Épisodes

  • Sermon: Homecoming - Remembering the Past, Rejoicing in the Present, and Trusting God for the Future

    Sermon: Homecoming - Remembering the Past, Rejoicing in the Present, and Trusting God for the Future
    Oct 25 2026
    Homecoming Sunday Message | Walnut Grove Southern Methodist Church 10/25/26 Main Scripture: Joshua 4:1–9, 19–24 (KJV) Supporting Scriptures: Psalm 100:1–5; Hebrews 10:23–25; Philippians 1:3–6; Hebrews 12:1–2 Central Message: Homecoming is more than a celebration of a church's history. It is an opportunity to remember God's faithfulness, rejoice in the fellowship we share today, and renew our commitment to serving Him in the days ahead. Introduction: There's Something Special About Coming Home There's something special about coming home. It doesn't matter how long you've been away. There is something about returning to a familiar place that brings back memories. Maybe it's the sight of an old house, the sound of a familiar voice, or the smell of something cooking in the kitchen. Sometimes all it takes is walking through a doorway to bring back memories you haven't thought about in years. And when we think about homecoming at church, many of those same feelings come to mind. We remember the people who sat in certain pews. We remember the Sunday School teachers who patiently taught us the Word of God. We remember the songs we sang, the meals we shared, the prayers that were lifted, and the friendships that were formed. We remember the men and women who faithfully served this church, some of whom are no longer with us. And perhaps we remember times when God worked in our lives in ways we will never forget. That's what makes Homecoming Sunday such a special occasion. It's an opportunity to come together, renew old friendships, remember those who came before us, and celebrate everything God has done. But I believe Homecoming should be more than simply looking backward. Because while our memories are important, our mission is not finished. God has been faithful in the past. God is working in the present. And God still has a purpose for His church in the future. In Joshua chapter 4, we find the children of Israel experiencing an important moment in their history. After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, they had finally crossed the Jordan River and entered the land God had promised them. And before they went any farther, God commanded them to do something unusual. He told them to gather twelve stones from the Jordan River and build a memorial. Why? Because God wanted His people to remember what He had done. And as we celebrate Homecoming today, I believe there are four lessons we can learn from this passage. Point 1: Remember What God Has Done (Joshua 4:1–7) "And these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever." — Joshua 4:7 When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, God performed a miracle. The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the water, and the river stopped flowing, allowing the people to cross on dry ground. This was not an ordinary crossing. It was a demonstration of God's power and faithfulness. After the people crossed, God instructed Joshua to choose twelve men, one from each tribe of Israel. Each man was to take a stone from the riverbed and carry it to the place where they would camp. These stones would become a memorial. God wanted His people to remember His faithfulness. God knew that as time passed, people might forget what He had done. They would settle into their new homes. They would build cities, plant crops, raise families, and establish their lives in the Promised Land. And as life became comfortable, there was a danger that they would forget the God who had brought them there. So God gave them a physical reminder. Every time they saw those stones, they would remember how God had brought them through the Jordan River. And when their children asked what the stones meant, they would have an opportunity to tell the story. The same principle applies to us today. As we look back over the history of our church, we can see reminders of God's faithfulness. Think about the generations of believers who worshiped here before us. Think about the people who gave their time, their resources, and their energy to establish and maintain this church. Think about the prayers that have been offered within these walls. Think about the people who have come to know Jesus Christ through the ministry of this congregation. Every one of those memories reminds us that God has been at work. Remembering the past should strengthen our faith. Psalm 77:11 says: "I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old." When we remember how God has worked in the past, it strengthens our confidence in Him today. Maybe there have been times when this church faced difficulties. Maybe there were seasons when resources were limited, attendance was low, or the future seemed uncertain. Yet here we are. Still gathering. Still worshiping. Still proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Not because we have always been perfect. Not because we have always made the right decisions. But because God has been faithful. Application: Homecoming...
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    36 min
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 120: The Dead Walk: The Bible’s Strangest Resurrections

    The Weekly Show - Episode 120: The Dead Walk: The Bible’s Strangest Resurrections
    Oct 29 2026
    Join Tim and John for this week's episode, as they talk about The Bible’s Strangest Resurrections. Key Scripture: Matthew 27:50–53 Theme: People Who Died...and Then Got Back Up Big Idea: For the Christian, death doesn’t get the final word. “The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised...” — Matthew 27:52 Introduction October is the time of year when skeletons start appearing in front yards, graveyards become decorations, and stories about the dead walking suddenly become seasonal entertainment. But there are actually stories in the Bible where the dead do walk again. And some of them are downright strange. We know the famous ones. Jesus raises Lazarus. Jairus’s daughter is restored to life. But those aren’t the only resurrection stories in Scripture. Elijah stretches himself over a dead child and cries out to God. Elisha raises another child under unusual circumstances. A dead man is thrown into Elisha’s grave, touches the prophet’s bones, and immediately stands back up. And then we get to Matthew 27. Jesus dies. An earthquake strikes. Tombs open. And dead saints are raised and later walk into Jerusalem. That’s one of those passages where you can read the Bible for years and suddenly stop and say: “Wait. What did that just say?” Today we’re looking at some of the Bible’s strangest resurrection accounts. But this isn’t really an episode about biblical zombies. In fact, these stories are something very different. They’re signs pointing us toward one of the greatest truths of Christianity: Death is powerful, but God is more powerful. And ultimately, all these smaller resurrection stories point toward the resurrection that changes everything: Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Because He lives, death doesn’t get the final word. Elijah and the Widow’s Son One of the earliest resurrection accounts in Scripture appears in 1 Kings 17. God sends Elijah to stay with a widow in Zarephath during a severe drought. She and her son are nearly out of food when Elijah arrives. God miraculously provides for them so that their flour and oil do not run out. Then something devastating happens. The widow’s son becomes sick. His illness grows worse until: “...there was no breath left in him.” — 1 Kings 17:17 The boy dies. The widow is heartbroken. Elijah takes the child upstairs, lays him on his bed, and cries out to God. Then Elijah stretches himself over the child three times and prays: “O LORD my God, let this child’s life come into him again.” And God answers. The boy lives. Elijah carries him downstairs and tells his mother: “See, your son lives.” What Does This Story Show Us? There’s something important about this first resurrection account. Elijah doesn't have power over death in himself. He prays. God raises the child. The miracle points beyond Elijah to the God Elijah serves. The widow responds: “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth.” The resurrection confirms God’s power and the truth of His Word. And it establishes a pattern we’ll see again. Death appears to have ended the story. Then God intervenes. Elisha and the Shunammite Woman’s Son A similar story appears in 2 Kings 4. A woman from Shunem regularly provides hospitality for the prophet Elisha. She and her husband even prepare a small room for him. The woman has no son, and her husband is old. Elisha tells her that she will have a child. And she does. Years later, the boy goes out to his father in the fields and suddenly cries: “Oh, my head, my head!” He is carried back to his mother. She holds him until noon. Then he dies. Imagine the heartbreak. This is the child she had never expected to have. The child God had given her. And now he's gone. The woman immediately goes looking for Elisha. Elisha Raises the Boy Elisha eventually comes to the house. He enters the room where the boy is lying and shuts the door. Then: He prays. Like Elijah before him, Elisha stretches himself over the child. The boy’s body becomes warm. Elisha walks around the house and then returns. He stretches himself over the child again. And suddenly: The boy sneezes seven times. Then he opens his eyes. Of all the ways Scripture could describe somebody returning from the dead, this may be one of the most memorable. Seven sneezes. Eyes open. Alive. Elisha calls the boy’s mother and says: “Pick up your son.” Again, the prophet isn't the source of life. God is. The Dead Man and Elisha’s Bones And then we arrive at one of the strangest stories in the entire Old Testament. It only takes two verses. 2 Kings 13:20–21. Elisha dies and is buried. Later, some Israelites are burying another man. While they're doing this, they see a band of Moabite raiders approaching. Apparently they need to leave quickly. So they throw the dead man into Elisha’s grave. And then: “...as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he ...
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    58 min
  • Sermon: Spiritual Freedom

    Sermon: Spiritual Freedom
    Jul 5 2026
    Sermon Date: 06/28/2026 Bible Verses: Romans 8 Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new Introduction Everyone wants freedom. Nations fight for it. People seek it. Songs are written about it. But the world's definition of freedom is often very different from God's. The world says freedom means: No restrictionsNo authorityNo accountabilityDoing whatever feels right But Scripture teaches something different. Many people who claim to be free are actually slaves. Slaves to sin. Slaves to fear. Slaves to guilt. Slaves to addiction. Slaves to pride. Slaves to the approval of others. The Bible teaches that true freedom is found only in Jesus Christ. Romans 8 is one of the greatest chapters in all of Scripture because it describes what life looks like when a person has been set free by God. Freedom from Condemnation Romans 8:1 says: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” What an incredible promise. Before Christ, every one of us stood guilty before God. Not accused falsely. Guilty. Romans 3 tells us: “All have sinned.” We broke God's law. We deserved judgment. But through Christ, condemnation has been removed. Not postponed. Not reduced. Removed. The believer still struggles with sin. But the believer is no longer condemned by sin. The verdict has changed. Because Jesus took our condemnation on the cross. John 8:36 says: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” That freedom begins with forgiveness. Freedom from the Power of Sin Romans 8:2 says: “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” Notice what Paul says. Not merely that we will be free someday. We have been set free. Before Christ, sin was our master. We obeyed sinful desires. We followed the flesh. We lived according to our fallen nature. But now the Holy Spirit lives within us. The power of sin has been broken. This does not mean Christians never struggle. It means sin is no longer king. The chains have been broken. We now have the power to say no to sin and yes to God. That is freedom. Freedom Through the Holy Spirit Romans 8 repeatedly emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit guides us. Strengthens us. Convicts us. Transforms us. 2 Corinthians 3:17 says: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Freedom is not found in independence from God. Freedom is found in surrender to God. The closer we walk with the Spirit, the freer we become. The farther we drift from God, the more enslaved we become. The Spirit produces: Peace instead of anxiety. Hope instead of despair. Obedience instead of rebellion. Life instead of death. Freedom from Fear Romans 8:15 says: “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear.” Fear enslaves people. Fear of death. Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of the future. Fear of not being enough. But Christians have received something greater. We have received: “the Spirit of adoption as sons.” Through Christ, we are children of God. Not strangers. Not servants merely. Children. And because we belong to God, we can cry: “Abba! Father!” Freedom means we no longer live in terror before God. We live in relationship with Him. Freedom to Live for God Galatians 5:1 says: “For freedom Christ has set us free.” But then Paul gives a warning. Galatians 5:13: “Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh.” Christian freedom is not permission to sin. It is freedom from sin. Some people think freedom means: "I can do whatever I want." Biblically, freedom means: "I can finally do what is right." A fish is free in water. A train is free on tracks. A Christian is most free when living according to God's design. Freedom is not the absence of boundaries. Freedom is living as God intended. Freedom Gives Us Hope Romans 8 ends with one of the most encouraging promises in Scripture. Paul speaks about suffering. Trials. Hardship. Persecution. Yet he declares: “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Then he says: “Nothing shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” That is freedom. Freedom from condemnation. Freedom from sin's domination. Freedom from fear. Freedom from hopelessness. Freedom to know that no matter what happens, we belong to Christ. Application Ask yourself: What is trying to enslave me? Fear?Anger?Bitterness?Addiction?Guilt?Pride? Jesus came to set captives free. Am I living in the freedom Christ purchased? Many Christians have been freed but continue living as though they are chained. The prison door is open. Walk out. Believe God's promises. Trust His Spirit. Live as His child. Am I using freedom to serve God? Freedom is not self-centered. Freedom is God-centered. The truly free person delights in obeying Christ. Conclusion The world promises freedom but often delivers bondage. Jesus promises freedom and ...
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    31 min
  • Sermon: Excited to See Jesus

    Sermon: Excited to See Jesus
    Jul 12 2026
    Sermon Date: 7/12/2026 Bible Verses: Luke 19:1-10 Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new Introduction There is something contagious about excitement. People get excited about sports. They get excited about vacations. They get excited about a new grandchild, a new job, or a holiday. But somewhere along the way, many Christians have forgotten how to be excited about Jesus. The early disciples couldn't stop talking about Him. The crowds followed Him from town to town. People climbed mountains to hear Him teach. Some tore holes through roofs just to get their friends to Him. And in Luke 19, one man climbs a tree because he simply wants to see Jesus. His name is Zacchaeus. His story asks us a simple question: Are we still excited about the Lord? An Excited Heart Seeks Jesus Luke 19:3 says: "And he was seeking to see who Jesus was..." Zacchaeus had everything the world said should make him happy. He had wealth. Power. Influence. He was the chief tax collector. But something was still missing. Money could not satisfy his soul. So when he heard Jesus was coming, he had to see Him. Notice the language: He sought Jesus. He made an effort. His excitement moved him to action. Many people say they would like to know God better. But desire without pursuit accomplishes nothing. Jeremiah 29:13 says: "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." Excited people don't wait around. They pursue. They make time. They rearrange their schedules. If we are excited about Jesus, we will seek Him through His Word, through prayer, through worship, and through fellowship with His people. An Excited Heart Doesn't Care What Others Think Luke 19:4 says: "So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree..." This is one of the most remarkable parts of the story. Zacchaeus was a wealthy government official. Men of his position didn't run. Adults didn't climb trees. He probably looked ridiculous. But he didn't care. Why? Because seeing Jesus mattered more than preserving his reputation. Sometimes our pride keeps us from expressing our faith. We're afraid someone might laugh. We worry about what people will think. But excitement over Jesus will always outweigh concern for public opinion. King David danced before the Lord with all his might. The blind beggar cried out even when people told him to be quiet. Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus despite criticism. People who truly love Jesus stop worrying so much about appearances. Jesus Notices Those Who Seek Him Luke 19:5 says: "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today." Out of all the people lining the streets... Jesus stopped for one man. Think about that. Jesus knew his name. Jesus knew where he was. Jesus knew his need. Zacchaeus thought he was looking for Jesus. But Jesus had been looking for him all along. That is the beauty of the gospel. We seek Christ because He first sought us. He knows your name. He knows your struggles. He knows your past. And He still calls you to Himself. An Encounter with Jesus Changes Everything Luke 19:8 says: "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor..." Notice something important. Jesus never tells Zacchaeus to give away his money. The change comes from within. A changed heart produces changed actions. The greedy man becomes generous. The dishonest man seeks restitution. The selfish man begins thinking about others. Real salvation always produces transformation. Good works do not save us. But a saved life begins to bear good fruit. If we truly meet Jesus, people should notice something different about us. Jesus Came to Seek and Save The story ends with one of the clearest mission statements Jesus ever gave. Luke 19:10: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." That is why Jesus came. Not merely to teach. Not merely to perform miracles. Not merely to inspire people. He came to save. Every person in this room was once spiritually lost. But Jesus came looking for us. The Shepherd sought the wandering sheep. The Savior sought the sinner. The King sought the rebel. That is grace. Application Let's ask ourselves a few questions. Am I still excited about Jesus? Has my faith become routine? Do I still eagerly worship? Do I look forward to opening God's Word? Do I anticipate meeting with God's people? What is keeping me from pursuing Christ? Pride? Distractions? Comfort? Busyness? Like Zacchaeus, are you willing to climb whatever "tree" is necessary to draw closer to Jesus? Has my encounter with Christ changed my life? Is there evidence that Jesus has transformed me? Would those closest to me see Christ at work in my life? Conclusion Zacchaeus began the day simply wanting to catch a glimpse of Jesus. He ended the day with Jesus in his home and salvation in his heart. Everything changed because he responded to Christ. Church, we should never lose our excitement for Jesus. Never lose the wonder of His grace. Never lose the joy of ...
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    32 min
  • Devotion: We Can Do Better

    Devotion: We Can Do Better
    Jul 14 2026

    Text: Colossians 3:23–25

    "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." — Colossians 3:23–24

    Reflection

    If we're honest, there are times in every area of life when we have to stop and admit:

    "We have to do better."

    Maybe it's in our prayer life.

    Maybe it's in our Bible reading.

    Maybe it's in serving others.

    Maybe it's in sharing the gospel.

    Maybe it's in our marriages, our parenting, or our commitment to the church.

    The first step toward change is not making excuses.

    It's recognizing the need.

    That is exactly what we learned from Nehemiah.

    Before Jerusalem's walls were rebuilt, Nehemiah saw the need. He didn't ignore the brokenness or pretend everything was fine. He allowed the condition of God's people to break his heart.

    Real change begins when we are willing to honestly say, "Something needs to change."

    But seeing the need isn't enough.

    Nehemiah opened his heart. He wept, mourned, fasted, and prayed. The condition of Jerusalem wasn't just a problem to solve—it became a burden to carry.

    Then he sought God's face. Before he made plans, before he spoke to the king, before he lifted a stone, he knelt before the Lord. He understood that lasting change begins with God's power, not our own.

    Finally, Nehemiah prepared to act. He didn't pray and then sitstill. When God opened the door, he stepped through it with courage and faith.

    The same pattern applies to us.

    If we truly want change in our lives, our families, or our churches, we must:

    • See the need. • Open our hearts. • Seek God's face. • Prepare to act.

    Paul reminds us in Colossians that whatever we do, we are ultimately doing it for the Lord.

    That changes our perspective.

    We don't strive for excellence to impress people.

    We don't serve just to receive recognition.

    We work wholeheartedly because we are serving Jesus Christ.

    Every act of faithfulness matters because our true audience is the Lord.

    Application

    Ask yourself today:

    • Where is God showing me that I need to do better? • Have I honestly acknowledged that need, or have I been making excuses? • Have I taken it to God in prayer? • What step of obedience is God asking me to take today?

    Remember, change rarely happens overnight.

    But it always begins with one obedient step.

    Don't wait for someone else to rebuild the wall.

    Ask God what part of the wall He has called you to rebuild.
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    24 min
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 106: Five Things Every Christian Needs Daily

    The Weekly Show - Episode 106: Five Things Every Christian Needs Daily
    Jul 16 2026
    Join Tim and John for this week's episode, as they talk about the daily needs to improve your faith. Five Things Every Christian Needs Daily Simple Habits for Spiritual Growth Key Texts Matthew 6:11Psalm 119:1051 Thessalonians 5:17 Introduction Physical health requires daily habits. We need: foodwaterrestexercise Neglect those things long enough, and our bodies suffer. The same is true spiritually. Many Christians want spiritual growth, but growth rarely happens by accident. Healthy Christians develop healthy habits. These habits don't earn God's love or salvation. They simply place us in a position to grow closer to Him and become more like Christ. Today we'll look at five simple practices every believer needs every day. None of them are complicated. None of them require special training. But all of them are essential. 1. Daily Prayer 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV) "Pray without ceasing." Prayer is simply talking with God. It is one of the greatest privileges of the Christian life. Because of Jesus, we have direct access to our Heavenly Father. Prayer is not merely presenting a list of requests. It is: worshipconfessionthanksgivingfellowshipdependence A relationship cannot grow without communication. The same is true in our relationship with God. Jesus Modeled Daily Prayer Throughout the Gospels, we find Jesus regularly withdrawing to pray. If the Son of God needed regular prayer, how much more do we? Prayer reminds us: God is in controlwe are notHe is our source of strength Practical Application Begin each day by talking with God. It doesn't have to be long. Start with: praisethanksgivingconfessionrequests The goal is consistency, not perfection. 2. Daily Scripture Psalm 119:105 (ESV) "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." The Bible is God's Word. It is how He: teaches uscorrects usencourages usguides us Many Christians struggle spiritually because they try to live on a weekly diet of Scripture. Imagine eating only one meal a week. You wouldn't survive physically. Neither can we thrive spiritually without regular nourishment from God's Word. God Speaks Through His Word The Bible reveals: who God iswho we arewhat Christ has donehow we should live The more we know Scripture, the better equipped we are to: resist temptationdiscern truthgrow in wisdom Practical Application Read a portion of Scripture every day. It may be: a chaptera Psalma section of the Gospels Consistency matters more than quantity. 3. Daily Gratitude 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV) "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Gratitude changes perspective. Many of us naturally focus on: problemsfrustrationsdisappointments But gratitude helps us notice God's blessings. Why Gratitude Matters Thankfulness: combats complainingstrengthens faithincreases joyreminds us of God's faithfulness Even on difficult days, there are reasons to thank God. Consider: salvationforgivenessfamilyfriendsGod's presenceHis promises Practical Application Each day, intentionally thank God for specific blessings. The more we focus on God's goodness, the less room there is for bitterness. 4. Daily Obedience James 1:22 (ESV) "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." Christianity is not merely learning information. It is following Christ. Growth happens when we put God's Word into practice. Little Acts of Obedience Matter Most spiritual growth happens through ordinary obedience. Things like: speaking kindlyforgiving someonetelling the truthserving othersresisting temptationhonoring God in daily choices Small acts of obedience accumulate over time. Why Obedience Matters Obedience does not earn God's love. It is our response to His love. Jesus said: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (John 14:15) Practical Application Ask yourself each day: "What has God already shown me that I need to obey?" Then act on it. Daily Dependence on God Matthew 6:11 (ESV) "Give us this day our daily bread." Jesus teaches us to depend on God one day at a time. Notice He doesn't say: "Give us this year our yearly bread." He says: "Give us this day." God Wants Us to Trust Him Daily Dependence means recognizing that everything we have comes from God. Our: strengthwisdomopportunitiesprovision all come from Him. Many of us prefer self-sufficiency. But the Christian life was never designed to be lived independently. Daily Bread, Daily Grace God often gives: daily strengthdaily wisdomdaily mercy Just enough for today. Tomorrow's grace arrives tomorrow. Practical Application Start each day by acknowledging your need for God. Say: "Lord, I cannot do this day without You." That simple prayer reflects a heart of dependence. Putting It All Together Every Christian needs: Daily Prayer Talking with God. Daily Scripture Hearing from God. Daily Gratitude Thanking God. Daily Obedience Following God. Daily Dependence Trusting God. None of these habits are spectacular. But together they create a strong ...
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    50 min
  • Sermon: Seeking God's Leading Through Prayer

    Sermon: Seeking God's Leading Through Prayer
    Jul 19 2026
    Sermon Date: 7/19/2026 Bible Verses: Acts 1:12-14 Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new Introduction One of the biggest questions Christians ask is: "What does God want me to do?" Should I take this job?Should I serve in this ministry?How can I grow spiritually?Where is God leading me? Sometimes we wish God would simply write the answer across the sky. But throughout Scripture, God often leads people through a season of prayer before He reveals His direction. Before Pentecost... Before the birth of the Church... Before thousands came to Christ... There was a prayer meeting. Acts 1 teaches us something important. God's people prayed before they proceeded. And perhaps that is where many of us need to begin. God's People Waited in Prayer Acts 1:12–14 tells us that after Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples returned to Jerusalem. What did they do? They prayed. Verse 14 says: "All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer..." Notice what they did not do. They didn't panic. They didn't invent their own plan. They didn't rush ahead. Jesus had told them to wait. So they waited. But waiting was not passive. Waiting was filled with prayer. Sometimes God's greatest work happens while we are waiting. Waiting seasons are often preparation seasons. God uses those moments to shape our hearts before He changes our circumstances. Prayer Aligns Our Hearts with God's Will Proverbs 3:5–6 says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." Most of us like having a plan. We like certainty. We like control. But God calls us to something greater than certainty. He calls us to trust. Notice what Proverbs says. Do not lean on your own understanding. Our perspective is limited. God sees the whole picture. Prayer reminds us that God's wisdom is always greater than ours. Too often we pray like this: "Lord, bless what I've already decided." Instead, we should pray: "Lord, show me what You have already decided." Prayer is not about convincing God to follow our plans. It is about surrendering ourselves to His. God Leads Those Who Ask Psalm 25:4–5 says: "Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths." David doesn't assume he already knows. He asks. He seeks. He waits to be taught. That takes humility. Sometimes we ask God to guide us while secretly hoping He agrees with the decision we've already made. David simply says: "Teach me." There is a beautiful prayer every believer should pray regularly: "Lord... Show me. Teach me. Lead me." God delights in leading teachable hearts. Seeking God's Leading in Service The disciples were not praying merely for information. They were preparing for mission. Jesus had already given them the Great Commission. Now they were waiting for the Holy Spirit's power. Likewise, we should seek God's guidance in how He wants us to serve. Every believer has been gifted by God. Every believer has a place in the body of Christ. Some teach. Some encourage. Some serve quietly behind the scenes. Some lead. Some pray faithfully. Some give generously. Some reach people others cannot. The question is not: "Does God want me to serve?" The answer is yes. The question is: "Where and how is God leading me to serve?" Prayer helps us discover that calling. Seeking God's Leading in Spiritual Growth God is not only interested in what we do. He is interested in who we become. Sometimes we pray: "Lord, what ministry should I join?" But perhaps God first wants to ask: "What kind of disciple are you becoming?" Spiritual growth always precedes lasting ministry. Prayer changes us before it changes our circumstances. The disciples spent ten days praying before they preached one sermon. Sometimes we want public ministry without private devotion. God often works in the secret place before He works on the public stage. Application Ask yourself: Am I truly seeking God's direction? Or am I simply asking Him to approve my plans? What decision do I need to place before God today? A family decision? A ministry opportunity? A career move? A relationship? How is God calling me to serve? Have I asked Him? Have I listened? Am I growing spiritually while I wait? Waiting is not wasted when it is spent seeking God. Conclusion The disciples didn't know exactly what the next chapter would hold. But they knew where to begin. They prayed. They trusted. They waited. And when God's time came... The Holy Spirit filled them. The Church was born. The gospel spread across the world. None of that began with strategy. It began with prayer. If we want God's direction... We must seek God's face. If we want God's power... We must first learn God's presence. And if we truly desire to serve Him well... Our first step is always the same: Kneel before Him. For God does not merely guide busy people. He guides seeking people.
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    30 min
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 107: Lessons from the Life of Jonah

    The Weekly Show - Episode 107: Lessons from the Life of Jonah
    Jul 23 2026
    Join Tim and John for this week's episode, as they talk about how not to serve the Lord. Lessons from the Life of Jonah Running from God Never Works Key Text: Jonah 1–4 Introduction Most people know Jonah as: "The prophet who got swallowed by a great fish." But Jonah is about much more than a fish. It is a story about: God's mercyGod's patienceGod's sovereigntyand God's relentless pursuit of people The book of Jonah is unique among the prophets because it focuses less on Jonah's message and more on Jonah himself. At its heart, Jonah is a story about what happens when a believer runs from God's will. And it teaches a powerful lesson: Running from God never works. You can run from God's calling. You can run from God's plan. You can run from God's commands. But you can never outrun God. 1. Jonah Ran Jonah 1:1–3 God's command was simple: "Arise, go to Nineveh..." (Jonah 1:2, ESV) Nineveh was the capital of Assyria. The Assyrians were: violentcruelfeared throughout the ancient world Jonah didn't want them to receive God's mercy. So instead of going east toward Nineveh, he went west toward Tarshish. The Problem Wasn't Ignorance Jonah understood exactly what God wanted him to do. His problem wasn't confusion. His problem was disobedience. Sometimes we ask: "What is God's will?" When the real question is: "Am I willing to obey God's will?" What Running Looks Like Today People still run from God. Sometimes by: ignoring convictiondelaying obediencerefusing forgivenessavoiding ministry opportunitiesresisting God's direction The details may change. The principle doesn't. 2. God Pursued Jonah 1:4–17 The moment Jonah ran, God went after him. "But the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea..." (Jonah 1:4, ESV) Notice something important: God loved Jonah too much to let him continue in rebellion comfortably. The Storm Was Mercy At first glance, the storm looks like judgment. But it was actually mercy. Had God left Jonah alone, he would have continued farther from God's will. Sometimes the storms in our lives are God's way of getting our attention. Not because He hates us. Because He loves us. The Great Fish God appointed: the stormthe sailorsthe fish The book repeatedly shows God's control over creation. Jonah could run from Nineveh. But he couldn't run from God. Application God's pursuit is one of the greatest expressions of His grace. The same God who pursued Jonah still pursues: prodigalswanderersand stubborn believers 3. Jonah Repented Jonah 2 Inside the fish, Jonah finally did what he should have done from the beginning. He prayed. Sometimes God has to bring us to the end of ourselves before we look up. A Prayer from the Deep Jonah recognized: God's sovereigntyhis own rebellionhis need for mercy He discovered that salvation belongs to the Lord. "Salvation belongs to the LORD!" (Jonah 2:9, ESV) Repentance Changes Direction Repentance is more than feeling sorry. It means turning around. Jonah's heart began changing before his location changed. That is always how true repentance works. Application No matter how far you've wandered, God's grace is greater. The road back begins with repentance. 4. Nineveh Responded Jonah 3 After Jonah's deliverance, God gave him a second chance. "The word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time..." (Jonah 3:1, ESV) What a beautiful phrase. The second time. God Is the God of Second Chances Jonah obeyed. He preached. And something remarkable happened. Nineveh listened. From the king to the common citizen, the people repented. The Greatest Revival in the Book The city humbled itself before God. God showed mercy. This reminds us that no person and no city is beyond the reach of God's grace. Application We often decide who deserves God's mercy. God doesn't. His mercy extends farther than we expect. 5. God Cared More Than Jonah Did Jonah 4 Surprisingly, the greatest problem in the book isn't Jonah's running. It's Jonah's heart. After Nineveh repents, Jonah becomes angry. Why? Because God showed mercy. Jonah Wanted Justice God wanted mercy. Jonah loved his enemies being punished. God loved seeing sinners repent. The Plant Lesson God caused a plant to grow and provide shade. Then God removed it. Jonah cared deeply about the plant. But not about the people. God responds: "And should not I pity Nineveh...?" (Jonah 4:11, ESV) The Real Question The book ends with a question. God asks Jonah: Do you care about what I care about? That question reaches across the centuries and confronts us too. Lessons from Jonah You Can Run from God's Will, But Not God's Presence God always knows where we are. God's Discipline Is Often Mercy The storm may be God's way of calling us back. Repentance Opens the Door to Restoration Failure is not the end when we return to God. God Loves People We Might Not Love His mercy extends farther than ours. God Cares About Lost People The heart of God is always directed toward redemption. Conclusion The story of Jonah is not ultimately about: a fisha storma plantor even a ...
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    55 min