Living In Love

Living In Love

Hey there, and welcome! In this episode of The Christ Quarter, I want to invite you to take just a quarter of an hour out of your busy day to sit with me, find some quiet, and rest in the presence of God. We are diving deep into John 15:4–17—looking at both the classic King James Version and the New International Version—to unpack what Jesus really meant when He told us to "abide" in Him like branches on a vine. I’ll be sharing a very personal story with you about a chaotic day when everything shifted the moment I stopped trying to force things on my own and finally turned to aligned prayer. If you’ve been feeling a little tired, frustrated, or out of sync lately, I truly believe God has a word for you in this episode about how to soften your heart, view others through a lens of love, and experience a deeper, longer-lasting joy. Grab your headphones, lean in, and let’s spend some time growing closer to Him together. === John 15:4-17 - King James Version 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. === You Are The Guru by Gabrielle Bernstein [https://a.co/d/0eBz6fnE] === This podcast is a sister podcast to The Christ Quarter podcast [https://christquarter.buzzsprout.com]: https://christquarter.buzzsprout.com Please join my team in spreading The Word around the whole world by donating via CashApp at $TheChristQuarter [https://cash.app/account/pay-and-request].  Thank you!

Love Each Other

The Basin and the Betrayer A towel, a basin, and a room full of men who still don't get it. John 13 gives us one of the most confronting pictures of Jesus in all of Scripture, as the King of heaven intentionally chooses the lowest role in the house. In this episode, we read through John 13:1–15 and 34–35 (KJV and NIV) and slow down long enough to feel the weight of this moment: Jesus knows the cross is imminent, he knows Judas is about to betray him, and he still kneels to serve. Inside the episode, we unpack: The Gritty Reality of Foot Washing: Why this wasn't a sweet, symbolic ritual in the first century, but a filthy, demeaning job reserved for the lowest-ranking servants. The Death of Status: How this cultural context shatters our modern focus on pride, image, and status. If the Lord and Teacher stoops this low, where does that leave our excuses? Peter’s Mistake & Daily Cleansing: What Peter’s dramatic reaction teaches us about salvation versus ongoing spiritual cleansing. We talk honestly about bringing our "dirty feet" to God in daily confession rather than hiding behind a religious mask. If you are looking for a short, Scripture-rich Christian podcast episode on servant leadership, true biblical humility, and what "loving one another" actually looks like, press play. Hit Subscribe so you never miss an episode, share this with a friend who needs encouragement in their faith journey, and leave a review telling us one practical way you plan to love in action this week! === John 13:1-15, 34 & 35  -  King James Version 13 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. 2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; 3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. 6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. 11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. 12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. === Matthew 26:39  -  King James Version 39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. === This podcast is a sister podcast to The Christ Quarter podcast [https://christquarter.buzzsprout.com]: https://christquarter.buzzsprout.com Please join my team in spreading The Word around the whole world by donating via CashApp at $TheChristQuarter [https://cash.app/account/pay-and-request].  Thank you!

Love in Action

You’ve heard the Good Samaritan story before, but have you really heard it? We spend a focused quarter-hour in Luke 10:25–37 and let Jesus press on the question we all try to escape: who counts as my neighbor, and what does love require when it costs me something? We read the passage, then walk through the people on the Jericho road: the wounded man, the priest, the Levite, the Samaritan, and the innkeeper. Along the way, we talk about compassion, mercy, and why “good” religious instincts can still end up on the far side of the road. The Samaritan’s care is practical and detailed.  Bandaging wounds using oil and wine, providing a ride, paying for recovery, and promising to cover the rest. That’s real love, love your neighbor as yourself expressed through action. Then we explore a deeper gospel thread: the wounded traveler is a picture of our helplessness, the limits of law and self-justification, and Jesus as the one who comes close, heals, carries, and pays the price. If the parable is not only a moral lesson but also a window into salvation, it changes why we serve and how we see the people we’re tempted to ignore. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review if it helps you. After you listen, let me know - what’s a “other side of the road” moment you want to change this week? === Luke 10:25-37  -  King James Version 25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. 28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. 29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. 36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. === 2 Kings 17:24  -  King James Version 24 And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof. === Deuteronomy 6:5  -  King James Version 5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. === Leviticus 19:18  -  King James Version 18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord. === This podcast is a sister podcast to The Christ Quarter podcast [https://christquarter.buzzsprout.com]: https://christquarter.buzzsprout.com Please join my team in spreading The Word around the whole world by donating via CashApp at $TheChristQuarter [https://cash.app/account/pay-and-request].  Thank you!

Radical Love

Loving your enemies sounds simple until someone actually wounds you. We open Luke 6:27–36 and sit with Jesus’ plain commands: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you, and lend without expecting anything back. That’s not a personality test or a vague spiritual ideal. It’s a concrete picture of Christian discipleship that runs against every instinct for payback, self-protection, and keeping score. We read the passage in both the King James Version and the NIV, then slow down to ask the honest questions: Why does this teaching feel impossible? What does it mean that Jesus is speaking first to His disciples, people who have already chosen to follow Him? And how do we move from “I know what I should do” to actually doing it when the conflict is personal, especially when the pain comes from family or close friends? Along the way, we talk about prayer as a turning point, forgiveness as an imitation of God’s mercy, and the surprising power of small choices like a kind word, a calm response, or an anonymous act of help. We also explore the line that makes many of us nervous: “lend, expecting nothing in return.” We’re not chasing reckless giving or trying to test God. We’re aiming for a heart that wants what the Father wants, even when it costs us in the short run. If you’ve been looking for a Christian podcast that connects Scripture to real life with practical steps, this reflection gives you a clear place to start. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a review so more people can find us. === Luke 6:27-36  -  King James Version 27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. 29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. 30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. 31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. 32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. 33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. === This podcast is a sister podcast to The Christ Quarter podcast [https://christquarter.buzzsprout.com]: https://christquarter.buzzsprout.com Please join my team in spreading The Word around the whole world by donating via CashApp at $TheChristQuarter [https://cash.app/account/pay-and-request].  Thank you!

When Grief and Faith Pull in Different Directions

One of the things I've learned since the death of my daughter is that grief and faith often pull my attention in different directions. Grief constantly points me toward what I've lost.  Faith points me toward what remains true. Grief tells me to focus on my circumstances. Faith reminds me to focus on Christ. Please, hear me friend. I'm not saying that grief is wrong or that missing our children is a lack of faith. Crying is not a lack of faith, and neither is mourning. Jesus Himself wept, the Psalms are filled with grief and mourning, and Job spent chapter after chapter lamenting his suffering before God - just to mention a few examples. But I've noticed something in my own life. When I spend all of my time focused on my pain, my questions, my fears, and my circumstances, I begin to lose my footing. I become discouraged. I feel overwhelmed. I begin to lose sight of hope - or at least hope feels cloaked in sorrow. Yet when I intentionally return my focus to God, and His character, even imperfectly, I experience something very different. The circumstances haven't changed. My daughter is still gone and I still miss her, but I remember what is also true. God is still good. God is still faithful. God is still present. And one day, God will make all things right. That doesn't mean I always feel hopeful. It doesn't mean I wake up every morning full of faith and confidence. It doesn't mean I never struggle, question, doubt, or cry - I cry often. What it means is that my feelings are not the ultimate authority in my life. My circumstances are not the ultimate authority in my life. The culture around me is not the ultimate authority in my life. God is. And because He is, I can hold two truths at the same time. My daughter died and God is still good. My heart is broken and God is still faithful. I have unanswered questions and God is still trustworthy. I can carry profound sorrow and I have profound hope. None of this is possible because I am strong, or I've mastered grief, or because I've figured everything out. It is only possible because Christ has not changed. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever – God reminded me of that on our way to the funeral home the first time. Psalm 100:5 reminds us that the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. It is true that my life, my family, and my future have all changed. But God did not! And on the days when grief feels heavier than I can carry, that truth has often carried me. The world tells us to put our hope in circumstances, but scripture tells us to put our hope in Christ. Those are not the same thing. One rises and falls with the situation. The other remains steady when everything else is shaken. I don't understand what God is doing. I don't like what has happened. But I am learning that peace is often found not by understanding everything, but by remembering Who I trust. I certainly don't say this because I have arrived. I say it because I'm grateful, I hope it can help someone else, and I need the reminder myself. Every single day. === Psalm 100:5   -   King James Version For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Hebrews 13:8   -   King James Version Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. === This podcast is a sister podcast to The Christ Quarter podcast [https://christquarter.buzzsprout.com]: https://christquarter.buzzsprout.com Please join my team in spreading The Word around the whole world by donating via CashApp at $TheChristQuarter [https://cash.app/account/pay-and-request].  Thank you!