In Focus

Today's episode picks up the second half of Acts 1 for a look at how the disciples stepped out in faithfulness in very less-than-ideal circumstances. Four primary observations in this passage serve as four take aways, four bits of actionable wisdom for all of us who will face similar times in our own lives when we have encountered Jesus, everything has changed, yet the path before us is not nearly...

Acts 1A sets the stage for the extraordinary events that are about to unfold. Luke is clear from the very beginning that what we are about to read is a continuation of some very important story lines that have been unfolding since all of the way back into the Old Testament. 

This episode concludes "The Business at Hand" series by returning to Luke 19 for a final look at two big, important Christian ideas: faithfulness and judgment. Share this episode

Luke records our last account of the King's final instructions for the disciples just before his ascension. After recounting many details we've heard previously from Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke makes this distinct and important contribution to the business at hand – the King doesn't intend for us to do this on our own. We must first wait to be filled with the presence and power of the Holy Spiri...

John brings us our third account of the King's business for the disciples between his ascension and his return. Specifically, our business is to be ambassadors of peace and reconciliation. The business at hand is to see people being made right with God, right with each other, and right in the world around them. Contact info: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Share this episode

Today's episode brings into focus the business at hand according to the King's commission in Mark - Gospeling. Share this episode justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

Matthew 28 records the first account of the King's final instructions for his disciples before his ascension. This "Great Commission" is simply this: Make Disciples. Today's episode is simply an exercise in hearing what Jesus had to say: 1. Everyone is to BE a disciple. And every disciple is to MAKE disciples of everyone else. Even the doubters. 2. Discipleship is a life of OBEYING and ABIDING. 3....

Today's episode is 1 of 5 regarding the business at hand for those of us living between the King's ascension and his return. Episode Link justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

Today we look at Mark 4:26–29 and Jesus' vision of life when he is our Savior and King. This vision matches Jesus' own example of ministry, mission, and disciple making. Globally, this passage corresponds with a simple tool known as 4Fields, which brings into focus, clearly and simply, a vision for ministry and mission. This foundational passage and tool provide the framework from which we will bu...

This second episode on movements explores 2 pairs of values, 2 pairs of biblical principles important for initiating and sustaining disciple-making and church-planting movements.  https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/12895860

I'm back! After a much-longer-than-expected hiatus, it's time for a quick look back on what God was doing back in the days of the New Testament to appreciate what (and how) God is moving in the world today. (You can also check out this movement overview video .) It's great to be back kicking off the first in what is hopefully an inspiring and life-changing series. https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117...

Today finds us in Daniel 5 discovering a number of poignant takeaways from the examples of Belshazzar (what NOT to do) and Daniel (what to do) as the historical Babylonian empire comes to an end. Contact email: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Discovering Jesus (Amazon link) Today's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9566178

This episode continues our look at how to live faithfully in the intersection of culture, politics, and faith in often less-than-ideal circumstances. Learning from the events of Daniel 4, we learn that, regarding life in Babylon, it's hard to predict exactly how things are going to unfold. What we do along the way, as God's faithful people, is to speak the truth boldly and compassionately in order...

Today's episode is setup by an epic adventure in missing the point. God has spoken. But a short memory and blinding pride get the best of an evil king, setting us up for one of the most famous stories in the Bible. It has a lot to teach us about living in Babylon and it's pretty enjoyable along the way! Contact: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Direct link to this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/80...

Today's episode dives into Daniel 2 to see what we might have to learn from Daniel about living faithfully in the intersection of politics, history, and culture. What emerges are some big ideas: Prudence, Discretion, and Dependence. Here's a direct link to today's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9397661 And here's the email if you'd like to request an upcoming topic or passage:...

Today's episode dives into Daniel 1 in search of wisdom and big ideas by which we might better discern how live faithfully in the intersection of history, politics, religion, and culture. It's certainly not easy, but it's doable.  What emerges is a pair of surprising and challenging ideas: concession and distinction. Both define Daniel in chapter one. Both require tremendous discernment in our own...

Today's episode, the second in the series, is an interview with Justin's long-time friend and inspiration behind the series on Daniel, Mark Thomas. Contact: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9274994

This episode kicks off a new series on Daniel and Babylon. It takes a look at the expansive role of Babylon in the biblical narrative and imagination from Genesis 10 all the way to Revelation 18. This sets us up to understand and appreciate the value of what we discover in Daniel 1–7. Daniel was faithful even in the midst of the  treacherous political and cultural forces working against him. We mu...

Today we reflect on a famous prophecy from Deuteronomy about the One who will succeed Moses in speaking to the people on behalf of the holy God.  Episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/8435620 justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

Today's episode is a brief reflection on a conversation between God and Moses in Exodus 33. It is all about what makes God's people distinct from all of the people around them. Link to today's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/8342709 Contact email: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Pilot (Justin's new book)

Jesus concluded his most famous sermon with some wisdom for those staring at a stormy horizon with the tide rolling in. We're facing a similar situation today and ready for the wisdom that Jesus has to offer us. justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Pilot (Justin's new book on Amazon) Stormy Horizons episode link

Today's show kicks off a series on doing the Sermon on the Mount.  Takeaways in thinking and living and being from Matthew 5:3-11: Perspective. We have to think and live and speak in light of what God is up to in the world. Christlikeness. Jesus' way is not the world's way. His is the way of the cross and so is ours as his followers, even as we live in hope and anticipation of resurrection. Email:...

This episode is something of a prequel to "Getting Down to Business" at least in terms of the chronology of God's story. After another overview, it focuses in on Jesus and how the whole story comes together in him. Enjoy! Episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/5604601 justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

Here's an effort to grab ahold of the fire that's burning in my heart. God is at work. It's an exciting time. And the stakes couldn't be higher. It's time to get down to business. Today's episode is a little bit of the why and the what to all this.  Here's my email: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Here's the link to this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/5350474

Today is the final episode in our look at the early chapters of Joshua and the principles we see there about entering into God's promises. When Joshua encounters God face to face, with sword drawn, his very natural question is this, "Are you for us or our adversaries?" God's reply is a stark reminder to remain humble and to avoid vilifying and demonizing our perceived enemies as enemies of God - "...