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?

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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

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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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In this podcast episode, I will define worship, give biblical examples of worship, discuss misplaced worship and the harm of worshiping celebrities, plus give an apologetic for worshiping God alone.

[0:00] Intro

[1:55] What is worship?

[9:45] Biblical examples of worship

[12:07] What is misplaced worship?

[14:27] What celebrities do you worship?

[16:29] Who deserves worship?

[20:00] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

Romans 12:1-2

Genesis 22

Psalm 95:6-7

Psalm 96:1-13

Defining Worship: Beyond Singing

You and I were not created FOR worship. However, we were create TO worship. Humans were created to worship God. We were not created to be worshiped or to worship others.

Worship is more than just singing; it involves submitting one's entire being to God. Worship is a deeper expression of reverence and adoration for God, often involving submission and recognition of He who is greater than all. True worship involves giving value and worth to God, not to people or things.

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

Worship God by Shai Linne

Biblical Examples of Worship

The story of Abraham in Genesis 22 illustrates acts of worship. Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac in obedience and submission to God. Ultimately, God stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac, but Abraham showed his worship to God in that he was willing to obey Him.

In the Psalms, David often worships through bowing down and paying homage to God. There are many examples of David living a life of obedience and submission to God's will.

Misplacing Worship: The Harm of Worshiping People and Things

The worship of money and material success is a common issue in society. Modern culture often misplaces worship on athletes and celebrities. The idolization of celebrities, athletes, and even pastors puts unhealthy pressure on them. Humans are not made for worship but to worship God alone.

The Call to Worship God Alone

Focus on worshiping God alone and don’t be conformed to the desires of the world. Be transformed by the renewing of your minds and worship God in every area of your life. Present your bodies as living sacrifices. Worship God through obedience, submission, and living a life that honors Him in all aspects. Romans 12:1-2

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.” Psalm 95:6-7

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Are you worshipping the true God? I think we need to elevate our concept of God rather than create a fictional or idolized version of Him. Join me in this podcast episode.

[0:00] Intro

[2:00] Is your “God” too small?

[7:00] How do we know who God is?

[12:25] Who can do what God can?

[21:00] Are you living the life God gave you?

[23:45] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

Exodus 34:1-9

2 Timothy 2:13

Isaiah 40:12-23

Job 38-40

Psalm 104

There will always be more to learn about God and our understanding of Him will continue to grow throughout eternity. However, many people have a fictional view of God. People often create their own version of God based on their own beliefs and values, rather than the God revealed in the Bible.

Do you worship the true God or an idol of your own creation? It’s important to seek God deeply and understand His true nature through the Bible.

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” - A.W. Tozer

“The heaviest obligation lying upon the Christian Church today is to purify and elevate her concept of God until it is once more worthy of Him - and of her.” - A.W. Tozer

The Key Attributes of God from Exodus 34

Some key attributes of God revealed to us in the Scriptures are mercy, grace, slowness to anger, steadfast love, and faithfulness. Understanding these attributes shapes our relationship with God. God's attributes, such as mercy and grace, are essential for our salvation.

“The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.’” - Exodus 34:6-7

The Magnitude of God in Isaiah 40 and Job 38

God is beyond human comprehension and no one can compare to Him. He has immense power and greatness. It is absurd to create idols and seek happiness in material things, as we were made by and for God, not the other way around.

God is in control and humans cannot comprehend the full extent of His power and wisdom. Job's realization of God's greatness led to a deeper understanding of God's role in the world.

Know God as He is revealed in the Bible, rather than create your own version of Him. Spend time in the Word and seek a deeper understanding of God's nature. There is joy and satisfaction that come from knowing God and drawing close to Him.

True worship involves living a life that reflects our understanding of God. I want to encourage you to consider replacing secular influences in your daily life with Christian content. God is not hiding. He desires to be known by us.

Born in Church, Raised in the World

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Have you ever been lured in by “rage bait”? Rage baiting is a strategy of boosting publicity through anger and being confrontational. In this podcast episode, I will respond to some comments.

[0:00] Intro

[2:40] Does your past define you?

[8:25] Do you have to keep God’s commandments?

[12:27] Is forgiveness an excuse to sin?

[23:00] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

2 Corinthians 5:11-17

Romans 5:1-2

John 14:15-17

Matthew 18:21-35

Matthew 6:7-15

Does your past define you?

As a Christian, you should not let the past define who you are. This is true for anyone who has given their lives to Jesus Christ. No one is outside the reach of God's forgiveness and salvation. Even the Apostle Paul was transformed from persecuting Christians to being redeemed by God. Believers are new creations in Christ, no longer defined by their past sins.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Do you have to keep God’s commandments?

The law was given to show human sinfulness and that people cannot do anything about their own sin. But Christ fulfilled the law perfectly. Believers are justified through faith in Christ, not by keeping the law. The motivation to follow God is love, not to earn salvation.

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15

Is forgiveness an excuse to sin?

Forgiveness is about letting go of the debt owed to you. Forgiveness does NOT condone sin.

Matthew 18:21-35 illustrates the importance of forgiving others as God forgives us. Forgive others and live free from the prison of unforgiveness and the burden of anger and bitterness.

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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As a Christian, do you struggle to live in the world, but not of the world? I hope today’s podcast episode will encourage you. This podcast episode features a portion of a sermon I gave at VC Family Church, focusing on my personal story and how God has used various experiences to bring me closer to Him.

[0:00] Intro

[3:20] Born in church

[7:30] Raised in the world

[12:45] Is there more to life?

[21:00] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

Colossians 1:28

Isaiah 40

Psalm 104

Job 38

“He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.” - Colossians 1:28

I grew up in a single-parent home with my three siblings. My mother and grandparents played a significant role in my upbringing. I was involved in church activities from a young age, including playing the drums and participating in youth group. I believe that I was saved at the age of 13, despite being baptized at 11.

I was saved, but I lived a compartmentalized life, where church activities were separate from my daily life that was heavily influenced by the world. Those worldly influences, including music and TV shows, contrasted greatly with my church experiences.

I experienced gang violence and drug use in my neighborhood. I faced challenges in navigating relationships, especially with girls. Because of this, I became a father out of wedlock at the age of 20.

Throughout this time, I experienced cognitive dissonance between my Christian beliefs and my actions. That led me to search for more meaning in life. My journey towards deeper faith was driven by my interest in business and motivational tapes. Let me explain.

On the long road trips I had to take for work, I began to listen to preachers like Tony Evans and Charles Stanley, which sparked my desire to learn more about God. I started reading the Bible and buying commentaries and dictionaries, despite not being an avid reader.

I began to understand God's greatness through scriptures, such as Isaiah 40 and Psalm 104, which emphasize God's power and control over the universe. I believe that understanding God's nature and attributes helped me grow in my faith.

Your personal engagement with the Bible and consuming biblical preaching can deepen your understanding of God too. Read the Bible and seek a deeper relationship with God.

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In this podcast episode, I will challenge you to evaluate how your time is spent with God and consider making more time for exclusive prayer and devotion.

[0:00] Intro

[0:25] How to pray with boldness

[12:10] How to forgive yourself

[20:35] Thought of the day

[26:00] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

Colossians 1:9-14

Ephesians 6:19-20

Romans 1:16

1 John 1:9

Common prayer requests in church often center on illnesses, homes, and crisis situations. That is totally fine. However, in this podcast, I am focusing on a different type of prayer request, asking for boldness and strength, and not just better health.

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:9-14

This verse focuses on the importance of being filled with the knowledge of God's will and spiritual wisdom. The prayer includes elements of pleasing God, bearing fruit in good works, and being strengthened with God's power for endurance and patience.

As mentioned by Paul, we need endurance and patience in the face of struggles and persecution. It is good and right to acknowledge the pain and setbacks in life. Following Christ will inevitably involve problems and persecution. This is why prays for endurance and patience with joy are so important.

Along with praying for spiritual wisdom, we can pray for boldness in standing firm, in love, for what God has called us to do.

“...and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:19-20

My perspective on this question: How do I forgive myself and move on?

Forgiving yourself starts with this: acknowledging that God's forgiveness is complete. Receive His forgiveness. Believe He has forgiven you. If God forgives you, you can forgive anyone, including yourself. I’m not saying it’s easy or that there aren’t long-term consequences to bad choices, but keep reminding yourself that God forgives you.

Three steps to forgiving yourself and moving on:

1) Get over yourself. You are not the first person to sin or fail.

2) Receive God’s grace. Believe Him when He says you are forgiven. God is just and faithful to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

3) Move on. Keep walking with the Lord. Learn your lessons and keep reminding yourself that God forgives you.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Thought of the Day: Is your time spent with God exclusive or inclusive? I want to advocate for both types to deepen y

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