Guns’n’Hoses

Today's times are filled with fearsome news, horrendous acts, and threats of evil. For the Christian, God offers encouragement and challenge. He tells us we will suffer if we want to share in His glory (Romans 8:17), and in both Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 43 1-3 He gives us assurance He is our protector in all times.

Many of us can identify with the Prodigal Luke writes about in Chapter 15. A young man who wants it all - now. When he gets what he requests, he leaves and his life becomes a nightmare. Often we get distracted by work, by life and drift from our faith. Like the Prodigal's Dad, God our Father receives us home with open arms. 

Read John 21, the account of Simon's encounter with Jesus. Out all night catching NO fish, but desperate. Jesus the teacher told Simon the seasoned fisherman to cast his net on the other side of the boat. Simon ultimately complied - BUT - do you really think he anticipated catching fish? So many his boat almost capsized? When you pray, is it just to comply or do you anticipate an answer?

Both Proverbs and Isaiah issue warnings about the cost of rejecting God and His Word. Proverbs 1:20 and following offers a stark warning as to the consequence of rejecting God and turning to evil. We see this happening in the streets of America today. Take heed.

Throughout history God has intervened in the lives of man - at the right time. Scripture makes sure we know the importance of His timing, even though we may not understand the delay in seeing what we hope for. This episode explores God's sense of timing.

It has been a couple of weeks since the last podcast, but I have a doctor's note. March 9 I had a heart attack. Here's what happened!

Jesus made 7 specific statements about who He is. Scripture records those and gives us insight into the answers. CS Lewis said, "Either Jesus is who He says, or He is a liar and a lunatic." But who do YOU say He is?

What is the point of the Christian faith? Why bother - and what does a Christian do?

Philippians 2 and Isaiah 61 give us insight to these questions. In Philippians we learn how to put on the mind of Christ - how to act, how to be Christlike. Isaiah tells us about compassion and encouragement. Our professions engender cynicism, hard hearts - for emotional survival. This helps understand that even those are survival skills, we also must represent Christ.

Those who serve in public safety or medical professions cringe at the thought of an investigation. Regardless of the reason, the mere thought brings chills. Would you be so bold as to ask God to investigate you?

In this episode we explore wisdom deeper, looking at the gift King Solomon asked for from God. He could have asked for anything, but chose wisdom and understanding. We are living in tumultuous times, fear grips many. We hear so many voices. Ask God for wisdom to discern truth. Wisdom leads us into truth and away from false teachings.

Wisdom can be elusive. Where do we find it, how do we receive it, and more - how do we avoid missing it when it comes our way? Solomon tells us in Proverbs 1. In times like these, with our nation torn between a battle of good vs. evil, we must cry out to God for wisdom - for ourselves, our family, and our nation.

The last year caused significant financial woes for first responders like so many others. Part time gigs gone, spouse layoffs. Now a political turnover with gas prices already rising and talk of raising taxes. What do we do? Should we crank up the radio and sing along to "Don't Worry Be Happy?" Ah - no. God has a better plan.

Today is a historic day in America, but it is also a day filled with anxiety, concern, fear, hate, and crushed hopes. God speaks to us from 2 Chronicles as He addresses Israel. He gives us an IF / THEN promise, telling us what He will do IF we do what He asks. 

FEAR NOT, FOR GOD IS WITH US. CALL OUT TO HIM IN PRAYER.

Season 2, Episode 1; We look at scriptures to learn what an overcomer is, what it means, and how we can be equipped to stand strong against the evil and wickedness in our world. (video available on Youtube.com/serveprotect

Here we are at Christmas. There are Nativity scenes displayed, Christmas songs, and of course, the baby Jesus. But who is this child, and why is He so important? Today we offer a brief overview of Jesus, from Genesis 1 at Creation to Revelation. His birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension and return for His people. 

We are living in perilous times. Violence in the streets, political uncertainty, family struggles. God has our back in all things. We look today at His promises for His followers, and explore the experience of Job.

Love. It is a word tossed about to mean many things. Romance. Brotherly. Sacrificial. What is the word for love that should define the Christian life? Today we examine the wordsof love, some songs that express love, and what scripture says love must be.

The Apostles Creed is a historic statement of faith, it isa framework - cliff notes - for expressing what you believe as a Christian. It is a concise summary of the doctrine of the Christian faith. 

Sometimes people who are told to "pray about it" walk away puzzled as to how they should pray. It can be a foreign concept. Jesus gave His disciples a prayer format, a blueprint regarding how that should pray, commonly referred to as the "Lord's Prayer." It is a model for prayer still, as is the ACTS model - Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication. 

We are living in troubled times. Violence and destruction in the streets. Anarchists calling for the death of police and their families, or horrible threats of violence against their children. Public Safety is on the front lines as violence rages and cities burn.

David the Psalmist wrote Psalm 23 from the perspective of one who was a shepherd about the Great Shepherd, the source of our peace and security regardless of circumstances.

Season 1, Episode 3

Life is full of challenges. Some God brings into our life, part of our calling - our Goliath. Yet there some things, Goliaths of our choosing, that cause us problems. Personal choices. David was called by God yet later murdered and committed adultery. He won the battle with Goliath the giant, but failed with the Goliath of a beautiful woman. What iOS your Goliath? Is it of your own choosing?

Season 1, Episode 2