https://southhills.org/burbank/ South Hills Burbank jr.carmichael@southhills.org South Hills Burbank This is the podcast of the Burbank Campus of South Hills Church. South Hills Church is One Church with many Locations. On this podcast you will hear messages from our Sunday service as well as additional content that we hope is encouraging. To find out more about South Hills Church and our Burbank Campus visit www.southhills.org/burbank This is the podcast of the Burbank Campus of South Hills Church. South Hills Church is One Church with many Locations. On this podcast you will hear messages from our Sunday service as well as additional content that we hope is encouraging. To find out more about South Hills Church and our Burbank Campus visit www.southhills.org/burbank en © 2026 South Hills Church - Burbank no JR Carmichael <p>When we think about the power of words, we typically think about what we say to others and what they say to us. But the words that shape us most are the ones we say to ourselves. Every one of us is having an ongoing conversation with ourselves in the confines of our own minds. But we don’t often stop and think about the content of those conversations or whether or not the words we’re using are helping or hurting us. If you were to find out that your inner dialogue was toxic, what would you do to change it?</p> <p>When we think about the power of words, we typically think about what we say to others and what they say to us. But the words that shape us most are the ones we say to ourselves. Every one of us is having an ongoing conversation with ourselves in the confines of our own minds. But we don’t often stop and think about the content of those conversations or whether or not the words we’re using are helping or hurting us. If you were to find out that your inner dialogue was toxic, what would you do to change it?</p> When we think about the power of words, we typically think about what we say to others and what they say to us. But the words that shape us most are the ones we say to ourselves. Every one of us is having an ongoing conversation with ourselves in the confines of our own minds. But we don’t often stop and think about the content of those conversations or whether or not the words we’re using are helping or hurting us. If you were to find out that your inner dialogue was toxic, what would you do to change it?

]]> Sun, 07 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2103 1 374193e8ab32ca6737fd9abb27abc95c no JR Carmichael <p>There’s this core concept in Christianity called ‘the Trinity’. It’s the idea that our singular God somehow exists in three separate forms. If just the thought of that sort-of scrambles your brain, you’re not alone. Why did God choose to reveal Himself this way? How are these identities intertwined? Why are all three essential? Why did the Father see the need to send the Son? And why did the son see the need to send the Spirit? God wants to have a multidimensional relationship with us. What do these roles tell us about how that relationship works?</p> <p>There’s this core concept in Christianity called ‘the Trinity’. It’s the idea that our singular God somehow exists in three separate forms. If just the thought of that sort-of scrambles your brain, you’re not alone. Why did God choose to reveal Himself this way? How are these identities intertwined? Why are all three essential? Why did the Father see the need to send the Son? And why did the son see the need to send the Spirit? God wants to have a multidimensional relationship with us. What do these roles tell us about how that relationship works?</p> There’s this core concept in Christianity called ‘the Trinity’. It’s the idea that our singular God somehow exists in three separate forms. If just the thought of that sort-of scrambles your brain, you’re not alone. Why did God choose to reveal Himself this way? How are these identities intertwined? Why are all three essential? Why did the Father see the need to send the Son? And why did the son see the need to send the Spirit? God wants to have a multidimensional relationship with us. What do these roles tell us about how that relationship works?

]]> Sun, 03 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2315 2 b0bae74485d706986ee7e3e8cb769b30 no Moses Camacho <p>In Scripture, the Holy Spirit is almost exclusively spoken of in metaphor. One of the most prominent illustrations is ‘breath’. When, how, and why was this word picture used? And what does it tell us about the way God wants to relate to us? If we could experience the Holy Spirit as the breath of God, what would that be like? How might it transform our perspective of Him? How would it help us? And how would we access that help?</p> <p>In Scripture, the Holy Spirit is almost exclusively spoken of in metaphor. One of the most prominent illustrations is ‘breath’. When, how, and why was this word picture used? And what does it tell us about the way God wants to relate to us? If we could experience the Holy Spirit as the breath of God, what would that be like? How might it transform our perspective of Him? How would it help us? And how would we access that help?</p> In Scripture, the Holy Spirit is almost exclusively spoken of in metaphor. One of the most prominent illustrations is ‘breath’. When, how, and why was this word picture used? And what does it tell us about the way God wants to relate to us? If we could experience the Holy Spirit as the breath of God, what would that be like? How might it transform our perspective of Him? How would it help us? And how would we access that help?

]]> Sun, 10 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2329 3 ba214f9a7d91b457754d1176b00ab70d no JR Carmichael <p>In Scripture, we frequently see the Holy Spirit represented as a dove. Why is that? <br>What does this small, bright-white bird have to do with how God wants to relate to us? What can we learn by taking a deeper look at where and how this illustration was used? Could it be telling us more than one thing? If so, what? How does this winged, word picture point us to the practical ways God wants to help us experience His peace?</p> <p>In Scripture, we frequently see the Holy Spirit represented as a dove. Why is that? <br>What does this small, bright-white bird have to do with how God wants to relate to us? What can we learn by taking a deeper look at where and how this illustration was used? Could it be telling us more than one thing? If so, what? How does this winged, word picture point us to the practical ways God wants to help us experience His peace?</p> In Scripture, we frequently see the Holy Spirit represented as a dove. Why is that?
What does this small, bright-white bird have to do with how God wants to relate to us? What can we learn by taking a deeper look at where and how this illustration was used? Could it be telling us more than one thing? If so, what? How does this winged, word picture point us to the practical ways God wants to help us experience His peace?

]]> Sun, 17 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2265 4 0d7e1f5e7ee885962cc4d5cbc7fc632d no JR Carmichael <p>There are a lot of notable examples in Scripture of the Holy Spirit appearing in the form of a cloud. Of all the shapes and symbols God could’ve chosen, why does He repeatedly approach humanity wrapped in this one? What does this illustration tell us about who the Holy Spirit is and what He does? How might unpacking the places this word picture is used teach us something practical about trusting God in our day-to-day lives?</p> <p>There are a lot of notable examples in Scripture of the Holy Spirit appearing in the form of a cloud. Of all the shapes and symbols God could’ve chosen, why does He repeatedly approach humanity wrapped in this one? What does this illustration tell us about who the Holy Spirit is and what He does? How might unpacking the places this word picture is used teach us something practical about trusting God in our day-to-day lives?</p> There are a lot of notable examples in Scripture of the Holy Spirit appearing in the form of a cloud. Of all the shapes and symbols God could’ve chosen, why does He repeatedly approach humanity wrapped in this one? What does this illustration tell us about who the Holy Spirit is and what He does? How might unpacking the places this word picture is used teach us something practical about trusting God in our day-to-day lives?

]]> Sun, 24 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2534 5 fe2becc857b3cbdc7104d66192790067 no JR Carmichael <p>The most prominent metaphor for Spirit is probably fire. And there’s reason for that:<br>It’s all over Scripture. Why? When God’s Spirit shows up in the form of fire, where does it happen and what is God doing? What does this image reveal about who the Spirit is and the impact a relationship with Him ought to have on our everyday lives? How might this aspect of God alter the way we face what He places in front of us?</p> <p>The most prominent metaphor for Spirit is probably fire. And there’s reason for that:<br>It’s all over Scripture. Why? When God’s Spirit shows up in the form of fire, where does it happen and what is God doing? What does this image reveal about who the Spirit is and the impact a relationship with Him ought to have on our everyday lives? How might this aspect of God alter the way we face what He places in front of us?</p> The most prominent metaphor for Spirit is probably fire. And there’s reason for that:
It’s all over Scripture. Why? When God’s Spirit shows up in the form of fire, where does it happen and what is God doing? What does this image reveal about who the Spirit is and the impact a relationship with Him ought to have on our everyday lives? How might this aspect of God alter the way we face what He places in front of us?

]]> Sun, 31 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1821 6 a5f0fdf654b13c0aede0469e5d5d4530 no JR Carmichael <p>We are created in the image of a God who worked and is still working. This means that for us to feel whole, we actually need to work; to be co-creators with God. But our identity was never meant to be found in what we do or how we do it. Both work and rest are meant to flow out of our identity as children of God, not be the source of our identity.</p> <p>We are created in the image of a God who worked and is still working. This means that for us to feel whole, we actually need to work; to be co-creators with God. But our identity was never meant to be found in what we do or how we do it. Both work and rest are meant to flow out of our identity as children of God, not be the source of our identity.</p> We are created in the image of a God who worked and is still working. This means that for us to feel whole, we actually need to work; to be co-creators with God. But our identity was never meant to be found in what we do or how we do it. Both work and rest are meant to flow out of our identity as children of God, not be the source of our identity.

]]> Sun, 05 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2504 7 d0005322949e8451e6fb9462c252af69 no JR Carmichael <p>We sometimes dream of jobs we’re passionate about, that are fulfilling, and that somehow check every single box on our list of perfect ideals. (Oh yeah, it also needs to pay a lot of money!) But what if we can’t actually get that job? Can I be fulfilled while working at a job I’m not passionate about? To pursue my “calling” will I have to submit my resignation letter?</p> <p>We sometimes dream of jobs we’re passionate about, that are fulfilling, and that somehow check every single box on our list of perfect ideals. (Oh yeah, it also needs to pay a lot of money!) But what if we can’t actually get that job? Can I be fulfilled while working at a job I’m not passionate about? To pursue my “calling” will I have to submit my resignation letter?</p> We sometimes dream of jobs we’re passionate about, that are fulfilling, and that somehow check every single box on our list of perfect ideals. (Oh yeah, it also needs to pay a lot of money!) But what if we can’t actually get that job? Can I be fulfilled while working at a job I’m not passionate about? To pursue my “calling” will I have to submit my resignation letter?

]]> Sun, 12 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000 3071 8 6d9848dc5205c9e336711de4dcb88ef1 no JR Carmichael <p>“Everybody’s working for the weekend.” Yes, it was Loverboy who put these words to a killer sing-a-long melody, but is that really all there is? Are we all just wearing ourselves out, exhausted, trying to make it to the weekend or our next vacation? Is it possible to actually experience rest? And what do I need to do in order to not burn myself out before I get there?</p> <p>“Everybody’s working for the weekend.” Yes, it was Loverboy who put these words to a killer sing-a-long melody, but is that really all there is? Are we all just wearing ourselves out, exhausted, trying to make it to the weekend or our next vacation? Is it possible to actually experience rest? And what do I need to do in order to not burn myself out before I get there?</p> “Everybody’s working for the weekend.” Yes, it was Loverboy who put these words to a killer sing-a-long melody, but is that really all there is? Are we all just wearing ourselves out, exhausted, trying to make it to the weekend or our next vacation? Is it possible to actually experience rest? And what do I need to do in order to not burn myself out before I get there?

]]> Sun, 19 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2101 9 0f895a24f0f5c7c04c3d0a2388e47dd2 no JR Carmichael <p>Is there anything more to my work than just doing it well? Is the goal to just show up over and over again until retire or die? The reality is that work you do today as an engineer, cashier, teacher, banker, or stay-at-home parent will have an eternal impact – but how?</p> <p>Is there anything more to my work than just doing it well? Is the goal to just show up over and over again until retire or die? The reality is that work you do today as an engineer, cashier, teacher, banker, or stay-at-home parent will have an eternal impact – but how?</p> Is there anything more to my work than just doing it well? Is the goal to just show up over and over again until retire or die? The reality is that work you do today as an engineer, cashier, teacher, banker, or stay-at-home parent will have an eternal impact – but how?

]]> Sun, 26 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2528 10 71b9e600b6358148c2f3ab84ae9f2bb9 no JR Carmichael <p>Statistically, depression is on the rise. But it still feels like a mystery. What is it exactly? Where does it come from? How does it affect us? And why does it seem to hit some people harder than others? Is there something about our culture that’s multiplying or amplifying the issue? And if so, what do we do about it?</p> <p>Statistically, depression is on the rise. But it still feels like a mystery. What is it exactly? Where does it come from? How does it affect us? And why does it seem to hit some people harder than others? Is there something about our culture that’s multiplying or amplifying the issue? And if so, what do we do about it?</p> Statistically, depression is on the rise. But it still feels like a mystery. What is it exactly? Where does it come from? How does it affect us? And why does it seem to hit some people harder than others? Is there something about our culture that’s multiplying or amplifying the issue? And if so, what do we do about it?

]]> Sun, 01 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2290 11 69aec5071253189726d50f1d0a251cff no JR Carmichael <p>Those who actively seek help for anxiety and depression have a high recovery rate. <br>The issue is: Very few actually seek help. Why is that? What keeps us from admitting that things are as bad as they are, inviting insight, and pursuing treatment? What makes us want to push it down and wait it out, hoping it will evaporate on its own? Does that even work? Why do those who have avoided help finally decide to ask for it?</p> <p>Those who actively seek help for anxiety and depression have a high recovery rate. <br>The issue is: Very few actually seek help. Why is that? What keeps us from admitting that things are as bad as they are, inviting insight, and pursuing treatment? What makes us want to push it down and wait it out, hoping it will evaporate on its own? Does that even work? Why do those who have avoided help finally decide to ask for it?</p> Those who actively seek help for anxiety and depression have a high recovery rate.
The issue is: Very few actually seek help. Why is that? What keeps us from admitting that things are as bad as they are, inviting insight, and pursuing treatment? What makes us want to push it down and wait it out, hoping it will evaporate on its own? Does that even work? Why do those who have avoided help finally decide to ask for it?

]]> Sun, 08 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2626 12 d3bbb8c1f448b9a3c5d15b514947839c no JR Carmichael <p>We’ve all had moments where we recognized that something wasn’t right with someone around us. We’re not always sure what to do. We don’t want to offend or embarrass them, <br>and we don’t want to make things worse by doing nothing. Are there certain things you should or shouldn’t do<br>when someone’s struggling around you? What are those things? And how do you know what to do and when?</p> <p>We’ve all had moments where we recognized that something wasn’t right with someone around us. We’re not always sure what to do. We don’t want to offend or embarrass them, <br>and we don’t want to make things worse by doing nothing. Are there certain things you should or shouldn’t do<br>when someone’s struggling around you? What are those things? And how do you know what to do and when?</p> We’ve all had moments where we recognized that something wasn’t right with someone around us. We’re not always sure what to do. We don’t want to offend or embarrass them,
and we don’t want to make things worse by doing nothing. Are there certain things you should or shouldn’t do
when someone’s struggling around you? What are those things? And how do you know what to do and when?

]]> Sun, 29 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2517 13 a95d95ef096a825e0f8367e256977275 no Pastor Sam Malstadt <p>When Jesus came back to life, He rounded up His followers and gave them some very specific instructions. Of all the things He could’ve told them to do, why emphasize this one? What’s a disciple anyway? Is it just someone who believes in Jesus? Or is there more to it than that? What made Him think they would have the ability to make them? Is this something we’re supposed to do too? If so, how?</p> <p>When Jesus came back to life, He rounded up His followers and gave them some very specific instructions. Of all the things He could’ve told them to do, why emphasize this one? What’s a disciple anyway? Is it just someone who believes in Jesus? Or is there more to it than that? What made Him think they would have the ability to make them? Is this something we’re supposed to do too? If so, how?</p> When Jesus came back to life, He rounded up His followers and gave them some very specific instructions. Of all the things He could’ve told them to do, why emphasize this one? What’s a disciple anyway? Is it just someone who believes in Jesus? Or is there more to it than that? What made Him think they would have the ability to make them? Is this something we’re supposed to do too? If so, how?

]]> Sun, 24 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2690 14 7cfeaa9d0f850789b131b8963f16f164 no JR Carmichael <p>Just before Jesus dies, He whispers the words, “It is finished.” What is finished? What did He mean by “it”? Was He talking about His life, His pain, that moment, or was He referencing something bigger? If Jesus finished something, what was it, and where did it start? What was the end of His life also meant to put an end to? Why would anyone believe He uniquely had the ability to redirect human history?</p> <p>Just before Jesus dies, He whispers the words, “It is finished.” What is finished? What did He mean by “it”? Was He talking about His life, His pain, that moment, or was He referencing something bigger? If Jesus finished something, what was it, and where did it start? What was the end of His life also meant to put an end to? Why would anyone believe He uniquely had the ability to redirect human history?</p> Just before Jesus dies, He whispers the words, “It is finished.” What is finished? What did He mean by “it”? Was He talking about His life, His pain, that moment, or was He referencing something bigger? If Jesus finished something, what was it, and where did it start? What was the end of His life also meant to put an end to? Why would anyone believe He uniquely had the ability to redirect human history?

]]> Sun, 17 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2203 15 619b08222bc52695540f4a896490d470 no JR Carmichael <p>Jesus promised a criminal hanging on a cross next to Him that he’d end up in paradise with Him. What did Jesus mean by “paradise”? Why would anyone believe He could deliver on a promise like that? Why did He offer that to one criminal and not the other? And what does this demonstrate to us about who Jesus is and how faith functions?</p> <p>Jesus promised a criminal hanging on a cross next to Him that he’d end up in paradise with Him. What did Jesus mean by “paradise”? Why would anyone believe He could deliver on a promise like that? Why did He offer that to one criminal and not the other? And what does this demonstrate to us about who Jesus is and how faith functions?</p> Jesus promised a criminal hanging on a cross next to Him that he’d end up in paradise with Him. What did Jesus mean by “paradise”? Why would anyone believe He could deliver on a promise like that? Why did He offer that to one criminal and not the other? And what does this demonstrate to us about who Jesus is and how faith functions?

]]> Sun, 10 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2155 16 799adfe29af53064c7fa820c87fab126 no <p>Jesus asked God to forgive the crowd crucifying Him, from the cross. And the reason He gives is that they don’t know what they’re doing. What does that mean and why does it matter? Who cares if someone meant to? If they hurt you, they hurt you. Why does Jesus pray for the people punishing Him? Where does the strength to do that come from? And what does this moment mean for those of us who follow Jesus?</p> <p>Jesus asked God to forgive the crowd crucifying Him, from the cross. And the reason He gives is that they don’t know what they’re doing. What does that mean and why does it matter? Who cares if someone meant to? If they hurt you, they hurt you. Why does Jesus pray for the people punishing Him? Where does the strength to do that come from? And what does this moment mean for those of us who follow Jesus?</p> Jesus asked God to forgive the crowd crucifying Him, from the cross. And the reason He gives is that they don’t know what they’re doing. What does that mean and why does it matter? Who cares if someone meant to? If they hurt you, they hurt you. Why does Jesus pray for the people punishing Him? Where does the strength to do that come from? And what does this moment mean for those of us who follow Jesus?

]]> Sun, 03 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2879 17 848d3128477396f15127f48981c969b2 no JR Carmichael <p>When we’re unhappy, we don’t feel like doing much of anything. But oddly, the less active we are, the sadder we get. There’s no doubt that what we do with our bodies has a massive impact on how we feel about our lives. Our spirit and body aren’t as separate as we want to pretend. Certain physical actions & activities can completely recalibrate our emotions. Why? And what are they? And if feeling a certain way is the byproduct of doing things, we don’t feel like doing, how do we motivate ourselves to do them anyway?</p> <p>When we’re unhappy, we don’t feel like doing much of anything. But oddly, the less active we are, the sadder we get. There’s no doubt that what we do with our bodies has a massive impact on how we feel about our lives. Our spirit and body aren’t as separate as we want to pretend. Certain physical actions & activities can completely recalibrate our emotions. Why? And what are they? And if feeling a certain way is the byproduct of doing things, we don’t feel like doing, how do we motivate ourselves to do them anyway?</p> When we’re unhappy, we don’t feel like doing much of anything. But oddly, the less active we are, the sadder we get. There’s no doubt that what we do with our bodies has a massive impact on how we feel about our lives. Our spirit and body aren’t as separate as we want to pretend. Certain physical actions & activities can completely recalibrate our emotions. Why? And what are they? And if feeling a certain way is the byproduct of doing things, we don’t feel like doing, how do we motivate ourselves to do them anyway?

]]> Sun, 27 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2436 18 d5f03e777ab9d69058c5b0de057c905f no JR Carmichael <p>Every once in a while, life throws us a curveball. Things we never expected to happen and never wanted to happen, happen. We’re blindsided, frustrated, and disappointed. So, what do we do? We can’t bear to sit in the sadness, so we begin looking for a way out. “What do I need to do or buy or eat or smoke or watch to feel better?” But does what you do to feel better make your life better, or is it actually making everything worse? How do we find happiness when all hell breaks loose? Is it even possible? Or, is numbing out the best we can hope for?</p> <p>Every once in a while, life throws us a curveball. Things we never expected to happen and never wanted to happen, happen. We’re blindsided, frustrated, and disappointed. So, what do we do? We can’t bear to sit in the sadness, so we begin looking for a way out. “What do I need to do or buy or eat or smoke or watch to feel better?” But does what you do to feel better make your life better, or is it actually making everything worse? How do we find happiness when all hell breaks loose? Is it even possible? Or, is numbing out the best we can hope for?</p> Every once in a while, life throws us a curveball. Things we never expected to happen and never wanted to happen, happen. We’re blindsided, frustrated, and disappointed. So, what do we do? We can’t bear to sit in the sadness, so we begin looking for a way out. “What do I need to do or buy or eat or smoke or watch to feel better?” But does what you do to feel better make your life better, or is it actually making everything worse? How do we find happiness when all hell breaks loose? Is it even possible? Or, is numbing out the best we can hope for?

]]> Sun, 13 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2160 19 130dd848535bf21d59075610af7d637e no JR Carmichael <p>Many of us are convinced the reason we’re unhappy is mostly circumstantial. We live in the wrong place. We’re working the wrong job. We’re in the wrong relationship. We’re definitely in the wrong tax bracket. If all these things were just a little bit better, we’d feel a whole lot better. But would we? And what is “better” anyway? How much of our happiness is about what’s happening and how much is about how we handle it? To what extent does the way you think about your life impact your experience of your life, and maybe even your ability to alter it?</p> <p>Many of us are convinced the reason we’re unhappy is mostly circumstantial. We live in the wrong place. We’re working the wrong job. We’re in the wrong relationship. We’re definitely in the wrong tax bracket. If all these things were just a little bit better, we’d feel a whole lot better. But would we? And what is “better” anyway? How much of our happiness is about what’s happening and how much is about how we handle it? To what extent does the way you think about your life impact your experience of your life, and maybe even your ability to alter it?</p> Many of us are convinced the reason we’re unhappy is mostly circumstantial. We live in the wrong place. We’re working the wrong job. We’re in the wrong relationship. We’re definitely in the wrong tax bracket. If all these things were just a little bit better, we’d feel a whole lot better. But would we? And what is “better” anyway? How much of our happiness is about what’s happening and how much is about how we handle it? To what extent does the way you think about your life impact your experience of your life, and maybe even your ability to alter it?

]]> Sun, 06 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2378 20 05e32a9c3f53259127a0f47a3fc98b02 no JR Carmichael <p>Friendship isn’t a nice-to, it’s a have-to. In fact, according to Genesis, the first problem in the world wasn’t sin; it was loneliness. Historically, intimate friendship was valued both in church and the broader culture. (To be clear; ‘intimate friendships’ are not the same as ‘friends with benefits.’) Instead of cultivating deeply committed friendships, we settle for good acquaintances and hope they will tide us over until we find “true love.”</p> <p>Friendship isn’t a nice-to, it’s a have-to. In fact, according to Genesis, the first problem in the world wasn’t sin; it was loneliness. Historically, intimate friendship was valued both in church and the broader culture. (To be clear; ‘intimate friendships’ are not the same as ‘friends with benefits.’) Instead of cultivating deeply committed friendships, we settle for good acquaintances and hope they will tide us over until we find “true love.”</p> Friendship isn’t a nice-to, it’s a have-to. In fact, according to Genesis, the first problem in the world wasn’t sin; it was loneliness. Historically, intimate friendship was valued both in church and the broader culture. (To be clear; ‘intimate friendships’ are not the same as ‘friends with benefits.’) Instead of cultivating deeply committed friendships, we settle for good acquaintances and hope they will tide us over until we find “true love.”

]]> Sun, 06 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2124 21 d7d5ac64ad59d5bc17db18c116773404 no JR Carmichael <p>We all love the idea of finding a great friend, but how do we do that? And where should we look? Maybe the first question we need to ask is; “am I a great friend?” Are you the kind of friend that somebody would want to have? The reality is that all the things we long for in a friendship, we are also designed to give in a friendship. While the list is never-ending, it can be simplified in four categories: constancy, carefulness, candor, and counsel.</p> <p>We all love the idea of finding a great friend, but how do we do that? And where should we look? Maybe the first question we need to ask is; “am I a great friend?” Are you the kind of friend that somebody would want to have? The reality is that all the things we long for in a friendship, we are also designed to give in a friendship. While the list is never-ending, it can be simplified in four categories: constancy, carefulness, candor, and counsel.</p> We all love the idea of finding a great friend, but how do we do that? And where should we look? Maybe the first question we need to ask is; “am I a great friend?” Are you the kind of friend that somebody would want to have? The reality is that all the things we long for in a friendship, we are also designed to give in a friendship. While the list is never-ending, it can be simplified in four categories: constancy, carefulness, candor, and counsel.

]]> Sun, 13 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2125 22 f1fed1beb860edd02cda46faf9fe62a9 no Nate Cummings <p>We see in the life of Jesus that he valued and developed friendships during his life and ministry. He also models for us how boundaries and expectations help ensure we, and our friendships, stay healthy. We can’t be friends with everyone, and that’s ok! In order to have healthy relationships, we must have healthy expectations of ourselves and our friends.</p> <p>We see in the life of Jesus that he valued and developed friendships during his life and ministry. He also models for us how boundaries and expectations help ensure we, and our friendships, stay healthy. We can’t be friends with everyone, and that’s ok! In order to have healthy relationships, we must have healthy expectations of ourselves and our friends.</p> We see in the life of Jesus that he valued and developed friendships during his life and ministry. He also models for us how boundaries and expectations help ensure we, and our friendships, stay healthy. We can’t be friends with everyone, and that’s ok! In order to have healthy relationships, we must have healthy expectations of ourselves and our friends.

]]> Sun, 20 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2645 23 fe2d7a4b877216fe6827f642214b6886 no <p>We all experience hurt in relationships, with the people closest to us sometimes doing the most damage. So what do you do when the people you trust most hurt you? How do you protect yourself while also restoring the friendship? Jesus teaches a totally different way than what we’ve learned, and it changes everything.</p> <p>We all experience hurt in relationships, with the people closest to us sometimes doing the most damage. So what do you do when the people you trust most hurt you? How do you protect yourself while also restoring the friendship? Jesus teaches a totally different way than what we’ve learned, and it changes everything.</p> We all experience hurt in relationships, with the people closest to us sometimes doing the most damage. So what do you do when the people you trust most hurt you? How do you protect yourself while also restoring the friendship? Jesus teaches a totally different way than what we’ve learned, and it changes everything.

]]> Sun, 27 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2872 24 4d41c04e136d62bdfaf817dceefcfeea no JR Carmichael <p>In our current culture, we tend to view someone’s faith as something very personal. <br>And it is. But it’s also unavoidably communal. In fact, there are several meaningful aspects of our spirituality we simply <br>can’t access on our own. A healthy faith journey always involves more than just you & God. We’re made to learn, <br>grow, and develop alongside others. So, what are we supposed to share & why & who with & how often?</p> <p>In our current culture, we tend to view someone’s faith as something very personal. <br>And it is. But it’s also unavoidably communal. In fact, there are several meaningful aspects of our spirituality we simply <br>can’t access on our own. A healthy faith journey always involves more than just you & God. We’re made to learn, <br>grow, and develop alongside others. So, what are we supposed to share & why & who with & how often?</p> In our current culture, we tend to view someone’s faith as something very personal.
And it is. But it’s also unavoidably communal. In fact, there are several meaningful aspects of our spirituality we simply
can’t access on our own. A healthy faith journey always involves more than just you & God. We’re made to learn,
grow, and develop alongside others. So, what are we supposed to share & why & who with & how often?

]]> Sun, 30 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2797 25 5ed541f1fb001d59162f7953dbcce7c3 no JR Carmichael <p>In a lot of ways, the things we do privately determine the kind of life we live publicly. <br>Just like our diet shapes our physical health, our devotional life shapes our spiritual health. But…what exactly is a devotional life? What does it look like to have your own REAL relationship with God apart from attending church? How important is it? And how would you realistically go about it in a way that might actually work for you?</p> <p>In a lot of ways, the things we do privately determine the kind of life we live publicly. <br>Just like our diet shapes our physical health, our devotional life shapes our spiritual health. But…what exactly is a devotional life? What does it look like to have your own REAL relationship with God apart from attending church? How important is it? And how would you realistically go about it in a way that might actually work for you?</p> In a lot of ways, the things we do privately determine the kind of life we live publicly.
Just like our diet shapes our physical health, our devotional life shapes our spiritual health. But…what exactly is a devotional life? What does it look like to have your own REAL relationship with God apart from attending church? How important is it? And how would you realistically go about it in a way that might actually work for you?

]]> Sun, 23 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1932 26 911d66a9b84d4cd277097ba89ba12bec no Moses Camacho <p>In our current culture, we tend to view someone’s faith as something very personal. <br>And it is. But it’s also unavoidably communal. In fact, there are several meaningful aspects of our spirituality we simply <br>can’t access on our own. A healthy faith journey always involves more than just you & God. We’re made to learn, <br>grow, and develop alongside others. So, what are we supposed to share & why & who with & how often?</p> <p>In our current culture, we tend to view someone’s faith as something very personal. <br>And it is. But it’s also unavoidably communal. In fact, there are several meaningful aspects of our spirituality we simply <br>can’t access on our own. A healthy faith journey always involves more than just you & God. We’re made to learn, <br>grow, and develop alongside others. So, what are we supposed to share & why & who with & how often?</p> In our current culture, we tend to view someone’s faith as something very personal.
And it is. But it’s also unavoidably communal. In fact, there are several meaningful aspects of our spirituality we simply
can’t access on our own. A healthy faith journey always involves more than just you & God. We’re made to learn,
grow, and develop alongside others. So, what are we supposed to share & why & who with & how often?

]]> Sun, 16 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1805 27 47ac251216e17ae5779e6fda1f4a967b no JR Carmichael <p>Part of our paranoia around making commitments is not really knowing what to commit to.<br>How can you tell if a person, place, project or practice is worth sticking with? I mean—nobody wants to settle for 2nd rate. How do you know if THIS thing is the RIGHT thing? What does ‘right’ feel like? And what if as soon as you say ‘yes’, something better comes along? And how do you stay locked in for the long haul once the newness wears off?</p> <p>Part of our paranoia around making commitments is not really knowing what to commit to.<br>How can you tell if a person, place, project or practice is worth sticking with? I mean—nobody wants to settle for 2nd rate. How do you know if THIS thing is the RIGHT thing? What does ‘right’ feel like? And what if as soon as you say ‘yes’, something better comes along? And how do you stay locked in for the long haul once the newness wears off?</p> Part of our paranoia around making commitments is not really knowing what to commit to.
How can you tell if a person, place, project or practice is worth sticking with? I mean—nobody wants to settle for 2nd rate. How do you know if THIS thing is the RIGHT thing? What does ‘right’ feel like? And what if as soon as you say ‘yes’, something better comes along? And how do you stay locked in for the long haul once the newness wears off?

]]> Sun, 09 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2458 28 0ba533bb958f5ef8565f21a6150f4649 no JR Carmichael <p>We’re a bit commitment phobic in our culture. And why shouldn’t we be? We’ve all <br>been disappointed by people, organizations, and institutions that didn’t deliver or go the distance. So, we browse anonymously, hold relationships loosely, and confirm plans with a “maybe”. Which is fine. Except WE’RE not fine. Treating everything as disposable & everyone as replaceable isn’t really working. So…where do we go from here?</p> <p>We’re a bit commitment phobic in our culture. And why shouldn’t we be? We’ve all <br>been disappointed by people, organizations, and institutions that didn’t deliver or go the distance. So, we browse anonymously, hold relationships loosely, and confirm plans with a “maybe”. Which is fine. Except WE’RE not fine. Treating everything as disposable & everyone as replaceable isn’t really working. So…where do we go from here?</p> We’re a bit commitment phobic in our culture. And why shouldn’t we be? We’ve all
been disappointed by people, organizations, and institutions that didn’t deliver or go the distance. So, we browse anonymously, hold relationships loosely, and confirm plans with a “maybe”. Which is fine. Except WE’RE not fine. Treating everything as disposable & everyone as replaceable isn’t really working. So…where do we go from here?

]]> Sun, 02 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2657 29 40f94dd30893d6cc66a9f565fdf44dba no