In this episode, we hear Jesus saying he came for those who need a doctor, which we realize is all of us!

In our passage, we see that people are wanting Paul to defend himself as an apostle but Paul reminds his readers that all they have to do is look at the change he has experienced!

Jesus is questioned about why his disciples don’t fast, and he assures the people his disciples WILL fast when he is gone, but ultimately he is doing something completely new!

In this reading from Hebrews, we are reminded that killing animals doesn’t really take away sin, only God can do that!

In this episode, we see that John the Baptist points some disciples toward Jesus. We see the disciples wanting to know where Jesus was staying and stay with him!

In this episode, we see that the Holy Spirit is already at work in the Ethiopian eunuch’s life. Phillip simply has the opportunity to point the eunuch toward Christ!

In this episode, we hear that through hearing the word, obedience, and ultimately trusting in God we are able to join God in leading others toward Christ!

In this episode, we see Jesus teaching his disciples after his resurrection for 40 days. We also learned that through the Holy Spirit Jesus continues to teach his followers!

In this episode, we see that Paul is encouraging the Galatians to stick with the gospel of faith in Jesus Christ and not the works of the law.

In this reading from Matthew we see that Jesus discourages people from talking about him, but the word gets out anyway.

In this reading from the call of Jeremiah, we learn that God promises to be with us as we minister. We are called to be obedient, whether or not we see “results.”

In this episode, we learn that God’s Spirit is on the move, often in ways we can’t see.

In this episode, we look at the baptism of Jesus and we are encouraged to remember our baptism as well.

In this episode, we hear a psalm of David. David calls his fellow Israelites back to a trust in God, and believes that it is only in their God that joy and peace are found.

In this episode we learn that our faith and trust in Jesus, the Christ ultimately expresses itself as obedience.

In this episode we once again read a familiar theme from 1st John that God’s essence is love!

In this episode, we look at the love that God has for us in Christ and are challenged to follow the example of Christ in giving our lives away!

In this episode we look at the scandalous nature of calling God father and we are reminded of the love God has for us!

In this episode, we examine a famous passage and also the not so famous verse that follows as we look at why Jesus came to earth!

In today’s episode, we examine our deepest desire, to love and be loved. We are encouraged to bring all of ourselves to the God who loves us unconditionally!

Today we look at 1 Corinthians 13 as an example of God’s love and not a to do list.

In this episode we hear Jesus calling us to come to him to find the rest our hearts long for!

Morning Meditations will resume January 1, 2020. Pastor Nate is just taking a short break during the holidays!

On this Christmas Day, we are reminded of the primary purpose Jesus came to this earth- to SAVE us!

In this episode, we are living in the days when we have seen God revealed one Jesus and that in looking at Jesus we see God!

In this reading from Isaiah 9, we hear about the one who is to come to bring Peace to our hearts and ultimately all the earth.

In this episode, we see that the God who is with us is here to save us. We are called to be obedient amidst the chaos!

In this episode, we learn that Christ encompasses the truth of the entire law and the prophets and that in receiving him, we receive real, eternal life!

In this episode, we look at the nature of hospitality and how God has been hospitable to us!

In this episode on the sheep and the goats, we see that the gospel compels is to minister to others because we share the image of God. It also reminds us that giving brings life!

In this episode, we look at the idea that ultimately what happens on the inside of us will work it’s way out!

In this episode, we find that our main aim in this life is to glorify God! Worship therefore becomes central to our lives

When Jesus says blessed are the poor, we realize that it is only by realizing our own poverty that we ultimately learn gratitude and contentment.

In this episode, John the Baptist is questioning whether Jesus is the One. We learn that even when we can’t see it, God is at work!

In today’s episode we learn that a prayer from the heart is powerful.

In this episode, we hear the words of Isaiah reminding Gods people that he is doing a new thing in the middle of the chaos of their lives!

In this episode, we look at Jesus command to become like a child in order to be great in the kingdom of heaven.

In this episode, we learn that doing small things with great love might be the way to see God’s kingdom come!

In this episode, we learn that repentance means pledging our allegiance to the Kingdom of God above all else!

In this episode, we learn to live simply and trust in God.

In this episode, we see that repentance means that we change our mind about how we live in the world.

In this morning meditation, we look at John the Baptist who was humble enough to be content with God’s calling on his life. We also look at our role as those who point people toward Jesus!

In this episode, we see that the God we are waiting for in Advent is a God of peace. We also learned that it is God who will do the work in our lives and not ourselves!

In this episode Paul calls the church our of the deeds of darkness and challenges them to clothe themselves with the light of Christ instead!

In this episode, we look at the new covenant that Christ has brought and we realize that part of being watchful is receiving what Christ has done and giving thanks!

In this episode, we are reminded again to watch but also to pray and allow our will to be conformed to God’s will.

In the season of advent, we are called to be watchmen and women and to also heed the warnings of others who are keeping watch with us!

Today we begin the season of Advent and the big question is, Are You Ready?

In this Thanksgiving episode, we look at why we have reason to give thanks in ALL circumstances!

In this episode, we see that Scripture has been inspired all the way through: in the writing process, as the church was deciding which books to include, and as you and I read scripture as well!

In this meditation, we here the final words of John the revelator and are reminded that, as we anticipate the return of Christ, we have an opportunity to freely receive the water of life!

In this reading from Revelation 21, we are given a picture of the new Jerusalem and challenged to begin dwelling with God today!

In today’s meditation, we learn that just a simple faith and trust in Jesus is all that we need to live in Christ’s Kingdom.

In this episode, we hear Jesus tell us that becoming like a child is necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven!

In this episode, we look at the idea the difficulty and persecution often reveal when there our faith is genuine.

In this episode, we see in the book of Hebrews that Christ dealt with sin once and for all!

Today we see that Jesus tells his disciples about the many signs that will occur before his return, but the call for the disciple is to not be alarmed and persevere until the end amidst the chaos of the world!

In this reading from 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the issue of food sacrificed to idols and he instructs the church to think about their brother or sisters conscience, not just their own!

In this reading from Ephesians, we are called to take off the old ways of living and put on new ways of living because we have found a new identity as children of God.

In this passage Jesus warns his disciples that they will face opposition, but tells them that it will give them opportunity to testify about him!

In this episode, Jesus calls his followers to be alert because the kingdom is among them and they might miss it!

In this reading from 2 Thessalonians, the church is being commended for their faith and their love. We learn to pray for one another that we may have power to live the gospel!

In this episode from Romans 1, we hear about our tendency toward sin, but we are reminded of the Grace of Christ!

In this reading from John, we see the religious leaders upset because of Jesus claiming to be equal to God. We are challenged to ask ourselves what we believe!

In this episode from the book of 2John, the church is told to avoid those who deny Jesus is God in the flesh.

In this reading from 2nd Peter, Peter is telling the church to hold onto the teachings of Jesus and continue to Follow Jesus!

In this episode, Jesus addresses the Sadducees about the resurrection.

In this episode we see that Jesus refuses to get caught up in arguments that yield no real fruit!

In this morning’s meditation, we see that Paul is before the governor Felix. We learn that when we choose to do God’s will, we can have confidence because we know that ultimately we answer to God alone.

In this reading from Acts we see that opposition arises to what God is doing in the life of the church and Paul takes the brunt of that opposition!

In this episode, we see Jesus tell a parable before he is about to ride into Jerusalem about people who reject the king.

In this reading from Jude, we see that God’s mercy is not meant to be a license to sin.

In this difficult passage about sexuality, Paul calls the church to the practice of a better sexual ethic.

In this story about Zacchaeus, we can find ourselves in one of several place in the story. The question is if we will be a child of Abraham?

In this reading from John, we see that what makes us children of Abraham is not our bloodline, but trusting and believing God!

In this episode, we see that in Luke’s “Sermon on the Plain” there is a great reversal that includes both economic systems.

In this episode, we see that God comforts us in our times of suffering so that we are able to comfort others!

In this meditation, we learn that what matters is not what we say, but what we do.

In this reading from 1 Peter, we look at the role of humility in the faith and we learn to cast our cares on Jesus.

In this episode, we hear from 1st Peter that suffering for the gospel should be expected while suffering because of our sin should be avoided.

Two people went up to the temple to pray. One went home justified because of his cry for mercy.

In this reading we look at the Magnificat and see that Mary is part of the great reversal of God’s Kingdom and that we are called to participate in this great reversal as well!

In this reading from 2 Timothy, we learn that Timothy is to expect resistance for preaching a gospel that goes against the grain of his society. He is also encouraged to remember the teaching he received from his mother, grandmother, and Paul as well.

In this episode, we see Paul warning Timothy about any gospel that doesn’t bring about transformation in those who adhere to it!

In this episode, we look at Jesus in the garden and see the perfect example of obedience to the father. We also see ourselves in the disciples who failed to pray. Ultimately, may our prayer be the God’s will is done in our life and not our own!

In this reading from James 5, we are called to be patient and endure, and that the Lord who is full of compassion and mercy waits with us.

In this episode, the church is called to a different way of living and a different way of acting towards one another!

In this episode, we hear that we are to live in ways that being life and light to the world and not remain in darkness.

In this reading from James, we realize that we are not promised tomorrow. Therefore, we should do the good God has called us to do today!

Today we read Psalm 39 and realize that our hope is not in our own willpower or in our possessions, but in God alone!

In this episode, we hear Psalm 100 which reminds us to give thanks and praise to God because he is good and faithful!

In this episode we look at the transforming grace of God that, not only reconciles is to God, but makes us ambassadors for God in the world!

In this episode, we learn from the psalms that knowing that our days are numbered brings wisdom.

In this reading from Ecclesiastes, we learn that the secret to a good life is learning to trust God for the time and place we are today and enjoy the work we are given to do!

In this meditation we see Saul who went from knowing about God to hearing God’s voice!

In this reading, we learn about the wisdom of the Spirit and having the mind of Christ!

In this reading from 1 John, we realize that when we put our faith in Christ, the end result is obedience!

In this meditation we learn that the Spirit prays for us when we don’t know what to pray. We trust that our desire to please God does in fact please God!

In this famous passage about bringing our requests before God, we see that the underlying understanding that leads us to present our requests to God is that the Lord is near!

In this episode we learn that we are called to discern between true and false teaching as the Spirit leads us both as individuals and as a church and as we evaluate our lives to see if they are becoming more loving!

In this meditation, we hear the word of the Lord through Isaiah and are reminded that even in desert places, God is bringing life!

In this reading from 1 Peter, we are encouraged to trust God rather than our own abilities and to cast our worries, fears and anxiety on God who will then strengthen us!

In this episode, Jesus talks about the end of the temple and the world. We are encouraged to live alert, trusting God for whatever may come.

Jesus is questioned about why he doesn’t wash his hands and he points the Pharisee to the understanding that it is what is inside a person that makes them unclean!

In this episode, we examine the parable of the sower and learn that, not only should our hearts be good soil, but that we also should scatter seeds of the word everywhere, never knowing where something might sprung up!

In this passage from Luke 12, we are five. The warning that what is on the inside of our hearts will eventually be shown for what it is and we are encouraged to confess rather than conceal.

In this episode, we hear Jesus restating the command of murder to include even hatred, and we realize that this is more than another law.

In this episode we learn that replacing worry with trust and prayer allows us to release our concerns to God and finally be at peace!

In this episode, we see that when we realize God is all we have, we find God is all we need!

In this episode, we see two kinds of wisdom and we are called to seek wisdom that bring peace and not division.

In today’s episode, we examine the story of Jesus healing a man who has been crippled his entire life.

In this reading, we realize that there are some things that we need to “put on” in our struggle against the principalities and powers of evil in our world!

In this episode, we find that trusting in the wisdom of God helps us find the path that leads to life!!

In this episode, Paul reminds Timothy of the Gospel he has received by grace and also challenges him to entrust himself to God.

Today, we hear Jesus teaching about putting his words into practice, and how this creates a strong foundation for our lives!

In this episode, we hear Jesus encouraging Martha to choose worship over busy-ness.

In this episode, we learn that Jesus was tempted in every way that we are and did not sin. So we are not alone, Jesus understands our temptation!

In this episode we hear Jesus saying that those who follow him must take up a cross and follow him, surrendering their will to His.

In this episode, we witness Peter’s failure on the night of Jesus death. We realize that even though Peter failed miserably, with Jesus, failure is never final!

In this reading from James, we realize that we can consider it joy when our faith is tested, because that is the only way we grow deep roots!

In this episode we learn that Jesus has the opportunity to short-circuit the cross and drew upon scripture to resist!

In this episode, we learn that God will always provide a way out of temptation when we call on him!

In this episode, we see that Jesus is constantly nudging us towards faith!

In this episode, we learn that it was Abraham’s faith that was credited as righteousness, not any observance of the law

In this reading, we see that some of Jesus’ disciples are having a hard time with Jesus teaching and begin to desert him. When Jesus asks the 12 if they want to leave to, they respond by saying, “Where else could we go?”

In this episode, God visits Abraham and tells him that Sarah will have a son. Sarah learns that nothing is too hard for the Lord!

In this episode we learn that spending time in prayer and putting our faith in Christ are two essential elements of being a follower of Christ!

In this reading from Hebrews, the writer urges followers of Christ to draw near to God because Christ has made the most holy place accessible!

In today’s reading we see that a Centurion comes to Jesus in humility and trusting that his servant would be healed at Jesus’ command. We are challenged to learn to humble ourselves and trust Christ today!

In this episode, we learn that entering through the narrow gate is about knowing Christ rather than trying harder!

In this episode, we see Jesus calling his disciples and we realize the simple nature of being a disciple of Christ.

In this episode we see that following Jesus means taking up a cross, and Jesus warns his followers not to lose their soul in gaining the world!

In this meditation, we look at three examples of people who give excuses about following Jesus.

In this reading we see that Jesus surrenders to the will of the Father and is patient with his disciples who fall asleep in his hour of need.

In this episode, we hear Jesus being accused of casting our demons by the prince of demons. Jesus argues that a house divided against itself will not stand, and we learn that ultimately purity of heart is to Will one thing!

In this reading Jesus is teaching Nicodemus and he uses the story of Moses lifting a serpent up in the wilderness as an analogy to Jesus being lifted up on a cross.

In this reading, we learn that God has chosen us and that NOTHING can separate us from God’s love!

In this reading from 1 Peter, we learn that no matter our role in the faith community, it is through humility and trust that we are strengthened as disciples.

In this episode, Paul urges the Philippian church to understand themselves as citizens of heaven first and foremost!

In this episode from Nehemiah 6, we realize that whenever we are seeking to do the things God has called us to do, that we may face opposition. Even though we may be tempted to despair and give up, maybe a better prayer to pray is “Lord, strengthen my hands!”

In this reading from 1 Corinthians, Paul is warning his readers to learn from Israel’s mistakes and promises them that God will be faithful to them even in the times of testing.

In this reading from Genesis 22, we see that Abraham exercises his faith through trust and obedience!

In this reading from Hebrews 11, we hear that faith is really shown to be faith when we can’t see how things might work out!

In this episode, Paul is talking about people whose “god is there stomach” and whose “glory is in their shame.” He calls followers of Christ to live as citizens of heaven!

In those reading from Matthew 4, we learn that there are things that sustain us that are great than food!

In this episode we see that Moses’ fast leads to an encounter with God where his face reflects the radiance of God!

In this episode we see Jesus in the wilderness choosing to feast on God’s word instead of give in to those things that often exercise control in our lives!

In this reading from the sermon on the mount, we hear Jesus warning his disciples not to draw attention to their fasting.

In this reading, we see that Jesus’ disciples are not fasting. Jesus says that they will, but that the new thing he is doing will bring about a new way of even fasting.

In this episode, we see that Jesus is more concerned about doing the work of God than even eating. We also learn that others have gone before us and that God is working around us, which means that harvest time is NOW!

In this episode, we hear some final admonition to the Thessalonian Church and we discover that it is ultimately God who sanctifies. We are then invited to respond!

In this episode, we look at the Role of Ananias and discover that God sees the potential in even the Sauls of our world.

In this episode, we examine the relationship of David and Jonathan and realize that the life of faith is one that is best lived in Community!

In this reading from Philippians, Paul lifts up two examples who are noteworthy simply because their lives look like Jesus!

In this episode we examine the book of Philemon and discover that the gospel breaks through social constructs and makes us brothers and sisters in Christ!

In this reading from 1 Timothy, we hear the qualifications of leaders while maintaining a balance between qualifications and legalism.

In this reading, Jesus washes his disciples feet and teaches them that service is the way of the Kingdom of God.

In this reading we hear the beginning of Luke’s Gospel and we are challenged to believe his account of who Jesus is!

Today, we look at the story of the shepherds and the Angels and we realize that God often shows up in the midst of the ordinary.

In this reading from 1 Chronicles, we are ushered into a scene where the Ark of the Covenant is being brought to Jerusalem and David sings a psalm that remembers God's faithfulness and calls God's people to be faithful to the covenant that God established with their forefathers.

In this episode, Paul is letting the Corinthian know that he is not only writing about the faith but will live it out before them when he is present with them. We are challenged to live out what we know as well...

In this meditation, we hear Paul reminding his readers that our own frailty and weakness only serves to reveal the power of God that is at work in us in the New Creation.

In this reading from Jeremiah, we learn that the one who trusts in the Lord will be like a well watered tree!

In this episode on the armor of God, we look at the idea that we care called to put on some things as Christians.

In their episode we read a letter from Paul that admonishes Timothy to stick to the teaching he has learned and to realize that scripture has everything he needs to live the Christian life

In this meditation, we see Jesus accusing The religious leaders of refusing to listen to the testimony from John, from the Father and even from Moses through the scriptures. We are challenged to allow the word of God sink into our bones as we seek to listen to the testimony about Jesus in the text.

In this reading from 2nd Peter, we realize that God has given us everything we need for godliness.

In this meditation, we realize that the laws of God are not far from us, they are actually written on our hearts.

In this episode, we look at a scripture from 1 Peter that encourages the Church to “Be Holy because I am Holy.”

In this reading from Hebrews, we see that the Word of God has the power to unmask us, but that what we find in a savior who is our great high priest and offers us mercy instead of judgement!

In this meditation we learn that it is by continuing in the word (through obedience) that we are ultimately set free!

In this episode, we are encouraged to seek wisdom. We learn that ultimately God is the giver of all wisdom, so it is in finding God that we find wisdom and are led in ways of LIFE!

In this meditation from Luke 8, we learn that eventually everything inside makes its way outside. So ultimately we need a transformation of the heart!

In this reading from Psalm 119, we hear once again that the law is for our good and that it is through allowing God to be our teacher that we move from the letter to the Spirit of the Law.

In this reading from 2nd Peter 1, we learn that God has given us the power to live lives of godliness and that it is through participation in the divine nature that we ultimately are able to love!

In this episode we hear the command to the king to listen and obey to the words of God as the leader of the people.

In this meditation from 1 Timothy, we see Paul encouraging Timothy to devote himself to the reading of scripture, preaching and teaching. In this way, both he and his hearers will be saved.

In this meditation from Philippians 4, Paul tells the church to focus on the good and to put the teachings they have heard and seen modeled into practice.

In this meditation, we see Jesus at odds with the religious leaders because they want to look good in front of other people instead of caring about what God cares about!

In this meditation from Joshua, we see that Joshua is being called to trust God. To be strong and courageous knowing that God was going to be with him!

In Psalm 109, we are reminded that in meditating on the law of God the psalmist finds real life. We are challenged to meditate on God's law so that we can live in life-giving ways!

In this reading from Deuteronomy, the nation of Israel is reminded to Love the LORD with all their hearts and to love the widow, orphan and stranger in their midst. The reminder is that their very existence comes from God and so they should treat people graciously- the way God has treated them!

Today we look at the parable of the rich man and Lazarus and we learn that today we have the opportunity to hear God and to obey in tangible ways!

In this reading from Colossians, we hear the admonition of Paul for the church to make the most of its interactions with those outside the faith.

In this reading from Ecclesiastes, we learn that if we can fight our culture's obsessive denial of death, we might just find life on the other side.

In this reading from 1 Timothy, we learn that we are called to pray for our leaders, and that when we pray together we should be unified. This echoes the teaching of Jesus in the sermon on the Mount.

In this reading from Hebrews, we learn that Jesus is interceding for us. We also see that Jesus' High Priesthood is not based on bloodline, but on his obedience to God. In this obedience, Jesus becomes both sacrifice and high priest.

In this meditation, we learn that God has predestined us to be conformed into the image of Christ and that nothing can separate us from the love of God. It might be just our unwillingness to receive God’s love that keeps us from everything God wants for us!

In this reading from 1 Thessalonians 5, we learn some simple ways to live in God’s will for us!

In Psalm 106, we learn the practice of confessing our corporate sins before God and trusting that God is merciful and that God's love brings transformation in our lives as we confess our sins to our Creator.

In this reading from 1 Samuel, we learn that we are called to both trust God to be our Lord and take responsibility to pray for those within our charge.

In this episode, we see Moses pleading Israel’s case before God and we learn that we too can intercede for friends and family before the Lord.

In this reading from 1 John, we are called to pray for our brothers and sisters who fall into sin, being reassured that we are children of God! We learn to pray for one another in our brokenness.

In this reading from John 14, we are assured that we have whatever we ask when we ask in Jesus’ name.

In this meditation, we learn from Abraham to pray for even those places in our city that might seem like lost causes...

In this famous passage from James on prayer, we see that, while we often focus on healing, the book of James might be instructing us to pray MORE and believe that God can do all things!

In this teaching of Jesus, we see that God wants to give good things to those who ask him!

In this reading from the first chapter of Colossians, we learn ways that we can pray for the people around us!

In this meditation we hear Paul’s reminder that the Thessalonians are constantly being prayed for and we are encouraged to have people that we constantly pray for as well.

In this episode that culminates a week about confession, we see that when we turn towards God in confession, God is merciful towards us!

In this simple proverb, we find that confessing our sins helps us find mercy, but concealing them brings chaos in our lives.

In this episode, we hear three verses from Nehemiah where the people of God seek to live faithfully to the covenant after exile by focusing on scripture, confession, and worship together!

In this passage in Leviticus, we hear that even when the worst happens to Israel in the exile, if they will confess, God will remember the covenant he made with their ancestors!

In this reading from Romans we learn that it is not our outward following of the law that saves us but believing and trusting in Jesus!

In this passage from Hosea, we learn that, much like a marriage covenant, it matters that we are faithful to God in the way we love each day!

In this episode, we hear from the book of first John that once we have been set free from sin, we shouldn’t return to sin. Also, we learn that obedience is the result of our experience of the love of God!

In this episode, we learn from Mary’s song that God’s kingdom is one in which the humble and hungry are filled with good things and the rich go away empty.

In this episode, we hear the words to the church at Ephesus to return to their first love!

In this reading from Job, we learn that it might be in our most difficult times that we get a new vision of who God is!

In their episode we hear the words from first Peter that call us to faithfulness in the midst of suffering. It is in these times that our faith is shown to be “pure.”

In this episode we look at the creation story and realize that the God of scripture is a god who makes order in our lives that are often chaotic and empty.

In this passage from exile, Israel is reminded that God will be with them in the darkest moments of their lives as a people!

This meditation looks at the heart of the Hebrew commandments, the “Shema.”

In this episode, we learn that when we know the voice of the Good Shepherd and follow that voice, we experience abundant life!

In this meditation we learn that a high view of God leads us to put our trust in God, our refuge. Ultimately, this leads to peace!

In this meditation, we hear wisdom from Proverbs that being silent is better than opening your mouth. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent!

In this episode, we look at Elijah in the midst of a crisis. We realize that God often offers us His presence rather than answers to our questions.

In this episode, we learn that we shouldn’t be hasty to speak before God because this is the sacrifice of fools. Rather, we should humbly understand our limitations before God.

In this meditation we look at James’ words about the power of our tongues for good or for evil!

In this episode we re-examine the passage about opening the door of our heart with the understanding that silence is one of the ways that we open the door to hear God’s voice!

In this episode, we see Jesus at the home of Simon the leper where he is anointed by a woman with alabaster. We also see the religious leaders plotting to kill Jesus. Which type of person will we be?

In this episode, Samuel sets up an Ebenezer (stone of help) to remind him that God had helped him in the past. We also look at the idea of hope where we believe that the God who has been with us in the past will be with us in the future.

In this episode, we hear God telling the Church at Laodicea that their ease and comfort have made them lukewarm. We discuss how understanding our own poverty allows us to have fellowship with God and be God's holy people.

In this meditation, we find the instructions for building the temple. We realize that creating sacred spaces and participating in rituals help shape and form us when they serve to remind us that God is with us!

In this episode we see Jesus transfigured before Peter, James and John and we realize that the correct response to a new revelation of God is obedience!

In this meditation we find Elijah feeling alone and defeated when he hears the gentle whisper of God and is reminded that God is doing more than he knows!

In this episode we look at a famous passage of scripture that might not mean what we think it means!

In today’s meditation we look at the “Jacob’s Ladder” passage. We are challenged to realize that wherever we go as those who have received the Holy Spirit by faith becomes the House of God!

In this meditation we see that Paul is making a case that those who are trying to push Jewish practices on the Gentiles are missing the point. Instead, Paul's conversion came with a direct encounter with Christ, and our transformation will as well!

In this episode, we learn that the battle of our will is often waged in solitude. We see Jesus surrender his will to the Father in the garden and realize that surrendering our will might almost look more like a wrestling match!

In this meditation from Ecclesiastes, we learn that there is a time and a season for everything. We also discover that understanding our own mortality can lead us to receive each day as a gift from our Creator and help us live life to the FULL!

In this episode, we see Jesus Tested I’m the wilderness. We learn that often the true test of our faith comes in times where comfort and ease are stripped away.

In this meditation, we see Jesus’ example of drawing away for time woth the Father in solitude and we realize that we need moments of solitude in our lives as well!

In this meditation, we see Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles offering living water to all who believe in Him!

In this episode, we look at Paul’s picture of the cosmic aspect of the renewal of all things. We are called to wait patiently in hope for our full redemption!

In this meditation on 1 Peter, we see that the Gentiles are being reminded that they are being built into God's temple. They are the place where the presence of God dwells. The people are also called to be a royal priesthood, representing God to those around them!

In this meditation, we look at Mary, who poured out an alabaster jar on Jesus' feet. We learn that there are moments when value systems break down and the things we truly value are brought to light.

In this meditation, we see that true greatness lies in allowing ourselves to become the least. Jesus also encourages his disciples to remember that whoever is not against them is with them. We are challenged to do small things with great love today!

In this episode, we examine Psalm 63 where God finds himself in the wilderness and seeks God in the middle of a dry land. We also learn that we can find joy in the shadow of God's wings.

In this meditation, we look at Paul's letter to the Thessalonians and his desire to count everything else as garbage for the sake of knowing Christ. Even sharing in Christ's sufferings in order to share in Christ's resurrection...

In this passage, the Church is instructed to live differently than the world around them. Part of that difference is to live quiet lives, to mind their own business and to work.

In this episode we see Israel instructed to build an altar to God. We learn that the altar is a reminder that the ways of the peoples around them bring ruin, while the commands bring life!

In this reading from Luke 2, Jesus gets left in the temple. Jesus is willing to listen and be taught, and expects that his parents would know that he would be in his Father’s house. Could the same be said if us?

In this episode, we examine the passage in Romans 12 that calls us to be living sacrifices. We realize that, rather than expecting God to show up in some set aside worship space, we can worship God through the most boring and routine parts of our lives!

In today’s meditation we look at the parable of the talents and we are challenged to place our work as an offering before the Lord!

In this episode, we learn that living in such a way that our life honors God means that we will be ready no matter when Christ should return.

In this episode, we hear John the Baptist’s words to his disciples that Jesus must become greater and he must become less. This would be a great way for us to live as well.

In this episode we look at the parable of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee and realize that we all need mercy when approaching God!

In this meditation we look at the argument of Paul that if we were made right with God through the death of Jesus while we were still sinners, how much more will we be made alive through the resurrection life of the Risen Christ!

In this episode, we look at wisdom and how those who find wisdom find life!

In this episode, we listen to the beginning of the gospel of John. We examine Jesus as the one who “moves into the neighborhood” and come full of grace and Truth!

In this episode, we look at the Ten Commandments and we realize that even the commands in the law point us toward the abundant life that Jesus came to bring!

In this episode, we examine the motivation behind our giving and we realize that as our generosity is a response to God’s generosity to us!

In this episode we look at the greatest commandment and we are reminded that all our other relationships are tied to the main thing, Loving God with our whole heart!

In this episode, we realize that when we come to Jesus, trusting like a child, we can find rest and peace under His yoke.

In the letter to the Ephesians, Paul prays that they might be able to know how expansive the love of God is through the spirit that is at work within them!

In this episode we hear a familiar passage from John 15 about abiding. But today’s meditation focuses on the fact that it is God’s wi that his disciples bear fruit and that we should remember to ask God for what we need!

In this episode, we discover that it is not the observance of rituals, but rather the condition of our heart that makes us “clean” or “unclean.”

In this episode, we realize that, although our humanity is frail, its frailty allows God to receive glory for any good that may come of our lives. Whether or not we become the people we were created to be depends, not on our talents, but our willingness to surrender to the One who makes us whole!

In this reading from John, Jesus encounters Nicodemus who learns that the work Jesus wants to do is a work that is a completely new life that only God can give us!

In this episode, we look at the passage from Isaiah 55 where the people are called to come and drink without cost. It is a passage about the mercy of God, but also a call for the people of God to live in such a way that the Lord is glorified!

In this episode, we look at Job who experiences God in a whole new way during suffering. We are challenged to see God for ourselves, not just know ABOUT God!

In this reading from Jeremiah, we hear the call of God through the prophet Jeremiah to trust God and not mortals. In doing so, God makes us like a tree that is near a stream which always produces fruit because it is constantly receiving from the source!

In this episode, we look at the fact that the only way to discover the true nature of Christianity is to start on the journey. As we travel along this road of life, God's Spirit will conform our mind to the mind of Christ so that we will not live by the values of the current age, but of the age to come. This may seem like foolishness to those around us!

Today we read about the Samaritan woman who Jesus offers “living water,” and discover that Jesus ultimately desires people who will worship him in spirit and in Truth!

In this meditation we look at a passage from Philippians 3 in which Paul says that everything else is a loss compared to knowing Christ!

In this reading from Genesis 32, we realize that seeing the face of God is sometimes just a matter of holding on!

In this episode, we hear Jesus asking who people say that he is? It is a great question for us after Easter. To answer that Jesus is the Christ means that we will deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow!

On this Easter Sunday we look at the difference between knowing the facts about the resurrection and living the resurrection. It is when we really “see” the resurrection as God making all things new, we are invited to allow Christ to make us a new creation!

Today we focus on the quiet darkness of Holy Saturday. It is in this quiet darkness that we examine our own mortality and give thanks for a Savior who loved us even to death on a cross!

Today we look at the interaction between Jesus and Pilate about kingdoms and Truth. We are then challenged to follow a different kind of king who is the Truth!

In this episode, we look at Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. It is the fact that Jesus Knew who he was and why he had come to earth that allowed him to be free to serve. As we understand our identity in Christ, we are free to serve humanity as well.

In this episode we hear from the prophet Isaiah who speaks of a suffering servant who endures suffering. We realize that Jesus ultimately becomes this servant. We also realize that we can endure our suffering knowing that It is in suffering that we encounter God in new and unexpected ways!

In today’s passage from John 12, some Galileans want to see Jesus. We learn that, ultimately, we see Jesus when we look towards the cross!

In this episode, the Psalmist sees God as a Fountain of life. We are challenged to seek this life like those explorers who sacrificed everything to find the Fountain of Youth!

In this episode, we look at Psalm 118, which the people quote when Jesus ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. We are reminded of our own fickleness of heart and of God’s steadfast love!

Today’s reading from Luke 22 looks at the plot of Judas and the Passover. It is a call for us to be willing to be honest about our own darkness and welcome the freedom from the Passover lamb, Jesus!

In this episode, we look at a couple verses in Isaiah 54 which remind us that throughout the history of Israel and the history of mankind that God's love has been steadfast and faithful to his people. Ultimately, Christ on the cross is a vivid picture of the steadfast love that God has for each of us!

In the book of Hebrews 2, we are challenged to avoid drifting away from the message of the gospel that everything has been put under Chrtist's feet because he took the way of suffering and death, dying for all of us!

In this episode, Jesus tells the disciples his upcoming fate, and they can’t even comprehend it. Today we are reminded that The Spirit if Christ will help us when we don’t fully understand what it means to follow a suffering Messiah. Just keep following!

In this meditation on 1 John 2: 18-28, we hear the words to the early church to avoid being drawn in by the teachings ran run counter to Christ. (Antichrists) Instead, the Church is called to abide in Christ and thereby have confidence when Christ appears!

In this episode, we look at some verses from Hebrew 10 that encourage us to draw near to God, to encourage one another along the journey, and to not give up on meeting together. There is something about meeting with our brothers and sisters in Christ that encourages us on in our journey of faith.

The meditation today is a Psalm of Ascent. It was sung on the way to the temple in Jerusalem. It remembers how God has acted in the past and calls upon God to act in the future!

In this episode, Jesus is forced to live in the outskirts of town near the wilderness because there is a plot to kill him. We look at the wilderness as a place where we can learn to trust God for everything we need!

In this episode, we look at the church at Philippi and its members who are about to be reunited with their brother in Christ, Epaphroditus who has been sick. This passage gives us a glimpse into the joy that can be found in journeying together even when the circumstances are not ideal!

In this episode, we look at Paul's words about Timothy as one who seeks the interests of Christ and not like those who seek after their own interests. In a day where people still often seek after their own interests, the season of Lent calls us to re-examine our motivations.

Today’s meditation is about trusting the God of abundance, even when you aren’t sure about the situation you find yourself in!

In this episode we look at the importance of being a part of a worshipping community. We also discuss the temptation to worship other things instead of God.

In this meditation we read from Revelation 19 and we realize that the powers that be in our world will ultimately now to our Lord and that the church is called to be like a bride preparing for her wedding day!

In this episode, we look at the Parable of the Lost Son, realizing that it might be more about the Pharisees and Teacher’s of the law being the older brother.

In this episode we look at Psalm 32 that reminds us that the true way to a joyful life is to confess our transgressions and find forgiveness, peace and joy in God!

In today's meditation, we look at the fact that it is ultimately the Love of Christ that compels us to live our lives, not for ourselves, but for Christ. It is in experiencing the Love of Christ that we love those around us.

In this episode we hear the words of Paul from 2 Corinthians that remind us that, while our body is passing away, we are being renewed inwardly day by day!

In today's meditation, we hear Jesus' parables about the kingdom of God being like mustard seeds and yeast. When we surrender to the will of Christ, God's kingdom begins to take root in our life and change the way we think about the world and the way we live in the world. God's kingdom begins to take over our lives, our communities, and eventually our cities.

In today's meditation, we read a Psalm of David in which David considers the brevity of life. Today we look at the idea that life is short, and that we should live each day to the fullest and listen for God's leading in our lives.

Today's meditation is from Romans 2, where Paul is talking about our tendency to judge others. Paul assures the Church that God does not show favoritism and that the kindness of God should lead us to repentance.

In this episode, we hear a call to the people of God who have been through exile. It is a call to come and drink and eat food that does not spoil. But there is a warning in the passage to seek the Lord while he may be found. Lent is a great season to seek God, trusting that God's ways are higher than our ways!

This short little passage from Luke has a simple message- Good trees bear good fruit, and bad trees bear bad fruit. We look at the idea that whatever is on the inside ultimately comes out. Lent is a great time for us to examine our lives and see what kind of fruit we are producing and then ask God, our gardener, to prune and till the soil of our lives so that we can produce the fruit of the Spirit!

In this meditation we look at the word of the Lord to the church at Sardis. Although they have a reputation for being alive, they are dead. The call of God is for them to hear the word of the Lord, repent, and obey. We are called to do the same on this day!

Today we look at Psalm 63 where the Psalmist sees God as his ultimate desire. It brings up the question of our ultimate desires and the things that compete for our desires. And what do we do when we find our desire for God waning?

In this morning meditation, we look at one of Jesus parables about the banquet table. Many who presume to be in are left out, and many who might be thought to be left out get in. We learn that in striving for the narrow way, we are not earning our salvation, but rather placing our focus SOLEY upon Christ and his Kingdom!

In this episode, we read a passage from 1 Corinthians 10. We look at the idea that all of us endure testing and temptation and that it is in drawing near to Christ that we are able to resist temptation and live in life-giving ways!

Today's meditation is from Exodus 33 after the people's failure at the golden calf. Moses pleads for the people, the people repent, and God is faithful to go with them on their journey to the Promised Land. We find that, no matter the depth of our sin, when we turn towards God, God is faithful to be present with us!

Today we read Psalm 27 in which David chooses to seek the presence of the Lord in the midst of the trials of life. Today we learn that it is often in the waiting that we realize that God is right there with us and that God often used the waiting to transform us!

Today we read from Psalm 118, which is the Psalm that is quoted by the crowds on Palm Sunday. This meditation reflects on the fact that Jesus is often a very different kind of king than what we expect. We are challenged to lay aside our presuppositions about Jesus' kingdom and live into the type of kingdom Jesus is bringing into the world!

In the text today, Paul encourages his listeners to imitate him. He calls on followers of Christ to follow him in living in the way of the cross, and not be like those whose "God is their stomach and their glory is in their shame." Ultimately, during lent, we are called to name the sin that keeps us from being kingdom people so that we may pray as Christ taught us- "Your Kingdom Come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven."

Today we examine the words of Paul in Philippians chapter 3, where he considers all his previous attempts at righteousness to be rubbish. We learn that it is in knowing Christ through faith that we are made righteous, and ultimately end up living in right ways as we draw nearer to the heart of God.

In this episode, we read the beginning of the book of Job. Job teaches us that the worship of God is not dependent on what God gives us, but rather who God is!

The reading for today from 2nd Peter 2:4-21 describes a people who have lost their way and fallen into all kinds of sin. The words from the writer are harsh. Today's meditation reminds us that ultimately even the harsh words in scripture are to lead us back to relationship with God!

Today we look at a Psalm of Lament that reminds us that God wants us to be honest about our anger and frustration, even with our enemies. The amazing thing we find is that when we leave our enemy in God's hands, we open ourselves up to the potential of loving our enemies as God transforms us!

Today we read a passage from Deuteronomy that reminds the Israelites that everything they have is a gift from God. We North Americans could stand to hear this reminder as well. Remembering everything is a gift should then lead God's people to be generous towards God and toward those around them, especially the vulnerable populations like aliens, widows and orphans.

In today's meditation, we are reminded by the writer of Ecclesiastes that there is a time and a season for Everything. The challenge for us is to refrain from always looking toward a different time and realize that God is with us even in the worst of times. It might even be in these times that we grow the most.

In this episode we look at the story of Moses and how soul crushing circumstances can sometimes keep us from seeing the freedom that God wants to give us!

In this episode, we look at a Psalm of Protection and realize that our lives are in God's hands. The call of God's people is to trust God to be all that we need in any given circumstance!

Today we begin the journey of Lent. In this podcast we discus the fact that our fasting often is concerned about how God sees us, but our fasting should open our eyes to how God sees the world!

In this first episode, we look at what we hope to accomplish with this podcast and invite listeners to join us beginning Ash Wednesday, March 6th!