Love God First

Ep74 Embracing Your Calling: A Modern Perspective with Sarah Miller Pt 2

In 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 willingness) to embrace the unique calling that the Lord has given you!
 
 
Keywords
calling, faith, God, personal growth, trust, life coaching, spiritual journey, obedience, values, community

Ep73 Embracing Your Calling: A Modern Perspective, with Sarah Miller Pt 1

In 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 callings with confidence and trust.
 
Keywords:
calling, faith, God, personal growth, trust, life coaching, spiritual journey, obedience, values, community
 
A few takeaways:
The Lord calls us to different things at different times in our life.
Understanding our values helps us discern our calling.
Stepping out in faith often requires a leap into the unknown.
It's important to ask God for confirmation in our decisions.
The journey of faith is a continuous conversation with God.
 

Ep72 The Journey of Faith: The Beginnings of Abraham's Story, Gen 11:27-12:10

In 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
 

Ep71 Lessons from the Tower of Babel, Gen 11:4

In 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 of Beginnings. Baker Books (1976): 251-279.
Prager, Dennis. The Rational Bible: Genesis. Regenery Faith (2019): 143-150.
 
Keywords
Tower of Babel, Genesis, Nimrod, contentment, humility, biblical stories, archaeology, human ambition, faith, idolatry
 

Ep70 Unraveling the Tower of Babel, Gen 10: 8-12, Gen 11:1-9

In 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.
Morris, Henry. The Genesis Record: A Scientific and Devotional Commentary on the Book of Beginnings. Baker Books (1976): 251-279.
Prager, Dennis. The Rational Bible: Genesis. Regenery Faith (2019): 143-150.
Keywords
Tower of Babel, Genesis, Nimrod, contentment, humility, biblical stories, archaeology, human ambition, faith, idolatry

Ep69 Communicating with Love: Strategies for Family Conversations with Donna Jones

We'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 hope.
 
Keywords
prodigals, family dynamics, faith, parenting, prayer, communication, relationships, spiritual growth, Christian faith, family members
 
 

Ep68 Modeling Faith: The Key to Raising Children with Donna Jones

We 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 waiting for loved ones to return to faith. 
 
Keywords
prodigals, family dynamics, faith, parenting, prayer, communication, relationships, spiritual growth, Christian faith, family members

Ep67 Ham's Downfall: A Cautionary Tale, Gen. 9:22-25

In 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
 

Ep 66 The Consequences of Ham's Actions, Gen. 9:21-29

In 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, family dynamics, integrity, consequences, parental influence
 
 

Ep65 Getting Drunk Won't Solve Anything

In 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 both successes and failures of its characters.
God's love is not based on our behavior but on His nature.
Jesus is looking for a relationship, not perfection.
Surrendering our spiritual journey to God is helpful.
God pursues us even when we feel unworthy.
On our worst day, Jesus is crazy about us.
Acknowledging our flaws actually allows us to grow closer to God.
Keywords: Noah, drunkenness, biblical perspective, failure, God's love, Peter, spiritual journey, surrender, faith, forgiveness