Can we be happy in the midst of our suffering? John Mark argues that meaning, more than being happy or healthy, is our core need as humans, and that suffering is one of the primary ways that we live into that meaning. He challenges us to embrace suffering as the forge of our transformation into Christ-like love, where true joy can be found.

Key Scripture Passage: Job 23v1-10

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Scott from Wesley Chapel, Florida; Joshua from Cape May Court House, New Jersey; Micah from Tawin Harte, California; Sarah from Winchester, Virginia; and Craig from Crystal Lake, Illinois. Thank you all so much!

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Why do bad things happen to good people? John Mark tackles the question of theodicy and God's justice in this series covering the wisdom literature. This week, he explores the book of Job, and challenges us to embrace the mystery of God, continuing to put our faith and hope in him in the midst of suffering.

Key Scripture Passages: Job 1-42

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Julie from Woodinville, Washington; Shana from Denver, Colorado; Kaylyn from Lakewood, Colorado; Sarah from Cincinnati, Ohio; and Spencer from Bedford, Texas. Thank you all so much!

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How can we live with more joy? Ken Shigematsu explores how the good news of Jesus' birth is cause for celebration and happiness. He challenges us to draw near to the source of joy, God himself, and savor his blessings to allow his joy to saturate our hearts and minds.

Key Scripture Passages: Luke 1v46-49, Luke 2v10-11, Luke 2v19, 1 Corinthians 2v9

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Tone from Stavanger, Norway; Katie from Lexington, Kentucky; Bobby from Stafford, Virginia; Logan from Raleigh, North Carolina; and Tyler from Smyrna, Tennessee. Thank you all so much!

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Why are we so anxious? Ken Shigematsu invites us to reflect on what Advent teaches about peace of heart. Drawing on Scripture, personal stories, and research, he shows how recognizing and living into God's love can help us move beyond fear and into resilient peace amidst a chaotic world.

Key Scripture Passage: Luke 1v30-21, Luke 2v19

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Jeremy from Gaithersburg, Maryland; Rick from Anacortes, Washington; Charles from Norman, Oklahoma; Jeroen from Groningen, Netherlands; and Veronica from Austin, Texas. Thank you all so much!

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How do we remain hopeful in a world that's falling apart? Ken Shigematsu reflects on the paradox of Advent, where light meets darkness and hope confronts despair. He challenges us to look honestly at our realities, confront the brutal facts, and find unshakable hope in Christ's first coming and promised return.

Key Scripture Passages: Luke 21v25-28; Isaiah 9v1-2, 6; Mark 13v7-8, 24-26

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Gregg from Monona, Wisconsin; Angie from Pflugerville, Texas, Matthew from Milpitas, California;; Kathleen from Flower Mound, Texas; and Misael from Anniston, Alabama. Thank you all so much!

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Changing our relationship with money is one of the first and most important steps of living as followers of Jesus. In this episode, John Mark explores Jesus' teachings on generosity to the poor. He challenges us to reexamine our preference for accumulation and offers practical ways to share our resources with those in need.

Key Scripture Passage: Luke 12v13-34

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Pam from Thornton, Colorado; Jeremy from Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Courtney from Fayetteville, Arkansas; Kevin from Richardson, Texas; and Joshua from Huntington Beach, California. Thank you all so much!

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"What does it mean to steward God's resources?" John Mark explores Jesus’ countercultural teachings on generosity and stewardship, challenging us to view everything we own as a gift from God, meant to be managed with wisdom and love.

Key Scripture Passages: Luke 12v13-48, 2 Corinthians 9v7-11

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Farzad from San Diego, California; Abigail from Tahlequah, Oklahoma; Heather from Lexington, Kentucky; Julie from Dallas, Texas; Emily from Verona, Virginia. Thank you all so much!

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John Mark explores Jesus and the New Testament authors warning against the love of money and greed, showing us that money is often an obstacle, not a boon, to the good life. He argues us that true happiness is found not in more money, but in being content with what we have.

Key Scripture Passage: 1 Timothy 6v6-19

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Kyle from Fountain Valley, California; Ian from Melbourne, Florida; Clay from Randleman, North Carolina; Alan from Sacramento, California; and Karen from Chicago, Illinois. Thank you all so much!

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