Oct 12, 2021
Today we are doing something a little different in order to raise an Ebenezer because of what God has done over the last 100 episodes. One of my dearest friends and I sat down at her kitchen table and just… talked. As someone who has walked with me through all of the life that’s happened since we began the podcast, April McKinney was the perfect person to talk about where we’ve been and where we’re going.
We talk about things like the effect of covid on us personally, the world, our communities, the Church, and what that has taught us, and I answer some questions friends and listeners have sent in, and man, they did not hold back! All of the stories we’ve encountered on the podcast have revealed in some measure how the stories of those around us can inform our compassion, broaden our perspective, and give us a more intentional glimpse into God’s vision of His upside down Kingdom if we let them.
Our longing for resolution, the need for perseverance, and living in a season where we are all desperately seeking hope has postured us to either give into the fight or flight that wrecks our struggle for control or it helps us see how much we need to surrender to the One that holds all things together. The digging deeper into our faith, into the Word, seeking repentance, holding on to a teachable spirit, and learning more about who God is so we can trust Him more is hard, holy, and necessary work.
Thank you for all the time you’ve spent with me over the last 3 seasons and all the episodes that have led us here, friend. I’m excited about what’s coming next and where God is leading, and how He’s growing me as well. If there’s an episode you’ve really liked or maybe learned something from the guest, I’d love to hear about it! Feel free to send me a message any time, or share about it through a review! I’m grateful for all of these stories and I want you to know you matter, friend. Your story matters.
References:
-my Dad on the podcast episode 12
-Ashley Abercrombie - episode 2 and episode 96
The last time April was on the podcast episode 49
“Is He Worthy” - Andrew Peterson
“No One’s Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus” -
“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
Dorena Williamson - Episodes 10 and 11
Dr. Michael Heiser - Episode 41
Todd Nettleton- VOM Radio- Episode 71
Marian Jordan Ellis - Episode 100
Kayla Craig aka Liturgies for Parents (episode coming soon!) - her amazing new book “To Light Their Way”
Jennifer Greenberg (abuse survivor)- Episode 4
20,000 Words with April McKinney
“Colorfull” by Dorena Williamson
Dr. Chris Williamson- Episode 64
Lindsey Krinks- Episode 87 / IGTV Discussion
Sarah and Beth of Pantsuit Politics- Episode 6
“Every story whispers His name” - Jesus Storybook Bible - Sally Lloyd Jones
Scripture References:
Hebrews 4:12- The Bible is alive and active
Philippians 4:8- Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is lovely
Romans 5:3-5-Perseverance that produces hope
John 11- Jesus wept outside of Lazarus’ tomb
Hebrews 4:15- High Priest who can sympathize
Matthew 27:46- Jesus feeling Fatherless on the cross
Matthew 12:22-32, Luke 11:14-23, Mark 11:27-12:17, John 8:1-11 (just to name a few)- Jesus knows what it looks like for people to struggle with religious leaders
Mark 12:13-17- Jesus knows what it looks like for people to struggle with the government (also, GREAT article here)
John 3:1-9, Matthew 11, Mark 4:35-41 , Mark 10:17-27, Jesus knows what it looks like for people to question everything
Matthew 8, Matthew 9:36, Matthew 9:20-22,Mark 5:25-34,Luke 8:43-48 -Jesus knows what it looks like for people to long for resolution to their pain
Isaiah 53- Jesus wasn’t the type of Messiah people were looking for
1 Samuel 2:2 (to start, and then here’s a whole list!) God is holy
2 Corinthians 5:21- There is no sin in God (great article here)
Psalm 34:18 - God is close to the brokenhearted
Genesis 35, 1 Samuel 7:12, Joshua 4- Ebenezer examples
Joel 2:25-32, Isaiah 30:18-26, Romans 8:18-24- God’s longing to restore
Matthew 11:28-30 / 1 Peter 5:7- God cares about what hurts us
Romans 12:15- Mourn with those who mourn
Revelation 21:4- Heaven is the place that does not have pain
John 2:23-25- Jesus doesn’t reveal who He is bc He knew their hearts
Luke 2:21-38- Simeon coming to the Temple (not when he was born but when he came to be circumcised- sorry!)
Deuteronomy 18:11 / Numbers 18:21- The Levites were not given land, their inheritance was serving the Lord. Their provision came from the offerings of the people
Exodus 16- The manna that each family receives is unique
Matthew 25:14-30- The Parable of the Talents
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*Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com