Love God First

In this three-episode conversation, Pastor Craig Kessel and I explore the essential themes of marriage preparation, the qualities of a good spouse, and the importance of community in relationships. We share personal experiences and insights on how to evaluate potential partners objectively, emphasizing the need for consistent character, shared faith, and emotional health. The discussion also highlights the significance of seeking wise counsel and being aware of deal-breakers in relationships, providing valuable advice for those preparing for marriage or seeking to improve their current relationships. If you are thinking of getting married, or if you are engaged or married, the next three episodes are for you!

In this third episode that explores the account of Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24, we turn from pondering their account to pulling out the truths to apply to our own lives. There are many principles we can practice about preparing for marriage and finding a spouse as we consider the way Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah and the servant walk through the process. Join us as we discuss the DOs and DON'Ts of dating and courting in the quest to find that special someone who will be your lifetime partner. And if you are already married, please listen because there is something for you in this episode too! keywords love story, marriage, Isaac, Rebecca, Abraham, faith, prayer, character, guidance, biblical narrative Rebecca, Isaac, marriage, character, relationships, love, respect, personal growth, matchmaking, biblical stories

In this second of a three-part episode, we finish talking about the moving story of Isaac and Rebekah. The narrative unfolds through the journey of Abraham's servant, who seeks a wife for Isaac. We'll see how God guides and provides, culminating in the servant's gratitude and Rebecca's willingness to embrace her destiny. keywords love story, marriage, Isaac, Rebecca, Abraham, faith, prayer, character, guidance, biblical narrative Rebecca, Isaac, marriage, character, relationships, love, respect, personal growth, matchmaking, biblical stories

In this part one episode of a three-parter, we explore the story of Isaac and Rebecca, emphasizing the significance of the marriage decision and the qualities that make a suitable partner. The narrative unfolds through the journey of Abraham's servant, who seeks a wife for Isaac, highlighting themes of faith, prayer, and character. For those who are in the time of life where you are considering marriage and who to marry, or for those who know someone who is, the next several episodes are for you! keywords love story, marriage, Isaac, Rebecca, Abraham, faith, prayer, character, guidance, biblical narrative Rebecca, Isaac, marriage, character, relationships, love, respect, personal growth, matchmaking, biblical stories

In this part two of two episodes about grief, we discuss more of the practical aspects of helping others through grief and how to grieve through loss for ourselves too. If we live long enough, all of us will suffer loss. Knowing how to cope and how to lean on the strength and love of Jesus and His people will help the process greatly!

In this first of two episodes, we reflect on the life and death of Sarah, exploring the theme of grief and how it impacts our lives. We discuss the importance of understanding grief and the lessons we can learn from Abraham and Isaac. If you are currently walking through grief, know someone who is grieving right now or want to learn about grief for when it inevitably hits you in the future, this episode is for you! Keywords: grief, loss, comfort, Abraham, Sarah, support, healing, faith, mourning, hope

This is our last episode talking about covenant, and Dr. RoseAnne Coleman does a thorough job wrapping up the topic! She ends with a sweet prayer for us all.

In this part two of a three-episode series on covenant, Dr. Roseanne Coleman shares insights on the elements of an ancient covenant ceremony. She explains how the account of Abraham being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac at God's command relates to covenant, and she explains the profound implications of that one act. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing God's intentional love and provision in our lives, encouraging listeners to look for the evidence of God's covenant promises and faithfulness, especially in the most difficult circumstances.

In this week's conversation, Dr. RoseAnne Coleman shares her insights on the concept of covenant in the Bible, drawing from her experiences as a chaplain and Bible teacher. The discussion explores the nature of covenants, their significance in modern life, and the profound implications of Abraham's faith and obedience, particularly in the context of his willingness to sacrifice Isaac. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, the conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding God's promises and character. We discuss Abraham's faith and the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus, emphasizing that God chooses imperfect people to demonstrate His love and faithfulness. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing God's intentional love and provision in our lives, encouraging listeners to look for the evidence of God's covenant promises and faithfulness in their own lives.

In our time together today, we explore the profound themes of love and sacrifice through the biblical account of Abraham and Isaac. I emphasize the depth of God's love for humanity illustrated by Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac. As we apply the truths we see to ourselves personally, we are encouraged to think about our own lives in light of God's unwavering love and to respond by reflecting on and receiving God's love for each of us personally. Keywords God's love, Abraham, Isaac, sacrifice, faith, foreshadowing, Jesus, Old Testament, love, honesty

In this part one of two episodes, we discuss the love God has for us by looking at the account of God testing Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac. We emphasize the depth of God's love for each of us as we ponder how Abraham felt on the way to Mt. Moriah with Isaac. The account draws remarkable parallels to the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made by dying for humanity's sins.

In this part two episode on telling the truth, we explore the significance of truthfulness and integrity for personal and spiritual growth. I discusses the consequences of lying, the importance of honesty in building relationships, and the responsibilities that is earned from being truthful. The conversation emphasizes the need for private integrity, practical steps to maintain honesty, and the importance of confession and commitment to being a person of our word. Keywords truth, honesty, integrity, relationships, spiritual growth, trust, responsibility, confession, commitment

In the first of a two-part episode, we explore the profound importance of truth and integrity in our lives. We discuss the importance of being someone who others consider reliable and truthful and the consequences of lying. Using the story of Abraham and Abimelech in Genesis 21 as a springboard, we look at how untrue words and actions will impact our relationships and spiritual growth. Keywords truth, integrity, honesty, character, relationships, promises, faith, spiritual growth, trust, biblical teachings

Last week we walked through the biblical account of Hagar and Ishmael wandering around in the wilderness after Abraham sends them away. This week we are looking at the lessons in parenting we can learn from Hagar, especially for the single parent. This part two episode starts directly with the application and answers the question: Is there hope for the children of a single parent to have an abundant life? And will God actually care for children who are raised by a single parent?

In this episode of Love God First, we delve into the complexities of family dynamics, particularly focusing on the story of Hagar and Ishmael from the Bible. I share a little about growing up in a divorced family and the challenges faced by single parents. Through the account of Hagar's experience, we emphasize the hope and redemption that God offers and the extra grace and care God gives to those in single parent situations. This episode explains the biblical account from Genesis 21, and then next week we will discuss the application and lessons from Hagar's example. Please make sure to listen to both episodes to get the full picture!

In this part-two episode, we again focus on the habitual struggle Abraham had in his life as depicted in Genesis. We discuss recurring patterns of sin, the impact of fear on decision-making, and the importance of integrity when dealing with our weakness. We talk about some practical elements to get victory over those places where we feel stuck and the importance of being patient while God works and heals our hearts.

In this part-one episode, we focus on a habitual struggle Abraham had in his life as depicted in Genesis. We discuss recurring patterns of sin, the impact of fear on decision-making, and the importance of integrity when dealing with our weakness. The conversation emphasizes the distinction between practicing sin and stumbling, highlighting the grace God gives that allows for growth and healing.

We are going back to another "Best of Love God First" episode. This particular show resonated with many listeners since we are all getting older and want to live our best life for Christ while we are here. Enjoy another listen!

We are going back to the beginning in this Best of Love God First podcast. Who gets to hold the standard for how to measure goodness? Is it the job of each person to determine what goodness is for themselves? Or is there a higher law for goodness? Let's ponder these questions together and see what Genesis has to say about it!

In this second episode of a two-parter, we continue to explore the character of God, particularly focusing on His justice and righteousness as demonstrated in the account of Sodom and Gomorrah. Here are the main points we covered last week: By the end of the episode we will hopefully answer the question of what is most important to the Lord when dealing with humanity. Keywords God's character, Sodom and Gomorrah, justice, righteousness, judgment, faith, repentance, biblical teachings, love, society