Love God First

In this two-part episode, we are finally returning to Genesis and are picking up the account with Isaac and Rebekah. We are specifically looking at Isaac's role in praying for his wife to have children. There is an active involvement in receiving God's promises, as we will see from this account, and each of us has a role to play in seeing God's plans come to pass in our lives!

In the final episode that deals with temptations and how to overcome them, we hear the application from the account of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness from Dr. Steve Schell.  This is the last episode in our summer series! We will return to Genesis next. If you liked Pastor Steve's sermon over the last three episodes, he has a podcast you might enjoy: Life Lessons with Dr. Steve Schell. It's...

In this part two episode on spiritual warfare, we are continuing to listen to Dr. Steve Schell explain two of the three temptations Jesus went through in the wilderness, and he discusses how we as believers are tempted. So good! 

We have one last topic to learn about before we wrap up our summer series, and that is as followers of Jesus, we need to know how to deal with the devil. And yes, there is one. This episode is a bit different: it is a 3-part message preached several years ago from Dr. Steve Schell. It teaches us how to apply the principles from Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. This first episode explains what...

We have one more episode dealing with the intricacies of following where God leads us when we minister to other people. How do we know we are truly on the right track? Is there any way to tell? Yes, there is! This episode deals with some practical tips for walking in faith while ministering to other people. Remember, if we follow where God leads us to minister, there will be much more abundant fru...

In this second of three episodes on being led by the Spirit, we get more practical and start looking at the lessons we can learn from Ananias. Ananias models how effective a disciple can be when a person listens and obey Jesus!      Keywords walking in the spirit, ministering to others, Holy Spirit, effective ministry, Love God First, spiritual empowerment, Jesus' ministry, Christian faith, discip...

In this first episode of a three-part segment on Love God First, we explore the concept of walking in the spirit and how it empowers believers to minister powerfully to others by using Ananias as our biblical example. We have been talking about personal spiritual growth between us and God in the past few episodes, but now our focus has shifted outward to those we can serve and love. We have a call...

As we continue talking about Walking in the Spirit on our summer series, we take an episode to discuss the process of receiving the baptism with the Holy Spirit. We explain the necessity of actively seeking the baptism, going to the Lord to overcome personal barriers, and preparing one's heart to receive this gift. There is a dual role of divine and human participation in the process, so the episo...

The baptism with the Holy Spirit is not meant to be a theological truth we affirm but never experience. God intended it to be a very real encounter with His power, and He intended it to be a gift to believers. If you have questions about what the baptism with the Holy Spirit is or wonder why it even matters, this episode will help you!    Scripture references: The Father's promise: Ezekiel 36:27,...

We are ending our three-episode talk about worship with a story and some practical tips for those who want to mature in their worship life. The biggest takeaway I have for you is to remember that God moves in us when we step out of our comfort zone. That is true as we walk out our lives in faith, and it is true in worship as well! 

In this part two of a three-episode talk on worship, we ponder the significance of being filled with the Holy Spirit through worship. We talk about what worshiping in spirit and truth really means, and then we go to the Old Testament and consider what we can learn from King David since he was such a model worshiper for us all. 

We are continuing the topic of Walking in the Spirit, and for the next three episodes, we  discuss the significance of being filled with the Holy Spirit through worship. The key is to develop our worship life to that point that our awareness of God's presence is restored continually. If you want to learn how to mature in your worship life, this episode (and the two following) are for you!   Book C...

In this part-two episode, we continue to explore the theme of our summer series, Walking in the Spirit, by emphasizing the importance of setting our minds on the Spirit instead of on our flesh. In this episode we get practical and share two methods to redirect our minds back onto Jesus when we are tempted, or even when we are stressed, angry, worried or sad. 

In this part-one episode, we continue to explore the theme of our summer series: Walking in the Spirit by emphasizing the importance of setting our minds on the Spirit instead of on our flesh. We discuss the conflict between our two natures, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the necessity of making conscious choices on where we direct our minds. Through a really great personal example, I contrast...

We are getting practical on this introductory episode on walking in the Spirit. We're asking what is necessary not just to know but to believe about God and His care for me so that I can walk in the Spirit more consistently. I share some personal testimonies and encourage listeners to ask: what possible obstacles could hinder each of us from walking in the Spirit?      Keywords Walking in the Spir...

I am happy to introduce a summer series focused on 'Walking in the Spirit.' We're going to talk about the importance of this practice in every Christian's life and discuss the internal battle between the flesh and the spirit. We'll explores the role of the Holy Spirit, we'll define the flesh and explore the significance of the fruit of the Spirit so that we are set up for hearing the beginning pra...

In this part two episode about family relationships, we talk about some practicalities of keeping our families healthy and happy as we journey together through life. The best families have biblical values that guide them as they deal with family conflict and building close relationships. Today we look at four general principles from the account of Isaac and Ishmael that will help us in our own fam...

In this part one of two episodes, we discuss the complexities of family conflict, drawing insights from the interaction with Isaac and Ishmael. This first episode focuses on the biblical account in Genesis 25, and then next week we will bring it home and apply the principles we see. If you have a family (and who doesn't), come learn more tools to resolve conflict in our most important relationship...

  In this part three episode I wrap up the discussion about the importance of seeking God's guidance when making significant life decisions. I recap key points from the two previous episodes (which I would highly recommend going back and listening to if you haven't yet), and I emphasize integrity, faith, and the necessity of prayer when deciding because we are all trying to make decisions differen...

In this second part of a three part series on decision-making, we continue looking at ten truths (plus a bonus) about seeking God's guidance for the big decisions of life. Last week we discussed only three elements of Christian decision-making, but there are several more applications we can pull out from the actions of Abraham's servant as he searches for a wife for Isaac in Genesis 24. Come and l...

In this first episode (of three) on seeking God's guidance for big decisions, we return to Genesis 24 to explore how Christians can learn to make important life decisions much better because we have the God of the universe to help guide and lead us. Using the story of Abraham's servant, I outline key principles for decision-making, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's will, acting in faith,...

In this third and final conversation with Pastor Craig Kessel, we discuss the signs of healthy relationships (and unhealthy ones) and the value of marriage in today's society. We provide insights and practical advice for individuals at different stages of their relationship journey, whether single or married!      Keywords: marriage, relationships, spouse, preparation, qualities, advice, counselin...

In this second episode with Pastor Craig Kessel, we explore the essential themes of marriage preparation and the importance of community and counsel in relationships. We share personal experiences and insights on how to evaluate potential partners objectively, emphasizing the need for consistent character, shared faith, and emotional health. The discussion also highlights the significance of seeki...

In this three-episode conversation, Pastor Craig Kessel and I explore the essential themes of marriage preparation, the qualities of a good spouse, and the importance of community in relationships. We share personal experiences and insights on how to evaluate potential partners objectively, emphasizing the need for consistent character, shared faith, and emotional health. The discussion also highl...

In this third episode that explores the account of Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24, we turn from pondering their account to pulling out the truths to apply to our own lives. There are many principles we can practice about preparing for marriage and finding a spouse as we consider the way Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah and the servant walk through the process. Join us as we discuss the DOs and DON'Ts of d...