23
Colossians 3:8-10
Romans 6:14
Romans 8:38-39
Hebrews 13:5
Romans 12:1-2
1 Corinthians 2:11-12
Romans 6:1-11
**CORRECTIONS/CLARIFICATIONS**
I said "be transformed by the renewing of your mind". The direct quote is "be transformed by the renewal of your mind" in the translation I was reading out of. This doesn't make any difference at all whatsoever. I simply wanted to be precise.
When I said that Jesus' first coming brought a spiritual death and rebirth I was referring to what happens to us when we were born again. I fully believe the biblical message that Jesus physically died and that He physically rose from the dead. That is a crucial and indispensable component to the gospel.
I think I made this clear at a couple of points in the episode, but these identity qualities that I am describing are true of those who are in Christ, meaning those who have place their faith and trust in Him. For those who have yet to do so, these qualities do not yet apply; however, they can! Anyone can give their lives to the Lord in an instance and receive immediate forgiveness for sins and become a new creation!

37. Wisdom series: Perspective May 01, 2022

Show notes

In this episode we continue our discussion on seeking wisdom from the Lord, specifically by asking Him to give us His perspective.
You can access the article I mentioned concerning Elisha HERE.
You can access the Hebrew word for "marauding bands" HERE.
Scriptures used or referenced:
2 Kings 6:8-24
2 Kings 5:2
John 10:18
Exodus 15:22-27
Exodus 16-17
James 1:5-6
Matthew 5:3
Matthew 16:21-23
1 Corinthians 15:14
John 10:18
Matthew 17:22-23
Romans 6:23
Hebrews 10:19-22
**CORRECTIONS/CLARIFICATIONS**
2 Kings 6:10 reads, "And the king of Israel sent to the place about which the man of God told him. Thus he used to warn him, so that he saved himself there more than once or twice." I accidentally omitted the word "there".
I refer to Syria as "he" at one point. I meant "they". Syria is not an individual but rather a nation.
I accidentally said, "Elijah" a number of times when it clearly should've been "Elisha".
I referenced what Jesus said in John 10:18, but I wanted to include the verse verbatim here: "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father."
I referenced what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:14, but I wanted to include the verse verbatim here: "And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain."
I accidentally said "Romans 6:26". The correct reference was Romans 6:23.

36. Wisdom series: Jethro's advice Apr 15, 2022

Show notes

In this episode we continue to discuss getting wisdom from the Lord, specifically with regard to the topic of prioritization.
Scriptures used:
Exodus 18
Exodus 2:11-22
Exodus 3:1
Deuteronomy 5:1-2
Ephesians 2:8-10
Romans 12:3-8
1 Corinthians 12 (especially verses 12-27)
Acts 2:41
Acts 6:1-7
James 1:27
**CORRECTIONS/CLARIFICATIONS**
I said that Moses saw an Egyptian taskmaster abusing a Hebrew slave. The text doesn't actually indicate that this Egyptian was a taskmaster. Exodus 2:11-12 says, "One day, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his people and looked on their burdens, and he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his people. He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand." I wanted to clarify that the text does not say that the Egyptian was a taskmaster or that the Hebrew was a slave; however, the oppression of the Hebrews is clearly implied by the phrase "and looked on their burdens". Furthermore, it likely was a taskmaster because Exodus 1:11a says, "Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens." But the point remains the same that an Egyptian was beating an oppressed Hebrew.
I mentioned how Horeb and Sinai refer to the same location. I wanted to provide a couple more Scriptures indicating this. Notice in Exodus 19 that the mountain is referred to as Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:11, 18, 20, 23). It is also referred to as Mount Sinai in Exodus 24:16 and 31:18. Then in Exodus 32 the incident with the golden calf happens down in the camp. Referring to this incident, Psalm 106:19 says, "They made a calf in Horeb and worshiped a metal image." Furthermore, Exodus 33:6 says, "Therefore the people of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments, from Mount Horeb onward." These Scriptures (among others) indicate that Horeb and Sinai are the same location.
I mentioned how Jethro spent one night with Moses and then left the next day. The text explicitly states that the next day after he arrived Jethro saw what Moses was doing (Exodus 18:13). Then Jethro offers the advice. Later in the passage Moses applies Jethro's wisdom, and then Jethro departs. It's possible that Jethro remained there even longer than one day. The text simply does not explicitly state that. It could've been one night, or it could've been more. The point is that Jethro came and saw the situation with Moses and seemingly immediately offered his counsel.

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