https://www.gracefreechurch.net en-us © 2020 Grace Free Church Joshua Ott Joshua Ott from Grace Free Church in Cressona, Pennsylvania. #schuylkillcounty #youarelovedhere #gracefreechurch episodic Joshua Ott from Grace Free Church in Cressona, Pennsylvania. #schuylkillcounty #youarelovedhere #gracefreechurch Josh Ott's Podcast Joshua Ott joshua.ott@gracefreechurch.net false The Real Problem Isn’t Them (How Not To Ruin Everything) 1 One of the biggest relationship killers is our inability to see our own part in the problem. Stop focusing so much on what other people are doing wrong and start honestly looking at ourselves. The truth is, we all have blind spots—patterns, habits, and attitudes that quietly damage our relationships if left unchecked. Real change doesn’t start when someone else finally gets it together; it starts when we let God search our hearts, show us what needs to change, and give us the humility to own our part. You may not be able to change other people, but you can let God change you—and that can change everything. The Real Problem Isn’t Them (How Not To Ruin Everything) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/how-not-to-ruin-everything/the-real-problem-isn-t-them One of the biggest relationship killers is our inability to see our own part in the problem. Stop focusing so much on what other people are doing wrong and start honestly looking at ourselves. The truth is, we all have blind spots—patterns, habits, and attitudes that quietly damage our relationships if left unchecked. Real change doesn’t start when someone else finally gets it together; it starts when we let God search our hearts, show us what needs to change, and give us the humility to own our part. You may not be able to change other people, but you can let God change you—and that can change everything. One of the biggest relationship killers is our inability to see our own part in the problem. Stop focusing so much on what other people are doing wrong and start honestly looking at ourselves. The truth is, we all have blind spots—patterns, habits, and attitudes that quietly damage our relationships if left unchecked. Real change doesn’t start when someone else finally gets it together; it starts when we let God search our hearts, show us what needs to change, and give us the humility to own our part. You may not be able to change other people, but you can let God change you—and that can change everything. 20260412 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 08:00:00 EDT false Right Here Is Where You Start Again (Right Here Is Where You Start Again (Easter Sunday)) 1 Easter is deeply personal. Mary Magdalene arrives at the tomb overwhelmed by grief, confusion, and pain—so consumed by what she’s lost that she can’t even recognize hope standing right in front of her. But when Jesus simply speaks her name, everything changes. Resurrection is not just a theological idea; it’s a personal invitation from a God who knows us, pursues us, and offers new life. No matter what pain, anxiety, shame, or brokenness someone is carrying, the empty tomb means their story is not over. Hope is available, and starting again is as simple as turning toward Jesus. Right Here Is Where You Start Again (Right Here Is Where You Start Again (Easter Sunday)) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/right-here-is-where-you-start-again/right-here-is-where-you-start-again Easter is deeply personal. Mary Magdalene arrives at the tomb overwhelmed by grief, confusion, and pain—so consumed by what she’s lost that she can’t even recognize hope standing right in front of her. But when Jesus simply speaks her name, everything changes. Resurrection is not just a theological idea; it’s a personal invitation from a God who knows us, pursues us, and offers new life. No matter what pain, anxiety, shame, or brokenness someone is carrying, the empty tomb means their story is not over. Hope is available, and starting again is as simple as turning toward Jesus. Easter is deeply personal. Mary Magdalene arrives at the tomb overwhelmed by grief, confusion, and pain—so consumed by what she’s lost that she can’t even recognize hope standing right in front of her. But when Jesus simply speaks her name, everything changes. Resurrection is not just a theological idea; it’s a personal invitation from a God who knows us, pursues us, and offers new life. No matter what pain, anxiety, shame, or brokenness someone is carrying, the empty tomb means their story is not over. Hope is available, and starting again is as simple as turning toward Jesus. 20260405 Sun, 5 Apr 2026 08:00:00 EDT false Cursed But Covered (The Lie We Still Believe) 1 Sin breaks everything, and the pain we experience isn’t random—it’s connected to humanity’s choice to live apart from God. But right in the middle of that brokenness, something powerful shows up—grace. From the very beginning, God doesn’t just explain the consequences; He provides a covering and points forward to Jesus, who ultimately defeats sin and restores us. Yes, the world is broken, but we are not left uncovered—God has already made a way back. Cursed But Covered (The Lie We Still Believe) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/the-lie-we-still-believe/cursed-but-covered Sin breaks everything, and the pain we experience isn’t random—it’s connected to humanity’s choice to live apart from God. But right in the middle of that brokenness, something powerful shows up—grace. From the very beginning, God doesn’t just explain the consequences; He provides a covering and points forward to Jesus, who ultimately defeats sin and restores us. Yes, the world is broken, but we are not left uncovered—God has already made a way back. Sin breaks everything, and the pain we experience isn’t random—it’s connected to humanity’s choice to live apart from God. But right in the middle of that brokenness, something powerful shows up—grace. From the very beginning, God doesn’t just explain the consequences; He provides a covering and points forward to Jesus, who ultimately defeats sin and restores us. Yes, the world is broken, but we are not left uncovered—God has already made a way back. 20260322 Sun, 22 Mar 2026 08:00:00 EDT false How Did I Get Here? (The Lie We Still Believe) 1 God asks Adam and Eve two powerful questions after their failure: “Who told you that?” and “Did you eat from the tree?” These aren’t questions meant to shame them—they’re an invitation to pause, rewind the tape, and understand how they got there. The same thing happens in our lives. We start believing lies about ourselves, about God, or about our worth, and those lies slowly shape the choices we make. God’s questions lead us toward two healthy responses: recognizing where those lies came from and taking honest ownership of our decisions. When we stop blaming others and bring our failures to God, we discover something surprising—He already knows everything about us and still meets us with grace, forgiveness, and the chance for a fresh start. How Did I Get Here? (The Lie We Still Believe) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/the-lie-we-still-believe/how-did-i-get-here- God asks Adam and Eve two powerful questions after their failure: “Who told you that?” and “Did you eat from the tree?” These aren’t questions meant to shame them—they’re an invitation to pause, rewind the tape, and understand how they got there. The same thing happens in our lives. We start believing lies about ourselves, about God, or about our worth, and those lies slowly shape the choices we make. God’s questions lead us toward two healthy responses: recognizing where those lies came from and taking honest ownership of our decisions. When we stop blaming others and bring our failures to God, we discover something surprising—He already knows everything about us and still meets us with grace, forgiveness, and the chance for a fresh start. God asks Adam and Eve two powerful questions after their failure: “Who told you that?” and “Did you eat from the tree?” These aren’t questions meant to shame them—they’re an invitation to pause, rewind the tape, and understand how they got there. The same thing happens in our lives. We start believing lies about ourselves, about God, or about our worth, and those lies slowly shape the choices we make. God’s questions lead us toward two healthy responses: recognizing where those lies came from and taking honest ownership of our decisions. When we stop blaming others and bring our failures to God, we discover something surprising—He already knows everything about us and still meets us with grace, forgiveness, and the chance for a fresh start. 20260315 Sun, 15 Mar 2026 08:00:00 EDT false Well...that escalated quickly. (The Lie We Still Believe) 1 Temptation rarely shows up loud and obvious—it starts subtle and escalates fast. The serpent doesn’t just offer fruit; he offers autonomy, control, and the illusion that we can be our own god. And just like that burning bush story gone wrong, what seems small can spiral quickly. Sin always promises more than it delivers and costs more than we expect. At the core, this is about identity and trust—forgetting who God is and who we already are in Him. Every day we face two voices and two choices: life or death, control or surrender. The invitation is simple but powerful—step off the throne of your own life and let God be God again. Well...that escalated quickly. (The Lie We Still Believe) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/the-lie-we-still-believe/well-that-escalated-quickly- Temptation rarely shows up loud and obvious—it starts subtle and escalates fast. The serpent doesn’t just offer fruit; he offers autonomy, control, and the illusion that we can be our own god. And just like that burning bush story gone wrong, what seems small can spiral quickly. Sin always promises more than it delivers and costs more than we expect. At the core, this is about identity and trust—forgetting who God is and who we already are in Him. Every day we face two voices and two choices: life or death, control or surrender. The invitation is simple but powerful—step off the throne of your own life and let God be God again. Temptation rarely shows up loud and obvious—it starts subtle and escalates fast. The serpent doesn’t just offer fruit; he offers autonomy, control, and the illusion that we can be our own god. And just like that burning bush story gone wrong, what seems small can spiral quickly. Sin always promises more than it delivers and costs more than we expect. At the core, this is about identity and trust—forgetting who God is and who we already are in Him. Every day we face two voices and two choices: life or death, control or surrender. The invitation is simple but powerful—step off the throne of your own life and let God be God again. 20260301 Sun, 1 Mar 2026 08:00:00 EDT false The Lie That Starts Small (The Lie We Still Believe) 1 Small compromises rarely feel dangerous in the moment. It’s “just a” little bitterness, just a little scrolling, just a little secret, just a little drift. But spiritual and personal blow-ups don’t start with dramatic decisions—they start with subtle ones. The enemy rarely attacks head-on; he whispers, twists what’s good into something restrictive, and slowly blurs what used to feel clear. That quiet drift creates a predictable path toward brokenness. But the story doesn’t end there. From the very first crack, God has been offering a way back, and the path forward begins by anchoring yourself in truth, trusting God’s goodness, and choosing His voice over the one that only steals. The Lie That Starts Small (The Lie We Still Believe) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/the-lie-we-still-believe/the-lie-that-starts-small Small compromises rarely feel dangerous in the moment. It’s “just a” little bitterness, just a little scrolling, just a little secret, just a little drift. But spiritual and personal blow-ups don’t start with dramatic decisions—they start with subtle ones. The enemy rarely attacks head-on; he whispers, twists what’s good into something restrictive, and slowly blurs what used to feel clear. That quiet drift creates a predictable path toward brokenness. But the story doesn’t end there. From the very first crack, God has been offering a way back, and the path forward begins by anchoring yourself in truth, trusting God’s goodness, and choosing His voice over the one that only steals. Small compromises rarely feel dangerous in the moment. It’s “just a” little bitterness, just a little scrolling, just a little secret, just a little drift. But spiritual and personal blow-ups don’t start with dramatic decisions—they start with subtle ones. The enemy rarely attacks head-on; he whispers, twists what’s good into something restrictive, and slowly blurs what used to feel clear. That quiet drift creates a predictable path toward brokenness. But the story doesn’t end there. From the very first crack, God has been offering a way back, and the path forward begins by anchoring yourself in truth, trusting God’s goodness, and choosing His voice over the one that only steals. 20260222 Sun, 22 Feb 2026 08:00:00 EDT false Joy in the Community (Joy in the Dirt) 1 Real joy is almost always tied to relationships. While happiness comes and goes with circumstances, joy is deeper and steadier, even when life is hard. Isolation slowly drains us, while meaningful connection gives purpose, strength, and protection. We weren’t designed to do life alone, and God often works in us through other people. Whether you’re introverted or extroverted, busy or burned out, joy grows best when we stay connected and let others walk with us. Joy in the Community (Joy in the Dirt) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/joy-in-the-dirt/joy-in-the-community Real joy is almost always tied to relationships. While happiness comes and goes with circumstances, joy is deeper and steadier, even when life is hard. Isolation slowly drains us, while meaningful connection gives purpose, strength, and protection. We weren’t designed to do life alone, and God often works in us through other people. Whether you’re introverted or extroverted, busy or burned out, joy grows best when we stay connected and let others walk with us. Real joy is almost always tied to relationships. While happiness comes and goes with circumstances, joy is deeper and steadier, even when life is hard. Isolation slowly drains us, while meaningful connection gives purpose, strength, and protection. We weren’t designed to do life alone, and God often works in us through other people. Whether you’re introverted or extroverted, busy or burned out, joy grows best when we stay connected and let others walk with us. 20260208 Sun, 8 Feb 2026 08:00:00 EDT false Finding Joy in the Right Now (Joy in the Dirt) 1 Life moves fast. We plan, rush, and chase what’s next—often missing the joy sitting right in front of us. Joy isn’t something reserved for a calmer season or a future win; it’s a gift meant for right now. Busyness, worry, circumstances, and even our own choices can quietly steal it if we’re not paying attention. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess—it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess, and joy is often closer than we think when we slow down, rest, and open our eyes to what God is already doing. Finding Joy in the Right Now (Joy in the Dirt) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/joy-in-the-dirt/finding-joy-in-the-right-now Life moves fast. We plan, rush, and chase what’s next—often missing the joy sitting right in front of us. Joy isn’t something reserved for a calmer season or a future win; it’s a gift meant for right now. Busyness, worry, circumstances, and even our own choices can quietly steal it if we’re not paying attention. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess—it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess, and joy is often closer than we think when we slow down, rest, and open our eyes to what God is already doing. Life moves fast. We plan, rush, and chase what’s next—often missing the joy sitting right in front of us. Joy isn’t something reserved for a calmer season or a future win; it’s a gift meant for right now. Busyness, worry, circumstances, and even our own choices can quietly steal it if we’re not paying attention. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess—it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess, and joy is often closer than we think when we slow down, rest, and open our eyes to what God is already doing. 20260201 Sun, 1 Feb 2026 08:00:00 EDT false Unstuck (Joy in the Dirt) 1 Life doesn’t always move at the pace we want, and when progress feels slow or invisible, it’s easy to wonder if anything is actually happening. But joy isn’t built on quick fixes or surface-level change, but on the deeper work God is doing underneath the surface—especially in seasons that feel dry, confusing, or delayed. Even when life feels stalled, prayer still moves us forward, and trust grows quietly below the surface. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess—it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess. Unstuck (Joy in the Dirt) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/joy-in-the-dirt/unstuck Life doesn’t always move at the pace we want, and when progress feels slow or invisible, it’s easy to wonder if anything is actually happening. But joy isn’t built on quick fixes or surface-level change, but on the deeper work God is doing underneath the surface—especially in seasons that feel dry, confusing, or delayed. Even when life feels stalled, prayer still moves us forward, and trust grows quietly below the surface. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess—it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess. Life doesn’t always move at the pace we want, and when progress feels slow or invisible, it’s easy to wonder if anything is actually happening. But joy isn’t built on quick fixes or surface-level change, but on the deeper work God is doing underneath the surface—especially in seasons that feel dry, confusing, or delayed. Even when life feels stalled, prayer still moves us forward, and trust grows quietly below the surface. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess—it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess. 20260111 Sun, 11 Jan 2026 08:00:00 EDT false This Isn't Working (Joy in the Dirt) 1 Happiness depends on how life is going; joy runs deeper and can exist even when things feel dry, confusing, or broken. Seasons of wilderness are not signs of failure, but places where God does some of His deepest work. Joy doesn’t come from escaping the dirt of life, but from meeting God in it, choosing to trust His love, and clinging to Him when circumstances don’t make sense. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess — it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess. This Isn't Working (Joy in the Dirt) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/joy-in-the-dirt/this-isn-t-working Happiness depends on how life is going; joy runs deeper and can exist even when things feel dry, confusing, or broken. Seasons of wilderness are not signs of failure, but places where God does some of His deepest work. Joy doesn’t come from escaping the dirt of life, but from meeting God in it, choosing to trust His love, and clinging to Him when circumstances don’t make sense. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess — it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess. Happiness depends on how life is going; joy runs deeper and can exist even when things feel dry, confusing, or broken. Seasons of wilderness are not signs of failure, but places where God does some of His deepest work. Joy doesn’t come from escaping the dirt of life, but from meeting God in it, choosing to trust His love, and clinging to Him when circumstances don’t make sense. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess — it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess. 20260104 Sun, 4 Jan 2026 08:00:00 EDT false You Wanted a Holiday High, But You Got a Holy Reminder (The Gift You Didn't Ask For) 1 Christmas often promises a rush of joy, nostalgia, and good feelings—but those highs fade fast. The manger wasn’t meant to be the emotional finish line; it was the beginning of a much bigger story. Through Simeon’s encounter with Jesus, we’re shown the difference between chasing feelings and finding real fulfillment. Simeon wasn’t looking for a holiday buzz—he was waiting for truth, hope, and God’s promises to be fulfilled. And when he finally held Jesus, he understood something deeper: joy would come, but it would come through sacrifice, confrontation, and ultimately the cross. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess — it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess. You Wanted a Holiday High, But You Got a Holy Reminder (The Gift You Didn't Ask For) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/the-gift-you-didnt-ask-for/you-wanted-a-holiday-high-but-you-got-a-holy-reminder Christmas often promises a rush of joy, nostalgia, and good feelings—but those highs fade fast. The manger wasn’t meant to be the emotional finish line; it was the beginning of a much bigger story. Through Simeon’s encounter with Jesus, we’re shown the difference between chasing feelings and finding real fulfillment. Simeon wasn’t looking for a holiday buzz—he was waiting for truth, hope, and God’s promises to be fulfilled. And when he finally held Jesus, he understood something deeper: joy would come, but it would come through sacrifice, confrontation, and ultimately the cross. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess — it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess. Christmas often promises a rush of joy, nostalgia, and good feelings—but those highs fade fast. The manger wasn’t meant to be the emotional finish line; it was the beginning of a much bigger story. Through Simeon’s encounter with Jesus, we’re shown the difference between chasing feelings and finding real fulfillment. Simeon wasn’t looking for a holiday buzz—he was waiting for truth, hope, and God’s promises to be fulfilled. And when he finally held Jesus, he understood something deeper: joy would come, but it would come through sacrifice, confrontation, and ultimately the cross. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess — it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess. 20251228 Sun, 28 Dec 2025 08:00:00 EDT false You Wanted Clarity, But You Got Confusion (The Gift You Didn't Ask For) 1 Life rarely hands out clear directions—especially around the holidays. When you want clarity but all you have is confusion, it can feel unsettling: detours you didn’t plan for, decisions you’re afraid to get wrong, and “why is this happening now?” moments that mess with your peace. Mary and Joseph didn’t receive a detailed plan—they were given an inconvenient push, and God still used it to move them exactly where they needed to be. The reminder is simple: you may feel lost, but you’re not abandoned. God can direct even when you don’t understand it, and the “Caesars” in your life don’t get the final say. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess — it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess. You Wanted Clarity, But You Got Confusion (The Gift You Didn't Ask For) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/the-gift-you-didnt-ask-for/you-wanted-clarity-but-you-got-confusion Life rarely hands out clear directions—especially around the holidays. When you want clarity but all you have is confusion, it can feel unsettling: detours you didn’t plan for, decisions you’re afraid to get wrong, and “why is this happening now?” moments that mess with your peace. Mary and Joseph didn’t receive a detailed plan—they were given an inconvenient push, and God still used it to move them exactly where they needed to be. The reminder is simple: you may feel lost, but you’re not abandoned. God can direct even when you don’t understand it, and the “Caesars” in your life don’t get the final say. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess — it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess. Life rarely hands out clear directions—especially around the holidays. When you want clarity but all you have is confusion, it can feel unsettling: detours you didn’t plan for, decisions you’re afraid to get wrong, and “why is this happening now?” moments that mess with your peace. Mary and Joseph didn’t receive a detailed plan—they were given an inconvenient push, and God still used it to move them exactly where they needed to be. The reminder is simple: you may feel lost, but you’re not abandoned. God can direct even when you don’t understand it, and the “Caesars” in your life don’t get the final say. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess — it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess. 20251214 Sun, 14 Dec 2025 08:00:00 EDT false You Asked For Easy, But You Got a Calling (The Gift You Didn't Ask For) 1 Life rarely gives us “easy,” even at Christmas. But instead of removing the hard stuff, God meets us in it with purpose. Mary’s story shows that God calls ordinary, unprepared people into something bigger than themselves—and that calling often arrives wrapped in uncertainty, discomfort, and mess. Her response of surrender, trust, and courage shows us how to follow God when life is anything but simple. But faith doesn’t avoid the mess; it finds Jesus right in the middle of it. Your faith was made for moments just like these. You Asked For Easy, But You Got a Calling (The Gift You Didn't Ask For) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/the-gift-you-didnt-ask-for/you-asked-for-easy-but-you-got-a-calling Life rarely gives us “easy,” even at Christmas. But instead of removing the hard stuff, God meets us in it with purpose. Mary’s story shows that God calls ordinary, unprepared people into something bigger than themselves—and that calling often arrives wrapped in uncertainty, discomfort, and mess. Her response of surrender, trust, and courage shows us how to follow God when life is anything but simple. But faith doesn’t avoid the mess; it finds Jesus right in the middle of it. Your faith was made for moments just like these. Life rarely gives us “easy,” even at Christmas. But instead of removing the hard stuff, God meets us in it with purpose. Mary’s story shows that God calls ordinary, unprepared people into something bigger than themselves—and that calling often arrives wrapped in uncertainty, discomfort, and mess. Her response of surrender, trust, and courage shows us how to follow God when life is anything but simple. But faith doesn’t avoid the mess; it finds Jesus right in the middle of it. Your faith was made for moments just like these. 20251207 Sun, 7 Dec 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Remember (Still Grateful) 1 We’re all really good at remembering what went wrong and almost blind to how often God has actually shown up for us. Forgetting His track record fills our hearts with fear, anxiety, and worst-case thinking, while remembering it fills us with courage and peace. When we don’t intentionally remember His faithfulness, something else takes over—control, regret, worry, or doubt—and we end up missing the good things He’s trying to lead us into. God doesn’t ask us to take blind leaps; He invites us to trust the patterns of His goodness in our lives and to remember how He’s carried us through the mess before. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess—it finds Jesus in it, remembers what He’s already done, and steps forward with a grateful, steady heart. Remember (Still Grateful) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/still-grateful/remember We’re all really good at remembering what went wrong and almost blind to how often God has actually shown up for us. Forgetting His track record fills our hearts with fear, anxiety, and worst-case thinking, while remembering it fills us with courage and peace. When we don’t intentionally remember His faithfulness, something else takes over—control, regret, worry, or doubt—and we end up missing the good things He’s trying to lead us into. God doesn’t ask us to take blind leaps; He invites us to trust the patterns of His goodness in our lives and to remember how He’s carried us through the mess before. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess—it finds Jesus in it, remembers what He’s already done, and steps forward with a grateful, steady heart. We’re all really good at remembering what went wrong and almost blind to how often God has actually shown up for us. Forgetting His track record fills our hearts with fear, anxiety, and worst-case thinking, while remembering it fills us with courage and peace. When we don’t intentionally remember His faithfulness, something else takes over—control, regret, worry, or doubt—and we end up missing the good things He’s trying to lead us into. God doesn’t ask us to take blind leaps; He invites us to trust the patterns of His goodness in our lives and to remember how He’s carried us through the mess before. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess—it finds Jesus in it, remembers what He’s already done, and steps forward with a grateful, steady heart. 20251123 Sun, 23 Nov 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Faith in the Mud (Nameless Faith) 1 Faith doesn’t shut down when life gets messy—it’s actually made for it. In John 9, Jesus meets a man born blind, turns a painful lifelong struggle into a place for God to show up, and shows us that our hard seasons aren’t punishment but invitations to trust Him, take the next step, worship in the middle of the chaos, and see Him more clearly—even in the mud. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess—it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess. Faith in the Mud (Nameless Faith) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/nameless-faith/faith-in-the-mud Faith doesn’t shut down when life gets messy—it’s actually made for it. In John 9, Jesus meets a man born blind, turns a painful lifelong struggle into a place for God to show up, and shows us that our hard seasons aren’t punishment but invitations to trust Him, take the next step, worship in the middle of the chaos, and see Him more clearly—even in the mud. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess—it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess. Faith doesn’t shut down when life gets messy—it’s actually made for it. In John 9, Jesus meets a man born blind, turns a painful lifelong struggle into a place for God to show up, and shows us that our hard seasons aren’t punishment but invitations to trust Him, take the next step, worship in the middle of the chaos, and see Him more clearly—even in the mud. Faith doesn’t avoid the mess—it finds Jesus in it. Your faith was made for the mess. 20251116 Sun, 16 Nov 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Faith That Sees (Nameless Faith) 1 Ten men with leprosy cry out to Jesus from a distance, and He tells them to go show themselves to the priests—before they’re even healed. As they walk, healing comes, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Him. The story reminds us to stop seeking Jesus just for what He can do and start seeing Him for who He is. Real faith calls out, obeys before results, responds with gratitude, and lets Jesus make us whole inside and out. Faith That Sees (Nameless Faith) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/nameless-faith/faith-that-sees Ten men with leprosy cry out to Jesus from a distance, and He tells them to go show themselves to the priests—before they’re even healed. As they walk, healing comes, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Him. The story reminds us to stop seeking Jesus just for what He can do and start seeing Him for who He is. Real faith calls out, obeys before results, responds with gratitude, and lets Jesus make us whole inside and out. Ten men with leprosy cry out to Jesus from a distance, and He tells them to go show themselves to the priests—before they’re even healed. As they walk, healing comes, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Him. The story reminds us to stop seeking Jesus just for what He can do and start seeing Him for who He is. Real faith calls out, obeys before results, responds with gratitude, and lets Jesus make us whole inside and out. 20251109 Sun, 9 Nov 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Measured Faith (Nameless Faith) 1 Jesus isn’t impressed by big numbers or loud moments—He notices trust and surrender. In a temple culture where giving had become a show, a poor widow quietly drops in two tiny coins—everything she had—and Jesus calls it “more.” Her story flips our idea of value and success, challenging us to loosen our grip on control, comfort, and security. God’s math is different: He weighs trust and multiplies surrender. Even small, hidden acts of faith can move big things when placed in His hands. Measured Faith (Nameless Faith) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/nameless-faith/measured-faith Jesus isn’t impressed by big numbers or loud moments—He notices trust and surrender. In a temple culture where giving had become a show, a poor widow quietly drops in two tiny coins—everything she had—and Jesus calls it “more.” Her story flips our idea of value and success, challenging us to loosen our grip on control, comfort, and security. God’s math is different: He weighs trust and multiplies surrender. Even small, hidden acts of faith can move big things when placed in His hands. Jesus isn’t impressed by big numbers or loud moments—He notices trust and surrender. In a temple culture where giving had become a show, a poor widow quietly drops in two tiny coins—everything she had—and Jesus calls it “more.” Her story flips our idea of value and success, challenging us to loosen our grip on control, comfort, and security. God’s math is different: He weighs trust and multiplies surrender. Even small, hidden acts of faith can move big things when placed in His hands. 20251026 Sun, 26 Oct 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Breakthrough Faith (Nameless Faith) 1 Real change rarely happens solo. When a paralyzed man couldn’t reach Jesus on his own, four friends carried him, climbed a roof, ripped it open, and lowered him down. Jesus saw their faith, forgave him, and healed him. Stop living on islands—surround yourself with “crazy good friends,” and be that kind of friend for others. Breakthrough faith moves, carries, creates new paths when doors are blocked, and celebrates loudly when God comes through. It’s practical, gritty, and deeply communal. Breakthrough Faith (Nameless Faith) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/nameless-faith/breakthrough-faith Real change rarely happens solo. When a paralyzed man couldn’t reach Jesus on his own, four friends carried him, climbed a roof, ripped it open, and lowered him down. Jesus saw their faith, forgave him, and healed him. Stop living on islands—surround yourself with “crazy good friends,” and be that kind of friend for others. Breakthrough faith moves, carries, creates new paths when doors are blocked, and celebrates loudly when God comes through. It’s practical, gritty, and deeply communal. Real change rarely happens solo. When a paralyzed man couldn’t reach Jesus on his own, four friends carried him, climbed a roof, ripped it open, and lowered him down. Jesus saw their faith, forgave him, and healed him. Stop living on islands—surround yourself with “crazy good friends,” and be that kind of friend for others. Breakthrough faith moves, carries, creates new paths when doors are blocked, and celebrates loudly when God comes through. It’s practical, gritty, and deeply communal. 20251019 Sun, 19 Oct 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Persistent Faith (Nameless Faith) 1 When life feels unfair and your prayers hit a wall, what do you do? We dig into the story of a mom who refused to give up when everything went quiet. She doesn’t have all the right words or background—just raw desperation and stubborn faith. Jesus doesn’t shame her; He pushes her deeper until her belief becomes real, not borrowed. It’s a story about holding on when you want to walk away, trusting that even a tiny bit of hope—a “crumb”—can change everything. When life goes silent, don’t shut down. Lean in. Keep asking. Let the pressure forge something real inside you. Persistent Faith (Nameless Faith) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/nameless-faith/persistent-faith When life feels unfair and your prayers hit a wall, what do you do? We dig into the story of a mom who refused to give up when everything went quiet. She doesn’t have all the right words or background—just raw desperation and stubborn faith. Jesus doesn’t shame her; He pushes her deeper until her belief becomes real, not borrowed. It’s a story about holding on when you want to walk away, trusting that even a tiny bit of hope—a “crumb”—can change everything. When life goes silent, don’t shut down. Lean in. Keep asking. Let the pressure forge something real inside you. When life feels unfair and your prayers hit a wall, what do you do? We dig into the story of a mom who refused to give up when everything went quiet. She doesn’t have all the right words or background—just raw desperation and stubborn faith. Jesus doesn’t shame her; He pushes her deeper until her belief becomes real, not borrowed. It’s a story about holding on when you want to walk away, trusting that even a tiny bit of hope—a “crumb”—can change everything. When life goes silent, don’t shut down. Lean in. Keep asking. Let the pressure forge something real inside you. 20251012 Sun, 12 Oct 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Not a Long Shot (Nameless Faith) 1 Kicking off “Nameless Faith,” we zoom in on the Roman centurion — a man whose name we don’t get, but whose faith amazed Jesus. He’d tried everything, hit a wall, and still believed Jesus could heal from a distance with just a word. That’s the heart of real faith: not treating Jesus as a helpful teacher when life wobbles, but trusting Him as Lord with actual authority. Your past, your drift, your distance—none of it disqualifies you. God’s word won’t fail. Learn His promises, trust them in your situation, and let your faith outlive your name. Not a Long Shot (Nameless Faith) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/nameless-faith/not-a-long-shot Kicking off “Nameless Faith,” we zoom in on the Roman centurion — a man whose name we don’t get, but whose faith amazed Jesus. He’d tried everything, hit a wall, and still believed Jesus could heal from a distance with just a word. That’s the heart of real faith: not treating Jesus as a helpful teacher when life wobbles, but trusting Him as Lord with actual authority. Your past, your drift, your distance—none of it disqualifies you. God’s word won’t fail. Learn His promises, trust them in your situation, and let your faith outlive your name. Kicking off “Nameless Faith,” we zoom in on the Roman centurion — a man whose name we don’t get, but whose faith amazed Jesus. He’d tried everything, hit a wall, and still believed Jesus could heal from a distance with just a word. That’s the heart of real faith: not treating Jesus as a helpful teacher when life wobbles, but trusting Him as Lord with actual authority. Your past, your drift, your distance—none of it disqualifies you. God’s word won’t fail. Learn His promises, trust them in your situation, and let your faith outlive your name. 20250928 Sun, 28 Sep 2025 08:00:00 EDT false It's about saying yes...Baptism Sunday (Baptism) 1 Baptism Sunday is all about saying “yes” to God’s invitation and celebrating new life. Acts 8 shows us that God always moves first—pursuing, stirring, and setting things in motion. Our role? Simply respond. Sometimes faith is slow and steady, sometimes it’s a bold leap, but baptism is the moment to go public and declare, “I belong to Jesus.” It’s not about perfection, it’s about taking the next step—and cheering on others who do the same. It's about saying yes...Baptism Sunday (Baptism) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/baptism/it-s-about-saying-yes-baptism-sunday Baptism Sunday is all about saying “yes” to God’s invitation and celebrating new life. Acts 8 shows us that God always moves first—pursuing, stirring, and setting things in motion. Our role? Simply respond. Sometimes faith is slow and steady, sometimes it’s a bold leap, but baptism is the moment to go public and declare, “I belong to Jesus.” It’s not about perfection, it’s about taking the next step—and cheering on others who do the same. Baptism Sunday is all about saying “yes” to God’s invitation and celebrating new life. Acts 8 shows us that God always moves first—pursuing, stirring, and setting things in motion. Our role? Simply respond. Sometimes faith is slow and steady, sometimes it’s a bold leap, but baptism is the moment to go public and declare, “I belong to Jesus.” It’s not about perfection, it’s about taking the next step—and cheering on others who do the same. 20250914 Sun, 14 Sep 2025 08:00:00 EDT false For When I'm Getting Lost (Soul Reset) 1 Our lives are cluttered tables—piled with stuff that never really satisfies. Fasting clears the space so God can fill it. It’s not ‘if’ but ‘when’ you fast—Jesus expected it to be part of our rhythm of soul care. We’ll try all kinds of diets to fix our bodies; why not fast to strengthen our souls? For When I'm Getting Lost (Soul Reset) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/soul-reset/for-when-i-m-getting-lost Our lives are cluttered tables—piled with stuff that never really satisfies. Fasting clears the space so God can fill it. It’s not ‘if’ but ‘when’ you fast—Jesus expected it to be part of our rhythm of soul care. We’ll try all kinds of diets to fix our bodies; why not fast to strengthen our souls? Our lives are cluttered tables—piled with stuff that never really satisfies. Fasting clears the space so God can fill it. It’s not ‘if’ but ‘when’ you fast—Jesus expected it to be part of our rhythm of soul care. We’ll try all kinds of diets to fix our bodies; why not fast to strengthen our souls? 20250831 Sun, 31 Aug 2025 08:00:00 EDT false More Than Words (Soul Reset) 1 Just like muscles need steady nutrition to grow strong, our souls need the steady intake of God’s Word. A Sunday “shake” isn’t enough to face life’s pressure and lies. Jesus Himself relied on Scripture when He was weak and tempted, showing us that truth is more powerful than opinion, feelings, or the voices around us. The Bible isn’t just an old book—it’s alive, active, and meant to fuel, guide, and strengthen us every single day. If Jesus needed it, so do we. Don’t just sip once in a while—make God’s Word part of your daily rhythm. More Than Words (Soul Reset) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/soul-reset/more-than-words Just like muscles need steady nutrition to grow strong, our souls need the steady intake of God’s Word. A Sunday “shake” isn’t enough to face life’s pressure and lies. Jesus Himself relied on Scripture when He was weak and tempted, showing us that truth is more powerful than opinion, feelings, or the voices around us. The Bible isn’t just an old book—it’s alive, active, and meant to fuel, guide, and strengthen us every single day. If Jesus needed it, so do we. Don’t just sip once in a while—make God’s Word part of your daily rhythm. Just like muscles need steady nutrition to grow strong, our souls need the steady intake of God’s Word. A Sunday “shake” isn’t enough to face life’s pressure and lies. Jesus Himself relied on Scripture when He was weak and tempted, showing us that truth is more powerful than opinion, feelings, or the voices around us. The Bible isn’t just an old book—it’s alive, active, and meant to fuel, guide, and strengthen us every single day. If Jesus needed it, so do we. Don’t just sip once in a while—make God’s Word part of your daily rhythm. 20250817 Sun, 17 Aug 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Don't Go Quiet (Soul Reset) 1 Jesus didn’t just step away from the crowds to chill, find a distraction, change the pace, or empty Himself — He got away, found solitude, and prayed. Breaking the insane pace of life is important. It’s good to find time to rest, but don’t go silent. Prayer — honest conversation with God — is a vital part of caring for your soul. Have those honest conversations with Him often. Don't Go Quiet (Soul Reset) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/soul-reset/don-t-go-quiet Jesus didn’t just step away from the crowds to chill, find a distraction, change the pace, or empty Himself — He got away, found solitude, and prayed. Breaking the insane pace of life is important. It’s good to find time to rest, but don’t go silent. Prayer — honest conversation with God — is a vital part of caring for your soul. Have those honest conversations with Him often. Jesus didn’t just step away from the crowds to chill, find a distraction, change the pace, or empty Himself — He got away, found solitude, and prayed. Breaking the insane pace of life is important. It’s good to find time to rest, but don’t go silent. Prayer — honest conversation with God — is a vital part of caring for your soul. Have those honest conversations with Him often. 20250810 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Soul Reset: When Life Stacks Too High (Soul Reset) 1 Life doesn’t just move fast—it stacks. We carry around pressure, responsibilities, and expectations until we’re exhausted. In Mark 1:29–39, we see that even Jesus made time to pause, withdraw, and reset. When the demands piled up, He didn’t hustle harder—He sought solitude with God. Practicing solitude isn’t selfish or lazy; it’s spiritual obedience. It’s how we drop the boxes and find clarity, peace, and strength. Build intentional soul care into your rhythm—because if Jesus did it, we definitely need it. Soul Reset: When Life Stacks Too High (Soul Reset) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/soul-reset/soul-reset-when-life-stacks-too-high Life doesn’t just move fast—it stacks. We carry around pressure, responsibilities, and expectations until we’re exhausted. In Mark 1:29–39, we see that even Jesus made time to pause, withdraw, and reset. When the demands piled up, He didn’t hustle harder—He sought solitude with God. Practicing solitude isn’t selfish or lazy; it’s spiritual obedience. It’s how we drop the boxes and find clarity, peace, and strength. Build intentional soul care into your rhythm—because if Jesus did it, we definitely need it. Life doesn’t just move fast—it stacks. We carry around pressure, responsibilities, and expectations until we’re exhausted. In Mark 1:29–39, we see that even Jesus made time to pause, withdraw, and reset. When the demands piled up, He didn’t hustle harder—He sought solitude with God. Practicing solitude isn’t selfish or lazy; it’s spiritual obedience. It’s how we drop the boxes and find clarity, peace, and strength. Build intentional soul care into your rhythm—because if Jesus did it, we definitely need it. 20250803 Sun, 3 Aug 2025 08:00:00 EDT false The In Between (The In Between) 1 In seasons of silence, when God feels distant and our prayers seem to hit a wall, Psalm 13 gives voice to the pain of waiting. David models what it looks like to wrestle with emotions while still holding onto faith. Through a raw cry, a desperate ask, and an unwavering hold on God’s unchanging character, we see a pathway for walking through the “in-between” seasons—those frustrating gaps between promise and fulfillment. This talk invites us to cry out honestly, lean into God dependently, and hold on to His goodness, even when nothing around us makes sense. The In Between (The In Between) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/the-in-between/the-in-between In seasons of silence, when God feels distant and our prayers seem to hit a wall, Psalm 13 gives voice to the pain of waiting. David models what it looks like to wrestle with emotions while still holding onto faith. Through a raw cry, a desperate ask, and an unwavering hold on God’s unchanging character, we see a pathway for walking through the “in-between” seasons—those frustrating gaps between promise and fulfillment. This talk invites us to cry out honestly, lean into God dependently, and hold on to His goodness, even when nothing around us makes sense. In seasons of silence, when God feels distant and our prayers seem to hit a wall, Psalm 13 gives voice to the pain of waiting. David models what it looks like to wrestle with emotions while still holding onto faith. Through a raw cry, a desperate ask, and an unwavering hold on God’s unchanging character, we see a pathway for walking through the “in-between” seasons—those frustrating gaps between promise and fulfillment. This talk invites us to cry out honestly, lean into God dependently, and hold on to His goodness, even when nothing around us makes sense. 20250713 Sun, 13 Jul 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Open Invitation (Prodigals) 1 We tend to forget the best part of a story—the ending. And while how a story starts matters, how it ends matters more. The middle doesn’t define the finish. In Jesus’ parable, the story ends abruptly—left open on purpose. Why? Because we’re the ones who finish it. The questions it leaves us with are powerful: Which brother are you? What’s keeping you from the celebration? Can you embrace grace—for others and yourself? How will your story end? And what kind of church are we becoming? Open Invitation (Prodigals) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/prodigals/open-invitation We tend to forget the best part of a story—the ending. And while how a story starts matters, how it ends matters more. The middle doesn’t define the finish. In Jesus’ parable, the story ends abruptly—left open on purpose. Why? Because we’re the ones who finish it. The questions it leaves us with are powerful: Which brother are you? What’s keeping you from the celebration? Can you embrace grace—for others and yourself? How will your story end? And what kind of church are we becoming? We tend to forget the best part of a story—the ending. And while how a story starts matters, how it ends matters more. The middle doesn’t define the finish. In Jesus’ parable, the story ends abruptly—left open on purpose. Why? Because we’re the ones who finish it. The questions it leaves us with are powerful: Which brother are you? What’s keeping you from the celebration? Can you embrace grace—for others and yourself? How will your story end? And what kind of church are we becoming? 20250706 Sun, 6 Jul 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Lurker Prodigals (Prodigals) 1 The older brother is a character that’s often missed or overlooked—but he’s actually the key to the story. Jesus uses him to show that you can be in the house, close to the Father, and still be lost. Proximity doesn’t equal intimacy. You can look the part, but religion without relationship is still rebellion. Don’t miss out on the joy and grace God wants to give because your heart isn’t aligned with His. Lurker Prodigals (Prodigals) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/prodigals/lurker-prodigals The older brother is a character that’s often missed or overlooked—but he’s actually the key to the story. Jesus uses him to show that you can be in the house, close to the Father, and still be lost. Proximity doesn’t equal intimacy. You can look the part, but religion without relationship is still rebellion. Don’t miss out on the joy and grace God wants to give because your heart isn’t aligned with His. The older brother is a character that’s often missed or overlooked—but he’s actually the key to the story. Jesus uses him to show that you can be in the house, close to the Father, and still be lost. Proximity doesn’t equal intimacy. You can look the part, but religion without relationship is still rebellion. Don’t miss out on the joy and grace God wants to give because your heart isn’t aligned with His. 20250629 Sun, 29 Jun 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Which One Do You Want? (Prodigals) 1 Sometimes one word can mean two opposite things—like “buckle” (to fasten or to collapse) or “clip” (to cut or to connect). The word “prodigal” is the same. It can mean recklessly wasteful or extravagantly generous. In Luke 15, we see both: a son who wasted everything and a father who gave everything. As Tim Keller points out, this story is really about the father—our God—who is radically generous with grace and love. So the question is: which kind of life are you choosing? One that chases empty things or one defined by a Father who calls you His own? Which One Do You Want? (Prodigals) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/prodigals/which-one-do-you-want- Sometimes one word can mean two opposite things—like “buckle” (to fasten or to collapse) or “clip” (to cut or to connect). The word “prodigal” is the same. It can mean recklessly wasteful or extravagantly generous. In Luke 15, we see both: a son who wasted everything and a father who gave everything. As Tim Keller points out, this story is really about the father—our God—who is radically generous with grace and love. So the question is: which kind of life are you choosing? One that chases empty things or one defined by a Father who calls you His own? Sometimes one word can mean two opposite things—like “buckle” (to fasten or to collapse) or “clip” (to cut or to connect). The word “prodigal” is the same. It can mean recklessly wasteful or extravagantly generous. In Luke 15, we see both: a son who wasted everything and a father who gave everything. As Tim Keller points out, this story is really about the father—our God—who is radically generous with grace and love. So the question is: which kind of life are you choosing? One that chases empty things or one defined by a Father who calls you His own? 20250622 Sun, 22 Jun 2025 08:00:00 EDT false The Wake Up (Prodigals) 1 The lost son hit rock bottom—and finally woke up. In a moment of painful clarity, he saw his condition for what it was and realized, “I don’t belong here.” That self-awareness was the first step home. While some of us learn the hard way, we don’t have to. If we truly saw the kindness of the Father and the difference between the emptiness of everything else and the fullness He offers, we might turn back sooner. The son got honest, confessed where he’d gone wrong, and even though he didn’t fully grasp the Father’s love—he got up and went. The Wake Up (Prodigals) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/prodigals/the-wake-up The lost son hit rock bottom—and finally woke up. In a moment of painful clarity, he saw his condition for what it was and realized, “I don’t belong here.” That self-awareness was the first step home. While some of us learn the hard way, we don’t have to. If we truly saw the kindness of the Father and the difference between the emptiness of everything else and the fullness He offers, we might turn back sooner. The son got honest, confessed where he’d gone wrong, and even though he didn’t fully grasp the Father’s love—he got up and went. The lost son hit rock bottom—and finally woke up. In a moment of painful clarity, he saw his condition for what it was and realized, “I don’t belong here.” That self-awareness was the first step home. While some of us learn the hard way, we don’t have to. If we truly saw the kindness of the Father and the difference between the emptiness of everything else and the fullness He offers, we might turn back sooner. The son got honest, confessed where he’d gone wrong, and even though he didn’t fully grasp the Father’s love—he got up and went. 20250615 Sun, 15 Jun 2025 08:00:00 EDT false How It Starts (Prodigals) 1 We often say, "It's not how you start, it's how you finish"—but sometimes a rough start sets the tone for the whole journey. This story didn't begin well, and the real beginning wasn't the moment the son left home—it started much earlier, in the quiet places of his heart. A little dissatisfaction, some comparison, maybe romanticizing life away from the Father or wrestling with unspoken frustration. Those internal struggles built up until they led to a choice. The drift always begins inside—long before we ever take a step. How It Starts (Prodigals) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/prodigals/how-it-starts We often say, "It's not how you start, it's how you finish"—but sometimes a rough start sets the tone for the whole journey. This story didn't begin well, and the real beginning wasn't the moment the son left home—it started much earlier, in the quiet places of his heart. A little dissatisfaction, some comparison, maybe romanticizing life away from the Father or wrestling with unspoken frustration. Those internal struggles built up until they led to a choice. The drift always begins inside—long before we ever take a step. We often say, "It's not how you start, it's how you finish"—but sometimes a rough start sets the tone for the whole journey. This story didn't begin well, and the real beginning wasn't the moment the son left home—it started much earlier, in the quiet places of his heart. A little dissatisfaction, some comparison, maybe romanticizing life away from the Father or wrestling with unspoken frustration. Those internal struggles built up until they led to a choice. The drift always begins inside—long before we ever take a step. 20250608 Sun, 8 Jun 2025 08:00:00 EDT false It Should Be Right Here (Pursuit part 2) (Prodigals) 1 The parable of the lost coin hits differently—because the coin didn’t run off, it was simply misplaced. It didn’t rebel; it was just lost in the house. Like us. Sometimes we find ourselves feeling lost—not because we’ve left God, but because we’ve misplaced things like our identity, purpose, or security. And just like the woman searching for the coin, God doesn’t stop looking. He’s not just in the business of finding the lost—He’s all about restoring what’s been misplaced. Your story, your worth, your place still matter to Him. It Should Be Right Here (Pursuit part 2) (Prodigals) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/prodigals/it-should-be-right-here-pursuit-part-2- The parable of the lost coin hits differently—because the coin didn’t run off, it was simply misplaced. It didn’t rebel; it was just lost in the house. Like us. Sometimes we find ourselves feeling lost—not because we’ve left God, but because we’ve misplaced things like our identity, purpose, or security. And just like the woman searching for the coin, God doesn’t stop looking. He’s not just in the business of finding the lost—He’s all about restoring what’s been misplaced. Your story, your worth, your place still matter to Him. The parable of the lost coin hits differently—because the coin didn’t run off, it was simply misplaced. It didn’t rebel; it was just lost in the house. Like us. Sometimes we find ourselves feeling lost—not because we’ve left God, but because we’ve misplaced things like our identity, purpose, or security. And just like the woman searching for the coin, God doesn’t stop looking. He’s not just in the business of finding the lost—He’s all about restoring what’s been misplaced. Your story, your worth, your place still matter to Him. 20250601 Sun, 1 Jun 2025 08:00:00 EDT false This Doesn’t Make Sense (Pursuit part 1) (Prodigals) 1 It doesn’t make sense to leave 99 sheep to chase one that wandered off—but that’s exactly what Jesus says the Good Shepherd does. In response to the judgmental muttering of the religious crowd, Jesus tells three parables—simple, relatable stories with deep spiritual truths. And they all aim at one thing: our hearts. In the first story, a sheep doesn’t rebel—it just drifts. Distracted, unaware, and vulnerable—just like us. But the Shepherd notices. He sees the one that no one else sees. He pursues. That’s the kind of love Jesus has for you. It might not make sense to us, but it makes perfect sense to a God whose love goes further than we can imagine. This Doesn’t Make Sense (Pursuit part 1) (Prodigals) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/prodigals/this-doesn-t-make-sense-pursuit-part-1- It doesn’t make sense to leave 99 sheep to chase one that wandered off—but that’s exactly what Jesus says the Good Shepherd does. In response to the judgmental muttering of the religious crowd, Jesus tells three parables—simple, relatable stories with deep spiritual truths. And they all aim at one thing: our hearts. In the first story, a sheep doesn’t rebel—it just drifts. Distracted, unaware, and vulnerable—just like us. But the Shepherd notices. He sees the one that no one else sees. He pursues. That’s the kind of love Jesus has for you. It might not make sense to us, but it makes perfect sense to a God whose love goes further than we can imagine. It doesn’t make sense to leave 99 sheep to chase one that wandered off—but that’s exactly what Jesus says the Good Shepherd does. In response to the judgmental muttering of the religious crowd, Jesus tells three parables—simple, relatable stories with deep spiritual truths. And they all aim at one thing: our hearts. In the first story, a sheep doesn’t rebel—it just drifts. Distracted, unaware, and vulnerable—just like us. But the Shepherd notices. He sees the one that no one else sees. He pursues. That’s the kind of love Jesus has for you. It might not make sense to us, but it makes perfect sense to a God whose love goes further than we can imagine. 20250525 Sun, 25 May 2025 08:00:00 EDT false God Loves More (Prodigals) 1 Before Jesus said a word, his actions spoke volumes—he was eating with “sinners,” and the religious crowd couldn’t handle it. Their pride and judgment were on full display, and in response, Jesus told three powerful stories that revealed God’s heart. A heart that loves more—loves first, loves when we’re a mess, loves when we walk away. These stories challenge us: Have we let that kind of love change us? Do we look more like Jesus or more like the ones who judged him? And who are we making room for at our table? God Loves More (Prodigals) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/prodigals/god-loves-more Before Jesus said a word, his actions spoke volumes—he was eating with “sinners,” and the religious crowd couldn’t handle it. Their pride and judgment were on full display, and in response, Jesus told three powerful stories that revealed God’s heart. A heart that loves more—loves first, loves when we’re a mess, loves when we walk away. These stories challenge us: Have we let that kind of love change us? Do we look more like Jesus or more like the ones who judged him? And who are we making room for at our table? Before Jesus said a word, his actions spoke volumes—he was eating with “sinners,” and the religious crowd couldn’t handle it. Their pride and judgment were on full display, and in response, Jesus told three powerful stories that revealed God’s heart. A heart that loves more—loves first, loves when we’re a mess, loves when we walk away. These stories challenge us: Have we let that kind of love change us? Do we look more like Jesus or more like the ones who judged him? And who are we making room for at our table? 20250518 Sun, 18 May 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Built Different (Built Different) 1 Have you ever worked hard to fix something in life—relationships, careers, purpose—only to feel like it’s still falling apart. Our efforts fall flat when we’re not building with God or for God. Whether we’re chasing the wrong goals, surrounding ourselves with the wrong people, or trying to carry it all alone, the result is the same: exhaustion without fruit. But when we build on God’s love, root ourselves in His Word, engage with our church community, and walk together we find purpose, peace, and progress that actually lasts. Built Different (Built Different) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/build-different/built-different Have you ever worked hard to fix something in life—relationships, careers, purpose—only to feel like it’s still falling apart. Our efforts fall flat when we’re not building with God or for God. Whether we’re chasing the wrong goals, surrounding ourselves with the wrong people, or trying to carry it all alone, the result is the same: exhaustion without fruit. But when we build on God’s love, root ourselves in His Word, engage with our church community, and walk together we find purpose, peace, and progress that actually lasts. Have you ever worked hard to fix something in life—relationships, careers, purpose—only to feel like it’s still falling apart. Our efforts fall flat when we’re not building with God or for God. Whether we’re chasing the wrong goals, surrounding ourselves with the wrong people, or trying to carry it all alone, the result is the same: exhaustion without fruit. But when we build on God’s love, root ourselves in His Word, engage with our church community, and walk together we find purpose, peace, and progress that actually lasts. 20250511 Sun, 11 May 2025 08:00:00 EDT false What If You’re Missing the Moment? (The Turnaround) 1 Look beyond your expectations and see Jesus for who He really is—not who we’ve made Him out to be. The crowd celebrating Jesus' arrival missed the deeper meaning of what He came to do. They wanted a political savior, but Jesus came to bring something bigger—lasting peace, hope, and transformation. Just like in our own lives, misplaced expectations and poor communication can keep us from experiencing God fully. But when we reframe who God really is—trusting His higher ways, His goodness, and His faithfulness—we open ourselves to a deeper, more real relationship with Him. What If You’re Missing the Moment? (The Turnaround) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/the-turnaround/what-if-you-re-missing-the-moment- Look beyond your expectations and see Jesus for who He really is—not who we’ve made Him out to be. The crowd celebrating Jesus' arrival missed the deeper meaning of what He came to do. They wanted a political savior, but Jesus came to bring something bigger—lasting peace, hope, and transformation. Just like in our own lives, misplaced expectations and poor communication can keep us from experiencing God fully. But when we reframe who God really is—trusting His higher ways, His goodness, and His faithfulness—we open ourselves to a deeper, more real relationship with Him. Look beyond your expectations and see Jesus for who He really is—not who we’ve made Him out to be. The crowd celebrating Jesus' arrival missed the deeper meaning of what He came to do. They wanted a political savior, but Jesus came to bring something bigger—lasting peace, hope, and transformation. Just like in our own lives, misplaced expectations and poor communication can keep us from experiencing God fully. But when we reframe who God really is—trusting His higher ways, His goodness, and His faithfulness—we open ourselves to a deeper, more real relationship with Him. 20250413 Sun, 13 Apr 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Faithfulness Wins (Resilient) 1 Life throws all kinds of things at us, and while it's tempting to think we just "get what we get," the truth is—we get what we’ve been faithful in. Daniel’s story isn't about lions, it's about character. Through consistent faithfulness, even in private, Daniel had peace in public trials. And while our choices carry consequences, the real hope lies in God's faithfulness—even when we fall short. The message reminds us that how we live matters, but ultimately, it’s about a God who is always steady, even when we’re not. Faithfulness Wins (Resilient) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/resilient/faithfulness-wins Life throws all kinds of things at us, and while it's tempting to think we just "get what we get," the truth is—we get what we’ve been faithful in. Daniel’s story isn't about lions, it's about character. Through consistent faithfulness, even in private, Daniel had peace in public trials. And while our choices carry consequences, the real hope lies in God's faithfulness—even when we fall short. The message reminds us that how we live matters, but ultimately, it’s about a God who is always steady, even when we’re not. Life throws all kinds of things at us, and while it's tempting to think we just "get what we get," the truth is—we get what we’ve been faithful in. Daniel’s story isn't about lions, it's about character. Through consistent faithfulness, even in private, Daniel had peace in public trials. And while our choices carry consequences, the real hope lies in God's faithfulness—even when we fall short. The message reminds us that how we live matters, but ultimately, it’s about a God who is always steady, even when we’re not. 20250406 Sun, 6 Apr 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Just Endure (Resilient) 1 Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is just not quit today. Take one more step, make it through one more day. Endurance builds endurance—and when you add even a little faith and the right perspective, it fuels your strength. That’s what Daniel shows us. It’s not “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”—it’s walking through the hard stuff with faith that does. Paul told Timothy, and it’s true for us too: Keep your head. Endure. Be faithful. Live your calling. Just Endure (Resilient) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/resilient/just-endure Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is just not quit today. Take one more step, make it through one more day. Endurance builds endurance—and when you add even a little faith and the right perspective, it fuels your strength. That’s what Daniel shows us. It’s not “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”—it’s walking through the hard stuff with faith that does. Paul told Timothy, and it’s true for us too: Keep your head. Endure. Be faithful. Live your calling. Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is just not quit today. Take one more step, make it through one more day. Endurance builds endurance—and when you add even a little faith and the right perspective, it fuels your strength. That’s what Daniel shows us. It’s not “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”—it’s walking through the hard stuff with faith that does. Paul told Timothy, and it’s true for us too: Keep your head. Endure. Be faithful. Live your calling. 20250330 Sun, 30 Mar 2025 08:00:00 EDT false See It Coming (Resilient) 1 Ever been in a situation where you thought, “I should’ve seen that coming”? That’s what this talk is all about. We dive into a wild ancient story featuring a clueless king, a ghostly hand writing on a wall, and a lesson in how to not crash your life. It’s a hilarious, honest, and eye-opening look at how the small stuff we ignore can lead to big messes—and how there’s still hope to turn things around before it all goes off the rails. See It Coming (Resilient) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/resilient/see-it-coming Ever been in a situation where you thought, “I should’ve seen that coming”? That’s what this talk is all about. We dive into a wild ancient story featuring a clueless king, a ghostly hand writing on a wall, and a lesson in how to not crash your life. It’s a hilarious, honest, and eye-opening look at how the small stuff we ignore can lead to big messes—and how there’s still hope to turn things around before it all goes off the rails. Ever been in a situation where you thought, “I should’ve seen that coming”? That’s what this talk is all about. We dive into a wild ancient story featuring a clueless king, a ghostly hand writing on a wall, and a lesson in how to not crash your life. It’s a hilarious, honest, and eye-opening look at how the small stuff we ignore can lead to big messes—and how there’s still hope to turn things around before it all goes off the rails. 20250323 Sun, 23 Mar 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Look Up (Resilient) 1 Life has a way of building up pride in us, making us believe we’re in control—until everything comes crashing down. King Nebuchadnezzar’s story in Daniel 4 is a powerful reminder that God never stops pursuing us, even when we ignore Him. Sometimes, His grace is gentle, and sometimes it’s tough, but in the end, the only way to find true restoration is to look up and acknowledge that He is in control. Look Up (Resilient) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/resilient/look-up Life has a way of building up pride in us, making us believe we’re in control—until everything comes crashing down. King Nebuchadnezzar’s story in Daniel 4 is a powerful reminder that God never stops pursuing us, even when we ignore Him. Sometimes, His grace is gentle, and sometimes it’s tough, but in the end, the only way to find true restoration is to look up and acknowledge that He is in control. Life has a way of building up pride in us, making us believe we’re in control—until everything comes crashing down. King Nebuchadnezzar’s story in Daniel 4 is a powerful reminder that God never stops pursuing us, even when we ignore Him. Sometimes, His grace is gentle, and sometimes it’s tough, but in the end, the only way to find true restoration is to look up and acknowledge that He is in control. 20250316 Sun, 16 Mar 2025 08:00:00 EDT false What's in your hand? (Resilient) 1 Life is a fight, and the battles feel endless. But what if the breakthrough isn’t about holding on tighter—but letting go? In Exodus 17, Moses’ staff was just a stick until God used it. The same is true for what’s in your hands—your time, gifts, and resources. Victory comes when we surrender what we have to God and trust Him with the outcome. And like Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold him up, we’re not meant to stand alone. So, what’s in your hands—and will you trust God with it? What's in your hand? (Resilient) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/resilient/what-s-in-your-hand- Life is a fight, and the battles feel endless. But what if the breakthrough isn’t about holding on tighter—but letting go? In Exodus 17, Moses’ staff was just a stick until God used it. The same is true for what’s in your hands—your time, gifts, and resources. Victory comes when we surrender what we have to God and trust Him with the outcome. And like Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold him up, we’re not meant to stand alone. So, what’s in your hands—and will you trust God with it? Life is a fight, and the battles feel endless. But what if the breakthrough isn’t about holding on tighter—but letting go? In Exodus 17, Moses’ staff was just a stick until God used it. The same is true for what’s in your hands—your time, gifts, and resources. Victory comes when we surrender what we have to God and trust Him with the outcome. And like Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold him up, we’re not meant to stand alone. So, what’s in your hands—and will you trust God with it? 20250302 Sun, 2 Mar 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Still Standing (Resilient) 1 We all know what it feels like to be pulled in different directions—pressures from work, family, society, or even our own expectations. It’s easy to feel like we’re being swept away. But the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 reminds us that standing firm in faith is possible, even when the pressure is intense. They didn’t bend to the culture around them, and their trust in God became a testimony. Today, we can do the same. Whatever pressures you’re facing—busyness, peer pressure, self-doubt—God gives you the strength to stand firm. Still Standing (Resilient) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/resilient/still-standing We all know what it feels like to be pulled in different directions—pressures from work, family, society, or even our own expectations. It’s easy to feel like we’re being swept away. But the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 reminds us that standing firm in faith is possible, even when the pressure is intense. They didn’t bend to the culture around them, and their trust in God became a testimony. Today, we can do the same. Whatever pressures you’re facing—busyness, peer pressure, self-doubt—God gives you the strength to stand firm. We all know what it feels like to be pulled in different directions—pressures from work, family, society, or even our own expectations. It’s easy to feel like we’re being swept away. But the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 reminds us that standing firm in faith is possible, even when the pressure is intense. They didn’t bend to the culture around them, and their trust in God became a testimony. Today, we can do the same. Whatever pressures you’re facing—busyness, peer pressure, self-doubt—God gives you the strength to stand firm. 20250216 Sun, 16 Feb 2025 08:00:00 EDT false I Built a Boat (Resilient) 1 We’re all building something—intentionally or not. When life gets hard, we’re tempted to abandon what matters most to build distractions or walls for protection. Opposition and discouragement often stop us from dreaming, working, praying, and believing. But God calls us to keep building what matters to Him. Let’s look back with gratitude and lean into the future with faith, knowing what we’re building together is worth the effort. I Built a Boat (Resilient) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/resilient/i-built-a-boat We’re all building something—intentionally or not. When life gets hard, we’re tempted to abandon what matters most to build distractions or walls for protection. Opposition and discouragement often stop us from dreaming, working, praying, and believing. But God calls us to keep building what matters to Him. Let’s look back with gratitude and lean into the future with faith, knowing what we’re building together is worth the effort. We’re all building something—intentionally or not. When life gets hard, we’re tempted to abandon what matters most to build distractions or walls for protection. Opposition and discouragement often stop us from dreaming, working, praying, and believing. But God calls us to keep building what matters to Him. Let’s look back with gratitude and lean into the future with faith, knowing what we’re building together is worth the effort. 20250209 Sun, 9 Feb 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Just Stay (Resilient) 1 Sometimes you just need to stay long enough to see what God will do. Don’t grow weary—breakthrough often comes right after we’re tempted to quit. Keep seeking God, and in His perfect timing, we’ll step into the victory He has for us. Just Stay (Resilient) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/resilient/just-stay Sometimes you just need to stay long enough to see what God will do. Don’t grow weary—breakthrough often comes right after we’re tempted to quit. Keep seeking God, and in His perfect timing, we’ll step into the victory He has for us. Sometimes you just need to stay long enough to see what God will do. Don’t grow weary—breakthrough often comes right after we’re tempted to quit. Keep seeking God, and in His perfect timing, we’ll step into the victory He has for us. 20250202 Sun, 2 Feb 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Propped Up By Prayer (Resilient) 1 Sometimes the solution is simple—yet also the best, the most powerful, and the hardest. We tend to overcomplicate things, letting awkwardness or discomfort hold us back. But if you’re wondering, “What should I do?” the simplest answer is prayer. It was Daniel’s first move—and his most important one—because if life was too big for him, it wasn’t too big for God. He prayed like everything depended on God showing up…because it did. Propped Up By Prayer (Resilient) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/resilient/propped-up-by-prayer Sometimes the solution is simple—yet also the best, the most powerful, and the hardest. We tend to overcomplicate things, letting awkwardness or discomfort hold us back. But if you’re wondering, “What should I do?” the simplest answer is prayer. It was Daniel’s first move—and his most important one—because if life was too big for him, it wasn’t too big for God. He prayed like everything depended on God showing up…because it did. Sometimes the solution is simple—yet also the best, the most powerful, and the hardest. We tend to overcomplicate things, letting awkwardness or discomfort hold us back. But if you’re wondering, “What should I do?” the simplest answer is prayer. It was Daniel’s first move—and his most important one—because if life was too big for him, it wasn’t too big for God. He prayed like everything depended on God showing up…because it did. 20250126 Sun, 26 Jan 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Un-Snappable (Resilient) 1 Pressure will reveal a lot about you. It separates the real from the fake. It reveals who you really are, your character and what you really believe about life, yourself and God. We try to deflect, stall or squirm our way out of pressure often relying on things that will inevitably let us down to see us through. Instead our faith could just prepare us to stand under pressure. Daniel was prepared, so in the life or death pressure of a moment he was able to respond with wisdom and tact. Practice small steps of courage. In those tough moments take a second to be still and know that God is still God. You will not be snapped. God can do for you what you can't. Un-Snappable (Resilient) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/resilient/unsnappable Pressure will reveal a lot about you. It separates the real from the fake. It reveals who you really are, your character and what you really believe about life, yourself and God. We try to deflect, stall or squirm our way out of pressure often relying on things that will inevitably let us down to see us through. Instead our faith could just prepare us to stand under pressure. Daniel was prepared, so in the life or death pressure of a moment he was able to respond with wisdom and tact. Practice small steps of courage. In those tough moments take a second to be still and know that God is still God. You will not be snapped. God can do for you what you can't. Pressure will reveal a lot about you. It separates the real from the fake. It reveals who you really are, your character and what you really believe about life, yourself and God. We try to deflect, stall or squirm our way out of pressure often relying on things that will inevitably let us down to see us through. Instead our faith could just prepare us to stand under pressure. Daniel was prepared, so in the life or death pressure of a moment he was able to respond with wisdom and tact. Practice small steps of courage. In those tough moments take a second to be still and know that God is still God. You will not be snapped. God can do for you what you can't. 20250119 Sun, 19 Jan 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Because We Win (Resilient) 1 Resilient faith is a confident faith. Sure, it sounds crazy to celebrate the win early, but maybe that's our problem - we don't live like the victory is already ours. If you belong to Jesus, you’ve already won - Romans says we're more than conquerors. So walk in that victory, not with arrogance but with deep confidence. Declare the truth, defeat the lies, and live like you're on the winning side. Because We Win (Resilient) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/resilient/because-we-win Resilient faith is a confident faith. Sure, it sounds crazy to celebrate the win early, but maybe that's our problem - we don't live like the victory is already ours. If you belong to Jesus, you’ve already won - Romans says we're more than conquerors. So walk in that victory, not with arrogance but with deep confidence. Declare the truth, defeat the lies, and live like you're on the winning side. Resilient faith is a confident faith. Sure, it sounds crazy to celebrate the win early, but maybe that's our problem - we don't live like the victory is already ours. If you belong to Jesus, you’ve already won - Romans says we're more than conquerors. So walk in that victory, not with arrogance but with deep confidence. Declare the truth, defeat the lies, and live like you're on the winning side. 20250112 Sun, 12 Jan 2025 08:00:00 EDT false Unshakable Faith (Resilient) 1 Resilient faith is so needed — a faith built on the right foundation, strong enough for the storms life throws at us. Daniel faced exhausting, terrible circumstances, but he knew what God had for him and how God directed him. So when everything went sideways, he was still standing - unshakable. In Matthew 7, Jesus shows us how to build a faith like that: it's tested, tried, and comes from not just hearing but doing what He says. Is your faith resilient? What have you been building your life on? Unshakable Faith (Resilient) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/resilient/unshakable-faith Resilient faith is so needed — a faith built on the right foundation, strong enough for the storms life throws at us. Daniel faced exhausting, terrible circumstances, but he knew what God had for him and how God directed him. So when everything went sideways, he was still standing - unshakable. In Matthew 7, Jesus shows us how to build a faith like that: it's tested, tried, and comes from not just hearing but doing what He says. Is your faith resilient? What have you been building your life on? Resilient faith is so needed — a faith built on the right foundation, strong enough for the storms life throws at us. Daniel faced exhausting, terrible circumstances, but he knew what God had for him and how God directed him. So when everything went sideways, he was still standing - unshakable. In Matthew 7, Jesus shows us how to build a faith like that: it's tested, tried, and comes from not just hearing but doing what He says. Is your faith resilient? What have you been building your life on? 20250105 Sun, 5 Jan 2025 08:00:00 EDT false The Wonder of Christmas (Wonder) 1 The heart of this season isn’t about us getting everything perfectly in place—it’s about God’s love showing up in the middle of our mess. Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men were all imperfect people with real-life struggles who found themselves at the center of Jesus’ birth. The true wonder isn’t that we’ve managed to make it to church or keep our holiday plans on track; rather, it’s that Jesus came to us, exactly where we are. No matter our background or struggles, there is room at the manger for everyone. Through faith, we can discover real joy and peace because of God’s extraordinary love—a love made tangible in the birth of Jesus. The Wonder of Christmas (Wonder) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/wonder/the-wonder-of-christmas The heart of this season isn’t about us getting everything perfectly in place—it’s about God’s love showing up in the middle of our mess. Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men were all imperfect people with real-life struggles who found themselves at the center of Jesus’ birth. The true wonder isn’t that we’ve managed to make it to church or keep our holiday plans on track; rather, it’s that Jesus came to us, exactly where we are. No matter our background or struggles, there is room at the manger for everyone. Through faith, we can discover real joy and peace because of God’s extraordinary love—a love made tangible in the birth of Jesus. The heart of this season isn’t about us getting everything perfectly in place—it’s about God’s love showing up in the middle of our mess. Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men were all imperfect people with real-life struggles who found themselves at the center of Jesus’ birth. The true wonder isn’t that we’ve managed to make it to church or keep our holiday plans on track; rather, it’s that Jesus came to us, exactly where we are. No matter our background or struggles, there is room at the manger for everyone. Through faith, we can discover real joy and peace because of God’s extraordinary love—a love made tangible in the birth of Jesus. 20241224 Tue, 24 Dec 2024 08:00:00 EDT false The Wonder of A Prepared Heart (Wonder) 1 Being spiritually ready opens us up to experience the fullness of God’s work in our lives—especially at Christmas. Drawing on the stories of Zechariah and Nicodemus, we see two very different responses to God’s surprises. Both men’s journeys remind us that preparation isn’t just about having every detail handled, but about making room in our hearts for God’s presence. Are we missing God’s movement because we’re too distracted or doubtful, or are we eagerly expecting Him to show up? Through the lens of Luke 1 and John 3, we’re invited to trust God’s love, demonstrated through Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection, and to ask ourselves what else we need to see before we surrender fully to Him. The Wonder of A Prepared Heart (Wonder) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/wonder/the-wonder-of-a-prepared-heart Being spiritually ready opens us up to experience the fullness of God’s work in our lives—especially at Christmas. Drawing on the stories of Zechariah and Nicodemus, we see two very different responses to God’s surprises. Both men’s journeys remind us that preparation isn’t just about having every detail handled, but about making room in our hearts for God’s presence. Are we missing God’s movement because we’re too distracted or doubtful, or are we eagerly expecting Him to show up? Through the lens of Luke 1 and John 3, we’re invited to trust God’s love, demonstrated through Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection, and to ask ourselves what else we need to see before we surrender fully to Him. Being spiritually ready opens us up to experience the fullness of God’s work in our lives—especially at Christmas. Drawing on the stories of Zechariah and Nicodemus, we see two very different responses to God’s surprises. Both men’s journeys remind us that preparation isn’t just about having every detail handled, but about making room in our hearts for God’s presence. Are we missing God’s movement because we’re too distracted or doubtful, or are we eagerly expecting Him to show up? Through the lens of Luke 1 and John 3, we’re invited to trust God’s love, demonstrated through Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection, and to ask ourselves what else we need to see before we surrender fully to Him. 20241222 Sun, 22 Dec 2024 08:00:00 EDT false The Wonder of Space (Wonder) 1 The best places in life are the places where the best stuff happens. These places make us feel something special, and we spend a lot of time trying to recapture those best moments in the best places. Bethlehem was statistically insignificant—which unfortunately is how a lot of people feel. A town of three hundred max was the birthplace of Jesus. See you can never say "well not me, not here" when it comes to Jesus. He wants to give you new life too, no matter who you are or where life has taken you. He is working everything for you to find the best place… a place with him. Just make room. The Wonder of Space (Wonder) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/wonder/the-wonder-of-space The best places in life are the places where the best stuff happens. These places make us feel something special, and we spend a lot of time trying to recapture those best moments in the best places. Bethlehem was statistically insignificant—which unfortunately is how a lot of people feel. A town of three hundred max was the birthplace of Jesus. See you can never say "well not me, not here" when it comes to Jesus. He wants to give you new life too, no matter who you are or where life has taken you. He is working everything for you to find the best place… a place with him. Just make room. The best places in life are the places where the best stuff happens. These places make us feel something special, and we spend a lot of time trying to recapture those best moments in the best places. Bethlehem was statistically insignificant—which unfortunately is how a lot of people feel. A town of three hundred max was the birthplace of Jesus. See you can never say "well not me, not here" when it comes to Jesus. He wants to give you new life too, no matter who you are or where life has taken you. He is working everything for you to find the best place… a place with him. Just make room. 20241208 Sun, 8 Dec 2024 08:00:00 EDT false The Wonder of With (Wonder) 1 Let’s be real—life moves fast. We’re busy, distracted, and constantly hit with more than we can handle. It’s so easy to lose that sense of wonder. But if we could just hit pause, we’d see something incredible: God is with us. Joseph felt it too—overloaded, overwhelmed, and facing the worst. But right in the middle of his mess, God showed up. With a plan. With a purpose. And with a promise: You’re not alone. That name Emmanuel? It’s more than just a Christmas word. It’s a promise that God is with us—through failure, through pain, through it all. Nothing can separate you from His love. His presence is the light that overcomes our darkness. Let that sink in. God is with you. He’s for you. And He keeps His promises. The Wonder of With (Wonder) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/wonder/the-wonder-of-with Let’s be real—life moves fast. We’re busy, distracted, and constantly hit with more than we can handle. It’s so easy to lose that sense of wonder. But if we could just hit pause, we’d see something incredible: God is with us. Joseph felt it too—overloaded, overwhelmed, and facing the worst. But right in the middle of his mess, God showed up. With a plan. With a purpose. And with a promise: You’re not alone. That name Emmanuel? It’s more than just a Christmas word. It’s a promise that God is with us—through failure, through pain, through it all. Nothing can separate you from His love. His presence is the light that overcomes our darkness. Let that sink in. God is with you. He’s for you. And He keeps His promises. Let’s be real—life moves fast. We’re busy, distracted, and constantly hit with more than we can handle. It’s so easy to lose that sense of wonder. But if we could just hit pause, we’d see something incredible: God is with us. Joseph felt it too—overloaded, overwhelmed, and facing the worst. But right in the middle of his mess, God showed up. With a plan. With a purpose. And with a promise: You’re not alone. That name Emmanuel? It’s more than just a Christmas word. It’s a promise that God is with us—through failure, through pain, through it all. Nothing can separate you from His love. His presence is the light that overcomes our darkness. Let that sink in. God is with you. He’s for you. And He keeps His promises. 20241201 Sun, 1 Dec 2024 08:00:00 EDT false Stumped by Hope (I'm Fine) 1 Hope, for people of faith, is resilient, powerful, and sustaining—not mere wishful thinking. Its strength depends on what you place it in. Is your hope too small or misplaced? True hope thrives even in the darkest moments when rooted in Jesus. Be intentional: place your hope in Him, and watch it grow into a sustaining force, even in life’s hardest trials. Stumped by Hope (I'm Fine) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-fine/stumped-by-hope Hope, for people of faith, is resilient, powerful, and sustaining—not mere wishful thinking. Its strength depends on what you place it in. Is your hope too small or misplaced? True hope thrives even in the darkest moments when rooted in Jesus. Be intentional: place your hope in Him, and watch it grow into a sustaining force, even in life’s hardest trials. Hope, for people of faith, is resilient, powerful, and sustaining—not mere wishful thinking. Its strength depends on what you place it in. Is your hope too small or misplaced? True hope thrives even in the darkest moments when rooted in Jesus. Be intentional: place your hope in Him, and watch it grow into a sustaining force, even in life’s hardest trials. 20241124 Sun, 24 Nov 2024 08:00:00 EDT false What Gets in the Way (I'm Fine) 1 There is an obstacle to your mental health, and it’s you. Just like when we refuse to ask for directions, or double down on an argument already lost, sometimes our pride prevents us from getting the help we need. Pride can mean different things, but the definition of the negative context of the word is having an inflated view of self. Our importance, abilities, self-centered-mess all are inflated. It isn’t always coming across as arrogant. Sometimes our pride looks like an extremely low view of self. Pride is a huge barrier to our journey towards health and towards God. The best example is found in 2 Corinthians 12:5-10. In this passage Paul embraces his weakness so that he can see God’s power made perfect in him. There is so much healing and help in having a right view of self. That is true humility. You are so valuable…and you are also broken and in need of a God who loves you and wants to do something new and great in your life What Gets in the Way (I'm Fine) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-fine/what-gets-in-the-way There is an obstacle to your mental health, and it’s you. Just like when we refuse to ask for directions, or double down on an argument already lost, sometimes our pride prevents us from getting the help we need. Pride can mean different things, but the definition of the negative context of the word is having an inflated view of self. Our importance, abilities, self-centered-mess all are inflated. It isn’t always coming across as arrogant. Sometimes our pride looks like an extremely low view of self. Pride is a huge barrier to our journey towards health and towards God. The best example is found in 2 Corinthians 12:5-10. In this passage Paul embraces his weakness so that he can see God’s power made perfect in him. There is so much healing and help in having a right view of self. That is true humility. You are so valuable…and you are also broken and in need of a God who loves you and wants to do something new and great in your life There is an obstacle to your mental health, and it’s you. Just like when we refuse to ask for directions, or double down on an argument already lost, sometimes our pride prevents us from getting the help we need. Pride can mean different things, but the definition of the negative context of the word is having an inflated view of self. Our importance, abilities, self-centered-mess all are inflated. It isn’t always coming across as arrogant. Sometimes our pride looks like an extremely low view of self. Pride is a huge barrier to our journey towards health and towards God. The best example is found in 2 Corinthians 12:5-10. In this passage Paul embraces his weakness so that he can see God’s power made perfect in him. There is so much healing and help in having a right view of self. That is true humility. You are so valuable…and you are also broken and in need of a God who loves you and wants to do something new and great in your life 20241117 Sun, 17 Nov 2024 08:00:00 EDT false Worry and Missing the More (I'm Fine) 1 Worry. It’s not the same as anxiety. Anxiety is a generalized feeling of fight or flight. It is a systematic and exaggerated response to a trigger. Worry is practical, day-to-day concern mongering. The difference is between a condition and a decision. No wonder Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 to make a choice to not worry. He goes on to talk about "the more." Life is more than what you are worried about. Your body (God’s design) is more. You are more valuable to Him. He is more powerful and better than we ever thought. Break the cycle of worry. Focus on the moment. Trust God. Practice gratitude. Get in a good prayer rhythm. Worry and Missing the More (I'm Fine) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-fine/worry-and-missing-the-more Worry. It’s not the same as anxiety. Anxiety is a generalized feeling of fight or flight. It is a systematic and exaggerated response to a trigger. Worry is practical, day-to-day concern mongering. The difference is between a condition and a decision. No wonder Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 to make a choice to not worry. He goes on to talk about "the more." Life is more than what you are worried about. Your body (God’s design) is more. You are more valuable to Him. He is more powerful and better than we ever thought. Break the cycle of worry. Focus on the moment. Trust God. Practice gratitude. Get in a good prayer rhythm. Worry. It’s not the same as anxiety. Anxiety is a generalized feeling of fight or flight. It is a systematic and exaggerated response to a trigger. Worry is practical, day-to-day concern mongering. The difference is between a condition and a decision. No wonder Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 to make a choice to not worry. He goes on to talk about "the more." Life is more than what you are worried about. Your body (God’s design) is more. You are more valuable to Him. He is more powerful and better than we ever thought. Break the cycle of worry. Focus on the moment. Trust God. Practice gratitude. Get in a good prayer rhythm. 20241103 Sun, 3 Nov 2024 08:00:00 EDT false Hello Mr Negative (I'm Fine) 1 There are all kinds of negative characters. It isn’t just Negative Nancy. Here family is just as messed up. Critical Carl, Perfectionist Patricia, pessimistic Peter, inadequate Ian, catastrophic Cathy, overthinking Olivia and so many others. Left unchecked out negative thinking consumes us and distorts our view of life. It’s a spiritual problem and there is hope to be experienced through the renewing of our minds. Take your negative thoughts captive and replace the space with some incredibly positive gifts from God. Hello Mr Negative (I'm Fine) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-fine/hello-mr-negative There are all kinds of negative characters. It isn’t just Negative Nancy. Here family is just as messed up. Critical Carl, Perfectionist Patricia, pessimistic Peter, inadequate Ian, catastrophic Cathy, overthinking Olivia and so many others. Left unchecked out negative thinking consumes us and distorts our view of life. It’s a spiritual problem and there is hope to be experienced through the renewing of our minds. Take your negative thoughts captive and replace the space with some incredibly positive gifts from God. There are all kinds of negative characters. It isn’t just Negative Nancy. Here family is just as messed up. Critical Carl, Perfectionist Patricia, pessimistic Peter, inadequate Ian, catastrophic Cathy, overthinking Olivia and so many others. Left unchecked out negative thinking consumes us and distorts our view of life. It’s a spiritual problem and there is hope to be experienced through the renewing of our minds. Take your negative thoughts captive and replace the space with some incredibly positive gifts from God. 20241027 Sun, 27 Oct 2024 08:00:00 EDT false The Desert of Loneliness (I'm Fine) 1 Loneliness is a serious issue that is on the upswing. 10% of people deal with it on a daily basis and 30% feel lonely weekly. It is an epidemic and it is not a respecter of persons. The effects are devastating. Where is God when we are lonely? The story of Hagar and her son is a powerful story reminding us that God sees us, provides for us and gives us his presence to help us through the lonely spaces. The Desert of Loneliness (I'm Fine) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-fine/the-desert-of-loneliness- Loneliness is a serious issue that is on the upswing. 10% of people deal with it on a daily basis and 30% feel lonely weekly. It is an epidemic and it is not a respecter of persons. The effects are devastating. Where is God when we are lonely? The story of Hagar and her son is a powerful story reminding us that God sees us, provides for us and gives us his presence to help us through the lonely spaces. Loneliness is a serious issue that is on the upswing. 10% of people deal with it on a daily basis and 30% feel lonely weekly. It is an epidemic and it is not a respecter of persons. The effects are devastating. Where is God when we are lonely? The story of Hagar and her son is a powerful story reminding us that God sees us, provides for us and gives us his presence to help us through the lonely spaces. 20241020 Sun, 20 Oct 2024 08:00:00 EDT false Un-stuck (I'm Fine) 1 Feeling stuck dramatically affects our mental health. We can feel stuck in our circumstances, I. Our relationships, in guilt and shame, purposelessness, fear, bitterness, comparison…. It is a long list. Paul was literally stuck in prison yet he wrote a letter that in the Bible is called the Book of Joy. It’s Philippians and in chapter 3 verses 12-14 we learn his key to living un-stuck. Paul was able to experience the freedom Christ came to give us and we can too, no matter what our circumstances look like. Un-stuck (I'm Fine) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-fine/un-stuck Feeling stuck dramatically affects our mental health. We can feel stuck in our circumstances, I. Our relationships, in guilt and shame, purposelessness, fear, bitterness, comparison…. It is a long list. Paul was literally stuck in prison yet he wrote a letter that in the Bible is called the Book of Joy. It’s Philippians and in chapter 3 verses 12-14 we learn his key to living un-stuck. Paul was able to experience the freedom Christ came to give us and we can too, no matter what our circumstances look like. Feeling stuck dramatically affects our mental health. We can feel stuck in our circumstances, I. Our relationships, in guilt and shame, purposelessness, fear, bitterness, comparison…. It is a long list. Paul was literally stuck in prison yet he wrote a letter that in the Bible is called the Book of Joy. It’s Philippians and in chapter 3 verses 12-14 we learn his key to living un-stuck. Paul was able to experience the freedom Christ came to give us and we can too, no matter what our circumstances look like. 20241013 Sun, 13 Oct 2024 08:00:00 EDT false Overwhelmed much? (I'm Fine) 1 Feeling overwhelmed? I think most of us are. Or at least in today’s fast paced, high expectation world most of us will face feeling overwhelmed at some point. It might be triggered by work, or home, or relationships, or by trying to keep all of those things in balance; however we end up there it is a smothering, paralyzing feeling. It impacts how we think, feel, behave and believe. This passage teaches us that realizing it is not all up to you, shifting your focus towards God, praying short prayers and doing little things while trusting the results to God will help you start to see your way through the weight of feeling overwhelmed. Overwhelmed much? (I'm Fine) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-fine/overwhelmed-much- Feeling overwhelmed? I think most of us are. Or at least in today’s fast paced, high expectation world most of us will face feeling overwhelmed at some point. It might be triggered by work, or home, or relationships, or by trying to keep all of those things in balance; however we end up there it is a smothering, paralyzing feeling. It impacts how we think, feel, behave and believe. This passage teaches us that realizing it is not all up to you, shifting your focus towards God, praying short prayers and doing little things while trusting the results to God will help you start to see your way through the weight of feeling overwhelmed. Feeling overwhelmed? I think most of us are. Or at least in today’s fast paced, high expectation world most of us will face feeling overwhelmed at some point. It might be triggered by work, or home, or relationships, or by trying to keep all of those things in balance; however we end up there it is a smothering, paralyzing feeling. It impacts how we think, feel, behave and believe. This passage teaches us that realizing it is not all up to you, shifting your focus towards God, praying short prayers and doing little things while trusting the results to God will help you start to see your way through the weight of feeling overwhelmed. 20240929 Sun, 29 Sep 2024 08:00:00 EDT false Lowkey Depressed (I'm Fine) 1 Depression is tough. It isn’t just sadness. It’s a desperately empty, dark, hopeless state. It is an imbalance of Gods design. Psalm 88 gives us a tough picture into the heart cry of a person who was really struggling with the darkness. This is the “saddest” Psalm. But in the sadness there is help and hope. If you are struggling with depression please know your feelings aren’t permanent. They change. There is always hope with God. Lowkey Depressed (I'm Fine) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-fine/lowkey-depressed Depression is tough. It isn’t just sadness. It’s a desperately empty, dark, hopeless state. It is an imbalance of Gods design. Psalm 88 gives us a tough picture into the heart cry of a person who was really struggling with the darkness. This is the “saddest” Psalm. But in the sadness there is help and hope. If you are struggling with depression please know your feelings aren’t permanent. They change. There is always hope with God. Depression is tough. It isn’t just sadness. It’s a desperately empty, dark, hopeless state. It is an imbalance of Gods design. Psalm 88 gives us a tough picture into the heart cry of a person who was really struggling with the darkness. This is the “saddest” Psalm. But in the sadness there is help and hope. If you are struggling with depression please know your feelings aren’t permanent. They change. There is always hope with God. 20240922 Sun, 22 Sep 2024 08:00:00 EDT false I Have Decided: Baptism 2024 (I Have Decided: Baptism 2024) 1 I Have Decided: Baptism 2024 (I Have Decided: Baptism 2024) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/i-have-decided/i-have-decided-baptism-2024 20240915 Sun, 15 Sep 2024 08:00:00 EDT false Anxiety and Waves (I'm Fine) 1 Life will throw unrelenting waves at you. Challenges that will mess with your balance. Some of them are big and some are small. When you are worn down, even the littlest wave can knock you off balance and send you crashing down. Anxiety works like that. Our brains get overloaded and our fight or flight response gets triggered. The unrelenting waves become harder and harder to deal with. We need a hand—some need help. You can see the anxiety output for David in Psalm 139, especially verses 17-24. Fortunately, David pauses enough to invite God in. This message has some real tools to help you walk through your anxiety. Anxiety and Waves (I'm Fine) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-fine/anxiety-and-waves Life will throw unrelenting waves at you. Challenges that will mess with your balance. Some of them are big and some are small. When you are worn down, even the littlest wave can knock you off balance and send you crashing down. Anxiety works like that. Our brains get overloaded and our fight or flight response gets triggered. The unrelenting waves become harder and harder to deal with. We need a hand—some need help. You can see the anxiety output for David in Psalm 139, especially verses 17-24. Fortunately, David pauses enough to invite God in. This message has some real tools to help you walk through your anxiety. Life will throw unrelenting waves at you. Challenges that will mess with your balance. Some of them are big and some are small. When you are worn down, even the littlest wave can knock you off balance and send you crashing down. Anxiety works like that. Our brains get overloaded and our fight or flight response gets triggered. The unrelenting waves become harder and harder to deal with. We need a hand—some need help. You can see the anxiety output for David in Psalm 139, especially verses 17-24. Fortunately, David pauses enough to invite God in. This message has some real tools to help you walk through your anxiety. 20240908 Sun, 8 Sep 2024 08:00:00 EDT false About What You Lost (Grieving) (I'm Fine) 1 Grief is something we will all experience at some point in our lives. It might be the loss of someone or a relationship or dream. Regardless of what you are grieving, it is so important to mourn. Don’t run. Don’t hide from it. Grieve. In this message, we look at the story of Naomi found in the book of Ruth. She had so much. She lost so much. It was bitter. But God worked in her circumstances to bring life to what she thought was over. God brought joy out of the bitterness. It felt over. But it wasn’t. This is such an important topic. Jesus tells us that those who mourn are blessed because they will be comforted. Romans teaches us that a practical way we show love is by grieving with those who grieve. About What You Lost (Grieving) (I'm Fine) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-fine/about-what-you-lost-grieving- Grief is something we will all experience at some point in our lives. It might be the loss of someone or a relationship or dream. Regardless of what you are grieving, it is so important to mourn. Don’t run. Don’t hide from it. Grieve. In this message, we look at the story of Naomi found in the book of Ruth. She had so much. She lost so much. It was bitter. But God worked in her circumstances to bring life to what she thought was over. God brought joy out of the bitterness. It felt over. But it wasn’t. This is such an important topic. Jesus tells us that those who mourn are blessed because they will be comforted. Romans teaches us that a practical way we show love is by grieving with those who grieve. Grief is something we will all experience at some point in our lives. It might be the loss of someone or a relationship or dream. Regardless of what you are grieving, it is so important to mourn. Don’t run. Don’t hide from it. Grieve. In this message, we look at the story of Naomi found in the book of Ruth. She had so much. She lost so much. It was bitter. But God worked in her circumstances to bring life to what she thought was over. God brought joy out of the bitterness. It felt over. But it wasn’t. This is such an important topic. Jesus tells us that those who mourn are blessed because they will be comforted. Romans teaches us that a practical way we show love is by grieving with those who grieve. 20240901 Sun, 1 Sep 2024 08:00:00 EDT false I'm Afraid (I'm Fine) 1 Fear is often running under the surface. Fuel for the struggles we have with our mental health. As tough as we want to act everyone has a weak spot. Elijah was a warrior prophet. He had lived so courageously. He had done some incredibly bold and brave things. Yet in a moment of weakness, he gets hit with an empty threat and it blows up his world. Fear untethered will drive your life diminishing the voice of God and your faith. Fortunately, he met him in the middle of his fears and he'll meet you in the middle of yours. We need to tether our fears to know His presence, to see His provision, and to hear His voice. God is bigger than what scares you. He is gentle and good. He wants to speak peace to your troubled soul. I'm Afraid (I'm Fine) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-fine/i-m-afraid Fear is often running under the surface. Fuel for the struggles we have with our mental health. As tough as we want to act everyone has a weak spot. Elijah was a warrior prophet. He had lived so courageously. He had done some incredibly bold and brave things. Yet in a moment of weakness, he gets hit with an empty threat and it blows up his world. Fear untethered will drive your life diminishing the voice of God and your faith. Fortunately, he met him in the middle of his fears and he'll meet you in the middle of yours. We need to tether our fears to know His presence, to see His provision, and to hear His voice. God is bigger than what scares you. He is gentle and good. He wants to speak peace to your troubled soul. Fear is often running under the surface. Fuel for the struggles we have with our mental health. As tough as we want to act everyone has a weak spot. Elijah was a warrior prophet. He had lived so courageously. He had done some incredibly bold and brave things. Yet in a moment of weakness, he gets hit with an empty threat and it blows up his world. Fear untethered will drive your life diminishing the voice of God and your faith. Fortunately, he met him in the middle of his fears and he'll meet you in the middle of yours. We need to tether our fears to know His presence, to see His provision, and to hear His voice. God is bigger than what scares you. He is gentle and good. He wants to speak peace to your troubled soul. 20240818 Sun, 18 Aug 2024 08:00:00 EDT false I'm Fine (I'm Fine) 1 If you had asked me how I was doing in the middle of my own mental health crisis, I would have told you “I’m fine.” I was far from fine. Maybe you are too. You aren’t fine, you’re lonely, depressed, anxious, grieving. You might even feel like there is something wrong with you. After all, everyone else seems to be smiling. The reality is their smiles are often hiding deeper fears and concerns. You aren’t alone. You aren’t broken beyond repair. There is hope. Jesus made this two-sided promise in John 16:33. In this world you will have trouble. The language of the verse gives us the idea of being squeezed by pressure. Physical and emotional pressure. It is reality. But it is a reality with hope. He ends that verse by saying take heart because he has overcome. God cares about you and your mental health. He invites you to something better. You don’t have to walk through this alone. He is the God of peace who can give you perfect peace as you learn to lay the whole weight of your troubles on I'm Fine (I'm Fine) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-fine/i-m-fine If you had asked me how I was doing in the middle of my own mental health crisis, I would have told you “I’m fine.” I was far from fine. Maybe you are too. You aren’t fine, you’re lonely, depressed, anxious, grieving. You might even feel like there is something wrong with you. After all, everyone else seems to be smiling. The reality is their smiles are often hiding deeper fears and concerns. You aren’t alone. You aren’t broken beyond repair. There is hope. Jesus made this two-sided promise in John 16:33. In this world you will have trouble. The language of the verse gives us the idea of being squeezed by pressure. Physical and emotional pressure. It is reality. But it is a reality with hope. He ends that verse by saying take heart because he has overcome. God cares about you and your mental health. He invites you to something better. You don’t have to walk through this alone. He is the God of peace who can give you perfect peace as you learn to lay the whole weight of your troubles on If you had asked me how I was doing in the middle of my own mental health crisis, I would have told you “I’m fine.” I was far from fine. Maybe you are too. You aren’t fine, you’re lonely, depressed, anxious, grieving. You might even feel like there is something wrong with you. After all, everyone else seems to be smiling. The reality is their smiles are often hiding deeper fears and concerns. You aren’t alone. You aren’t broken beyond repair. There is hope. Jesus made this two-sided promise in John 16:33. In this world you will have trouble. The language of the verse gives us the idea of being squeezed by pressure. Physical and emotional pressure. It is reality. But it is a reality with hope. He ends that verse by saying take heart because he has overcome. God cares about you and your mental health. He invites you to something better. You don’t have to walk through this alone. He is the God of peace who can give you perfect peace as you learn to lay the whole weight of your troubles on 20240811 Sun, 11 Aug 2024 08:00:00 EDT false Just Add Flour (Just Add Flour) 1 Some of our biggest mistakes come when our souls are hungry and we seek satisfaction outside of what God has for us. Just because something looks good doesn't mean it is good for us. Thankfully God provides for the needs of his people even in the dry spaces of life. With Him, the seemingly mundane obedience has divine significance. He can turn harm into a blessing. He can draw the toxic out of our lives. Just add flour. Just Add Flour (Just Add Flour) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/just-add-flour/just-add-flour Some of our biggest mistakes come when our souls are hungry and we seek satisfaction outside of what God has for us. Just because something looks good doesn't mean it is good for us. Thankfully God provides for the needs of his people even in the dry spaces of life. With Him, the seemingly mundane obedience has divine significance. He can turn harm into a blessing. He can draw the toxic out of our lives. Just add flour. Some of our biggest mistakes come when our souls are hungry and we seek satisfaction outside of what God has for us. Just because something looks good doesn't mean it is good for us. Thankfully God provides for the needs of his people even in the dry spaces of life. With Him, the seemingly mundane obedience has divine significance. He can turn harm into a blessing. He can draw the toxic out of our lives. Just add flour. 20240728 Sun, 28 Jul 2024 08:00:00 EDT false God Cares More (In Deep) 1 Jonah is having an epic meltdown in chapter four. Like most of our meltdowns, it is driven by a narrow focus and a selfish heart. He chooses anger in light of his perception that justice has failed. That is often why we choose anger too. But don’t forget that you are the recipient of grace, the benefactor of God’s patience, and the object of His pursuit. God cares more. He is patient. He loves everyone, everywhere even the enemy down the street or sitting next to you. He is compassionate. True love and justice are found in perfect balance in Jesus. When it seems wrong to you what will you choose? Trust or anger? God Cares More (In Deep) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/in-deep/god-cares-more Jonah is having an epic meltdown in chapter four. Like most of our meltdowns, it is driven by a narrow focus and a selfish heart. He chooses anger in light of his perception that justice has failed. That is often why we choose anger too. But don’t forget that you are the recipient of grace, the benefactor of God’s patience, and the object of His pursuit. God cares more. He is patient. He loves everyone, everywhere even the enemy down the street or sitting next to you. He is compassionate. True love and justice are found in perfect balance in Jesus. When it seems wrong to you what will you choose? Trust or anger? Jonah is having an epic meltdown in chapter four. Like most of our meltdowns, it is driven by a narrow focus and a selfish heart. He chooses anger in light of his perception that justice has failed. That is often why we choose anger too. But don’t forget that you are the recipient of grace, the benefactor of God’s patience, and the object of His pursuit. God cares more. He is patient. He loves everyone, everywhere even the enemy down the street or sitting next to you. He is compassionate. True love and justice are found in perfect balance in Jesus. When it seems wrong to you what will you choose? Trust or anger? 20240707 Sun, 7 Jul 2024 08:00:00 EDT false It Can't Be That Simple (In Deep) 1 We often overcomplicate things. Sometimes when looking for answers we look for the big, dramatic, or flashy. What if the answer we are looking for is just simple obedience? Want to know God’s will? Simple obedience. Need to find your way through a mess? Simple obedience. Jonah has come to a point where he finally is attentive, has a willing heart even if it is a bit reluctant, and puts movement into his faith. It’s a great equation for simple obedience and walking through whatever you are walking through. When you say “Yes” to God, you will find that he has been working in ways you can’t see and can transform any situation to bring about his purpose. It Can't Be That Simple (In Deep) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/in-deep/it-can-t-be-that-simple We often overcomplicate things. Sometimes when looking for answers we look for the big, dramatic, or flashy. What if the answer we are looking for is just simple obedience? Want to know God’s will? Simple obedience. Need to find your way through a mess? Simple obedience. Jonah has come to a point where he finally is attentive, has a willing heart even if it is a bit reluctant, and puts movement into his faith. It’s a great equation for simple obedience and walking through whatever you are walking through. When you say “Yes” to God, you will find that he has been working in ways you can’t see and can transform any situation to bring about his purpose. We often overcomplicate things. Sometimes when looking for answers we look for the big, dramatic, or flashy. What if the answer we are looking for is just simple obedience? Want to know God’s will? Simple obedience. Need to find your way through a mess? Simple obedience. Jonah has come to a point where he finally is attentive, has a willing heart even if it is a bit reluctant, and puts movement into his faith. It’s a great equation for simple obedience and walking through whatever you are walking through. When you say “Yes” to God, you will find that he has been working in ways you can’t see and can transform any situation to bring about his purpose. 20240630 Sun, 30 Jun 2024 08:00:00 EDT false The Second-Teenth Chance (In Deep) 1 We find Jonah at the start of Chapter 3 right back where he started. New day. New opportunity. Second-Teenth chance (because you never just get 2.) There was a lot of damage done and that is something that Jonah would have to carry but the fresh start was there for him. Do you need a fresh start? My favorite picture of fresh starts is the one Jesus gave to us in Luke 15. The prodigal son shows us the anatomy of a second chance and it is a beautiful picture. What will you do with your second-tenth chance? The Second-Teenth Chance (In Deep) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/in-deep/the-second-teenth-chance We find Jonah at the start of Chapter 3 right back where he started. New day. New opportunity. Second-Teenth chance (because you never just get 2.) There was a lot of damage done and that is something that Jonah would have to carry but the fresh start was there for him. Do you need a fresh start? My favorite picture of fresh starts is the one Jesus gave to us in Luke 15. The prodigal son shows us the anatomy of a second chance and it is a beautiful picture. What will you do with your second-tenth chance? We find Jonah at the start of Chapter 3 right back where he started. New day. New opportunity. Second-Teenth chance (because you never just get 2.) There was a lot of damage done and that is something that Jonah would have to carry but the fresh start was there for him. Do you need a fresh start? My favorite picture of fresh starts is the one Jesus gave to us in Luke 15. The prodigal son shows us the anatomy of a second chance and it is a beautiful picture. What will you do with your second-tenth chance? 20240623 Sun, 23 Jun 2024 08:00:00 EDT false The Right End of You (In Deep) 1 Jonah has spent three day sand nights in a dark and stinky place. Life is full of places like that. I wonder what took him so long to cry out to God. Sometimes our hard hearts need to be softened. It took Jonah a while but he finally is at a place where he cries out to God and surrenders. Surrender isn't losing. It's the opposite when it comes to our relationship with God. Surrendering is letting go of our illusion of control. Surrender is letting go, yielding, it is a willingness and openness to God. Surrender is freedom. Surrender is hope. Surrender is the right end of you. God hears you. He can bring your life out of whatever pit you find yourself in. No other god cares about you like the one true God. The Right End of You (In Deep) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/in-deep/the-right-end-of-you Jonah has spent three day sand nights in a dark and stinky place. Life is full of places like that. I wonder what took him so long to cry out to God. Sometimes our hard hearts need to be softened. It took Jonah a while but he finally is at a place where he cries out to God and surrenders. Surrender isn't losing. It's the opposite when it comes to our relationship with God. Surrendering is letting go of our illusion of control. Surrender is letting go, yielding, it is a willingness and openness to God. Surrender is freedom. Surrender is hope. Surrender is the right end of you. God hears you. He can bring your life out of whatever pit you find yourself in. No other god cares about you like the one true God. Jonah has spent three day sand nights in a dark and stinky place. Life is full of places like that. I wonder what took him so long to cry out to God. Sometimes our hard hearts need to be softened. It took Jonah a while but he finally is at a place where he cries out to God and surrenders. Surrender isn't losing. It's the opposite when it comes to our relationship with God. Surrendering is letting go of our illusion of control. Surrender is letting go, yielding, it is a willingness and openness to God. Surrender is freedom. Surrender is hope. Surrender is the right end of you. God hears you. He can bring your life out of whatever pit you find yourself in. No other god cares about you like the one true God. 20240616 Sun, 16 Jun 2024 08:00:00 EDT false The Wrong End Of You (In Deep) 1 Things always escalate when running from God, which takes a toll on us internally. Jonah is not in a good spot physically, emotionally, or spiritually. He doesn’t suggest turning back or asking God for forgiveness when confronted with his efforts to run from God. He thinks the only way out is to be dumped into the rough sea. The expected outcome was extremely dark. God, however, meets Jonah in his worst moment with grace experienced in a big fish. That saves his life and helps him get his heart back to where it belongs. The Wrong End Of You (In Deep) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/in-deep/the-wrong-end-of-you Things always escalate when running from God, which takes a toll on us internally. Jonah is not in a good spot physically, emotionally, or spiritually. He doesn’t suggest turning back or asking God for forgiveness when confronted with his efforts to run from God. He thinks the only way out is to be dumped into the rough sea. The expected outcome was extremely dark. God, however, meets Jonah in his worst moment with grace experienced in a big fish. That saves his life and helps him get his heart back to where it belongs. Things always escalate when running from God, which takes a toll on us internally. Jonah is not in a good spot physically, emotionally, or spiritually. He doesn’t suggest turning back or asking God for forgiveness when confronted with his efforts to run from God. He thinks the only way out is to be dumped into the rough sea. The expected outcome was extremely dark. God, however, meets Jonah in his worst moment with grace experienced in a big fish. That saves his life and helps him get his heart back to where it belongs. 20240609 Sun, 9 Jun 2024 08:00:00 EDT false The Runners (In Deep) 1 Running involves an act of will—a choice to run in response to something. The story of Jonah is a story of running from God. Running from God is complex. In this message, we discuss what it means to run from God and why we run. It never turns out as we expect. It is an empty journey and it costs us and others so much. Fortunately, God is a God who uses the wind to frustrate our efforts in the wrong direction. He shakes up our lives to get our attention and he uses the voices of others to wake us up. Don’t miss out on your meaning and purpose by running from God. Instead run to Him, run with Him. The Runners (In Deep) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/in-deep/the-runners Running involves an act of will—a choice to run in response to something. The story of Jonah is a story of running from God. Running from God is complex. In this message, we discuss what it means to run from God and why we run. It never turns out as we expect. It is an empty journey and it costs us and others so much. Fortunately, God is a God who uses the wind to frustrate our efforts in the wrong direction. He shakes up our lives to get our attention and he uses the voices of others to wake us up. Don’t miss out on your meaning and purpose by running from God. Instead run to Him, run with Him. Running involves an act of will—a choice to run in response to something. The story of Jonah is a story of running from God. Running from God is complex. In this message, we discuss what it means to run from God and why we run. It never turns out as we expect. It is an empty journey and it costs us and others so much. Fortunately, God is a God who uses the wind to frustrate our efforts in the wrong direction. He shakes up our lives to get our attention and he uses the voices of others to wake us up. Don’t miss out on your meaning and purpose by running from God. Instead run to Him, run with Him. 20240602 Sun, 2 Jun 2024 08:00:00 EDT false Connected (I'm Him) 1 Jesus claims to be the "true" (right and faithful) vine. Not only does he produce in us a different and better kind of life but he also will never let us down. This is very encouraging considering all the empty promises from things and people who can’t deliver what we need to live full and fruitful lives. The key is to abide in Christ. It means to remain. To continually remain or stay close to. This message gives us three ways Jesus produces more fruit in our lives and three ways we can continue to remain close to Jesus Connected (I'm Him) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-him/connected Jesus claims to be the "true" (right and faithful) vine. Not only does he produce in us a different and better kind of life but he also will never let us down. This is very encouraging considering all the empty promises from things and people who can’t deliver what we need to live full and fruitful lives. The key is to abide in Christ. It means to remain. To continually remain or stay close to. This message gives us three ways Jesus produces more fruit in our lives and three ways we can continue to remain close to Jesus Jesus claims to be the "true" (right and faithful) vine. Not only does he produce in us a different and better kind of life but he also will never let us down. This is very encouraging considering all the empty promises from things and people who can’t deliver what we need to live full and fruitful lives. The key is to abide in Christ. It means to remain. To continually remain or stay close to. This message gives us three ways Jesus produces more fruit in our lives and three ways we can continue to remain close to Jesus 20240526 Sun, 26 May 2024 08:00:00 EDT false Directionless? (I'm Him) 1 This should be a comforting passage. Jesus meant it as one that was both instructive and comforting but… we often only hear what we want to hear or what we fear. Which leads to confusion and hurt. Don’t just hear the scary parts. Don’t just hear the easy parts. There is more to this than just what you fear or want to hear. When you trust God’s plan it brings clarity and peace to your heart and mind. Directionless? (I'm Him) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-him/directionless- This should be a comforting passage. Jesus meant it as one that was both instructive and comforting but… we often only hear what we want to hear or what we fear. Which leads to confusion and hurt. Don’t just hear the scary parts. Don’t just hear the easy parts. There is more to this than just what you fear or want to hear. When you trust God’s plan it brings clarity and peace to your heart and mind. This should be a comforting passage. Jesus meant it as one that was both instructive and comforting but… we often only hear what we want to hear or what we fear. Which leads to confusion and hurt. Don’t just hear the scary parts. Don’t just hear the easy parts. There is more to this than just what you fear or want to hear. When you trust God’s plan it brings clarity and peace to your heart and mind. 20240519 Sun, 19 May 2024 08:00:00 EDT false End Game (I'm Him) 1 Life is hard. Painful even. That is why it is so important to remember that the God of the universe loves us deeply. When you can’t see the hand of God at work trust his heart for you. His timing is best. He knows the end game. You can trust him. End Game (I'm Him) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-him/end-game Life is hard. Painful even. That is why it is so important to remember that the God of the universe loves us deeply. When you can’t see the hand of God at work trust his heart for you. His timing is best. He knows the end game. You can trust him. Life is hard. Painful even. That is why it is so important to remember that the God of the universe loves us deeply. When you can’t see the hand of God at work trust his heart for you. His timing is best. He knows the end game. You can trust him. 20240512 Sun, 12 May 2024 08:00:00 EDT false Greener Grass (I'm Him) 1 We are constantly looking for greener grass. The things that seem to promise us a better life often fail. Even people we love can disappoint us. God never fails. He cultivates green pastures I our souls and lives. He is the door to all we hope for, the way through our difficulties, and the way to eternal life. He is the Good Shepherd who cares deeply about us. Listen for his voice. Greener Grass (I'm Him) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-him/greener-grass We are constantly looking for greener grass. The things that seem to promise us a better life often fail. Even people we love can disappoint us. God never fails. He cultivates green pastures I our souls and lives. He is the door to all we hope for, the way through our difficulties, and the way to eternal life. He is the Good Shepherd who cares deeply about us. Listen for his voice. We are constantly looking for greener grass. The things that seem to promise us a better life often fail. Even people we love can disappoint us. God never fails. He cultivates green pastures I our souls and lives. He is the door to all we hope for, the way through our difficulties, and the way to eternal life. He is the Good Shepherd who cares deeply about us. Listen for his voice. 20240505 Sun, 5 May 2024 08:00:00 EDT false It's Messy (I'm Him) 1 Life is messy, and it is easy to believe lies about life, us, and God in difficult circumstances. But wherever you are and whatever you are going through, God is working to bring good out of the bad for those who love Him. What if your current circumstances aren’t punishment but an opportunity to experience growth and watch God work in your life? Some people will oppose you moving forward, but Jesus sees you, knows you, and will lead you through the mess to something beautiful. It's Messy (I'm Him) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-him/it-s-messy Life is messy, and it is easy to believe lies about life, us, and God in difficult circumstances. But wherever you are and whatever you are going through, God is working to bring good out of the bad for those who love Him. What if your current circumstances aren’t punishment but an opportunity to experience growth and watch God work in your life? Some people will oppose you moving forward, but Jesus sees you, knows you, and will lead you through the mess to something beautiful. Life is messy, and it is easy to believe lies about life, us, and God in difficult circumstances. But wherever you are and whatever you are going through, God is working to bring good out of the bad for those who love Him. What if your current circumstances aren’t punishment but an opportunity to experience growth and watch God work in your life? Some people will oppose you moving forward, but Jesus sees you, knows you, and will lead you through the mess to something beautiful. 20240428 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 08:00:00 EDT false When the Lights Go Out (I'm Him) 1 It's hard to walk in darkness. It's difficult to see, confusing, disorienting, and easy to get tripped up and lose our way. Thankfully, Jesus declares in the middle of all the fading lights in our lives that he is the light of the world. He is the one who gives life and helps us see its beauty. He is the one we look to for hope. And his promise to all those who follow him is that we will never walk in darkness. When the Lights Go Out (I'm Him) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-him/when-the-lights-go-out It's hard to walk in darkness. It's difficult to see, confusing, disorienting, and easy to get tripped up and lose our way. Thankfully, Jesus declares in the middle of all the fading lights in our lives that he is the light of the world. He is the one who gives life and helps us see its beauty. He is the one we look to for hope. And his promise to all those who follow him is that we will never walk in darkness. It's hard to walk in darkness. It's difficult to see, confusing, disorienting, and easy to get tripped up and lose our way. Thankfully, Jesus declares in the middle of all the fading lights in our lives that he is the light of the world. He is the one who gives life and helps us see its beauty. He is the one we look to for hope. And his promise to all those who follow him is that we will never walk in darkness. 20240421 Sun, 21 Apr 2024 08:00:00 EDT false Essential (I'm Him) 1 Don’t settle for less, Jesus is “Him.” He is essential to our lives and our eternity. And, as amazing as they are, let’s not get hung up on the miracles or the bread. He has even greater plans for us. The only things in our way are the roadblocks we make. Essential (I'm Him) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-him/essential Don’t settle for less, Jesus is “Him.” He is essential to our lives and our eternity. And, as amazing as they are, let’s not get hung up on the miracles or the bread. He has even greater plans for us. The only things in our way are the roadblocks we make. Don’t settle for less, Jesus is “Him.” He is essential to our lives and our eternity. And, as amazing as they are, let’s not get hung up on the miracles or the bread. He has even greater plans for us. The only things in our way are the roadblocks we make. 20240414 Sun, 14 Apr 2024 08:00:00 EDT false The Transcender (I'm Him) 1 Some troubles seem to overshadow everything else. We can let them demand time and energy from us, and take no ground in the process. Or, we can turn to Jesus, who transcends the chaos and guides us through. The Transcender (I'm Him) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-him/the-transcender Some troubles seem to overshadow everything else. We can let them demand time and energy from us, and take no ground in the process. Or, we can turn to Jesus, who transcends the chaos and guides us through. Some troubles seem to overshadow everything else. We can let them demand time and energy from us, and take no ground in the process. Or, we can turn to Jesus, who transcends the chaos and guides us through. 20240407 Sun, 7 Apr 2024 08:00:00 EDT false This Changes Everything - Easter 2024 (This Changes Everything) 1 This Changes Everything - Easter 2024 (This Changes Everything) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/this-changes-everything/this-changes-everything---easter-2024 20240331 Sun, 31 Mar 2024 08:00:00 EDT false Poolside Rule-breaker (I'm Him) 1 This Talk centers around a beautiful miracle, the third in this series. It’s set at the "Pool of Mercy," a misleading name because, the truth is, it was a mess. It’s where the sick and outcast of society were left, hoping for healing. In just such dark and impossible spaces, Jesus invades with strength, power, and hope. Poolside Rule-breaker (I'm Him) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-him/poolside-rule-breaker This Talk centers around a beautiful miracle, the third in this series. It’s set at the "Pool of Mercy," a misleading name because, the truth is, it was a mess. It’s where the sick and outcast of society were left, hoping for healing. In just such dark and impossible spaces, Jesus invades with strength, power, and hope. This Talk centers around a beautiful miracle, the third in this series. It’s set at the "Pool of Mercy," a misleading name because, the truth is, it was a mess. It’s where the sick and outcast of society were left, hoping for healing. In just such dark and impossible spaces, Jesus invades with strength, power, and hope. 20240317 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 08:00:00 EDT false Showstopper (I'm Him) 1 Jesus did some unbelievable things. He spoke words that were astonishing, beautiful, and heart-wrenching all at once. We can get hung up on those things, much like most people did in the days Jesus walked the earth. But if we stop there, we miss the whole purpose of Jesus; we miss who He is. Showstopper (I'm Him) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-him/showstopper Jesus did some unbelievable things. He spoke words that were astonishing, beautiful, and heart-wrenching all at once. We can get hung up on those things, much like most people did in the days Jesus walked the earth. But if we stop there, we miss the whole purpose of Jesus; we miss who He is. Jesus did some unbelievable things. He spoke words that were astonishing, beautiful, and heart-wrenching all at once. We can get hung up on those things, much like most people did in the days Jesus walked the earth. But if we stop there, we miss the whole purpose of Jesus; we miss who He is. 20240310 Sun, 10 Mar 2024 08:00:00 EDT false The Winemaker (I'm Him) 1 Let’s dig into the first of seven signs in the book of John that prove who Jesus is. John wastes no time and delves right into the incredible truth about Jesus. Not a prophet, a teacher, or a fake, but God in the flesh. The Winemaker (I'm Him) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-him/the-winemaker Let’s dig into the first of seven signs in the book of John that prove who Jesus is. John wastes no time and delves right into the incredible truth about Jesus. Not a prophet, a teacher, or a fake, but God in the flesh. Let’s dig into the first of seven signs in the book of John that prove who Jesus is. John wastes no time and delves right into the incredible truth about Jesus. Not a prophet, a teacher, or a fake, but God in the flesh. 20240303 Sun, 3 Mar 2024 08:00:00 EDT false Known for What We Are For (Guiderails) 1 This is the tenth and final of our foundational principles. Through our services, our groups, our communications—how we treat people—we will be known for something. But the X factor is: for what? In everything we do, the relationships we prioritize and tend to, we will be known for what we are for. Known for What We Are For (Guiderails) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/guiderails/known-for-what-we-are-for This is the tenth and final of our foundational principles. Through our services, our groups, our communications—how we treat people—we will be known for something. But the X factor is: for what? In everything we do, the relationships we prioritize and tend to, we will be known for what we are for. This is the tenth and final of our foundational principles. Through our services, our groups, our communications—how we treat people—we will be known for something. But the X factor is: for what? In everything we do, the relationships we prioritize and tend to, we will be known for what we are for. 20240225 Sun, 25 Feb 2024 08:00:00 EDT false We’re Not Perfect, But We’re Growing (Guiderails) 1 We’ve all experienced times or circumstances where we don’t feel good enough. Feeling like a failure can even be something we battle daily. When viewed through the wrong lens, it’s easy to want to give up. But if we grasp perfection is unrealistic and seek God’s strength in our weakness, we find hope that sustains the journey ahead. We’re Not Perfect, But We’re Growing (Guiderails) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/guiderails/we-re-not-perfect-but-we-re-growing We’ve all experienced times or circumstances where we don’t feel good enough. Feeling like a failure can even be something we battle daily. When viewed through the wrong lens, it’s easy to want to give up. But if we grasp perfection is unrealistic and seek God’s strength in our weakness, we find hope that sustains the journey ahead. We’ve all experienced times or circumstances where we don’t feel good enough. Feeling like a failure can even be something we battle daily. When viewed through the wrong lens, it’s easy to want to give up. But if we grasp perfection is unrealistic and seek God’s strength in our weakness, we find hope that sustains the journey ahead. 20240211 Sun, 11 Feb 2024 08:00:00 EDT false We Don’t Maintain, We Multiply (Guiderails) 1 This is the eighth of our ten guiding principles because we know just maintaining is the platform for decline. But when we seek growth, personally and spiritually, we thrive. The approach doesn’t require obtaining a degree or memorizing the right scripture. It’s simple. When we earnestly seek God, the excitement of what He’s doing in us speaks for itself. We Don’t Maintain, We Multiply (Guiderails) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/guiderails/we-don-t-maintain-we-multiply This is the eighth of our ten guiding principles because we know just maintaining is the platform for decline. But when we seek growth, personally and spiritually, we thrive. The approach doesn’t require obtaining a degree or memorizing the right scripture. It’s simple. When we earnestly seek God, the excitement of what He’s doing in us speaks for itself. This is the eighth of our ten guiding principles because we know just maintaining is the platform for decline. But when we seek growth, personally and spiritually, we thrive. The approach doesn’t require obtaining a degree or memorizing the right scripture. It’s simple. When we earnestly seek God, the excitement of what He’s doing in us speaks for itself. 20240128 Sun, 28 Jan 2024 08:00:00 EDT false We Do Less Better to Do More Later (Guiderails) 1 More sounds good. Today’s consumer culture endorses it. More space, more money, more stuff — yes, please! But more is immeasurable; when is it enough? Buying lands us in a never-ending pursuit that drains and dissatisfies us. Though packaged as a one-size-fits-all solution more is seldom the answer. Thankfully, there is another way. This alternate route results in fulfillment, peace, and purpose. We Do Less Better to Do More Later (Guiderails) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/guiderails/we-do-less-better-to-do-more-later More sounds good. Today’s consumer culture endorses it. More space, more money, more stuff — yes, please! But more is immeasurable; when is it enough? Buying lands us in a never-ending pursuit that drains and dissatisfies us. Though packaged as a one-size-fits-all solution more is seldom the answer. Thankfully, there is another way. This alternate route results in fulfillment, peace, and purpose. More sounds good. Today’s consumer culture endorses it. More space, more money, more stuff — yes, please! But more is immeasurable; when is it enough? Buying lands us in a never-ending pursuit that drains and dissatisfies us. Though packaged as a one-size-fits-all solution more is seldom the answer. Thankfully, there is another way. This alternate route results in fulfillment, peace, and purpose. 20240121 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 08:00:00 EDT false We Get The Kids Are Our Now (Guiderails) 1 Amidst all the pursuits people get caught up in, the real stuff often falls to the wayside. It’s never the intention, but it’s too easy to lose sight of what is most important in the world's hustle. Our kids don’t deserve just a wing and a prayer. They need our intentional efforts now. And, in raising them well, we could learn a few things from them. We Get The Kids Are Our Now (Guiderails) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/guiderails/we-get-the-kids-are-our-now Amidst all the pursuits people get caught up in, the real stuff often falls to the wayside. It’s never the intention, but it’s too easy to lose sight of what is most important in the world's hustle. Our kids don’t deserve just a wing and a prayer. They need our intentional efforts now. And, in raising them well, we could learn a few things from them. Amidst all the pursuits people get caught up in, the real stuff often falls to the wayside. It’s never the intention, but it’s too easy to lose sight of what is most important in the world's hustle. Our kids don’t deserve just a wing and a prayer. They need our intentional efforts now. And, in raising them well, we could learn a few things from them. 20240114 Sun, 14 Jan 2024 08:00:00 EDT false The One About Wisdom (Never Enough) 1 Wisdom is one of those things we could always use more of. Getting it begins with wanting it and ends with asking God for more of it. Wisdom protects us, elevates us and helps us go further and longer in life. The One About Wisdom (Never Enough) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/never-enough/the-one-about-wisdom Wisdom is one of those things we could always use more of. Getting it begins with wanting it and ends with asking God for more of it. Wisdom protects us, elevates us and helps us go further and longer in life. Wisdom is one of those things we could always use more of. Getting it begins with wanting it and ends with asking God for more of it. Wisdom protects us, elevates us and helps us go further and longer in life. 20240107 Sun, 7 Jan 2024 08:00:00 EDT false Come Dine (A New Year's Message) (A New Year's Message) 1 There are places in life that seem to hold the anticipation for something next… something new. For the disciples that space was this beach where Jesus met them after his resurrection. Peter was dragging way more into it than God had required. We do that, too. We drag around stuff that we don’t need to do. Maybe you are even dragging some of this stuff into the new year. Thank God for the blessings in your life, and also thank him for the unbroken nets. He got you through. He will take you forward, but first, the invitation is just to come with Him. Before you do anything or change anything, spend some time with the creator of the universe. Guard that space. Then, walk in grace as you move forward. Come Dine (A New Year's Message) (A New Year's Message) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/a-new-years-message/come-dine-a-new-year-s-message- There are places in life that seem to hold the anticipation for something next… something new. For the disciples that space was this beach where Jesus met them after his resurrection. Peter was dragging way more into it than God had required. We do that, too. We drag around stuff that we don’t need to do. Maybe you are even dragging some of this stuff into the new year. Thank God for the blessings in your life, and also thank him for the unbroken nets. He got you through. He will take you forward, but first, the invitation is just to come with Him. Before you do anything or change anything, spend some time with the creator of the universe. Guard that space. Then, walk in grace as you move forward. There are places in life that seem to hold the anticipation for something next… something new. For the disciples that space was this beach where Jesus met them after his resurrection. Peter was dragging way more into it than God had required. We do that, too. We drag around stuff that we don’t need to do. Maybe you are even dragging some of this stuff into the new year. Thank God for the blessings in your life, and also thank him for the unbroken nets. He got you through. He will take you forward, but first, the invitation is just to come with Him. Before you do anything or change anything, spend some time with the creator of the universe. Guard that space. Then, walk in grace as you move forward. 20231231 Sun, 31 Dec 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Finding Christmas in the Chaos (Christmas Eve Service) (Finding Christmas in the Chaos) 1 Finding Christmas in the Chaos (Christmas Eve Service) (Finding Christmas in the Chaos) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/finding-christmas-in-the-chaos/finding-christmas-in-the-chaos-christmas-eve-service- 20231224 Sun, 24 Dec 2023 08:00:00 EDT false It’s The Journey That Gets Me (Finding Christmas in the Chaos) 1 We elevate the journey with catchy lines and good intentions, but the strategy isn’t foolproof. The journey can be as painful, challenging, and lonely as the destination. It’s uncertain. Our experiences and what we anticipate about our destination make up the journey. But our best efforts can’t compare with the wonder-working power of journeying with Jesus. It’s The Journey That Gets Me (Finding Christmas in the Chaos) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/finding-christmas-in-the-chaos/it-s-the-journey-that-gets-me We elevate the journey with catchy lines and good intentions, but the strategy isn’t foolproof. The journey can be as painful, challenging, and lonely as the destination. It’s uncertain. Our experiences and what we anticipate about our destination make up the journey. But our best efforts can’t compare with the wonder-working power of journeying with Jesus. We elevate the journey with catchy lines and good intentions, but the strategy isn’t foolproof. The journey can be as painful, challenging, and lonely as the destination. It’s uncertain. Our experiences and what we anticipate about our destination make up the journey. But our best efforts can’t compare with the wonder-working power of journeying with Jesus. 20231217 Sun, 17 Dec 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Are You Serious? (Finding Christmas in the Chaos) 1 Sung of as a “silent night,” we romanticize the Christmas story; a glorious star cuts through the darkness as the world's Savior is born. The reality of this beautiful story is riddled with trials, much like our own. A closer look reveals deeper beauty and meaning in the mess. It proves our need for a savior and promises hope. Are You Serious? (Finding Christmas in the Chaos) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/finding-christmas-in-the-chaos/are-you-serious- Sung of as a “silent night,” we romanticize the Christmas story; a glorious star cuts through the darkness as the world's Savior is born. The reality of this beautiful story is riddled with trials, much like our own. A closer look reveals deeper beauty and meaning in the mess. It proves our need for a savior and promises hope. Sung of as a “silent night,” we romanticize the Christmas story; a glorious star cuts through the darkness as the world's Savior is born. The reality of this beautiful story is riddled with trials, much like our own. A closer look reveals deeper beauty and meaning in the mess. It proves our need for a savior and promises hope. 20231203 Sun, 3 Dec 2023 08:00:00 EDT false We Stay Relevant and Strong (Guiderails) 1 Trends are defined by time, space, and culture; they are always in flux and primarily out of our control. We need something strong enough to last beyond the latest fads. Something unchanging. God’s Word is the only wholly reliable thing we can put our faith in. It transcends our circumstances, feelings, and even the fads of tomorrow. We Stay Relevant and Strong (Guiderails) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/guiderails/we-stay-relevant-and-strong Trends are defined by time, space, and culture; they are always in flux and primarily out of our control. We need something strong enough to last beyond the latest fads. Something unchanging. God’s Word is the only wholly reliable thing we can put our faith in. It transcends our circumstances, feelings, and even the fads of tomorrow. Trends are defined by time, space, and culture; they are always in flux and primarily out of our control. We need something strong enough to last beyond the latest fads. Something unchanging. God’s Word is the only wholly reliable thing we can put our faith in. It transcends our circumstances, feelings, and even the fads of tomorrow. 20231126 Sun, 26 Nov 2023 08:00:00 EDT false We Get Big And Stay Small (Guiderails) 1 What do big dreams and small steps have in common? They’re both crucially necessary to grow. Vision without action, just like progress without a goal, gets us nowhere. But teamed up, they make an intentional and awe-inspiring path forward. When God-sized dreams are paired with small, faithful steps, we become part of something bigger than we could imagine. We Get Big And Stay Small (Guiderails) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/guiderails/we-get-big-and-stay-small What do big dreams and small steps have in common? They’re both crucially necessary to grow. Vision without action, just like progress without a goal, gets us nowhere. But teamed up, they make an intentional and awe-inspiring path forward. When God-sized dreams are paired with small, faithful steps, we become part of something bigger than we could imagine. What do big dreams and small steps have in common? They’re both crucially necessary to grow. Vision without action, just like progress without a goal, gets us nowhere. But teamed up, they make an intentional and awe-inspiring path forward. When God-sized dreams are paired with small, faithful steps, we become part of something bigger than we could imagine. 20231119 Sun, 19 Nov 2023 08:00:00 EDT false We Kick In Instead of Eat Up (Guiderails) 1 Our third value in this series is about serving. We’re not just talking about checking a box on our to-do list. We’re taking a magnifying glass to this topic and looking at the hurdles (because it’s not always easy) and the profound benefits (because it’s always beneficial) of giving of ourselves. And overall, why it’s so important. We Kick In Instead of Eat Up (Guiderails) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/guiderails/we-kick-in-instead-of-eat-up Our third value in this series is about serving. We’re not just talking about checking a box on our to-do list. We’re taking a magnifying glass to this topic and looking at the hurdles (because it’s not always easy) and the profound benefits (because it’s always beneficial) of giving of ourselves. And overall, why it’s so important. Our third value in this series is about serving. We’re not just talking about checking a box on our to-do list. We’re taking a magnifying glass to this topic and looking at the hurdles (because it’s not always easy) and the profound benefits (because it’s always beneficial) of giving of ourselves. And overall, why it’s so important. 20231112 Sun, 12 Nov 2023 08:00:00 EDT false People Are Second (Guiderails) 1 Keeping people below Jesus and above all else takes intention. Otherwise, we drift and start pursuing other, lesser things. It’s easy to miss that what we need isn’t found in stuff. And, counter-intuitive as it may sound, putting others before ourselves is more fulfilling than seeking our desires. People Are Second (Guiderails) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/guiderails/people-are-second Keeping people below Jesus and above all else takes intention. Otherwise, we drift and start pursuing other, lesser things. It’s easy to miss that what we need isn’t found in stuff. And, counter-intuitive as it may sound, putting others before ourselves is more fulfilling than seeking our desires. Keeping people below Jesus and above all else takes intention. Otherwise, we drift and start pursuing other, lesser things. It’s easy to miss that what we need isn’t found in stuff. And, counter-intuitive as it may sound, putting others before ourselves is more fulfilling than seeking our desires. 20231105 Sun, 5 Nov 2023 08:00:00 EDT false We Keep Jesus Center (Guiderails) 1 Overwhelmed. Exhausted. Guilty. When our priorities are imbalanced, we feel it. Keeping Jesus at the heart of our lives won’t simply bring us peace, and it’s not just a good idea. It is the way. Let's look at the importance of keeping him center and discuss how to do it. We Keep Jesus Center (Guiderails) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/guiderails/we-keep-jesus-center Overwhelmed. Exhausted. Guilty. When our priorities are imbalanced, we feel it. Keeping Jesus at the heart of our lives won’t simply bring us peace, and it’s not just a good idea. It is the way. Let's look at the importance of keeping him center and discuss how to do it. Overwhelmed. Exhausted. Guilty. When our priorities are imbalanced, we feel it. Keeping Jesus at the heart of our lives won’t simply bring us peace, and it’s not just a good idea. It is the way. Let's look at the importance of keeping him center and discuss how to do it. 20231029 Sun, 29 Oct 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Don’t Be A Gong (People Problems) 1 It’s easier to think about loving the people close to you better. We could get on board with that. But we are called to love everyone. And if it were just a feeling, we’d be in trouble, but actual love goes way deeper than feels. Love is an action and a choice. Understanding that love is so much bigger completely transforms relationships and lives. Don’t Be A Gong (People Problems) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/people-problems/don-t-be-a-gong It’s easier to think about loving the people close to you better. We could get on board with that. But we are called to love everyone. And if it were just a feeling, we’d be in trouble, but actual love goes way deeper than feels. Love is an action and a choice. Understanding that love is so much bigger completely transforms relationships and lives. It’s easier to think about loving the people close to you better. We could get on board with that. But we are called to love everyone. And if it were just a feeling, we’d be in trouble, but actual love goes way deeper than feels. Love is an action and a choice. Understanding that love is so much bigger completely transforms relationships and lives. 20231022 Sun, 22 Oct 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Loneliness (People Problems) 1 Loneliness unchecked distorts. The longer we ignore it, the heavier it gets—the more significant the burden, the deeper the pain. So, we rush instead of waiting to fill the void as quickly as possible. Instant gratification sounds good when we’re worn out by loneliness, but the peace and wholeness God offers is the real thing. Loneliness (People Problems) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/people-problems/loneliness Loneliness unchecked distorts. The longer we ignore it, the heavier it gets—the more significant the burden, the deeper the pain. So, we rush instead of waiting to fill the void as quickly as possible. Instant gratification sounds good when we’re worn out by loneliness, but the peace and wholeness God offers is the real thing. Loneliness unchecked distorts. The longer we ignore it, the heavier it gets—the more significant the burden, the deeper the pain. So, we rush instead of waiting to fill the void as quickly as possible. Instant gratification sounds good when we’re worn out by loneliness, but the peace and wholeness God offers is the real thing. 20231015 Sun, 15 Oct 2023 08:00:00 EDT false The Monster in Your Home: Ego (People Problems) 1 It starts subtly…but the consequences are enormous. Ego is the unhealthy belief in our own importance and wreaks havoc in our relationships. There is a balance to self-view, but too far left or just far enough right gets it all wrong. Let’s talk about ego and find a healthy perspective. The Monster in Your Home: Ego (People Problems) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/people-problems/the-monster-in-your-home-ego It starts subtly…but the consequences are enormous. Ego is the unhealthy belief in our own importance and wreaks havoc in our relationships. There is a balance to self-view, but too far left or just far enough right gets it all wrong. Let’s talk about ego and find a healthy perspective. It starts subtly…but the consequences are enormous. Ego is the unhealthy belief in our own importance and wreaks havoc in our relationships. There is a balance to self-view, but too far left or just far enough right gets it all wrong. Let’s talk about ego and find a healthy perspective. 20231008 Sun, 8 Oct 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Broken Forgiveness (People Problems) 1 Unwillingness to forgive is how we look to protect ourselves. We think it will keep us from being hurt or taken advantage of again. But it really builds a wall between us and everyone else, including God. Discovering the keys to forgiveness is empowering. And choosing it is freeing. Broken Forgiveness (People Problems) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/people-problems/broken-forgiveness Unwillingness to forgive is how we look to protect ourselves. We think it will keep us from being hurt or taken advantage of again. But it really builds a wall between us and everyone else, including God. Discovering the keys to forgiveness is empowering. And choosing it is freeing. Unwillingness to forgive is how we look to protect ourselves. We think it will keep us from being hurt or taken advantage of again. But it really builds a wall between us and everyone else, including God. Discovering the keys to forgiveness is empowering. And choosing it is freeing. 20231001 Sun, 1 Oct 2023 08:00:00 EDT false People Pleasing (People Problems) 1 Though we need to care on some level what others think, we can care too much. When we allow ourselves to be manipulated for fear of disappointing others, it doesn’t just affect us physically, socially, and emotionally; it affects us spiritually. But there is a healthy balance, and it’s found in Jesus. People Pleasing (People Problems) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/people-problems/people-pleasing Though we need to care on some level what others think, we can care too much. When we allow ourselves to be manipulated for fear of disappointing others, it doesn’t just affect us physically, socially, and emotionally; it affects us spiritually. But there is a healthy balance, and it’s found in Jesus. Though we need to care on some level what others think, we can care too much. When we allow ourselves to be manipulated for fear of disappointing others, it doesn’t just affect us physically, socially, and emotionally; it affects us spiritually. But there is a healthy balance, and it’s found in Jesus. 20230924 Sun, 24 Sep 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Keep It Simple (People Problems) 1 Life tempts us to run in so many directions. Bombarded with opinions, we can easily be derailed and disoriented. But God has a plan for each of us, a fulfilling purpose. We miss it when we overcomplicate things. The right choice isn’t usually easy, but it’s simple: follow Jesus. He’s not hiding in heaven or far across an ocean. He is right there with you. Keep It Simple (People Problems) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/people-problems/keep-it-simple Life tempts us to run in so many directions. Bombarded with opinions, we can easily be derailed and disoriented. But God has a plan for each of us, a fulfilling purpose. We miss it when we overcomplicate things. The right choice isn’t usually easy, but it’s simple: follow Jesus. He’s not hiding in heaven or far across an ocean. He is right there with you. Life tempts us to run in so many directions. Bombarded with opinions, we can easily be derailed and disoriented. But God has a plan for each of us, a fulfilling purpose. We miss it when we overcomplicate things. The right choice isn’t usually easy, but it’s simple: follow Jesus. He’s not hiding in heaven or far across an ocean. He is right there with you. 20230917 Sun, 17 Sep 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Dealing With Conflict (People Problems) 1 Conflict is going to happen. Hoping to float through life without a hitch is unrealistic. But that doesn’t mean we are powerlessly subject to it. There is a way through that honors God. We can be well-equipped and prepared for when it inevitably comes our way. Dealing With Conflict (People Problems) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/people-problems/dealing-with-conflict Conflict is going to happen. Hoping to float through life without a hitch is unrealistic. But that doesn’t mean we are powerlessly subject to it. There is a way through that honors God. We can be well-equipped and prepared for when it inevitably comes our way. Conflict is going to happen. Hoping to float through life without a hitch is unrealistic. But that doesn’t mean we are powerlessly subject to it. There is a way through that honors God. We can be well-equipped and prepared for when it inevitably comes our way. 20230910 Sun, 10 Sep 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Boundaries Part 2 (People Problems) 1 We know boundaries are essential. God set them, and Jesus modeled them. But establishing them is just the beginning. Boundary breakers still test our limits sometimes, and the opposition gets stronger the closer we get to a breakthrough. Let’s look at how we can be prepared to protect our carefully laid boundaries. Boundaries Part 2 (People Problems) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/people-problems/boundaries-part-2 We know boundaries are essential. God set them, and Jesus modeled them. But establishing them is just the beginning. Boundary breakers still test our limits sometimes, and the opposition gets stronger the closer we get to a breakthrough. Let’s look at how we can be prepared to protect our carefully laid boundaries. We know boundaries are essential. God set them, and Jesus modeled them. But establishing them is just the beginning. Boundary breakers still test our limits sometimes, and the opposition gets stronger the closer we get to a breakthrough. Let’s look at how we can be prepared to protect our carefully laid boundaries. 20230903 Sun, 3 Sep 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Boundaries (People Problems) 1 Setting boundaries can be really challenging. Sometimes we don’t even realize we lack them. Other times, we worry about confrontation. But boundaries are an important part of God’s plan for relationships, and he provides the perfect way to establish them. Boundaries (People Problems) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/people-problems/boundaries Setting boundaries can be really challenging. Sometimes we don’t even realize we lack them. Other times, we worry about confrontation. But boundaries are an important part of God’s plan for relationships, and he provides the perfect way to establish them. Setting boundaries can be really challenging. Sometimes we don’t even realize we lack them. Other times, we worry about confrontation. But boundaries are an important part of God’s plan for relationships, and he provides the perfect way to establish them. 20230827 Sun, 27 Aug 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Killjoy (People Problems) 1 Negative. Critical. Cynical. Like the Israelites in the desert, freshly rescued from slavery, that’s us sometimes. We always see the cup half empty. We often forget it’s a choice. We can choose how we look at things and follow a mighty God who redeems everything. Killjoy (People Problems) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/people-problems/killjoy Negative. Critical. Cynical. Like the Israelites in the desert, freshly rescued from slavery, that’s us sometimes. We always see the cup half empty. We often forget it’s a choice. We can choose how we look at things and follow a mighty God who redeems everything. Negative. Critical. Cynical. Like the Israelites in the desert, freshly rescued from slavery, that’s us sometimes. We always see the cup half empty. We often forget it’s a choice. We can choose how we look at things and follow a mighty God who redeems everything. 20230820 Sun, 20 Aug 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Motivated By Love (People Problems) 1 In a world where everyone tries to get ahead and level up, humility can feel unnatural and contrary. But thankfully, Jesus is an incredible teacher. His captivating sermons and parables simplify heavenly concepts, and his life upheld everything he preached. Today, we’re diving into his teaching and example of selfless serving. Motivated By Love (People Problems) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/people-problems/motivated-by-love In a world where everyone tries to get ahead and level up, humility can feel unnatural and contrary. But thankfully, Jesus is an incredible teacher. His captivating sermons and parables simplify heavenly concepts, and his life upheld everything he preached. Today, we’re diving into his teaching and example of selfless serving. In a world where everyone tries to get ahead and level up, humility can feel unnatural and contrary. But thankfully, Jesus is an incredible teacher. His captivating sermons and parables simplify heavenly concepts, and his life upheld everything he preached. Today, we’re diving into his teaching and example of selfless serving. 20230806 Sun, 6 Aug 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Your Circle Matters (People Problems) 1 When discussing the quality of your life, few things matter more than your circle. Your circle is made up of the people you surround yourself with. The true trajectory of your life is discovered simply by looking at the company you keep. Hang out with chaotic people, and you’ll invite chaos into your life. Drama leads to more drama. What have you unintentionally invited into your life because you haven’t been paying attention to who is in your circle? This message dives into the characteristics you need from people in your circle. Your Circle Matters (People Problems) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/people-problems/your-circle-matters When discussing the quality of your life, few things matter more than your circle. Your circle is made up of the people you surround yourself with. The true trajectory of your life is discovered simply by looking at the company you keep. Hang out with chaotic people, and you’ll invite chaos into your life. Drama leads to more drama. What have you unintentionally invited into your life because you haven’t been paying attention to who is in your circle? This message dives into the characteristics you need from people in your circle. When discussing the quality of your life, few things matter more than your circle. Your circle is made up of the people you surround yourself with. The true trajectory of your life is discovered simply by looking at the company you keep. Hang out with chaotic people, and you’ll invite chaos into your life. Drama leads to more drama. What have you unintentionally invited into your life because you haven’t been paying attention to who is in your circle? This message dives into the characteristics you need from people in your circle. 20230723 Sun, 23 Jul 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Anger (People Problems) 1 We’re going there; the touchy topic of anger. A leading player in relationship complications, anger is just part of the iceberg above the water. Let’s dissect this complex emotion and discuss how to communicate it correctly. Anger (People Problems) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/people-problems/-anger We’re going there; the touchy topic of anger. A leading player in relationship complications, anger is just part of the iceberg above the water. Let’s dissect this complex emotion and discuss how to communicate it correctly. We’re going there; the touchy topic of anger. A leading player in relationship complications, anger is just part of the iceberg above the water. Let’s dissect this complex emotion and discuss how to communicate it correctly. 20230709 Sun, 9 Jul 2023 08:00:00 EDT false It’s Not Just What You Say (People Problems) 1 The tongue holds the power of life and death. The words we say can deeply devastate or encourage greatly. It’s our choice to make. We don’t usually stop long enough to make a calculated choice. And that pause makes a world of difference. It’s Not Just What You Say (People Problems) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/people-problems/it-s-not-just-what-you-say The tongue holds the power of life and death. The words we say can deeply devastate or encourage greatly. It’s our choice to make. We don’t usually stop long enough to make a calculated choice. And that pause makes a world of difference. The tongue holds the power of life and death. The words we say can deeply devastate or encourage greatly. It’s our choice to make. We don’t usually stop long enough to make a calculated choice. And that pause makes a world of difference. 20230611 Sun, 11 Jun 2023 08:00:00 EDT false No Room for Resentment (People Problems) 1 Resentment starts small. By holding onto hurt, embarassment, disappointment, frustration, and anger, we create fertile ground for resentment to thrive. It’s ugly and messy. But with a few simple keys and intention, we can experience freedom. No Room for Resentment (People Problems) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/people-problems/no-room-for-resentment Resentment starts small. By holding onto hurt, embarassment, disappointment, frustration, and anger, we create fertile ground for resentment to thrive. It’s ugly and messy. But with a few simple keys and intention, we can experience freedom. Resentment starts small. By holding onto hurt, embarassment, disappointment, frustration, and anger, we create fertile ground for resentment to thrive. It’s ugly and messy. But with a few simple keys and intention, we can experience freedom. 20230604 Sun, 4 Jun 2023 08:00:00 EDT false A Better Way (People Problems) 1 Relationships are complicated, even disappointing, and painful at times. But they are also necessary; we were made for them. Through them, we grow. Relational health determines the richness of our lives. When handled intentionally, our relationships can be beautiful and genuinely fulfilling. They can be all they are meant to be when we give God control. A Better Way (People Problems) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/people-problems/a-better-way Relationships are complicated, even disappointing, and painful at times. But they are also necessary; we were made for them. Through them, we grow. Relational health determines the richness of our lives. When handled intentionally, our relationships can be beautiful and genuinely fulfilling. They can be all they are meant to be when we give God control. Relationships are complicated, even disappointing, and painful at times. But they are also necessary; we were made for them. Through them, we grow. Relational health determines the richness of our lives. When handled intentionally, our relationships can be beautiful and genuinely fulfilling. They can be all they are meant to be when we give God control. 20230528 Sun, 28 May 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Rise Up: When You Don’t Know (Rise Up) 1 There are some uncomfortable places to not have the answers; like helping your kids with homework, or giving your opinion after totally spacing out. Then there are some unbearable spaces to not know. It can feel impossible to move forward when hung up one of life’s big questions. That’s where trusting God comes into play, and it makes all the difference. Rise Up: When You Don’t Know (Rise Up) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/rise-up/rise-up-when-you-don-t-know There are some uncomfortable places to not have the answers; like helping your kids with homework, or giving your opinion after totally spacing out. Then there are some unbearable spaces to not know. It can feel impossible to move forward when hung up one of life’s big questions. That’s where trusting God comes into play, and it makes all the difference. There are some uncomfortable places to not have the answers; like helping your kids with homework, or giving your opinion after totally spacing out. Then there are some unbearable spaces to not know. It can feel impossible to move forward when hung up one of life’s big questions. That’s where trusting God comes into play, and it makes all the difference. 20230514 Sun, 14 May 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Rise Up: Out of Failure (Rise Up) 1 Rise Up: Out of Failure (Rise Up) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/rise-up/rise-up-out-of-failure 20230507 Sun, 7 May 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Rise Up: Out of Your Comfortable Fallback (Rise Up) 1 We love to be comfortable. Everyone’s got things, people, or places they go to for comfort. They are blessings to be grateful for. But sometimes the pursuit of comfort turns into a goal, the be- all, end-all of existence...which is when we miss out on what God has for us. Rise Up: Out of Your Comfortable Fallback (Rise Up) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/rise-up/rise-up-out-of-your-comfortable-fallback We love to be comfortable. Everyone’s got things, people, or places they go to for comfort. They are blessings to be grateful for. But sometimes the pursuit of comfort turns into a goal, the be- all, end-all of existence...which is when we miss out on what God has for us. We love to be comfortable. Everyone’s got things, people, or places they go to for comfort. They are blessings to be grateful for. But sometimes the pursuit of comfort turns into a goal, the be- all, end-all of existence...which is when we miss out on what God has for us. 20230430 Sun, 30 Apr 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Rise Up: Through Doubt (Rise Up) 1 Wrestling with doubt is something we all do. Going through rough times amplifies our questions. But asking questions is essential to growth. It pushes us to examine our faith, developing and strengthening it. Though, at times, doubt can be dangerous. The difference is knowing how to handle it. Rise Up: Through Doubt (Rise Up) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/rise-up/rise-up-through-doubt Wrestling with doubt is something we all do. Going through rough times amplifies our questions. But asking questions is essential to growth. It pushes us to examine our faith, developing and strengthening it. Though, at times, doubt can be dangerous. The difference is knowing how to handle it. Wrestling with doubt is something we all do. Going through rough times amplifies our questions. But asking questions is essential to growth. It pushes us to examine our faith, developing and strengthening it. Though, at times, doubt can be dangerous. The difference is knowing how to handle it. 20230423 Sun, 23 Apr 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Rise Up: Out of Discouragement (Rise Up) 1 Discouragement is part of life. Where we go amid discouragement is important. Two disciples, barely mentioned in the Bible, encountered Jesus on the day of His resurrection. They were wandering, confused, and letdown. Jesus knew exactly what they needed...and He knows what we need too. Rise Up: Out of Discouragement (Rise Up) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/rise-up/rise-up-out-of-discouragement Discouragement is part of life. Where we go amid discouragement is important. Two disciples, barely mentioned in the Bible, encountered Jesus on the day of His resurrection. They were wandering, confused, and letdown. Jesus knew exactly what they needed...and He knows what we need too. Discouragement is part of life. Where we go amid discouragement is important. Two disciples, barely mentioned in the Bible, encountered Jesus on the day of His resurrection. They were wandering, confused, and letdown. Jesus knew exactly what they needed...and He knows what we need too. 20230416 Sun, 16 Apr 2023 08:00:00 EDT false I See Joy Rising - Easter 2023 (I See Joy Rising) 1 I See Joy Rising - Easter 2023 (I See Joy Rising) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/I-see-joy-rising/i-see-joy-rising---easter-2023 20230409 Sun, 9 Apr 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Good Friday 2023 (I See Joy Rising) 1 Good Friday 2023 (I See Joy Rising) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/I-see-joy-rising/good-friday-2023 20230407 Fri, 7 Apr 2023 08:00:00 EDT false The Tipping Point (I See Joy Rising) 1 A critical point in a situation beyond which a significant and unstoppable effect or change takes place. One experience can change the direction of our lives. But sometimes, that tipping point eludes us. It’s frustrating when hope never becomes a reality. In this talk, we’re looking honestly at the ultimate tipping point. The Tipping Point (I See Joy Rising) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/I-see-joy-rising/the-tipping-point A critical point in a situation beyond which a significant and unstoppable effect or change takes place. One experience can change the direction of our lives. But sometimes, that tipping point eludes us. It’s frustrating when hope never becomes a reality. In this talk, we’re looking honestly at the ultimate tipping point. A critical point in a situation beyond which a significant and unstoppable effect or change takes place. One experience can change the direction of our lives. But sometimes, that tipping point eludes us. It’s frustrating when hope never becomes a reality. In this talk, we’re looking honestly at the ultimate tipping point. 20230402 Sun, 2 Apr 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Sounds Harsh (I See Joy Rising) 1 Has a close friend ever sat you down for a sobering conversation? One that, if you weren’t talking with a friend, would have been offensive or painful? But knowing the conversation came from a deep place of concern and love, you were able to take it in the right context. Jesus spoke plainly, because of His great love for us. Knowing God’s heart is key to understanding His message. Sounds Harsh (I See Joy Rising) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/I-see-joy-rising/sounds-harsh Has a close friend ever sat you down for a sobering conversation? One that, if you weren’t talking with a friend, would have been offensive or painful? But knowing the conversation came from a deep place of concern and love, you were able to take it in the right context. Jesus spoke plainly, because of His great love for us. Knowing God’s heart is key to understanding His message. Has a close friend ever sat you down for a sobering conversation? One that, if you weren’t talking with a friend, would have been offensive or painful? But knowing the conversation came from a deep place of concern and love, you were able to take it in the right context. Jesus spoke plainly, because of His great love for us. Knowing God’s heart is key to understanding His message. 20230326 Sun, 26 Mar 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Finding Your Purpose (Same You) 1 It’s the age-old question: Why am I here? The longer it goes unanswered, the more restless we become. Our souls get agitated; we look for a scapegoat and finally settle in defeat. But take heart because there is an answer. Discovering it is a journey. Knowing your “why” leads to fulfillment essential to your world. Finding Your Purpose (Same You) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/same-you/finding-your-purpose It’s the age-old question: Why am I here? The longer it goes unanswered, the more restless we become. Our souls get agitated; we look for a scapegoat and finally settle in defeat. But take heart because there is an answer. Discovering it is a journey. Knowing your “why” leads to fulfillment essential to your world. It’s the age-old question: Why am I here? The longer it goes unanswered, the more restless we become. Our souls get agitated; we look for a scapegoat and finally settle in defeat. But take heart because there is an answer. Discovering it is a journey. Knowing your “why” leads to fulfillment essential to your world. 20230319 Sun, 19 Mar 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Being Content (Same You) 1 We tend to think more money, a new job, or a different relationship is the key to happiness. That adding or subtracting the right elements will equal contentment. Read “everything would be perfect if only...” But contentment is not math or found in a greener pasture. It’s a state of being. Being Content (Same You) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/same-you/being-content We tend to think more money, a new job, or a different relationship is the key to happiness. That adding or subtracting the right elements will equal contentment. Read “everything would be perfect if only...” But contentment is not math or found in a greener pasture. It’s a state of being. We tend to think more money, a new job, or a different relationship is the key to happiness. That adding or subtracting the right elements will equal contentment. Read “everything would be perfect if only...” But contentment is not math or found in a greener pasture. It’s a state of being. 20230312 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 08:00:00 EDT false I Don’t Have it All Together, But I’m Growing (Same You) 1 We tend to be our own biggest resister when we hold ourselves up to unrealistic expectations. But growth is not linear; it’s messy. Without God’s grace, we blame ourselves for the mess and miss out. Let’s take a deeper look at the key to spiritual growth. I Don’t Have it All Together, But I’m Growing (Same You) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/same-you/i-don-t-have-it-all-together-but-i-m-growing We tend to be our own biggest resister when we hold ourselves up to unrealistic expectations. But growth is not linear; it’s messy. Without God’s grace, we blame ourselves for the mess and miss out. Let’s take a deeper look at the key to spiritual growth. We tend to be our own biggest resister when we hold ourselves up to unrealistic expectations. But growth is not linear; it’s messy. Without God’s grace, we blame ourselves for the mess and miss out. Let’s take a deeper look at the key to spiritual growth. 20230226 Sun, 26 Feb 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Resisting the Resisters (Same You) 1 Resistance makes life harder. It can come from friends, parents, peers, and employers, and it starts before we even take our first steps in the right direction. Giving into cynicism is choosing defeat. But we can learn how to turn down those critical voices and resist the resisters. Resisting the Resisters (Same You) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/same-you/resisting-the-resisters Resistance makes life harder. It can come from friends, parents, peers, and employers, and it starts before we even take our first steps in the right direction. Giving into cynicism is choosing defeat. But we can learn how to turn down those critical voices and resist the resisters. Resistance makes life harder. It can come from friends, parents, peers, and employers, and it starts before we even take our first steps in the right direction. Giving into cynicism is choosing defeat. But we can learn how to turn down those critical voices and resist the resisters. 20230219 Sun, 19 Feb 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Same You: Piper Down and Listen (Same You) 1 Life pulls us in so many directions. There's no shortage of voices, opinions, and expectations. In all the noise, it can be hard to pinpoint what’s really important. But if we slow down, quiet down, and listen for God, we find He is not only with us, but speaking to us too. Same You: Piper Down and Listen (Same You) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/same-you/same-you-piper-down-listen Life pulls us in so many directions. There's no shortage of voices, opinions, and expectations. In all the noise, it can be hard to pinpoint what’s really important. But if we slow down, quiet down, and listen for God, we find He is not only with us, but speaking to us too. Life pulls us in so many directions. There's no shortage of voices, opinions, and expectations. In all the noise, it can be hard to pinpoint what’s really important. But if we slow down, quiet down, and listen for God, we find He is not only with us, but speaking to us too. 20230212 Sun, 12 Feb 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Same You, Little Faith (Same You) 1 Small things can make a big difference. A smile. A “thank you.” The final piece to a puzzle. Sometimes the absence of that little thing is detrimental. Be encouraged; maybe the thing you need this year is something really little, like small faith, placed in a really big God. Same You, Little Faith (Same You) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/same-you/same-you-little-faith Small things can make a big difference. A smile. A “thank you.” The final piece to a puzzle. Sometimes the absence of that little thing is detrimental. Be encouraged; maybe the thing you need this year is something really little, like small faith, placed in a really big God. Small things can make a big difference. A smile. A “thank you.” The final piece to a puzzle. Sometimes the absence of that little thing is detrimental. Be encouraged; maybe the thing you need this year is something really little, like small faith, placed in a really big God. 20230205 Sun, 5 Feb 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Same You, New Field (Same You) 1 If you’ve ever felt hopeless, like there was no way out and no proof that anything would change, surrounded by enemies - you’re not alone. In scripture, we have countless examples of God working miracles amid tragic circumstances. The key is placing trust in God. It’s listening for His voice and following through, no matter how counterintuitive the direction seems. Same You, New Field (Same You) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/same-you/same-you-new-field If you’ve ever felt hopeless, like there was no way out and no proof that anything would change, surrounded by enemies - you’re not alone. In scripture, we have countless examples of God working miracles amid tragic circumstances. The key is placing trust in God. It’s listening for His voice and following through, no matter how counterintuitive the direction seems. If you’ve ever felt hopeless, like there was no way out and no proof that anything would change, surrounded by enemies - you’re not alone. In scripture, we have countless examples of God working miracles amid tragic circumstances. The key is placing trust in God. It’s listening for His voice and following through, no matter how counterintuitive the direction seems. 20230129 Sun, 29 Jan 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Same You, Because You are Enough (Same You) 1 Are we enough? The answer is a bit of a paradox. Plenty of days, we don’t feel like we are - we make mistakes with our families and at work. Our words and actions don’t always align with what we know is right. But God’s grace, power, and purpose are completely transforming. Same You, Because You are Enough (Same You) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/same-you/same-you-because-you-are-enough Are we enough? The answer is a bit of a paradox. Plenty of days, we don’t feel like we are - we make mistakes with our families and at work. Our words and actions don’t always align with what we know is right. But God’s grace, power, and purpose are completely transforming. Are we enough? The answer is a bit of a paradox. Plenty of days, we don’t feel like we are - we make mistakes with our families and at work. Our words and actions don’t always align with what we know is right. But God’s grace, power, and purpose are completely transforming. 20230115 Sun, 15 Jan 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Same You, New Vibe (Same You) 1 At the start of every year, it's tempting to pursue a new goal towards self-improvement. But the challenges we typically take on are really saying, “if I can change enough, my life will be better.” And while desiring improvement is a great frame of mind, more of ourselves won’t bring about the kind of change we need. Same You, New Vibe (Same You) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/same-you/same-you-new-vibe At the start of every year, it's tempting to pursue a new goal towards self-improvement. But the challenges we typically take on are really saying, “if I can change enough, my life will be better.” And while desiring improvement is a great frame of mind, more of ourselves won’t bring about the kind of change we need. At the start of every year, it's tempting to pursue a new goal towards self-improvement. But the challenges we typically take on are really saying, “if I can change enough, my life will be better.” And while desiring improvement is a great frame of mind, more of ourselves won’t bring about the kind of change we need. 20230101 Sun, 1 Jan 2023 08:00:00 EDT false Christmas Day Special (Crank It Up Christmas) 1 Christmas Day Special (Crank It Up Christmas) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/crank-it-up-christmas/christmas-day-special 20221225 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 08:00:00 EDT false All I Want for Christmas is... (Crank It Up Christmas) 1 All I Want for Christmas is... (Crank It Up Christmas) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/crank-it-up-christmas/all-i-want-for-christmas-is- 20221224 Sat, 24 Dec 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Crank it Up Christmas (Crank It Up Christmas) 1 We inadvertently categorize people and circumstances into "good" or "bad" categories when it’s not that simple. Life is complicated. But God takes our complex, uncertain spaces and can use them to bring incredible outcomes. He is faithful and present in the midst of our storms, and when we trust Him, we reap unimaginable blessings. Crank it Up Christmas (Crank It Up Christmas) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/crank-it-up-christmas/crank-it-up-christmas We inadvertently categorize people and circumstances into "good" or "bad" categories when it’s not that simple. Life is complicated. But God takes our complex, uncertain spaces and can use them to bring incredible outcomes. He is faithful and present in the midst of our storms, and when we trust Him, we reap unimaginable blessings. We inadvertently categorize people and circumstances into "good" or "bad" categories when it’s not that simple. Life is complicated. But God takes our complex, uncertain spaces and can use them to bring incredible outcomes. He is faithful and present in the midst of our storms, and when we trust Him, we reap unimaginable blessings. 20221218 Sun, 18 Dec 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Simmer Down (Crank It Up Christmas) 1 It’s hard to see clearly when we’re operating in fear and confusion. Calm, logical thinking and functioning can go out the window when reality doesn’t match our expectations. The good news is those circumstances that make us feel lost, confused, or disappointed are exactly where we find Jesus. It’s just that type of place; we need to be interrupted by Him. Simmer Down (Crank It Up Christmas) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/crank-it-up-christmas/simmer-down It’s hard to see clearly when we’re operating in fear and confusion. Calm, logical thinking and functioning can go out the window when reality doesn’t match our expectations. The good news is those circumstances that make us feel lost, confused, or disappointed are exactly where we find Jesus. It’s just that type of place; we need to be interrupted by Him. It’s hard to see clearly when we’re operating in fear and confusion. Calm, logical thinking and functioning can go out the window when reality doesn’t match our expectations. The good news is those circumstances that make us feel lost, confused, or disappointed are exactly where we find Jesus. It’s just that type of place; we need to be interrupted by Him. 20221211 Sun, 11 Dec 2022 08:00:00 EDT false The Power of Encouragement (The Power Of) 1 Words are powerful. But our actions are just as important. Encouraging words and actions build up confidence, beliefs, attitude, and actions; they define us. Encouraging one another leads to sustainable, genuine change. The opposite, criticism, produces short term change at best, and builds resentment. Be an encourager who motivates and brings out the best in people. The Power of Encouragement (The Power Of) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/the-power-of/the-power-of-encouragement Words are powerful. But our actions are just as important. Encouraging words and actions build up confidence, beliefs, attitude, and actions; they define us. Encouraging one another leads to sustainable, genuine change. The opposite, criticism, produces short term change at best, and builds resentment. Be an encourager who motivates and brings out the best in people. Words are powerful. But our actions are just as important. Encouraging words and actions build up confidence, beliefs, attitude, and actions; they define us. Encouraging one another leads to sustainable, genuine change. The opposite, criticism, produces short term change at best, and builds resentment. Be an encourager who motivates and brings out the best in people. 20221204 Sun, 4 Dec 2022 08:00:00 EDT false The Power Of Gratitude (The Power Of) 1 Grateful people are happier and healthier. Yet moments of gratitude quickly pass us by because we aren’t looking for what we have to be grateful for, or we miss the opportunity to show gratitude. So make it who you are, not just something you do. Be a grateful person. Look for what you have to be grateful for, don’t let the moment pass you by, and express that gratitude. The Power Of Gratitude (The Power Of) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/the-power-of/the-power-of-gratitude Grateful people are happier and healthier. Yet moments of gratitude quickly pass us by because we aren’t looking for what we have to be grateful for, or we miss the opportunity to show gratitude. So make it who you are, not just something you do. Be a grateful person. Look for what you have to be grateful for, don’t let the moment pass you by, and express that gratitude. Grateful people are happier and healthier. Yet moments of gratitude quickly pass us by because we aren’t looking for what we have to be grateful for, or we miss the opportunity to show gratitude. So make it who you are, not just something you do. Be a grateful person. Look for what you have to be grateful for, don’t let the moment pass you by, and express that gratitude. 20221127 Sun, 27 Nov 2022 08:00:00 EDT false The Power of Generosity (The Power Of) 1 Money and church. What an awkward conversation because there are so many bad at-best messages out there twisting what the Bible says about money. So many of you have been manipulated or made to feel guilty about giving money to churches, and it doesn’t sit well with us. Yet, God talks a lot about money in scripture. It makes sense since it can have such a huge grip on our lives. And we are grateful for the teaching because money makes a terrible master, and there is such joy, freedom, and wealth in living generously. The Power of Generosity (The Power Of) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/the-power-of/the-power-of-generosity Money and church. What an awkward conversation because there are so many bad at-best messages out there twisting what the Bible says about money. So many of you have been manipulated or made to feel guilty about giving money to churches, and it doesn’t sit well with us. Yet, God talks a lot about money in scripture. It makes sense since it can have such a huge grip on our lives. And we are grateful for the teaching because money makes a terrible master, and there is such joy, freedom, and wealth in living generously. Money and church. What an awkward conversation because there are so many bad at-best messages out there twisting what the Bible says about money. So many of you have been manipulated or made to feel guilty about giving money to churches, and it doesn’t sit well with us. Yet, God talks a lot about money in scripture. It makes sense since it can have such a huge grip on our lives. And we are grateful for the teaching because money makes a terrible master, and there is such joy, freedom, and wealth in living generously. 20221120 Sun, 20 Nov 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Head and Heart (Mind the Gap) 1 Trust grows with knowledge about the person or thing you place your trust in, and confidence grows with experience. It's a head and a heart thing. We have been talking so much in this series about how we think. When you engage both your mind and your heart in your journey with God, your faith really clicks, and you find yourself being more courageous, your strength grows, you are anchored, and your life is full in so many good ways. Give God your head and your heart. Head and Heart (Mind the Gap) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/mind-the-gap/head-and-heart Trust grows with knowledge about the person or thing you place your trust in, and confidence grows with experience. It's a head and a heart thing. We have been talking so much in this series about how we think. When you engage both your mind and your heart in your journey with God, your faith really clicks, and you find yourself being more courageous, your strength grows, you are anchored, and your life is full in so many good ways. Give God your head and your heart. Trust grows with knowledge about the person or thing you place your trust in, and confidence grows with experience. It's a head and a heart thing. We have been talking so much in this series about how we think. When you engage both your mind and your heart in your journey with God, your faith really clicks, and you find yourself being more courageous, your strength grows, you are anchored, and your life is full in so many good ways. Give God your head and your heart. 20221106 Sun, 6 Nov 2022 08:00:00 EDT false The Troubled Mind (Mind the Gap) 1 Sometimes we find or create our own trouble, but other times trouble just finds us. Even when we are doing everything right. And when it does, it doesn’t take much to send us spiraling. If you are struggling with your mental health right now, you aren’t alone. The Bible and this church are filled with people just like you. It may not seem like it, but there is still hope for you. The Troubled Mind (Mind the Gap) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/mind-the-gap/the-troubled-mind Sometimes we find or create our own trouble, but other times trouble just finds us. Even when we are doing everything right. And when it does, it doesn’t take much to send us spiraling. If you are struggling with your mental health right now, you aren’t alone. The Bible and this church are filled with people just like you. It may not seem like it, but there is still hope for you. Sometimes we find or create our own trouble, but other times trouble just finds us. Even when we are doing everything right. And when it does, it doesn’t take much to send us spiraling. If you are struggling with your mental health right now, you aren’t alone. The Bible and this church are filled with people just like you. It may not seem like it, but there is still hope for you. 20221030 Sun, 30 Oct 2022 08:00:00 EDT false The Renewed Mind (Mind the Gap) 1 Even when we really want it, we struggle to change our lives. That’s because real change comes from the inside out, and we often go about it from the outside in. What we need is to transform our thinking. It would be nice just to check out, but there is no such thing as the passive middle; you are either passively conforming to a broken system or transforming to new and good places God has for you. The Renewed Mind (Mind the Gap) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/mind-the-gap/the-renewed-mind Even when we really want it, we struggle to change our lives. That’s because real change comes from the inside out, and we often go about it from the outside in. What we need is to transform our thinking. It would be nice just to check out, but there is no such thing as the passive middle; you are either passively conforming to a broken system or transforming to new and good places God has for you. Even when we really want it, we struggle to change our lives. That’s because real change comes from the inside out, and we often go about it from the outside in. What we need is to transform our thinking. It would be nice just to check out, but there is no such thing as the passive middle; you are either passively conforming to a broken system or transforming to new and good places God has for you. 20221023 Sun, 23 Oct 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Guarded Thoughts (Mind the Gap) 1 The peace we experience guards our hearts and minds. Unfortunately experiencing peace these days is a difficult endeavor. Most of us experience more conflict, chaos, and stress than we we experience peace. Fortunately God lays out a path for us to experience more peace in our lives. It is directly connected to how we think, because what we think always plays out in what we do. So to experience more peace we have to start with what we think about. Guarded Thoughts (Mind the Gap) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/mind-the-gap/guarded-thoughts The peace we experience guards our hearts and minds. Unfortunately experiencing peace these days is a difficult endeavor. Most of us experience more conflict, chaos, and stress than we we experience peace. Fortunately God lays out a path for us to experience more peace in our lives. It is directly connected to how we think, because what we think always plays out in what we do. So to experience more peace we have to start with what we think about. The peace we experience guards our hearts and minds. Unfortunately experiencing peace these days is a difficult endeavor. Most of us experience more conflict, chaos, and stress than we we experience peace. Fortunately God lays out a path for us to experience more peace in our lives. It is directly connected to how we think, because what we think always plays out in what we do. So to experience more peace we have to start with what we think about. 20221016 Sun, 16 Oct 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Stayed On It (Mind the Gap) 1 What steals your peace is less about the external and more about the internal. It is connected to thoughts we stay on. And we get stuck on what we stay on. Letting go of those thoughts that trap us is way easier said than done. The key is to keep our minds stayed on something else. Big faith and big trust (the kind you need to get through what you need to get through or to let go of what you need to let go of) come from having your mind stay on God. Stayed On It (Mind the Gap) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/mind-the-gap/stayed-on-it What steals your peace is less about the external and more about the internal. It is connected to thoughts we stay on. And we get stuck on what we stay on. Letting go of those thoughts that trap us is way easier said than done. The key is to keep our minds stayed on something else. Big faith and big trust (the kind you need to get through what you need to get through or to let go of what you need to let go of) come from having your mind stay on God. What steals your peace is less about the external and more about the internal. It is connected to thoughts we stay on. And we get stuck on what we stay on. Letting go of those thoughts that trap us is way easier said than done. The key is to keep our minds stayed on something else. Big faith and big trust (the kind you need to get through what you need to get through or to let go of what you need to let go of) come from having your mind stay on God. 20221009 Sun, 9 Oct 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Breaking The Stronghold (Mind the Gap) 1 We often don’t think about how we think, but how we think has a profound affect on our lives. Our thoughts drive our actions. To complicate things our enemy, the devil is constantly lying and trying to mess with our heads. What we need is to take a good look at our thoughts and start to take captive every though that has been keeping us captive. We need the truth. We can know the truth through Jesus. We can experience the truth through His word. Breaking The Stronghold (Mind the Gap) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/mind-the-gap/breaking-the-stronghold We often don’t think about how we think, but how we think has a profound affect on our lives. Our thoughts drive our actions. To complicate things our enemy, the devil is constantly lying and trying to mess with our heads. What we need is to take a good look at our thoughts and start to take captive every though that has been keeping us captive. We need the truth. We can know the truth through Jesus. We can experience the truth through His word. We often don’t think about how we think, but how we think has a profound affect on our lives. Our thoughts drive our actions. To complicate things our enemy, the devil is constantly lying and trying to mess with our heads. What we need is to take a good look at our thoughts and start to take captive every though that has been keeping us captive. We need the truth. We can know the truth through Jesus. We can experience the truth through His word. 20221002 Sun, 2 Oct 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Restored (Restored) 1 We all have areas of our lives or hearts we would love to see restored. And there are practical things we can do to set us in the right space to experience restoration, but the bottom line is God does the restoring. If you have been feeling overwhelmed or like you can't handle one more thing on your mental list, this is tremendous news. God himself will restore you and make you stronger than you have ever been. All you have to do is just yield to him! Restored (Restored) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/restored/restored We all have areas of our lives or hearts we would love to see restored. And there are practical things we can do to set us in the right space to experience restoration, but the bottom line is God does the restoring. If you have been feeling overwhelmed or like you can't handle one more thing on your mental list, this is tremendous news. God himself will restore you and make you stronger than you have ever been. All you have to do is just yield to him! We all have areas of our lives or hearts we would love to see restored. And there are practical things we can do to set us in the right space to experience restoration, but the bottom line is God does the restoring. If you have been feeling overwhelmed or like you can't handle one more thing on your mental list, this is tremendous news. God himself will restore you and make you stronger than you have ever been. All you have to do is just yield to him! 20220918 Sun, 18 Sep 2022 08:00:00 EDT false The Resistance (Restored) 1 This is all about how we fight our battles, because when you fight wrong everything hurts more. So we don’t fight with flesh and blood, we fight knowing this is bigger than just what we see. We fight knowing we aren’t alone. We fight different. We look for the greater good. We look for the bigger win. We open up, we don’t close off. We carry each other. We pray and we worship, because a perspective shift changes everything. The Resistance (Restored) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/restored/the-resistance This is all about how we fight our battles, because when you fight wrong everything hurts more. So we don’t fight with flesh and blood, we fight knowing this is bigger than just what we see. We fight knowing we aren’t alone. We fight different. We look for the greater good. We look for the bigger win. We open up, we don’t close off. We carry each other. We pray and we worship, because a perspective shift changes everything. This is all about how we fight our battles, because when you fight wrong everything hurts more. So we don’t fight with flesh and blood, we fight knowing this is bigger than just what we see. We fight knowing we aren’t alone. We fight different. We look for the greater good. We look for the bigger win. We open up, we don’t close off. We carry each other. We pray and we worship, because a perspective shift changes everything. 20220911 Sun, 11 Sep 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Head On A Swivel (Restored) 1 You have to keep your head on a swivel. Because the attacks can come from anywhere and when we aren’t ready for them they sting so much more. It may be part of the reality we like to ignore but you and I have an enemy who only wants to swallow us up in despair, hopelessness, bitterness and pain. God’s got a better plan. A plan that leads to restoration. Pay attention. Find your balance. Stay calm and steady and you will be ready. Head On A Swivel (Restored) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/restored/head-on-a-swivel You have to keep your head on a swivel. Because the attacks can come from anywhere and when we aren’t ready for them they sting so much more. It may be part of the reality we like to ignore but you and I have an enemy who only wants to swallow us up in despair, hopelessness, bitterness and pain. God’s got a better plan. A plan that leads to restoration. Pay attention. Find your balance. Stay calm and steady and you will be ready. You have to keep your head on a swivel. Because the attacks can come from anywhere and when we aren’t ready for them they sting so much more. It may be part of the reality we like to ignore but you and I have an enemy who only wants to swallow us up in despair, hopelessness, bitterness and pain. God’s got a better plan. A plan that leads to restoration. Pay attention. Find your balance. Stay calm and steady and you will be ready. 20220904 Sun, 4 Sep 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Anxiety Hack (Restored) 1 Anxiety can feel like drowning and the water and waves are everywhere. If you are sinking in anxiety, please know you are not alone. There is help for you. Social media is full of anxiety hacks that help, but this message pulls an anxiety hack out of scripture and helps us get on God’s plan for walking through it and finding a fresh and better way to deal with anxiety when it springs up on us. Just take a B.R.E.A.T.H. Anxiety Hack (Restored) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/restored/anxiety-hack Anxiety can feel like drowning and the water and waves are everywhere. If you are sinking in anxiety, please know you are not alone. There is help for you. Social media is full of anxiety hacks that help, but this message pulls an anxiety hack out of scripture and helps us get on God’s plan for walking through it and finding a fresh and better way to deal with anxiety when it springs up on us. Just take a B.R.E.A.T.H. Anxiety can feel like drowning and the water and waves are everywhere. If you are sinking in anxiety, please know you are not alone. There is help for you. Social media is full of anxiety hacks that help, but this message pulls an anxiety hack out of scripture and helps us get on God’s plan for walking through it and finding a fresh and better way to deal with anxiety when it springs up on us. Just take a B.R.E.A.T.H. 20220828 Sun, 28 Aug 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Stay Humble (Restored) 1 Stay humble...it sounds trendy and there are motivational posts all over social media preaching the stay “humble message”, but humility isn’t really trending in our world today. In fact it seems like what we see more and more of is Pride. Humility isn’t putting yourself down it is seeing yourself in your proper place. Deeply valued but not the center of the universe. Restoration in your life or relationships starts simple: Be more humble. Stay Humble (Restored) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/restored/stay-humble Stay humble...it sounds trendy and there are motivational posts all over social media preaching the stay “humble message”, but humility isn’t really trending in our world today. In fact it seems like what we see more and more of is Pride. Humility isn’t putting yourself down it is seeing yourself in your proper place. Deeply valued but not the center of the universe. Restoration in your life or relationships starts simple: Be more humble. Stay humble...it sounds trendy and there are motivational posts all over social media preaching the stay “humble message”, but humility isn’t really trending in our world today. In fact it seems like what we see more and more of is Pride. Humility isn’t putting yourself down it is seeing yourself in your proper place. Deeply valued but not the center of the universe. Restoration in your life or relationships starts simple: Be more humble. 20220821 Sun, 21 Aug 2022 08:00:00 EDT false The Difference Maker (Abide) 1 Help’s coming. Jesus wraps up this section of his instruction to his followers with encouragement that while He is leaving, He is sending them The Advocate. A helper. A difference maker. If you have ever wondered if God is for you, if you have wondered if He is with you this encouragement is for you. Deep dive with us to see who this advocate is and what He does for us. The Difference Maker (Abide) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/abide/the-difference-maker Help’s coming. Jesus wraps up this section of his instruction to his followers with encouragement that while He is leaving, He is sending them The Advocate. A helper. A difference maker. If you have ever wondered if God is for you, if you have wondered if He is with you this encouragement is for you. Deep dive with us to see who this advocate is and what He does for us. Help’s coming. Jesus wraps up this section of his instruction to his followers with encouragement that while He is leaving, He is sending them The Advocate. A helper. A difference maker. If you have ever wondered if God is for you, if you have wondered if He is with you this encouragement is for you. Deep dive with us to see who this advocate is and what He does for us. 20220814 Sun, 14 Aug 2022 08:00:00 EDT false About Love (Abide) 1 Love will make you do some crazy things. It is the best motivator, and it is what is most transformative. That’s why it is so sad that so many people who believe in God don’t really know His love for us. It’s a crazy love that Jesus describes to us in this passage. We aren’t motivated by religious rituals, obligations, or a sense of duty. We are motivated by God’s incredible love for us. About Love (Abide) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/abide/about-love Love will make you do some crazy things. It is the best motivator, and it is what is most transformative. That’s why it is so sad that so many people who believe in God don’t really know His love for us. It’s a crazy love that Jesus describes to us in this passage. We aren’t motivated by religious rituals, obligations, or a sense of duty. We are motivated by God’s incredible love for us. Love will make you do some crazy things. It is the best motivator, and it is what is most transformative. That’s why it is so sad that so many people who believe in God don’t really know His love for us. It’s a crazy love that Jesus describes to us in this passage. We aren’t motivated by religious rituals, obligations, or a sense of duty. We are motivated by God’s incredible love for us. 20220731 Sun, 31 Jul 2022 08:00:00 EDT false On Remind (Abide) 1 It is worth repeating high value information and we need to hear some things repeated over and over again before they stick. Jesus is repeating some important stuff in this passage. Mainly that he is the vine and we are the branches and to experience all he has for us we need to remain or abide in Him. By the way, all that he has for us, the fruit, is really awesome stuff and everything we have been searching for in our relationships. Fruitful people are successful where it matters most. Abide to thrive. On Remind (Abide) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/abide/on-remind It is worth repeating high value information and we need to hear some things repeated over and over again before they stick. Jesus is repeating some important stuff in this passage. Mainly that he is the vine and we are the branches and to experience all he has for us we need to remain or abide in Him. By the way, all that he has for us, the fruit, is really awesome stuff and everything we have been searching for in our relationships. Fruitful people are successful where it matters most. Abide to thrive. It is worth repeating high value information and we need to hear some things repeated over and over again before they stick. Jesus is repeating some important stuff in this passage. Mainly that he is the vine and we are the branches and to experience all he has for us we need to remain or abide in Him. By the way, all that he has for us, the fruit, is really awesome stuff and everything we have been searching for in our relationships. Fruitful people are successful where it matters most. Abide to thrive. 20220724 Sun, 24 Jul 2022 08:00:00 EDT false An Invitation To Something Better (Abide) 1 It is easy to miss stuff in the hectic pace of life. We get busy or distracted or pulled by the expectations of others and sometimes we can miss the best stuff. Jesus gives this invitation to found people, because found people can get distracted and become apathetic. The invitation is to abide and abiding is a choice. An Invitation To Something Better (Abide) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/abide/an-invitation-to-something-better It is easy to miss stuff in the hectic pace of life. We get busy or distracted or pulled by the expectations of others and sometimes we can miss the best stuff. Jesus gives this invitation to found people, because found people can get distracted and become apathetic. The invitation is to abide and abiding is a choice. It is easy to miss stuff in the hectic pace of life. We get busy or distracted or pulled by the expectations of others and sometimes we can miss the best stuff. Jesus gives this invitation to found people, because found people can get distracted and become apathetic. The invitation is to abide and abiding is a choice. 20220717 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Swept Over (Swept Over) 1 Trouble can be unavoidable and sometimes life hurts. It can feel like waves of anxiety, worry, sadness, stress and grief are unending and buffet against our lives sweeping away our peace and joy. But, some boats don’t sink and you can trust Jesus even in the midst of your current storm. For people of faith we can find comfort in knowing Jesus is in our boat. Swept Over (Swept Over) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/swept-over/swept-over Trouble can be unavoidable and sometimes life hurts. It can feel like waves of anxiety, worry, sadness, stress and grief are unending and buffet against our lives sweeping away our peace and joy. But, some boats don’t sink and you can trust Jesus even in the midst of your current storm. For people of faith we can find comfort in knowing Jesus is in our boat. Trouble can be unavoidable and sometimes life hurts. It can feel like waves of anxiety, worry, sadness, stress and grief are unending and buffet against our lives sweeping away our peace and joy. But, some boats don’t sink and you can trust Jesus even in the midst of your current storm. For people of faith we can find comfort in knowing Jesus is in our boat. 20220710 Sun, 10 Jul 2022 08:00:00 EDT false When God Says No (When God Says No) 1 Have you ever prayed and felt like your prayers were unanswered. Maybe God was saying “No.” God says “yes” a lot, but occasionally God says “no.” It’s hard to understand and it can really test our faith. Sometimes, looking back, we can understand why God answered “no.” But we don’t always know the reason behind it. So, what do we do when God says “no.” This message looks at the bigger picture, the greater grace and the deeper worship that we can experience in those tough moments. When God Says No (When God Says No) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/when-god-says-no/when-god-says-no Have you ever prayed and felt like your prayers were unanswered. Maybe God was saying “No.” God says “yes” a lot, but occasionally God says “no.” It’s hard to understand and it can really test our faith. Sometimes, looking back, we can understand why God answered “no.” But we don’t always know the reason behind it. So, what do we do when God says “no.” This message looks at the bigger picture, the greater grace and the deeper worship that we can experience in those tough moments. Have you ever prayed and felt like your prayers were unanswered. Maybe God was saying “No.” God says “yes” a lot, but occasionally God says “no.” It’s hard to understand and it can really test our faith. Sometimes, looking back, we can understand why God answered “no.” But we don’t always know the reason behind it. So, what do we do when God says “no.” This message looks at the bigger picture, the greater grace and the deeper worship that we can experience in those tough moments. 20220612 Sun, 12 Jun 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Big Next Steps (Big Next Steps) 1 God is working. He isn’t far off, distant or uninterested. Instead he is working in and around us to draw us closer to Himself. But, life is complex and we often miss what God is doing in the complexity of our lives. You can miss it, but God is calling you to more. The Ethiopian eunuch is a great example of a complex life, searching and missing something. When he finds it in Jesus it changes everything. Big Next Steps (Big Next Steps) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/big-next-steps/big-next-steps God is working. He isn’t far off, distant or uninterested. Instead he is working in and around us to draw us closer to Himself. But, life is complex and we often miss what God is doing in the complexity of our lives. You can miss it, but God is calling you to more. The Ethiopian eunuch is a great example of a complex life, searching and missing something. When he finds it in Jesus it changes everything. God is working. He isn’t far off, distant or uninterested. Instead he is working in and around us to draw us closer to Himself. But, life is complex and we often miss what God is doing in the complexity of our lives. You can miss it, but God is calling you to more. The Ethiopian eunuch is a great example of a complex life, searching and missing something. When he finds it in Jesus it changes everything. 20220605 Sun, 5 Jun 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Experiencing Victory (Champions) 1 Victory is ours through what Jesus has done for us but experiencing that victory depends on how we approach our giants. Approach is everything. It gets scary as the giants in our life become unavoidable. They highlight our insecurities. But David in this moment was full of courage. A courage we can experience because of the victory Jesus already secured for us. David approached in the name of the Lord, not in his own name or strength. His faith filled him with courage. Experiencing Victory (Champions) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/champions/experiencing-victory Victory is ours through what Jesus has done for us but experiencing that victory depends on how we approach our giants. Approach is everything. It gets scary as the giants in our life become unavoidable. They highlight our insecurities. But David in this moment was full of courage. A courage we can experience because of the victory Jesus already secured for us. David approached in the name of the Lord, not in his own name or strength. His faith filled him with courage. Victory is ours through what Jesus has done for us but experiencing that victory depends on how we approach our giants. Approach is everything. It gets scary as the giants in our life become unavoidable. They highlight our insecurities. But David in this moment was full of courage. A courage we can experience because of the victory Jesus already secured for us. David approached in the name of the Lord, not in his own name or strength. His faith filled him with courage. 20220529 Sun, 29 May 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Don't Fit the Mold (Champions) 1 Don’t try to fit the mold of what a broken system tells you you should be. Also, don’t try to be someone else. Comparison combined with your insecurities can demolish your spirit. But, God has a design for your life. He has equipped you, prepared you and gifted you for whatever it is you face. Don’t try to fit the mold. Be the person God made you to be. Don't Fit the Mold (Champions) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/champions/dont-fit-the-mold Don’t try to fit the mold of what a broken system tells you you should be. Also, don’t try to be someone else. Comparison combined with your insecurities can demolish your spirit. But, God has a design for your life. He has equipped you, prepared you and gifted you for whatever it is you face. Don’t try to fit the mold. Be the person God made you to be. Don’t try to fit the mold of what a broken system tells you you should be. Also, don’t try to be someone else. Comparison combined with your insecurities can demolish your spirit. But, God has a design for your life. He has equipped you, prepared you and gifted you for whatever it is you face. Don’t try to fit the mold. Be the person God made you to be. 20220522 Sun, 22 May 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Finding Encouragement (Champions) 1 Finding encouragement can be tough. Especially in a highly critical, fast paced, online life that is constantly throwing us discouragement. Your greatest encouragement won’t come from others, it will come from seeing God in your story and from learning to trust Him with your future. Finding Encouragement (Champions) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/champions/finding-encouragement Finding encouragement can be tough. Especially in a highly critical, fast paced, online life that is constantly throwing us discouragement. Your greatest encouragement won’t come from others, it will come from seeing God in your story and from learning to trust Him with your future. Finding encouragement can be tough. Especially in a highly critical, fast paced, online life that is constantly throwing us discouragement. Your greatest encouragement won’t come from others, it will come from seeing God in your story and from learning to trust Him with your future. 20220515 Sun, 15 May 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Facing Discouragement (Champions) 1 As soon as you step out in faith or try to better your life you will face discouragement. We try to shake out off but it doesn’t always work. Discouragement hurts. It hurts most when it comes from the people who should be supporting us, the people close to us. This message helps us face discouragement. Know who you are and know whose you are! Facing Discouragement (Champions) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/champions/facing-discouragement As soon as you step out in faith or try to better your life you will face discouragement. We try to shake out off but it doesn’t always work. Discouragement hurts. It hurts most when it comes from the people who should be supporting us, the people close to us. This message helps us face discouragement. Know who you are and know whose you are! As soon as you step out in faith or try to better your life you will face discouragement. We try to shake out off but it doesn’t always work. Discouragement hurts. It hurts most when it comes from the people who should be supporting us, the people close to us. This message helps us face discouragement. Know who you are and know whose you are! 20220508 Sun, 8 May 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Face Your Giant (Champions) 1 Goliath was a huge problem. So are the giants you face. Some giants are external and some are internal but all are unexpected, intimidating, and intrusive. To face your giant you have to start with a spiritual perspective. The giant is standing between you and the future God has for you. It may be a big giant but God is bigger. Outsource your courage and confidence to God. Face Your Giant (Champions) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/champions/face-your-giant Goliath was a huge problem. So are the giants you face. Some giants are external and some are internal but all are unexpected, intimidating, and intrusive. To face your giant you have to start with a spiritual perspective. The giant is standing between you and the future God has for you. It may be a big giant but God is bigger. Outsource your courage and confidence to God. Goliath was a huge problem. So are the giants you face. Some giants are external and some are internal but all are unexpected, intimidating, and intrusive. To face your giant you have to start with a spiritual perspective. The giant is standing between you and the future God has for you. It may be a big giant but God is bigger. Outsource your courage and confidence to God. 20220501 Sun, 1 May 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Out of the Ordinary (Champions) 1 The hero had ordinary beginnings but the right kind of heart. Being faithful in the small things God places in front of you matters. Building character and practicing consistency and faithfulness is an essential step in experiencing victory. Learn to be content without being settled. Learn to find joy in where God has you right now. Learn to be faithful in the small things. Out of the Ordinary (Champions) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/champions/out-of-the-ordinary The hero had ordinary beginnings but the right kind of heart. Being faithful in the small things God places in front of you matters. Building character and practicing consistency and faithfulness is an essential step in experiencing victory. Learn to be content without being settled. Learn to find joy in where God has you right now. Learn to be faithful in the small things. The hero had ordinary beginnings but the right kind of heart. Being faithful in the small things God places in front of you matters. Building character and practicing consistency and faithfulness is an essential step in experiencing victory. Learn to be content without being settled. Learn to find joy in where God has you right now. Learn to be faithful in the small things. 20220424 Sun, 24 Apr 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Good Friday: Better Than Good (Easter: The Forever Hope) 1 Good Friday: Better Than Good (Easter: The Forever Hope) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/the-forever-hope/better-than-good 20220415 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 08:30:00 EDT false I'm Not Missing It (I'm Not Missing It) 1 I'm Not Missing It (I'm Not Missing It) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-not-missing-it/im-not-missing-it 20220410 Sun, 10 Apr 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Pray More Worry Less (Pray More Worry Less) 1 Prayer is such an important part of our spiritual health. It slows us down and reminds us of what is most important: who God is, what He has done for us, who we are to Him. It reminds us that we aren’t alone. It helps us grow, aligns us with what God is doing, and it changes things. Most importantly it changes us. Find your space to pray and create a new rhythm of prayer. Pray More Worry Less (Pray More Worry Less) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/pray-more-worry-less/pray-more-worry-less Prayer is such an important part of our spiritual health. It slows us down and reminds us of what is most important: who God is, what He has done for us, who we are to Him. It reminds us that we aren’t alone. It helps us grow, aligns us with what God is doing, and it changes things. Most importantly it changes us. Find your space to pray and create a new rhythm of prayer. Prayer is such an important part of our spiritual health. It slows us down and reminds us of what is most important: who God is, what He has done for us, who we are to Him. It reminds us that we aren’t alone. It helps us grow, aligns us with what God is doing, and it changes things. Most importantly it changes us. Find your space to pray and create a new rhythm of prayer. 20220403 Sun, 3 Apr 2022 08:00:00 EDT false I'm Holding on to Hope (I'm Holding on to Hope) 1 I’m holding on to hope. Sometimes we just need to declare that in the middle of difficult circumstances. Jesus is preparing His disciples for the difficult days ahead. I am going away but I’m coming back. Your moment isn’t forever and your current circumstances aren’t how your story ends. Hope is found in close proximity to Jesus. I'm Holding on to Hope (I'm Holding on to Hope) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/im-holding-on-to-hope/im-holding-on-to-hope I’m holding on to hope. Sometimes we just need to declare that in the middle of difficult circumstances. Jesus is preparing His disciples for the difficult days ahead. I am going away but I’m coming back. Your moment isn’t forever and your current circumstances aren’t how your story ends. Hope is found in close proximity to Jesus. I’m holding on to hope. Sometimes we just need to declare that in the middle of difficult circumstances. Jesus is preparing His disciples for the difficult days ahead. I am going away but I’m coming back. Your moment isn’t forever and your current circumstances aren’t how your story ends. Hope is found in close proximity to Jesus. 20220327 Sun, 27 Mar 2022 08:00:00 EDT false I Need Help (Happy Is) 1 It is hard to ask for help. It’s harder to ask for help and not receive any. Those are the moments when our hope and faith starts to slip. But even in those moments of uncertainty God is up to something. This message is all about how to grow your confidence and trust in God. I Need Help (Happy Is) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/happy-is/i-need-help It is hard to ask for help. It’s harder to ask for help and not receive any. Those are the moments when our hope and faith starts to slip. But even in those moments of uncertainty God is up to something. This message is all about how to grow your confidence and trust in God. It is hard to ask for help. It’s harder to ask for help and not receive any. Those are the moments when our hope and faith starts to slip. But even in those moments of uncertainty God is up to something. This message is all about how to grow your confidence and trust in God. 20220313 Sun, 13 Mar 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Part C (Happy Is) 1 Everyone follows someone or something. Who are you following? The path to experience true happiness comes from following Jesus. But, how do you actually follow Jesus? It’s a question we often get asked. In this message we look at practical ways to actually follow Jesus. Part C (Happy Is) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/happy-is/part-c Everyone follows someone or something. Who are you following? The path to experience true happiness comes from following Jesus. But, how do you actually follow Jesus? It’s a question we often get asked. In this message we look at practical ways to actually follow Jesus. Everyone follows someone or something. Who are you following? The path to experience true happiness comes from following Jesus. But, how do you actually follow Jesus? It’s a question we often get asked. In this message we look at practical ways to actually follow Jesus. 20220227 Sun, 27 Feb 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Living Right (Part B) (Happy Is) 1 We waste so much energy trying to justify ourselves so we feel better about our choices and fail to acknowledge that we aren’t always right. What is easier, better, and leads to more true happiness is living right. Living the way God designed us to live and following his direction for our lives. The real question is do you believe God is good? If he is, His ways are good for us. So why not let Him be your guide. Living Right (Part B) (Happy Is) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/happy-is/part-b We waste so much energy trying to justify ourselves so we feel better about our choices and fail to acknowledge that we aren’t always right. What is easier, better, and leads to more true happiness is living right. Living the way God designed us to live and following his direction for our lives. The real question is do you believe God is good? If he is, His ways are good for us. So why not let Him be your guide. We waste so much energy trying to justify ourselves so we feel better about our choices and fail to acknowledge that we aren’t always right. What is easier, better, and leads to more true happiness is living right. Living the way God designed us to live and following his direction for our lives. The real question is do you believe God is good? If he is, His ways are good for us. So why not let Him be your guide. 20220220 Sun, 20 Feb 2022 08:00:00 EDT false The Backwards Path (Happy Is) 1 Happiness isn’t just something to know about it is something to experience. God wants you to experience all he has for you and one way to experience it is to have concern/regard for the weak. ITs backwards. To experience happiness we need less self focus and more care for others. It is simple and something we call can do and yet we all struggle with it sometimes. The Backwards Path (Happy Is) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/happy-is/the-backwards-path Happiness isn’t just something to know about it is something to experience. God wants you to experience all he has for you and one way to experience it is to have concern/regard for the weak. ITs backwards. To experience happiness we need less self focus and more care for others. It is simple and something we call can do and yet we all struggle with it sometimes. Happiness isn’t just something to know about it is something to experience. God wants you to experience all he has for you and one way to experience it is to have concern/regard for the weak. ITs backwards. To experience happiness we need less self focus and more care for others. It is simple and something we call can do and yet we all struggle with it sometimes. 20220206 Sun, 6 Feb 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Live Light (Happy Is) 1 Happiness isn’t a destination. It’s more like a journey. Something to be experienced along the way, every day. Hard to imagine because most of us re exhausted from carrying the heavy stuff through life. Not the least of which is brought on by ourselves. Jesus came to set us free. Freedom from the heavy...from the guilt and shame. David new this hope that moved him from heavy to free. Live Light (Happy Is) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/happy-is/live-light Happiness isn’t a destination. It’s more like a journey. Something to be experienced along the way, every day. Hard to imagine because most of us re exhausted from carrying the heavy stuff through life. Not the least of which is brought on by ourselves. Jesus came to set us free. Freedom from the heavy...from the guilt and shame. David new this hope that moved him from heavy to free. Happiness isn’t a destination. It’s more like a journey. Something to be experienced along the way, every day. Hard to imagine because most of us re exhausted from carrying the heavy stuff through life. Not the least of which is brought on by ourselves. Jesus came to set us free. Freedom from the heavy...from the guilt and shame. David new this hope that moved him from heavy to free. 20220130 Sun, 30 Jan 2022 08:00:00 EDT false Happy Isn't (Happy Is) 1 Happiness is something we all want. We all try to find more of it. But there is a lot of confusion when it comes to happiness. It isn’t the default. Everyone else doesn’t do it better than us. We don’t find it by eliminating bad feelings. The best stuff in life is complex. In Psalm 1 we look at the happiness isn’t progression and how to stop chasing happiness as a feeling and start being in the state of happy. Happy Isn't (Happy Is) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/happy-is/happy-isnt Happiness is something we all want. We all try to find more of it. But there is a lot of confusion when it comes to happiness. It isn’t the default. Everyone else doesn’t do it better than us. We don’t find it by eliminating bad feelings. The best stuff in life is complex. In Psalm 1 we look at the happiness isn’t progression and how to stop chasing happiness as a feeling and start being in the state of happy. Happiness is something we all want. We all try to find more of it. But there is a lot of confusion when it comes to happiness. It isn’t the default. Everyone else doesn’t do it better than us. We don’t find it by eliminating bad feelings. The best stuff in life is complex. In Psalm 1 we look at the happiness isn’t progression and how to stop chasing happiness as a feeling and start being in the state of happy. 20220123 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 08:00:00 EDT false On the Edge of What's Next (On the Edge of What's Next) 1 Things are shifting. Sometimes dramatically and sometimes the shifts in life are more subtle. How can you be ready when you are standing on the edge of what’s next. As we start a new year, lessons from Joshua, who was facing the impossible and great uncertainty will help us step into whatever is next in a way that leads us to the best stuff God has for us. On the Edge of What's Next (On the Edge of What's Next) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/on-the-edge-of-whats-next/on-the-edge-of-whats-next Things are shifting. Sometimes dramatically and sometimes the shifts in life are more subtle. How can you be ready when you are standing on the edge of what’s next. As we start a new year, lessons from Joshua, who was facing the impossible and great uncertainty will help us step into whatever is next in a way that leads us to the best stuff God has for us. Things are shifting. Sometimes dramatically and sometimes the shifts in life are more subtle. How can you be ready when you are standing on the edge of what’s next. As we start a new year, lessons from Joshua, who was facing the impossible and great uncertainty will help us step into whatever is next in a way that leads us to the best stuff God has for us. 20220102 Sun, 2 Jan 2022 08:00:00 EDT false The Forever Gift (The Forever Gift) 1 The Forever Gift (The Forever Gift) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/the-forever-gift/the-forever-gift 20211224 Fri, 24 Dec 2021 08:00:00 EDT false The Promised Gift (The Forever Gift) 1 The Promised Gift (The Forever Gift) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/the-forever-gift/the-promised-gift 20211219 Sun, 19 Dec 2021 08:00:00 EDT false Troubling Surprises (The Forever Gift) 1 No matter who you are, no matter what life has looked like, no matter how challenging the circumstances you face look, no matter what questions or doubts you have rumbling in your soul…God favors you. It’s such an important thing to know, that there’s a God who created you in His image, a God who loves you, a God who proved that love for you on a cross, a God who favors you without merit. Troubling Surprises (The Forever Gift) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/the-forever-gift/troubling-surprises No matter who you are, no matter what life has looked like, no matter how challenging the circumstances you face look, no matter what questions or doubts you have rumbling in your soul…God favors you. It’s such an important thing to know, that there’s a God who created you in His image, a God who loves you, a God who proved that love for you on a cross, a God who favors you without merit. No matter who you are, no matter what life has looked like, no matter how challenging the circumstances you face look, no matter what questions or doubts you have rumbling in your soul…God favors you. It’s such an important thing to know, that there’s a God who created you in His image, a God who loves you, a God who proved that love for you on a cross, a God who favors you without merit. 20211212 Sun, 12 Dec 2021 08:00:00 EDT false I Don't Get It (The Forever Gift) 1 I Don't Get It (The Forever Gift) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/the-forever-gift/i-dont-get-it 20211205 Sun, 5 Dec 2021 08:00:00 EDT false Better Together (Four) 1 Better Together (Four) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/four/better-together 20210926 Sun, 26 Sep 2021 08:00:00 EDT false For You (Four) 1 For You (Four) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/four/for-you 20210919 Sun, 19 Sep 2021 08:00:00 EDT false For Your Friends and Family (Four) 1 For Your Friends and Family (Four) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/four/for-your-friends-and-family 20210912 Sun, 12 Sep 2021 08:00:00 EDT false For Schuylkill County (Four) 1 We actually change our world every day by what we bring to our space. That’s why we are for Schuylkill County. God is for Schuylkill County and has called us to affect our space, our towns, our streets, our relationships by what we bring into our relationships and communities. You may be thinking, who me?. Yes. We change our worlds everyday by what we bring into them. Bring joy, bring hope, bring Jesus. Don’t sit back, complain and wait for someone else to change your world. Let’s change it together. For Schuylkill County (Four) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/four/for-schuylkill-county We actually change our world every day by what we bring to our space. That’s why we are for Schuylkill County. God is for Schuylkill County and has called us to affect our space, our towns, our streets, our relationships by what we bring into our relationships and communities. You may be thinking, who me?. Yes. We change our worlds everyday by what we bring into them. Bring joy, bring hope, bring Jesus. Don’t sit back, complain and wait for someone else to change your world. Let’s change it together. We actually change our world every day by what we bring to our space. That’s why we are for Schuylkill County. God is for Schuylkill County and has called us to affect our space, our towns, our streets, our relationships by what we bring into our relationships and communities. You may be thinking, who me?. Yes. We change our worlds everyday by what we bring into them. Bring joy, bring hope, bring Jesus. Don’t sit back, complain and wait for someone else to change your world. Let’s change it together. 20210905 Sun, 5 Sep 2021 08:00:00 EDT false For Jesus (Four) 1 We often focus on the negative in life instead of focusing on the positive. It leads to a lot of disappointment. People look at church that way too sometimes. Why is it when people think about church, they think about what church is against. We want to be known for what we are for. Way more than just being about our vision as a church these messages have such powerful application to our personal lives. This week, if you get this one right you have all you need. We are for Jesus. For Jesus (Four) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/four/for-jesus We often focus on the negative in life instead of focusing on the positive. It leads to a lot of disappointment. People look at church that way too sometimes. Why is it when people think about church, they think about what church is against. We want to be known for what we are for. Way more than just being about our vision as a church these messages have such powerful application to our personal lives. This week, if you get this one right you have all you need. We are for Jesus. We often focus on the negative in life instead of focusing on the positive. It leads to a lot of disappointment. People look at church that way too sometimes. Why is it when people think about church, they think about what church is against. We want to be known for what we are for. Way more than just being about our vision as a church these messages have such powerful application to our personal lives. This week, if you get this one right you have all you need. We are for Jesus. 20210829 Sun, 29 Aug 2021 08:00:00 EDT false The Other One (Search Party) 1 Every party has one, and this one represents the critics Jesus was addressing in these parables. The scary thing is the older brother was the other lost one in the passage. His sin was hidden, his pride was out of control, he didn’t love the father just the father’s stuff. There are however a few checks we can keep in front of us to help us keep tabs on our own hearts and whoever you are God still wants you to experience the party. The Other One (Search Party) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/search-party/the-other-one Every party has one, and this one represents the critics Jesus was addressing in these parables. The scary thing is the older brother was the other lost one in the passage. His sin was hidden, his pride was out of control, he didn’t love the father just the father’s stuff. There are however a few checks we can keep in front of us to help us keep tabs on our own hearts and whoever you are God still wants you to experience the party. Every party has one, and this one represents the critics Jesus was addressing in these parables. The scary thing is the older brother was the other lost one in the passage. His sin was hidden, his pride was out of control, he didn’t love the father just the father’s stuff. There are however a few checks we can keep in front of us to help us keep tabs on our own hearts and whoever you are God still wants you to experience the party. 20210822 Sun, 22 Aug 2021 08:00:00 EDT false The Ask and the Aftermath (Search Party) 1 Sometimes one line can change the trajectory of your day, week, or year. What is astonishing about this passage is the love the father displays for the lost son. He endures the shame , the heartbreak and the humiliation of granting this son’s request. It reminds me of Jesus and his love for us and what he endured on the cross. Jesus sees deeper than your struggle and you don’t have to talk Him into loving you. The Ask and the Aftermath (Search Party) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/search-party/the-ask-and-the-aftermath Sometimes one line can change the trajectory of your day, week, or year. What is astonishing about this passage is the love the father displays for the lost son. He endures the shame , the heartbreak and the humiliation of granting this son’s request. It reminds me of Jesus and his love for us and what he endured on the cross. Jesus sees deeper than your struggle and you don’t have to talk Him into loving you. Sometimes one line can change the trajectory of your day, week, or year. What is astonishing about this passage is the love the father displays for the lost son. He endures the shame , the heartbreak and the humiliation of granting this son’s request. It reminds me of Jesus and his love for us and what he endured on the cross. Jesus sees deeper than your struggle and you don’t have to talk Him into loving you. 20210808 Sun, 8 Aug 2021 08:00:00 EDT false The Heart (Search Party) 1 Lots of different people gather to hear Jesus. Both the notorious sinners and the notoriously religious. The notorious sinners were drawn to Jesus, so why aren’t they drawn to us? This message is about getting unstuck in the weeds of religion and finding the heart of God. A story about sheep to show us that the lost sheep is the object of God’s affection. Let’s be like Jesus. The Heart (Search Party) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/search-party/the-heart Lots of different people gather to hear Jesus. Both the notorious sinners and the notoriously religious. The notorious sinners were drawn to Jesus, so why aren’t they drawn to us? This message is about getting unstuck in the weeds of religion and finding the heart of God. A story about sheep to show us that the lost sheep is the object of God’s affection. Let’s be like Jesus. Lots of different people gather to hear Jesus. Both the notorious sinners and the notoriously religious. The notorious sinners were drawn to Jesus, so why aren’t they drawn to us? This message is about getting unstuck in the weeds of religion and finding the heart of God. A story about sheep to show us that the lost sheep is the object of God’s affection. Let’s be like Jesus. 20210725 Sun, 25 Jul 2021 08:00:00 EDT false #ImStillStanding (#Blessed) 1 Jesus ends the sermon on the mount with a lot of contrast that builds to a very important question. What are you building your life on? If you want to still be standing through the inevitable storms in life you need to build your life on something that has overcome. Build your life on Jesus and you will still be standing no matter what happens next. #ImStillStanding (#Blessed) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/blessed/im-still-standing Jesus ends the sermon on the mount with a lot of contrast that builds to a very important question. What are you building your life on? If you want to still be standing through the inevitable storms in life you need to build your life on something that has overcome. Build your life on Jesus and you will still be standing no matter what happens next. Jesus ends the sermon on the mount with a lot of contrast that builds to a very important question. What are you building your life on? If you want to still be standing through the inevitable storms in life you need to build your life on something that has overcome. Build your life on Jesus and you will still be standing no matter what happens next. 20210718 Sun, 18 Jul 2021 08:00:00 EDT false #Thatsgood (#Blessed) 1 We get to this amazing part of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus is describing the approachability of God. For a people who thought God was distant and and unconcerned this was a very big deal. Little did they know God wasn’t just approachable He had come to them. What do you want? It is a question Jesus asked a blind man. It is a question that makes us uncomfortable. But it is important to know that has your best ahead of you. Just ask, seek, knock. #Thatsgood (#Blessed) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/blessed/thatsgood We get to this amazing part of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus is describing the approachability of God. For a people who thought God was distant and and unconcerned this was a very big deal. Little did they know God wasn’t just approachable He had come to them. What do you want? It is a question Jesus asked a blind man. It is a question that makes us uncomfortable. But it is important to know that has your best ahead of you. Just ask, seek, knock. We get to this amazing part of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus is describing the approachability of God. For a people who thought God was distant and and unconcerned this was a very big deal. Little did they know God wasn’t just approachable He had come to them. What do you want? It is a question Jesus asked a blind man. It is a question that makes us uncomfortable. But it is important to know that has your best ahead of you. Just ask, seek, knock. 20210711 Sun, 11 Jul 2021 08:00:00 EDT false #Frenemies (#Blessed) 1 This message talks about what is referred to as the hardest ethic from Christ - How to respond to those who hurt you and loving others even your enemies. This is so hard because wrongs hurt and deep inside us there is a call for justice, for life to be fair. Sometimes this translates into the desire to hurt the person back. The law of retribution is flawed and will sink you. Jesus shows us a better way that elevates you and elevates your relationships. #Frenemies (#Blessed) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/blessed/frenemies This message talks about what is referred to as the hardest ethic from Christ - How to respond to those who hurt you and loving others even your enemies. This is so hard because wrongs hurt and deep inside us there is a call for justice, for life to be fair. Sometimes this translates into the desire to hurt the person back. The law of retribution is flawed and will sink you. Jesus shows us a better way that elevates you and elevates your relationships. This message talks about what is referred to as the hardest ethic from Christ - How to respond to those who hurt you and loving others even your enemies. This is so hard because wrongs hurt and deep inside us there is a call for justice, for life to be fair. Sometimes this translates into the desire to hurt the person back. The law of retribution is flawed and will sink you. Jesus shows us a better way that elevates you and elevates your relationships. 20210613 Sun, 13 Jun 2021 08:00:00 EDT false #InsideOut (#Blessed) 1 What if you lived your life inside out? Everyone saw what was going on in your heart. In today’s talk we look at the inside out kingdom, a different way. Jesus is saying my way is different, this way to live is better and you need me. Those reminders are so great and when applied to life they show us a new path forward free of empty religion and full of grace. #InsideOut (#Blessed) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/blessed/inside-out What if you lived your life inside out? Everyone saw what was going on in your heart. In today’s talk we look at the inside out kingdom, a different way. Jesus is saying my way is different, this way to live is better and you need me. Those reminders are so great and when applied to life they show us a new path forward free of empty religion and full of grace. What if you lived your life inside out? Everyone saw what was going on in your heart. In today’s talk we look at the inside out kingdom, a different way. Jesus is saying my way is different, this way to live is better and you need me. Those reminders are so great and when applied to life they show us a new path forward free of empty religion and full of grace. 20210606 Sun, 6 Jun 2021 08:00:00 EDT false #NotWhatYouThink (#Blessed) 1 The first message in our #BLESSED series looks at the “Blessed” statements from Jesus. What we think will get us a good life usually doesn’t. Instead what Jesus teaches us is the stuff on the inside and our spiritual journey lead to the fullness He has for us. There is a deeper kind of happy for you. It’s a journey and God cares more about your inside. Don’t miss the best stuff He has for you. #NotWhatYouThink (#Blessed) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/blessed/not-what-you-think The first message in our #BLESSED series looks at the “Blessed” statements from Jesus. What we think will get us a good life usually doesn’t. Instead what Jesus teaches us is the stuff on the inside and our spiritual journey lead to the fullness He has for us. There is a deeper kind of happy for you. It’s a journey and God cares more about your inside. Don’t miss the best stuff He has for you. The first message in our #BLESSED series looks at the “Blessed” statements from Jesus. What we think will get us a good life usually doesn’t. Instead what Jesus teaches us is the stuff on the inside and our spiritual journey lead to the fullness He has for us. There is a deeper kind of happy for you. It’s a journey and God cares more about your inside. Don’t miss the best stuff He has for you. 20210523 Sun, 23 May 2021 08:00:00 EDT false About Pressure (A New Space for Rest) 1 One of the things that exhausts us the quickest is the expectations and pressure we place on ourselves or others place on us. You can’t truly find rest unless you know how to deal with pressure and expectations. This messages takes a look at Jesus and 7 ways he modeled for us to deal with pressure and expectations. About Pressure (A New Space for Rest) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/a-new-space-for-rest/about-pressure One of the things that exhausts us the quickest is the expectations and pressure we place on ourselves or others place on us. You can’t truly find rest unless you know how to deal with pressure and expectations. This messages takes a look at Jesus and 7 ways he modeled for us to deal with pressure and expectations. One of the things that exhausts us the quickest is the expectations and pressure we place on ourselves or others place on us. You can’t truly find rest unless you know how to deal with pressure and expectations. This messages takes a look at Jesus and 7 ways he modeled for us to deal with pressure and expectations. 20210516 Sun, 16 May 2021 08:00:00 EDT false Worn Out (A New Space for Rest) 1 Some things wear you out faster than others. Dysfunction is one of those things. It always flares up at the worst possible moments and it exhausts us on the inside. Whether it is the dysfunction of detour from God’s design, disruption from God’s plan or disappointment the fix is to find a new rhythm and space for rest. Moses had four fortunate spiritual practices that helped him find the rest and confidence he needed to move forward: spiritual rhythm, boundaries. honest relationship with God, and God’s presence. Worn Out (A New Space for Rest) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/a-new-space-for-rest/worn-out Some things wear you out faster than others. Dysfunction is one of those things. It always flares up at the worst possible moments and it exhausts us on the inside. Whether it is the dysfunction of detour from God’s design, disruption from God’s plan or disappointment the fix is to find a new rhythm and space for rest. Moses had four fortunate spiritual practices that helped him find the rest and confidence he needed to move forward: spiritual rhythm, boundaries. honest relationship with God, and God’s presence. Some things wear you out faster than others. Dysfunction is one of those things. It always flares up at the worst possible moments and it exhausts us on the inside. Whether it is the dysfunction of detour from God’s design, disruption from God’s plan or disappointment the fix is to find a new rhythm and space for rest. Moses had four fortunate spiritual practices that helped him find the rest and confidence he needed to move forward: spiritual rhythm, boundaries. honest relationship with God, and God’s presence. 20210509 Sun, 9 May 2021 08:00:00 EDT false Tired on the Inside (A New Space for Rest) 1 Rest is something God commanded us to do but we struggle to find new space to really rest and so many of us are tired on the inside. This talk looks at a Psalm King David wrote in the midst of despair. This is the reality and reminder we need as we all look to find rest. Tired on the Inside (A New Space for Rest) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/a-new-space-for-rest/tired-on-the-inside Rest is something God commanded us to do but we struggle to find new space to really rest and so many of us are tired on the inside. This talk looks at a Psalm King David wrote in the midst of despair. This is the reality and reminder we need as we all look to find rest. Rest is something God commanded us to do but we struggle to find new space to really rest and so many of us are tired on the inside. This talk looks at a Psalm King David wrote in the midst of despair. This is the reality and reminder we need as we all look to find rest. 20210425 Sun, 25 Apr 2021 08:00:00 EDT false Triggered ('Bout Time for Some Good News) 1 Waiting for anything is hard. It’s especially hard when waiting for matters of the heart. This message looks at the last encounter between the disciples and Jesus recorded in the book of John. Don’t fall back into what is comfortable or busy when you get restless. Look back and see how far God has brought you. Let your past trigger grace and reframe your future. God loves you and new beginnings await. Triggered ('Bout Time for Some Good News) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/bout-time/triggered Waiting for anything is hard. It’s especially hard when waiting for matters of the heart. This message looks at the last encounter between the disciples and Jesus recorded in the book of John. Don’t fall back into what is comfortable or busy when you get restless. Look back and see how far God has brought you. Let your past trigger grace and reframe your future. God loves you and new beginnings await. Waiting for anything is hard. It’s especially hard when waiting for matters of the heart. This message looks at the last encounter between the disciples and Jesus recorded in the book of John. Don’t fall back into what is comfortable or busy when you get restless. Look back and see how far God has brought you. Let your past trigger grace and reframe your future. God loves you and new beginnings await. 20210418 Sun, 18 Apr 2021 08:00:00 EDT false More Than ('Bout Time for Some Good News) 1 Thomas is a disciple who had a misunderstood moment stick, labeling him throughout history as “Doubting” Thomas. Thomas is a lot like us. We are more than a bad or unfortunate moment. We are free but not always doing great. The question is: Do you believe God is good? Let your questions be a catalyst to examine your faith and come out the other side stronger. More Than ('Bout Time for Some Good News) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/bout-time/more-than Thomas is a disciple who had a misunderstood moment stick, labeling him throughout history as “Doubting” Thomas. Thomas is a lot like us. We are more than a bad or unfortunate moment. We are free but not always doing great. The question is: Do you believe God is good? Let your questions be a catalyst to examine your faith and come out the other side stronger. Thomas is a disciple who had a misunderstood moment stick, labeling him throughout history as “Doubting” Thomas. Thomas is a lot like us. We are more than a bad or unfortunate moment. We are free but not always doing great. The question is: Do you believe God is good? Let your questions be a catalyst to examine your faith and come out the other side stronger. 20210411 Sun, 11 Apr 2021 08:00:00 EDT false What You Hope In (Easter 2021) 1 What You Hope In (Easter 2021) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/easter-2021/what-you-hope-in 20210404 Sun, 4 Apr 2021 08:00:00 EDT false It’s Not Over, It's Finished (Easter 2021) 1 There is a finality to the language “it's over”. A helplessness. It sucks the hope out of life. But Jesus didn’t say "it’s over", He said “it’s finished”, and the difference in those words equals a whole lot of hope. The hope nothing can steal from you. It’s Not Over, It's Finished (Easter 2021) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/easter-2021/its-not-over There is a finality to the language “it's over”. A helplessness. It sucks the hope out of life. But Jesus didn’t say "it’s over", He said “it’s finished”, and the difference in those words equals a whole lot of hope. The hope nothing can steal from you. There is a finality to the language “it's over”. A helplessness. It sucks the hope out of life. But Jesus didn’t say "it’s over", He said “it’s finished”, and the difference in those words equals a whole lot of hope. The hope nothing can steal from you. 20210402 Fri, 2 Apr 2021 08:00:00 EDT false Don’t Wanna Miss It ('Bout Time for Some Good News) 1 It is easy to lose things in translation. We get caught up in the buzz of the right now, what we need right now, what life looks like right now and we miss what God is doing in our lives. That is why it so important to go to the source and the source is Jesus. He’s whats missing when we miss peace and hope and joy. Don’t Wanna Miss It ('Bout Time for Some Good News) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/bout-time/dont-wanna-miss-it It is easy to lose things in translation. We get caught up in the buzz of the right now, what we need right now, what life looks like right now and we miss what God is doing in our lives. That is why it so important to go to the source and the source is Jesus. He’s whats missing when we miss peace and hope and joy. It is easy to lose things in translation. We get caught up in the buzz of the right now, what we need right now, what life looks like right now and we miss what God is doing in our lives. That is why it so important to go to the source and the source is Jesus. He’s whats missing when we miss peace and hope and joy. 20210328 Sun, 28 Mar 2021 08:00:00 EDT false Isn't It Ironic ('Bout Time for Some Good News) 1 The irony of grace is that we have it offered to us and we don’t take it, or we take it but don’t live in it. Instead we sit thinking more or better of the same broken stuff will fix our lives. Jesus offers us a new life, a full life. Time to stop holding on to things that hold us back and start trusting Him and stepping into the best life He has for us. Isn't It Ironic ('Bout Time for Some Good News) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/bout-time/isnt-it-ironic The irony of grace is that we have it offered to us and we don’t take it, or we take it but don’t live in it. Instead we sit thinking more or better of the same broken stuff will fix our lives. Jesus offers us a new life, a full life. Time to stop holding on to things that hold us back and start trusting Him and stepping into the best life He has for us. The irony of grace is that we have it offered to us and we don’t take it, or we take it but don’t live in it. Instead we sit thinking more or better of the same broken stuff will fix our lives. Jesus offers us a new life, a full life. Time to stop holding on to things that hold us back and start trusting Him and stepping into the best life He has for us. 20210321 Sun, 21 Mar 2021 08:00:00 EDT false Had To ('Bout Time for Some Good News) 1 God’s purpose in Jesus was for you. This message looks at the mechanism of Grace the cross. Where free for us wasn’t free at all. Jesus cuts the distance to pull the barriers down and make a way for us to be restored through His sacrifice for us. He is the way, the truth and the life. Had To ('Bout Time for Some Good News) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/bout-time/had-to God’s purpose in Jesus was for you. This message looks at the mechanism of Grace the cross. Where free for us wasn’t free at all. Jesus cuts the distance to pull the barriers down and make a way for us to be restored through His sacrifice for us. He is the way, the truth and the life. God’s purpose in Jesus was for you. This message looks at the mechanism of Grace the cross. Where free for us wasn’t free at all. Jesus cuts the distance to pull the barriers down and make a way for us to be restored through His sacrifice for us. He is the way, the truth and the life. 20210314 Sun, 14 Mar 2021 08:00:00 EDT false Wrecked ('Bout Time for Some Good News) 1 There are things in life we don’t want to talk about but probably should. Sin is one of those things. The conversation about sin in church, maybe in your past is usually one absent of grace. That’s a huge problem. The bottom line is sin (not just yours, all of ours) wrecks things, but God’s grace is way bigger. This message points to our need for grace and doesn’t just stop there, it celebrates grace and invites us deeper into it. Wrecked ('Bout Time for Some Good News) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/bout-time/wrecked There are things in life we don’t want to talk about but probably should. Sin is one of those things. The conversation about sin in church, maybe in your past is usually one absent of grace. That’s a huge problem. The bottom line is sin (not just yours, all of ours) wrecks things, but God’s grace is way bigger. This message points to our need for grace and doesn’t just stop there, it celebrates grace and invites us deeper into it. There are things in life we don’t want to talk about but probably should. Sin is one of those things. The conversation about sin in church, maybe in your past is usually one absent of grace. That’s a huge problem. The bottom line is sin (not just yours, all of ours) wrecks things, but God’s grace is way bigger. This message points to our need for grace and doesn’t just stop there, it celebrates grace and invites us deeper into it. 20210307 Sun, 7 Mar 2021 08:00:00 EDT false Grace Is ('Bout Time for Some Good News) 1 Good News. It is hard to see when things get difficult. We get so distracted by all the bad news. Grace is like that. It is really good news that gets lost in the shuffle of religion and our efforts to prove ourselves. Grace is beautiful and crazy and it is God’s unmerited, unearned, and undeserved favor toward us. He loves us unconditionally. Grace Is ('Bout Time for Some Good News) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/bout-time/grace-is Good News. It is hard to see when things get difficult. We get so distracted by all the bad news. Grace is like that. It is really good news that gets lost in the shuffle of religion and our efforts to prove ourselves. Grace is beautiful and crazy and it is God’s unmerited, unearned, and undeserved favor toward us. He loves us unconditionally. Good News. It is hard to see when things get difficult. We get so distracted by all the bad news. Grace is like that. It is really good news that gets lost in the shuffle of religion and our efforts to prove ourselves. Grace is beautiful and crazy and it is God’s unmerited, unearned, and undeserved favor toward us. He loves us unconditionally. 20210228 Sun, 28 Feb 2021 08:00:00 EDT false Finish Strong (Worst. Year. Ever.) 1 The hard part is finishing strong. If you are struggling to get started, are stuck or failed somewhere along the way it should be encouraging to know that it’s not how you start it is how you finish that matters. Paul is teaching Timothy how to finish strong as he lives out an example for us all while he nears the end of his life. 7 ways to finish strong! Finish Strong (Worst. Year. Ever.) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/worst-year-ever/finish-strong The hard part is finishing strong. If you are struggling to get started, are stuck or failed somewhere along the way it should be encouraging to know that it’s not how you start it is how you finish that matters. Paul is teaching Timothy how to finish strong as he lives out an example for us all while he nears the end of his life. 7 ways to finish strong! The hard part is finishing strong. If you are struggling to get started, are stuck or failed somewhere along the way it should be encouraging to know that it’s not how you start it is how you finish that matters. Paul is teaching Timothy how to finish strong as he lives out an example for us all while he nears the end of his life. 7 ways to finish strong! 20210221 Sun, 21 Feb 2021 08:00:00 EDT false What Gets You (Worst. Year. Ever.) 1 It is hard to have confidence and courage during difficult times, especially when Jesus doesn’t feel close to you. Most of us don’t feel like we have really big mountain moving faith, but Jesus never said we had to have big faith, just little faith. Keep focused on Jesus. Your little faith and His big Grace will always equal rescue. What Gets You (Worst. Year. Ever.) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/worst-year-ever/what-gets-you It is hard to have confidence and courage during difficult times, especially when Jesus doesn’t feel close to you. Most of us don’t feel like we have really big mountain moving faith, but Jesus never said we had to have big faith, just little faith. Keep focused on Jesus. Your little faith and His big Grace will always equal rescue. It is hard to have confidence and courage during difficult times, especially when Jesus doesn’t feel close to you. Most of us don’t feel like we have really big mountain moving faith, but Jesus never said we had to have big faith, just little faith. Keep focused on Jesus. Your little faith and His big Grace will always equal rescue. 20210214 Sun, 14 Feb 2021 08:00:00 EDT false It's Just a Season (Worst. Year. Ever.) 1 Life is full of seasons. Some easy, some hard, all carry a burden. You can’t let a season of your life steal your hope. Even when things aren’t going well you can learn to bear up under the burden of a season and live well. This message is how to make it through the season you find yourself in. It's Just a Season (Worst. Year. Ever.) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/worst-year-ever/its-just-a-season Life is full of seasons. Some easy, some hard, all carry a burden. You can’t let a season of your life steal your hope. Even when things aren’t going well you can learn to bear up under the burden of a season and live well. This message is how to make it through the season you find yourself in. Life is full of seasons. Some easy, some hard, all carry a burden. You can’t let a season of your life steal your hope. Even when things aren’t going well you can learn to bear up under the burden of a season and live well. This message is how to make it through the season you find yourself in. 20210207 Sun, 7 Feb 2021 08:00:00 EDT false The Secret (Worst. Year. Ever.) 1 I would rather be better than worse but often it feels like the choices in life are between a bad situation and settling for less than what we hoped for. The secret to finding hope in anything is learning to disconnect your satisfaction from your situation. It is learning the state of, the spiritual practice of contentment. This message readjusts our misconceptions about contentment, helps us source it from Christ. The Secret (Worst. Year. Ever.) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/worst-year-ever/the-secret I would rather be better than worse but often it feels like the choices in life are between a bad situation and settling for less than what we hoped for. The secret to finding hope in anything is learning to disconnect your satisfaction from your situation. It is learning the state of, the spiritual practice of contentment. This message readjusts our misconceptions about contentment, helps us source it from Christ. I would rather be better than worse but often it feels like the choices in life are between a bad situation and settling for less than what we hoped for. The secret to finding hope in anything is learning to disconnect your satisfaction from your situation. It is learning the state of, the spiritual practice of contentment. This message readjusts our misconceptions about contentment, helps us source it from Christ. 20210131 Sun, 31 Jan 2021 08:00:00 EDT false It’s A Mess (Worst. Year. Ever.) 1 Sometimes the mess is the problem. The mess keeps us from experiencing hope and joy. The mess in our heart usually starts small but easily distracts us from what we need most. Jesus went to the temple and flipped the tables. He was passionate about the house of God where people would worship and find the hope they needed. Jesus cleared the mess so people could see God and find the new life He has for them. 1 Corinthians 6:19 and Romans 8:9 teach us that we are the temple. The place where God’s Spirit resides if we have given Him our hearts in faith. Time to clean up the mess and get back to the absolutely amazing experience it is to be close to Him. Let Jesus clean up your heart. Don’t wait to work on the mess. It’s A Mess (Worst. Year. Ever.) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/worst-year-ever/its-a-mess Sometimes the mess is the problem. The mess keeps us from experiencing hope and joy. The mess in our heart usually starts small but easily distracts us from what we need most. Jesus went to the temple and flipped the tables. He was passionate about the house of God where people would worship and find the hope they needed. Jesus cleared the mess so people could see God and find the new life He has for them. 1 Corinthians 6:19 and Romans 8:9 teach us that we are the temple. The place where God’s Spirit resides if we have given Him our hearts in faith. Time to clean up the mess and get back to the absolutely amazing experience it is to be close to Him. Let Jesus clean up your heart. Don’t wait to work on the mess. Sometimes the mess is the problem. The mess keeps us from experiencing hope and joy. The mess in our heart usually starts small but easily distracts us from what we need most. Jesus went to the temple and flipped the tables. He was passionate about the house of God where people would worship and find the hope they needed. Jesus cleared the mess so people could see God and find the new life He has for them. 1 Corinthians 6:19 and Romans 8:9 teach us that we are the temple. The place where God’s Spirit resides if we have given Him our hearts in faith. Time to clean up the mess and get back to the absolutely amazing experience it is to be close to Him. Let Jesus clean up your heart. Don’t wait to work on the mess. 20210124 Sun, 24 Jan 2021 08:00:00 EDT false Jesus is... (Worst. Year. Ever.) 1 You can find hope in anything because Jesus is better...Jesus is still King. Everything eventually runs out except for what is connect to Jesus. Let him flip your life and fill it up. Time to trust Jesus with every area of your life. Jesus is... Jesus is... (Worst. Year. Ever.) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/worst-year-ever/jesus-is You can find hope in anything because Jesus is better...Jesus is still King. Everything eventually runs out except for what is connect to Jesus. Let him flip your life and fill it up. Time to trust Jesus with every area of your life. Jesus is... You can find hope in anything because Jesus is better...Jesus is still King. Everything eventually runs out except for what is connect to Jesus. Let him flip your life and fill it up. Time to trust Jesus with every area of your life. Jesus is... 20210117 Sun, 17 Jan 2021 08:00:00 EDT false The Comfort Trap (The Comfort Trap) 1 Don’t make comfort your goal for this new year. Comfort is nice but it can also be a trap. There is a much better goal for your new year. The better goal is to step into the best life God has for you even if it means following Jesus when you are uncomfortable. The Comfort Trap (The Comfort Trap) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/the-comfort-trap/the-comfort-trap Don’t make comfort your goal for this new year. Comfort is nice but it can also be a trap. There is a much better goal for your new year. The better goal is to step into the best life God has for you even if it means following Jesus when you are uncomfortable. Don’t make comfort your goal for this new year. Comfort is nice but it can also be a trap. There is a much better goal for your new year. The better goal is to step into the best life God has for you even if it means following Jesus when you are uncomfortable. 20210110 Sun, 10 Jan 2021 08:00:00 EDT false Finding Enough (Finding Enough) 1 Maybe you feel like you are out of options, out of time, or don’t have anything significant to offer. Great news! God is enough for you and he can use your “nothing” to do something amazing in your life. Finding Enough (Finding Enough) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/finding-enough/finding-enough Maybe you feel like you are out of options, out of time, or don’t have anything significant to offer. Great news! God is enough for you and he can use your “nothing” to do something amazing in your life. Maybe you feel like you are out of options, out of time, or don’t have anything significant to offer. Great news! God is enough for you and he can use your “nothing” to do something amazing in your life. 20210103 Sun, 3 Jan 2021 08:00:00 EDT false Room Enough to Wait For It (Room Enough) 1 Waiting for a promise can be hard. What starts as excitement quickly turns to agitation, pessimism and even disappointment. The stakes go up the more we want what we are waiting for. It can become a physical experience as we try to keep ourselves faithful in the season God has us in right now. It can be an emotional experience as we try to remind our heart of the things God has promised us and it can become a spiritual exercise as we struggle to move past our doubts and live in faith. We can learn a lot from two characters in the Christmas story who don’t get a whole lot of screen time. Learning from Simeon we can find contentment and we wait with expectation that God is still going to do something amazing in our lives. The key to experiencing that kind of joy…complete joy is found in abiding with Jesus. Room Enough to Wait For It (Room Enough) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/room-enough/room-enough-to-wait-for-it Waiting for a promise can be hard. What starts as excitement quickly turns to agitation, pessimism and even disappointment. The stakes go up the more we want what we are waiting for. It can become a physical experience as we try to keep ourselves faithful in the season God has us in right now. It can be an emotional experience as we try to remind our heart of the things God has promised us and it can become a spiritual exercise as we struggle to move past our doubts and live in faith. We can learn a lot from two characters in the Christmas story who don’t get a whole lot of screen time. Learning from Simeon we can find contentment and we wait with expectation that God is still going to do something amazing in our lives. The key to experiencing that kind of joy…complete joy is found in abiding with Jesus. Waiting for a promise can be hard. What starts as excitement quickly turns to agitation, pessimism and even disappointment. The stakes go up the more we want what we are waiting for. It can become a physical experience as we try to keep ourselves faithful in the season God has us in right now. It can be an emotional experience as we try to remind our heart of the things God has promised us and it can become a spiritual exercise as we struggle to move past our doubts and live in faith. We can learn a lot from two characters in the Christmas story who don’t get a whole lot of screen time. Learning from Simeon we can find contentment and we wait with expectation that God is still going to do something amazing in our lives. The key to experiencing that kind of joy…complete joy is found in abiding with Jesus. 20201227 Sun, 27 Dec 2020 08:00:00 EDT false Room Enough For You (Room Enough) 1 You can’t understand a moment without understanding the bigger story…the context. Meaning gets lost without the context. Purpose gets lost without the context. But, when you really see the whole context of the Christmas story you can find a bigger context for your story. You find your meaning. You find your purpose. Don’t let the a story that may be a little too familiar to you loose its meaning. It will rewrite your story, no matter who you are, or where you find yourself in this world. There is room enough for you in God’s story. Room Enough For You (Room Enough) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/room-enough/room-enough-for-you You can’t understand a moment without understanding the bigger story…the context. Meaning gets lost without the context. Purpose gets lost without the context. But, when you really see the whole context of the Christmas story you can find a bigger context for your story. You find your meaning. You find your purpose. Don’t let the a story that may be a little too familiar to you loose its meaning. It will rewrite your story, no matter who you are, or where you find yourself in this world. There is room enough for you in God’s story. You can’t understand a moment without understanding the bigger story…the context. Meaning gets lost without the context. Purpose gets lost without the context. But, when you really see the whole context of the Christmas story you can find a bigger context for your story. You find your meaning. You find your purpose. Don’t let the a story that may be a little too familiar to you loose its meaning. It will rewrite your story, no matter who you are, or where you find yourself in this world. There is room enough for you in God’s story. 20201224 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 08:00:00 EDT false Room Enough For The Gift (Room Enough) 1 Gifts are an important part of a lot of our Christmas traditions. A gift can tell you a lot about the person receiving the gift but even more about the gift giver. Unfortunately a lot of the gifts we give have a short shelf life before they are stuck in a drawer somewhere forgot, or unused. Our faith can be like that. We can take this amazing gift God has given us in Jesus and treat it like it is fragile, outdated or cheap. This gift of Jesus is timeless, priceless and strong. Time to pull it out of the junk drawer and put it center stage in our lives. Room Enough For The Gift (Room Enough) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/room-enough/room-enough-for-the-gift Gifts are an important part of a lot of our Christmas traditions. A gift can tell you a lot about the person receiving the gift but even more about the gift giver. Unfortunately a lot of the gifts we give have a short shelf life before they are stuck in a drawer somewhere forgot, or unused. Our faith can be like that. We can take this amazing gift God has given us in Jesus and treat it like it is fragile, outdated or cheap. This gift of Jesus is timeless, priceless and strong. Time to pull it out of the junk drawer and put it center stage in our lives. Gifts are an important part of a lot of our Christmas traditions. A gift can tell you a lot about the person receiving the gift but even more about the gift giver. Unfortunately a lot of the gifts we give have a short shelf life before they are stuck in a drawer somewhere forgot, or unused. Our faith can be like that. We can take this amazing gift God has given us in Jesus and treat it like it is fragile, outdated or cheap. This gift of Jesus is timeless, priceless and strong. Time to pull it out of the junk drawer and put it center stage in our lives. 20201220 Sun, 20 Dec 2020 08:00:00 EDT false Room Enough to Get Past It (Room Enough) 1 We all have things we have to get past in life. Maybe it is a heartbreak or wound form your past. Maybe you struggle to forgive someone or you have been holding onto anger. Sometimes we are faced with the reality that life isn’t turning out how we expected it to. Life is less than ideal. A lot of space in life is like that and we need to get past it to move from less than ideal to the blessings God has for us. This message will help you see how you can get past what you need to get past. Room Enough to Get Past It (Room Enough) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/room-enough/room-enough-to-get-past-it We all have things we have to get past in life. Maybe it is a heartbreak or wound form your past. Maybe you struggle to forgive someone or you have been holding onto anger. Sometimes we are faced with the reality that life isn’t turning out how we expected it to. Life is less than ideal. A lot of space in life is like that and we need to get past it to move from less than ideal to the blessings God has for us. This message will help you see how you can get past what you need to get past. We all have things we have to get past in life. Maybe it is a heartbreak or wound form your past. Maybe you struggle to forgive someone or you have been holding onto anger. Sometimes we are faced with the reality that life isn’t turning out how we expected it to. Life is less than ideal. A lot of space in life is like that and we need to get past it to move from less than ideal to the blessings God has for us. This message will help you see how you can get past what you need to get past. 20201213 Sun, 13 Dec 2020 08:00:00 EDT false Room Enough to Trust (Room Enough) 1 It’s easy to have our anxiety triggered when our plans get interrupted and we are anticipating conflict. The bigger our plans the harder they fall. But what if you could move from anxiety to adoration? Mary did. She had room enough to trust God even without all the answers. You can move from anxiety to adoration too. This messages looks at a few things to understand about God that will help get you there. Room Enough to Trust (Room Enough) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/room-enough/room-enough-to-trust It’s easy to have our anxiety triggered when our plans get interrupted and we are anticipating conflict. The bigger our plans the harder they fall. But what if you could move from anxiety to adoration? Mary did. She had room enough to trust God even without all the answers. You can move from anxiety to adoration too. This messages looks at a few things to understand about God that will help get you there. It’s easy to have our anxiety triggered when our plans get interrupted and we are anticipating conflict. The bigger our plans the harder they fall. But what if you could move from anxiety to adoration? Mary did. She had room enough to trust God even without all the answers. You can move from anxiety to adoration too. This messages looks at a few things to understand about God that will help get you there. 20201206 Sun, 6 Dec 2020 08:00:00 EDT false On The Full Send (Peace Thief) 1 Lots of different things can lead to our hearts becoming hardened. It is something that can happen to all of us. You can tell when it starts to happen because you become less patient and more apathetic. Jesus knows what your heart needs and He is on the full send to get your heart back to where it belongs. On The Full Send (Peace Thief) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/peace-thief/on-the-full-send Lots of different things can lead to our hearts becoming hardened. It is something that can happen to all of us. You can tell when it starts to happen because you become less patient and more apathetic. Jesus knows what your heart needs and He is on the full send to get your heart back to where it belongs. Lots of different things can lead to our hearts becoming hardened. It is something that can happen to all of us. You can tell when it starts to happen because you become less patient and more apathetic. Jesus knows what your heart needs and He is on the full send to get your heart back to where it belongs. 20201115 Sun, 15 Nov 2020 08:00:00 EDT false So Heavy (Peace Thief) 1 Pain is so heavy it hurts, and the more it hurts the heavier it makes everything else. Pain and suffering steals clarity and drains our faith, and it's the biggest challenge many of us will face. It can also raise our biggest questions about God and life, but God is at work in all of our painful circumstances to draw good out of the bad. So Heavy (Peace Thief) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/peace-thief/so-heavy Pain is so heavy it hurts, and the more it hurts the heavier it makes everything else. Pain and suffering steals clarity and drains our faith, and it's the biggest challenge many of us will face. It can also raise our biggest questions about God and life, but God is at work in all of our painful circumstances to draw good out of the bad. Pain is so heavy it hurts, and the more it hurts the heavier it makes everything else. Pain and suffering steals clarity and drains our faith, and it's the biggest challenge many of us will face. It can also raise our biggest questions about God and life, but God is at work in all of our painful circumstances to draw good out of the bad. 20201108 Sun, 8 Nov 2020 08:00:00 EDT false When It's Good It's All Good (Peace Thief) 1 When It's Good It's All Good (Peace Thief) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/peace-thief/when-its-good-its-all-good 20201101 Sun, 1 Nov 2020 08:00:00 EDT false Stuck in Your Head (Peace Thief) 1 Stuck in Your Head (Peace Thief) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/peace-thief/stuck-in-your-head 20201025 Sun, 25 Oct 2020 08:00:00 EDT false The Art of the Wait (Peace Thief) 1 The Art of the Wait (Peace Thief) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/peace-thief/the-art-of-the-wait 20201018 Sun, 18 Oct 2020 08:00:00 EDT false I Smell Trouble (Peace Thief) 1 I Smell Trouble (Peace Thief) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/peace-thief/i-smell-trouble 20201011 Sun, 11 Oct 2020 08:00:00 EDT false I Can't Help It (Peace Thief) 1 I Can't Help It (Peace Thief) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/peace-thief/i-cant-help-it 20201004 Sun, 4 Oct 2020 08:00:00 EDT false First Step (Unstoppable) 1 First Step (Unstoppable) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/unstoppable/first-step 20200927 Sun, 27 Sep 2020 08:00:00 EDT false Gotta Go (Unstoppable) 1 Gotta Go (Unstoppable) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/unstoppable/gotta-go 20200920 Sun, 20 Sep 2020 08:00:00 EDT false Stay Hungry (Unstoppable) 1 Stay Hungry (Unstoppable) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/unstoppable/stay-hungry 20200913 Sun, 13 Sep 2020 08:00:00 EDT false Stuck in the Hustle (Unstoppable) 1 It doesn't matter what you look like, it doesn't matter what labels are thrown at you, it doesn't matter how other people judge you, Jesus just says come to me. Come to me if you're weary. Come to me if you're thirsty. I have what you've been looking for, just come to me. Just come and see. It's an invitation that will change your life. It's an invitation to be a part of something that is unstoppable. Stuck in the Hustle (Unstoppable) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/unstoppable/stuck-in-the-hustle It doesn't matter what you look like, it doesn't matter what labels are thrown at you, it doesn't matter how other people judge you, Jesus just says come to me. Come to me if you're weary. Come to me if you're thirsty. I have what you've been looking for, just come to me. Just come and see. It's an invitation that will change your life. It's an invitation to be a part of something that is unstoppable. It doesn't matter what you look like, it doesn't matter what labels are thrown at you, it doesn't matter how other people judge you, Jesus just says come to me. Come to me if you're weary. Come to me if you're thirsty. I have what you've been looking for, just come to me. Just come and see. It's an invitation that will change your life. It's an invitation to be a part of something that is unstoppable. 20200906 Sun, 6 Sep 2020 08:00:00 EDT false The Epic Finish (How to be Victors) 1 Have you tasted the bitter taste of fatigue? This fight is not with people! It is with principalities, and spiritual forces. It is with the thief that comes to steal, kill and destroy. It is not how you start the fight it is how you finish. Remember your identity is "You are a Victor". It is who you are. Faith is your weapon. It is how you stand! Nothing can take your faith away from you. The Epic Finish (How to be Victors) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/how-to-be-victors/the-epic-finish Have you tasted the bitter taste of fatigue? This fight is not with people! It is with principalities, and spiritual forces. It is with the thief that comes to steal, kill and destroy. It is not how you start the fight it is how you finish. Remember your identity is "You are a Victor". It is who you are. Faith is your weapon. It is how you stand! Nothing can take your faith away from you. Have you tasted the bitter taste of fatigue? This fight is not with people! It is with principalities, and spiritual forces. It is with the thief that comes to steal, kill and destroy. It is not how you start the fight it is how you finish. Remember your identity is "You are a Victor". It is who you are. Faith is your weapon. It is how you stand! Nothing can take your faith away from you. 20200607 Sun, 7 Jun 2020 08:00:00 EDT false For All The Things (How to be Victors) 1 Ever feel defeated, loss of confidence, short on wisdom, need help fixing a relationship? Well, GOD has you covered, just pray. Sounds to simple, let’s remember it’s simple acts, that can make the most difference. Just start the act of prayer as your first choice each day. Prayer, it connects your heart with GOD. For All The Things (How to be Victors) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/how-to-be-victors/for-all-the-things Ever feel defeated, loss of confidence, short on wisdom, need help fixing a relationship? Well, GOD has you covered, just pray. Sounds to simple, let’s remember it’s simple acts, that can make the most difference. Just start the act of prayer as your first choice each day. Prayer, it connects your heart with GOD. Ever feel defeated, loss of confidence, short on wisdom, need help fixing a relationship? Well, GOD has you covered, just pray. Sounds to simple, let’s remember it’s simple acts, that can make the most difference. Just start the act of prayer as your first choice each day. Prayer, it connects your heart with GOD. 20200531 Sun, 31 May 2020 08:00:00 EDT false The Right Gear, Part Two (How to be Victors) 1 The right gear for any adventure make the journey much safer, enjoyable and fun. Our life journey is no different, GOD has given us a list of “gear” needed to make our life journey much safer, enjoyable and fun as well. The Right Gear, Part Two (How to be Victors) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/how-to-be-victors/the-right-gear-part-two The right gear for any adventure make the journey much safer, enjoyable and fun. Our life journey is no different, GOD has given us a list of “gear” needed to make our life journey much safer, enjoyable and fun as well. The right gear for any adventure make the journey much safer, enjoyable and fun. Our life journey is no different, GOD has given us a list of “gear” needed to make our life journey much safer, enjoyable and fun as well. 20200524 Sun, 24 May 2020 08:00:00 EDT false The Right Gear, Part One (How to be Victors) 1 In part 1 of How to be Victors, we talked about the first three items needed for our journey through life and how “the right gear” makes our life adventure easier or less stressful. Here are the last three items found in Ephesians 6:14. The Right Gear, Part One (How to be Victors) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/how-to-be-victors/the-right-gear-part-one In part 1 of How to be Victors, we talked about the first three items needed for our journey through life and how “the right gear” makes our life adventure easier or less stressful. Here are the last three items found in Ephesians 6:14. In part 1 of How to be Victors, we talked about the first three items needed for our journey through life and how “the right gear” makes our life adventure easier or less stressful. Here are the last three items found in Ephesians 6:14. 20200517 Sun, 17 May 2020 08:00:00 EDT false We Ain't Playin' (How to be Victors) 1 We Ain't Playin' (How to be Victors) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/how-to-be-victors/we-aint-playin 20200510 Sun, 10 May 2020 08:00:00 EDT false Watcha Holdin'? (How to be Victors) 1 Watcha Holdin'? (How to be Victors) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/how-to-be-victors/watcha-holdin 20200503 Sun, 3 May 2020 08:00:00 EDT false Find Your Swagger (How to be Victors) 1 Find Your Swagger (How to be Victors) Joshua Ott full http://www.gracefreechurch.net/talks/talk/how-to-be-victors/find-your-swagger 20200419 Sun, 19 Apr 2020 08:00:00 EDT false