Paying Ridiculous Attention To Jesus

In a world that is consumed with themselves and their own happiness it is a certain treasure to see people who are completely unaware of their own success and also not afraid to boldly say exactly what they mean. Join Rick Lawrence, Becky Hodges and special guest Eugene Peterson (author of The Message and many other well known books) as they unpack technology, observing the Sabbath, the Megachurch, and Eugene's first experience with a "mash-pit" at a Bono concert. Let's just say it's a delightful conversation. Join us as we wrestle with the tension of a man who is so obviously humble and also unafraid of saying completely bold and even offensive things. Read the whole interview here: https://youthministry.com/qa-eugene-peterson-jesus-ego-sabbath/ ps. Becky now wants to go live in Montana in a cabin with Eugene and his wife and make soup while they read novels to each other by the fire. Related Links and Articles: Join us as we commit to paying attention to Jesus at Christmas (free devotional starts Novemb

In a culture today that is completely consumed with fear, what did Jesus do with fear? And what kinds of challenges was the culture Jesus living in facing politically? Join Rick Lawrence and Becky Hodges as they ZOOM in on Mathew 24, a place where Jesus shares some very scary things with his disciples about what was going to happen to them and what we can expect. Despite this story we also see that we have a heroic opportunity to advance the kingdom and live out our purpose. What does that do to our purpose? How does knowing what's coming shape and challenge us about what we're doing here and now? Join us as we commit to paying attention to Jesus at Christmas (free devotional starts November 27th): http://www.mylifetree.com/advent-2016/ How I learned to hear Jesus' Voice: http://www.mylifetree.com/how-i-learned-to-hear-jesus/ Learn more about living a Jesus-Centered Life: http://www.mylifetree.com/jesus-centered/

What does it mean to be like children? When kids get on the playground they rarely get too caught up in whether they can actually climb that tree, they just climb it. And if they don't get themselves up on the branch the first time, they just keep trying again. They are free from expectations; they're just playing around after all. Join Rick Lawrence, Becky Hodges and extra special guest Stephanie Hillberry as we play around with Jesus this week. We're going to ask Jesus to give us a verse and then just go ahead and talk about it. Come join along with us as we play with Jesus and invite him into our lives. Related Links and Articles: - How I Learned to Hear Jesus' Voice: www.mylifetree.com/how-i-learned-to-hear-jesus/ - Part 1: How I learned to read the Bible: http://www.mylifetree.com/part-1-learned-read-bible/ - 7 Days of Centering on Jesus [Free Download]: www.mylifetree.com/7-day-devotional-series/ - Jesus-Centered Life: www.mylifetree.com/jesus-centered/ - Jesus-Centered Bible: www.mylifetree.com/jesu

We know we need to check food labels, and restaurant menus, if our goal is healthy nutrition—that’s why it’s ironic that we're more desensitized to the “cultural diet” we're feeding our souls than ever before. What does a “soul diet” that helps you feel grounded and congruent look like in comparison to a diet that makes you feel dissonant and unsatisfied? And how do we “dine with sinners” while abstaining from a soul-diet that’s toxic to us? Join Rick and Becky as they unpack the way Jesus tore down the walls of our “compartmentalized life”—He was criticized for hanging out with the wrong crowd and He was criticized for insisting that the “Law” didn’t go far enough. Here’s how we can de-compartmentalize our lives so that Jesus is at the center of all that we do. More from this Episode: Jesus-Centered Life: The Life you've always wanted with the Jesus you never knew Often times we isolate our relationship with Jesus to "prayer times" that are uninterrupted. Most of us also know we don't always have those p

In a culture where “civil discourse” is the stuff of nostalgia, and brutal back-and-forths are the norm, there are no more “safe zones” for respectful disagreement. Conversations are now simply an onramp for scorched-earth diatribes and personal attacks. And what does Jesus think about all of this? Well, that’s a no-brainer, we say, because he’s such a nice guy. That would be comforting if it was true. Jesus was shockingly tender to some, and shockingly forceful with others. Join Rick and Becky to to learn why Jesus so radically changed his approach, based on the person he was engaging, and how we can serve a higher mission in our relationships than mere “civil discourse.” More from this Episode: Jesus-Centered Life: The Life you've always wanted with the Jesus you never knew Often times we isolate our relationship with Jesus to "prayer times" that are uninterrupted. Most of us also know we don't always have those prayer times, and they often don't go uninterrupted. What if instead of finding uninterrupte

It doesn't matter who you are voting for, one thing Americans can agree on is that we need a hard reset and this election is making us crazy. Join us as we unpack Kirk Cameron's Revive Us event and what Christians in America need to do now. ps. You can get tix to the next Family Meeting being hosted by Kirk Cameron called Revive us Monday October 24th in a theater near you here: http://www.fandango.com/kirkcameronsreviveus_194985/movietimes

The pursuit of happiness is often perceived as a human right, something we all deserve if we are good. Join us this week as we zoom in on some parables where Jesus shared what the Kingdom of Heaven was like and how joy would reign there. What is joy? Is it the same thing as being happy? What is the tension between joy and happiness and does it even matter?

Can you really hear the voice of Jesus? How do you know if it's Jesus's voice or your own voice? What if I try to talk to Jesus and he doesn't say anything back? Do I really believe Jesus can talk to me?

When we are asked to describe the Kingdom of God and how we live it out in our everyday lives, it’s easy to come up blank. We know what it is, but it can be difficult to know how to put it on display at work, at home and in our relationships. Join us as we focus in on the backbone of the Kingdom of God, grace, and discuss how we can live it out in an everyday way.

We all want to achieve great things in our life. Whether that is in our careers, our families or making the world a better place. We are wired to succeed in life. But what did Jesus pay attention to as success? The answer is surprising. Join us this week as we ZOOM in on three stories where Jesus was impressed with people. Pay close attention to the things that he pointed out and called out to others.

There are only two questions that really matter in life. Who do you say Jesus is? And who does Jesus say I am? This week we will tackle the emotion of shame. Join us as we zoom in on a story where a woman who lived in shame not only had her physical problem healed but was given a new identity by Jesus, healing what really mattered- her shame.

Have you ever had that moment in your life where you have been working so hard, and doing everything you can and at the end of the day you're just coming up empty? Join us as we zoom in on a story when the disciples were at the end of their rope and Jesus came in and helped in an unexpected way.

What would you do if Jesus showed up tomorrow, asked you to quit your job, and then invited you to follow him on a campaign trail for people’s souls? When Jesus asks Peter to leave his business and follow him, he presents a sensational request that has everything to do with priorities, risk, and finding your passion and purpose. Rick Lawrence and Becky Hodges wrestle with this request, and what it looks like to follow him today.