Everyday Welcome

Hey, sister! Are you hungry for a deeper, more purposeful and fulfilling relationship with God and with those He’s placed in your life? Do you sometimes feel like you’re in survival mode, hanging on by a thread to all life seems to require of you? Like the stuff of everyday life gets in the way of really living? I’m Angela Sackett. I’m a wife, mom, speaker and author… and my husband and I practice crazy-wild hospitality at a camp in the mountains of southwest Virginia. Like you, I’ve lived hungry… doing all the things, wanting to find my calling, my sense of being “full” in this Jesus-following life. And what I’m finding is that this everyday life in Christ isn’t about “arriving,” but about everyday saying “yes” to what God places in front of us. And about inviting others to do the same. Don’t get me wrong - God doesn’t need us to welcome Him - He will do what He will do - for His glory and our good. But when we position ourselves to invite His work in our lives and position our lives to invite others into that as well, we will find joy like never before. Everyday Welcome Podcast will encourage you to do just that. In short solo episodes - just enough to cover while you do some dishes or get ready for the day, and in interview episodes that are a bit longer, I’ll give you biblical resources and practical ideas you can use in your daily life. Together, we’ll learn how to grow closer to Jesus, care for ourselves in a biblical way, invest in our this-world-homes with an eye for eternity, and invite others into relationship with Jesus and with us! Our Heavenly Father has set the table, and He’s inviting us to a life of everyday welcome.

Be A Biscuit - Pursue Christian Community with Joy 05/20/2024

Be A Biscuit - Pursue Christian Community with Joy This episode is a practical, hands-on application of some of the foundational ideas of living the inviting life as a Christian. (For more in-depth, biblical underpinning for this fun episode, see the related episodes below!) Find full show notes . Key ideas: We need each other in the body of Christ. We’re going to have to work for it. My husband and I are currently three years into being the “new kids” in a very inter-connected community at Camp Bethel, in a southwest Virginian Appalachian Mountain town. While our new neighbors and “family” in ministry have been welcoming, it’s also a very interconnected community, and it often takes work to connect on a deeper level with new friends. What I’ve found first hand over many years of being new in various communities, is that it takes work to go beyond surface-level relationships and pursue the kind of transformative Christian community that God calls us to. What we can not do as we pursue healthy Christian relationships: Stay in a community that is unhealthy. Bully our way in with an arrogant or critical spirit. Two things to look for in a healthy church, in particular: Expository biblical teaching Biblically modeled leadership (Paul writes extensively about what church leadership should entail, and we should seek that out in a solid, Bible-teaching church!) We need to go into our church setting, local study, neighbor group, workplace, and whatever community God allows us to be part of, with a heart that is humble to learn and hungry to serve. We need to ask Him to help us find a place to serve, even as we seek to continually grow as Christ-followers who seek to continually, increasingly, know Him through His word and be transformed by His Spirit. It can be hard to pursue healthy relationships as a Christian; but God calls us to it, and it is worth the work. Related episodes: (episode 43) (episode 9) (episode 35) (episode 39) (episode 38) (episode 20) (episode 21) with Kim Russo (episode 7) Resources: (Rosaria Butterfield) Let’s Connect: Join the /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/31381227

Grow Mature Lead with Jahlil Jefferson 05/01/2024

Behave Yourself: How To Be A Hospitable Christian on Social Media 04/19/2024

Behave Yourself: How To Be A Hospitable Christian on Social Media Each one of us needs to think about how to be a hospitable Christian on social media. For complete show notes, head to . In , we talked about our need to be seen. When we’re irritated and rightly angry at others wanting to be “seen” in their sin, we need to remember that we all really want to be “seen,” and often our desire for it leads us to sin. We talked about social media and how it reflects this innate desire in each of us - but how God already sees us, and what that looked like in scripture. Today let's down together a little bit more about how we can be hospitable, or invite meaningful interaction, online. Whether that’s comments and conversations we’re having on Facebook or Instagram, or the content we’re creating and posting, or what we’re re-sharing, we have maybe unprecedented opportunity to glorify God to a huge audience, with our online interactions. The words we speak say volumes about where we stand in relationship with God, they have incredible power for influence in truth and in love, and they even affect our own emotional and physical well-being. “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” -Proverbs 16:24 “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” - Luke 6:43-45 I want to begin by saying it isn’t necessary that we speak at all online. God tells us in several ways in scripture that having a gentle and quiet spirit, having patience to be quiet, and otherwise just keeping our mouths closed (see Ecclesiastes 3:7 and Proverbs 17:28), can be the most loving and God-honoring thing to do in a given setting. Having said that, I also believe that social media is our modern version of the quilting bee combined with the town square, and if we use it and use it wisely, we have a responsibility to be winsome and truthful, and even be willing to engage in conversations where we say hard things. Not everyone agrees with me, but I actually think the online space gives us opportunities to speak the truth, in love, in ways never possible before, and I don’t think Christians should be absent from what I see as a huge opportunity for meaningful communication. It is a challenge to say the hard things with grace and love, but we must listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit in us, even as we fill our minds with God’s word, so that we identify what the truth IS in a given situation, and we can not be driven or influenced by fear. If we choose to speak in the public sphere, and we're willing to think about how to be a hospitable Christian on social media, let's be intentional. Here are some ways we can combat ungracious speech on social media, placing our trust firmly in God’s work through our obedience: Pray about it. Whatever the issue is that’s on your heart or that you’ve read in a social post, pause and genuinely seek God’s leading. Timing matters here - devote time before spouting off. Journal your thoughts on the matter and revisit them a day or two later, if at all possible. And speaking of time, take TIME to Use Scripture as your foundation before speaking. What does the Bible have to say about this topic? Is it nuanced? Look for multiple places where the issue is addressed and get a rich view of how God says it’s to be handled. Did one of the prophets, writers of scripture, or Biblical leaders address this topic or one that’s related? What tone and actions did they use to speak to it? Seek godly counsel. Go digging either in writing or in person to see what wise, seasoned believers have said or done in this realm. How have they approached it, either in person or publicly? After taking these important steps to pray, seek the Bible for wisdom and looking for godly counsel, if God calls you to speak online, here are some guidelines to help you. HOW TO SPEAK TO HARD TOPICS ON SOCIAL MEDIA Be humble. Always be willing to listen and learn. Remember that God has graciously chosen to allow you to join Him in His work - but HE is the One who does the work. We can reflect the gentleness and humility God displayed if we’re willing to say “I’m sorry,” even when the point we are making is correct, when we have been unloving. You never know who’s watching - we say much when we maintain a respectful tone, in a public conversation. Set aside fear. It’s vital for us to be willing to disagree with people and to not shy away from that hard conversation. “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.” (John 15:18-21) Be prayerful about when to bring up topics. We will always, in the flesh, err in our communication, whether it’s online or in person. But when we seek the Holy Spirit (in His Word) for direction and for equipping, we honor God and place ourselves in the way of His working. Psalm 141:3 says, “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” The Psalmist knew what we need to remember - we need the Holy Spirit to lead us in speaking and in remaining silent. Think about the person on the other side of the screen. What does he or she look like? What’s his or her life experience? How might their experience lead them to hear what we have to say? As we begin to speak, we can continue to prayerfully ask God to help us see the person we speak to, or about, with His eyes. Remember the goal is heart change. Our goal should not ever be “to win.” I can’t have the motivation of making myself more seen (listen to for more on this), or just to shout down wrongs, so to speak. My heart’s desire should align with God’s, and His desire is that all might come to know and worship Him. When deciding what to record or type, I need to think in terms of what is loving and truthful, that God might use to transform hearts and wake up spiritually dead people. Invite off-screen contact. This is huge, and I think, actually really important. Obviously, use wisdom with appropriate contact (if you’re a woman, make sure you’ve included your husband and/or his wife or another godly person in any conversation with a man, for instance). But remember that on the other side of any screen, there’s a real person and social media will always be secondary to real, person-to-person communication for moving past emotion or triteness, and into real-life, transformative connection. John 3:16 tells us that God so loved the world, that He gave Jesus to die for the forgiveness of sins of all who would repent and accept His free gift of salvation and follow Him. So knowing this about the God of the universe, we should let that be our driving force in online communication. We are all called to live the inviting life, and even social media can be a place we do that. Related Episodes and Posts: (episode 41) (episode 13) (episode 8) (episode 39) Resources: , Rebecca Manley Pippert , Rosaria Butterfield Let’s Connect: Join the /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/30894568

People Be Peoplin: The Need to Be Seen 04/05/2024

People Be Peoplin: The Need to Be Seen People have an inherent need to be seen. So it's no surprise that America, at the outcry of a small sect of the population, declared a "National Day of Transgender Visibility." It's no surprise that a president placed himself in a position of seeming support to declare a group people "visible," as if issued support, love, and validation in a meaningful way. Christians raised an outcry, offended that this day took place this year on Resurrection Day. The disrespect! And they’re right - it’s thumbing the nose at God, to declare a holiday for a lifestyle choice that goes against all He says is good and right in the image of Himself He created in man and woman. It’s ironic, the timing (although the day was declared first in 2021 in the states; it wasn’t new), there’s deeper irony, I believe, in the need to be “seen” at all. If we are honest, we all want to be seen. I believe this desire has become an epidemic in our modern society. You see it in the way we dress, the way we obsess over social “media” (which actually means publication or mass communication!), and even in such cultural trends as a show called American Idol, popular for over 8 years. The enemy loves to twist truth and draw out our longing for what is genuine in a way that is perverted, and we can see that in the , and in particular, the need to be seen. We’ll do just about anything to be noticed, even if it’s in our shameful behavior. And here’s the deeper irony: we already are seen, by the God who made us. (For complete shownotes, head over to the .) Here’s the first deeper irony: We want to be seen and we'll do anything to get it. In the first place, God sees all our sins (and they’re the very reason we need Him). In Psalm 32, the writer says God blesses the man “whose sin is covered,” and tells us his hidden sin caused him to waste away. When He confessed to God, he was forgiven and freed of this burden. In Hebrews 4, 12 and 13, we see that God’s word reveals our deepest thoughts and intentions, and “all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” The amazing thing is that God sees us fully for the wretches we are, and He gives us the opportunity for restoration. We can try to hide in our inadequacies, our wrongful desires, our seeking after artificial things, but He invites us to run for our tendencies and into His forgiveness, through Christ. In a second deep irony, we crave to be seen and will do almost anything to get it; God already sees us in a way that He cares for us: deeply, fully, completely. There’s a story in Genesis 16 about how Abram and Sarai, pursued a longing in their hearts. God had promised them a child and generations of blessed offspring. When His timing wasn’t fast enough for them, Sarai brought her maidservant Hagar to her husband and said basically, “here, make a baby with her.” Once she conceived, Sarai hated her and regretted her decision. Abram backed out of responsibility, Sarai abused Hagar, and she ran. Alone by herself in the wilderness, Sarai received a visit from God, who gave her her own promise (go read this story again!). Here are a few amazing notes to take away from her encounter (see resource list below for some of my takeaway on this): Sarai was a lowly servant girl and God made a personal visit to her (He sees the lowly ones and is gentle toward them). Sarai received her own promise, even though she was abused by the ones with whom He had made a covenant (He sees the forgotten ones and still offers mercy). Sarai didn’t die when she saw God - and we know one would die from seeing Him in all His holiness (He sees the humble ones and makes Himself known to them). Here’s maybe the saddest part - Abram and Sarai grasped at their own kind of fulfillment apart from God’s promise, and in doing so, they missed out on a first blessing, they harmed another, and they brought all kinds of trouble on themselves. At best, we miss the opportunity to see the majesty of God’s working when we are impatient and take matters into our own hands. When we reject God’s provision and grasp for ourselves, we will always cause grief. Once again, human nature is willing to settle for “almost;” we’re willing to grasp for an artificial, unfulfilling version of what God intended as precious and good. And it is the reason (more on this in a minute) why God’s people, who know truth and life and hope, must speak the truth in love any and every time we are given opportunity. When there is a struggle with sin, and we give up and give in and embrace our own desires for what God says is forbidden, it is tragic. Since the first man and woman, there has always been the struggle against sin, but true sons and daughters of God, through Christ, have the ability to resist sin and in so doing we meet with the incredible blessing of God’s help. Paul battled sin. Jesus Himself, as scripture says, was tempted to sin. And yet HE DID NOT GIVE IN. And because of His victory over sin and death, in Him we also can resist sin and be forgiven when we give in. “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.’” - Hebrews 12:3-6 Scripture tells us that because of Christ’s work and His indwelling Spirit in those who put their trust in Christ, we can live lives that are righteous, even as we battle our sin nature (see Romans 8).Paul in Colossians refers to the mystery of the gospel - “Christ in you - the hope of glory…” this ASSURED hope for God’s people is the motivator to keep moving… to keep resisting sin and leaning into obedience to our Heavenly Father! Here is how we respond to the grace God gives in seeing us, both in our sin and in His care for His own: As followers of Christ who have accepted His forgiveness and His provision in the battle against sin, we are given the ministry of reconciliation. We seek to live lives that encourage others toward reconciliation with God through Christ. We continually come to God with a humble, repentant heart and seek His help in resisting our sin nature. We ask Him to help us live in obedience to Him, in response to the His lavish love with which He sees us, even as He fully sees our sinful need for His forgiveness. We who have found hope, who have been seen by God and covered in our naked, sinful state, must share that gift with any and every person He brings into our path. (See episode 4, , for more on this.) And no matter how hard the struggle, we cannot give up fighting our sinful nature, our desire for satisfaction that, when we seek it apart from God, leads us inevitably to more lack, to self harm, or to harming others. Read Psalm 31. Read it as a prayer and pray it over and over. Look at Psalm 31 and remember God sees you and loves you. Look at Hebrews 4 and remember we can “fight the good fight” because of the assured promise of eternity and the rest we have waiting for us. Do not harden your heart and look for your own way. We do have an innate need to be seen. In a lost world, some may (whether with evil intention, selfish motives or even trying to do something “good”) grasp outside God’s best plan for provision and protection and His very presence. We need to heed God’s warning through Paul in his letter to the Hebrews: today, we need to make sure our hearts are soft toward Him, and we humbly accept the gift of His oversight and His love. We need to repent where we have sought lesser things to fill our soul’s craving, and once receiving His forgiveness, speak the truth in love to everyone we can. Related episodes: ? (episode 33) (episode 8) (episode 20) (episode 21) (episode 34) (episode 35) Interview with Esther Littlefield - (Rosaria Butterfield) Scripture references and resources Read Psalm 31 Hebrews 4 Romans 8 Let’s Connect: Join the /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/30695593

The Easiest Way to Love Your Brothers and Sisters in Christ 03/29/2024

Dwell Richly Episode 39 03/23/2024

Where Do They Keep the Stapler? (Unexpected Welcome at Church) 03/08/2024

Jesus More Than Elderberries with Noelle Talley 03/02/2024

Jesus More Than Elderberries with Noelle Talley Today we welcome Noelle Talley, owner of Noelle’s Naturals. Noelle became a friend when I had the privilege of being her birth photographer ten years ago, and since then she’s had some wild adventures in business and in life. Today we talk about how God’s people showed her family welcome during a huge transition and how she’s living the “inviting life” through her successful natural products business. Find the full shownotes at . A few key takeaways from our conversation: We can take notes on how a new church made the Talley family feel at home after a huge move: “We were invited into people’s homes.” “We were given a place to serve.” “Our giftings were seen and valued.” “A lot of people stand against the wall, just waiting to be asked.” “There’s an all-hands-on-deck” mentality; you’re just expected to be a part of the community.” “They asked, ‘how can I help you,’ and also, ‘what do you have to bring to the table?’” “There’s an expectation that you’ll serve.” From Angela: “In the church, we often feel like we have to create entertainment, but it is really the opposite. We need to create a place for people to serve.” - Angela Sackett Noelle shares advice for practicing hospitality, even during unexpected seasons of life. “Even if you’re in a hotel room, you can creatively welcome someone in and share the love of Christ with them.” She shares about living out her faith in caring for her customers: “If I believe that Jesus is the only way and I don’t tell you that, I am being so unloving to you.” We talk about trusting God when the world around seems to be chaotic From Angela: When Noelle shares about remembering the bigger story God is writing even during times of great difficulty, I’m reminded of a passage in scripture Teresa, a pastor’s wife friend shared and that I still hold on to: “Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places.” - Habakkuk 3:17-19 One piece of advice from Noelle in this season of her own life: “If I could go back, I’d do a lot less looking for/living for the ‘next thing,’ and a lot more just being present and being thankful for where the Lord has me, being thankful for that.” From my conversation with Noelle, I’m reminded that as God’s people, we are called to recognize the darkness around us, and then live as ones who have within us the Light of the world. Whether it is through our tiny or grand home, our business, our friendship-building or mothering, whether we’re single or married, seemingly successful or rebuilding, God has purpose His glory and our good in every season, and He’s calling us to share that with a watching world. Related episodes: ? (episode 33) (episode 9) (episode 20) (episode 21) with Kim Russo (episode 7) Find Noelle Online: Noelle is on Instagram @noellesnaturals and @naturallynoelleshow Noelle on Resources: Noelle’s interview with Angela on An excellent article on (Rosaria Butterfield) Let’s Connect: Join the /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/30197023

Speak the Gospel With Your Life - Episode 36 with Tabitha Deller 02/22/2024

Speak the Gospel With Your Life - Episode 36 with Tabitha Deller What a gift to interview Tabitha Deller, fellow author, speaker and mom. Tabitha encourages us as she walks out a daily life of inviting, sharing the gospel, and "linking arms" with other women. Highlights from my time with Tabitha: Hospitality in any group of people doesn’t always come easily. We need to look for creative ways to expand our circle if God is calling us to do so. Talk over with your husband, if you’re married, about how often is comfortable for you both to host/gather, so you can keep your schedule manageable. Find what’s best for your family and then just do it! Don’t overcomplicate, build in margin for yourself, but then just put it on your calendar. Start with small commitments and follow them through. Just link arms with people and let them know they’re not alone. A few key quotes from our chat: “We are called to do life together and walk together with our sisters in Christ, but God has also called us to be a light in dark places. He’s called us to make disciples of all nations. He’s called us to share the gospel… into a world that desperately needs the love of Christ.” - Tabitha Deller “People come to see you more than they come to see your things or your clean house.” - Tabitha “Things don’t have to be perfect to honor God and to love on people.” - Tabitha “Keep it simple and start small.” - Tabitha “Preparation is key.” - Tabitha “Our availability is our greatest ability.” - Tabitha “We need to tend the home fires, but with an eternal perspective.” - Angela A key scripture: ““Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” - Matthew 6:19-21 At the time we recorded, we were in Advent season, and as this episode airs, we’re already into Lent! Tabitha is leading a group of women through a study during Lent season, and you can join her here: Related episodes: ? (episode 33) (episode 20) (episode 21) with Kera Freeman (episode 19) with Kim Russo (episode 7) Find Tabitha online: Resources: An excellent article on (Rosaria Butterfield) Let’s Connect: /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/30064108

We Need Our People (Why We Need the Church) 02/14/2024

We Need Our People (Why We Need the Church) “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10) God has called us into a special relationship with other believers, and He uses us in each other's lives as we live this #invitinglife. For complete shownotes, head to ! In 1 Peter 2:16-17 we read: “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” This gives us a glimpse into the special relationship we have with fellow believers. As fellow believers, we meet each other’s needs (see Acts 2:42-47 and 1 Corinthians 12:12–26). Our family in Christ is vital to us for accountability (see Jeremiah 17:9, Mark 7:21-23, and Jude 22-23). The heart is deceitful above all things! We need loving brothers and sisters to speak truth to us when we are deluding ourselves into thinking we are all right. It's important to remember as we challenge one another, we must have a right heart - one of brotherhood and humility. Matthew 5 is a powerful illustration as we're challenged, before "helping" our brother with a speck in his eye, to remove the log in our own. Jude tells us to have mercy on those who doubt. Paul set a pattern for accountability with his letters to the church, both in how he challenged his brothers and in how he challenged the church (1 and 2 Timothy, Titus). We learn from each other in our believing family. We should seek out "Titus 2" relationships with older and younger sisters, being poured into and investing in others as we grow (see also Hebrews 10:24-25). In a lonely world, we need fellowship with others who can encourage us (see Ephesians 2:19-22). 1 Corinthians 12 reminds us: “But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” In a dark world, we need encouragement and reminders of the Truth. We are commanded to gather for teaching of the Word by appointed elders, for good reason: we need it. We're also called to gather for worship (not just in small groups but at a local church); it uplifts our hearts, points us toward our Savior, and again, reminds us of truth we so easily forget (see 2 Timothy 4:2-5 also). “If Jesus had to be careful about those He allowed to get close to Him, we must be careful, too. We need to seek out those who share our faith and our love for the Lord, remembering that “we are the temple of the living God” (see 2 Corinthians 6:14–16). - Got Questions () Related episodes: ? (episode 33) (episode 20) (episode 21) with Kera Freeman (episode 19) with Kim Russo (episode 7) (episode 34) Resources: An excellent article on (Rosaria Butterfield) from Desiring God Let’s Connect: Join the /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/29957913

What Are You Looking At - How Do We View Our Lost Friends and Neighbors 02/05/2024

What Are You Looking At - How Do We View Our Lost Friends and Neighbors In episode 33, we dug into the idea of identity. We talked about who we are, if we are in Christ, as defined by scripture, and hinted at how that identity might shape how we view others. Today, let's talk about how being “in Christ” shapes how we view those who don’t yet know Him. In future episodes, we will also look at how we view our “family” of fellow believers, and circle back to how that affects this relationship. But for today, let’s talk about our friends, family, and others in our lives who are not Christians. Scripture calls those who are not saved neighbors, unrighteous, unredeemed, “all men,” and possibly, enemies. We’re talking about those who have not believed and professed belief in Christ, coming to a saving knowledge of Him. Statistically speaking, for most of us, the majority of people we know should/could be unbelievers, because there are likely far more people in the world who have not placed trusting faith in Christ. The honest truth is many of us may primarily be in the company of other Christians. As Christians, we are exhorted in scripture to “go into all the world” with the message of the gospel, and we should be looking at the people in our everyday lives as those who need to hear that gospel. We need to be actively asking the Lord how he views those people, and allowing it to shape how we look at them and how we treat them! For an idea of how God believes those I think of as “not yet in Christ,” we can also look at how He has treated us. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” God wants the lost to be saved. (See 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and Galatians 6:10.) So if we know God wants to see the lost saved, and He tells us to share that message, how do we interact daily with our friends, neighbors and family who don't know Him? We pray for them. (See Matthew 5:43, .) Rick Segal says, “Most of us do know personally at least dozens, some of us hundreds, and rather than lump these precious individuals into one big prayer cohort, we could begin to take their given names before God in prayer. Start writing their names down and praying over them at least once a week.” () Would you be willing to write down names and faithfully pray for the salvation of those you know who don’t know Christ? We actually care about them. We have to see our neighbors as humans, made in God’s image, in whose lives He may actually use us to show His saving love. We make time to build relationships, intentionally, with the aim of modeling His character, speaking the truth about this world and our desperate need for Him as we go. (See Philippians 2:15.) We do live "set apart" lives as we interact with those who are not in Christ. In scripture, the idea of sin and repentance is closely connected to Jesus' purposeful relationship-building. John Piper says, “...from the little we can see, it is highly unlikely that Jesus would have simply listened and said nothing about the ways of the kingdom. He would have acted like a physician.‘ I see some disease here and I know a remedy.’ And he points them to the ways of the kingdom.” () We invite (or say yes to invitations). Make time in your calendar and space in your life and home to purposefully invite your lost neighbor to build a relationship that can lead to gospel conversations. Rosaria Butterfield says, “Let God use your home, apartment, dorm room, front yard, community gymnasium, or garden for the purpose of making strangers into neighbors and neighbors into family. Because that is the point—building the church and living like a family, the family of God.” (See .) We speak truth (see 2 Corinthians 5:11). People often quote St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.” We model Christian living with our daily lives, but we have no excuse to avoid the uncomfortable work of talking about the message of salvation. God tells us to do it. Romans 10:14 tells us the lost need to be TOLD they need a savior. “Clearly, the biblical method of evangelism is the faithful proclamation of the truth of Scripture in conjunction with the living testimony of those who have been changed by that truth. When Jesus went about teaching the gospel message of salvation, He taught love and forgiveness, being kind and compassionate. But He went to sinners in order to convict them of their sins. A case in point is the very Samaritan woman we’ve been talking about here. Remember . . . the very first word Jesus said when He began His ministry was “Repent!” “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near’” (Matthew 4:17). We are commissioned to bring that same message to the world, speaking the truth in love from a heart changed by the Savior.” - Got Questions () This is a GREAT article with many more biblical references that help us connect what our relationships should look like from a “.” (See also Jeremiah 23:29 and Ephesians 4:25.) Head to John 4 and read the story of the woman at the well - God used the truth about her sin to persuade her family and friends! We do our homework. Hebrews 4:12 gives us comfort and also challenges us when it reminds us that God’s word does the work of changing hearts.This simultaneously means we don’t bear the burden of changing hearts and minds, and that we need to work to KNOW the word so we can share it! (See also 1 Peter 3:15). If sharing scripture comes hard for us, we need to spend more time in it. If we struggle to tell our own story of salvation, we need to spend more time thinking about it and preparing to tell it! In biblical terms, this means we need to be increasingly growing as disciples of Jesus so that we can “go and make disciples” in our relationships. You may need to read your Bible more. You may need to study apologetics. You may need to read some sources on how to share the gospel - but the bottom line is, we all have homework to do to genuinely love our “neighbor” as God has called us to! 6. We get over ourselves. In we talked about who we are as defined by God. We must remember He tells us who we are and how to live, and then courageously allow Him to shape how we walk out our calling with who He has created us to be. “Knowing your personality and your sensitivities does not excuse you from ministry. It means that you need to prepare for it differently than others might.” - Rosaria Butterfield, We seek to help. One way we can gain the ear of our lost friends and family members is to look for ways to genuinely do good for them. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up,” says Paul. “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (See Galatians 6:9-10 and Jude 1:22–23.) We use wisdom and hold ground. 2 Corinthians 6, verses 14 and following, caution us that we aren’t to form inappropriate partnerships with the lost. God calls us to be “set apart,” and reminds us that we do not have true fellowship with the unbeliever. We have to be careful how we form relationships, and always be mindful of our calling to live holy lives. (See 1 Peter 2:17.) Those boundaries we set should take into account the best choices for our relationship first with God, then with our husbands and children, if we have them. Some great questions to ask from John Piper: “Which way is the transforming influence flowing? When you are with someone, are they being transformed, or are you being transformed? Are you being drawn to minimize the value of holiness? Have your standards been compromised? Are you being made callous and hard toward things in, say, movies or on television or in language that you weren’t once hard to, but sensitive to? That is the first question… And the second question is, Are we loving these people for their sake — that is, that they would come to faith and they would become godly — or do we really love them because we love what they enjoy and really just like being with them in their worldliness?” - Pastor John Piper () “Jesus dined with sinners, but he didn’t sin with sinners. Jesus lived in the world, but he didn’t live like the world. This is the Jesus paradox.” - Rosaria Butterfield, (See also Mark 5:19-20!) “We can participate in activities and relationships with unbelievers, but only to a point. We must be ready to say a polite, “No, thank you,” when asked to step outside our purpose. It may not be outright sin we are encouraged to pursue, but many other things can lure us away from pure devotion to Christ.” - Got Questions () Finally as we lean next week into how we relate to our believing brothers and sisters, let's be challenged by Rick Segal: “Yes, we rejoice in corporate worship, in Christian fellowship, and in private devotion. But we must not neglect the essential work and untapped joy of sharing Christ with those who do not yet know him.” () Related episodes: (episode 4) ? (episode 33) (episode 20) (episode 21) with Kera Freeman (episode 19) with Kim Russo (episode 7) Resources: An excellent article on (Rosaria Butterfield) from Desiring God Let’s Connect: Join the /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/29797338

How Do You Identify? 01/24/2024

How Do You Identify? We know identity is a huge issue in our world today. What determines who you are and how you'll live? Dig in with me to answer the question of, "how do you identify?" (Find the full post with complete show notes on the !) Recently I found myself in maybe the most awkward 30 minutes in my adult life. And I know I can be dramatic, but it really felt that way. I was with a group of other believers and in this setting, I was the “new girl.” The people around me were talking about some deep and heavy things they'd recently walked through, and while I know without a doubt these are not people who meant to be unkind or unwelcoming, I couldn't help but feel awkwardly "talked around" as they discussed what was on their minds. While I'm pretty driven when it comes to pursuing connection, I felt weird enough that at a point, I ducked my head, slipped out, and went to sit alone while I waited for the event to start. I spent some time a day or two later talking with friends, and when I shared, each of them opened up with a time when they, too, had felt weird or unwelcome in a setting that should have been comfortable and inviting. So what is it that makes us feel out of place with even those God's called us into a family relationship with? Over the next few weeks I'd like to tackle this, and today we're starting with identity. I think it's important we answer the question of how we identify ourselves, and answer it truthfully. Until we do that, we won't know or even care how we're called, then, to live! It's amazing how much weight humans place on our "identity," as defined by personality tests, books, and whole schools of identity philosophy. Here's the thing: no matter what certain tools may do for us, they cannot be given more weight than the word of the One who created us. So let's dive into what God's word has to say about how we "identify" ourselves. Biblical principles we can look to as we decide how we "identify:" We are created by God, uniquely male and female (see Genesis 1). In Jeremiah 1:5-10, we see that God determines calling even before conception. We see that life in the womb is sacred and fully personhood. We see that our natural tendencies do not define our calling, but rather God's decision. And we can walk confidently in our calling, because God is WITH us and equips us. John 1:11-13 shows us that when we repent of our sins and accept the gift of salvation, because God willed it, we become His children. Romans 6 tells us part of our identity as Christ-followers is those who, formerly spiritually dead, are free from the bondage of sin, and fully alive because of His work in us! In Ephesians 1, we learn if we are His, it is because God chose us, and it pleases Him! We can take great confidence in His work, and rejoice in our new life! Ephesians 2:1-10 says we are identified as beloved, made alive, saved, lavished by grace and kindness, and gifted - by the work of God Himself. We are also now part of a set-apart family of people - His children... and this will define how we interact with each other, too! 1 Peter 2 tells us we are, in Christ, a “chosen people,” royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, and we're called, because of this identity, to “declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light!” In 1 Peter 4:7-11 commands that we use our whole selves to give God glory and dominion forever and ever. As we ask the question of who we really are, we're told that we are called to use whatever strengths, gifts, personality traits we have, to pray, to use self-control, to give, to love, and to show joyful hospitality. Our identity as children of God through Christ is woven throughout all of scripture - and extra-biblical history shows us powerful examples of how God's people walked out that identity! John Piper says this: "The big questions in life are not 'Who am I?' The big question in life is 'Whose am I?' You have got to answer that question. Whose are you? Whose are you? That’s the issue. In the twentieth century, we get all bent out of shape about self-identity and stuff. Who am I, and my worth, and my esteem, and my value, and all that — man. When you read the Bible, the huge issue is right relationship with God and to whom you belong, whose you are." () It is vital as we ask the question of, "who am I?" we find the answer in the words of the One who made us, who lavishly loves us, and who calls us to walk according to the identity with which He has gifted us, because of that great love. (Find the full show notes in the blog post at Everyday Welcome!) In her book, The Hidden Art of Homemaking, Edith Schaeffer says, “There are various art forms we may or may not have talent for, may or may not have time for, and we may or may not be able to express ourselves in, but we ought to consider this fact-that whether we choose to be an environment or not, we are. We produce an environment other people have to live in. We should be conscious of the fact that this environment which we produce by our very 'being' can affect the people who live with us or work with us.” PS: I think the most obvious answer to the question of "how do you identify?" is that who we are is defined in the richest, most beautiful fullness, in our relationship with the God of the universe, who stepped down and invited us into intimate relationship with Himself. Resources: Enneagram: , Mama Bear Apologetics & , , , , , and Edith Schaeffer (this is the original version I have) or John Piper, "?" 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I AM the Light of the World Advent Week 4 12/20/2023

I AM the Light of the World Advent Week 4 In today’s episode we move to John 8. Jesus said, “I AM” the Light of the World! (Find the full show notes on the !) Reminder, each time He says I AM (and you can find seven of these statements in John), Jesus is telling us HE IS the God of the Old Testament, He is the Son of God, and He is the long-awaited Messiah who would fulfill every prophecy and complete the payment for sin for all who would repent and believe in Him. And John’s purpose in writing is to give us that information, so that we might believe, and be saved! To find more on this, go back and listen to episodes 29 (), 30 (), and 31, ). John 8:12 says, “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” I believe there are many takeaways we can grab about the nature of God and His work through Jesus. Jesus is the Light OF and FOR the world. In Genesis 1 we see that Jesus, the Word, 1 of the triune Godhead, is the “agent of light.” - He is the initiator and activator in creation. In , we talked about the imagery of creation/darkness & light we see in Genesis 1, John 1 and 1 John 1. God creates the “light” at creation and He Himself is the Light. Jesus is the light for mankind. Psalm 119:1-5 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” The Psalmist wrote these words as he wrestled with persecution, his own personal darkness. In John 1:1-5 (we studied this in ), we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” When Jesus speaks in John 8, He’s fulfilling a Messianic prophecy from Isaiah 42:1-8 which describes Jesus in great detail, as if He’s already come. Jesus is also fulfilling Isaiah 9:2, 6-7. When we were alienated in our sin - our darkness - Christ reconciled us by His blood, and now those who have repented and accepted His offer or forgiveness blameless in the Father’s sight. We’re called to continue in faith, stable and steadfast, NOT SHIFTING FROM THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL. Jesus, the Light of the World, moves circumstances and people from darkness, hopelessness, chaos, bondage, and NOTHINGNESS, to life and hope. By Christ, God DOES NOT LEAVE US IN DARKNESS. In John 8:1-11 the adulterous woman is “in darkness” in her sin (and it has been hidden and “brought to light”). The Pharisees want to condemn her IN her sin, in essence leaving her forever in darkness. They seek her out to catch her “in the act” and ironically as religious leaders, in doing so, they actually model the darkness themselves. Ephesians 5 says not to even speak of the kind of sin that takes place under cover of darkness - and the Pharisees stalk this woman and drag her sin out to display it in the light. At Jesus’ crucifixion, (Matthew 27:45) darkness fell. Before His resurrection (John 20) - Mary and the others went to see His body while it was still dark, on the morning the third day. But He was gone; the darkness could not hold Him! Quite literally, we see the darkness of death could not overcome the light of life brought by Jesus. In the end of all we know here on earth, there is HOPE! There will be a NEW Heaven and new earth, and Revelation 21 tells us “I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” - Revelation 21:23-26, ESV Jesus, the Light in our darkness, releases us from sin and calls for responsive obedience (which reveals His light and life to the dark world!). John the Baptist calls Jesus The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Christ calls us to receive, believe, then in response to His gift of salvation, OBEY. Galatians 5:1-6 we see that it’s “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” In Romans 6:14, “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” In Ephesians 2:8-9, 13-16, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast…” We read in Psalm 119:97-106 that God’s Word is a lamp for our feet. We see in Galatians 3:1-3, and 24 a reminder that the law pointed us to God’s salvation through Christ, and we walk obediently to Him as a response to that. In Colossians 2:6-7 we’re reminded that we walk with Him “by faith,” which He grants us, just as He did for our salvation. In John 3:19-20 we’re told that judgment came to those who saw the light and did not recognize Him. Jesus shines His light THROUGH us into a dark world. In Philippians 2:12-16 Paul challenges the church (and us) to walk “with fear and trembling,” living holy lives so a needy world could see God at work in us. In Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus Himself said, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” I propose that how we live, glorifying Jesus with our lives, is not so much about our personal conviction on each and every issue that pops up, but whether we first have responded to Jesus, the Light of the World, with repentance and belief. Next, do you preach the truth to yourself when the darkness SEEMS to overcome the light? Do you trust and obey the the Lord, the Word? Do you reflect His light and life by pointing others to Jesus? Do you long for the day when we will feast at the table of our Bridegroom, the Bread of Life? At the time of this post, I’ll be pausing for a couple weeks to study and prepare for coming episodes. If you would, I’d like to ask you for a couple things… if you’re blessed by Everyday Welcome! Go right now and write a review! In Apple Podcasts, you can actually write a review; in other platforms, you can leave a rating. This helps listeners find the content and hopefully, blesses them as well. (Not listening? It’s also REALLY helpful if you leave a comment on the blog post!) If you’ve been blessed, grab the link from this episode (or start at episode 29), and send it to two friends you think it would bless! If you do that, I’d love to send you a gift; screenshot the emails and send to me at angela@everydaywelcome.com. As you celebrate the holidays, keep coming back to these themes. How is God calling you to think and live according to this truth we saw in John 8, that He is the Light of the World? This is what scripture tells us: “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” My prayer for you this season is that you will come to Him with repentance, with faith, with HOPE, and with responsive obedience… that you’ll breathe deep of His fellowship and offer it bravely and beautifully to those God brings into your life! RESOURCES: Do you want to grow in JOY and your relationship with Jesus this holiday season? Join the Advent study, , and receive weekly updates on this series for free! Find all resources from this series ! 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Living Water and Flowing Wine Advent Week 3 12/13/2023

Living Water and Flowing Wine Advent Week 3 This week we’re headed to John 2, and we get to peek in on Jesus’ first miracle, with the recognition our Jesus is the Living Water and flowing wine. (Head for complete show notes and make sure to download the printable journaling page to dig into these passages for yourself!) Note the word that this miracle (along others we see Jesus perform!) is called in scripture - a SIGN. This will clue us in to how John wants us to see this story. Let's see what we can take away about the God who came to earth as a baby, as we see Him interact with His earthly mother. As you start, take a moment and read John 2:1-12. Here's a reminder as we dive in today: Jesus comes, yes, for physical needs, but those are always pointing us to our truer, deeper spiritual need. Remember, John writes so that we might know who Jesus is and believe, to be saved! John Piper says this, “He wants to reveal the glory of Christ to us. And he wants us to receive the grace of believing. So it would be perfectly in accord with John’s intention if we ask now, What is the glory of Christ revealed in this story of the wedding of Cana?” () Every scripture is rich with meaning, but today I'd like us to look at five things we can see about the Messiah, Jesus, from this passage. God is the giver of Joy. We'll see in a bit that often in the Bible, wine and joy are connected with each other! So when we see Jesus give His support at a wedding and provide "new wine" for the guests, we can remember that God is the Author of all that is good; He is the giver of joy. In John 1:16-17, we read, “For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” (See more on this at the full blog post!) Jesus is God - and He is the Son of God. As we read the start of the story, we see what I'm calling Mary’s “mom moment.” She sees a need, grabs her son, and tells Him to "fix it." When He challenges her, she tells onlookers to "do whatever He says." We see Mary here as clearly human, and we see both the God and the man in Jesus. We see Jesus as fully God, here, too - He is in control of created things. Remember - A New Beginning, with John's use of creation language? We see Jesus here, too, as the Son of God, who joyfully submits to His Father’s will. Jesus is the Living Water. If we look forward to John 4:10 and 14, we will also see that He is the “Living Water.” He is our salvation. (See John 4 and the Samaritan woman who meets Jesus at the well. She enters a conversation about drawing physical water, and He tells her He IS her source for never thirsting again!) The jugs are specifically noted for “water for purification!” The old way of “being purified” is no more; while we have here a visible reminder of the "old ways," we have a brilliant foreshadowing that Jesus will be the One who takes away our actual sins! 1 John 1:9 tells us later, “If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (In , I think, we noted that we see elsewhere that Jesus actually scorns those who saw His miracles and didn’t believe. His miracles were to be signs to help those watching believe that He was the long-awaited Savior; He was God in the flesh.) This is a new way of being: 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.!” Jesus is the Flowing Wine. This flowing wine may also point to His coming sacrifice as our hope for eternal life. As we touched on earlier but now in richer application, wine and blood and life weave together in scripture. In Genesis 9, Leviticus 17, Deuteronomy 12, God’s people were not to eat the blood of animals, because the blood represented the life of the animal. 1 Corinthians 5:7, Jesus is called “our Passover lamb,” who was sacrificed! His blood is the sacrifice for all time, for all who would see Him and repent and believe! In Matthew 26, Jesus will offer the last supper. He’ll serve them wine… and He’ll tell them it symbolizes His blood. His blood equals our life. This is the New Covenant - His sacrifice for our eternal life. The life, eternal life, quite literally, is in the blood. We see yet again that Jesus is the Living Water and the "flowing wine." “Jesus is the bringer of living water and that water is transformed by His death, which we remember by sharing in the wine of communion. This one act, at the beginning of His ministry provides bookends to his life’s ministry. Christ gives living water and is transformed into wine.” () Jesus brings us newer, truer hope, joy, and LIFE. Elsewhere in scripture, we see an illustration of "old skins" (the law) "new wine/skins" - the new covenant! Mark 2:22 says, “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins—and the wine is destroyed, and so are the skins. But new wine is for fresh wineskins.” The old wine and skins (the Law) were still good and were still a blessing. The law was not bad, but it showed God's people the need to repent and be forgiven, and it pointed toward Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice and Redeemer. The new wine/covenant is better! And another cool note: under the new covenant, in the “new wineskins,” we get Jesus Himself and the indwelling of the Spirit! Ultimately, Jesus invites us to a feast - and we will join Him, as our Bridegroom. (We mentioned in , The Bread of Life, - the feast in Revelation 19 - HE IS THE LAMB AND HE IS OUR BRIDEGROOM. He is our provider - and we are His bride!) God is the giver of joy, and in Jesus, He brings us the ultimate JOY! As we mentioned earlier, many old testament passages refer to wine and joy in the same vein. Lacking wine is associated with brokenness… GO READ Isaiah 24!!! It speaks of broken places of the earth and the people… it mourns the lack of provision from the vine, but LOOKS FORWARD to the coming of the One who will make all things right. In verse 14, “They lift up their voices, they sing for joy; over the majesty of the Lord they shout from the west.” This wedding celebration at Cana, this first miracle or "sign" we see Jesus perform, is another invitation to see Him for all He was and is and will be. Thinking about Jesus and all we’ve seen of Him through this first miracle, or “SIGN,” listen to these words! Isaiah 25:6-9: On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” RESOURCES: Do you want to grow in JOY and your relationship with Jesus this holiday season? Join the Advent study, , and receive weekly updates on this series for free! RELATED EPISODES: LET’S CONNECT: Join the /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/29057113

I AM The Bread of Life - Longing and Light Week 2 12/06/2023

I AM The Bread of Life - Longing and Light Week 2 For full shownotes, see the ! If you'd like to join the free email series with a printable journaling page, sign up at . Jesus is the Bread of Life. This week as we dig into Advent, we recognize our longing for all to be made right in this world and we celebrate that God is not just our provider; IN CHRIST, HE IS OUR PROVISION. Read John 6:22-65! God wants us to work, but to seek Him, not “stuff,” even good stuff from Him. See also Isaiah 55:1-3. Our “work” is to believe in Jesus (v. 29). God’s earthly provisions are short-term and He often uses them as examples of eternal truth (look at the comparison of Moses v. Jesus, v. 32-33). The life God offers us in Christ is eternal - we can’t lose it once we have it (v. 39-40, 58). God created us and gave us life, but through sin we became spiritually dead. In Christ, we have LIFE, and that life cannot be taken from us! Our salvation, our life, comes from God; it is nothing we choose or work to earn (v. 44). Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises of God (v. 45, 65). Jesus does not mince words - He is the ONLY way to receive life and to be in relationship with God (v. 54-57). In a world that says, “all roads lead to God,” we can be sure that only the road of Christ leads to salvation and eternal life from God! (See from Pastor Josh Tompkins for more on this!) Let’s look at some places in scripture where we can gain more context of Jesus as the Bread of Life. Jesus is the Bread of Life | The Passover (Exodus 12) God always has a bigger plan than what we can see. Blood = life. So eventually when Jesus sheds His blood for the forgiveness of sin, we see this concept realized fully! We are all dead without Christ. Jesus is the ONLY WAY to life. Only those who have been made righteous (by His sacrifice, not anything we do to try to earn it!) can partake of life in God/eternal life. God’s holiness and our obedience are fiercely protected. God gave chance after chance for Pharaoh. But in the end, He deserves and rightfully demands our response to His sovereignty and command. God wants us to REMEMBER, and TELL OF His works. No matter what season we are in, we are CALLED TO TEACH others of His works. We’re called to remember who He is and what He’s done. God gives way more than He expects. He takes the firstborn from Egypt only after giving chances over and over and over to obey. And ultimately, He GIVES HIS FIRSTBORN for the sin of the whole world and the provision of Life. Jesus is Ultimately our Manna (Exodus 16) Manna showed in a fresh, tangible way, God’s provision. The word man-hu means “what is it?!” This food itself was foreign to God’s people, and God’s way of providing it to them is foreign. This is significant: In Exodus 16 the Israelites complain they have no food, and God literally rains it down, but they still need to work to gather it. The Israelites in getting their “daily bread.” EXCEPT the 6th day, when He referenced the need to rest and wait for Him. God’s provision is so that we can obey Him, and it is linked with His discipline when we do not. Manna gave nourishment, daily provision, despite their sin - so they could keep moving forward toward the freedom, the Land, He had for them. Read Psalm 78:9-25. What do you see here about God’s provision and our obedience? Manna was a physical provision representing a spiritual truth. Read Deuteronomy 8:1-3. Jesus quotes this same passage in Matthew 4, when He is being tempted in the wilderness by Satan. What connections do you see? Christ is Master Over Creation and He Does Care for Our Physical Needs: (Feeding the 5,000 John 6 & the Disciples) Read John 6:1-59, especially 22-59. This is one of many examples of How Jesus - God in the flesh - provides for our physical needs, and shows us His mastery over creation. Did you know this is the only miracle besides the resurrection in all four gospels! God provides ABUNDANTLY. God feeds us so we can feed others. When we are in Christ, He expects us to tell others about Him. We want God to meet our earthly needs; God promises to BE WITH US through them. In John 16:25-33 Jesus told followers to expect trouble - but He has overcome the world. Look For Jesus in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Matthew 26:27-29) Read Matthew 26:27-29. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of every longing we ever have, and we will feast with Him in eternity! This Advent season, let’s look at Jesus - our Bread of Life - our provider and our PROVISION. Let’s feast on His word, celebrate the life we have in Him, share with others, and keep remembering the work He has done, is doing, and will do. (Find even more resources and notes at the complete .) RESOURCES: Do you want to grow in JOY and your relationship with Jesus this holiday season? Join the Advent study, , and receive weekly updates on this series for free! RELATED EPISODES: LET’S CONNECT: Join the /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/28949228

A New Beginning - Longing and Light Advent Study 11/29/2023

A New Beginning - Longing and Light Advent Study We live in a world longing for light and hope. Much like people of all time, we recognize that all is not as it should be here in the Shadowlands, and we long for a new beginning. The sure hope we hold is that God has already brought that new beginning in Christ... and He promises to fulfill every longing, to make right every wrong, once and for all when He returns. The book of John shows us just who Jesus is, and calls us to believe Him fully so that we can have eternal life. We start our study with John 1:1-18 (the Prologue), and John introduces Jesus’ coming as a new beginning, in a creation narrative that echoes Genesis 1. See the for details about John, the author and the gospel. Just as we often feel the weight of darkness in what C.S. Lewis calls the Shadowlands, God’s people felt this weight in many ways as they awaited the coming of the Messiah - the new beginning promised by God. DARKNESS APPEARED TO REIGN. What darkness do you feel in your own life and surroundings? In what ways do you long for God to speak, to make all things new, to right the wrongs in this world? In John 1:1-4, we see a strong reference Genesis 1 - from one beginning that quickly went downhill, to a NEW beginning in Christ! God creates by speaking. Jesus is The Word, and we are told He created all that has been created... and that He was and is God. Into darkness, Jesus brings LIGHT. Into nothing, Jesus brings a new creation. Jesus, the second Adam, brings new hope for new LIFE! (For more on this, read Romans 5 and I encourage you to listen to about Christ the second Adam. In Christ, every person has the opportunity for a new beginning. Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” John challenges his readers (and that includes us!) to see and believe in Jesus. When we do, we will receive life, and we will radiate His light for a world waiting in darkness. RESOURCES: Do you want to grow in JOY and your relationship with Jesus this holiday season? Join the Advent study, , and receive weekly updates on this series for free! Find the . RELATED EPISODES: LET’S CONNECT: Join the /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/28838008

Giving THANKS Through the Word 11/21/2023

How to Make This Holiday Season Sweet - Part 3 11/15/2023

How to Make This Holiday Season Sweet - Part 3 This episode we'll cover a few great tips for your holiday meal planning/prep along with the last round of take-home ideas you can use whether you cook or not, to set the tone for your day (and especially at the holidays) that puts living the #invitinglife at the forefront. Let's get our heart and mind in the place to experience God’s grace and pour it out to others - whether you’re actually “hosting” in a traditional way, or not! Find the full shownotes ! A Few great meal planning tips: Do what you can in advance. Try making a breakfast in advance (breakfast soup with sausage and eggs, paleo peach streusel muffins) so you can start your day with a nourishing meal. Set your table and your serving dishes a day or two ahead. Use Shortcuts. A turkey roaster, a smoker, an Instant Pot or slow cooker can be your best ally for saving oven space. Try freezing unbaked rolls or mashed sweet potatoes so there's less prep on feast day. Invite others to bake and bring to your gathering, if you're hosting. It’s a blessing to you, but it also blesses the person who gets to participate. Are you the guest? Offer to bring your favorite dish or pick up ice on the way! Let's go even a little bit further - these are some things you can do all year long to help you set a tone in your home that celebrates God's kindness and those you love - from a place of grace. Set the Mood - even for you! Put on some calming music and a scent that you love. Give grace - to you and everyone else! I have a post-it on my bathroom mirror I try to pray over each day: “By God’s grace, I will establish a rhythm of work and rest that influences my home with peace, empowers movement with my mind and body, and glorifies by Father by a joyful, loving, fearless countenance.” Stick to your schedule. It's ok to set boundaries for what's best for you or if you have them, your kiddos. Everyone will be happier! Be flexible. By the same token, don't hold so tightly to your expectations that it causes frustration for you or those you love. Take a break. Take a nap (or a time-out!), go for a walk, or build in some quiet before the day begins. (Listen to Episode 17: The Power of Pause!) Choose your traditions with intention. Celebrations like a favorite dish, the Jesse Tree, and reading the Christmas story from Luke 2 can be wonderful, but if you have traditions that aren't working for you any more, it's ok to drop them! Streamline. Look at your calendar - is there one thing you can bow out of? Be mindful of where others are. The holidays have their own kind of hard for different people. We may never know what someone is going through, but if we’re paying attention, we might have the opportunity to connect more deeply and bless that person! (see episode 20 - ). In the next episode we'll fellowship together as we share some scripture and pray in real-time to help each one of us pause and set our hearts on things above. Until then, meditate on this scripture: "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” - Colossians 3:1-3 RECIPES: RESOURCES: Do you want to grow in JOY and your relationship with Jesus this holiday season? Join the Advent study, , for free! RELATED EPISODES: LET’S CONNECT: Join the /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/28656533

How to Make This Holiday Season Sweet - Part 2 11/08/2023

How to Make This Holiday Season Sweet - Part 2 Do you want to grow in JOY and your relationship with Jesus this holiday season? Join the Advent study, , for free! For part 1 of this series on making the holidays truly sweet, see !) I'm convinced that the God who ordained feasts and celebrations wants us to seek and find Him, to share His goodness, with others during our holidays. We can create rhythms that celebrate, make memories, and invite others into the Kingdom life, with less stress and more joy! So here's part two with ideas we can all use this season to celebrate the holidays with a Kingdom mindset - to make your holidays truly sweet (and maybe avoid stress as a Christian family!). (Find full show notes and more details on the !) Nourish yourself. We need to care for these limited bodies so that we can serve from a place of peace and joy. Go to bed. Get up a bit earlier. Drink water and eat something. Save time to get ready. Get your face in the Word. Be an invite-er. If you have one extra chair in your home, you can invite someone to join you for your holiday celebrating. Take time individually or as a family to pray over who to invite and when to invite them. And despite what etiquette books might say, I say it’s good to invite yourself to join someone else! Offer to bring a side or a favorite dessert and ask someone close to you if you can pitch in. (CHURCH – don’t let someone HAVE to invite themselves! Let’s look and see who needs us to just open the door, pull up a chair, and welcome them to our table!) Say YES to help! Don’t be tempted to think you have to do all the work yourself. If someone offers to bring a dish, say yes. Welcome guests to help with cleanup. Leave a task or two for last-minute help to do so that everyone can really enjoy a meal together. Want to learn more? Listen to Making the Holidays Truly Sweet, episode 28, for some practical tips on hosting and meal prep to make your holiday celebrations even more sweet. RESOURCES: Grow in JOY and your relationship with Jesus this holiday season! Join the Advent study, , for free! RELATED EPISODES: LET’S CONNECT: Join the /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/28550693

Make This Holiday Season Sweet - Part 1 11/01/2023

Make This Holiday Season Sweet - Part 1 Let's make this holiday season truly sweet! Before we get started, have you signed up to join us for the Advent study, Longing and Light? Along with weekly podcast episodes, I'll be sending out a printable scripture art and phone screensaver, along with weekly emails throughout December, devotional content and journaling pages. Sign up to join us! Now, here are a few tips to get us started our series of making this holiday season sweet. :) (And be sure to head to the .) Drop all your expectations. Think for a minute about all the things you think Thanksgiving MUST HAVE, and then let them go. Psalm 131:1-2 says this: “O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; Nor do I involve myself in great matters, Or in things too difficult for me. Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child rests against his mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me. “ Let’s make a pact to plan for beauty and deliciousness, but be joy-FILLED with reality – because we have the One who walks with us through the good and the imperfect. Raise your hopes. Because God is the author of celebrations and of life transformation, we can and should look at holidays as an opportunity to see Him at work; we can participate when we make the effort to show extra grace. Initiate meaningful conversation. Speak blessing over those you eat, cook, and clean up with. Pray over how you’ll navigate potential relationship “moments.” Give your holiday to God. 1 Chronicles 16:23-26 says: “Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.” Our Father invites us to celebrate so that we might remember who He is and what He has done throughout history and in our own personal story. He invites us to celebrate what He WILL do in the days and years and centuries to come. A few thoughts on ways to do this: Meditate on scripture throughout your holiday. Journal prayers and thanks to the Lord. Pray as plan, prepare, and celebrate. Worship Him through your holiday plans. RELATED EPISODES: RESOURCES: LET’S CONNECT: Join the /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/28481276

Reconciliation and HOPE - Our Reason to Invite 10/18/2023

Reconciliation and HOPE - Our Reason to Invite Because we have been reconciled to God and have HOPE through Christ, we are called to the ministry of reconciliation. Why do we pursue people at all? Because we have HOPE in what God has done in Jesus… and we have been called to reconcile as we have been reconciled. We pursue others, because Christ pursued us! Do you ever listen to a sermon and while you're listening, related passages are popping into your head? For me, this always leads to the most fun time of meandering through the Word later, discovering a treasure trove of snippets about God and how He's called us to live in Him. That was the case after I heard a sermon from pastor Josh Tompkins recently. It sent me digging deeper and deeper and became part of a message I got to share with a lovely group of ladies in California as they retreated together right in the middle of a re-name and re-launch of their church in Los Angeles. Reconciliation and Hope: Our Reason to Love Others Romans 5:1-8 ---> Our Unshakable Hope Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 2 Corinthians 5: 1-21 ---> Our Driving Force Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. (Emphasis mine.) Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. We pursue because Christ pursued us. We love because Christ loved us. We reconcile, because Christ reconciled us. Resources: Find the full shownotes . Read Don't miss Episode 9, "" Pastor Josh Tompkins, West End Baptist, /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/28351703

Word and Table and Who I Want to Be with Kimberly Campbell 10/18/2023

Word and Table and Who I Want to Be with Kimberly Campbell Do you ever think about who you want to be when you’re 75? How will you become that person? In this episode of Everyday Welcome Podcast, Kimberly Campbell of Kimberly Campbell Home joins me to talk about a really cool tradition called Word and Table, and about how we’ll become the women God has called us to be… at any age! (Find the complete show notes !) Here are some highlights from this episode: Slowing down to create something, to learn something new, even if it’s imperfect, can be a blessing from God. Sometimes the process matters more than the results. A cool practice I learned toward helping me become who I want to be as a woman of God was Kim’s Morning Gratitude. She uses her Instagram stories as a sort of moveable gratitude journal. She shares a picture of something she’s seeing, with five things she’s thankful for. It helps her pause and mark what God is doing in her life from a place of thankfulness! A question to ask: What do I want to look like at 75 and how can I get there from now? If I want to be flourishing at 75, what does it look like to flourish now? Scripture to meditate on: The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. – Psalm 92:12-15 When I’m deciding how to spend my hours and days, my priorities from God come first. Everything else can wait! Kim has a beautiful ongoing practice called “Word and Table.” Once a month, she sends an open invite to women to come to her home for a scripture, devotional, prayer and a shared meal. Sometimes she asks another woman to share. Different churches, different generations. What if we each took the dare to open our homes once a month and invite ladies of different seasons and different churches/backgrounds to our homes for Word and Table time? Let’s set a pattern of pressing pause to create and become the woman we want to be. RESOURCES: – my biblically-based course on nourishing body and soul (Episode 17) : Flourishing in an Anti-Age Culture (Crossway) (Episode 5) LET’S CONNECT: Join the /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/28351694

Tell Good Stories - Pursue Transformative Community 10/11/2023

Tell Good Stories - Pursue Transformative Community I have a special request for you! I’d like to invite you to write a review/leave a rating for Everyday Welcome Podcast. Leaving a review helps others find the podcast and helps me know what I’m sharing is useful to you! Today I'm also sharing a little announcement/invitation. Are you interested in an Advent group study to help you prepare your heart and mind to really celebrate this Christmas? I’m going to be leading us this season through “Longing and Light,” an advent study in John. Each week I’ll email a brief devotional guide with printable journaling page. Then I’ll share more thoughts here on the podcast. We will go deeper with weekly live chats inside Everyday Welcome Facebook group!! Would you like more info? Message me on FB or Insta - let me know you’re interested!!! On a recent episode (in the audio I mention episode 21 but it was actually 20!) - we talked about why and how to ask good questions. (Listen !) As we seek to build relationships for God’s glory and our good, we can learn how to be good listeners AND good “talkers.” One way we can build relationships that pursue transformation (after all, don’t we want to be transformed by God’s work in us?) is to tell stories: good stories. As followers of Jesus, we are called to focus on building relationships that are Kingdom Minded (more on this in ). And knowing this WHY helps us keep “going back in” to pursue gospel-centered community. even when it’s hard! So you may be thinking, “I’m not a librarian or a teacher or a speaker. What does storytelling have to do with my relationships?” Well… storytelling has a LOT to do with it, actually! WHY is storytelling important? (For a deeper look at each point, head over to the blog for the from this episode!) Storytelling has the ability to capture our attention. Storytelling illustrates the truth in a transformative way. Storytelling can stir our emotions. Storytelling can help us make meaningful connections with each other. Storytelling helps us remember things we hear. We are commanded to tell God’s story! “‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:18-20).’” We make disciples as we study, live, and tell out loud the stories of God. He can take those stories and use them as He does His work in saving and sanctifying people. Does God need us to speak? No! But He calls us to do it, and in doing so He invites us to participate with Him in His work in the lives of those He calls us to. What kind of stories can we tell? They don’t have to be long or rehearsed, but they can become a habit, a pattern of how we relate to others in our daily conversation! Tell these stories to pursue transformative community: Tell God’s story. We find God's story in His word; His stories are epic and true, and they reveal His character and our place, for those of us willing to read them and mine for their treasures. When we dive into those stories to really understand them, He calls us to pass them along, as a way He continues to speak His nature, His work, and His hope to a lost world. We have an incredible privilege to study Him and share Him! Even as new Christians, we have the ability to share how God saved us, what God is teaching us, how He’s refining us. Which leads to a second kind of story we can tell as we seek to build kingdom-minded community - our own stories. Tell your story. I can’t think of a story with more struggle, more hope, more meaning and completeness and the ongoing story of how God is actively working in and through those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (see Romans 8:28)! When in conversation, pray about what you might share of yourself that will relate to the person you’re with. We do this always with the goal of connecting more deeply, to invite fellowship with Christ! Having this mindset is a good heart-check for us too… is this just something I’m saying just to say, or something I think will really help serve? Tell stories that connect people. We already know that isolation is a huge problem. By contrast, God has called His people to community. Connecting with others is a way God’s teaching goes forth. It’s how encouragement, accountability, and growth faith can happen! Next time you’re in a conversation with someone, try asking, “How can I connect this person to someone else, who loves God and might encourage them?” “Who can I think of whom they might encourage?” “What small stories can I tell to help connect my friend or new acquaintance to community in a way that ultimately points to the hope we have in Christ?” Be mindful: our storytelling should always have a kingdom-minded purpose to it. So there are a few things our story-telling should be (See Philippians 4:8 for more in-depth goals for our not just what we speak, but what we think about!): Our speaking should be true: we are called to focus on what is true according to God’s word. Our words should be loving and kind. (For more on this, listen to - Salted Honey - The Words We Eat & The Words We Speak, and - Refine Your Focus - Pursue Community in Truth & Love). When you speak, give glory where it’s due! Speak what is helpful and intentional. Take some time today to think through and pray through the stories you tell in your everyday conversations. *What have you learned about God and His work, about mankind, through His word? *Is there work you need to do to learn more? (Hint: the answer is always yes! He’s always inviting us “further up and further in!”) *What stories is God writing in your own life? How have your experiences shown God’s kindness and saving grace, His sovereignty, His holiness? *How can you share these stories in relationship with someone in your life, to help connect them to others for their mutual benefit and transformation? *How can your stories point to God and give Him glory? SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Psalm 145 Acts 1:6-8 Ephesians 5:4 Philippians 4:8 Romans 8:28 John 13:34 Ephesians 4:15 Ephesians 4:25 Complete show notes are . Join the Advent study, Longing and Light! LET’S CONNECT: Join the /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/28283495

Refine Your Focus: Pursue Community in Truth and Love 10/04/2023

Ask Good Questions; Invite Genuine Community. 09/27/2023

The Gift of Desperation with Kera Freeman 09/20/2023

Live Like a No Regrets Woman with Rhonda Stoppe 09/13/2023

Live Like a No Regrets Woman with Rhonda Stoppe Rhonda brings wisdom in this episode, with a punch (and a lot of love!) for younger and older women, single and married, moms and spiritual sisters. Here are a few highlights: Feel like you don’t have wisdom? Rhonda says, “I can teach more passionately from my failures than my successes.” When we are honest about our failures, it gives us the ability to literally impact the trajectory of someone else’s life. “Older” ladies, invest in those a few steps behind you! Here are a few ways you can do that: Get into the mess of a younger woman's life. Buy her a Bible study book and study it together (or open your Bibles together and get digging)! Expect her to do the work with you - don’t just be a sounding board for complaining. Want your kids to bring their friends to your home? Don’t let your “stuff” be more important than people. Marriage advice: Your husband was never meant to be your “happily ever after.” Love your “neighbors,” your husband and children, by falling more in love with God (as He reveals Himself in scripture). Trust Him more and more and He will love through you more and more. Falling in love and staying in love is all in your mind. Cover unmet expectations with grace. Are you finding yourself easily offended? You need more time in the Word. Scripture mentioned: …the joy of the Lord is your strength. - Nehemiah 8:10b Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. - Psalm 119:165 These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you. - Psalm 50:21 Want to live the "inviting life" with your family? Get to know God’s ways. His will. His judgment. His character. When we are disappointed, we need more time with God in His word. Ask Him to change your heart. His love will spill out on those around you. Single sisters, Rhonda doesn’t pull any punches: Do not have sex outside of marriage. You will be outside God’s design for you, and you will not find the man who loves Jesus more than you. And that’s what you’re looking for; you do not want to be his god, his idol. Men who want you to disobey God and sleep with them love themselves more than you. And this one is a hard/good reminder: a non-believer can never love you with Christ’s selfless love. Come on in and listen - this one hits hard, right where we need it. Find Rhonda online: Rhonda on No Regrets Woman on Get a free chapter from Rhonda’s book Moms Raising Sons to Be Men with your Resources: Rhonda is offering Everyday Welcome listeners a free chapter from her book, Moms Raising Sons to Be Men; head here for her n to get your copy! Grab a free video of Rhonda teaching "Your Marriage Can Survive Toddlers & Teens" when you text: NOREGRETS to 55444. on YouTube Tons of on Rhonda’s website Everyday Welcome Everyday Welcome LET’S CONNECT: Join the /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/28016988

The Power of Pause - Everyday Welcome Episode 17 09/08/2023

The Power of Pause - Everyday Welcome Episode 17 This episode was recorded in the fall, when many are going back to school or refreshing our schedules after summer. Maybe you’re in that seasonal switch, or just feeling overwhelmed with the demands of everyday life. Maybe you’re even feeling really accomplished, but need to remember God’s goodness even on the “mountain tops.” No matter the time of year, we all need to practice the power of pause, to open our eyes and ears and re-set our hearts on God’s sovereignty in a world that often seems out of control. In living the “inviting life,” God doesn’t need us to welcome Him; He will do what He will do. BUT, there is so much joy when we do! The word "Selah" is used 71 times in Psalms, and it has connections to musical or poetic use. While scholars debate its actual meaning, the general consensus is that it means some variation of, pause, praise, or “pause to calmly think about that.” It’s also used three times in Habakkuk 3, where I think we can pull some meaning that applies to our everyday life, and our need to learn the power of pause as we go about our calling to the #invitinglife. The creation imagery is a reminder of God’s reign over creation. The repetition of “selah” in this chapter seems to recognize this with awe and a proper sense of fear, along with humble praise for God’s wrath over sin and protection for His people. We can set up wise patterns in our life that foster worship and rest by practicing pause. We give Him proper credit when we take time to contemplate His glory. (See this idea explored in how God’s excellence is displayed in beauty in Episode 14 Beauty & Worship.) We may appreciate God’s glory, provision and protection especially when we practic “pause” amidst hardship. Here are some ways we can practice the power of pause: Pray. Process Prioritize Plan Play Proceed (See to find an explanation of each of these steps.) The Greek word Pauo in the New Testament means to stop, or to cease. It’s used in 1 Peter in a command to to stop SINNING. () It’s also used in Luke 8:22-25 in a story about Jesus - “One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” When life presses in and we are fearful for ourselves, whether literally or figuratively, we can remind ourselves that God maintains sovereign rule over all creation. We can press pause and know that He will never leave us or forsake us, and that our lives are in His keeping (if we are children of God in Christ)! Our little puppy Biscuit is a little furry ball of energy. When I’m rushing around trying to accomplish anything, she’s always right at my feet. Maybe the funniest quirk of hers is that when you walk toward her she often flops onto her back, pleading with her actions, “rub my belly.” She feels completely safe, in the midst of chaos, to yield her belly to us. It’s kind of the WORST when she’s gotten into trouble and she does it; she knows she’s loved despite it and because she is loved, we give her what she wants. Flop at His Feet Do we feel this complete sense of safety and love from our Heavenly Father? Have we spent enough time in His story and at His feet to know that no matter what is happening around us, we can flop at His feet and revel in His goodness? Yes, there are times when He will discipline us, but in every season, we can drop and worship Him, and rejoice in His goodness toward us, in His God-ness, His rule over creation and His kindness and fierce protection toward His children. Wherever you are in this season of life, I dare you to make “selah” a part of your daily rhythm. No matter what’s happening, let’s make space to pause, rest, and revel in God’s glory. And let’s “pauo,” stop everything - or cry out to God to save you when you feel like you might not actually make it - because He has the power to do so. Flop at His feet - make space for Him to do what He will do. Resources mentioned: free planning course LET’S CONNECT: Join the /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/27979929

Addiction, Recovery, and Biblical Counseling 08/30/2023

Addiction, Recovery, and Biblical Counseling This episode is a sweet story of God's redemption through marriage, addiction, a blended family and the fellowship of other women. Carolann Sheppard is a biblical counselor, certified through Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. Be sure to visit Carolann's site for her free download “The Lies We Believe and the Promises of God - Truth Over Temptation” (see show notes for the link!). Highlights from this episode: “There’s nothing like digging into the word with a group of ladies, praying together, laughing together, crying together, encouraging one another, and even calling each other out in love… it’s hard, but it’s good; it yields good fruit.” “Living an inviting life is not just inviting others into the good parts of life, which is really easy to do, but it’s inviting others into the hard and even the dark parts of our suffering.” “Living an inviting life is bearing each other’s burdens so we can fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2 tell us to restore one another in a spirit of gentleness and to bear each other’s burdens. We need both! “With biblical counseling, the goal is to get to the heart of the issue, mainly using God’s word.” “In biblical counseling, we focus on the redemptive work of Christ in all circumstances.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us that God’s word is necessary and sufficients in our working through challenges and issues in our lives. “We have to be mindful of making trauma our identity.” But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “I used to think we had to live up to the Instagram ideal in order to live this inviting life; but biblical hospitality is inviting people into what God has given us, so we can glorify Him right where we are.” FIND COMPLETE SHOW NOTES . Find Carolann online: Carol Ann LET’S CONNECT: Join the Episodes Mentioned: Resources: Here are some of the resources mentioned or ones that encourage and equip you for growing in God’s word and living the #invitinglife! Free e-book (Some links above are affiliate links, which help to support Everyday Welcome at no additional cost to you; some include discounts.) /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/27860889

Home as "Church" - It's Not What You Think! 08/25/2023

Home as "Church" - It's Not What You Think! This episode of “Home as Church” is part of a series on creating welcome at home, where we’re exploring ways we can use our homes to “awaken the palate and nourish the soul.” If you haven’t listened to episode 14, I encourage you to head there first! We set up this episode and series there when we talked about beauty and worship. The ideas of staying at home for church and “doing home church” have grown in the past few years. While scripture is clear that gathering together with other believers to hear teaching of scripture, to worship, and to practice communion among other vital activities cannot be forsaken, our homes can also be a place of worship and welcome. There are a few biblical principles that can guide us in using home as church, or in other words, making our homes a place of worship and fellowship. Under the new covenant, our body is a temple. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” We are commanded not to forsake gathering together. “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” - Hebrews 10:19 We are often called to meet with God first thing in the day. Psalm 139:1-4 says, “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.” Psalm 143:8 - “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 5:3 - “O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.” We are called by God to “welcome strangers.” Hebrews 13:2 - “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Proverbs 31 is a rich description of all the ways this exemplary woman cares for her home - producing food, caring for the linens, welcoming those in need, making things beautiful. Here are some ways we can intentionally invest in “home as church,” setting our homes up to fulfill some of these callings for us as believers. Spending personal time with God Try creating a Devo corner (prayer closet) Create a Morning Routine My email course is a great resource! Fellowship with other believers Host a simple coffee date. Have someone help with a task - you’ll both be blessed! Host a small group (listen to my interview with Kim on !) Have an off-limits “private quarters” and a public space in your home that is usually “guest ready” - and try to do a quick pick-up mid-day or in the evening. Have a wing-man to help you host. Welcoming “strangers” - showing hospitality to those outside the body of believers who don’t know Jesus yet. Consider a prayer group, even if you are the one modeling what it means to pray. Host a low-commitment, lighthearted gathering. Be intentional with your schedule. Be creative. Raise your hopes and lower your expectations Be PATIENT Be Interruptible (see ). FIND FULL SHOWNOTES . RESOURCES: My free email course: Tim Challies: “” Reagan Rose: EPISODES MENTIONED: (episode 10) How to Read the Bible and Really Get it How to Read the Bible and Love It (episode 5) (episode 6) /episode/index/show/7ff73037-e22e-4d19-a6b6-0a2f81471035/id/27854361