Podcasts

What Are You Looking For?

Published on: by Joe Galloway Comment

In John 1:38,  Jesus turned and asked His followers, “What are you looking for?” 

What are you looking for? What is it that you truly seek? For many it is to be happy. Happiness often means having the material comforts of life while not having to worry about money. Does this resonate with you? Me, too.

How do we get this happiness we seek? Advertisers – The world  – tell us that to be happy we need to have more things, the newest and best versions of the latest stuff that we can buy. The thing is, this requires that we spend money – probably a bit more money than we have. This in turn causes our credit card balances to increase which results in stress in our lives, not happiness. 

There are better, more beautiful things in life than spending money on a new golf club or an upgrade to your cell phone. Instead, seek God’s kingdom first (Mt. 6:33). Put Him first in every area of your life, including in your finances. Give to God first before any other spending and see if then you don’t begin to realize the sense of peace and happiness you truly seek.

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We Saw His Star

Published on: by Joe Galloway Comment

Matthew 2:2  “We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”

The Magi were studious and expectant. They were on the look-out for a sign. And when they saw what they thought was the correct sign – the star – they left everything in its pursuit. They set out in faith to follow that star wherever it led. What a great example for us.

Are we as expectant and hopeful in searching for the signs of God in our lives? Do you see the King’s star in the street person, the pregnant teenager struggling to choose life, in the just-released inmate? Do you look for Jesus’s star in the least of our brothers and sisters, and then strive to grow closer to Jesus, doing whatever is necessary to serve their needs?

Let your New Year’s resolution be to see His star in the needs of the poor, to be like the Wise Men and do whatever it takes to pursue after their needs. Seek Jesus by stepping out in faith to give courageously of your time, talents, and treasure. Give in support of those who serve the poor.

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Why Did God Come as a Baby?

Published on: by Joe Galloway Comment

Babies: Weak. Helpless. Vulnerable. And yes – cute!

The celebration of Jesus’ birth at Christmas invites us to ask “Why?” Why did God come to us as a baby? He could have come in grandeur, splendor, and power! But, He chose to come in the most feeble and fragile form. Why?

Why indeed! Think about what babies do to you. They disrupt your schedule. They demand attention to their needs.Your time is no longer your own. They also disrupt your bank account. Their needs cost money. You must now spend on diapers and formula and onesies. That’s not as much fun as spending on dinner at a restaurant and a movie. 

Even so, think about how babies affect you. When a baby is presented to you, you sweep him up in your arms, like Simeon did with Jesus when Mary and Joseph brought Him to the temple (Luke 2:22-32). His smile melts you. His coos weaken your knees. He’s so cute and cuddly. You are transformed, making silly babbling sounds. You can’t help yourself. You can’t help but – to love. 

That is why God came as a baby. We can’t help but love Him. Let Him disrupt your schedule. Spend time with Him in prayer and praise. Let Him disrupt your bank account. Give to build His kingdom by serving those in need. Can you be like Mary and Joseph and let Jesus disrupt your life? 

What a gift God gives us in Jesus. Give like God gives. Give because INYM.

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Tis the Season

Published on: by Joe Galloway Comment

Every ministry I’ve ever given to sends me emails and snail mail at this time of year to encourage me to give even more. After all, Christmas tis the season for giving. And this giving season begins in Advent, right on the heels of “Giving Tuesday” just a couple of weeks ago.

I can’t help but sometimes feel irritated. But, when I step back and think about the needs these ministries address and the good they do for our communities, my irritation wanes. I begin a mild chastisement of myself and own up to just how blessed I am.

How Blessed are You?!

What about you? Take a moment and think about how blessed you are. When I ask seminar attendees to share their blessings I hear the answers you’d expect: family, job, home, health. Yes, of course. Add to these the astounding truth of God’s unconditional love for us, His lavish mercy and forgiveness – wow! And more, the incredible fact of Jesus suffering and dying on the cross so that by our faith in Him, we can have eternal life with God in heaven – oh my goodness. It is overwhelming. This amazing truth invites a response.

Think about the gifts you give to your loved ones. How do they compare to gifts given to acquaintances and business associates? Where does God rank on this list? Does your giving accurately reflect how much you love God?

In this season of Advent, we joyfully await the gift of Jesus coming into our lives. Let us give back like God gives. As disciples, we should strive to be like Him (Mt 10:25). Whenever we give, we are being like Him. When we give, we experience a unique closeness to God, our Father that only comes to us as we are generous. Like all parents, God wants to see His children being kind and generous and loving. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9: 7).

May we give in proportion to our blessings, and in proportion to our income. It is in doing that that we help ministries overcome their increased inflationary costs. And giving to them makes us a part of their mission. Helping them helps us make an impact and gives purpose to our lives.

Blessings to you this Advent season. It is in giving, in acts of love and generosity that we best prepare the way of the Lord. May we all open our hearts and give this Advent and always.

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Luke 12:43 – Good Stewards Share Resources

Published on: by Joe Galloway

As good stewards, we know we are to share our resources with others out of love and justice. We are to be vigilant servants about works of mercy –  providing food, clothing, and shelter to those in need; visiting the sick and imprisoned. At Luke 12:43, Jesus calls you “blessed” if He finds you doing so when He returns.

Don’t be complacent because you think the Master is long delayed. Look for the needs that are within your reach and act.

Give and reveal God’s presence.

Give because INYM.

 

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