Shows
Loveshaped LifeWhen Jesus Disappoints Your ExpectationsDiscover how Jesus's teachings can transform your life in ways you never expected. In Season 7, hosts Bob Hayes and Nathan Stearman are joined by Otavio McKenzie as they continue their journey through Jesus' revolutionary Sermon on the Mount, diving into the middle section (recorded in Matthew chapter 6). They explore these teachings not as religious doctrine, but as a practical guide for finding meaning beyond politics, work stress, and broken systems.Each episode combines deep biblical insights with real-world application, creating a safe space for anyone questioning faith, seeking spiritual wellness, or wondering if there's something better than...2025-07-2248 min
Loveshaped LifeRadical Love: Learning to Love Those Who Hurt UsIn this final episode of Season 6, Nathan and Bob tackle what might be Jesus’ most challenging teaching: loving our enemies. They explore how this ancient wisdom completely reframes what authentic love looks like by calling us to extend compassion beyond our comfortable boundaries.Through their conversation, Nathan and Bob reveal how Jesus challenged the religious establishment that had justified hatred of outsiders, offering instead a revolutionary perspective: God loves everyone unconditionally—even those who oppose or hurt us. This teaching wasn’t just countercultural 2,000 years ago—it remains challenging in our own divided world.This episode...2025-05-2039 min
Loveshaped LifeBreaking the Cycle: Living Beyond RetaliationIn this episode of Loveshaped Life, hosts Nathan and Bob examine Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:38-42, where he transforms the "eye for an eye" principle into a higher standard of non-retaliation. While the Old Testament principle limited excessive revenge, Jesus calls followers to demonstrate kingdom values through radical generosity and kindness.The hosts explore Jesus' counter-cultural examples: turning the other cheek, giving extra when sued, going the second mile, and freely giving to those who ask. Nathan connects these principles to Martin Luther King Jr.'s non-violent resistance approach, while Bob explains how responding with kindness can...2025-05-0440 min
Loveshaped LifeThe Freedom of Truthfulness: Living Authentically in a Dishonest WorldIn this thought-provoking episode, Nathan and Bob examine how Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:33-37 calls believers to a life of simple truthfulness rather than elaborate oath-taking. They reveal how our culture's integrity crisis extends beyond just broken trust in institutions to the personal damage lying inflicts on the liar, creating a destructive cycle where "one lie leads to another lie."The hosts challenge the common assumption that truthfulness comes through sheer determination, suggesting instead that integrity flows naturally from a heart transformed by God. This inside-out approach means focusing less on perfecting our truthfulness and more on...2025-04-1035 min
Loveshaped LifeThe Sacred Covenant: Jesus on Marriage and Relational IntegrityIn this episode of the Loveshaped Life podcast, hosts Nathan and Bob continue their exploration of Jesus’ teachings on living as “salt and light” in society. They examine the second of five examples Jesus gave about Kingdom living, focusing on adultery, sexual purity, and the integrity of marriage relationships.The conversation delves into how Jesus elevates the standard from merely avoiding physical adultery to addressing the root causes in the heart. Nathan and Bob discuss the difference between natural attraction and intentional lust, explaining how Jesus pinpoints the moment when thoughts become cultivated choices. They emphasize that Jesus...2025-03-1145 min
Loveshaped LifeAnger Management: Kingdom StyleIn this episode of the Loveshaped Life podcast, Nathan and Bob explore Jesus' teaching on anger and reconciliation from his Sermon on the Mount. They examine how Jesus elevated the ancient command "do not murder" to address the deeper issues of anger, resentment, and hatred in the heart, explaining that the quality of goodness Jesus seeks goes far beyond external behavior to internal transformation.The discussion delves into practical applications for modern life, from political divisions to workplace conflicts. Nathan and Bob share insights on how harboring anger imprisons the one who holds it rather than the...2025-02-0250 min
Loveshaped LifeLeaving Behind Burdensome Beliefs, Finding Freedom in God's LoveAre you tired of the burdensome rules and rigid dogma often associated with religion? Are you seeking a deeper, more fulfilling spiritual experience, but unsure where to find it? In this podcast, we dive into the radical teachings of Jesus, uncovering a vision of spirituality that is freeing, relational, and profoundly transformative. Through insightful discussions and personal stories, we'll explore how to shed the weight of religious baggage and embrace a vibrant, authentic connection with the divine.Whether you're a seeker, a skeptic, or simply someone longing for more meaning in your life, this podcast...2025-01-0640 min
Loveshaped LifeThe Ripple Effect: Jesus's Call to Embodied LovingIn this enlightening, second episode of the sixth season of our Loveshaped Life Podcast, Nathan and Bob continue their exploration of Jesus's profound metaphor of his followers being "salt" and "light" in the world. The discussion reveals how Jesus envisioned his followers as those who would elevate the quality of life around them, exemplifying the highest form of love through their actions and way of living.The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as the hosts examine how Jesus's teachings challenged traditional religious perspectives of his time and continue to challenge contemporary views of God. They discuss how...2024-12-0137 min
Loveshaped LifeSalt and Light: Jesus’s Call to Countercultural LivingIn this premiere of Season 6 of the Loveshaped Life podcast, hosts Nathan and Bob return to continue their exploration of God's radical love. Building directly on the foundation laid in Season 5, this episode marks the beginning of a new chapter in their ongoing discussion about experiencing and living in the wonder of divine love.The episode delves into the profound teachings found in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, with particular emphasis on the metaphorical concepts of being "salt" and "light" in the world. Nathan and Bob skillfully unpack these teachings, examining how they relate to the authentic...2024-11-0843 min
Loveshaped LifeSeven Principles for a Flourishing Life - A Radical Call to PeacemakingIn this final episode of the Loveshaped Life Podcast’s fifth season, hosts Nathan and Bob discuss the seventh principle for a flourishing life: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” This principle, part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, challenges the expectations of Jesus’ original audience and remains equally radical today. While many anticipated a militant Messiah to overthrow Roman rule, Jesus instead called his followers to be peacemakers, contrasting sharply with societal tendencies toward division, anger, and hostility. (Sound familiar?)The hosts emphasize that true peacemaking, rooted in the love of Christ...2024-08-2639 minLoveshaped LifeSeven Principles for a Flourishing Life - Mercy in ActionIn this episode of the Loveshaped Life podcast, hosts Nathan and Bob explore the sixth principle for a flourishing life: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." They emphasize that true purity of heart is not about external religious practices or rituals, but rather an internal transformation that occurs as we engage in acts of mercy and love towards others. This principle builds upon the previous beatitudes, highlighting the progressive nature of spiritual growth and the importance of allowing God's love to flow through us to those around us.The hosts discuss how...2024-08-1937 minLoveshaped LifeSeven Principles for a Flourishing Life - Ripples of MercyIn this fifth episode of the fifth season of the Loveshaped Life podcast, hosts Nathan and Bob explore the fifth principle of flourishing from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy." They discuss how this beatitude represents a shift from the internal transformation of the heart to the outward expression of God's love. The hosts emphasize that mercy is a fundamental attribute of God, demonstrated throughout the Bible and ultimately through Jesus' life and death.Nathan and Bob explain that mercy involves treating others with kindness and compassion, especially...2024-07-2834 minLoveshaped LifeSeven Principles for a Flourishing Life - Soul HungerIn this enlightening episode of the Loveshaped Life podcast, hosts Nathan and Bob continue their deep-dive into Jesus' mountainside teaching, with a look at the fourth Beatitude: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." They unpack the profound difference between the superficial righteousness of religious performance and the transformative righteousness that Jesus offers.The hosts masterfully contrast the outward, rule-based righteousness of the Pharisees with the inward, love-driven righteousness that characterizes God's kingdom. Through powerful biblical examples and personal insights, they illustrate how true righteousness isn't about meticulous adherence to...2024-07-2237 minLoveshaped LifeSeven Principles for a Flourishing Life - Gentle StrengthAs we explore the third principle of Jesus' teachings on a flourishing life, we discover the power of meekness. Far from being weakness, true meekness is strength under control, the ability to hold power gently. This attribute is born out of acknowledging our own brokenness and need for God's grace, moving us to treat others with the same compassion we've received.Jesus invites us to come to Him, weary and burdened as we are, promising rest for our souls. This rest isn't just physical, but a deep spiritual peace that comes from letting go of our facades...2024-07-1548 minLoveshaped LifeSeven Principles for a Flourishing Life - Embracing BrokennessIn this episode of the Love Shaped Life Podcast, hosts Nathan and Bob continue their exploration of Jesus’ inaugural speech, focusing on the second principle for a flourishing life: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” They discuss how this principle relates to acknowledging one’s brokenness and opening up to God’s healing presence. The hosts emphasize that this process is not about wallowing in guilt or shame, but rather about experiencing the comfort and forgiveness that God offers.The conversation delves into the parable of the prodigal son, using it as an illustrati...2024-07-0845 minLoveshaped LifeSeven Principles for a Flourishing Life - Kingdom ManifestoIn this inaugural episode of our fifth season, Bob and Nathan delve into the transformative power of God’s love, exploring how it creates a sanctuary for authentic self-reflection and spiritual wellness. In a world that often demands perfection, God's unconditional acceptance allows us to embrace our imperfections, setting the stage for profound personal growth and inner peace.The hosts examine Jesus’ teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the first Beatitude: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3, NIV). This powerful statement challenges our tendency towards self-centered living a...2024-07-0152 minLoveshaped LifeBob's Story - Greatest Trip of My Life (Part 3)As the sun rises each morning, the darkness gradually fades away, almost imperceptibly at first. At the first light of dawn, birds begin to sing, grateful for a new day. In part 3 of Bob's story, he shares how God led him out of darkness. With each passing day, the light of God's love shone brighter, until the darkness was completely gone. No matter where you are on your life's journey, you will find hope and inspiration in the final steps of the Greatest Trip of His Life.Find us:loveshaped.life2024-06-0347 minLoveshaped LifeBob's Story - Greatest Trip of My Life (Part 2)In this episode, we delve into what it feels like to be in a dark valley, struggling to find a way out. Imagine trying everything within your power to escape, only to find yourself slipping further. In part two of "The Greatest Trip of My Life," Bob shares his profound journey at rock bottom. He reveals how feeling helpless and choosing to let go became the greatest opportunity to witness God's work in his life. Listen and be inspired by how God, the Master Potter, molds his clay into a beautiful vessel.loveshaped.life2024-05-2739 minLoveshaped LifeBob’s Story - Greatest Trip of My Life (Part 1)Growing up in Upstate New York, I experienced all four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Life, too, has its seasons. There are times when life is flourishing, much like spring and summer, and other times that resemble the cold, dark days of fall and winter. Today, Bob, Co-Director at Loveshaped Life, shares his personal journey through one of these darker seasons. When life became cold and challenging, he found hope and strength in an unexpected place. Tune in to hear Bob's inspiring story of transformation and how, even in the midst of darkness, God showed up, offering light...2024-05-2045 minLoveshaped LifeElton's Story - Rising Strong: Triumphing Through's Life's TragediesBorn and raised in the ghetto of Chicago, from a young childhood Elton watched his father abuse his mother. When Elton was nine his father took his own life. Just a few years later his mom died of cancer. Before she died she pointed Elton to God as the source of his strength. Elton's story gives hope to all who pass through difficult tragedies that you can Rise Strong.Find Elton's music in all digital platformsDEVOTED VOCALYoutubeSpotifyONE ACCORDYoutubeSpotify2024-05-1454 minLoveshaped LifeNew BeginningGod is Love, pure other centered giving and receiving, not one thread of selfishness, it's perfect love, it was put on display for all the world to see in the life and death of Jesus. The love that flowed out of Him, He is offering to you and all the other 8 billion people on this planet. In this final episode of Love Defined check how this pure love can become a part of you.Find us:Loveshaped LifeYoutubeSpotifyInstagram2024-04-1546 minLoveshaped LifeThe PlanImagine walking into an art gallery. The first painting you see is one person showing compassion on another, the next picture was one person showing mercy to another, the next, one was listening while the other cried, the strange thing about the paintings was their faces were blurry, as you went from picture to picture you were captivated. It appeared as if there was a story being told. With each painting you moved slower and slower, you wondered who were the two individuals, you finally come to the end. The two people are embracing, one is crying, Your eyes...2024-04-0240 minLoveshaped LifeBreaking GoodEvery morning as the sun rises, little by little light once again begins to dawn on our world. As the minutes tick away so does the darkness until the sun becomes brighter and brighter. So it is with seeing the beauty of the character of God. In part 4 of Love Defined Bob and Nathan continue to remove the darkness of the lies people have believed about God to see the light of the truth about who He really is-Love2024-03-2533 minLoveshaped LifeCreated for LoveWhat would it be like to be fully known-the good, the bad and the ugly and be fully loved-daily. To live in a space where that love is free flowing right at you, not because of your financial status, educational background or the color of your skin or your behavior, just who He-God is. In part 3 of Love Defined, Nathan and Bob continue to unpack the gift that keeps on giving-The Heart of God.2024-03-1938 minLoveshaped LifeEternal FriendsMost people enjoy a good love story, the number of books, songs, movies about love would be hard to count but, the greatest love story of all is found in the number one selling book of all-The Bible. What is even more amazing about this love story is you are in it. It’s the story of God who relentlessly pursues after human beings with unfailing, unconditional love. Part two of love defined continues to open our eyes to see the heart of God. Find us:Loveshaped LifeYoutubeSpotify...2024-03-1136 minLoveshaped LifeLove DefinedLove- the greatest need of your heart and mine. Yet, it’s a word that is used so loosely, I love chocolate, I love football, I love my wife. In this podinar season, “Love Defined” Bob and Nathan begin the journey to unpack what true love is and to actually define it. So, you may see, experience and live God’s radical love.Find us:Loveshaped LifeYoutubeSpotifyInstagram2024-03-041h 03
Loveshaped LifeLove Defined - Part 1Love- the greatest need of your heart and mine. Yet, it’s a word that is used so loosely, I love chocolate, I love football, I love my wife. In this podinar season, “Love Defined” Bob and Nathan begin the journey to unpack what true love is and to actually define it. So, you may see, experience and live God’s radical love.Find us:Loveshaped LifeYoutubeSpotifyInstagram2024-03-0454 minLoveshaped LifeRick's Story - Rising Through Adversity (Part 3)In this final part Rick shares how God restores his life completely. How the journey through adversity led him to know God in a way he never dreamed possible. God will do the same for you….Find us:Loveshaped LifeYoutubeSpotifyInstagram2024-02-0541 minLoveshaped LifeRick’s Story - Rising Through Adversity (Part 2)In part two Rick continues to share his story of Seeing and Experiencing God’s relentless love for him and his family. Rick takes us on a deeper journey with him on the road to recovery trusting God for complete healing mind, body, and soul. Find us:Loveshaped LifeYoutubeSpotifyInstagram2024-01-2141 minLoveshaped LifeRick's Story - Rising Through Adversity (Part 1)Eleven years ago Rick entered work not feeling well, by the end of the day he was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. While in treatment he lost his job. Not knowing how he would take care of his family or whether he would live or die. He chose to trust in God. This is part 1 of a series “Rising Through Adversity“.Find us:Loveshaped LifeYoutubeSpotifyInstagram2024-01-1544 minLoveshaped LifeAbbie's Story - Healing the Scars, Embracing Wholeness (Part 2)In part two, Abbie shares the process of healing from the scars of brokenness to the joy of being made whole, from her dark valley of dysfunctional religion, physical and verbal abuse to seeing the beauty of God and experiencing His healing touch.Find us:Loveshaped LifeYoutubeSpotifyInstagramEmail: hello@loveshaped.life2024-01-0840 minLoveshaped LifeAbbie's StoryFrom feeling hopeless, ashamed, being rejected and abused to finding healing in SEEing the beauty of God's character and living daily in the rhythm of His love.Find us:Loveshaped LifeYoutubeSpotifyInstagram2024-01-0156 minLoveshaped LifeJourney to Oneness with God - REST: In the Daily Rhythm of LoveImagine waking up each day and knowing someone is in love with you. Imagine this someone will never break His promise, I will never leave you or forsake you. Imagine being in a place where you allow yourself to REST in that love. In this final episode of our series Journey to Oneness with God, Bob and Nathan explore the fourth habit of living in the daily rhythm of being loved by God.Find us:loveshaped.lifeYoutubeInstagram"You Say" - Lauren Dangle | DEVOTED VOCAL (Cover)2023-12-1145 minLoveshaped LifeJourney to Oneness with God - ACCEPT: God’s Love for YouIn this episode of Journey to Oneness, Bob and Nathan explore the third habit that is key in the journey. The importance of making a personal choice to accept what God is longing to shower you with- His love. Like George Mueller said “Don’t allow the sense of your unworthiness to hinder you from experiencing the fulfillment of God’s promises to you “Find us:loveshaped.lifeYoutubeInstagram2023-12-0348 minLoveshaped LifeJourney to Oneness with God - MEDITATE on what you SEEIn part three of our podinar Journey to Oneness with God, Bob and Nathan explore how important Biblical meditation is to experiencing Oneness with God. What digestion is to the body, meditation is to the soul.Find us:loveshaped.lifeYouTubeInstagram2023-11-2652 minLoveshaped LifeJourney to Oneness with God - SEE the Beauty of GodIn this episode Bob and Nathan share the first habit that is vital in our journey to oneness with God.Find us:love shaped.life2023-11-2051 minLoveshaped LifeJourney to Oneness with God - The InvitationIn this episode Bob and Nathan explore God's invitation to every person, including you to live in His presence every day, to accept the invitation will start your journey in becoming One with God.Visit loveshaped.life for more inspiration!2023-11-1354 minLoveshaped LifeIntro - What’s It All About?In this episode Pastor Bob and Nathan explore God’s big dream in creating a movement of people who see God’s beauty with ever-increasing clarity, experience his presence with ever-deepening wonder and live everyday-lives of radical love, loving more like Him as the days go by.Visit loveshaped.life for more inspiration!2023-11-0646 min