Love God First

In this episode of Love God First, we delve into the complexities of family dynamics, particularly focusing on the story of Hagar and Ishmael from the Bible. I share a little about growing up in a divorced family and the challenges faced by single parents. Through the account of Hagar's experience, we emphasize the hope and redemption that God offers and the extra grace and care God gives to those...

In this part-two episode, we again focus on the habitual struggle Abraham had in his life as depicted in Genesis. We discuss recurring patterns of sin, the impact of fear on decision-making, and the importance of integrity when dealing with our weakness. We talk about some practical elements to get victory over those places where we feel stuck and the importance of being patient while God works an...

In this part-one episode, we focus on a habitual struggle Abraham had in his life as depicted in Genesis. We discuss recurring patterns of sin, the impact of fear on decision-making, and the importance of integrity when dealing with our weakness. The conversation emphasizes the distinction between practicing sin and stumbling, highlighting the grace God gives that allows for growth and healing.   ...

We are going back to another "Best of Love God First" episode. This particular show resonated with many listeners since we are all getting older and want to live our best life for Christ while we are here. Enjoy another listen!

We are going back to the beginning in this Best of Love God First podcast. Who gets to hold the standard for how to measure goodness? Is it the job of each person to determine what goodness is for themselves? Or is there a higher law for goodness? Let's ponder these questions together and see what Genesis has to say about it!

In this second episode of a two-parter, we continue to explore the character of God, particularly focusing on His justice and righteousness as demonstrated in the account of Sodom and Gomorrah. Here are the main points we covered last week: The Lord's primary focus is on justice and righteousness. God listens to the outcry of the innocent. He does not sweep away the righteous with the wicked. The...

In this episode we explore the character of God, particularly focusing on His justice and righteousness as demonstrated in the account of Sodom and Gomorrah. The discussion emphasizes the elements of God's character as we watch Him justly judge the people of Sodom. 

Enjoy a short devotional on thankfulness for this Thanksgiving weekend! We will return to Genesis next week. 

In this part two episode, we explore the application of the biblical account of Sodom and Gomorrah, focusing on Lot's life and the lessons we can learn from his choices. We highlight the dangers of cultural integration for a Christ follower and discuss how a Christian's life should be lived differently than the society in which we live. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own lives and th...

In this first part of a two-part episode, we explore the biblical account of Sodom and Gomorrah, and we focus on the geography, history, and archeology of the story. Next week we will apply the principles to our own lives, but for this week, enjoy hearing some of the interesting facts and information about Lot, his wife, the city of Sodom and the city's destruction. 

Many of us know that the life of a Christ follower involves sacrifice. But it can also involve abundant blessing as well. Ironically, receiving those blessings can sometimes be difficult because we know how short we fall of deserving the mercy and love of God. On this part two episode we finish talking about how to receive the good things the Lord wants to give to His obedient disciples. 

Many of us know that the life of a Christ follower involves sacrifice. But it can also involve abundant blessing as well. Ironically, receiving those blessings can sometimes be difficult because we know how short we fall of deserving the mercy and love of God. On this episode we talk about how to receive the good things the Lord wants to give to those who are His obedient disciples. 

We are returning for the second half of the discussion on Abraham's tremendous example of worship from Genesis 18. On this episode I highlight the significance of faith, reverence, and the insights that can be gained through genuine worship. 

In this episode, we explore the profound example of worship demonstrated by Abraham in Genesis 18. I emphasize the importance of sincere worship and serving the Lord with excellence. Through Abraham's actions, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own worship practices and the need for a pure heart in their relationship with God.     

How do I live boldly for Jesus despite the painful sacrifices God may call me to endure? In this episode we are wrapping up the account of Abraham and his household getting circumcised. Last time we focused on the covenant God made with Abraham and the sacrifices involved in faith, and we discussed the significance of circumcision as a symbol of faith as well as the challenges and costs associated...

How do I live boldly for Jesus despite the painful sacrifices God may call me to endure? In this episode we explore the next installment in the account of Abraham, focusing on the covenant God made with him and the sacrifices involved in faith. We discuss the significance of circumcision as a symbol of faith and the challenges and costs associated with living a life of faith. This is a two part ep...

In this second episode with Allison Allen, we continue exploring the power of name changes in Scripture—this time taking a deeper look at Abraham and diving into the story of Jacob as well. Allison also explains what she calls the “Great Exchange”—a powerful invitation for Christians to trade old identities for God-given ones, leading to true freedom and healing.

As we reach the part of Abraham’s story in Genesis where God changes his name, we’re taking a deeper look at the significance of names in the Bible. Joining us for this two-part episode is Allison Allen—podcaster, speaker, and author—who shares rich insights into the spiritual and symbolic weight names carry throughout Scripture. Allison also opens up about how she personally connects with Abraham...

In this episode we explore Abraham's and Sarah's name change and how that change helped them to walk in faith. We also discuss what our first priority is as Christians. It is easy to focus so much on what I do for God that I forget to focus on my relationship with Him at the root of it all. Studying about Abraham's name change helps remind us to reset our focus if we have forgotten. 

Observing Abraham's age in this chapter of Genesis can make a person stop and think about their own age and mortality. And that is good! Because if we stop for a few moments and reflect about our where we are in life, we can reset with a better attitude and a godly focus on what truly matters. 

This is our final episode talking to Dave and Kathleen Norcross, missionary emissaries to the South Pacific. Get challenged in your own walk with God as you listen to these two inspirational missionaries share their stories!    If you are interested in finding out more about missionary work, check out Foursquare Missions International's website: https://www.foursquaremissions.org/

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel the world for Jesus? Is God calling you to be a missionary? Or do you just love to hear what Jesus is up to around the world and want to partner with those on the front lines by praying? Whichever scenario describes you, you are in for a treat! In this second of three episodes, we are taking a break from studying Genesis so we can talk to two...

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel the world for Jesus? Is God calling you to be a missionary? Or do you just love to hear what Jesus is up to around the world and want to partner with those on the front lines by praying? Whichever scenario describes you, you are in for a treat! For the next three episodes, we are taking a break from studying Genesis so we can talk to two missi...

In our second summer devotional episode, we take just a few minutes to look at a three-step process to ask God for guidance. Prayer time is not supposed to be only a one-sided conversation. We can count on our Heavenly Father to give us wisdom and direction as we pray and ask, then seek and knock. 

In this short summer devotional, we take a moment away from Genesis to think about the last two verses of Psalm 139. David models for us how to pray a prayer with a humble, trusting heart that is open to God. We can do the same thing!