Balanced Believer

March 23, 2026

Ep. 4: Your Judgement Might Cause You Your Salvation

A Deeper Look at why Jonah was Swallowed by the Fish? -Jonah Plays Judge- We have all heard the story of Jonah running away from God and getting swallowed by the big fish. But why was Jonah really running— why did God allow him to be swallowed up? Jonah was called to preach the Gospel to people he deemed as too evil to be saved… Jonah is picture of our culture.. some of us will miss out on salvation bc we are too busy playing judge. Many are called, few are chosen. Many call themselves Christians—but there’s no true turning away from their old life. We all know our own heart. I know I do, and man, do I need grace daily. I can’t go an hour without falling short. Without murdering others with my words, heart, or deeds. The GOOD NEWS is that as evil as the Ninevites were, they were spared. Moses, Saul, David, and Rahab were spared. The difference is that in some, there was true permanent change and in others there was not. That mercy we feel others don’t deserve is the same mercy and grace we receive freely. Who are you in this story? The Ninevites? Saul? Paul? Jonah? A bit later we look at the King of Manasseh and how he is a perfect example of this message. THANK GOD, Jesus is merciful and FULL OF Grace.

March 12, 2026

Take Heed How You Listen

March 12, 2026

Ep. 3 Take Heed How You Listen

In a follow up chat about Sundays message from Pastor @jonathan.laurieIn Luke Ch 8:18, Jesus says, “Take heed how you listen.”That’s deeper than just paying attention. It’s also about the posture and preparation of our hearts when we come to His Word. How we prepare and how we listen affects what we keep.Sometimes we grab our phones before we even say, “Thank you Jesus for the gift of life.” But Jesus warns that how we listen affects what we keep.The one who has will be given more, but the one who doesn’t take heed may even lose what little they have.So I challenge you: approach your time with God differently. Prepare your heart. Put the phone down in the mornings. Get in the Word before anything else.He is the air you breathe — so give Him the first fruits of your day, even your first breath and first moments when you wake up.“In the morning, when I rise… give me Jesus.”