Harmony in Chaos: Advent Stories of Peace

The Daily Battle: Living Beyond the Self Life

Denying the Self Life: Walking by the Spirit, Not the Flesh Lori and Joe discuss recent events—Joe attending Momentum, a staff training for True North camp leaders, and Lori receiving allergy test results showing she's allergic to many things except her dog—which leads into a conversation about the "self life." They explore how attention can easily shift from worshiping God to focusing on self, using examples like looking for oneself first in group photos, the cultural rise of the selfie, and even identifying with suffering as "my cross." The episode contrasts self-preservation with self-gratification, warns that chasing "happy" based on circumstances creates fear and enslavement, and emphasizes choosing to walk in the Spirit rather than the flesh. They reference Luke 9:23, Romans 8:12–13, Galatians 5:16–17, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3, and Romans 7:14–20, and connect their points to the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15), including the older brother's self-focused resentment. They conclude that surrendering the self life is a daily practice that leads to greater joy and freedom in Jesus. 0:00 Welcome & Catching Up: Momentum Staff Training Recap 01:05 Allergy Test Surprise: 'Allergic to Texas' (and Anxiety vs. Reality) 02:33 From Test Results to Theology: New Creation vs. Same Flesh 03:13 Spotting the Self-Life: The 'Group Photo' Test & Selfie Culture 05:17 Jesus' Call to Deny Self: Luke 9:23 and 'Taking Up the Cross Daily' 06:44 Self-Gratification & Self-Protection: Itches, Identity, and Hidden Motives 08:46 Little Compromises Add Up: Where Fulfillment Crosses the Line 09:47 Choosing Spirit Over Flesh: Feelings, Instincts, and God's Design 12:40 Key Scriptures for the Battle: Romans 8 & Galatians 5 (and a Toddler's Wisdom) 14:38 Self-Preservation vs. Self-Gratification: The House Example 16:06 Chasing Happy vs. True Joy: Trusting God's Provision 19:25 Breaking the Cycle: Surrender Daily & The Prodigal Son Picture 22:18 Living for God's Glory: Joy, Freedom, and the 'Traitor Within' 23:43 Paul's Honest Struggle: Romans 7 and the Ongoing Fight 25:19 Final Encouragement & Subscribe: Turning from Self to Find Joy in Christ

Under God's Wings: Lessons from Corrie Ten Boom's Story

In this episode of 'My Mornings with Jesus and Joe,' Lori and Joe delve into the profound story of Corrie Ten Boom and her family's role in the Dutch resistance during WWII. They discuss the limitations of physical hiding places and emphasize the unrivaled refuge found in God's presence. They recount the hardships faced by Corrie and her sister Betsie in concentration camps and how their unwavering faith provided true safety. The episode highlights Psalm 73:28 and offers practical steps to make God our refuge through acknowledgment, prayer, turning to Him for help, and intentional time spent in His presence. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:10 The Watchmaker's Daughter: A Story of Refuge 03:03 Corey Tin Boom's Faith and Trials 06:03 The True Meaning of Refuge in God 08:22 Steps to Make God Your Refuge 13:07 Staying Close to God 19:14 Conclusion and Encouragement

New Year, New Hope: Scanning the Horizon with Jesus and Joe

New Year, New Hope: Scanning the Horizon with Jesus and JoeLori and Joe reflect on the passage of time, the blessings of Christmas, and the anticipation of a new year. They discuss their avoidance of New Year's resolutions and instead focus on biblical readiness for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Sharing a humorous family memory, they draw parallels to how we should live in constant expectation of Jesus's return. They delve into theological insights about the rapture and the second coming, encouraging viewers to be actively engaged in their faith. Lori and Joe urge listeners to let go of worldly attachments, resolve any spiritual hindrances, and share the gospel boldly. They conclude by emphasizing the excitement of the promise of 'all things made new' in Revelation 21:5, encouraging viewers to begin 2026 with a hopeful and anticipatory mindset. 00:00 Welcome to 2026! 00:38 Reflecting on Christmas and New Year 03:03 The Importance of Actively Waiting for the Second Coming 04:18 Understanding the Rapture and the Second Coming 07:11 Encouragement for Actively Sharing the Gospel 09:56 Overcoming Hesitations and Embracing the Second Coming 20:09 The Promise of All Things Made New 22:29 Wishing You a Blessed New Year

Harmony in Chaos: Advent Stories of Peace

In this episode of 'Mornings with Jesus and Joe', Lori and Joe discuss their month aimed at rest and restoration, which turned unexpectedly busy due to various life challenges. They recount stories of deep struggles, grief, and unexpected events, including a family accident and the hardships faced by friends and loved ones. The discussion navigates through the themes of brokenness, forgiveness, and the humanity in everyone. They delve into historical examples of peace during wartime, such as the Christmas truces in World War I and the American Civil War, highlighting the temporary reprieve and fellowship among enemies. They reflect on the deeper spiritual implications of these events and discuss the Advent narrative and its connection to the Christmas message of hope and restoration. Finally, they share a poem-prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson as a closing reflection. 00:00 Introduction and Monthly Update 00:35 Unexpected Challenges and Reflections 03:35 Stories of Christmas Truces 04:06 The Story Behind 'Oh Holy Night' 05:37 Civil War Christmas Truce 12:31 World War I Christmas Truce 13:45 The Power of Jesus in Times of War 17:23 The Story Behind 'I Heard The Bells' 20:26 Advent Reflection: A Great Light 22:53 Closing Thoughts and Christmas Wishes

Stronger Together: Resisting the Enemy in Marriage and Family

In this episode of 'My Mornings with Jesus and Joe,' Lori and Joe discuss the spiritual warfare against families and how the enemy targets relationships, children, and marriages. They emphasize the importance of understanding that the real adversary is not each other but spiritual forces. They share biblical insights on the significance of family to God and how Satan aims to destroy these sacred units. Lori and Joe offer encouragement to stand firm, seek forgiveness, and support one another in spiritual battles, especially during the holidays. They remind listeners that healing and redemption are always possible through Jesus Christ and stress the importance of prioritizing family as the primary mission field. 00:00 Introduction and Thanksgiving Recap 01:00 The Importance of Family 02:05 Biblical Foundations of Family 03:30 The Enemy's Attack on Families 04:32 The Struggle from the Beginning 07:22 The Enemy's Target: Children 13:43 Attacks on Marriage 15:40 The Battle Against Pornography 18:15 Financial and Extended Family Stress 18:45 Standing Together in Spiritual Warfare 26:17 The Greatest Gift: Commitment to Family 27:39 Conclusion and Encouragement