Prepare for Life

In a world filled with endless needs and demands, figuring out how to make a meaningful impact can often feel daunting. However, as we journey through Tabitha's narrative, we'll uncover a valuable lesson about leveraging what we have to make a difference.Tabitha is remembered for her acts of kindness and charity and the tunics she sewed for those in need. Her life illustrates that our contributions, regardless of their size, can significantly influence others. Whether it's through sewing like Tabitha or writing uplifting notes like my dear friend, each one of us possesses unique gifts we can use to serve and elevate those around us.

"Paul, The Hidden Years" delves into the lesser-known period of Apostle Paul's life, following his profound conversion on the road to Damascus. Despite his extensive knowledge of Jewish scriptures, fluency in Greek, Roman citizenship, and brilliant intellect, God decided that Paul was not yet ready to embark on his mission to spread the Gospel. Instead, Paul underwent a transformative 14-year journey marked by solitude, learning, and trials. From his spiritual 'bootcamp' in Arabia to his dramatic escape from Damascus, from his cold reception in Jerusalem to his return home to Tarsus, these years were instrumental in molding Paul's character and deepening his relationship with God. This formative period, often overlooked in traditional narratives, is crucial in understanding Paul's subsequent impact as one of Christianity's most influential figures.

This podcast encourages believers to tune their spiritual ears to hear God's voice, offering insights into practices that nurture an intimate connection with Christ. Join us as we unlock the mysteries of prophecy and divine guidance in our modern faith journey.

Whether you're new to the faith or a seasoned believer, "The Beautiful Feet of Philip" promises to enrich your understanding of evangelism, inspire you with Philip's unwavering faith, and challenge you to step out in your own journey of sharing the Gospel. Tune in, and let's follow in the footsteps of Philip together!

Peter's story teaches us that we need to lean on God, not ourselves. It reminds us of the importance of saying sorry, accepting forgiveness, and embracing the restoration that comes from it. And it shows us that amazing transformation can happen when we let the Holy Spirit into our lives. Isn't that just something to shout about?

Luke, a devoted follower of Paul and a physician by profession played a critical role in the early church despite never meeting Jesus during his earthly life. His enduring legacy lies in his significant contribution to the New Testament, where he penned the longest of the four Gospels and the book of Acts. Through meticulous research and thorough verification of facts, Luke provided us with an accurate and sequential account of Jesus' life, the resurrection, and the birth and growth of the church. Go Deeper into the life of Luke at our website. www.prepareforlifebiblestudy.com/luke

The final culmination of the seven feasts set up by God some 3500 years ago is the Feast of Tabernacles. The Hebrew word for tabernacle, booth or hut is Sukkot. It is also called the Feast of Ingathering since it marks the harvest of the fall crops. This year this feast will be celebrated from the evening of October 9th to the evening of October 16th.

The Day of Atonement, also called Yom Kippur, is perhaps the highest holiest day of the year on the Jewish calendar. The protocols for the day were set up by God some 3500 years ago in Leviticus 16. The day was to be a solemn Sabbath day of fasting. It was a call to repentance and cleansing from sin committed in the past year. Atonement means reconciliation. Yom means day in Hebrew and Kippur comes from the root word that means cover. Listen and learn more.

I want to focus on the first of the fall feasts, Rosh Hashanah which literally means head of the year. It is also called the Feast of Trumpets and is always celebrated in the fall in September/October. This is the only feast celebrated on a new moon, which obviously we cannot see, so this feast is shrouded in mystery.In ancient times two witnesses who independently saw the outline of the new moon reported this separately to the Sanhedrin. Once the new moon was confirmed the Sanhedrin officially announced the beginning of Rosh Hashanah. Runners were sent out to light bonfires on hilltops. With this signal the word went out to the world that Rosh Hashanah had begun. The feast was celebrated over two days so that those who lagged behind learning of that Rosh Hashanah had begun would not miss the feast. It came to be called the Hidden Day, the Day of Concealment or One Long Day.

I admit it. I feel sorry for the Feast of the Unleavened Bread. This feast doesn’t get much individual attention even though it is one of the seven feasts established by God some 3500 years ago. In the books I have read on the feasts, it rarely gets the mention I believe it deserves. Even in the Bible, the Feast of Unleavened Bread only receives short references and these are often coupled with the Feast of Passover. I want to give the Feast of Unleavened Bread some much deserved time and focus.

I hate to admit it, but I had been a Christian for years before I realized that the Jewish celebration of Passover had anything to do with my celebration of Easter. I also didn’t know that the service our church called “Holy Communion” was rooted in the Passover dinner. The intertwining of my Christian faith and this Jewish feast had totally escaped me.

The Tabernacle is a beautiful object lesson of God’s love and mercy to His people, and His protection. God gave Moses the actual pattern for this forerunner to the Temple some 1500 years before Jesus walked the earth. It is a picture of God’s desire to meet and commune with man. But there is something very dangerous lurking there.

The beauty of the Tabernacle was not in the outer structure, but in its purpose. This purpose was that God would meet with man and commune with him. This is God’s highest purpose for man, this is what you were created for. In the words of the Spirit and the bride in Revelation 22:17, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come." And let the one who is thirsty come, let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.” Come!

Have you ever felt forsaken by everyone including God? Do you know the sense of utter abandonment? Hopelessness? Do you think there is anyone who can understand how you feel? Is there a way back to finding God’s presence in your life?

The cry of our hearts is to be fully known and deeply loved. God created us this way. He built into us the capacity for relationship, first with Himself and also with others. His desire was that He would come to us and walk in the cool of the day. This was not meant to be a superficial relationship where we pretend to be someone we are not. (In fact He saw straight through when Adam and Eve tried to cover up their failings.) He knows us through and through. He knows our struggles and doubts. He knows our triumphs, compromises and defeats. In the words of Psalm 139, He is thoroughly aquatinted with all our ways. And He loves us.We were created for intimacy. I looked this word up in my 100 year old Webster’s Dictionary. (Many of our definitions have been dumbed down over the years.) Intimacy means relating to one another on the deepest level. Honest. Authentic. Real. God created us to be in relationships that encompass the whole person. We long to be understood, accepted and loved at our very core. If we are loved but not known we are terrified because what will happen when we are found out? To be known and not loved can bring shame and chilling rejection. But to be fully known and deeply loved brings profound acceptance and satisfaction. This is what we were created for. In the words of Tim Keller in his book, The Meaning of Marriage, “It (being known and loved) is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.”I cannot think of another place in the Bible that so eloquently explains how fully God knows us than Psalm 139. He has searched us out. He knows the pattern of our daily lives, when we lie down and get up. He understands our very thoughts from afar. He even knows what we are going to say before we say it. We move in Him, His hand is upon us. There is nowhere we can go to elude His presence. He knit us together and formed us in our mothers’ wombs. He ordained our days before we even lived one of them. His thoughts toward us are precious and innumerable. In the words of David, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me.”But there is more, not only does God know us, He loves us. Being fully known as explained in Psalm 139 means we are laid open, we become vulnerable to rejection, censure and judgment. There is risk in every authentic relationship. We could be mocked and betrayed by the One who knows all our secrets. But we are safe because of the majestic character of God. He is trustworthy. When we turn in our hearts to God, He looks upon us with compassion and love. He extends mercy to us. His love is profound. He has demonstrated His great love for us by giving us the very life force of His most precious Son. Jesus shed His blood for us so that we might have life. God values us that much.Relationships are a two way proposition. God didn’t create us for this relationship and then force us into it. We are not robots programmed so that we must automatically choose and obey Him, this would not lead to a satisfying relationship, it would lead to serfdom. He gave us the ability to freely choose whether we want to be in relationship with Him or not. He respects our free wills. He will not force us to love Him. We have to decide.God knows us fully and loves us deeply. We are safe in His unfathomable love. Our privilege is to respond to this love by saying yes to the intimate, satisfying relationship He offers. Choose Him this day, and keep on choosing Him.Dear Heavenly Father,Thank You that You know me even better than I know myself. And thank You that You love me in spite of myself. Help me to comprehend your incomprehensible love and to respond by saying yes to You.In Jesus’ name,Amen

In the words of Psalm 91, He will guard and rescue you. He will protect and defend you. You will be safe, and when you come to the end of your days, He will take you safely home.

Be gracious to me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness;According to the greatness of Thy compassion blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51:1

Today is the ultimate day of victory! Join us for the final week of the Bonhoeffer Lenten Series as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is more than a moment in history—it’s the unstoppable power of God bringing life where there was once only darkness. The resurrection is personal, alive, and overflowing with hope that cannot be shaken.Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life beautifully echoes this truth. His call to live boldly, free from fear, reminds us that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work within us. This week, we’ll reflect on the incredible freedom and hope that Jesus’ victory gives us and consider how we can carry the light of Easter into every corner of our lives.Death has been defeated. Hope reigns eternal. Christ is risen! Join us in celebrating this life-changing truth. Christ is risen indeed!

Experience a bold, courageous hope that’s anchored in God’s eternal promises. Unshakable Hope is here to inspire your faith and help you trust God every step of the way, even when life feels uncertain. Discover what it means to act in faith, find renewed strength, and live with firm hope, no matter the challenges. Trust Him. Be renewed. Live anchored in unshakable hope.

Life’s hardships can feel overwhelming, can’t they? But what if our suffering isn’t meaningless? This week’s episode dives deep into the beauty and challenge of following Jesus, even when it hurts. Drawing wisdom from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship and the truth of 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, we’ll explore how God uses our trials to draw us closer to Him and prepare us for an eternal glory far greater than anything we can imagine.Together, we’ll reflect on how to fix our eyes on God’s unseen promises and learn to trust that He’s working, even in our pain. This is for anyone looking for hope in the midst of heartache. We’ll wrap up with a peaceful Lectio Divina, offering space to connect God’s Word to your own story. Join us as we lean into God’s will and discover His purpose in our struggles.

Have you ever felt too busy for prayer? Have your plans and worries taken over, leaving little room for God? Join Kathy Phillips in this week’s Prepare for Life Bible Study episode as we explore the Secret Prayer theme.Inspired by Bonhoeffer’s powerful words, “We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God,” we’ll reflect on what it means to stop rushing and invite God into our everyday moments. Through Philippians 4:6-7, we’ll discover how bringing our cares to Him in prayer opens the door to His peace—that sweet, unexplainable calm that guards our hearts and minds.This episode is an invitation to pause when life feels overwhelming. Whisper a prayer. Create space for God to step in. And be ready to experience the blessings when you surrender to His loving interruptions.Take a deep breath, friend. God’s peace is closer than you think.

This week in our Lenten series, we reflect on the theme of "Community" with our episode titled Living in Harmony. Drawing inspiration from Bonhoeffer’s Life Together, we’re reminded that Christian community is a God-given gift, not something we create or measure by our standards. And from Letters and Papers from Prison, we explore the profound call for the church to exist for others.Together, we’ll meditate on Romans 12:4-5, where Paul paints a beautiful image of the church as one body with many members, each belonging to one another. Community is not just about gathering; it’s about active love, sacrifice, and putting others before ourselves.Join us for thoughtful reflections, practical encouragement, and a Lectio Divina practice led by Kathy to deepen your connection with God and those around you. This week, take a step toward strengthening this sacred bond of fellowship.

What does it mean to truly follow Jesus? This episode dives into the heart of discipleship—surrender. We reflect on Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s challenging words, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die,” and explore how this call invites us to lay down what holds us back and trust Him fully.Join us for powerful insights from our Lenten series, a guided Lectio Divina meditation on Matthew 16:24-25, and thoughtful reflections that will inspire you to take up your cross and walk closer with Christ. Whether it’s letting go of control, fear, or pride, discover the freedom and purpose found in a life rooted in Him.

Join us for a heartfelt and inspiring Ash Wednesday message from Kathy Phillips recorded at The Story Church. Kathy’s powerful words mark the beginning of the Lenten season, inviting us into a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. Her message encourages a deeper connection to faith as we prepare our hearts for this sacred journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to reflect, reset, and renew your spirit.

Begin your Lenten journey with Return to the Cross, our Ash Wednesday episode. Together, we reflect on the themes of repentance and renewal, setting the tone for the sacred season ahead. Inspired by the profound writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this episode offers thoughtful insights to guide your spiritual walk. Stay with us until the end for a peaceful guided Lectio Divina practice, helping you connect deeply with the message and prepare your heart for the coming weeks. Let's walk this path of faith together.

Open your heart & mind to John 10:3-4, where Jesus, our Good Shepherd, tenderly calls us by name and leads us forward in His unfailing love. Take a moment to quiet your soul and listen for His voice—a voice steady and true, a voice that fills us with peace, direction, and purpose.We follow not out of obligation or fear but because we recognize the sweet assurance of His presence. Whether you’re searching for guidance, yearning for comfort, or simply longing to feel God's nearness, this is your chance to pause and lean into His love.

Join us for a meaningful Lectio Divina session centered on the comforting words of John 16:33: “…In me, you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good courage. I have overcome the world.” This practice of Lectio Divina, or “divine reading,” invites you to slow down and deeply engage with God’s Word through four steps—reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation.Together, we’ll reflect on Jesus’ profound promise of peace and courage in the face of life’s challenges. Whether you’re new to Lectio Divina or have practiced it before, this session is designed to meet you where you are. By meditating on this scripture, we will create space to experience God’s presence, find strength in His assurance, and discover how Jesus’ victory can transform our perspective in the everyday.Come with an open heart and leave with renewed peace and spiritual encouragement. All are welcome on this sacred and reflective journey.

Have you ever felt far from God, like you’re walking through life searching for something but not quite sure where to find it? Jeremiah 29:13 offers a beautiful and life-changing promise: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” These words remind us that God is never out of reach even in moments of confusion or loneliness. The key to finding Him lies in the posture of our hearts—coming before Him with sincerity, vulnerability, and a genuine desire to connect.Seeking God with all your heart isn’t about having perfect faith or following a set checklist. It’s about making Him the focus of your pursuits, even when life feels messy or chaotic. Maybe it looks like spending quiet moments in prayer, opening your Bible when you don’t know where else to turn, or simply whispering, “God, I need You.” When we take even small steps toward Him with authenticity, He meets us right where we are. This verse reminds us that God isn’t hiding—He’s waiting, eager to reveal His presence to those who wholeheartedly seek Him.Take a moment today to reflect on this promise. What does seeking God with all your heart look like in your life right now? Are there distractions you need to set aside to align your focus more fully on Him? Trust that as you lean into this promise, you will discover the peace, direction, and love that only God can provide. He is closer than you think, and His desire is for you to find Him.

Take a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and create space for God's presence in your heart. Today, we are drawn to the timeless words of Psalm 51: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with your free spirit." These verses are more than a plea—they are an invitation for transformation, a call to step into the gentle yet powerful work of grace in your life.Listen as Kathy leads you through the passage, letting the words linger in your heart. Notice which phrases or words speak to you the most. Reflect on the psalmist's longing for transformation and consider your own need for spiritual renewal. Where in your life are you seeking a clean heart? How can God's steadfast spirit strengthen and restore you in moments of weakness? Is it there a longing for a clean heart, the need for inner strength, or the joy of salvation?Reflect on this scripture, and like a gardener who cares for soil, look within. Where are you yearning for renewal? What parts of your life feel like they need God's touch? Ask yourself, “What is God whispering to me through these words?”Move into prayer. Be honest and tender in your conversation with God. Hold nothing back. Bring Him your fears, your burdens, your hopes, and trust Him to do what only He can—restore, refresh, and renew.Finally, spend time in stillness. No words, no striving—just rest in the awareness of His presence. Imagine His Spirit filling you with strength and joy, gently reshaping your heart into something new.Through this meditative practice, may you feel God’s hand guiding you toward a steadfast spirit, His love lifting you to a place of deeper peace and joy. You are in His care, always growing, always held—and always being prepared for the fullness of life He wants for you.

Join us as we explore Luke 19:28-40, which captures the moment of Jesus's triumphant yet humble entry into Jerusalem. This journey challenges us to shift our perspective from what we expect Jesus to be to embracing the path He has chosen for us. It's a reminder that His way may not align with our desires or expectations, but it is always exactly what we need. Together, let's commit to following in Jesus's footsteps—prioritizing service over our significance and drawing strength from His example of humility.

Psalm 1 paints a picture of a life flourished, comparing the righteous to a tree planted by streams of water, fruitful in every season, whose leaf does not wither. It is an elegant metaphor for the stability, prosperity, and enduring vitality that comes from delighting in and meditating on the law of the Lord.In these six verses, we are called to reflect on our own paths, to consider the sources from which we draw our strength and nourishment, and to contemplate the profound impact of our choices on our spiritual wellbeing. Psalm 1:1-6 doesn't just describe a way of living; it invites us into a deeply personal examination of what it means to be truly blessed - not by the world’s standards, but by the rich, unwavering love of God.

This devotional meditation invites you to immerse yourself in Psalm 98 scripture's rich tapestry, celebrating the Lord's magnificent deeds and reign of righteousness. Join us as we sing a new song to the Lord, acknowledging the marvelous things He has done.

Join us as we reflect on the steadfast love of God, who hears our cries and comes to our aid. Through this meditation, we discover how these verses invite us into a deeper trust in God's mercy and joyful participation in the worshiping community. Experience the power of God's promises and the comfort of knowing that in our darkest moments, we are never alone—our compassionate Creator is always listening.

Welcome to week four of our Celebrate and Contemplate series, where we explore the liturgical Easter season together through the Psalms. I'm excited to guide you along "The Shepherd's Path." Picture us navigating the rich tapestry of Scripture, hearts wide open, as we uncover the deep, soulful assurances found in Psalm 23. Consider it a spiritual journey where each step uncovers more of the profound love God, our ultimate Shepherd, has for us, His cherished flock.

Welcome to the Prepare for Life Celebrate & Contemplate Series, aligning with the liturgical Easter season. This week, we are focusing on the tranquil depths and insightful wisdom of Psalm 4. It's our prayer that you find comfort and understanding within its verses as we engage in our exploration titled "Finding Peace: A Beacon of Light in the Darkness." Consider this meditation your invitation to a moment of reflection and spiritual renewal.

Welcome to a new series, "Celebrate and Contemplate: Readings & Prayers for the Liturgical Easter". Today, we're immersing ourselves in the beauty and depth of Psalm 133, a song of ascents that celebrates the power and joy found in unity, especially relevant as we gather in spirit and truth during this Easter season.

HE IS RISEN: Embrace the Transformative Hope of EasterAs we celebrate today, let us fully embrace the joy and certainty that come from declaring, "He is risen!" May this Easter be a time of rejuvenation for our spirits as we rejoice in the transformative hope of Jesus’s resurrection. Let our hearts be filled with joy, our gatherings warm with love, and our lives enriched by the enduring hope that Easter embodies.

"Good Friday: The Heart of Forgiveness" is a powerful episode that dives deep into the essence of Good Friday, exploring the monumental act of love and forgiveness displayed by Jesus Christ on the cross. This pivotal moment in history not only exemplifies the depth of God's love but also lays the foundation for the Gospel's core message: forgiveness. Through engaging discussions, we unpack the significance of forgiving others as a reflection of Christ's forgiveness towards us, even in the face of betrayal and suffering. This episode challenges listeners to embrace forgiveness in their own lives, highlighting its crucial role in our spiritual journey and relationship with God. Join us on "Good Friday: The Heart of Forgiveness" for an inspiring exploration of how forgiveness can transform hearts and renew spirits.

On this Maundy Thursday, let us remember that our journey of faith is not one of earning God's love through acts of righteousness but of receiving His unmerited favor with open hands and a grateful heart. Let us kneel at the feet of Jesus, allowing Him to wash us clean to serve us in His love so that we might rise and do likewise for the world around us.In the quiet reflections of this Holy Week, may we hear His gentle whisper, beckoning us to lay down our crowns at the foot of the cross, to embrace the beauty of humility, and to walk in the fullness of His grace and truth. For in His service, we find true freedom, and in His sacrifice, we discover the depth of love unfathomable.

As Jesus approached His most challenging moment—the path to the cross—He confronted the shame and bore the unbearable, carrying the weight of humanity's sins. Nonetheless, a profound joy ahead inspired His steps: the joy of liberating the bound, ensuring our redemption, and, most importantly, celebrating victory with His Father. We encourage you to join us in contemplating the strength of persistent love and the assurance of joy that overcomes sorrow.

In this enlightening episode, we delve into one of the most profound events in the New Testament: The Transfiguration of Jesus. As described in Matthew 17:1-9, we witness an extraordinary moment where Jesus reveals His divine glory to Peter, James, and John atop a high mountain. This event not only emphasizes the majesty of Christ but also offers us incredible insights into the nature of God's glory and how it transforms us.

Today's podcast delves into the heartwarming Parable of the Prodigal Son, exploring themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the boundless love of our heavenly Father. Set against the backdrop of Lent, underscoring the compassion and patience of a Father who eagerly awaits the return of those who have wandered off. We unravel the profound truths in this parable—free will's role in our spiritual journey, the pivotal moment of coming to our senses, and the joyous reconciliation that follows true repentance. Whether you've strayed far or need a reminder of God's unfailing love, "Rediscovering God's Unfailing Love" invites you on a transformative journey back into the arms of the Father, who celebrates every soul reclaimed from the shadows. Join us as we explore the essence of being lost and found and the endless grace awaiting all who turn back home.

In the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 Jesus describes life in His coming kingdom juxtaposed against life in this present world. Jesus gives us practical application for how to put His word into our lives. He encourages us to get our lives cleaned up and whole heartedly live in a way that pleases God in everything we do. In short He urges us to live for the age to come. 

In this week's devotional, we are exploring the powerful model of Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness, as depicted in Matthew 4:4-11. Join us as we delve into the temptations faced by Jesus, his steadfast faith, and how we can apply these lessons to our own lives. Let's learn together to submit to God, resist the devil, and draw nearer to God during this Lenten season.

It is very appropriate that this year, Ash Wednesday falls on February 14, the day we celebrate Valentine's Day. Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love. Lent is a time to reflect upon the ultimate love of God, who sent His son to die for us so that we could be reconciled to enter into a relationship with Him. The dual significance of Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday underscores the greatest love the world has ever known. As you participate in the daily devotions, may your heart be drawn closer to the essence of divine love and the call to live out his love in our broken world.

As we enter the year 2024, I want to share with you the words that have been placed on my heart. The first word is "steadfast" - a reminder to stay firmly fixed, constant, and resolute in our pursuit of following the Lord. The second word is "shield" - a symbol of God's protection, covering us from danger and securing us from harm.In this new year, my prayer for each and every one of you is to have a steady and steadfast spirit. May you be firmly fixed on following the Lord, walking with constancy and resolution. Just like the wise man who built his house on the rock, let us listen to the words of Jesus, heed them, and allow them to shape our lives. By doing so, we will stand strong amidst the storms of life and remain unshaken.I also want to remind you that the Lord is our shield. He surrounds us and defends us, covering us from the assaults of the enemy. Psalm 3 says that He is our glory and the lifter of our heads. So, as we embark on this new year, let us trust in His protection. May He surround us from all sides, shielding us as we walk closely with Him.Wishing you a blessed and victorious 2024!

May you have a wonderful 2023 as you carry the lessons learned from my sink cabinet into your new year. 

We all tend to look ahead and worry about the what if’s of our future. We can get obsessed and debilitated churning with anxiety as we anticipate what could happen. Into these dark thoughts shines a shaft of pure light. God promises His presence and His grace when we need it. The reality of these promises calms our soul and counters our fears with His perfect peace, a peace that passes understanding. No matter what the future holds, God will be there. His grace is sufficient.

The book of Psalms is the book of praise! It is a handbook that shows us how to view life through the lens of praise. In the Psalms we praise God not just from our heads but from our hearts. Even the psalms that describe difficult, trying experiences usually finish with a resounding chorus of praise to God. As we meditate upon the book of Psalms we will begin to make praise the default position of our hearts.

Psalm 1 opens with this exclamation, “Happy, happy, happy is the one!….” In this psalm the Holy Spirit describes how to be happy. It introduces our culture sheet. God sets forth the conditions of our heart that need to be met in order for us to thrive, to bloom wherever we are planted. He gives us the key to happiness. Remember God is not mean. He is not withholding something good from us. He is simply telling us how it is, setting forth the parameters for our happiness. Learn more in the Podcast.