The Divine Appointments Podcast

This is a continuation of the conversation with a couple dealing with his long-time same sex attraction and God pursuing him even as he was a pastor. They discuss healing in their marriage and how a ministry was begun. "God loved us when we were enemies and sinners and ungodly and helpless." The key to extending both grace and truth is relationship with others. The Selbys encourage us to do this i...

What I learned from an atheist tweet...

As early as Hal could remember and through their first twelve years of marriage, Hal secretly struggled with same sex attraction until God got his attention. You must hear the story of God's pursuing love and His amazing grace. Unbeknownst to either Hal or Lisa, God was already preparing them for the journey they would soon face.

In honor of the Fourth of July holiday, meet Eddy Waller, a military hero who served our country being activated 3 times and with 2 deployments. He discusses military life and what it taught him. He is so proud of our country. But his days during tours of duty were not his hardest day. Loss of his sister was the most difficult. "I couldn't have made it without my faith."

Dr. Boteler shares the journey of his life discovering his career was purposed for him to use as a ministry. He learned to listen to the Holy Spirit and continues to seek out opportunities to share the gospel today.

Listen to Rebecca Turner, a registered dietitian, who explains her own history of disordered eating and how so many suffer in silence. She talks about warning signs, perceptions, and causes of disordered eating and even eating disorders. She gets to the true remedy which is looking at our wellness as worship of our Creator. She encourages us to recognize the abundant life that He truly has for us....

Jeff and Star Lott have a church called City Lights ministry which grew out of the roller skating business in their family for years. Jeff was radically saved by God at age 37. Since then, he and Star have been using their business to reach their community for Christ. They have seen miracles and changed lives. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people li...

Listen to this remarkable story of the Brannings whose faith became very real during the diagnosis, treatment and later loss of their son Scott. They describe complete dependence on the Lord Jesus. They are thankful they were given "bonus years" and that they know where Scott is now. "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called ac...

This week I am especially burdened by the school shooting in Tennessee, and by other major attacks on our youth even in my own community. This is a call to action, recognizing the battleground of attacks on our youth, and in our families. We must arm ourselves with the heavy artillery of prayer. "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war...

This is Grace Gebhart, an "overcomer," who speaks about a sudden tragedy when she was 15 years old. She talks about how it has changed her. She now uses this "accident" and its effect on her life to minister to others. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseveran...

Within 2 years of losing her father to alcoholism, Courtney received another devastating blow with the diagnosis of her daughter with Retinoblastoma, eye cancer. She remembers the fear and questioning of God, but then He showed her so many miracles along the way. "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us...

This is a story of a tragedy of suicide that rocked this family but also how God has now used it for His plans to help others through Marcus. "And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." ‭‭Mark‬ ‭ 13:13 ‬ ‭

Courtney talks about loss of her father from alcoholism and how she has felt God strengthening her faith since that difficult time. She is now being obedient to share her story in order to help others. We talk about how depression leads to addictions. She discusses grief, saying goodbyes, and healing from loss of a family member. This spiritual battle prepared her for another big family crisis wit...

Dr. Braden, a pediatric cardiologist, shares about his career in medicine used as a ministry. He lost his father at a young age and explains how God his heavenly Father showed him love and grace throughout his life. "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." ‭‭Ze...

A fascinating and eye-opening conversation with Candiss and Scott who are church planters of Soul City Church in Mid-town. They talk candidly about the mental illness, Bipolar Disorder, which has affected so much of Candiss' life. She has been redeemed and restored and gives great insight for those who experience isolation and shame from a mental disorder. They encourage us as the body of Christ t...

Listen to this incredible 17 year old high school senior who just fled his home in Kiev, Ukraine with his family. He shares his story of leaving his country, family and friends behind. He understands how God establishes our steps even in uncertain times. "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Sam shares his amazing story of Jesus pursuing him from his low point of life, dependent on drugs, to salvation and a renewed life. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭

Dr. Farrah Newman shares her personal testimony and how God called Farrah and her husband Troy, both ophthalmologists, to medical missions in rural Kenya. They provided medical care but also spiritual care, sharing the gospel. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭ 2:10 ‬ ‭

Dr. Douglas shares how her faith has impacted her career as a physician in caring for patients. She shares stories of walking through the end of life with patients and sharing with them salvation through Jesus Christ. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭ 4:16 ‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Join me to hear how Amy Bates has experienced the fullness of God's love and how she brings this knowledge to the people she ministers to every day. "that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to c...

Mario tried hard to fit in with the culture around him. He was the son of a first generation single mom from Nigeria. God placed many people in his life who prayed for him as he came to faith in Christ. "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others....

Sharing this wonderful story of Deanna Elliot and her sweet family. They have a son Hayden who has Down syndrome. She talks about God's plan which was not hers and how God carried her through this journey. Now she sees His beautiful plan and shares it with others. Check out their Facebook page The Lily Pad , a non-profit café staffed by special-needs young adults.

This is Healthy Heart luncheon at First Baptist Jackson where we talked about how we can have a healthy physical heart but also a healthy spiritual heart. God who created the intricacies of the physical heart also took on flesh, Jesus Christ, to show us how He can complete our spiritual heart.

This is an interview with Dick Benz. He talks about how he and his wife Nikki started a ministry called Buried Treasures. They took in women coming out of jail and discipled them in the name of Jesus, preparing them to re-enter the world after a life of drugs, alcohol, and prostitution. They were the hands and feet of Jesus ministering to these ladies, and their ministry lives on. It's as he says:...

Cathie is a well-known outstanding pediatrician in Mississippi. She walks us through the many miraculous steps in which God pursued her throughout her life until she finally surrendered to Him. She encourages us not to give up on anyone. "It was God's grace that kept pursuing me."   "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." ‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬ ‭ESV‬‬