Hello, my friend. You've probably heard the phrase, "The only constant in life is change." Chances are, you're facing some changes right now. If you're struggling with the unknown or worried about what's ahead of you, may the promise of Psalm 23 remind you that whatever you face, you are never, ever alone. "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." (Psalm 23:6)
Hello, my friend. Thanks for joining me today. You're likely familiar with the story of the first sin. The moment in the Garden of Eden when Eve defied God's instruction to not eat the fruit from one specific tree. But have you ever considered what was at war in Eve's mind and heart? Maybe she wasn't simply prideful, or disobedient, but perhaps she was first afraid?
Hello, friend. Welcome back to the Encouraging Word Podcast. Today's episode finds us considering one of the most common human emotions: worry. And in Matthew Chapter 14, we're reminded of one of God's most enduring promises: with Jesus, you always have enough.
Where is God in the middle of our pain and brokenness? Where is God in our trauma and tragedy? That's a real question that Jermaine Wilson had to face as a young man in his 20s - facing years in prison, and months in complete isolation. Jermaine's avoidance of his pain, led him down a life of more pain - facing prison at the age of 15. He spent over seven years in prison, much of that in complete isolation - where he was FORCED to face his pain in a way many will never have to. Where is God in the middle of our pain? Where is God when we cry out to him in our lowest moments? Does He even hear us? Does He even care? Jermaine's story of pain and wrestling with God will challenge you, and it will bring you to tears to see the hand of God in the middle of some serious and heart-wrenching pain. You will see God show up in ways you couldn't have imagined - and it will give you hope in your own pain. Jermaine's story is a reminder of the pain and brokenness that's happening every day behind closed doors - and a powerful look at the church INSIDE and what God is doing even in the most darkest places.
Friends, this on-air counseling session is especially meaningful to my heart - because my family and I are spending the weekend serving with Prison Fellowship at their Angel Tree Sports Camp, and getting a front row seat into what God is doing in some of the most difficult pain people are enduring. Consider learning more about Prison Fellowship and supporting their incredible, life-changing ministry HERE.
The Debra Fileta Counselors Network:
Book a counseling session at the Debra Fileta Counselors Network and get started on your healing journey from the inside out TODAY!
DEBRA FILETA is a Licensed Professional Counselor, national speaker, and founder of the Debra Fileta Counselors Network. She is the bestselling author of eight books including Choosing Marriage, Are You Really OK?, RESET, and Soul Care. Debra is the host of the popular podcast and nationally syndicated radio show Talk To Me where she facilitates on-air authentic counseling-style sessions with notable pastors and leaders. You may also recognize her voice from her appearances on national television and radio, including Better Together, The Kirk Cameron Show, Focus on the Family, The 700 Club, and many others. She reaches millions of people each year with the message of mental, emotional, and relational health. Connect with her on Instagram or at DebraFileta.com.
In this week's message, "The Story of the Woman Who Wouldn't Stop Asking," Pastor Tauren Wells reminds us that persistent prayer is the evidence of a heart that still believes God is able to heal, restore, deliver, and move in impossible situations. Through the powerful story in Luke 18, we're challenged to develop a faith that keeps asking, keeps trusting, and refuses to quit when the answer feels delayed. No matter how long the journey has been, this message will encourage you to keep believing that God's promises still stand.
Message Notes: https://linkly.link/2jLtg
Scripture References:
Luke 18:1-8
Psalm 18:2
Galatians 6:9
Psalm 41:3
Exodus 15:26
Proverbs 4:20-22
1 Peter 2:24
Jeremiah 30:17
Join us on Sunday's!
9a | 10:45a | 12:30p
10:45a - Champions Club (our Special Needs Program for ages 4-12)
12:30p - ASL & Spanish Translation
Location:
The Crossover
1717 Scottsdale Dr
Cedar Park, TX 78641
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Sit down with the Luskos and Jackie Hill Perry for a conversation on the church's response to homosexuality, how God's holiness leads us to freedom, and writing words that matter.
Links:
Connect with Levi: levilusko.com @levilusko on social media
Connect with Jennie: jennielusko.com or @jennielusko on social media
Connect with Fresh Life Church: freshlife.church or @freshlife on social media
Connect with Jackie Hill Perry: jackiehillperry.com or @jackiehillperry on social media
Circle Up! This week on the POGcast we are having a hard - but honest conversation about keeping friendships when you have disagreements about your core beliefs, and making peace instead of just keeping it. This conversation may not be suitable for all ages - so parents, listen at your discretion!
We want to hear your real stories of true friendship! Email us at pointofgracestories@gmail.com and you may even hear it on the podcast!
Timestamps:
1:44 What's Up: Love Letters, Rings, and Songs for Weddings and Funerals
9:52 Circle of Friends: How Do We Have Loving Friendships When We Disagree?
25:46 What in the Word: Matthew 5:9 and Peacekeepers vs. Peace Makers
32:32 Circle Up: New Brow Growth Serum, Beauty by Earth Self-Tanning Lotion, and the 3-in-1 Cup, Lid, Gap Cleaning Brush
Zach Windahl - author of The Bible Simplified - joins Levi and Jennie for a conversation about why so many believers still feel lost in scripture, what finally clicks when you see the whole Bible as one connected story, and the wild COVID wedding that required a cross-state drive with two hours to spare just to get a marriage license. They dig into making the Old Testament less intimidating, how 66 books become one story that changes everything, Bible memorization, and raising kids who love God's word. Plus: the chocolate chip cookie recipe Zach promised to share.
Connect with us on social!
Zach: @zachwindahl
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
Check out Zach's book The Bible Simplified: https://bit.ly/3PX79Um
Check out the Bible Simplified Study Guide: https://bit.ly/3NZs2O3
Zach's famous chocolate chip cookie recipe: https://bit.ly/4cii8k2
Spend "a Year In the Gospels" with us:
Get the 5 Gallon Bucket:https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe
Time Stamps:
00:13:57 - Introducing The Bible Simplified
00:20:19 - Why you can't really understand the New Testament without the Old
00:25:07 - Theology for normal people
00:35:42 - If you could condense the entire Bible to a tweet...
00:38:57 - Zach's favorite book of the Bible and the Jewishness of Jesus
00:45:48 - Bible memorization, handwriting the whole NT, and honey on slates
What's up! This week on the POGcast, the girls are talking about summer haircuts, friendships that carry you through every season (and sightings of the unofficial Point of Grace!), and the real joys of being a child of God.
We want to hear your real stories of true friendship! Email us at pointofgracestories@gmail.com and you may even hear it on the podcast!
Timestamps:
2:26 What's Up: Sunshine, Summer Cuts, and the K-LOVE Fan Awards
7:25 Circle of Friends: Cruises, Music, and Some Real-Life Golden Girls
14:08 What in the Word: John 1, Tim Keller, and the Joys of Being a Child of God
24:02 Circle Up: Catalina Crunch, Zazzle.com Personalized Playing Cards, and "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence
Pastor Dino Rizzo joins Levi and Jennie for a powerful conversation on serving people at every level-from launching over 1,100 churches through ARC to bringing slippers and hope to juvenile detention centers. They talk about the heartbeat behind outreach, what makes a successful church plant, why slippers might just change the world, and the surprising secret to post-sermon peace. This one's packed with practical gold and heartfelt moments.
Connect with us on social!
Dino: @dinorizzo
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
ARC Ministries: https://bit.ly/4jnrtHu
Get the 5-Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe
Timestamps:
00:45 - Dino's Montana Vibes & Ministry Appreciation
02:15 - Learning from Missionary Legends & Church Outreach DNA
06:28 - Why Dino's Fired Up About Juvenile Detention Ministry
12:10 - How to Start Serving in Prisons and Detention Centers
18:26 - The ARC Story: Church Planting with Purpose
28:45 - Post-COVID Church Trends and Outreach Evolution