I Love My Shepherd

ILMS 19 – Ten Minutes of Consolation Consolation – “…the comfort received by a person after a loss or disappointment; a person or thing providing comfort to a person who has suffered…” (google dictionary)   Ten minute truth #1 – There are many and various losses and griefs of life   Ten Minutes Truth #2 – There are two types of consolation we can offer people: The wrong way – Job 2 The Jesus way – John 11   Ten Minute Truth #3 – The power of showing up   Philippians 2:1-2   Ten Minutes Truth #4 - The Spirit intercedes Advocate, Comforter, Counselor   The value of words of restoration     ilovemyshepherd.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd0fe9BbadMkIZwWx-esd-g Facebook - @ilovemyshepherd Twitter -  @ilovemyshepherd Instagram - @ilovemyshepherdministries   ESV Bible translation - Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

ILMS 18 – YA: With   We often formulate our ideas of God based on our ideas of people. Psalm 46:7 7 The Lord of hosts is with us;     the God of Jacob is our fortress.  This is a refrain of Psalm 46 Refrain: something repeated   Question: Why might this be a useful chorus to repeat to ourselves or one another in our own lives? What kinds of things happen in the Psalm and in our lives that draw us to remember and need God? What kinds of things cause us to forget God or set God aside?   God with us = Never alone, even at our loneliest, God in the middle of everything   Spiritual truth- We have a “With Us” God   Biblical Proof: Zephaniah 3:17 What does God enjoy watching you do in life?   Joshua 1:9 Where is God going with you today?   Psalm 23:4 What kinds of shadows is God walking through with us?     Consider how God is with each person in these passages and what that means for us: Judges 6:12 Matthew 28:20 Isaiah 7:14   Proverbs 18:10 - running to God to be with Him The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

ILMS 17 – Ten Minutes of Agape With Pastor Matt Schuler   What in the world is Agape?   Ten Minute Truth #1 - Agape = sacrificial love Sacrificial love v love for my pizza What do we do when relationships disappoint?   Ten Minute Truth #2 - Agape = love that isn’t disrupted by anything Romans 8:38-39 – What can separate us from God’s Agape Love?   Bethel Music – You Make Me Brave https://youtu.be/MLgpFMWboYw   Ten Minute Truth #3 - Agape = no preference Matthew 5 –brave love of those we don’t really want to love Brave love against prejudice   Ten Minute Truth #4 - Agape = there when we fail John 21     ilovemyshepherd.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd0fe9BbadMkIZwWx-esd-g Facebook - @ilovemyshepherd Twitter -  @ilovemyshepherd         Instagram - @ilovemyshepherdministries   ESV Bible translation - Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

Show notes: The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;    he utters his voice, the earth melts. – Psalm 46:6 What images come to mind from this verse?How do people generally picture the end of the world?  Hebrews 1:1-3 Just like us, God speaks in different ways, speaking different messages at the different times we need them. Sometimes God speaks loud and sometimes God speaks soft. Examples of God’s voice in the OT- Find the example in each, how and where is God speaking.What do we learn about God and His character from the passage?What’s the message and why does the person need it? Moses and bush – Exodus 3 David asking to build a temple – 2 Samuel 7 Eli and Samuel – 1 Samuel 3 Elijah and small voice – 1 Kings 19   How do we hear God’s voice?When does God speak loud in life figuratively and when does He speak soft figuratively? How do we use our voices?What kinds of things do we say and do each day which speak God and do not speak God?   ilovemyshepherd.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/ilovemyshepherd Fac

ILMS 15 – Ministry Talks: 6 Dynamics of Ministry and Marriage Vocation and amplification   Marriage Dynamic 1 – What’s Love and Respect Got to Do with it? criticism and sensitivity questions and practical suggestions   Marriage Dynamic 2 –They appreciate me! Communicate early and often: Ministry is not less when done at home State what you need Assume the best Get very creative   Marriage Dynamic 4 – I don’t want to burden him/her! The crazy caregiver cycle What all needs your time - block days and creating time   Marriage dynamic 5 – But we have no money! I wish we had just a little more The miracle of a paycheck Honoring provision The struggle of debt (Ministry Talks - Finances and Budgeting -https://youtu.be/g4uIlLk4arQ   Marriage Dynamic 6 – The Spiritual Mountain top and the Spiritual Desert Tending to faith and Co-conspirators   I Love My Shepherd, Marriage and Family page - https://ilovemyshepherd.com/marriage-and-family-1/ Gottman Institute - https://www.gottman.com/     ilovemyshepherd.com YouTube -

ILMS 14 – Ten Minutes of Joy With Matt Schuler   For the moment and eternally Psalms emphasis on Joy, worshipful   John 16:22 – Jesus’s promise of Joy in Him, no one can take away   Grief transformed – looking to the Psalms   James 1:2-3 – joy in trials…for real?   Delight Biblically related to time with God, awareness of God working, time in God’s Word   Matthew 28 – the resurrection of Joy   Paradox and joy   Matthew 25 – humility and joy, abundance in joy, finding our place in joy   ilovemyshepherd.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/ilovemyshepherd Facebook - @ilovemyshepherd Twitter -  @ilovemyshepherd Instagram - @ilovemyshepherdcommunity   ESV Bible translation - Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

Show notes-  YA: Help Fun Question: What kinds of New Year’s resolutions do people make? - Health - Money - Relationships - School/Work        Psalm 46:1-5, focus on v. 5   The sandwich of Help in Psalm 46, verse 1 and 5   Look at one example in the Bible of needing help and not asking for it, and one of wisely asking for help: Exodus 18:13-17 Acts 6:1-6    What do you need help with?   Challenge: make a resolution and include who you will ask for help from  

Ministry Talks 12 – Wellness for the Church Work Student   Physical wellness   Intellectual wellness   Spiritual Wellness   Emotional Wellness   Relational Wellness   Vocational Wellness     Wisdom from students Wisdom from professors Wisdom from other church workers   Special thanks to: Julianna Shults, YA Corps - https://www.lcms.org/young-adult-corps Dave Rueter, author and ministry leader Deaconess Kristin Wassilak, Concordia University Chicago Celina Haupt Madalyn Short Irene Swift   Special topic to come: Financial Wellness – understanding student loans, considering alternatives https://lfcu.everfi-next.net/student/dashboard/lfcu/paying-for-college  

ILMS 11 – YA: Glad YA series – ilovemyshepherd.com/ya   Psalm 46:4 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,     the holy habitation of the Most High.   What do you picture the place where God dwells? Where does God live?   We are His habitation! Why this matters… Sometimes life feels like a big ball of Christmas lights   What can God do with that giant ball of Christmas lights?   Psalm 16:8-10 A psalm of David What do you remember about David?   David was secure in God alone even after he made his own mess of life and life messed with him.   What makes our hearts glad? What makes God’s heart glad?     Who holds your ball of lights with you? Challenge: Name one person who you can trust in to help untangle your Christmas lights with you. Name on person who you can be that person for today.   Jesus makes Glad. Jesus makes Joy.

ILMS9 - The Truth about Mental Health: Suicidality Suicide Prevention Hotline - https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/   Special guests: Brandon Hamilton, student, hiphop artist; Joshua Mertz, teacher   Podcast Outline Brandon’s Song The Ocean of Social Media Body Image   John 10:10   Making faith your own   Just be the friend – be there for one person   One Last Breath on YouTube - https://youtu.be/KEV9ZPqKWqw   Koinonia groups Sources of Strength - https://sourcesofstrength.org/     Brandon’s Lyrics –One Last Breath Have you ever been so off track That every breath you wish was your last Wished you could put on a plastic mask that could change the fact that your past Is hurting your present self so bad that you never laugh Unless you’re in the presence of people so they don’t always have to ask   If you’re okay or why your face is red and your eyes always look sad You can’t be mad cause they care but you hate explaining it drags You back to the place you don’t wanna go anymore because of it leading to All o

The struggle and joy of church work and holidaysThe struggle and joy of church work and holidays Applying the ScripturesLoneliness factor:Psalm 68:4-6 Envy factor:1 Corinthians 3:3 1 Corinthians 13:4Proverbs 14:30  1) Keeping it in perspective- The weight of holidays in the US 64% effected by the Holiday blues - https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/November-2015/Tips-for-Managing-the-Holiday-Blues Remember that children are resilient, but sensitive  2) Christ came for you- Take each holiday and apply it to yourself Help family apply it to them 3) Getting Creative- Ideas for getting fun and festive or doing nada

ILMS 8 - The Truth about Mental Health: Emotions + YA: Tremble Psalm 46:3   Internal and external turmoil   HCSB – “though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with its turmoil.”   What in the world feels chaotic, or adds to the turmoil of life?   Goal: We want our emotions  to inform us, rather than lead us. How do you like to let your emotions out, rather than roiling inside?   6 common spectrums of emotion: 1 – Warmth and acceptance Inverse = loneliness and rejection How does acceptance feel?   How is warmth and acceptance associated with happiness for us? Romans 14:1-3   2 – Irritable, Frustrated, and Angry Ephesians 4:26 1 Corinthians 13:5   Getting into the Word to change our mood Asknig self: What’s in this? Why am I (fill in the blank)? Finding someplace to put it   Psalm 37:8-9   3 – Discouragement, Sadness, and Depression Inverse: Joy, Zeal, Engagement Understanding and differences   2 Corinthians 1:3-4   How do you engage in life?   4 – Fear, Anxiety, and Worry Fear and Creation Anxiety

ILMS 7 – The Truth about Mental Health: Depression   Guest: Pastor Gabe Kasper   I Love My Shepherd Mental Health Core Value: Everyone has it. Connections of physical, relational, mental, and emotional health.   Gabe’s story   Symptoms of depression – anxiety, insomnia, spiral thinking, panic attack, loss of focus, loss of motivation, frequent crying, desire to escape, suicidality and suicide ideation     Triggers and life transitions The emotional spiral God’s work in our spiral When life doesn’t make sense He comes to us in our pit   Resources for depression: Beck’s Inventory – ask a primary care provider (https://www.apa.org/pi/about/publications/caregivers/practice-settings/assessment/tools/beck-depression.aspx) Useful at home mood and depression check - https://psychcentral.com/quizzes/depression-quiz/   Depression “comes out” in different ways for different people The relationship of anger and sadness   Finding some help Seeing a doctor and addressing what our body needs Relearning the Gospel for thi

ILMS 6  - YA: Moved Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength,     a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,     though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam,     though the mountains tremble at its swelling.      Fun question: What mountains have you been to? Where? What did you think? What pictures have you seen of mountains? What stood out?   Who controls the mountains? What is scary about the idea of the mountains falling?   What is fear? Fear respect v. fear anxiety   Page through Genesis 1,2, and 3 – God creates, we have no fear, sin brings fear What evidence do you see of no fear and then fear?   What are the what ifs of life? God works good in our messes, even in fear.   Job 9:4-6 He is wise in heart and mighty in strength     —who has hardened himself against him, and succeeded?— 5 he who removes mountains, and they know it not,     when he overturns them in his anger, 6 who shakes the earth out of its plac

ILMS 5 – WII: Divorce, Forgiveness, and New Beginnings Guest: Donna Pyle Young, fresh, and finding Jesus   What does genuine warmth look like for visitors in the church?   Brokenness and Restoration             making some kind of peace with our past those who hurt to see us hurt God is not a puppeteer   Forgiveness anger has its place when life feels like a hurricane the place of counseling walking through forgiveness, rather than obtaining forgiveness   Forgiveness the book - https://amzn.to/2Ij9ulN   Without this Ring book - https://amzn.to/2DyXyO9 every divorce is unique sharing stories, a Christian counselor perspective, working through difficult emotions   Quenched book – https://amzn.to/2MXRuhz What is the well? What are we seeking? What do you need? being new to the church or being worn out in the church   The Myth of Forgetting and Forgiving God forgets The reality of trauma in brokenness He promises to make everything beautiful in its time Honoring sadness   Artiseanministries.org

ILMS 4 - Ministry Talks: Calls, Callings, and the Ministry Family A calling on our lives – purposes, plans, and Jesus   God holds the power, we simply are stewards of that   Over emphasis of any one vocation is a problem.   Family Vocation, Veith and Moerbe - https://www.amazon.com/Family-Vocation-Marriage-Parenting-Childhood/dp/1433524066/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535474057&sr=8-1&keywords=family+vocation   What responsibility and accountability is attached to a professional call or calling? What tension is there in this and how does it impact family life?   Calling and the family - Genesis 12:1-5 Hebrews 11:8-12     Joy in Ministry   John 10:10 Galatians 5:1     “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.”  

ILMS 3 – Ministry Moments: Community Prayer Walk Guest – Pastor B.J. Fouts Connection and disconnection in communities   The Great Commission Matthew 28:16-20 Starting with our neighbors in our backyard Sometimes it’s harder to start a conversation with our actual neighbors   One prayer walk in a small town community: Goal = visible ministry arm praying for our community   The who, what where, when, and why!   Praying for one another Praying for our country and community (2 Chronicles 7) Praying for individuals, workers, businesses and houses   Praying to yourself Praying in twos Praying together Praying the Lord’s Prayer   Stories from the kids, teachers, and community   PDF sample of one prayer walk   St. John Ministries website - https://www.stjohnbc.net/

Show notes: What are your worries or concerns? Your highs and lows? What do you think your friends are going through or your family?When you look around you at school, work, your neighborhood, the world – what concerns do you see? Three segments to today’s study: He is with us when things look bleak.  He is with us when things look better. He is with us when things look best.  Bleak: Is God disinterested? Is God angry or mean? What evidence do you hear of God pursuing us in the Psalm? What evidence of Jesus pursuing do you remember from the Gospels? When we can’t see God’s presence, what does He give us to remind us He is present? Psalm 46:1 – God is our present help. What kind of Help does God bring to us? John 14:25-17 What helps you when it’s hard to believe God is present, that He cares? Better: What does the mediocre feel so blah? How does Satan use the blah to poke at us? What is God doing in the mediocre? Where do you see Him present in the everyday? Why is it so easy to forget about God in the eve

Show notes: When was the last time you held a red party cup? Do we have a celebratory God?   What opportunities did Jesus take at parties? What opportunities do we have at parties or celebratory moments? What kind of grounding do we have or seek to prepare to be in difficult places and situations? Safety and the red party cup ilovemyshepherd.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd0fe9BbadMkIZwWx-esd-g Facebook - @ilovemyshepherd Twitter -  @ilovemyshepherd Instagram - @ilovemyshepherdministries ESV Bible translation - Copyright © 2001 by Crossway,a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.All rights reserved.

Ministry Talks 1 Intro Welcome to a new series from I Love My Shepherd - Ministry Talks!   Are you in part-time or full- time ministry? Do you have a ministry degree or background? Is your husband or your wife in ministry?   This video series is intended to share insights around the Word about the unique joys, as well as the unique challenges to ministry life. We'll talk about the tensions of all that is good and hard in ministry, talk about the ministry's impact on home and family life, and encourage one another.   The series will always be grounded in the Word of God, while sharing psychosocial and systems concepts that are useful when considering how our lives interact within the church, our families, and our communities.   Here is a list of upcoming topics: *Intersections of the ministry house Wisdom for the ministry household The influence of ministry wives and women in ministry Friendship in ministry life Boundaries in ministry and the ministry family Expectations and the ministry family Brokenness and