Daily Directional

Today we're reading Genesis chapters 10 & 11. It's a long line of generations, but don't be discouraged! Let's get through these sometimes less-than-interesting chapters together.

Today we're reading through Genesis chapters 6–9. It's a longer one, but stick with me, it's worth it!

Today we're reading through Genesis chapters 4 & 5. We're allowing God to grow our curiosity, learning to ask questions, and leaning into how we might apply Scripture to life.

Today we're reading through Genesis chapter 3 and asking ourselves reflective questions to help us go deeper into our relationship with God.

Today we're launching our initiative to help my high schoolers read-through-the-Bible at a habitual but reasonable pace. Join us for Day 1 and a few reflection questions.

Thanks so much for joining us for the whole of Season 1 of the Storytellers Collective Daily Directional. We are making plans for Season 2, and would love to hear your thoughts, feedback, and comments. Thanks!

Today we continue the conversation about Elijah's prayers, tender times with Jesus, and the importance of companions in faith.

Pastor Bethany's mother in law, Ruthie Tippin, joins her to talk about James 5:13-18. We touch on the power of prayer, the role of Christian community in our lives, and forgiveness.

James ends his book with the encouragement to pray whether we are struggling, joyful, or dealing with needs for healing. So, today we simply pray together. Be blessed, friends!

James urges us to not swear on anything, but in simplicity to answer Yes and No. This kind of truth in speech is difficult, but there are examples of those who've gone before us and held tightly to their integrity. May you leave behind defensive explanations and exaggeration, set aside a need to swear on anything to have people believe you, and consistently speak the truth.

A message to inspire and encourage. It is important to persevere, friends, no matter how hard life might seem today. In the face of great trials and suffering, Job refused to charge God with wrongdoing, and the reward for his faith was complete restoration and more. You, too, will be blessed for your humility, courage, and long-suffering. Don't give up!

James 5 reminds us that the Judge is at the door. We are to wait patiently like the farmer, watching for growth and maturity. How do you watch? How do you wait? What do patience, perseverance, and steadfastness in waiting look like? What about the role of anticipation? 

Today we're looking at a tough passage that warns the rich against oppression of others, against taking advantage of people. Our God is one of righteousness and justice. He cares for the innocent and vulnerable. May we heed James' warning and refuse to oppress through self-indulgence and luxury.

John is guest speaker on the podcast this morning, bringing us his thoughts on comprehending the breadth, heighth, and depth of God's love.

We're finishing up James chapter 4 today with James' call to do good. May you find yourself in the proper posture of humility before the Lord, not making your own schemes and plans, but faithfully following the ones He's directed you toward.

James asks us within Christian community to refrain from slandering one another, speaking evil against each other. He reminds us that we are not the Judge and Lawgiver. It is an important reminder that "God is God and I am not." Pastor Bethany reminds us of two stories that help put the command of not speaking against one another in perspective. May you remember today who you are and whose you are...

James calls us to draw near to God and he will draw near to us, then to purify ourselves. Purity is a subject we rarely talk about outside of abstaining from sexual relations before marriage. What else does it mean? How do we purify ourselves in a way that helps us resist the devil, draw near to God, and remain in the posture of humility?

James points out that quarrels and fights are a part of looking like and acting like the world. When we choose the world's ways over God's, we choose to become God's enemies. Ick. The flipside is to be purposeful about becoming God's friends--a real possibility if we're willing to do as he commands. Jump into James 4:4-6 with us!

Today Pastor Bethany looks at James 4:1-3 where James warns against the passions at war within us and the way our sense of lack causes us to fight out of envy. There is absolutely another way, a better way, to live in community peaceably. But first, we must recognize our needs and ask for God's provision.

We continue our conversation for one more day. John Horsley is with Pastor Bethany considering James 4:1-10 and what it teaches about humility, submission, and our ability to resist the devil. John shares a couple of personal examples/stories of struggles with sin and God's faithfulness to help him resist temptation when he submitted to the Spirit and admitted the need for help.

John Horsley joins Pastor Bethany again to talk about James 4:1-10. Focus lands upon the concept of jealousy: How is God jealous? How is jealousy different than covetousness?

A slightly different episode for today. Pastor Bethany is joined by friend and co-laborer in ministry, John Horsley. We hope you enjoy the conversation. We're diving in to our thoughts and connections related to James 4:1-10.

Today Pastor Bethany simply prays over us all, holding us up to the light and life of Christ. 

A quick story about an encounter with God in prayer that motivated me to simply share the beauty and solidness of Psalm 27. May you all find moments of joy and peace with Jesus today.