Podcasts

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! This is our Back to School special episode! Even if school is not a part of your life, consider this a Back to Reality message for all of us transitioning from Summer into the Fall. We have travelled, enjoyed the season, loosened up on bed time and morning alarm time. In some ways it may mean a bit of a fall off in the excel still more development. But fear not, Fall is coming. It is a Return to Routine! We get to put some things back in place to counter any time of disorder that Summer has given risen to (some of which w

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Podcast Aug 22, 2019

Ep. 62 - Your Three Circles

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! We all have to deal with negative thoughts and potentially dangerous little lusts that pop up in our head. If you are waiting on those to go away in order to build a better life... well, it just will never work out like you plan. It's not about eliminating negative internal injury or temptations. It's about HOW you choose to deal with them. The way we process internal issues directly connects to how we manifest those things in real life. In this episode we talk about a 3 Ring Poor way to process these things - leading to

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Podcast Aug 22, 2019

Episode 29 - "It's a Trap!"

Believe in Jesus’ Power to Raise the Dead We have big questions on our minds, as death looms over this week’s passages. Questions like: How can we put God in a box, even when we trust him in the big stuff? Does the famously brief verse, “Jesus wept,” display Christ’s humanity or his deity? And Jesus Said he holds the keys to Hades in Revelation 1:17-18, but what does that mean for us? Throughout our seventh “Here’s Your Sign” segment, we consider how the raising of Lazarus should affect our view of death. It’s heavy stuff, but we think you’ll find it worth your while to join us! The Big Idea:

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Podcast Aug 20, 2019

The Servant. The Babylon Bee. "My pleasure." The Resistance.

Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you! I’ve been preaching … about the servant. Isaiah 53 shows us what the true servant of God looks like. Fair warning — you won’t like what you see. I’ve been reading … Some people actually believe the Babylon Bee. Maybe instead of blaming the news, or fake news, outlets, we should put the blame where it belongs — on the readers. I’ve been hearing … “My Pleasure” at Chick fil-A. Does the culture create the behavior, or does the culture create itself simply by existing as an option for like-minded individuals? I’ve been playing … The Resist

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Podcast Aug 19, 2019

Ep. 61 - Let's Talk Frogs

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! 50 Episodes ago we talked about "Eat That Frog." Well, let's catch up on that 25 weeks later. Are you still knocking out annoying things, one per day, as early in the day as possible? I've been at it since February. I want to share how that has gone, some of the specific things accomplished, and it's affect on my life and even my family! If this is not something you have tried before, we want this episode to get you going! When we take control of each day, including a morning frog, it sets the done for a well spaced day,

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Podcast Aug 15, 2019

Ep. 60 - Plugging the Hole

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! Guess how many holes it takes to sink a boat? Yep. Just one. More importantly, one hole left unfixed will do the damage. It would be nice in life if there were never any holes in our boat. If we could just float along excelling still more and have no issues. Such is just not to be. The question is - are you willing to go about plugging that hole. And instead of being upset that it is there, learn to be thankful that its just a small hole and not something more. Let's talk about that today and make some application to your

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Podcast Aug 15, 2019

Episode 28 - "Knowing Is Half the Battle"

Be Confident Yet Moldable Whatta ya know? This week we take on a “Heavy Word” for “knowing,” and ask: How important is the difference between what we know and what we think we know? We get an answer when a “mic-drop” moment from a healed blind man leads to a childish moment from some Jews, in part six of our “Here’s Your Sign” series. And what Jesus Said in John 21:15-17 challenges, heals, and commissions Peter to serve others. Push play and let’s dive into the Word together! The Big Idea: It’s easy to find ways to confirm our convictions, but we establish Biblical faith by following the evide

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Podcast Aug 13, 2019

Conscience. Moral facts. Beethoven's 3rd. Isle of Skye.

Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you! I’ve been preaching … about how our conscience is not our guide. God’s word is our guide. It is never wrong, and our conscience often is. I’ve been reading … about moral facts, and whether they exist. Our children are being taught that they do not, and that explains a great deal about children today. I’ve been hearing … Beethoven’s 3rd symphony, the Eroica. It’s a story about heroes — the ones who let you down, and the ones who push through adversity and achieve greatness. I’ve been playing … Isle of Skye. My preconceptions were keepin

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Podcast Aug 12, 2019

Ep. 59 - Eternity and Today

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! In C.S. Lewis's famous book, The Screwtape Letters, demons discuss how to win a Christian back to sin. A major point of emphasis is the need to get him dwelling on the unchangeable past and the uncontrollable future! These will keep his attention from the two things that are real, certain, guaranteed: Eternity and Today! God knows you need to consider what happened. God knows you need to plan for next week. But too much time spent on that will rob you of the great things He wants for your life. We discuss how to spend muc

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Podcast Aug 8, 2019

Ep. 58 - Five Love Languages

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! In 1992, Gary Chapman wrote the book, "The Five Love Languages." Do you remember what they are? What would you say are your top two love languages? What about your spouse? This episode explores what is possible when we identify what pleases the other person, how they comprehend and acknowledge love, and then share with them in that way. We'll also talk about communicating on this topic after showing love, and also how these principles and NOT just for marriage. You can use it in many relationships. - What are "The Five Lo

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Podcast Aug 8, 2019

Episode 27 - "Fear Sandwich"

“It was a dark and stormy night…” As we begin part five of our “Here’s Your Sign” series, a moment of life-or-death peril at sea meets one of history’s most fantastic miracles. Starting with what Jesus Said about fear in Luke 12:4-7, we try to understand the times we pass through the waters. Weekly Challenge: Memorize a powerful verse to help you overcome fearful situations. Show Notes Jesus Said … Luke 12:4-7 How To Talk To Yourself (Part 3) by Ryan Joy (SERMON) Through the Fire by Ryan Joy (SERMON) Overcoming Fear by Ryan Joy (SERMON)

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Podcast Aug 6, 2019

Submitting to brethren. Aaron Burr. Racist brethren. Game cafes.

Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you! I’ve been preaching … about submitting. Any Christian can form an opinion based on the Bible; it takes a special breed to know when to let it go. I’ve been reading …Fallen Founder, by Nancy Isenberg. Maybe there really is another side to the Aaron Burr story, but a book like this one isn’t likely to convince me. I’ve been hearing … there’s a racism problem in the Lord’s church. I don’t doubt it’s true. But I doubt the best solution is to label thousands of strangers as racists. I’ve been playing … in game cafes. Play for hours on end i

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Podcast Aug 5, 2019

Ep. 57 - Is It Me?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! Let's talk about a story from the 1800's, where a tragic crisis arose. A man tried to fix it: he changed everything and everyone around him, to no avail. Finally, one day, he asked the fateful question: "Is it me?" It was. And with just a small personal adjustment, many lives were saved! How many of us go through the blame cycle of other people, situations and circumstances, without every realized that maybe I am the one who can change and make the most difference. This episode does not suggest that every problem is 100%

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Podcast Aug 1, 2019

Ep. 56 - Seven Billion Dollars

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! Seven billion dollars is a whole lot of money! For most of us, it is next level inconceivable really. Could you imagine what it would be like to have that much money... in debt? What if you owed it to someone. Would you just give up on life? Would you beg for mercy? Let's talk about how that connects to Jesus. And, just as importantly, how Jesus' compassion upon us should be living in our lives. The ESM journey is about taking in from the love of Christ and then letting that love live through you more and more each day! -

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Podcast Aug 1, 2019

Episode 26 - "Eat It!"

Weird episode alert! This week we’re tackling Jesus’ challenging words about eating his body during that Passover meal in Luke 22:19-20. We see similar language after he miraculously feeds 5000 in our “Here’s Your Sign” segment. After sharing a few “Deep Thoughts” about his ability to create abundance out of nothing, we talk about how Jesus is EVERYTHING. Hang on tight … difficult words ahead! Weekly Challenge: Figure out where you’re lacking and ask God for an abundance. Show Notes Jesus Said … Luke 22:19-20 Jesus Feeds 5000 People (VIDEO) What's In Your Basket by Bryan Schiele (SERMON)

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Podcast Jul 30, 2019

Wasted grace. ICR.org. Gilroy. Golf.

Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you! I’ve been preaching … about wasted grace. Hezekiah is a great example of faith, but he’s also an example of how we can squander the greatest gift we could ever receive. I’ve been reading …ICR.org. If you want information about harmonizing Biblical teaching with actual scientific data, this is a great website to visit. I’ve been hearing … about another mass shooting, this one in Gilroy, Calif. We are sure to hear an abundance of theories as to who the real villain is. Me, I vote for the shooter. I’ve been playing … golf. God gave us a b

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Podcast Jul 29, 2019

Ep. 55 - Sailing Off Course

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! It is great to set your course and stay on it. Deciding on goals and pursuing them, no matter what, can really bring great results! There are lots of cool Olympian stories of athletes who were big winners, because they wouldn't give up. Some were losers, but they never took their eye off the finish line. However, sometimes it isn't about reaching the finish line. Sometimes it is more courageous to sail off course. Let me tell you a story of a Canadian Sailor in the 1988 Olympics who did just that. And it took more heart t

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Podcast Jul 25, 2019

Ep. 54 - After the Cheers

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! We all love to be appreciated. Most of us enjoy accolades and cheers for what we do. But really life isn't fueled by that, or is it? If we feed off of support as a means to carry on, what will we do when the crowds stop cheering? Are you equipped to have a deeper purpose than recognition by others? And if this is something you have struggled with, what can you do to build stronger resolve, and maybe even receive a few more cheers? Let's look at the heart of integrity and how it can beat strongly with or without applause.

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Podcast Jul 25, 2019

Episode 25 - "What Do You Want?"

What do you want? What Jesus Said to Mary in John 20:14-16 kicks off an episode all about what we’re seeking. We dive into the question he asked a paralytic in part two of our miracles series, “Here’s Your Sign.” And then we take on the “Heavy Words” for “seek” and “want,” recognizing their significance in John’s gospel and our lives. We hope you’re as challenged and edified by Jesus’ words as we were in this week’s conversation! Weekly Challenge: Make a list of what you want and identify how they line up with God’s desires. Show Notes Bible Geeks Daily Download Jesus Said … John 20:14-16 Ordi

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Podcast Jul 23, 2019

Episode 16: Kris Emerson and Reagan McClenny visit.

Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you! For this special episode of Citizen of Heaven, I am pleased to share with you my conversation with my friends Kris Emerson and Reagan McClenny. Kris preaches for the Lindale church of Christ in Lindale, Texas. He is the host of the popular Excel Still More podcast. Subscribe at https://excelstillmore.life/. Reagan preaches for the Timberland drive church of Christ in Lufkin, Texas. You can hear his sermons by subscribing to the Timberland Drive podcast and through their website: https://www.timberlandchurch.org/. Kris and Reagan help o

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Podcast Jul 22, 2019

Ep. 53 - Make Giving Easy

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! This year I have become convinced of two things, beyond a doubt. Firstly, Christians are to be Givers. We ought to be the most generous, helpful, service-filled people on this earth! Secondly, habits take wisdom to put into place. You can't just get good at something. You have to lay out a course of action in order to see results. SO... what if we let both ideas come together? I think we can! We can become better givers by applying simple, proven habit building tactics! Let's look at how! - How to recognize the Biblical d

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Podcast Jul 18, 2019

Ep. 52 - Change or Accept

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks! We all have issues in our lives. You know, things we don't like, troubles, problems, stress producers. However, we do not have to let bad situations rob us of our peace as children of God. Prayers are helpful. But they won't be enough. Life will push itself back in between you and God. If you want to see things be at peace, you must examine three words: CHANGE OR ACCEPT. We will run through a series of questions you should ask when something undesirable is in your path. We will look at several examples, maybe ones that hi

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Podcast Jul 18, 2019

Episode 24 - "Incognito Miracles"

When your child’s illness takes a turn for the worst, how do you cope, and could anything pull you from their bedside? This week, we continue our series on Christ’s miracles, “Here’s Your Sign,” watching as one desperate father runs to Jesus and gets more than a miracle in the exchange. Plus, in a Psalm 5 edition of “Poetry in Motion,” we journey through a morning prayer all about going to God in trouble. And what Jesus Said in Matthew 11:28-30 calls us to restful order with him. We stuffed this one with Bible-y goodness! Weekly Challenge: Ask God to resolve a troubling situation in your life,

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Podcast Jul 16, 2019

The evolution of Christians. How to Lead When You're Not in Charge. Moon landing. Yokohama.