In Focus

Today's episode looks at how God's means of provision change through the years and how that change can be a bit challenging along the way. Contact email: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com Direct link for this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/4773119

John 16:12 conveys a short and sweet message from Jesus, "I've got more to say to you, but you're ready for it yet." The two implications of this verse can set us up for continuing growth and a thriving life in Jesus Christ: Jesus won't speak to us anything we're not ready to hear. Jesus has more to speak to us. Enjoy today's episode, please email me with any questions, suggestions, or feedback. I...

Today's episode takes us to Joshua 5 and a time to renew the covenant between God and the people despite the people's forgetfulness and unfaithfulness along the way.  The takeaways from today's episode: Remember. Be set apart. Let go. Today's episode:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/4167299 Contact email: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

Returning to Joshua for the third episode in the series, we enter the story as God's people are crossing over into God's promises. A number of details jump out in this passage (Joshua 3:14-4:9). Amidst everything, a response emerges for us as God's people entering into his promises in our lives here and now. Have Faith. "Have faith" as in believing and trusting that God can deliver on his promises...

This episode returns to the early chapters of Joshua for another look at entering God's promises. It focuses in on Joshua 3 and God's instructions for the people to follow in light of the fact that they haven't been this way before. Takeaways for entering God's promises in our own lives: Keep watching for what God is doing and how God is leading. Keep waiting - don't be a backseat driver! Keep wal...

This kicks off a series on the opening chapters of Joshua about Entering God's Promises. As the book begins, we immediately find a series of "you and I" statements from God regarding the Israelites entering the land God had promised them. While there are times in life when God works in an "I do, you watch" kind of way, there are also many times when we are called to participate in what He is doing...

Creating regular times of open space to be present with God was central to Jesus' way of living. As his followers, that practice cannot be ignored as the example we are to follow. However, we live in a world that shapes us as a closed people. This episode sheds light on prayer in light of Job's story and experience with God. Despite the conventional religious wisdom offered by his friends, Job was...

This episode introduces a practical means of following Jesus' example and creating regular open space in our lives in order to become fully present with God. It includes a brief look at the what, the why, and the how of practicing Jesus' way in this manner.  Hopefully, this episode goes beyond hypothetical consideration and genuinely inspires and empowers you in this important step toward a more e...

Today we dive in and talk about "a more eternal kind of life" that Jesus so often speaks of in John's gospel. In particular, we take Jesus words at face value concerning the timing of this eternal life - that it begins right here and now as soon as we turn to Jesus Christ. Finally, "a more eternal kind of life" is brought in to focus when remembering that Jesus is the Way for us and that we can ac...

As the world is unsteadied by the CoVid crisis, the Bible provides us a way of bringing things in to focus that is encouraging and hopeful, especially amidst uncertainty. We need something to change. And that's exactly what the Bible promises. Today's episode reflects on how that change will come about and answers the question, "Who's going where?" If you have a few seconds, please give the show a...

For today's episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kent Sovine regarding his thoughts and perspective on Church. Kent serves the Mid America District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. God's amazing work in Kent has resulted in a huge heart for the Church as well as a great perspective from which to watch and serve countless local churches and church planting teams. It was so good, I w...

This episode takes a look at Jesus' own life as the example and way for us all, specifically his habitual practice of setting himself apart to God in silence and solitude. From Mark 1:12-13, we also learn a little bit about what we might experience along the way as we embrace Jesus as our Way: the leading of the Holy Spirit, a connection with divine history, resistance from satan, and a head-on co...

This is the third of three episodes reflecting on various tensions and paradoxes addressed by the gospel of John. It takes a look at the ways John 10 addresses the tension between conservative and liberal soteriology (theologies of salvation) and the images of Jesus that each is contingent upon.  As always, if you have any ideas for future episodes or feedback on how to improve the show, I would l...

Today's episode is the final one in a series coming to us from YouTube on Holy Week 2020. The episode covers the biggest celebration of the Christian year - Resurrection Sunday. The video for this episode is viewable here for anyone who is interested: https://youtu.be/78CkpAk_RJw Please reach out at this email if you have any suggestions or feedback: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

Today's episode is the second from a video series recorded for Holy Week 2020. It is a reflection on Good Friday, specifically as recounted in the gospel of Mark.  The video of today's episode is viewable at https://youtu.be/vG7GFDOYe2Q You can reach me with show ideas or feedback at justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

This episode is a reflection on Maundy Thursday and the significance of the Passover as the primary interpretive lens for Jesus' death and resurrection. It was originally recorded for my YouTube channel and is viewable at https://youtu.be/raMd5WR_RRI

I am joined for this episode by my very good friend, Chris Martinez as we discuss the differences between reflecting and reacting to the world around us as well as a few things that are definitely worth remembering as our lives continue taking shape and coming into focus. If you have idea for future episodes or thoughts on how I can improve the show, please email me at justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

This episode is the audio track from some reflections shared on my YouTube channel on how to live well through both good and challenging times - especially as we're navigating through the CoVid 19 times in our respective homes. The video is viewable at: https://youtu.be/FoSf6VzieuQ If you have any thoughts or ideas for the show, please reach out at justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

In this episode, our look at the tensions and paradoxes of John continues with a look at John's hints that in Jesus Christ, the new creation is already beginning and taking root here and now.  Feel free to reach out with any suggestions for episodes or ideas on how to improve the show! justlaughwithjody@gmail.com

The episode begins a series on some tensions and paradoxes that come to us from the Gospel of John. It takes a look at John 11:25-26 and some paradoxical statements by Jesus: first, that we will die and then live. Second, that we will never die. This paradox and tension seems particularly worth considering as we strike balance and perspective as Christians seeking to see clearly and to live well a...

In this episode, Justin and Michael discuss the challenges of trusting God in the practical details of life and in a world in which our experiences make it difficult to do so. 

This episode takes a look at a phrase from Romans 8, "creation was subject to futility" in order to bring it into better focus as Paul talks his way through some very big ideas at the culmination of four life-shaping chapters, Romans 5-8.

This episode examines the inevitability of burdens and service as taught by Jesus in Matthew 11 and Paul in Romans 6.

Today, we reflect on Jesus' story in John 15 - that he's the Vine and we're branches and the implications of the story that Jesus tells.

In this episode, Justin builds on the previous episode regarding the content of the gospel to examine the gospel within its biblical context .