Love God First
How do I live in today’s world as a Christian and not only live but thrive in the gifting, calling and love of God? Join me as we journey together through entire books of the Bible, studying with the understanding that the people in the Bible were real people and had minds and emotions like us. We are going to study their stories to find the truths that apply to our lives today. The key is to meet Jesus and encounter Him so we can be changed by Him more and more into our true selves, not hampered by sin and fear. We will occasionally have guest speakers who will expand on the topics we find in our Bible study together, but most of the time we will go verse by verse, chapter by chapter through a book of the Bible to learn, apply and respond to God. Even the tough topics and verses will be explained and discussed!
Episodes

4 days ago
4 days ago
In this third and final conversation with Pastor Craig Kessel, we discuss the signs of healthy relationships (and unhealthy ones) and the value of marriage in today's society. We provide insights and practical advice for individuals at different stages of their relationship journey, whether single or married!
Keywords: marriage, relationships, spouse, preparation, qualities, advice, counseling, community, character, faith relationships, marriage, personal growth, emotional healing, friendships, trust, support, marriage counseling, healthy relationships, commitment

Friday May 01, 2026
Friday May 01, 2026
In this second episode with Pastor Craig Kessel, we explore the essential themes of marriage preparation and the importance of community and counsel in relationships. We share personal experiences and insights on how to evaluate potential partners objectively, emphasizing the need for consistent character, shared faith, and emotional health. The discussion also highlights the significance of seeking wise counsel and being aware of deal-breakers in relationships, providing valuable advice for those preparing for marriage or seeking to improve their current relationships.

Friday Apr 24, 2026
Friday Apr 24, 2026
In this three-episode conversation, Pastor Craig Kessel and I explore the essential themes of marriage preparation, the qualities of a good spouse, and the importance of community in relationships. We share personal experiences and insights on how to evaluate potential partners objectively, emphasizing the need for consistent character, shared faith, and emotional health. The discussion also highlights the significance of seeking wise counsel and being aware of deal-breakers in relationships, providing valuable advice for those preparing for marriage or seeking to improve their current relationships. If you are thinking of getting married, or if you are engaged or married, the next three episodes are for you!

Friday Apr 17, 2026
Friday Apr 17, 2026
In this third episode that explores the account of Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24, we turn from pondering their account to pulling out the truths to apply to our own lives. There are many principles we can practice about preparing for marriage and finding a spouse as we consider the way Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah and the servant walk through the process. Join us as we discuss the DOs and DON'Ts of dating and courting in the quest to find that special someone who will be your lifetime partner. And if you are already married, please listen because there is something for you in this episode too!
keywords
love story, marriage, Isaac, Rebecca, Abraham, faith, prayer, character, guidance, biblical narrative Rebecca, Isaac, marriage, character, relationships, love, respect, personal growth, matchmaking, biblical stories

Friday Apr 10, 2026
Friday Apr 10, 2026
In this second of a three-part episode, we finish talking about the moving story of Isaac and Rebekah. The narrative unfolds through the journey of Abraham's servant, who seeks a wife for Isaac. We'll see how God guides and provides, culminating in the servant's gratitude and Rebecca's willingness to embrace her destiny.
keywords
love story, marriage, Isaac, Rebecca, Abraham, faith, prayer, character, guidance, biblical narrative Rebecca, Isaac, marriage, character, relationships, love, respect, personal growth, matchmaking, biblical stories

Friday Apr 03, 2026
Friday Apr 03, 2026
In this part one episode of a three-parter, we explore the story of Isaac and Rebecca, emphasizing the significance of the marriage decision and the qualities that make a suitable partner. The narrative unfolds through the journey of Abraham's servant, who seeks a wife for Isaac, highlighting themes of faith, prayer, and character. For those who are in the time of life where you are considering marriage and who to marry, or for those who know someone who is, the next several episodes are for you!
keywords
love story, marriage, Isaac, Rebecca, Abraham, faith, prayer, character, guidance, biblical narrative Rebecca, Isaac, marriage, character, relationships, love, respect, personal growth, matchmaking, biblical stories

Friday Mar 27, 2026
Friday Mar 27, 2026
In this part two of two episodes about grief, we discuss more of the practical aspects of helping others through grief and how to grieve through loss for ourselves too. If we live long enough, all of us will suffer loss. Knowing how to cope and how to lean on the strength and love of Jesus and His people will help the process greatly!

Friday Mar 20, 2026
Friday Mar 20, 2026
In this first of two episodes, we reflect on the life and death of Sarah, exploring the theme of grief and how it impacts our lives. We discuss the importance of understanding grief and the lessons we can learn from Abraham and Isaac. If you are currently walking through grief, know someone who is grieving right now or want to learn about grief for when it inevitably hits you in the future, this episode is for you!
Keywords:
grief, loss, comfort, Abraham, Sarah, support, healing, faith, mourning, hope

Friday Mar 13, 2026
Friday Mar 13, 2026
This is our last episode talking about covenant, and Dr. RoseAnne Coleman does a thorough job wrapping up the topic! She ends with a sweet prayer for us all.

Friday Mar 06, 2026
Friday Mar 06, 2026
In this part two of a three-episode series on covenant, Dr. Roseanne Coleman shares insights on the elements of an ancient covenant ceremony. She explains how the account of Abraham being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac at God's command relates to covenant, and she explains the profound implications of that one act. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing God's intentional love and provision in our lives, encouraging listeners to look for the evidence of God's covenant promises and faithfulness, especially in the most difficult circumstances.

Keep Growing
Modern life is crazy, busy and stressful, and even scary at times. That's why every believer needs their minds constantly renewed and transformed by God through His Word. Nothing else will change a Christian's life more than reading, understanding and applying the words from the Bible! That's why I go through entire books of the Bible verse by verse. So come and study, come learn, actually crack open a Bible and find abundant life in Jesus!







