Pursuing God with Gene Appel

Joseph responded with cooperation. When Joseph woke up after his dream, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him. Then, the shepherds responded with celebration. Is there something God is calling you to cooperate with or celebrate?  Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s con...

Very few people were in on the very first Christmas. Why did God choose Mary, and Joseph, and the Shepherds, and the Magi? On Christmas, Mary contemplated all the things God was doing in her life. I would call you to do the same. Take some time to celebrate the good things and to accept the challenging things like Mary did.  Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build co...

Maybe life hasn't turned out the way you planned, but because of the living hope we have in Jesus Christ, you can get a new identity. Put your hope in the right box: the empty tomb of Jesus Christ.  Do you know someone who needs hope and peace today? Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Ea...

As the disciples in Luke 24 thought about what happened in Jerusalem, Jesus surprised them by joining them and telling them his death and resurrection were all part of the plan all along. God not only understands our pain; He can transform our pain.  Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastsid...

In Luke 24, there is a story of hope; two people walk down a 7-mile road and encounter a surprise guest. All the hopes and fears are dealt with and fulfilled in Jesus. When you get your hope in the right person, in the risen Jesus, you become a new creation. Your past does not define you any more. What if today you put your hope in the right box? Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help yo...

Today we look at the story of two followers of Jesus walking on a road, pouring out their grief to each other about Jesus’ death. God shows up with hope in surprising, even impossible ways, and we hope you want to embrace the hope Christmas brings. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’...

All of us have hopes. What box have you decided to put your hope in, and have you placed your hope in the right box? This week we’ll look at Luke 24, when some were losing hope. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you...

One more thing about David’s kindness in 2 Samuel 9: He responds to the need sacrificially. The kindest thing you can do for someone is point them to the grace and hope of Jesus. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites yo...

David also responded sensitively; he actively went looking for someone in need. The Holy Spirit’s goal is to make each of us a more sensitive person. People all around us need our kindness and compassion.  Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyo...

What does it mean to be kind to those forgotten? The more you focus on God, the kinder you become. In 2 Samuel 9, David responded spontaneously; his kindness wasn’t planned. Opportunities for kindness don’t last; pay attention to the Holy Spirit’s spontaneous prompting. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture a...

The presence of kindness shows God exists. In 2 Samuel 9, we see a remarkable display of kindness. King David, known for his strength, decided to show kindness to his rival’s disabled grandson. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each epi...

We’re all over the map when it comes to displaying kindness. Kindness is love in action; it’s something you do. Where are you on your kindness journey; are you showing progress? This week we’ll explore a story of kindness as we start Advent. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s convi...

When we’re younger, we tend to notice and appreciate these small blessings, but as we age, we lose sight of them.  Take a moment to think about all the good things God has given you and how you’re grateful for them. We encourage you to share with a friend, a family member, or God Himself. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grou...

Happy Thanksgiving! We hope your heart is filled with a sense of gratitude for the things God has made true and provided for you and your loved ones. By giving thanks and being grateful, we can affect others. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for eve...

We all struggle with complaining, whether we admit it or not. Today we review three principles to help us stop complaining.  Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life...

Philippians 2:14 says "Do everything without complaining." Complaining is a stress enhancer none of us need in our lives. Today we continue looking at four types of complainers. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode i...

In the midst of so much blessing and generosity from the hand of God, many of us struggle to have a spirit of gratitude. Some people are never satisfied no matter how good things are. In Philippians 2, Paul discusses the biggest barrier to genuine thanksgiving. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped...

In Mark 4:40, Jesus said, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" When God says, "Don't fear," He's not just trying to comfort people, soothe them, or ease their anxiety. He's calling them to be courageous. Will you move in faith toward the thing(s) you fear?  Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unlea...

The typical reaction to God was fear or even terror. There are 150 different times in the Bible where it talks about the fear of the Lord. Have you admitted you need this God of all creation? It can be a terrifying but exciting realization. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s convic...

In Mark 4, the disciples were with Jesus. The last verse of Mark 4 of this section is very revealing. Do you ask these questions about who Jesus is and His power? Remember He is bigger than any scenario.  Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyon...

Today, we explore a journey that moves from fear to faith. In Mark 4, the disciples are on a boat with Jesus when a storm hits, and there are two opposing reactions. Is there a situation you are facing when you can choose faith in Jesus over fearing a possible outcome? Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture an...

There are hundreds of “fear not” verses in the Bible, including one in Psalm 23. This week we’ll be exploring Mark 4, when people are afraid of drowning on a boat. We will learn how to neutralize the power fear has in our lives.  Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that G...

Today we cover the dramatic conclusion of a story in Acts 4, the first time there was opposition to the Christian movement. After refusing an offer to stop talking about Jesus in exchange for their freedom, the ruling council’s response was remarkable.  Whatever you're facing right now, Jesus Christ has the grace that can sustain you.  Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you purs...

We’ve been doing a deep dive into Acts 4, where we see the first ever persecution of the Jesus movement. Today we review the consideration offered to Peter and John after they made their claims.  Religion is silenced by transformed lives. They see changes and don't understand it. Let God guide you to show the changes in your life. Things change when we have the conversations with people that...

In Acts 4:8-12, Peter and John made a revolutionary claim. They were filled with the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we have opportunities to share our faith. At that unexpected moment, the most significant thing you can do is to be filled with the Spirit. Knowingly lean on Him and share how Christ can change their life like He's changed yours. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you purs...