What is one crucial ingredient for true happiness? In this podcast episode, let’s break down Psalm 103 and find out.

[0:00] Intro

[0:50] What is gratitude?

[1:45] Psalm 103 break down

[12:30] Are you known?

[15:30] Final thoughts

Bible verses:

Psalm 103

Exodus 34:6-7

Gratitude and Its Importance

What is gratitude? Gratitude is being thankful for what one has, rather than focusing on what one lacks. Psalm 103 is a great way to remember the attitude of gratitude.

Biblical Perspective on Gratitude

In Psalm 103, David expresses gratitude, remembering God's mercies. He shows his gratitude for God's deliverance and covenant relationship.

Gratitude for Physical and Spiritual Blessings

Psalm 103 reminds us to be grateful for our physical health, as well as our spiritual health. We may not always experience complete physical healing, but we still have reasons to be thankful. The forgiveness of sins and redemption through Jesus Christ is a significant blessing for believers. As Christians, we are saved from the pit of hell and promised resurrection in Jesus Christ.

God's Mercy and Steadfast Love

Psalm 103 helps us focus on God's mercy, justice, and steadfast love. We deserve God’s wrath because of our sin, but He is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. We can have gratitude for God's forgiveness and compassion, despite our human frailty and sinfulness.

Gratitude in Daily Life

Everyone has problems, but we can be grateful for our daily blessings. Remember God's forgiveness and compassion. Despite our mistakes, we are fully known and loved by God. Reflect on and journal your blessings, as a way to maintain gratitude.

Gratitude and Praise Music

Music is a tool for maintaining gratitude and a connection with God. Praise and worship music helps renew our minds and remind us of God's presence. Recently, I was introduced to a song called "Known" by Taryn Wells, which speaks to the idea of being fully known and loved by God. Listen to the song and reflect on the message.

"Known" by Taryn Wells

Let’s connect faith with daily life. Be grateful for all that God has done because gratitude is a key ingredient for true happiness.

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What Does It Mean to Be Fully Known?

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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This is how I’m voting: give it all my prayers and none of my emotions. This will be my commentary on a sermon by Matt Chandler titled "Thrones and Thorns,” on navigating political issues and concerns without getting overly anxious or emotional.

[0:00] Intro

[3:30] Are Christians subject to the governing authorities?

[9:00] Can you legislate morality?

[14:00] How should Christians vote?

[22:00] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

Romans 13:1

Colossians 1:15-20

Proverbs 3:5-6

Rather than getting angsty about political events, Christians should be aligning our votes toward policies and actions that focus on human flourishing as defined in God’s Word. I’ll be the first to admit that this is not easy, but I think focusing on God and what He says, will help us with the political environment.

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Romans 13:1

When we follow Jesus Christ, we must be able to critique political leaders and policies, regardless of one's political affiliation. We aren’t partisan to a particular political party, but to Christ alone. Yes, we can have our preferences, but those preferences must not supercede our allegiance to Jesus Christ and God’s moral standards.

Let’s be honest when we approach politics. The Republican Party's strategy has been to co-opt Christian voters, while the Democratic Party has promulgated legislative policies that are morally reprehensible and demonic. There are many negative impacts of left-leaning policies on the unborn, elderly, and sick.

No doubt there is tension between being involved in politics and maintaining our Christian values. Regardless of the political party, Christians have every right to bring our morality and worldview to the voting table. But let us remember to trust in God and seek His guidance in all aspects of life.

As you cast your vote, do not put your hope in political parties or leaders, but in God. Pray and seek His guidance. Resist being provoked by political manipulation and run to the Lord with your worries. Be salt and light in the world, helping people see Jesus Christ. Prepare for the return of Jesus and focus on the everlasting kingdom.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:15-20

Thrones & Thorns – Week 1 – Sermon – Matt Chandler

Thrones & Thorns – Week 2 – Sermon – Matt Chandler

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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Should Christians be involved in politics? I will share my perspective in this podcast.

[0:00] Intro

[0:50] Should Christians be involved in politics?

[2:20] What does “in the world, but not of the world” mean?

[5:00] How does God impact politics?

[8:20] What is the most important way to participate in politics?

[14:00] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

Matthew 5:13-16

John 17:14-19

1 Timothy 2:1-6

Titus 2:11-14

The Importance of Being Involved but Not Defined by Politics

Yes. I affirm Christian involvement in polititcs. However, Chrisitans should not be defined by their politics. God has placed us in this world to be salt and light. (Matthew 5:13-16) However, we should not be of the world. (John 17:14-19)

Living According to a Different Kingdom

Christians should not live according to the world's order but according to God's kingdom. As Christians, we should participate based on what brings godly light and justice. Focusing on political figures detracts from the importance of following Jesus and doing what is right before God.

Historically, God used wicked kings to judge and grow His people. It is our responsibility to obey God, while leaving the outcomes to Him.

The Role of Prayer and Making Disciples

One of the most important ways to participate in politics is to pray for leaders and their salvation, not just for political outcomes. (1 Timothy 2:1-6) Only believers have the unique role of making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, I encourage you to be involved in politics as a way to bring light and salt into the world. As an act of worship to God, be involved in our world, but do not let politics or any other worldy circumstance define your identity or joy.

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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