Daily Directional

There is a sense of hopelessness sometimes that when living with and around other people it is impossible to maintain peace. James says living peaceably with others is possible, but it does require effort on our part, the choice to live well and extend grace. Today we're talking about Godly wisdom and the way it helps characterize us as people who may live reasonably with those who may be unreason...

Unfortunately, our tongues are wild, unable to be tamed outside of the power of the Holy Spirit. We all have experience with saying something that cuts, bites, or poisons another. We all have experience with that poison affecting us. May you be aware today of the power of your words in a way that brings you to repentance and prayer, asking the Lord to forgive and pave the way for a new way of livi...

We're in James 3:1-13 once again. This time, considering what it looks like to choose words of life for others. What does it look like to lean into the Lord and ask what He says about others? Can we become those who speak encouragement and light into others' lives instead of words that sear and scorch. 

We're still camped out in James 3, considering the difficulty of taming our tongues. Today we're talking about the possibility that we don't actually have a word/mouth problem, but perhaps a mind/heart problem. So--let's purposefully lean into Jesus and recenter, regroup, and get filled up with his love, mercy, and grace. Then, our tongues have a much better likelihood of choosing encouragement ov...

Today we have a guest speaker, John Horsley, joining us to explain the metaphor James uses about keeping our whole bodies in check with a bridle. He says, "If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies." So, enjoy this conversation about bits and bridles.

We're jumping into the first day of several spent in James 3:1-12. Our tongues need taming! Today Pastor Bethany talks about Solomon as The Teacher, Jesus as our new Teacher, and the Holy Spirit as our Guide. Then, she shares a real life story of tongue trouble and the precious mercy of the Father.

I did a little more digging with the Lord into the faith and legacy of Rahab. Today we're detouring just a little bit from James 2, into the story of Ruth and her kinsman-redeemer, Boaz. They, too, showcase actionable faith.

Today we're looking at the second example James gives from the Old Testament of people putting faith into action: Rahab. Rahab heard of God, decided she knew he was the God of heaven and earth, and chose to move in accordance with her belief. It saved her, and her family, and ultimately, positioned her within the lineage of Jesus.

We are looking at James 2:18-24 and the story of Abraham sacrificing his son on Mount Moriah. Our considerations turn to what it takes to have mature faith, how to live love out loud.

Today we're looking at James 2:14-17. James pushes believers to take their faith from simply dwelling in our minds to prompting the action of our hands.

Today we're look at one single verse. James 2:13--Mercy triumphs over judgement. What would it look like for us to take this to heart and live with an outpouring of mercy toward ourselves and others?

James tells us that "Mercy triumphs over judgement." Today we look together at James 2:1-13. The Lord asks us to remove the distinctions among us and honor one another as the beautiful, God-created humans that we are.

Join us today for a message beginning in James 2:1-4, but looking back into James 1:9-11 to consider God's kingdom vision for those of "humble circumstances" in contrast to "the rich." Although it often doesn't feel like it, James tells us that humility is our glory as believers.

Today we're talking about Sabbath. Not just rest, but reset, a returning to who we are, who God is, and the kind of energy we are to use regularly in our efforts. Sabbath removes the weekly stains of the world, resets our consumeristic tendencies, and supernaturally moves us forward.

Today we're taking a break from James to look at Exodus 16 and the idea of God's provision for our lives. It's like Jesus teaches, we must pray, "Give us today our daily bread"... asking and gathering every day is necessary, we can't store it up for later.

Today we're leaning into what it means to watch what we say or restrain our tongues. There are a myriad of ways we may need to check ourselves: Do you struggle with swearing? Or tend toward exaggeration? Lying? Have trouble saying nice things to people who frustrate you?

Today we're looking at James' call to "look after widows and orphans in their distress." Who exactly are the widows and orphans in your life? Who is God calling us to notice and serve? How do we do it?

This one's a little bit longer... but that's because it's on James' instruction to be "slow to anger." Anger is something the church tends to avoid talking about, but it's such a big part of our natural lives that we can't afford to ignore it. As Jesus' disciples, we need to know what to do with our anger--how to navigate it with grace.

There are forces and pressures all around us that threaten to push us off track. God's Word asks us to "resist" these pressures. It is an active stance; a stance of purpose. Let us end this week with an encouragement to actively resist the negative and harmful choices, reactions, and actions we may face.

Today we're thinking about crowns, and the promise of reward at the end of faithfully lived lives. Persevere, friends. We're so glad you've continued to join us!

We continue with James 1:1-18, considering thoughts on James as wisdom literature and how that might change our perspective while reading it. Additionally, how to approach repetition in your spiritual life and the upside-down nature of kingdom life.

We look again at James 1:1-18, this time focusing upon the consequences of doubt. Let us not be people tossed by waves of doubt--instead, may we hold tight to the things God says about us, the promises he gives.

Jump into James 1:1-18 with us as we consider the biblical definition of perfection.  Christian discipleship is perhaps best defined as "apprenticeship to Jesus." We desire to look to Jesus as our leader, guide, mentor, and teacher. We want the storyline of each and every day to be shaped by knowing Jesus. Today, we do that by leaning into the relationship between perfection and maturity.

When I began conceptualizing this podcast, I imagined you all listening in the morning, before school or work, or on your way. A few weeks ago, however, a set of friends spoke about the toughest time of their days: 4:00 PM! Who knew! Suddenly, I realized late afternoon in the midst of picking up kids, transitioning from work to home, or making dinner might be just as important a time of day for y'...

Pastor Bethany shares how she came to decide on this particular podcast and posting schedule. May you be blessed as we faithfully face God on a daily basis, together. Step to the edge of the light, friends--one step at a time we'll discover the way forward.