Pursuing God with Gene Appel

As Nehemiah identifies his burden, he waits patiently in prayer for God to move. Today, we see what happens when the waiting ends and God finally opens the door - just not in the way Nehemiah expected. After four months of prayer, the king suddenly asks him, “What is it you want?” and in that moment, Nehemiah prays again and steps forward with boldness and a plan. Faith is no substitute for carefu...

Yesterday, we identified the burdens we’re carrying—the people or situations we can’t fix on our own. Today’s focus is on what to do with that burden once you’ve named it. Nehemiah’s story reminds us that real prayer often includes something we struggle with most: waiting. He prayed for four months before seeing any movement from God or a change in his circumstances, but he didn’t stop trusting. I...

Welcome to Day 1 of 21 Days of Prayer! Over the next three weeks, we’ll walk through the book of Nehemiah together - learning how prayer, faith, and trust can move even the hardest hearts and change impossible situations. Today’s focus is on what to do when someone in authority over you just won’t budge. Maybe it’s a boss, a parent, or someone close to you who doesn’t seem open to spiritual things...

Ever feel like you’re running on empty, like life keeps tripping you up and you’re not sure if you’ve got another round in you? This is a reminder that winning isn’t the point, finishing is. When Paul said, “We do not lose heart,” he was talking about the kind of strength that keeps you moving even when everything in you wants to give up. Maybe you’re searching for faith, or maybe you’ve already f...

Ever feel like you’ve got cracks showing — like you’re too flawed for God to use or too worn out to make a difference? What if those cracks are exactly where the light gets through? This is a timely reminder how our imperfections don’t disqualify us, they make us relatable. We’re not called to be impressive jars; we’re just meant to carry something valuable inside. Real people, real stories, real...

Ever feel like you’re hustling hard but still hanging on to all the wrong things? Maybe it’s your job, a relationship, or just the pressure to keep up. In this episode, Gene talks about what really matters when life hits hard — and how to let go of the stuff that’s slowing you down. We all carry extra weight. The challenge is knowing what to drop and what’s actually worth holding onto. Drawing fro...

Life has a way of hitting hard — layoffs, breakups, health scares, or just the daily grind that wears you down. The real question isn’t whether you’ll get knocked down; it’s whether you’ll get back up. In this episode, Gene shares how the Apostle Paul developed unstoppable resilience through setbacks that would break most of us. You’ll hear stories of grit, humor, and perspective — from Michael Jo...

Ever had one of those days where you just want to walk away from it all — the stress, the noise, the endless grind? You’re not alone. In this episode, Gene shares a true story about a guy who actually did it — and what it teaches us about resilience, purpose, and finding strength when life wears you down. If you’ve been tempted to give up, this one’s for you. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is design...

You’re not fighting for victory—you’re fighting from it. God’s already equipped you with everything you need to stand firm: truth, faith, righteousness, salvation, and the power of His Word. The sword of the Spirit—the Bible—is your most powerful weapon against the enemy, and prayer is what unites us in strength. The struggle is real, but so is your victory through Jesus. Pursuing God with Gene Ap...

You’re not defenseless in the spiritual battle you face every day. Ephesians 6 reminds us that God has already given you everything you need to stand firm—the helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, belt of truth, and shoes of peace. When you know who you are in Christ, you can fight back with confidence, courage, and calm no matter what comes your way. Pursuing God wit...

Spiritual opposition is real—and it shows up right when you start growing. Satan’s goal is to stop God’s work in you and destroy your life, your faith, and your relationships. But you don’t have to fight alone. God gives you the power and the weapons to stand firm, rebuild what’s broken, and protect what matters most. The time to fight for your faith, family, and future is now. Pursuing God with G...

The struggle is real—and so is your enemy. In Ephesians 6, Paul reminds us that our fight isn’t against people but against unseen spiritual forces. Today we uncover five strategies Satan uses to keep you distracted, discouraged, and defeated. When you recognize his tactics—blinding minds, stealing truth, and setting traps—you can stand firm in God’s power instead of falling for the same old scheme...

You’re in a battle—whether you realize it or not. Ephesians 6 reminds us that the real fight isn’t against people, politics, or circumstances, but against spiritual forces that seek to divide, discourage, and destroy. The good news? You don’t have to fight in your own strength. God equips you with His power and armor to stand firm when the struggle gets real. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is design...

In the parable of the tenants, Jesus reveals a love that never quits — a God who sent His only Son, knowing He would be rejected, because His heart was still for us. When life feels heavy, unfair, or out of control, remember: God’s love is greater than your load, His patience deeper than your doubts, and His justice far better than your revenge. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you...

It’s easy to wonder where God is when evil prospers or life feels unfair. But the parable in Mark 12 reminds us that God’s patience is not weakness—it’s mercy. He’s giving people time to turn toward Him, working behind the scenes in ways we can’t see, and one day justice will come. Until then, trust His timing and His heart. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build co...

It’s easy to lose sight of God’s goodness when life unravels, but Mark 12 reminds us that His character doesn’t change when our circumstances do. Even when we feel undeserving or disappointed, God’s kindness remains constant. The challenge is to stop, refocus, and trust that His goodness hasn’t gone anywhere. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unl...

In Mark 12, Jesus tells a story about a vineyard owner whose generosity was rejected — a vivid reminder of how good God has been to us, even when life feels unfair. When circumstances blur your vision, stop and focus on God’s goodness. It’s the first step to seeing clearly again. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in S...

When  life feels unfair or confusing, it’s easy to lose focus and wonder if God really cares. In Mark 12, Jesus shares a story that helps bring clarity to our blurry circumstances and reveals what God is truly like. This week, learn how to refocus your lens and see God with fresh perspective. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion....

Sometimes the best way to fight anxiety is to stop filling the silence and let God speak. Pair quiet with Scripture, and you’ll find a powerful tool for peace. When you turn verses into prayers - naming your fears and God’s promises side by side - anxiety begins to lose its hold. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in S...

When Jesus asked blind Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” He already knew the answer. The question wasn’t for His benefit but for Bartimaeus’s. In the same way, God invites us to name our needs specifically — because specific prayers lead to deeper healing and ease our anxiety in personal ways. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unle...

Philippians 4:6 shows us three kinds of prayer — prayer, petition, and thanksgiving — that move us from vague requests to specific cries for help. Anxiety loses its grip when we get honest with God about exactly what we’re worried about and exactly what we need. Nothing is too small to bring before Him. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash c...

Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6 that anxiety is a signal, not a sentence. Just like a “check engine” light, it points us back to the One who knows how to fix what’s wrong. If it’s big enough to worry about, it’s big enough to pray about. Peace is found on the path paved with prayer. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounde...

Anxiety is unavoidable, but living in its prison is optional. In Philippians 4, Paul — writing from prison himself — shows us how to move from anxiety to peace by trusting God’s goodness and His control. As the holiday season approaches, discover the first step toward calm: rejoicing in the Lord who is always near. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, a...

Earthly prizes fade, but Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 9 that the reward of helping someone find Jesus lasts forever. One day, crowns will be placed at the feet of Christ in worship, and those moments will make every sacrifice worth it. Don’t just run aimlessly. Run for the prize that never fades. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash comp...

Not every evangelist looks the same. Scripture shows six distinct styles — confrontational, intellectual, testimonial, interpersonal, invitational, and service. Each one is valid, and each one is needed. Discover how God has uniquely shaped you to share Jesus in your own way, with people only you can reach. Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unlea...