Westlight Podcast

The final element to responding well is to PURSUE. The natural outcome of love is trust. The natural outcome of trust is love. This continual cycle builds our relationship with God.

The third element to help us respond well requires us to PAUSE and PONDER.

The second habit we need to embrace in order to respond well is PONDER. Pondering leads us to face the realities that we live in. Until we come to terms with that reality, it is impossible to love others.

The Apostle Paul speaks of the comfort we receive from God that can be passed on to others. This comfort comes in the form of presence.

We usually assume that reason, not emotion, is driving our decisions, but in many cases, the opposite is true. How do we become less reactionary and more responsive? This is an introduction to the React/Respond series.

Luke juxtaposes the experts of the Law, society's elite, with the widow, society's expendable. Jesus models how tangible love is lived out when the system created to protect the poor oppresses them. [Luke 20:45-21:4]

Give back to Caesar what has his image on it. So, whose image is on you? Have we allowed our culture to mold the original image that was given to us? [Luke 20:20-26]

Jesus tells this parable to help His listeners to understand that He desires transformational relationships. Not transactional relationships where all parties involved are viewed as commodities to be used. [Luke 20:9-19]

Why was the Sanhedrin triggered when Jesus shared the Good News? Does Jesus have the authority? [Luke 20:1-8]

What makes Jesus angry? Why does Jesus get furious when he enters the courtyard of the Temple? Let's take a look at the two clues in His statement to find out!

Two great powers entered Jerusalem - one from the east and the other from the west. Which side will you enter from? [Luke 19:28-44]

Like Zacchaeus, St. Augustine chased after his destruction, hoping the tradeoff would be worth it. Jesus saves us from our sins. [Luke 19:1-10]

In the Parable of the Minas, Jesus confronts the religious rulers about why they aren't able to fulfill the mission of God - they are too busy trying to incriminate Jesus. [Luke 19:1-10]

Just Mercy starring Michael B. Jordan.

Disney/Pixar's movie, Onward is a story about two brothers embarking on a journey to reunite with their dad. Is the destination or the journey more important?

Does one need to lose for the other to win? In Crazy Rich Asians, Rachel decides to align her win with Nick's.

As part of our Summer Movie Series, Kats gives his commentary on Jojo Rabbit. Fox Searchlight Pictures (2019)

Inception is a movie about a team that plants an idea into the depths of the mind of Robert Fischer. According to Scripture, humanity has also experienced two inceptions at the beginning of time.

When we put God in our boxes, we can end up repelling people away from Jesus. In the examples in Luke 18, the disciples put Jesus in a box of their understanding of the words victory and king. [Luke 18:31-43]

What kind of relationship does Jesus want between Himself and humanity? He wants a marriage relationship with us, not a law-maker to a law-abider relationship.

Why does Jesus prefer the betrayer over the rule follower? Not because of his failures but because of his willingness to embrace his own brokenness. Brokenness can bring people together, which can lead to healing. [Luke 18:9-14]

The parable of the Persistent Widow is not about getting our wishlist fulfilled by nagging God. It is about keeping our sights on the hope of justice for all. [Luke 18:1-8]

Jesus gives us hope for a brighter future, but it requires us to live our lives with open hands. [Luke 17:22-37]

Where is the kingdom? Jesus is the kingdom! And by extension, we bring the kingdom whenever we behave like Jesus. [Luke 17:20-21]

The people of God are the people who want Jesus more than anything. Our faith can benefit those around us! [Luke 17:11-19]