The God Journey - 2020

Free of the Prison of Self (#782)

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 15:00:00 GMT

On this last podcast of 2020, Wayne finishes his conversation with his friend Stephan Vosloo from Ladysmith, South Africa, and what he has learned about letting Father's love lead him out of the prison of self. He shares his own process of learning to love even the broken places in his heart so that he can love the broken places in others. He also talks about how Jesus, too, had to learn obedience until he could give himself fully on the cross and forgive those who had wronged him so viciously. Afterward, Wayne invites Kyle Rice to process what had meant the most to them in this conversation, and how it is impacting their own process of living loved.

Podcast Notes:
Pre-order Live Loved Free Full, Wayne's newest book
Join the Launch Team for Wayne's New Book
Previous Podcasts with Stephan Vosloo

Becoming One with Love (#781)

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 15:00:00 GMT

"We are slowly embracing the kind of sacrificial other-centered love that let us leave positions and privileges and entitlements and become one with the brokenness in us and around us and a way that us from the pain of self-centered thinking." These are the words Wayne read in a recent email from his friend Stephan Vosloo in Ladysmith, SA that began to describe the journey he has been on into what it means to become one with Love. Here are excerpts from a subsequent conversation they had about the journey out of our selfish ambition and into an others-centered way of living. They talk about the progress and choices of that journey and the liberation it brings to allow God's love to unfold inside of us and spill out to touch others as well. If you listen to one podcast this year, let it be this one.

Podcast Notes:
Pre-order Live Loved Free Full, Wayne's newest book
Previous Podcasts with Stephan Vosloo

An Opportunity to Grow (#780)

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 15:00:00 GMT

In a crisis, some people seek safety and comfort by holding tighter to the way they've always done things while others find it a great opportunity to learn and grow to see what new insights God might have for them. Three years ago we first met Gil Michel, a father, accountant, and pastor of a downtown congregation in South Bend, Indiana in a discussion about racial injustice. Wayne sought him out again to see what God had been doing in him the last eight months through the pandemic and in the growing conversation about race as an African-American. What unfolds is an amazing conversation about shifting our thoughts and actions in times of upheaval and challenge. If we're not open to God changing our minds we will be forever stuck in our ignorance and biases.

Podcast Notes:
Pre-order Live Loved Free Full, Wayne's newest book
A Language of Healing for a Polarized Nation
Previous Podcasts with Gil Michel

Hope for Healing in a Divided World (#779)

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Celebrating the one-year anniversary of their collaboration on a book called A Language of Healing for a Polarized Nation, Wayne invites his coauthors Arnita Taylor and Bob Prater back to the podcast. In the ensuing year, our nation has grown even more polarized through COVID, a contentious election, and fresh pleas for racial justice. In the aftermath of the 2020 election, the three authors converse about the state of our country following the election and their reflections on the way we as individuals can depolarize our thinking and our relationships with others, especially those on the other side of the political or racial divide. As the book says, courage and compassion can still change the world if we can find enough love for all humanity, not just those who look and think like us.

Podcast Notes:
Pre-order Live Loved Free Full, Wayne's newest book
John Voight's post-election threats
A Language of Healing for a Polarized Nation
Previous Podcasts with Arnita Taylor
Previous Podcasts with Bob Prater
Email Bob

Finding Our Way Through 2020 (#778)

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 15:15:00 GMT

What a tumultuous year this has been in ways we could have never foreseen! By popular request, Wayne's daughter, Julie, joins her dad today to talk through how her family is sorting out the twists and turns of 2020. We talk about thriving in the midst of COVID, the contentious election, and the growing conversation about racial justice all going on at the same time. All of it challenges us to think beyond what is good for us individually, to what is best for us as a people. Maturity will always invite me beyond my own personal preferences to realize I'm not the only one in the room. Fairness and generosity are critical to living with grace in a broken world.

Podcast Notes:
Pre-order Live Loved Free Full, Wayne's newest book
The Jesus Story
The Social Dilemma
Wayne, Bob, and Arnita discuss living beyond the 2020 election
Email Julie
Previous podcasts with Julie

Spiritually Safe Relationships (#778)

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Whether it is someone claiming to speak in God's name, or a friend to lean on in times of crisis, finding safe relationships is critical to keep your heart soft before the Lord. Kyle Rice and Tracy Levinson join Wayne to talk about the voices we listen to at critical moments. They talk about the prophecies some leaders gave, saying that God had decreed President Trump would be re-elected. How have they fared in the aftermath of an election that didn't seem to go that way? Also, Tracy opens up about her last two incredibly painful years as she stood at the crossroads of her marriage and the despair she felt. God met her through some amazing friends who could listen and comfort her without trying to manipulate her responses. These are the kind of safe relationships we all need and that we all can be for others.

Podcast Notes:
Paula Cain-White's proclamation/prayer to change the election results
Past podcasts with Tracy
Tracy's book, unashamed: candid conversations about dating, love, nakedness, and faith
Past Podcasts with Kyle
Email Kyle

What Do You Feel When You See Me? (#776)

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 15:00:00 GMT

"Father am I alright? What do you feel when you see me?" Those questions come from a listener in Germany about patterns in his life that got planted at a very young age. Kyle Rice and Tracy Levinson join Wayne to talk about our sense of being worthy of God's attention and his love, how it can get twisted at a very young age, and how it may affect males and females differently. They also cover how to remove shame from sexual issues with our children, masculinity and femininity stereotypes, and how we are all God's favorite son or daughter.

Podcast Notes:
Past podcasts with Tracy
Tracy's book, unashamed: candid conversations about dating, love, nakedness, and faith
Past Podcasts with Kyle
Email Kyle

Problems with Power (#775)

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Power has always been difficult for humans to navigate without doing great harm. Wayne and Kyle dive into a recent study by researcher Brené Brown about power. Her research identified four kinds of power—power over, power with, power to, and power within. Power over is the worst of these because it sees power as limited and is maintained by an ever-increasing capacity for cruelty. Other kinds of power, however, leads us to greater empathy and serves others more than seeks to be served. Wayne and Klye discuss this research with an eye to its application in the kingdoms of this world, and in the kingdom Jesus is building.

Podcast Notes:
Download Handout on Power from Dare to Lead
Brené Brown podcast with Vice President Biden
Email Kyle
Past Podcasts with Kyle

The Doors Discomfort Opens (#774)

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Whether it's a new puppy or a turning point in our journey, most of life's greatest joys lie beyond our discomfort. Yet, when push comes to shove we will choose the path of least resistance thinking our comfort is more important than growth. Kyle joins Wayne again as the doors that pain and disappointment open to us. When we can't have what we thought we wanted, God is always opening new doors to invite us into a more fruitful journey. In that vein, they talk about navigating conversations that matter when they get difficult, leaning into those moments of emotion when our heart is finding freedom, and getting through the painful bits in our lives to the greater joy God has beyond them.

Podcast Notes:
Email Kyle
Past Podcasts with Kyle

Don’t Be Anyone’s Tool (#773)

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Use the tool, don't become the tool. A new documentary from Netfilx exposes how social media and search engines are actively working to addict us to their devices and destroying the fabric of our culture. This story is told by the engineers who developed these tools and then left the industry because of how their products are being used when they were monetized for maximum profit. Wayne and Kyle talk about the technology that has the potential to connect us, is instead being used to control us, monetize us, and divide us. After viewing the film Kyle and Wayne talk about its implications in our culture and their own lives. They discuss strategies they use to ensure that they can enjoy the Internet as a tool, rather than become the tool the Internet uses to sell their wares.

Podcast Notes:
The Social Dilemma
Email Kyle
Past Podcasts with Kyle

The Fruit of Self-Control (#772)

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 15:00:00 GMT

A funny thing happened to Kyle and Wayne on their way to talk about the new Netflix Documentary, The Social Dilemma; they got distracted by a conversation about self-control as a fruit of the Spirit and not a personal discipline. After sharing about his recent trip to Denver, Wayne takes Kyle through some recent emails and blog posts that were particularly poignant. That's where the found a question about self-control and whether or not God can help us out of some of our own bad choices. That led to a discussion about career choices when the quality of life is greatly diminished by the demands of an employer, of how "doing the right thing" is hardly a consideration any more in our culture, and how we find freedom from the selfishness of this age inside the love of God. We'll get to The Social Dilemma next week.

Podcast Notes:
Sign up for A Breath of Fresh Air
Email Kyle
Past Podcasts with Kyle

Further Conversations in He Loves Me (#771)

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Wayne continues his discussion with the Jeff Andrechyn's book group about He Loves Me that we began last week. They continue to talk about the Fatherhood of God, but also how we live that out when circumstances seem to be collapsing in on us. How do we live loved when we feel emotionally overwhelmed, or when we're being betrayed by others? They also talk about learning to recognize when God is engaging us.

Podcast Notes:
He Loves Me!
Can You Help Us One More Time in Kenya?

Diving Into the Father’s Love (#770)

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 15:00:00 GMT

He Loves Me is the flagship message for most of what we talk about here at The God Journey. A couple of weeks ago Jeff Andrechyn's asked Wayne to join his book group online after they had completed their study of that book. They recorded it so Wayne asked if he could share it here because many of the topics they cover will be an encouragement to others. Specifically, their conversation centered around we we can have an engaging view of Father if our own earthly dads were abusive or absent. They also talk about the favor line, the prodigal son parable, and what people are hesitant to respond to the immediacy of God's presence.

Podcast Notes:
He Loves Me!
Past Podcasts with Jeff
Can You Help Us One More Time in Kenya?

Are the Spirits Still Dancing? (#769)

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:00:00 GMT

"None of us are immune to the power of what our hearts have grown to love." Do you remember the vision we shared on this podcast a while back about two demonic spirits dancing together over a map of the United States? Given all the events of the last few months, Wayne invited Bob back to discuss what he sees of that vision and how those spirits are involved in the increased polarization of our country over the past few months. The rise in anger and violence portends a troubled future if we don't do our part to disarm those principalities and powers with humility and prayer.

Podcast Notes:
The Social Dilemma documentary
What Jerry Falwell Taught Me at Liberty University
Charisma Article - The Spiritual Reality
Past Podcasts with Bob
The Spirits Danced - Part 1 & Part 2
Can You Help Us One More Time in Kenya?

Embracing His Glory #14 (#768)

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 15:00:00 GMT

This is the final episode of our continuing Tuesday series where Wayne explores the process of transformation of moving us from "glory to ever-increasing glory". Drawn from the book of John, Wayne unveils how Jesus did this in a relational engagement with his followers, and how he wants to do that in us as well. This week he talks about how to negotiate circumstances in our life and the world where God's glory is yet to be revealed.

Faith In the Midst of Tragedy (#767)

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 15:00:00 GMT

"Let times of tragedy soften our hearts so we can see what adventure the Father has for us next. With the COVID-19 pandemic, our political polarization, and now wildfires in the West, many have asked how Wayne and Sara are navigating this difficult time. Bob Prater, coauthor of A Language of Healing for a Polarized Nation, joins Wayne as the work through the events of this weekend when his dad was displaced by the gigantic Creek Fire in Central California. They talk about how they view the pandemic seven months in and the kind of prayers they offer in times of extremity and uncertainty. Instead off grasping for some illusion of control, they lean into what God might be saying and letting a turn in circumstances, especially negative ones, to be an invitation into a different adventure.

Podcast Notes:
As Africa's COVID-19 cases rise, faith is put to the test
Wayne's email exchange with Alan about the death of his wife
Can You Help Us One More Time in Kenya?

Embracing His Glory #13 (#766)

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 15:00:00 GMT

This is our continuing Tuesday series where Wayne explores the process of transformation of moving us from "glory to ever-increasing glory". Drawn from the book of John, Wayne unveils how Jesus did this in a relational engagement with his followers, and how he wants to do that in us as well. This week he talks about how following Jesus is less about getting directions all the time as it is learning to think the way Jesus thinks about the people and circumstances we confront.

Bigger Than Our Mistakes (#765)

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Will God be with me, even when I take an ill-advised detour? In this deeply personal conversation, Kyle explores with Wayne a broken place in his heart that God has shown his light on this summer. A hurtful conversation he had at fourteen years of age, expressed themselves in some difficult professional decisions this summer and in fracturing his partnership with his wife. With the light, Father gave them a way to disarm the effects of this conversation and how it adversely impacted his trust in God, especially in difficult situation. We really do serve a God that is bigger than our most painful mistakes, who will never leave us to our own devices.

Podcast Notes:
Can You Help Us One More Time in Kenya?

Embracing His Glory #12 (#764)

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 15:00:00 GMT

This is our continuing Tuesday series where Wayne explores the process of transformation of moving us from "glory to ever-increasing glory". Drawn from the book of John, Wayne unveils how Jesus did this in a relational engagement with his followers, and how he wants to do that in us as well. This week he talks about how our following him will lead us to the fullness of joy and the camaraderie of sharing life with Jesus.

Prophecies and Conspiracy Theories (#763)

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Why are there so many prophecies of doom and blessing being passed around the body of Christ today, and so many conspiracy theories? Is God really saying all that, or is something else going on in this time of international stress and uncertainty? I invited Kyle to come along with me on this conversation as we try to answer how people can discern the genuine from the false, because we dare not discount the gift because of counterfeits. Just because someone tells you God gave them a dream, or confirmed it in some outlandish way, doesn't mean they are telling you the truth or speaking for him. Unfortunately, most of what I'm being sent today pegs my yuck meter. I always look for the testimony of Jesus in what I take in, because that is the spirit of prophecy. Anything else is just trying to support our illusion to be in control.

Podcast Notes:
Why Do So Many Christians Believe Conspiracy Theories (Relevant Magazine)
Can You Help Us One More Time in Kenya?

Embracing His Glory #11 (#762)

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 15:00:00 GMT

This is our continuing Tuesday series where Wayne explores the process of transformation of moving us from "glory to ever-increasing glory". Drawn from the book of John, Wayne unveils how Jesus did this in a relational engagement with his followers, and how he wants to do that in us as well. This week he talks about what it means to follow Jesus in a daily way so that we can share the fruit of his work in us.

Navigating to Better Conversations (#761)

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Talking about covering up when someone pokes through your illusions, this has been a difficult summer for the national news media. They have been repeatedly outed for subverting the truth in the pursuit of ratings and to advocate for political positions that serve only a slice of society. Wayne's back from his vacation and responds to some interesting news articles and listener emails about previous podcasts regarding A Language of Healing for a Polarized Nation, and his concerns about the state of politics in America. It isn't easy or popular for those who want to invite people from the extremes for a more reasoned and helpful conversation, but it is worth doing. If you only see extremists on one side of an issue, it might well mean that you're holding the extreme on the other side.

Podcast Notes:
A Language of Healing
Non Sequitor Cartoon about Bridging the Gap
Why I'm Leaving MSNBC
Ex-Fox News host says its reputation for racism is 'for very good reason'
Bari Weiss on Leaving the NY Times
Can You Help Us One More Time in Kenya?

Embracing His Glory #10 (#760)

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 15:00:00 GMT

This is our continuing Tuesday series where Wayne explores the process of transformation of moving us from "glory to ever-increasing glory". Drawn from the book of John, Wayne unveils how Jesus did this in a relational engagement with his followers, and how he wants to do that in us as well. This week he talks about retuning your heart to his when you get lost in the weeds of your journey.

Embracing His Glory #9 (#759)

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 15:00:00 GMT

This is our continuing Tuesday series where Wayne explores the process of transformation of moving us from "glory to ever-increasing glory". Drawn from the book of John, Wayne unveils how Jesus did this in a relational engagement with his followers, and how he wants to do that in us as well. This week he talks about the incredible opportunity for us to cooperate with God's unfolding glory in whatever situation you find yourself.

In All Her Beauty (#758)

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 15:00:00 GMT

What do people discover when they can no longer attend their congregation due to COVID-19? The listeners take over the podcast again as Wayne reads some amazing emails from people processing their own journey with their local church when they can no longer meet because of the pandemic. This is what many pastors fear, that people will find a more refreshing walk with God away from the busyness and obligation of organized religion. The life of the church is found not in obligation but endearment and discovering that can take you on a wild but more fulfilling journey.

Podcast Notes:
Can You Help Us One More Time in Kenya?

Embracing His Glory #8 (#757)

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 15:00:00 GMT

This is our continuing Tuesday series where Wayne explores the process of transformation of moving us from "glory to ever-increasing glory". Drawn from the book of John, Wayne unveils how Jesus did this in a relational engagement with his followers, and how he wants to do that in us as well. This week he talks about how to embrace the moments when Jesus breaks through our illusions and invites us into the light.

A Safe Place for Pain to Fall (#756)

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 15:00:00 GMT

"All I want is for someone to help me process my pain." What do you do when you can't find anyone to walk with you through your pain, especially with everyone enduring our political turmoil over COVID-19 and racial unrest. Wayne is joined by people from all over the United States, Canada, and the UK who were part of last Sunday's After-Show. Here he shares highlights of that conversation about the loneliness, grief, and isolation some are experiencing during this season. How can you find friends compassionate enough to let you share your pain, and, even more importantly, how can we be a place to help people through theirs?

Podcast Notes:
View the complete video version of this podcast here
Can You Help Us One More Time in Kenya?

Embracing His Glory #7 (#755)

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 15:00:00 GMT

This is our continuing Tuesday series where Wayne explores the process of transformation of moving us from "glory to ever-increasing glory". Drawn from the book of John, Wayne unveils how Jesus did this in a relational engagement with his followers, and how he wants to do that in us as well. This week he talks about how Jesus pokes a hole in our pretensions and how by following him we can embrace the light he offers us.

The Listeners Speak (#754)

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Wayne's been gathering notes, emails, and stories from listeners that just haven't fit into any recent podcasts. So, he shares this podcast with the many voices that have written him or made comments on the blog. So, we talk about the series Embracing His Glory, how God invites us into his love, The Language of Healing in a Polarized Nation and the current political climate we live in, and how Jesus can bear our grief because he knew it so well himself. We end with a very special story of how the whispers of our Father's love finds its way to through the cracks in our damaged souls to win us into his reality. [NOTE: The next God Journey After-Show is scheduled for this Sunday at 10:00 - 11:00 am Pacific Daylight Time. If you want to join in, write to Wayne and let him know, so he can send you the link.]

Podcast Notes:
Language of Healing Live: Pardon Me, Your Tribe Is Showing
The Discomfort Your Feeling Is Grief from the Harvard Business Review
If you'd like to participate in an open After-Show conversation this Sunday, July 19 at 10:00 am PDT, email Wayne for a link you want to be in the conversation, otherwise you can stream it live on The God Journey Facebook Page
If You Can Help Us in Kenya

Embracing His Glory #6 (#753)

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 15:00:00 GMT

This is our continuing Tuesday series where Wayne explores the process of transformation of moving us from "glory to ever-increasing glory". Drawn from the book of John, Wayne unveils how Jesus did this in a relational engagement with his followers, and how he wants to do that in us as well. This week he talks about letting Jesus show us what's really going on around us as the invisible world informs us of the seen world, not the other way around.

Podcast Notes:
Latest from Kenya - We Have Completed the Work

Why Whites Want to Ignore Racial Issues II (#752)

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to part two of Wayne's conversation with Arnita Taylor, coauthor of A Language of Healing for a Polarized Nation. They continue to look at White Fragility and why it is hard for white people to talk about racism, drawn from the book of that name by Robin J. DiAngelo. In this episode they talk about As they continue their conversation they talk about why we all tend to avoid the uncomfortable conversations, how the movie Blind Side reinforced racial stereotypes, and why so many white people didn't even recognize them, and they end with actions we can take to help heal the racial divide in our country.

Podcast Notes:
Wayne's Recent Blog on Conversations about Race
A Language of Healing
Previous Podcasts with Arnita
Email Arnita
If You Can Help Us in Kenya

Embracing His Glory #5 (#751)

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 15:00:00 GMT

This is our continuing Tuesday series where Wayne explores the process of transformation of moving us from "glory to ever-increasing glory". Drawn from the book of John, Wayne unveils how Jesus did this in a relational engagement with his followers, and how he wants to do that in us as well. This week he talks about beholding Jesus—the perfect union of grace and truth, and how exploring that fuels the process of transformation.

Podcast Notes:
Latest from Kenya - We Have Completed the Work

Why Whites Want to Ignore Racial Issues (#750)

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 15:00:00 GMT

“Is it possible that because I am white, there are some racial dynamics that I can’t see?” That's one of the eye-opening questions Robin J. DiAngelo poses in her book, White Fragility: Why It's so Hard for White People to Talk about Racism. This is not an easy book to read, but it does help unpack why many whites are racially unaware of the dynamics of racism that underscore our culture and why they can be so defensive when it comes up. It also shows how differently people are using the same terminology which adds to the complication of discussing race. 'White fragility' is actually a form of bullying because it makes it difficult for people to engage us in a conversation we al need to share. This is the first of a two-parter that will conclude on July 10.

Podcast Notes:
Wayne's Recent Blog on Conversations about Race
A Language of Healing
Previous Podcasts with Arnita
Email Arnita
If You Can Help Us in Kenya

Embracing His Glory #4 (#749)

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 15:00:00 GMT

This is our continuing Tuesday series where Wayne explores the process of transformation of moving us from "glory to ever-increasing glory". Drawn from the book of John, Wayne unveils how Jesus did this in a relational engagement with his followers, and how he wants to do that in us as well. This week he talks about how the pursuit of false glory bears witness to the echo of Eden in our heart that glory is what we were destined to have.

Podcast Notes:
Latest from Kenya - We Have Completed the Work

Raising Boys in Today’s World (#748)

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 15:00:00 GMT

"What does it mean to raise up a man, especially in these racially charged times?" The question comes from a listener who got into this discussion with an African American Dad while driving him in his Uber. Wayne invites his daughter Julie back to the podcast to explore this question with him. What does it take to raise a boy in this culture? They find themselves talking about character and how parents best do that, and do you need to instill anything differently in a young man than you do a young woman? What does morality mean anymore in a world that rarely rewards it?

Podcast Notes:
Previous podcasts with Julie
Latest from Kenya - We Have Completed the Work

Embracing His Glory #3 (#747)

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 15:00:00 GMT

This is our continuing Tuesday series where Wayne explores the process of transformation of moving us from "glory to ever-increasing glory". Drawn from the book of John, Wayne unveils how Jesus did this in a relational engagement with his followers, and how he wants to do that in us as well. This week he talks about how we had that glory at the beginning, and how we lost it in the preference for our wisdom above the Creator's.

Podcast Notes:
If you want more on the wrath of God as the curative power of Gods' love, see Transitions
Latest from Kenya - We Have Completed the Work

Don’t Stop at the Trailhead (#746)

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 15:00:00 GMT

He's back! Brad Cummings, one of the founders of The God Journey, is back during the coronavirus to catch-up with Wayne and then help him process a blog comment from someone who took offense at the recent podcast about "If You..." He felt we were trying to mix law and grace simply because were were talking about some of the conditional statements Jesus used. It turns out both Brad and Wayne have been a bit confused by those who want to claim "the finished work of Christ" as an excuse not to actually follow Jesus through that grace into a transformed life. It's kind of like finding the trailhead, but then not following the trail to the fullness of his life.

Podcast Notes:
Previous Podcast on If You...
Latest from Kenya - We Have Completed the Work

Embracing His Glory #2 (#745)

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 15:00:00 GMT

This is our continuing Tuesday series where Wayne explores the process of transformation of moving us from "glory to glory" from the book of John how that early believer saw Jesus doing that in his own life and how he wanted us to be part of it as well. This series will continue on Tuesday mornings for the next dozen weeks or so, Lord willing. This week we talk about what is God's glory? How do we think about it, and how did Jesus seem to think about it when he asked the Father to give us his glory?

Podcast Notes:
Hie Is Not Hiding from You - the January podcast that inspired this series
Latest from Kenya - We Have Completed the Work

After-Show III: Sharing Our Journeys (#744)

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 14:00:00 GMT

Last Sunday a number of folks from The God Journey audience gathered for an open dialogue After-Show on Zoom. You can watch the video version here, or you can listen in via audio. We covered a potpourri of themes from previous podcasts including the prayer, "What is it about your love I don't understand, that if I did I would trust you here", God's care for his kids regardless of the outcome, following him is simpler than we believe, and some thoughts on the racial awakening around the world.

Podcast Notes:
Video version of the After-Show
Latest from Kenya - We Have Completed the Work

Embracing His Grace #1 (#743)

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 15:00:00 GMT

This week, Wayne begins Embracing His Grace, a new Tuesday morning series with Wayne sharing how God lets us experience his glory in our and then how we reflect it to the world around us. Paul wrote that, "...Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit." Wayne has been freshly exploring from the book of John how that early believer saw Jesus doing that in his own life and how he wanted us to be part of it as well. This series will continue on Tuesday mornings for the next dozen weeks or so, Lord willing.

Podcast Notes:
Hie Is Not Hiding from You - the January podcast that inspired this series
Latest from Kenya - We Have Completed the Work

Giving Up on Christianity (#742)

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 15:00:00 GMT

"I am no longer a Christian (and) a huge reason is the lack of support from Christians when it comes to racism." Arnita Taylor, coauthor of A Language of Healing for a Polarized Nation gets that disturbing message from a friend and wanted to discuss it with Wayne and Bob. They talk about the number of people who are no longer comfortable with the term "Christian" because of how it has come to be defined not as people who look like Christ living in the world, but those who hold to a political agenda that others think spreads the wrong message in the world. They also specifically talk about why the predominately white church has a difficult time talking about racism.

Podcast Notes:

If you'd like to participate in an open After-Show conversation this Sunday, June 7 at 10:00 am PDT, email Wayne for a link. We'll let the first 30 in the room and stream for the rest on the God Journey Facebook Page
A Language of Healing for a Polarized Nation
Previous Podcasts with Arnita Taylor
Email Arnita
Previous Podcasts with Bob Prater
Email Bob
The Latest from Kenya - We Have Completed the Work

If You… (#741)

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 14:00:00 GMT

If all you end up with are religious rules and human effort, you've missed the reality of the Gospel. Much truth in Scripture is set in conditional sentences. "If you abide in me..." "If you seek wisdom as gold..." Some people think these are in conflict with "unconditional love." What gives? Wayne and Kyle continue their conversation about Scripture by talking about how we handle handle the "If you..." of the Scriptures. God's love is never conditional, but our participation in his life is the result of us living in that love. This is not quid pro quo or God passing out blessings based on our performance. If you interpret these Scriptures with that religious veneer you will disfigure the character of God and distort the wonder of Scripture. The conditional statements of Scripture invite us into the process of transformation and allows us to reap its rewards.

Podcast Notes:
The Jesus Lens
Email Kyle
Past Podcasts with Kyle
The Latest from Kenya - We Have Completed the Work

The Best Tool In the Toolshed (#740)

Fri, 29 May 2020 15:00:00 GMT

The Holy Spirit is the best guide we have to draw us to God, and the best tool to help us in that process is the Bible. To separate those two can cause us fits on our God journey, and rob us of a valuable source of wisdom. Unfortunately, many people have discarded the Bible because of the religious tool it has become. Two podcasts with Courtney with a further discussion on an After-show, as well as Wayne's new Bible appreciation series for kids, The Jesus Story, has opened up lots of listener input and questions for Wayne about his view of Scripture. So, after processing a couple of painful incidences of racism in the news this week, Kyle helps Wayne sort through his view of Scripture in light of the emails he has received. They talk about verbal and plenary inspiration, "Sola Scriptura," and how interpreting the Bible as a treasure map can safeguard us from being trapped by interpretations that lead us to religious performance.

Podcast Notes:
Wayne's Blog on the Racist Climate in U.S. This Can't Keep Happening
The Jesus Story
The Jesus Lens
Email Kyle
Past Podcasts with Kyle
The Latest from Kenya - We Have Completed the Work

Finding Our Way to Us, Part 2 (#739)

Tue, 26 May 2020 15:00:00 GMT

This is Part 2 of a conversation that began last week as Sara and Wayne reflected on their forty-five year journey learning to love each other. They also respond to questions sent to them by six young couples about love, life, and marriage and what resulted was an honest reflection of a hard-won journey through the challenges of life, bad teachings on marriage, personal insecurities, and selfishness, into an adventure of learning to love another human being as deeply as life would allow. Day by day they continue to find their way to "us", how two people can find wholeheartedness in the decisions they make without either one become the victim of the other's choices.

Podcast Notes:
Part 1 of Finding Our Way to Us
Previous podcasts with Sara
Learning to Love More Deeply - the specific podcast mentioned about Sara's discovery
The Latest from Kenya - We Have Completed the Work

Finding Our Way to Us (#738)

Fri, 22 May 2020 14:35:15 GMT

On Sunday, Sara and Wayne celebrated their forty-fifth anniversary and take a moment to reflect on the journey and joy of watching let love prevail over all else. Before they recorded this, Wayne asked six young couples if they had questions about marriage they would like to ask Sara and him. The two of them take on most of the forty-some-odd questions sent in, and what they ended up with is an honest reflection of a hard-won journey through the challenges of life, bad teachings on marriage, personal insecurities, and selfishness, into an adventure of learning to love another human being as deeply as life would allow. Day by day they continue to find their way to "us", how two people can find wholeheartedness in the decisions they make without either one become the victim of the other's choices.

Podcast Notes:
Previous podcasts with Sara
Learning to Love More Deeply - the specific podcast mentioned in this one about Sara's discovery
The Latest from Kenya - We Have Completed the Work

After-Show: Scripture and Trust (#737)

Tue, 19 May 2020 15:00:00 GMT

On Sunday afternoon a few of us got together on The God Journey After-Show to follow-up my conversation last week with Courtney. We covered questions about how we interpret Scripture as a progressive revelation of God's nature and how we follow him if we can't find all the answers we need in the Scriptures. We had fourteen God Journey listeners in the conversation ranging from Europe to Canada and the U.S. A special thanks to all who participated. If you prefer, you can watch the video version on the God Journey Facebook Page.

Podcast Notes:
The Jesus Story
The Jesus Lens
The Latest from Kenya

Moral Code or Treasure Map? Part 2 (#736)

Fri, 15 May 2020 15:00:00 GMT

What began with a set of questions about specific Scriptures, turns out to be a marvelous exploration of trust that made the questions unimportant. Last week, Wayne had a conversation with Courtney, a single woman living in Texas who wanted to discuss how to interpret Scripture. This is Part 2 of that conversation. What began with a set of pressing questions about Scriptures, turns out to be a marvelous exploration of trust that made the questions less relevant. Last week, Wayne had a conversation with Courtney, a single woman living in Texas who wanted to discuss how to interpret Scripture. The conversation shifted from viewing the Bible as a moral code to embracing it as a treasure map pointing straight to Jesus. Join us to discover how to read and interpret the Scriptures inside a growing relationship of love and trust in God. This is part 2 of a conversation we aired on Tuesday. This Sunday Wayne will host another After-Show on Sunday, May 17, at 1:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time.

Podcast Notes:
Part 1 of Moral Code or Treasure Map?
Sign-up for the After-Show and let Wayne know what your interest is in this discussion.
If you just want to stream it live or watch it later, view it here.
The Jesus Story
The Jesus Lens
The Latest from Kenya

Moral Code or Treasure Map? Part 1 (#735)

Tue, 12 May 2020 15:00:00 GMT

What began with a set of pressing questions about Scriptures, turns out to be a marvelous exploration of trust that made the questions less relevant. Last week, Wayne had a conversation with Courtney, a single woman living in Texas who wanted to discuss how to interpret Scripture. In the course of their conversation, the focus shifted from the seeing the Bible as a moral code to consult, but as a treasure map pointing straight to Jesus. This was a fun conversation and Courtney consented not only to the recording, but also to sharing it with all of you. Join us to discover how to read and interpret the Scriptures inside a growing relationship of love and trust in God. This is part 1; part 2 will air on Friday and then Wayne will host another After-Show on Sunday, May 17, at 1:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time.

Podcast Notes:
Sign-up for the After-Show and let Wayne know what your interest is in this discussion.
If you just want to stream it live or watch it later, view it here.
The Jesus Story
The Jesus Lens
The Latest from Kenya

Living Fearlessly (#734)

Fri, 08 May 2020 15:00:00 GMT

"Is it possible to be fully fearless in the face of death?" One of our listeners sent that question in especially as it relates to the coronavirus and the growing death count in the news. Kyle joins Wayne to explore why we no longer need to fear death and how we can even look forward to crossing the portal that will lead us to the age beyond this one. This is only the waiting room for the real adventure for which we were created. In related stories they also talk about communion services in the pandemic, and what they expose about our view of "church" and "church leadership", as well as the nickname some are giving the virus—Boomer Remover.

Podcast Notes:
Language of Healing Live
Email Kyle
Past Podcasts with Kyle
Kyle's Podcast - Inspired Epic
The Latest from Kenya

The Dangers of Dogma (#733)

Tue, 05 May 2020 15:00:00 GMT

When you're convinced that your principles are right and every one else who disagrees with you is wrong, you've entered into the dangerous waters of destructive dogma. Whether it be in politics, religion, or science, dogma can blind you to other possibilities and make you manipulate people around you to think like you do. Vince Coakley, host of The Vince Coakley Show in Charlotte, NC, joins his friend Wayne to explore the content of an editorial he shared on his radio show the week before. The constant war between competing dogmas doesn't serve us or Jesus' kingdom well. Even our adherence to principles that are true can substitute for a relationship with he who is the truth. And when our dogma fails, will we thrust our head into the sand and with draw to its false comfort, or will we take the courage to sail beyond "our truth" to find out what really is true?

Podcast Notes:
The Vince Coakley Show
Audio link referred to on the podcast, has not been uploaded yet. We will include it here when it has been.
Email Vince
The Latest from Kenya

The Betrayer’s Journey (#732)

Fri, 01 May 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Our previous podcasts on betrayal caught Amy's ear since she had betrayed her husband by having an affair with a family friend. She didn't get caught but knew she had to come clean with her husband or be devoured from the inside. This is the third in our unplanned series on betrayal—this one from the betrayer's perspective. Amy shares with Wayne how she found redemption in her own life as well and the restoration of her marriage. A cancer survivor, and now the Director of Artistic Expression for Mosaics of Mercy, she shares God's ability to create beauty out of brokenness. Amy volunteered to tell her story to help others who are also being devoured by the hidden places in their heart. Amy and Tom also co-founded Made For More Ministries to share hope with individuals and families coping with cancer as well as life and marital struggles.

Podcast Notes:
Previous podcasts on betrayal: Beyond Betrayal and The Wounds of the Betrayer
Email Amy
Mosaics of Mercy
Made for Ministries
In His Grip, Amy's book about her victory through breast cancer
The Latest from Kenya

Going Down THAT Road (#731)

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 15:00:00 GMT

You know how it is... There's the way you normally go about life, and there's those moments when God invites you down another road that is often less familiar but full of some amazing surprises. Harvey and Monica Mast own Harvey's Market in Millersburg, Ohio and have found themselves in the middle of a pandemic explosion of generosity that's creating quite a buzz in northeast Ohio. Harvey joins Wayne on this special Tuesday podcast to share not only how God drew him into a growing friendship with God eight years ago out of a religious and abusive past, but also how he invited Harvey into helping create an outpost of generosity in the current pandemic. It's a story of grace, courage, and being willing to let God's purpose unfold, rather than having it figured out in advance.

Podcast Notes:
If you want to join in The Generosity Curve, you can help here.
Fox 8 News Report: The Generosity Curve Grows in Rural Community
Newspaper article on Harvey's Market: With Community Help, Millersburg Market Gives Away Thousands in Produce
Mike Rowe's Returning the Favor episode about an Indiana Farmer giving away his produce to feed the inner city
The Latest from Kenya

Weathering the Pandemic (#730)

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 15:00:00 GMT

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the realities of this pandemic, you are not alone. As our precautions against the pandemic move from days into months, how can we settle our hearts through this season and make the most of it? Wayne's daughter, Julie, joins him for this conversation about the challenges her family is facing and the toll this pandemic is taking on so many moms. In a tender conversation, they talk about finding the space to recover from the added stress, learning to partake of grace in daily bites, and how to help our children work through uncertainty in their own future and the loneliness of missing their friends and activities. This is a good time for spouses to have the conversation that ensures the workload is being spread evenly and each is watching out for the other's well-being with the unrelenting tasks they have to handle.

Podcast Notes:
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
The Jesus Story
Previous podcasts with Julie
If You Can Help Us in Kenya
For an invite to The God Journey After-Show
The Latest from Kenya

The God Journey After-Show #2

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Last Sunday, Wayne hosted a few folks from around the world in his wife's garden to talk further about Friday's podcast, Why Won't God Love Me? Joined by Sean, his guest on that episode, this was the second God Journey After-Show and you're welcome to listen in. We had about thirty-five God Journey listeners from across the globe join us on Zoom to talk about our own discoveries of learning to recognize God as he makes himself known to us. The audio isn't always great, but you can follow along. As we do future After-Shows we'll put out notification a couple of days in advance through the blog and through The God Journey Facebook page. You can subscribe to the first on the front page of TheGodJourney.com, and the other on Facebook if you want to get in on our next conversation.

Podcast Notes:
The Latest from Kenya

Why Won’t God Love Me? (#729)

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 15:00:00 GMT

What if you have searched for a practical expression of God's love for thirty years and have never felt like he's made an effort to reveal himself to you? That's Sean's dilemma and in a personal conversation with Wayne they try to sort out why that might be and how to recognize God as he makes himself known. This is a question Wayne gets often, so Sean has allowed an edited version of their conversation to be available to others who struggle with the same issue in this special one-hour version of The God Journey. (*Special Note: For those that want to discuss this further, Wayne will be hosting a God Journey After-Show at 1:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time on Sunday, April 19, 2020. If you'd like to be invited to this Zoom session send Wayne an email by clicking on the link below.)

Podcast Notes:
For an invite to The God Journey After-Show
The Latest from Kenya

The Wounds of the Betrayer (#728)

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 15:00:00 GMT

What's worse, the wounds of a person who has been betrayed, or the wounds the betrayer suffers himself? An email Wayne received after their last podcast invites Kyle and Wayne down a different fork in the road—considering what the betrayer himself goes through. It's one thing for the betrayed to move forward, and quite another for the one who did the betraying. How do they find a way back to reconciliation, healing, the grace to be restored again in the work Father wants to do through their lives?

Podcast Notes:
Email Kyle
Past Podcasts with Kyle
Kyle's Podcast - Inspired Epic
The Latest from Kenya

Beyond Betrayal (#727)

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Betrayal is a central theme in Scripture from Adam and Abraham to Joseph, David, Isaiah, and even Jesus! Perhaps that's because it is so familiar in the brokenness of a fallen world. On a recent trip Wayne ran in a number of conversations about betrayal and talks about that with Kyle Rice of Wyoming who is going through a fresh betrayal of his own. Why do some people value a friendship beyond some momentary gain? How do you not grow bitter when someone cheats you, especially if God doesn't immediately right the injustice you suffer at someone else's hand? And most importantly, how do we move on through those open doors God provides so we don't become the victim and instead continue on our journey with him despite what others have done to us.

Podcast Notes:
Email Kyle
Past Podcasts with Kyle
Kyle's Podcast - Inspired Epic
The Latest from Kenya

The GJ After-show on the Pandemic

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Last Sunday The God Journey hosted its first ever After-Show on Zoom for those that wanted to talk about the recent episode, The Pandemic and Psalm 91. About twenty people joined in from across the world—including Europe, the U.S. and New Zealand. Our hope was to offer some open-ended conversation and see where it led us. This was an experiment. We're likely to do more in the future, either after an episode we think people would like to discuss more fully. Of course, we could do that with just about every show. We may also to it at times just to see what people are thinking about. We'll always put out notification through the blog and through The God Journey Facebook page. You can subscribe to the one on the front page of TheGodJourney.com, and the other on Facebook if you want to get in on our next conversation. And if you have ideas for a topic for a lot of us to discuss together, you can comment below or write me.

When Congregations Can’t Meet (#727)

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Will the identity of the church be diminished if it can't gather on Sunday mornings for the next few months? Some seem to think so, concluding that government closures of religious meetings make the statement that the church is not essential in our culture. How will all that come together this weekend on Easter Sunday, what some consider to be the most important service of the year? Kyle and Wayne look at some of the wacky theology being espoused by those who think that Sunday gatherings for Christians are a "religious requirement." What does it reveal about our understanding of the church and its place in the world?

Podcast Notes:
To Cancel or Not to Cancel - A statement by Christianity Today and the National Association of Evangelicals
Thousand Oaks Pastor Serves Communion
Kyle's New Podcast - Inspired Epic
Email Kyle
Past Podcasts with Kyle
The Latest from Kenya

The Pandemic and Psalm 91 (#726)

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Psalm 91 is the most searched Psalm on the web right now. It's an amazing Psalm promising God's protection from pestilence and all harm, if we take refuge in him. Many think that these words apply to all believers in all events but is that a fair interpretation of this passage in light of all of Scripture? Bob Prater, one of Wayne's coauthors on A Language Language of Healing for a Polarized Nation, joins way for a consideration of Psalm 91 in the midst of this pandemic, and how can we best see Scriptures like this. Is this a promise we can claim with enough faith, or is thinking it is a false hope that will fail us when tragedy overruns our lives? Trusting him no matter what is far better than trusting the outcome we want.

Podcast Notes:
Previous Podcasts with Bob
Video of Bono and Eugene Peterson discussion the Psalms
Email Bob
If You Can Help Us in Kenya

A Sudden Change in Plans (#726)

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 15:00:00 GMT

The pandemic of 2020 is definitely changing lives. Some of us are making decisions we never thought we'd have to make, at least this soon, and enduring hardships that we hoped to avoid. Former American Airlines pilot, Jeff Andrechyn, who has been with us twice before, shares a harrowing experience he had over the past weekend weekend and how Father used that with he and his wife to change course in this season. When circumstances change, sometimes our plans need to change with them. Wayne and Jeff discuss God's leading in the midst of storms, learning to live beneath our means, trusting Father's provision as we follow his voice, and finding the space in our daily routine to lean into his view of things instead of the fear fed to us by so many others.

Podcast Notes:
The Scripture Story Facebook Page
If You Can Help Us in Kenya

So, You Want to Teach (#725)

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 15:00:00 GMT

After Julie and Wayne recorded a podcast a month ago, Wayne asked his daughter a question and her answer surprised him. Mulling on it over the past month, he's had to face his own past and whether teaching and writing really spring from a gift in his life or his own vocational ambition. Since our religious systems view teaching as a chosen profession, those who want to do it prepare at a young age and try to ply their gift on others even if they don't find it helpful. That can be helpful in passing on academic information, but what about spiritual formation? What if we saw teaching differently, resulting from a quality of life and an ability to help others see more clearly, rather than vying for a place on a stage, where our motives can be confused. It's easy to play the publishing/speaker/podcaster game and miss what it really means to help God's light and life shine into the world, especially when you look for personal validation in the size of your audience.

Podcast Notes:
Lawnmower Parents
Hilarious podcast
Email Julie
Previous podcasts with Julie
If You Can Help Us in Kenya

The Scripture Story (#Extra)

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 18:21:03 GMT

Wayne and Julie offer a special announcement at a new on-line class Wayne will be offering about The Story of Scripture. Originally designed as a brief course for his grandkids during the pandemic, they also decided to make it available to other interested families. This class will explore the story that runs through all of Scripture and how it connects us with the Living Jesus as he makes himself known in each of our hearts today. It is an adaptation of the material Wayne taught in The Jesus Lens, which is available at Lifestream and takes the view that Scripture is a progressive revelation of who God is and how we can engage him and his unfolding purpose in the world. This class will start at 11:00 am Pacific Daylight Time Thursday, March 26 and continue on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for 13 sessions. For those who can't join us live, the videos will be available after for you to share with your kids when it's convenient for you. If you're interested in further details, please join The Scripture Story Facebook Page below.

Podcast Notes:
The Scripture Story Facebook Page
The Jesus Lens at Lifestream.org

Everything Changed Overnight (#724)

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Finally, our entire nation began to take the threat of the coronavirus seriously last week. Sports seasons were cancelled, congregations could no longer meet, entertainment venues closed, and in some cities people were told to "shelter in place", all in hopes flattening the curve of the virus' spread so that the medical needs would not overwhelm our care providers. Kyle Rice joins Wayne Jacobsen as they contemplate the effect this will have on culture as a whole and congregations as they will no longer be able to meet for a season. These are unprecedented times and the future is uncertain. Now, more than ever our trust needs to run deeply into God's ability to care for us no matter what happens around us.

Podcast Notes:
Email Kyle
Past Podcasts with Kyle
The Latest from Kenya

Where Else Will They Learn to Struggle? (#722)

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 15:00:00 GMT

The coronavirus and Wayne's return from Oklahoma start off this podcast, until the get to a new term being thrown around—lawnmower parents. These parents are way more aggressive than the "helicopter" parents you may have heard of and, they will go to whatever lengths necessary to prevent their child from facing any adversity, struggle, or failure. Is that a good thing. What happens to adults who have never learned as children to face adversity or anxiety head-on and overcome it? Wayne's daughter, Julie, joins him for this fascinating romp through the latest fad in parenting as they consider the question of whether it is loving to let your children face a struggle you could prevent. The implications of this go way beyond parenting to how we view God. If we think our struggles are proof that God doesn't love us or care about us, we'll be sorely disillusioned as we navigate our way through a broken world.

Podcast Notes:
Lawnmower Parents
Email Julie
Previous podcasts with Julie
If You Can Help Us in Kenya

The Loneliest Generation (#721)

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Current research is demonstrating that young people between thirteen and twenty-five are the loneliest generation of Americans—perhaps ever! Nearly 40% of them report that at times they have no one to talk to, and regular attendance at a religious gathering has no affect on these numbers whatsoever. Our favorite researcher, Josh Packard of the Springtide Research Institute joins Wayne for this podcast about the great need among youth to connect with a caring adult to help them sort out meaning and belonging in our world. The fields are truly ripe unto harvest. Josh is also the author of Church Refugees published in 2015, and the author of a new report, Belonging: Reconnecting America's Loneliest Generation. How can caring adults come alongside these lonely and isolated people and give them the belonging and care they crave?

Podcast Notes:
Email Josh
Springtide Research Institute
Past Podcasts with Josh
Wayne's Travel Schedule
The Latest from Kenya

What If I Am Worthless? (#720)

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 15:00:00 GMT

What does your internal conversation look like in those quiet moments you think you are speaking only to you? Kyle Rice joins Wayne for this look at self-talk because he's been talking to a lot of young people who tell themselves every day how worthless they are. And, they believe it. Our self-talk can give voice to the enemy's lies and spiral us into darkness, or it can reflect the Father's delight and draw us back into the light. How do Kyle and Wayne deal with self-talk, and how can we use it to call our soul to a higher plane and become settled in the Father's desires for us?

Podcast Notes:
How To Stop Polarization Virus from Spreading - Wayne's Interview in The Oklahoman
Email Kyle
Past Podcasts with Kyle
Wayne's Travel Schedule
The Latest from Kenya

As the Move of God Unravels… (#719)

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Whether it's a local fellowship or a worldwide movement, when something God does in the earth has been co-opted by people who seek to control it through leadership, or market it for financial gain, his life in it slowly dissipates. Then what? Wayne and Richard Hanes, of Richmond Va, continue the conversation they started last week about when a move of God does into decline. The steps are always similar between those who are still hungry for God's moving and those who want to control and perpetuate it by human effort. If you've ever left a group of people you loved deeply, you'll recognize this process and what one has to do to keep hunger alive.

Podcast Notes:
Last Week's Podcast with Richard Hanes
Wayne's Travel Schedule
Five Common Elements - an article by Richard Hanes
The Latest from Kenya

When a Move of God Fades (#718)

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:00:00 GMT

"Every move of God is born in cave and dies in a cathedral." One of the most perplexing realities of church life over the last 2000 years is to watch as God begins to move on the hearts of his people and watch how quickly that is taken captive to would-be leaders, who would prefer to come up with curricula, policies, or programs that distract people from the purity and simplicity of following the Lamb wherever he leads. During his stay in Richmond, Wayne took some time to sit down with Richard Hanes, a dear friend who has had an interesting vantage point to watch how God moves and how men turn his work into movements that eventually squeeze out the life of Jesus.

Podcast Notes:
Wayne's Travel Schedule
Five Common Elements - an article by Richard Hanes
The Latest from Kenya

A Beloved Child of a Gracious Father (#717)

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 15:00:00 GMT

What defines your identity? Do you see yourself through your talents or vocation, your sexual orientation or some role you play in society, or by your brokenness or your worst moments? Kyle Rice once again joins Wayne for a conversations about the relentless quest for identity and how it may be an echo of the Fall. Is our desire for validation, or our competitions to think ourselves the best at something trying to cover up for the glory we abandoned when we made our own desires more important than what's true? Being the beloved child of a gracious Father navigating through a broken world is all the identity we need to live fruitfully in the world. Kyle and Wayne also talk about the value of having caring relationships with brothers and sisters further in the journey to help us come to rest in God's reality.

Podcast Notes:
Email Kyle
Past Podcasts with Kyle
The Latest from Kenya

Religious Shame and Sexual Identity (#716)

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 15:00:00 GMT

"Can you imagine the shame, guilt, and fear a gay person would have in the Christian environment when these kinds of things are said?" That's the question posed to Wayne and Tracy after their recent podcast on The Precious Gift of Sex by the father of a gay daughter. What do people do who feel they do not fit into God's plan for sexuality? Wayne and Tracy sort through his thoughts and how hard it is to converse about something when what Scripture invites us to consider is different from what we might want to be true. They talk about religious shame and its inability to invite people to freedom, and that's God desires for us are not to squash our freedom but to learn what is best for us.

Podcast Notes:
Previous podcasts with Tracy
Tracy's book, unashamed: candid conversations about dating, love, nakedness, and faith
If You Can Help Us in Kenya

Through Someone Else’s Eyes (#715)

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 15:00:00 GMT

How would it change our conversations and perceptions if we could see our circumstances through someone else's eyes? Our default for processing life is incredibly self-centric— thinking our way of looking at things is the only way to look at things. Arnita Taylor, one of Wayne's coauthors for A Language of Healing for a Polarized Nation once again joins Wayne for a conversation about the gift of being able to look at life and circumstances through the eyes of another person and getting a sense of what they are seeing and feeling. If we can play with that possibility, how much would it make us more compassionate and change the world we live in.

Podcast Notes:
1619 Project
Just Mercy
Harriet
A Language of Healing
Previous Podcasts with Arnita
Email Arnita
If You Can Help Us in Kenya

Relax! It’s a Process (#714)

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 15:00:00 GMT

When you get the idea that the life of Jesus is a product you're supposed to achieve rather than a process to embrace with him, you will lose sight of him and get lost in the futility of your own efforts. Wayne's daughter, Julie, joins him for this podcast as they continue to explore Paul David Tripps book on Parenting. What they talk about today goes far beyond parenting and underlines the mistake that so many passionate Christians make, hoping that transformation is an event, not an ongoing conversation with God through the mundane situations and relationships in our lives. If we can relax into that process, our journey will become much more fruitful.

Podcast Notes:
Email Julie
Previous podcasts with Julie
Parenting Resources: Parenting by Paul David Tripp and Loving Our Kids on Purpose by Danny Silk
If You Can Help Us in Kenya

What Living Loved Transforms (#713)

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 15:00:00 GMT

As we become more alive in the love of God, what changes in our outlook and the way we treat people? There's a list circulating the Internet out of the 12-step movement called the "12 Symptoms of a Spiritual Awakening." As 2020 begins, Kyle Rice of Blue Sheep Media joins Wayne for a look at the list and how many of these things they have seen grow in their own exploration of God's love. These tendencies shift, not by an intentional choice to act differently, but simply as his love untangles our fears and preoccupations and allows us to live more preoccupied with spiritual realities than our own physical comfort.

Podcast Notes:
12 Characteristics of Spiritual Awakening
2019 RSS Feed
Previous Podcasts with Kyle
If You Can Help Us in Kenya

He Is Not Hiding From You

Fri, 03 Jan 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Welcome to 2020! As Season 16 begins, Wayne takes a few moments to share a bit from his journey and what the podcast might look like in the year ahead. The observations he shares are specifically for those who feel like God hides too well from them and they wish he would make himself more plain to them. Taking Jesus' words from the upper room discourse in John, we discover that he wants to make himself plain, which is why he's opened a door of love for us because without it we cannot see how he is making himself known to us.

Podcast Notes:
If You Can Help Us in Kenya