Destination Church Spokane Podcast

Did you know that B.C. and A.D. in the Western calendar really do stand for "Before Christ" and "Year of our Lord"?  Our measurement of history itself has been influenced by Jesus' birth.  Could Jesus' birth really signify the end of the world as we know it, and the beginning of a new supernatural life made possible through him?  Yes, and this is true for everyday people like you and me, as the classic Christmas story from Luke 2 reveals.

What is it about Mary that makes her so favored by God?  What is it that qualifies any of us for God's supernatural favor?  Is it great faith?  Is it great obedience?  These things have merit, but is there something deeper?  The answer to this question inspires us today to say, like Mary in Luke Chapter 1, "Be it unto us according to Your word."

God is a supernatural God, but when Zechariah was carrying out his duties for the day he didn't expect to encounter the supernatural in such a stunning way.  When God chose to speak prophetically for the first recorded time in 400 years, it was to declare an end to the barrenness in Zechariah's family.  God had heard the prayers of Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, and breakthrough was on the way.  God has not forgotten you either.  You're not too old or too young, too inadequate or too broken for God's supernatural ways to encourage and reroute your life!

Who is this Jesus?  Why is it such a big deal to celebrate his birth?  The prophet Isaiah spoke of a virgin who would give birth to a son, and his name would be called Immanuel, meaning God With Us.  John the gospel-writer would later declare that Jesus is the Word made flesh.  Could it be that Jesus really is God?  Our answer to this question can lead us out from fear and into freedom.

A radical act of kindness can change everything.  When David extends extreme kindness to Jonathan's son in 2 Samuel 9 we see a beautiful picture of our Father's love for us as well.  God is calling people to Himself intentionally, calling us by name, calling us into restoration and relationship through Jesus Christ, and inspiring us to extend His kindness to others in Jesus' name.  

The signals are crossed.  Emotions are involved.  The dream is at stake.  In situations like this we need to hear from God clearly, and David is no different than you or I in this.  He needs more than the approval of his friend; he needs to know what God is actually saying. When God then turns David's desire on its head in 2 Samuel 7, the promise is for more than just David.  God's plan is a much bigger, multi-generational, eternal promise that includes you and me.

How does God want us to treat His presence?  Could He really want us to desire Him?  Are we really able to be "carriers" of His presence?  Is it okay to have fun being with God, or is that disrespectful?  In 2 Samuel 6 we find David desiring to bring up the ark of God's presence to Jerusalem; what he learns and demonstrates in the process may challenge some of our long-held worship traditions.

Do you ever feel like stress is a sign of a lack of God's favor?  Both Saul and David found themselves in great distress, but only one of them was in sin.  Everyone, no matter who they are, will experience significant stress in life, but not everyone knows what to do when it happens.  In 1 Samuel 30 David responds to stress in two specific actions that can influence our lives in a wonderfully God-honoring and relationship-building way.

Vengeance sells.  From Hollywood to heavy metal, vengeance often seems to win the day! When David has the opportunity to take vengeance on his enemies in 1 Samuel 24-26, his response and God's intervention have much to teach us about the power of mercy.  God Himself chose to seek and save His people even while they were His enemies.  Imagine the power that could be unleashed in the earth today as the people of God choose to release mercy toward those who have not been merciful to us.

What would you do if God began to gather hundreds of broken people around you?  This is what happened to David while he was on the run from Saul, the king who wanted him dead.  What David did is what Jesus has done for all of us: welcoming us from our various paths of distress, debt, or discontentment, becoming our Captain, and mobilizing us into an effective people!

The armies were drawn up in battle lines when the Philistine champion takes his stand.  Over nine feet tall - count 'em, NINE! - he roars his challenge to the fearful Israelite line.  For forty days the challenge continues until David arrives with provision for his brothers.  His response to the giant's taunting points to our ultimate champion, Jesus.  Jesus' unexpected battle plan, like David's, has powerful effect in the lives of those who believe.

Do you ever inadequate for the purpose of God?  Do you ever feel stuck in your past or disqualified in some way for being effective in God's kingdom?  Samuel was stuck in his grief, and David was stuck as an outsider in his own family, yet God had great purpose for both of them.  He has great purpose for us too, and it's time to move forward in faith!

Have you ever felt like a straggler in the kingdom of God?  Have you sinned "one too many times" to feel like God can work through you?  You're not alone.  As we see Saul being rejected by God in 1 Samuel 15, we also look backward and forward through biblical history to remember from where our acceptance truly comes, and how we can fulfill God's commission on our lives together.

Have you ever faced a seemingly impossible situation?  Saul was in one and so was his son, Jonathan.  They faced an enemy army that ridiculously outnumbered and "out-gunned" them.  While Saul would struggle, Jonathan had an inspiring confidence in God that emboldened him and all those around him.  As we look at 1 Samuel 13-14, imagine what can happen as we lift our eyes from our own ability or weakness to fix our hope on the God who cannot be hindered from saving, by many or by few!  (Jon also shares some significant vision and direction for Destination Church Hillyard and Spokane in the days ahead.)

What if the real problem isn't what we think it is?  What if God is doing something we hadn't even imagined?  In a time of political unrest (1 Samuel Chapters 8-12) God interrupts the life of a wealthy man named Saul, and reveals much about God's heart toward us today.

Are you ever tempted to "hack" God's power in your life?  Do you believe God is committed to displaying His glory in our world?  As we look into 1 Samuel Chapters 3-6 we see God's glory on display in a stunning fashion that challenges and encourages us still today.

Today, as Jon Meek Sr transitions the leadership of Destination Church to his son, Jon Meek II, we hear from Scripture and church history regarding the passing of the torch from one generation of leaders to the next.  When it's done well, it's very honoring to God!  We included the prayers at the end of the message today.

How do you respond when life doesn't go according to your plan?  Hannah was a woman who lived with shame and ridicule, but her response might be surprising.  She prayed.  She worshiped.  And then she gave one of the greatest sacrifices a mother can make.  As Jon Meek, Sr prepares to transition the leadership of Destination Church, he speaks of the life of Hannah, while also opening a window into his own family history.

Do you have a dream?  Can you dare to dream it?  Or do you feel like you're trying to run on empty?  This second part of the story of Naomi and Ruth, two women who have experienced severe loss, is a story of redemption, of hope renewed, and a call to us all to put our hope in the better Redeemer, Christ Jesus, in whom we can dare to dream!

Do you believe God is committed to seeking out and saving lost and broken people even more than you are?  Do you believe God wants to rescue not only you, but even those your cultural prejudices would tend to overlook?  Ruth is from the "wrong side of the tracks" according to Naomi's culture and religion; and yet, God is working through Naomi in her own brokenness to draw Ruth to himself.  What if we embraced the presence, power, and purpose of God working among us and through us to the culture around us?