From Trying To Training: You are the light of the world

A bright voice breaks through the noise: “Listen to Him.” From the Beatitudes to the mountaintop of the Transfiguration, we trace how light moves from a story we admire to a practice we live. We share candid moments about hurry, doomscrolling, and the pull to mine the past for answers that never come—then turn to a different way of being present, where belovedness steadies the heart and practice shapes the soul.

We explore Lent as training, not punishment. Instead of swapping menus, we surrender the habits that shrink our love—anger that wounds, shame that drives, and distractions that steal our attention. Presence becomes our daily fast. We talk about what happens when we trade trying for training, when we show up like a dojo for the inner life, and when we let the unforced rhythms of grace guide our time, our words, and our reactions.

Generosity takes center stage as true freedom. We challenge our trust in wealth and scarcity, then practice a liturgy that orients us toward open-handed living. With the story of loaves and fish, we ask: what is already in your hand? Gratitude multiplies what we offer, feeding neighbors with compassion, peace, and practical help. Through Scripture and lived experience, we return to the core: you are loved, you are invited, and you are called to shine like a lamp in a dark place until the morning star rises in your heart.

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This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving

In the service of LOVE,
Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake