Episode 122: Jonah Flees from God

In this episode, we see how gracious, loving, tender, and kind God is toward those who repent and that we need God’s help to have that attitude toward others.

With your kids: Talk about what you could say to encourage your brother or sister this week when they choose what’s right.  

Episode 111: God Rescues a Mountain Climber (A Modern Day Miracle)

In this episode, Brian Dickinson shares about how God rescued him on the top of Mt. Everest, and Finn and I discuss the mountain where we will finally get to meet Jesus! 

With your kids: What do you think heaven will be like? Look up some passages about heaven and take some time to imagine what it will be like to finally see Jesus face-to-face.

P.S.  Check out Brian’s website http://briandickinson.net, which has links to his book Blind Descent, his YouVersion devotional and other media. 

New Resources!

Friends, I’m so excited to share with you some of the resources I’ve recently discovered (or been reminded of) in my walk with Jesus. You can find the rest of the resources I love here.

Trusting God

Why is it easier to obey God than to trust Him?
Because obeying God makes sense to us. In most cases, His laws appear reasonable and wise, and even when we don’t want to obey them, we usually concede that they are good for us. But the circumstances we find ourselves in often defy explanation. Before long, we begin to doubt God’s concern for us or His control over our lives. We ask, “Why is God allowing this?” or “What have I done wrong?”

God has used this book so powerfully in my life to equip me in the battle with anxiety. You can read more here.

The Valley of Vision–free

This is a collection of puritan prayers and devotions. Don’t let the cover turn you off. It is filled with scripturally and theologically rich prayers to worship and enjoy God. It’s often been a great starting place to help me worship God and then talk to Him about what’s on my mind and heart. 

“This book has been prepared not to ‘supply’ prayers but to prompt and encourage the Christian as he treads the path on which others have gone before.”

You can read the prayers for free here, but I’m grateful for my hardcopy to highlight and meditate on. 

Every Moment Holy

“EVERY MOMENT HOLY is a book of liturgies for the ordinary events of daily life–liturgies such as “A Liturgy for Feasting with Friends” or “A Liturgy for Laundering” or “A Liturgy for the First Hearthfire of the Season.” These are ways of reminding us that our lives are shot through with sacred purpose even when, especially when, we are too busy or too caught up in our busyness to notice.”

This is such a beautiful guide for learning how to see every part of our lives as a way to meet the Lord. (And McKelvey’s words are so well-chosen and biblical.) I’m hopeful that the less-expensive paperback version will be released soon, but you can find the hardcover version now. 

Fundamentals of the Faith

“If you are a new believer or know someone who is, Fundamentals of the Faith is the perfect resource for establishing a solid biblical foundation for the Christian life.” 

This is an excellent discipleship material! It is in a workbook format with links to audio sermons related to each topic. 

Prayercast (free)

Not sure how to pray for the needs of the world? This is an incredible resource of 4-5 minute videos (from hundreds of places around the world), leading you in how to pray for them.

The Bible Project videos (free)

Their goal: To help people experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus.

I can’t recommend these short videos enough. There are videos giving the historical background, themes, and outline of each book of the Bible along with illustrations, and also videos about themes throughout Scripture. Just watch one. You’ll be hooked.

Songs for Saplings (Free)

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“Our mission is to equip the Church worldwide with rich, Biblical music to help children learn their faith through song.” 

I can’t get these little songs out of my head, and am so excited for my children to grow up hearing (and memorizing) these Bible verses set to music. She also has a series of albums teaching the Catechism for Young People through song. 

God’s Message Behind the Coronavirus

Where do natural disasters and pandemics like the coronavirus come from? Our pastor preached from Psalm 106, explaining that natural disasters are a result of the curse/judgment of God because of Adam’s sin (and the sin of all of humanity). The very ground is cursed because of Adam’s sin (Gen. 3:17), and we are constantly working to harness creation. This creation is groaning because it’s not living it’s original curse-free purpose. We are reminded of our frailty, and of the greater judgment to come. We have sinned like our fathers before us and deserve to live under this curse. But in His great love, God sent Jesus to become a curse for us, to bear the wrath that keeps us from ultimate judgment and will welcome us into an eternal life on a curse-free new Earth (for all who confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and receive His forgiveness for their sins through His death on the cross). This is the outward-focused loving God everyone needs as the whole world groans today. (Romans 10:9)

https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/bereancc/sermons/329201616382557/

Episode 90: 1 Kings 4-7 Solomon Builds the Temple

In this episode, God gives Solomon peace and rest from enemies so that he can build God’s temple, but he spends even longer building his own palace. God loves to open our eyes to His kingdom priorities as we read His Word and talk with Him about it.

With your kids: Name one thing you know God wants you to do. Then ask for Him to bear the fruit of the Spirit in your life as you do it.

Image: Wikipedia
Image: realmofhistory.com

Episode 68: 2 Samuel 2-3 David Becomes King over Judah

In this episode, we get to learn about the civil war in Israel that occurs when Saul’s son, Ish-Bosheth, tries to become king instead of God’s anointed king, David.

Discussion with your kids: How do we treat others when they’ve done something mean or wrong to us? Why does revenge never work?

Thomas and his wonderful family

Thomas also heads up a website called Lamp Lighters, which is a family devotional program whose sole purpose is to bring your family into God’s story by reading, singing, and praying together. 

“We designed each section to assist the overloaded parent with devoting time consistently to our God. We want to help you plant small seeds into your daily schedule that grow into beautiful gardens that bear fruit in every one of your family member’s lives.  Find out how to get started with this blog post.