Shows
Love God FirstEp113 Best of Love God First: How to Age Well, Gen 17:1-3We are going back to another "Best of Love God First" episode. This particular show resonated with many listeners since we are all getting older and want to live our best life for Christ while we are here. Enjoy another listen!
2025-12-2614 minLove God FirstEp112 Best of Love God First: Who Gets to Say What is Good? Gen 1We are going back to the beginning in this Best of Love God First podcast. Who gets to hold the standard for how to measure goodness? Is it the job of each person to determine what goodness is for themselves? Or is there a higher law for goodness? Let's ponder these questions together and see what Genesis has to say about it!
2025-12-1917 minLove God FirstEp111 Exploring God's Character Pt 2, Gen 19:12-26In this second episode of a two-parter, we continue to explore the character of God, particularly focusing on His justice and righteousness as demonstrated in the account of Sodom and Gomorrah. Here are the main points we covered last week:
The Lord's primary focus is on justice and righteousness.
God listens to the outcry of the innocent.
He does not sweep away the righteous with the wicked.
The presence of believers preserves a society.
God judges based on actions, not foreknowledge.
By the end of the episode we will hopefully answer the question of what is most...
2025-12-1210 minLove God FirstEp110 Exploring God's Character Pt 1, Gen 18:17-19:26In this episode we explore the character of God, particularly focusing on His justice and righteousness as demonstrated in the account of Sodom and Gomorrah. The discussion emphasizes the elements of God's character as we watch Him justly judge the people of Sodom.
2025-12-0514 minLove God FirstEp109 A Moment of Thankfulness, 1 Th 5:18Enjoy a short devotional on thankfulness for this Thanksgiving weekend! We will return to Genesis next week.
2025-11-2805 minLove God FirstEp108 Lessons from Lot: A Cautionary Tale Pt 2, Gen 19In this part two episode, we explore the application of the biblical account of Sodom and Gomorrah, focusing on Lot's life and the lessons we can learn from his choices. We highlight the dangers of cultural integration for a Christ follower and discuss how a Christian's life should be lived differently than the society in which we live. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own lives and the safeguards necessary to maintain faith amidst a challenging culture.
2025-11-2117 minLove God FirstEp107 Lessons from Lot: A Cautionary Tale, Pt 1 Gen 19:1-26In this first part of a two-part episode, we explore the biblical account of Sodom and Gomorrah, and we focus on the geography, history, and archeology of the story. Next week we will apply the principles to our own lives, but for this week, enjoy hearing some of the interesting facts and information about Lot, his wife, the city of Sodom and the city's destruction.
2025-11-1418 minLove God FirstEp106 Receiving Good Things from God Pt 2, Gen 18:9-15, Heb 11:11Many of us know that the life of a Christ follower involves sacrifice. But it can also involve abundant blessing as well. Ironically, receiving those blessings can sometimes be difficult because we know how short we fall of deserving the mercy and love of God. On this part two episode we finish talking about how to receive the good things the Lord wants to give to His obedient disciples.
2025-11-0711 minLove God FirstEp105 Receiving Good Things from God Pt 1, Gen 18:9-15Many of us know that the life of a Christ follower involves sacrifice. But it can also involve abundant blessing as well. Ironically, receiving those blessings can sometimes be difficult because we know how short we fall of deserving the mercy and love of God. On this episode we talk about how to receive the good things the Lord wants to give to those who are His obedient disciples.
2025-10-3116 minLove God FirstEp104 How to Worship from the Heart Pt 2, Gen 18We are returning for the second half of the discussion on Abraham's tremendous example of worship from Genesis 18. On this episode I highlight the significance of faith, reverence, and the insights that can be gained through genuine worship.
2025-10-2413 minLove God FirstEp 103 How to Worship from the Heart Pt 1, Gen 18In this episode, we explore the profound example of worship demonstrated by Abraham in Genesis 18. I emphasize the importance of sincere worship and serving the Lord with excellence. Through Abraham's actions, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own worship practices and the need for a pure heart in their relationship with God.
2025-10-1716 minLove God FirstEp 102 Faith and Sacrifice: Lessons from Abraham Part 2, Gen 17How do I live boldly for Jesus despite the painful sacrifices God may call me to endure?
In this episode we are wrapping up the account of Abraham and his household getting circumcised. Last time we focused on the covenant God made with Abraham and the sacrifices involved in faith, and we discussed the significance of circumcision as a symbol of faith as well as the challenges and costs associated with living a life of faith. On this part two episode, I discuss how to live the life of faith boldly despite the cost.
2025-10-1010 minLove God FirstEp 101 Faith and Sacrifice: Lessons from Abraham Part 1, Genesis 17How do I live boldly for Jesus despite the painful sacrifices God may call me to endure?
In this episode we explore the next installment in the account of Abraham, focusing on the covenant God made with him and the sacrifices involved in faith. We discuss the significance of circumcision as a symbol of faith and the challenges and costs associated with living a life of faith. This is a two part episode, so please come back to hear the next episode–both episodes need to be contemplated for you to get the full picture!
2025-10-0317 minLove God FirstEp100 The Significance of a Name w/Allison Allen, Pt 2In this second episode with Allison Allen, we continue exploring the power of name changes in Scripture—this time taking a deeper look at Abraham and diving into the story of Jacob as well. Allison also explains what she calls the “Great Exchange”—a powerful invitation for Christians to trade old identities for God-given ones, leading to true freedom and healing.
2025-09-2616 minLove God FirstEp99 The Significance of a Name w/Allison Allen, Pt 1As we reach the part of Abraham’s story in Genesis where God changes his name, we’re taking a deeper look at the significance of names in the Bible. Joining us for this two-part episode is Allison Allen—podcaster, speaker, and author—who shares rich insights into the spiritual and symbolic weight names carry throughout Scripture. Allison also opens up about how she personally connects with Abraham and the covenant God makes with him at the age of 99. Don’t miss this thoughtful and inspiring conversation!
2025-09-1920 minLove God FirstEp98 From Abram to Abraham: Receiving a New Name, Gen 17:1-8, 15-16In this episode we explore Abraham's and Sarah's name change and how that change helped them to walk in faith. We also discuss what our first priority is as Christians. It is easy to focus so much on what I do for God that I forget to focus on my relationship with Him at the root of it all. Studying about Abraham's name change helps remind us to reset our focus if we have forgotten.
2025-09-1215 minLove God FirstEp97 How to Age Well, Gen 17:1-3Observing Abraham's age in this chapter of Genesis can make a person stop and think about their own age and mortality. And that is good! Because if we stop for a few moments and reflect about our where we are in life, we can reset with a better attitude and a godly focus on what truly matters.
2025-09-0514 minLove God FirstEp96 A Glimpse into the Life of a Missionary with Dave and Kathleen Norcross, Pt 3This is our final episode talking to Dave and Kathleen Norcross, missionary emissaries to the South Pacific. Get challenged in your own walk with God as you listen to these two inspirational missionaries share their stories!
If you are interested in finding out more about missionary work, check out Foursquare Missions International's website:
https://www.foursquaremissions.org/
2025-08-2921 minLove God FirstEp95 A Glimpse into the Life of a Missionary w/Dave and Kathleen Norcross, Pt 2Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel the world for Jesus? Is God calling you to be a missionary? Or do you just love to hear what Jesus is up to around the world and want to partner with those on the front lines by praying? Whichever scenario describes you, you are in for a treat! In this second of three episodes, we are taking a break from studying Genesis so we can talk to two missionary emissaries from the South Pacific and hear their story.
2025-08-2215 minLove God FirstEp94 A Glimpse into the Life of a Missionary w/Dave and Kathleen Norcross Pt 1Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel the world for Jesus? Is God calling you to be a missionary? Or do you just love to hear what Jesus is up to around the world and want to partner with those on the front lines by praying? Whichever scenario describes you, you are in for a treat! For the next three episodes, we are taking a break from studying Genesis so we can talk to two missionary emissaries from the South Pacific and hear their story.
2025-08-1518 minLove God FirstEp 93 A Three-Step Process for Guidance, Mt 7:7-11In our second summer devotional episode, we take just a few minutes to look at a three-step process to ask God for guidance. Prayer time is not supposed to be only a one-sided conversation. We can count on our Heavenly Father to give us wisdom and direction as we pray and ask, then seek and knock.
2025-08-0807 minLove God FirstEp92 A Short Look at Ps 139:23,24In this short summer devotional, we take a moment away from Genesis to think about the last two verses of Psalm 139. David models for us how to pray a prayer with a humble, trusting heart that is open to God. We can do the same thing!
2025-08-0106 minLove God FirstEp91 The God Who Sees: Understanding El Roi, Gen 16:6-16In this episode we explore the story of Hagar one finalt time as we focus on the character of God as El-Roi, the God Who Sees. I emphasize the importance of understanding God's constant presence in our lives, especially during times of loneliness and suffering. Through Hagar's experience, listeners are encouraged to reflect on the fact that Jesus is ever-present with us, whether we can feel it or not.
Schell, Steve, “The God Who Sees”: (sermon, Northwest Church, Federal Way, WA, May 19, 2002).
Keywords
God, Hagar, El-Roi, faith, promises, testimony, loneli...
2025-07-2521 minLove God FirstEp90 How to Gain Fresh Strength from God, Gen. 16:6-16Keywords
Hagar, biblical stories, faith, obedience, strength, divine intervention, motherhood, character growth, spiritual healing, God's promises
Summary
In this third episode from the account of Hagar, we explore the story of Hagar from her own perspective, highlighting the truths about her character and looking closely at God's interaction with her. Through Hagar's journey in the desert, we see God show yet again that He knows what we need, and He alone can fill us with the strength it will take to walk where He leads us.
2025-07-1819 minLove God FirstEp89 How NOT to Live Passively, Gen. 16:1-6In this episode we delve into the story of Hagar, Abram, and Sarai, exploring themes of decision-making, passivity, and the importance of living out an active faith. I emphasize the need to learn from Abram's mistakes, particularly when looking at his passive responses to Sarai's actions. Looking closely at Abram's part of the story will encourage listeners to actively pursue God and engage with their faith. I highlight the consequences of passivity in relationships and the necessity of support from others as we continue walking out our faith in Christ.
This is the second of four episodes...
2025-07-1118 minLove God FirstEp88 Sarai's Struggles: A Lesson in Dependence on God, Gen. 16In this episode, I explore the story of Hagar from Genesis 16, focusing on the themes of dependence on God, the struggles of Sarai, and the cultural context of her decision to give her maid as an extra wife to her husband. Through Sarai's story we can see how easy it is to try and generate our own human solutions to God's leading and promises instead of relying on God Himself to do what He has promised.
This is the first of four episodes where we look at the same story from four different points of view.
2025-07-0414 minLove God FirstEp 87 Understanding the Depth of Covenant with Kari Bulman Pt 2In this episode Pastor Kari Bulman and I continue our conversation about covenant and its significance to us today. Through covenant, God's shows us His unwavering commitment to His people. Hopefully by the end of this episode we can get closer to truly understanding the depth of God's commitment to us.
Keywords
covenant, love God, Old Covenant, New Covenant, marriage, promises, faith, relationship, trust, leadership
2025-06-2716 minLove God FirstEp86 Understanding the Depth of Covenant with Kari Bulman Pt 1In this episode Pastor Kari Bulman and I explore the concept of covenant and its significance in both biblical and modern times. We talk about the difference between the Old and New Covenants and discuss how covenants represent trust and commitment, contrasting them with the contracts we make in our modern-day world. Ultimately, we highlight the beauty of God's unwavering commitment to His people and the transformative power of understanding covenant relationships.
Keywords
covenant, love God, Old Covenant, New Covenant, marriage, promises, faith, relationship, trust, leadership
2025-06-2015 minLove God FirstEp85 A Serious Promise, Gen 15:8-21In this episode, we delve into the profound theme of God's covenant love as illustrated through the life of Abraham. We explore the nature of covenants in the ancient Near East, the significance of the covenant ceremony between God and Abram, and how this covenant foreshadows and is fulfilled by the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. The episode emphasizes the level of commitment God has to His promises and the depth of His love, encouraging listeners to appreciate the covenant relationship we have with God through faith in Jesus.
If you want to learn more about covenant, watch...
2025-06-1317 minLove God FirstEp84 Faith is a Choice, Gen 15:1-7
We explore on a little bit more of the journey and life of Abraham, focusing on him becoming a father of many nations because he believed in the Lord. I touch on the the importance of honesty in prayer, but the real focus is on the significance of faith and its connection to righteousness. Ultimately, we must make the choice to believe God just like Abram did.
Keywords
Abraham, faith, God's promises, righteousness, belief, covenant, spiritual journey, biblical teachings, prayer
2025-06-0618 minLove God FirstEp83 Jesus as Our High Priest, Gen 14, Hebrews 7:1-10, 25-28With the example of the priest-king Melchizedek in Genesis 14 as a springboard, we take this episode to look at what the author explains in Hebrews about the similarities between Melchizedek and Jesus. And by the end we see how having a high priest like Jesus can be such a comfort to our souls.
2025-05-3009 minLove God FirstEp82 Battles and Priests, Gen 14:1-24In this episode, we watch Abram and his allies fight and defeat some Mesopotamian kings, save Lot, and head home to the hills. But on the way back, Abram meets a unique individual who is unlike almost every other person in the Bible. Join me as we lay some groundwork on understanding Melchizedek. We will discuss his and Abram's interactions and how Melchizedek's priesthood has some big repercussions on how we view and understand Jesus. The next episode will finish where this one leaves off.
Resources:
Study Verse by Verse: Hebrews by...
2025-05-2317 minLove God FirstEp81 Finding Hope in Slow Growth, Gen 13:5-18In this episode we watch the next chapter of Abram's story unfold with his nephew Lot. We are focusing this episode on the theme of spiritual growth and on being patient with the process the Lord has us in because there is an absolutely wonderful reward in store for us at the end. Listen to find out what unique reward we have to look forward to!
Keywords
spiritual growth, Abram, Lot, God's promises, contentment, faith, trust, identity, biblical lessons, personal development
2025-05-1619 minLove God FirstEp80 How to Make Decisions: Lessons from Abram and David, Gen 12:10-20In this podcast episode, we explore the process of decision-making for Christians using biblical examples from Abram and David. I emphasize the importance of faith, the need to renew one's mind and the necessity of seeking God's guidance in making decisions. The discussion highlights the consequences of fear-driven choices and provides practical steps for making decisions aligned with God's will.
Keywords
Christian decision-making, faith, Abram, David, Bible stories, God's will, renewing the mind, fear, guidance, prayer
2025-05-0919 minLove God FirstEp79 Building Altars: A Tool for the Tool Belt Pt 2, Gen 12:6-9, 13:1-4In this episode I discuss the significance of building altars in our lives as a means of remembering God's promises and sustaining our faith. I emphasize the importance of returning to these altars to strengthen our relationship with God and to remind ourselves of His faithfulness. Through practical examples and personal anecdotes, I illustrate how modern-day altars can be created through journaling and other methods. Hopefully listeners will see the value of actively recording their significant moments with God!
Keywords
altars, faith, remembrance, spirituality, worship, promises, God, prayer, journaling, personal growth
2025-05-0219 minLove God FirstEp78 Building Altars: A Tool for the Toolbelt Part 1, Gen 12:6-9In this episode we explore the concept of building altars in the life of a Christ follower, using Abram as a model. We talk about why it was so important for Abram to have built an altar and call on the name of the Lord. We'll see the importance of committing to our own current spiritual assignment, and we'll look at an example of drawing on the Lord's transformative power and presence through worship. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own lives and consider where they can build modern-day altars to invite God's presence into their circumstances.
2025-04-2521 minLove God FirstEp77 The Three Areas of Christian Calling with Marc HagmanIn this conversation, Marc Hagman and I explore the concept of calling in the Christian faith, discussing the different types of calls believers have, including the call to salvation, holiness, and ministry. We emphasize the importance of understanding that a person does not need to be perfect to step into ministry and that calling can manifest in various forms throughout our lives. The discussion also highlights the process of spiritual growth and the significance of community support in discovering our calling.
We will be talking in future episodes about this important topic because it is something that each of us c...
2025-04-1820 minLove God FirstEp76 The Preparations of a Bride, Isa 61:10, Rev 19:7In this episode, I shares reflections from my son's wedding, drawing parallels between the preparations for that wedding and the spiritual preparation of every Christian as the bride of Christ. I emphasize the importance of growing our inner character as we depend on the righteousness of Christ to clothe us. The conversation culminates in a hopeful vision of the eternal life that awaits believers, inspired by C.S. Lewis's writings.
Keywords
wedding, bride of Christ, preparation, righteousness, Love God First, Christian metaphor, Isaiah, Revelation, C.S. Lewis, spiritual journey
2025-04-1108 minLove God FirstEp75 Embracing Your Calling: A Modern Perspective w/Sarah Miller Pt 3In this last conversation, Sarah Miller and I continue to explore the concept of calling in a modern context, discussing how God can call each of us to different ministries, jobs, and even locations in our lives. We delve into the importance of understanding one's identity and values, the process of stepping out in faith, and the significance of community in confirming God's call to us. Through personal stories and insights we emphasize that the journey of faith is at its core a relationship with God. Hopefully by the end you will have a confidence (or at least a...
2025-04-0414 minLove God FirstEp74 Embracing Your Calling: A Modern Perspective with Sarah Miller Pt 2In this second conversation, Sarah Miller and I continue to explore the concept of calling in a modern context, discussing how God can call each of us to different ministries, jobs, and even locations in our lives. We delve into the importance of understanding one's identity and values, the process of stepping out in faith, and the significance of community in confirming God's call to us. Through personal stories and insights we emphasize that the journey of faith is at its core a relationship with God. Hopefully by the end you will have a confidence (or at least a...
2025-03-2819 minLove God FirstEp73 Embracing Your Calling: A Modern Perspective, with Sarah Miller Pt 1In this conversation, Sarah Miller and I explore the concept of calling in a modern context, discussing how God calls individuals at different times and in different ways in their lives while at the same time calling us always into more of who He has made us to be. We delve into the importance of understanding our values, the process of stepping out in faith, and the significance of community and trust in navigating God's call. Through personal stories and insights, we emphasize the journey of faith as a dynamic relationship with God, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique...
2025-03-2117 minLove God FirstEp72 The Journey of Faith: The Beginnings of Abraham's Story, Gen 11:27-12:10In this episode, we begin the story of Abram (eventually Abraham), focusing on his journey of faith as depicted in Genesis 12. We discuss the significance of God's promises to Abram, the challenges he faced and how these experiences will eventually contribute to the growth of his faith. The conversation emphasizes the importance of trusting God, stepping out in faith, and recognizing that struggles are part of the journey towards inheriting God’s promises.
Keywords
Abraham, faith, promises, God, journey, challenges, growth, trust, transformation, spirituality
2025-03-1420 minLove God FirstEp71 Lessons from the Tower of Babel, Gen 11:4In this second episode about the Tower of Babel, we are focusing on the motivations behind its construction. And you might be surprised to see some similarities between these ancient tower builders and yourself! We highlights the significance of humility, contentment, and the dangers of seeking fame and power. And we end by encouraging listeners how to find satisfaction in their current circumstances, whatever they may be!
Sources:
Gaines, Chip and Joanna. The Magnolia Story. W Publishing Group (2016).
Morris, Henry. The Genesis Record: A Scientific and Devotional Commentary on the Book o...
2025-03-0713 minLove God FirstEp70 Unraveling the Tower of Babel, Gen 10: 8-12, Gen 11:1-9In this episode, we delve into the biblical account of the Tower of Babel, exploring its historical context and archeological confirmation. In this two-part episode, we focus first on understanding the fine points, so that next time we meet, we will be ready to look closely at the personal application. If you like knowing the juicy details of a story, especially if it's a story that may have bothered you with its plausibility, then this is the episode for you!
Sources:
"Century Mark: First Major Excavation of Babylon," Biblical Archaeology Review 50. 3 (2024): 26.
Mo...
2025-02-2812 minLove God FirstEp69 Communicating with Love: Strategies for Family Conversations with Donna JonesWe're continuing our conversation with Donna Jones today!
Check out Donna's new book on Amazon:
Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life
Also listen to her on: That's Just What I Needed Podcast found on Spotify, Podbean or wherever you listen to your podcasts!
Donna and I shift the focus from discussing how to bolster our own child's faith level to talking about any unbelieving members of the family. The conversation emphasizes the significance of open communication, understanding, and love in navigating relationships with non-believing family members while also sharing success stories of reconciliation and h...
2025-02-2118 minLove God FirstEp68 Modeling Faith: The Key to Raising Children with Donna JonesWe have author and speaker Donna Jones with us today to talk about prodigals!
Check out Donna's new book on Amazon:
Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life
Also listen to her on: That's Just What I Needed Podcast found on Spotify, Podbean or wherever you listen to your podcasts!
In this conversation, Donna and I explore the challenges and strategies related to prodigal family members who have turned away from faith. We discuss the importance of modeling faith, the role of parents in nurturing spiritual growth, and the power of prayer and patience in w...
2025-02-1421 minLove God FirstEp67 Ham's Downfall: A Cautionary Tale, Gen. 9:22-25In this episode of Love God First, we explore the story of Noah and his son Ham, focusing on the themes of personal responsibility in faith and the consequences of one's actions. The discussion highlights how Ham's choices affected his father and emphasizes that each individual is responsible for their own faith journey. The episode also addresses the challenges moms and dads face when their children stray from faith in God and offers hope for the weary parent.
Keywords
Noah, Ham, faith, personal responsibility, parenting, biblical lessons, family, hope, reconciliation, spiritual growth
2025-02-0817 minLove God FirstEp67 Ham's Downfall: A Cautionary Tale, Gen. 9:22-25In this episode of Love God First, we explore the story of Noah and his son Ham, focusing on the themes of personal responsibility in faith and the consequences of one's actions. The discussion highlights how Ham's choices affected his father and emphasizes that each individual is responsible for their own faith journey. The episode also addresses the challenges moms and dads face when their children stray from faith in God and offers hope for the weary parent.
Keywords
Noah, Ham, faith, personal responsibility, parenting, biblical lessons, family, hope, reconciliation, spiritual growth
2025-02-0717 minLove God FirstEp 66 The Consequences of Ham's Actions, Gen. 9:21-29In this episode we delve into the complex dynamics of family relationships, particularly focusing on the actions of Ham and the subsequent curse on Canaan at the end of Noah's account. We talk about God being a just God, the consequences of one's actions on family members, and the importance of living with integrity. Through a careful examination of Scripture, the episode highlights God's fairness and the impact of parental behavior on children, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own lives and the example they set for their families.
Keywords
Noah, Ham, Canaan, f...
2025-01-3116 minLove God FirstEp65 Getting Drunk Won't Solve AnythingIn this episode we talk about the biblical account of Noah's drunkenness and its implications for understanding our own human flaws and failures. The discussion transitions to the New Testament, focusing on a few moments of Peter's mistakes, highlighting that Jesus is not looking for perfection but rather for a relationship with us. We emphasize the importance of surrendering our spiritual journey to God and of recognizing His committed love of us, regardless of our mistakes.
This Episode's Takeaways:
Noah's drunkenness serves as a reminder of human flaws.
The Bible presents b...
2025-01-2418 minLove God FirstEp64 Getting a Timely Promise from GodIn this episode, we explore the themes of our needs, God's promises, and the emotional aftermath of traumatic experiences through the lens of Noah's story. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's faithfulness and the fact that God can bring us the right promise or perspective change for our situation.
2025-01-1717 minLove God FirstEp63 Hearing God's Voice: A Conversation with Nancy HillIn this episode, the conversation revolves around the theme of hearing God's voice and understanding how He communicates with us. Prayer ministry leader Nancy Hill shares insights on the various ways God speaks, including through the Bible, silence, worship, and through other people. The discussion emphasizes the importance of tuning our spiritual ears, the diligence required in prayer, and the significance of recognizing God's voice in our lives. We talk about practical examples that show how hearing from God can enhance our ministry and relationships with others, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with God.
2025-01-1029 minLove God FirstEp62 How to Hear from God Pt 2We are continuing to talk about the fact that God still speaks! This part two episode explores the theme of hearing from God because God desires to communicate with everyone, not just people in the Bible. I give examples of times when the Lord has spoken to me or others so listeners can see how important it is to cultivate this important skill. Accurately hearing from God ultimately leads to our own spiritual growth and makes us effective ministers.
2024-12-2713 minLove God FirstEp61 How to Hear from God Pt 1In this episode we explore the theme of hearing from God because God desires to communicate with everyone, not just people in the Bible. The conversation delves into the various ways God speaks to us and the importance of developing our ability to recognize His voice. Why is this so important? Because accurately hearing from God ultimately leads to our own spiritual growth and effective ministry.
Keywords
God, hearing from God, spiritual growth, relationship with God, Bible, Holy Spirit, guidance, faith
Sorry I didn't get a transcript uploaded on this episode! If you really want o...
2024-12-2016 minLove God FirstEp60 A New Way of Thinking for NoahIn this episode, we explore the transition into the post-flood world as described in Genesis 9. The conversation delves into the new commands given to Noah and his family, emphasizing the importance of surrendering our natural way of thinking to God. We talk about the significance of renewing our minds through Scripture and how this transformation leads to living abundantly in Christ. The episode encourages us to remain moldable in our journey of faith.
Keywords:Noah, post-flood, new standards, surrender, renewing minds, abundant life, biblical principles, Genesis, spiritual truths, transformation
2024-12-1319 minLove God FirstEp 59 How to Receive God's MercyIn this episode, we explore the themes of God's mercy and our perpetual need for it using the end of Noah's story as a foundation. No one will ever fully arrive at perfection on earth, and we will always need God's mercy, but we do have a powerful reminder of Jesus' compassion and the assurance of His forgiveness for us today!
Keywords: God's mercy, Noah, faith, sacrifice, repentance, forgiveness, compassion, sin, love
2024-12-0619 minLove God FirstEp58 Finding Grace in the Waiting w/Dr. Ray Pritchard Pt 3In our last conversation with Dr. Ray Pritchard, Ray opens up about his recent struggles with waiting, cancer and finding hope in the midst of it all. His insights will help any Christian who is struggling through their own set of difficult circumstances!
Dr. Ray Pritchard is President of Keep Believing Ministries. Check out his books and other resources at: https://www.keepbelieving.com/
Keywords
waiting, faith, Noah, patience, worship, community, God, hope, encouragement, adversity, faith, trials, personal growth, gratitude, waiting on God, character of God
2024-11-2916 minLove God FirstEp57Finding Grace in the Waiting w/ Dr. Ray Pritchard Pt 2In this conversation (the second of three episodes), Dr. Ray Pritchard and I explore the theme of waiting in faith, drawing lessons from the story of Noah's Ark. We discuss the challenges of waiting for God's promises and the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness to us.
Dr. Ray Pritchard is President of Keep Believing Ministries. Check out his books and other resources at: https://www.keepbelieving.com/
Keywords
waiting, faith, Noah, patience, worship, community, God, hope, encouragement, adversity, faith, trials, personal growth, gratitude, waiting on God, character of God...
2024-11-2216 minLove God FirstEp56 Finding Grace in the Waiting w/ Dr. Ray Pritchard Pt 1In this conversation (the first of three episodes), Dr. Ray Pritchard and I explore the theme of waiting in faith, drawing lessons from the story of Noah's Ark. We discuss the challenges of waiting for God's promises and the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness to us.
Dr. Ray Pritchard is President of Keep Believing Ministries. Check out his books and other resources at: https://www.keepbelieving.com/
Keywords
waiting, faith, Noah, patience, worship, community, God, hope, encouragement, adversity, faith, trials, personal growth, gratitude, waiting on God, character of God...
2024-11-1515 minLove God FirstEp55 Finding Hope in Times of Waiting Pt 2In this part two conversation on Love God First, we continue to explore the theme of waiting. We discuss how to find hope and encouragement during periods of waiting by looking at four different points from Noah's story in Genesis 8. Ultimately, this episode will encourage listeners to trust in God's timing and to remain faithful, patient, and filled with hope during their waiting times.
Takeaways
Finding hope in a small provision can encourage us during long waits.
Grumbling can lead to negative outcomes
God is preparing us or the answer during our waiting periods.
We should l...
2024-11-0815 minLove God FirstEp54 Finding Hope in Times of Waiting Pt 1We have transcripts available for the first time on this episode!
In this conversation on Love God First, we explore the theme of waiting through the story of Noah in Genesis 8. We discuss the challenges of waiting, the importance of active waiting, and how to find hope and encouragement during periods of waiting. We will look at the first of four lessons we can learn from Noah's example (yes, this is a two-parter). Ultimately, this episode will encourage listeners to trust in God's timing and to remain faithful, patient, and filled with hope during their waiting times.
2024-11-0116 minLove God FirstEp53 What Does the Flood Tell Us about God?The account of the flood in Genesis 7 and 8 can trip up many people because they assume it shows God to be a mean and vindictive God. But by taking a closer look (and exercising our biblical worldview), we see a different story revealed about God's character. Join us today as we come back to Genesis and consider what is really shown about God's attributes in the flood story.
Here's that book I mentioned in this episode:
Harris, Laird R., Archer Gleason L., & Waltke, Bruce K. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament. Moody Publishers, 1980.
2024-10-2519 minLove God FirstEp52 What is a Christian's Primary Goal? Pt 3We are wrapping up our time in First Timothy and applying what we have learned about loving from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith. This episode will bring it all home to our own lives!
2024-10-1812 minLove God FirstEp51 What is a Christian's Primary Goal? Pt 2We are picking up again on this question of how to love from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith from 1 Timothy 1:5. In this second episode we are defining more terms and then looking at the good effects of loving this way and the bad effects if we do not regularly tend our heart, our conscience and our faith.
2024-10-1114 minLove God FirstEp50 What is A Christian's Primary Goal? Pt 1We are journeying far from Genesis on this episode and looking at a verse from First Timothy that addresses what our primary goal as Christians is. You may not be surprised to hear the answer: the primary goal is love. But the deeper question is how do we love the way Paul describes in this passage? Listen to find out!
2024-10-0416 minLove God FirstEp49 An Example of God's FaithfulnessWhat can we learn from such a simple act as God closing the door of the ark? There is actually a lot! Join me on this five-minute snippet (ok, so the snippets are actually getting a bit longer) as we consider what the act of closing the door says about God's character and about His involvement in our lives.
2024-09-2707 minLove God FirstEp48 Not Fearing What Others ThinkIn this five-minute snippet (that is really 7 minutes) we look at how Noah's family boarded the ark. They didn't give in to fearing what others would think of them while obeying God. For us, it can be difficult to do that, especially considering the cutting remarks people make on social media. So let's step back in this short episode and ask ourselves what is truly important as we strive to follow where Jesus leads us!
2024-09-2008 minLove God FirstEp47 A Family of FaithThis episode is another five-minute snippet where we take an extra brief look at something from Genesis. In the flood story, Noah's family isn't described much at all. In fact all we know is that they got on the ark. So what can we learn from that?! Find out on this episode!
2024-09-1306 minLove God FirstEp46 How is the Story of the Flood Relevant to Us Today?In this six-minute snippet, we talk about one way the story of the flood is relevant to us, and it has to do with the first command the Lord gives Noah in Genesis Chapter 7. God tells Noah to "Enter the ark." Listen to find out how in the world that simple command can be such a comfort and help to each one of us!
2024-09-0606 minLove God FirstEp45 How to Walk with God over a Lifetime with Mary Bursch Pt 2Walking with God requires surrender, obedience, and courage. Listen to a conversation with Pastor Mary Bursch and myself where we talk about times when the Lord has wanted us to step out in faith in different ministries, how we organize our daily devotion time, and more, in this wrap up to the question: how do we walk with God faithfully over a lifetime.
And for those interested in getting more information about Immersion, a nine-month intensive to grow women's leadership and ministry skills, check out this link: Immersion
There's also an Immersion leadership cohort for me...
2024-08-3027 minLove God FirstEp44 How to Walk with God over a Lifetime, with Mary Bursch Pt 1We have seen how Noah walked with God and obeyed so well, and now we are going to talk about some practical aspects of walking with the Lord successfully over a lifetime. The topic is so broad that we won't hit everything, but we will talk about some key elements like:
• taking the first step of faith and surrender to become a Christian
• letting the Lord refine us regularly
• being willing to let go of things the Lord has given us to do (even good things)
• staying in community with other believer...
2024-08-2320 minLove God FirstEp43 Noah: A Righteous and Obedient Dude Pt 2Noah obeyed God amazingly. So what was the key to his success? In this part two episode, we get into more of the practical aspects of walking with God so that we too can obey all the Lord commands us, just like Noah did.
2024-08-1617 minLove God FirstEp42 Noah: A Righteous and Obedient Dude Pt 1Noah wasn't just a blameless man in his generation. Today we begin to explore the other characteristics Noah had and talk about the one thing that made him stand out. In this part one of two episodes, we lay the foundation for answering the question, "How do we live at Noah's faith and obedience level today?"
2024-08-0917 minLove God FirstEp41 How to Stay Blameless in Today's WorldNoah did an amazing thing. He built an ark. And that is mostly what we focus on when we talk about Noah. But the guy was also a stellar man of God! In this episode we are going to look at one of the elements that made Noah unique in his generation: he was blameless. And we are going to find that being blameless is actually achievable and essential for us too!
2024-08-0223 minLove God FirstEp40 Walking Out A Promise Pt 2We are hearing the conclusion of our family story about how we followed God's leading to move to another state and start serving at a whole new level of ministry in Oregon. We were living out the concept that God initiates, and we respond. That's what the great forefathers and foremothers of faith modeled in the Bible for us, even in Chapter 5 of Genesis where we read through what seems to be just another genealogy.
2024-07-2619 minLove God FirstEp39 Walking Out a Promise Pt 1There are all kinds of examples in the Bible of the Lord giving a profound promise to someone and then waiting for a really long time to fulfill it. In this episode, I share a family story where we saw that exact truth played out. Hopefully it will build your faith and help you to persevere when He does that in your life too!
2024-07-1916 minLove God FirstEp38 Waiting in Faith (but still wondering)Sometimes it is easy to wonder if the Lord is actually doing anything in our lives. Is He working in us or in our circumstances to fulfill the promises He has made? This episode focuses on a chapter in Genesis where it is difficult to see the Lord's active involvement, but the truth is God was indeed working and doing something amazing. And if we wait long enough in our own lives, we too will see God fulfill the promises He has made to us.
2024-07-1218 minLove God FirstEp37 A New Level of Courage Pt 2We are taking a short break from Genesis and jumping over to Joshua 1 to finish up this study on courage and how to practice it in our lives as we walk in faith with God. What do we do when fear rises up? How can we train our minds to turn from it? We'll look at some practical helps and hopefully lay down any fears that have become too large in our lives in the process!
2024-07-0518 minLove God FirstEp36 A New Level of Courage Pt 1Who doesn't need more courage? Between sickness, responsibilities, children, parents, money, accidents, and regular life, I think we would all agree there is enough to worry about and have fear over. So what's the solution? A good first step is to take a look at a person in the Bible who could have had a lot of potential fear of his future and then see what God told him to do. In this episode and the next, we are stepping away from Genesis, but don't worry, we will return shortly!
2024-06-2818 minLove God FirstEp35 Becoming a True Disciple Pt. 2: A Conversation with Dr. Steve SchellWe wrap up our conversation with Dr. Steve Schell today on discipleship. We continue discussing the question: how do I become a disciple? And we also talk about how to stay a disciple our whole life. Pastor Steve brings his usual deep insights to any conversation, so you don't want to miss this episode!
2024-06-2132 minLove God FirstEp34 Becoming A True Disciple: A Conversation with Dr. Steve SchellOur very special guest, Dr. Steve Schell, is going to help us in this episode to truly understand how to become a sold out disciple of Jesus. Prepare to be engaged and challenged!
2024-06-1423 minLove God FirstEp33 Preparing Our Hearts for DiscipleshipWe are taking a break from Genesis so that we can talk about a really important topic: the baptism with the Holy Spirit. This episode is a preparation episode to help get listeners ready for our next two episodes which talk about discipleship. On this episode we will be covering three questions: What is the baptism with the Holy Spirit? Why do I want it? How do I get it? And by the end, you will be all prepped for our special guest speaker who will be featured on Episodes 34 and 35 and maybe even 36 too (He is that good)!
2024-06-0726 minLove God FirstEp32 Going Deeper into WorshipHow can we learn to worship God at a higher level? On this episode we are looking at the phrase "to call on the name of the Lord" from Genesis 4. By studying what it looks like to call on the name of the Lord, we can become even deeper worshippers of our Savior. And why does that matter? Listen to this episode to find out!
2024-05-3119 minLove God FirstEp31 Learning from LamechYou have probably never heard of Lamech in your life, but this guy from Genesis has some things to teach us, not because he was some model of upright behavior, but because he was such a violent, vengeful man. What on earth can we learn from a guy like that?! You'd be surprised at how a non-example can be a great teaching tool for us to remember how important it is to forgive and NOT take matters into our own hands.
2024-05-2418 minLove God FirstEp30 How Do You Explain That?How did Cain move to a city after he left his parents? And where did his wife come from? People struggle with these kinds of questions about the Bible, and if we do not deal with the struggle, it can begin to erode our faith level in the Bible and even in God. So let's deal with these questions biblically, and let's arrive together to stand on the mountaintop of a faith that has a firm, secure foundation!
2024-05-1718 minLove God FirstEp29 Good Options for Bringing Comfort: A Conversation with Marc Hagman, Pt 2In this episode my guest (and husband) Marc Hagman reminds us from where evil and hardship truly come. This episode also gives us some good practical tips on how to comfort another believer with our words when tough times hit!
2024-05-1014 minLove God FirstEp28 Sovereignty vs. Control: A Conversation w/ Marc HagmanHow much does God control the circumstances of our lives? And why does it even matter to us? We are delving into this huge topic based on our last episode with Cain and Abel, so listen in on the discussion with our guest Marc Hagman as he explains the difference between God's sovereignty and God's control and why we should care about it!
2024-05-0320 minLove God FirstEp27 Does God Control Everything?Cain has just murdered his brother Abel. Have you ever wondered why God didn't stop that from happening? After all, Abel was a good guy! We are talking today about where God is in the midst of circumstances that seem really unfair, even evil, on planet Earth. How do I as a Christian explain and deal with the evil I may see or hear about? And what's my response going to be when it comes into my own life? Find out on this episode.
2024-04-2620 minLove God FirstEp26 Quite Tempting...We all have moments where we struggle with temptation. We really want to give in to doing something even though we know it is wrong. So how do we overcome those strong desires? In this episode, we watch Cain murder his brother, but he could have chosen not to. Learn some practical steps to overcome temptation that really work!
2024-04-1920 minLove God FirstEp25 Where is God When We Blow it?All of us at one time or another have done something wrong. And all of us will do more wrong things in the future too! So how do we deal with that? And where is God when we sin? Does he leave us? Is He disappointed and angry with us, or does He have another response? Today we are looking at God's actions after Adam and Eve have sinned as they get ready to leave the Garden of Eden.
2024-04-1219 minLove God FirstEp24 When Life Gets ToughOur attitude is really the only thing we have control over in life. In this episode, we are going to watch Adam as he deals with the pronouncement God makes to him after Adam and Eve have sinned. What will Adam's attitude be as he deals with the consequences of his wrong choices? And what will our attitude be when we encounter our own hardships in life? Let's learn from Adam's response and figure out what to do beforehand so that in hardship we can stay close to God through it all.
2024-04-0519 minLove God FirstEp23 How God Deals with His KidsWe are looking at Eve's consequences in the garden of Eden and what it reveals about God's character. How will the Lord respond to Eve now that she has sinned? Watching His interaction with Eve gives us a glimpse into how God deals with His children. What kind of a father is He truly? Listen to find out!
2024-03-2918 minLove God FirstEp22 A Glimpse into God's CharacterWhat can we learn about God from His interaction with Adam, Eve and the serpent after the forbidden fruit has been eaten? In the moment where the Lord is pronouncing judgment over the serpent, we get a glimpse into God's character, and we can see a little bit more of what He is truly like, and what He is willing to do to bring us back to Him.
2024-03-2218 minLove God FirstEp21 How to Pray: A Conversation with Nancy Hill, Part 2We are talking today about the best ways to go about praying and building our prayer life with God. Nancy Hill, Prayer Ministry Leader at Dayspring Community Church in Oklahoma, will give us insight into her own struggles and breakthroughs in prayer and will give some practical tips for those who want to step it up in their prayer times! And make sure to listen all the way to the end when she prays briefly for all of us. It is such a sweet, loving, anointed moment. You will be encouraged!
2024-03-1522 minLove God FirstEp20 Why Pray: A Conversation with Nancy Hill, Part 1Listen in on a conversation with Nancy Hill, Prayer Ministry Leader at Dayspring Community Church in Oklahoma, as we talk about why we pray and what the Lord does in us through prayer. And hear some remarkable stories and prayer answers! If you are a person who struggles with prayer or think God doesn't want to hear from you, please listen to this episode!
2024-03-0815 minLove God FirstEp19 Authority and Prayer: What Really Happened in the Garden of EdenDoes prayer really accomplish anything? To answer that question, we have to understand what happened with the temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and we have to understand how God designed humanity's role on earth. As we look closer, we will discover not only that our prayers matter, but that they are crucial to stopping the devil's plans (and yes, the devil is real and does have plans).
2024-03-0114 minLove God FirstEp18 Apples and RepentanceHow does a person get right with God? Is it by feeling really sorry for something I did? Is it going to church? Or is it something else entirely? Thankfully, Adam and Eve reveal the answer in the garden of Eden.
2024-02-2318 minLove God FirstEp17 How to Marry Well with Shari KiffeHave you ever wondered how in the world to choose a future spouse? Where do you find a good candidate? What qualities are you looking for? And how do you know if a person is THE ONE? Join me as we continue our conversation with Shari Kiffe where we discuss the answers to these very important questions!
2024-02-1624 minLove God FirstEp16 Discussing Common Marriage Pitfalls and Ways to Improve Our Marriage with Shari KiffeHave you ever thought... if only there were someone I knew who had read numerous books on marriage, had lots of experience counseling couples, taught classes on marriage and had a great marriage themselves that I could talk to about my own marriage. Wouldn't that be helpful? Well that's exactly what we have today on this episode! Join me as I learn from Shari Kiffe, a really wise and kind mentor who has loads of experience teaching couples about marriage. And single people, please listen to gather wisdom and prepare yourself for your future!
2024-02-0918 min