What if . . . I did what I could today? Part 8
Today on "Discover the Word," the group asks themselves a question they’d like you to ask yourself. “What if?” "What if" I did what I could? "What if" I didn’t just think about acting, but actually acted? "What if" I didn’t let others act for me? "What if" I didn’t wait to be invited? "What if" I didn’t just wonder about what difference I could make, but actually took a step? "What if" . . . I did what I could, today? A life-shaping question frames today’s "Discover the Word."
Reaching out to others Part 7
We all have our reasons for not doing what we can to help others. And yet we’re still plagued with guilt when we don’t do anything. Today on "Discover the Word," we'll discuss excuses we give for not reaching out to others. Excuses like “What if I’m rejected?” or “What difference could I make?”
Unpacking our doubts about God's love Part 6
The "Discover the Word" group continues their series “She Did What She Could” today. After Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus with expensive ointment, Judas and others criticized her . . . until Jesus told the men to “leave her alone.” Join us as we unpack the concept of “leaving ourselves alone”. . . by not being hard on ourselves, or allowing others to make us doubt God’s love for us.
God's long-range perspective for growing us Part 5
Today on "Discover the Word," our special guest Margaret Feinberg helps us conclude our discussion about the surprising depth of some of the agrarian images used in the Bible. Today’s conversation comes out of a fruitful visit Margaret had with a vintner that showed her how the long-range perspective a vintner has for growing grapes is the same kind of long-range perspective God has for growing us.
How do we see the coming King? Part 3
In verse four of Psalm 24 we’re told that only those with “clean hands” and a pure heart “qualify” to ascend to God’s holy hill. But who can possibly meet that standard? The answer is . . . no one. Today on "Discover the Word," we will talk about how David could not completely see the coming King as we see Him now. It’s because of Christ’s sacrifice that our hearts have been washed cleaned!
Creator King Part 2
New Agers often refer to “the universe” as though it was a separate entity, an impersonal force that guides their lives toward some vague, mystical purpose. Today on "Discover the Word," we will discuss God as the Creator King. As both Psalm 24 and John chapter one reveal, “the heavens and the earth” were created by God. So apart from its Creator, the universe has no power to determine anything.
Spending your life in a holding pattern? Part 5
Today on "Discover the Word," we will talk about how we often spend our time thinking about the “not yet” at the expense of the “already here.” In the spiritual sense, many believers view life as what they’ve got to get through to go to heaven. They in many ways spend their lives in a holding pattern. But in Psalm 23 we’re told that His goodness and mercy will follow us each and every day of our lives.
Psalm 23 – for every season of life Part 1
The 23rd Psalm—it’s one of the most familiar passages in the Bible, and you’re invited to join us as we look at the Scripture. Psalm 23 is often recited at funerals, but it’s not just for those who are grieving, it can provide the comfort of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, in every season of life. Listen on "Discover the Word"!
A Message of Victory Part 5
Today on "Discover the Word," we will discuss the last verse of Psalm 22, where David ends his agonizing song about the suffering Messiah with a message of victory. The psalm concludes on a high note, “Posterity will serve Him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn, for He has done it!” The amazing way Psalm 22 describes a “suffering Savior”—listen today on "Discover the Word"!
How Jesus Endured the Cross Part 4
Today on "Discover the Word," we will talk about the intense physical violence Jesus endured on the cross, described in Psalm 22, 2,000 years before the actual event. This was long before crucifixion was even invented. While the film "The Passion of the Christ" gave us a graphic taste of that horrific event, it was still a tame depiction of what actually transpired. Join us right here on "Discover the Word"!
When Jesus Felt Utterly Alone Part 2
We all need solitude sometimes. But we wouldn’t like it 24/7, especially if that solitude was a form of punishment. Yet even a prisoner in solitary confinement for a lifetime would not suffer as Jesus did. On the cross, God the Father turned His face from His only Son, leaving Jesus utterly alone. On "Discover the Word," we will talk about when Jesus was “deserted,” as foreshadowed in Psalm 22. Listen today to "Discover the Word"!
The Cross from Jesus' Perspective Part 1
What’s in a song? A lot when that song is Psalm 22. This Old Testament song of lament points us to a future event on the cross. Just as we can see in Isaiah 53 Jesus’ suffering from the Father’s perspective in Psalm 22, we get a glimpse of the agony of the cross from Jesus’ point of view. Today on "Discover the Word"!
God as both Redeemer and Restorer Part 5
God is both a Redeemer and a Restorer. While we can sometimes find it difficult to believe that anything good can come from the horrific, it’s God’s desire to take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it around for good. And in the midst of a crisis, it’s critical to surround yourself with those who share that same hope.
Discover the hope that doesn’t disappoint Part 4
Let's talk about how pain can have purpose. No one likes to suffer, but suffering can actually be productive if we allow it to be. Difficult times can produce perseverance, that refines our character, that then results in hope. And when that hope is fixed on God, it’s a hope that doesn’t disappoint.
