Balanced Believer

A Deeper Look at why Jonah was Swallowed by the Fish? -Jonah Plays Judge- We have all heard the story of Jonah running away from God and getting swallowed by the big fish. But why was Jonah really running— why did God allow him to be swallowed up? Jonah was called to preach the Gospel to people he deemed as too evil to be saved… Jonah is picture of our culture.. some of us will miss out on salvation bc we are too busy playing judge. Many are called, few are chosen. Many call themselves Christians—but there’s no true turning away from their old life. We all know our own heart. I know I do, and man, do I need grace daily. I can’t go an hour without falling short. Without murdering others with my words, heart, or deeds. The GOOD NEWS is that as evil as the Ninevites were, they were spared. Moses, Saul, David, and Rahab were spared. The difference is that in some, there was true permanent change and in others there was not. That mercy we feel others don’t deserve is the same mercy and grace we receive freely. Who are you in this story? The Ninevites? Saul? Paul? Jonah? A bit later we look at the King of Manasseh and how he is a perfect example of this message. THANK GOD, Jesus is merciful and FULL OF Grace.

In a follow up chat about Sundays message from Pastor @jonathan.laurie In Luke Ch 8:18, Jesus says, “Take heed how you listen.” That’s deeper than just paying attention. It’s also about the posture and preparation of our hearts when we come to His Word. How we prepare and how we listen affects what we keep. Sometimes we grab our phones before we even say, “Thank you Jesus for the gift of life.” But Jesus warns that how we listen affects what we keep. The one who has will be given more, but the one who doesn’t take heed may even lose what little they have. So I challenge you: approach your time with God differently. Prepare your heart. Put the phone down in the mornings. Get in the Word before anything else. He is the air you breathe — so give Him the first fruits of your day, even your first breath and first moments when you wake up. “In the morning, when I rise… give me Jesus.”

Jesus was arguably the busiest person to walk to earth— but you never saw Him anxious, restless, or purposeless. With all the noise around Him, all the tasks He needed to accomplish— He was never shaken or distracted from His purpose. How did He do it? He sought and received clear direction. 📖In Mark 1:21-39, we can see exactly how Jesus dealt with the distractions and the busyness of life. 🎙️Balanced Believer Ep. 2: “How Jesus Deals with Busyness & Anxiety” hon Youtube, Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Podbean (The Balanced Believer — banlanceddx). #dailydevotional #bible #busy #jesus #anxiety

Do you believe God loves you?  This podcasts covers:  1. The world’s view of God/Hypocrisy in the church. 2. How to talk to God. 3. What’s Biblical Love? 4. Do YOU love God?/How to take an inventory of the heart. 5. Being honest about unbelief.   6. What about all the rules in the Bible?  7. The Greatest Command: Love. Worship & Praise  🎵Jireh by Elevation Worship  🎵Talking to Jesus by Elevation & Maverick City  🎵Goodness of God by Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson 🎵O Come to the Altar by Elevation Worship  🎵God of All My Days by Casting Crowns  🎵Highs and Lows by Abbie Gamboa & Aodhan King

Do you believe God loves you? This podcasts covers: 1. The world’s view of God/Hypocrisy in the church. 2. How to talk to God. 3. What’s Biblical Love? 4. Do YOU love God?/How to take an inventory of the heart. 5. Being honest about unbelief. 6. What about all the rules in the Bible? 7. The Greatest Command: Love. Worship & Praise 🎵Jireh by Elevation Worship 🎵Talking to Jesus by Elevation & Maverick City 🎵Goodness of God by Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson 🎵O Come to the Altar by Elevation Worship 🎵God of All My Days by Casting Crowns 🎵Highs and Lows by Abbie Gamboa & Aodhan King