The Selah Project

So thankful to be here and bring you this episode :) Psalm 47:1 -- Come everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise! SelahProject.com is on its way back ... presently it connects with the Selah Project Show Instagram. Check it out if you are able. Follow us too! Email: SelahProjectShow AT gmail dot com Jesus said, stop doubting and believe. I hope this episode encourages you and maybe even help if you face a sudden ache in your chest. Blessings

After finishing the study on getting closer to God, I would have thought that I would have felt stronger, closer ... yet seems my questions and confidence was weakened! And I am referring to the relationship of my beliefs and the day-to-day living of life. Instead, I found and find myself with questions and doubts that cause way more problems for me. Going forward with the show, my intent is to focus, share, and think about the words and deeds of Jesus. As you listen to Episode 39, keep Hebrews 12: 1-2 in mind,  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Thank you for tuning in! If you have the prompting, consider leaving a review on iTunes.  Connect at Instagram - Selah Project And I welcome your feedback, comments or questions at selahprojectshow AT gmail DOT com Selah

It's been three months since I posted the final day of the 7 Day Challenge of Getting to Know God ... Better! It wasn't planned that way but I think it has turned out the best, as what I share today is a better update/review of my feedback than what would have been shared had I recorded this episode the week after Day 7. Share your thoughts or results with me! Email at selahprojectshow @ gmail . com or leave a recorded message up to 90 seconds at the Selah Project voicemail here: Click Leave a voice mail Highlights: My "amazing" results immediately following the challenge ... not. Our determined purpose is to know him better! (Philippians 3:10) 808 Stop doubting and believe ...   If you haven't taken the challenge, do so! Listen to Episodes 30-37. Thanks for listening. Jesus is good news. May He give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. Ask.

When I had my son Greg put the outline for this study together, he sent me what he had done in Google docs. Everything was there, except Day 7. I'm no sure why Day 7 wasn't there. Maybe it was that his outline was complete with six days. (I will have to ask him.) So as I put the challenge together, I came to this day with wondering how to conclude. My initial thought was to use Day 7 as a review of the previous 6. But God, I believe, had already written the final day as I was lead to Ephesians 1:17. Paul wrote: 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Knowing Him better was something those who had even lived then understood its importance. i hope we continue to grow in our understanding of the importance of getting to know God. Our friend. Our Father. Our creator. And all that He will reveal to us on our path to the reunion.  Psalm 25:4 4 Show me Your ways, O Lord. Teach me Your paths. John 17:3 This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. ... hallelujah.   What has God revealed to you during the 7 Day Challenge? Share it by writing me at selahprojectshow @ gmail DOT com Or at the Selah Project SpeakPipe  

When we have feelings of failure, not being good enough, and disappointment, it's hard to believe we are a friend of God. But we can be who He would have us be ... He is able. On Day 6, think about Philippians 2:13 -- Philippians 2:13 -- consider these versions: 13 For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure. (Amplified) and 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (NLT) or 13 For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants. (The Living Bible) Philippians 2:13 is a major perspective changer for me. It’s a truth I think we have pretty much seen negated. If God truly works IN us (think again of the scripture where we are told change is being done from the inside out), then it really isn’t about what WE do. Seems to me I’ve spent way too much time trying to be better. More sin free. More like Him. The problem here is it’s been about ME … what I have thought I should be doing and getting better so that I would be more like Jesus. I thought that as long as I could be good enough, I would become closer to God. Philippians 2:13 turns all that around. Ephesians 3:20-21 (NLT) 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think... God is more than able. So what is it we are to do? Draw close with Him knowing this word from Him. He has given us grace. He has made us saints through Jesus. He is for us. Get to know him BETTER :) He will transform us. Today and going forward, thank God for his grace and ask that He gives you power to do those things He has planned in your life. Throw off any thoughts of your shortcomings and go forward knowing it is GOD who is at work in you. Today. And that pleases him. Worship today with Hillsong singing From the Inside Out.  

Day 5 of The 7 Day Challenge to Getting to Know God ... Better. Becoming a friend of God! It starts with understanding He calls us his friends. Exodus 33:11 The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. What an incredible experience that Moses had while he lived here on earth. God would come and speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. What was it about Moses that moved God to do this? I would suggest that it was Moses’s heart. Moses cried out to God to “teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you." (Ex. 33:13)” And later it was said that, “God made known his ways to Moses, and His acts to the people of Israel (Psalm 103:7) Teach me your ways. Notice he did not ask for things. When you understand the "ways" you will understand the "whys." Abraham wanted to know what was important to Him. Think about that.  Friends understand each other because they know the how, when and why of things we believe and are going through. Understanding He is our friend is the foundation of this closeness we are seeking. That's what Day 5 has revealed to me. Here is the worship I mentioned in this episode. Please take a few minutes to look it up online. I Am a Friend of God -- Israel Houghton (former worship leader at Lakewood Church in Houston, Tx.) Want to comment? Connect here at SpeakPipe Instagram - SelahProject email: selahprojectshow@gmail.com

Day 4  Think about this: Acts 13:22 22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.' Psalm 119:34 - David wrote, Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Listen to today's thoughts on the secret to not only being and becoming one after God's heart. Whenever I would think about being a man after God’s heart, my FIRST response again was failure. Knowing that this is not what God now thinks of me or you, I bind that discouragement. I declare that I do His will today, and I ASK the Spirit to give me the guidance to do these things today as well as the power. Notice that David asked for understanding. Look how important this is! He asks for understanding SO THAT he will have God's heart and do his will. Keeping God's law ... living via the power of His spirit ... being changed from the inside out ... begins with -- UNDERSTANDING. Ask God for understanding.  The more we understand God's heart, the gospel, Jesus' teachings the more we will draw close to Him and He to us.  Want to comment? Connect here at SpeakPipe Instagram - SelahProject email: selahprojectshow@gmail.com Hallelujah

Day 3 -- My favorite day of the seven because what I found Paul had written to be THE reason of truth that getting to know God better is in fact our purpose! In Philippians 3:10, Paul wrote: For my determined purpose is THAT I MAY KNOW HIM [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in the same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection, which it exerts over believers, and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed ... Think about what Paul has written. He has eloquently stated ... he wants to know God better. More deeply. More intimately. With increasing understanding. Today, on the 3rd day of this challenge, declare this daily, going forward, your desire to know Him.  I think it is all we need to do, He will take care of the increasing measure of better :) It's God's desire. More? Take time to listen to the worship of Hillsong United, Jesus Culture ...  Share your thoughts with me here: Selah Project SpeakPipe Instagram Selah Project Hallelujah P.S. When I was thinking about doing a challenge for me and listeners, I had decided on the IDEA first. In my spirit, I felt it important that believing, increasing faith, and growing in power was found in getting closer to God. And then, the scriptures verified that.  Stay with the challenge. The final three days verify this even more.

At the end of Jesus' ministry, he asks/prays to his Father a revealing request. John 17:24 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved me before the foundation of the world. He asked that we be with Him and see/understand and enjoy the glory about to be given him. Let us come to understand Jesus and God desire this relationship! I hope you will be encouraged as He reveals to you his wish for us. Jesus wishes that we will be with him. IN this world and the one to come :) References: Ephesians 1:18-23, & 2:7 Colossians 3:2-3 Take some time and consider the amazing grace from God here: John Lynch speaking at Biola University Chapel. He is a minister at Open Door Fellowship in Phoenix Az and author of numerous books including True Faced, a favorite of mine. Share your thoughts or testimony here: Selah Project SpeakPipe Instagram: instagram.com/selahproject Thanks for your support. Hallelujah (Most well-known English versions of the Hebrew Bible translate the Hebrew "Hallelujah" as two Hebrew words, generally rendered as "Praise" and "the LORD")   

A change of plans! From email to audio. It occurred to me as I was struggling to put the email program together that why not just put the 7 Day Challenge on the podcast --- especially since way more of this audience is connected here, not via email. Here is Day 1 - VIP Access thanks to Jesus Think about this: What is one area you’ve thought as a disappointment in your life? What kind of throne do you see God sitting on?  Understand that it is through Jesus we have VIP access. Hallelujah. Links: Comments here: Selah Project SpeakPipe Email us at selahprojectshow AT gmail DOT com Selah Project website Instagram Next episode: Day 2 -- God's desire 

The 7 Day Challenge to Knowing God ... Better begins May 1st. Each day via email we will share an encouraging word with you - all for the purpose of getting closer to God. As simple as that sounds, I've come to feel it isn't. I think it is possibly the real reason so many are leaving or will leave (give up) the faith in Jesus and seek meaning or purpose elsewhere. Here's the plan: Day 1 - VIP Access to Him Day 2 -  His Wish Day 3 - A Determined Purpose Day 4 -  Running After the Heart of God Day 5 - Become a Friend of God Day 6 - He is Able Day 7 - Knowing Jesus I hope each day will be uplifting for you and most importantly, help you find deeper understanding and stronger faith as we draw close to God. Join by simply sending your request via email to selahprojectshow AT gmail DOT com Have a testimony or comment to share? Leave it here! Selah Project's Speak Pipe Follow along at Instagram Hallelujah!

Hello friends of the Selah Project ... and if you are listening, consider yourself included as our friend. Believers, faithful, weak, strong, confused, unfaithful or non-believer. You are welcome here. Announcing the 7 Day Challenge of Knowing God ... Better. More info to follow but we will begin the challenge May 1st. Sign up for it here: Selah Project's 7 Day Challenge. You will receive an email each day with a positive message and exercise to challenge you to think about a relationship with God and how we might know Him better. Or send an email to me at selahprojectshow AT gmail DOT com and say, "Phil, I accept the challenge!" or anything like that :) Today's episode is about a single word spoke to Mary on the morning of the resurrection by Jesus. It was powerful in its own way and changed her life. What was it? And can that word today change our lives? Yes. Deeply. Listen to this episode to hear what it was and is. And think about if God was to call out to you ... More information to follow on the Selah Project Instagram here. Comment, ask a question, or leave a testimony at our online SpeakPipe voicemail. John 10:27-28 My sheep listen to my voice. He knows us and we shall not perish.  

In this episode, we think about a question recently asked as to who we would invite to share dinner if we could invite anyone living or dead. But there is a twist. Listen to the podcast to hear it. An Australian food company, MasterFoods of Australia, recently asked this question to a group of couples. Their answers were pretty much reflective of most I think ... they ranged from famous people to influential people. Where things got interesting was when the company brought in the children of these same couples and had them watch as their kids gave their answers. Parents braced for what they feared they might say. I was convicted. Seeing the parents' responses, their facial expressions, said it all. Jesus taught that being like a child is a GOOD thing ... and actually very important in understanding the Kingdom. Watch the video here: Make Dinner Matter *** If you cannot access the link, just Google Masterfoods make dinner count video. *** I hope you are encouraged and begin by making time for those people that matter most in our immediate world, our kids/family. New website is on its way! Selah Project Be sure to join the email list for some upcoming announcements regarding the community. There is an easy request form on the site while it comes together. It would also be a blessing to connect with you on Instagram too. I hope this episode has been an encouragement to you today.    

Jesus spent most of his time serving, teaching, and blessing those he met. And once in a while he issued warnings. In this episode, I talk about one in particular that catches my attention every time I hear it. It keeps me humble as I contemplate my path to truth. Do you believe all paths lead to the same mountain top? I clearly think there is one creator. The question is why are there so many spiritual paths people are on?  A friend told me they believed that was indicative of God's creativity. I don't think so ... based simply on the results of those paths. Could spiritual differences be the result of falsehoods and deception?   Comment or share your thoughts with me by leaving a voice message at the Selah Project Speakpipe: Leave a message here   A malicious link was found imbedded on the website so Selah Project has been re-directed to here: Selah Project on Instagram You'll find updates, pictures, and quotes there. I'm also thinking about sharing video updates there too. Instagram gives you the option to share short 15 second clips. Let me know what you think. If you prefer, drop me an email here: phil (AT) gmail DOT com

Happy New Year friends. 2016 Before you think about your resolutions regarding the things you need or want to change, think about this: Let the Spirit work and renew your life in 2016. In this episode, i share about a change I didn't see coming.  Rick Warren wrote a thoughtful piece regarding change a bit over a year ago. And it's good news. The change we are hoping or looking for requires not our wills but simply the Holy Spirit. You can read his thoughts here: Change requires the Holy Spirit Also I realized change is often GRADUAL. See 2 Corinthians 3:18. I am trusting 2016 will be a year that the Spirit bring the changes which bring all of us closer to Him.  Won't that be a good year? Thanks for listening. Do you have a comment? Share your thoughts here: Selah Project's Speak Pipe voicemail. Also, I am collecting a list of things you are thinking about. It's easy and you can preview your message before sending it. Happy 2016. God is good.

It was a really tough morning and I was re-thinking some things when God sent a message. The message was one of hope and exceedingly encouraging. The message came via Brandon. Listen in to Episode 25 as to what he said and hear for yourself how good God is.              

In Acts 28 Paul and his friends landed on the island of Malta. It was a cold and raining day. Luke, (presumably the writer of this account), said the people built a fire for them and welcomed them with unusual kindness. I believe of the many words that could be used to describe Jesus by those who spent time him, kindness would be near the top of that list. In this session of Selah Project, I share a story where a simple act of kindness made all the difference ... for both of us.

Discouragement: a loss of confidence or enthusiasm. Something that you feel when you've had things happen that caused a dispiritedness. It happened to me in March. Let's think about this. Did Jesus ever feel dispirited? What did Paul say about it? It surprised me. I review some tips on what to do from a blog post by Frank Viola. We all get discouraged and in those times the feeling of giving up is heavy.  But let's be encouraged by the words of Jesus and do not be discouraged ... He is there.   Connect on Twitter Selah Project on the web    

In this episode I talk with Pete Christianson about the running of his first marathon … more importantly the t-shirt he wore with the message printed boldly DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE. Listen as he shares his testimony, the results of the race, and why that shirt. (And my opinion how the sandwich was part of the path to finding a church!) Take aways: Sometimes we just have to hang-on to finish those things we start and that usually requires help from others. When you are feeling emptyness or unsatisfication because of the vanities of life, that is the time to look to Him.  Connect by leaving a voicemail. It’s free and easy right from your computer or phone: Leave your message here -  MESSAGE  Follow Selah Project on TWITTER. Remember, the Lord will place great plans on your heart (and best of all), give you the power to see them through. Philippians 2:13.

It was January 7, 2014, that I published the very first episode of the Project. Join me today as I celebrate the "birth" of the Selah Project one year ago today. I'll share an email chat I had with a person close to me that led to how I decided on the name. I'll review some of the most listened to episodes and share some thoughts on the direction for the coming year. Help me name my weekly THINK ABOUT THIS email. As mentioned in this session, I would like to share all the other sources I tend to see and read between episodes. I would like to email you, the listener, no more than once a week, these sources. Think of it as my Top 10 list of things to think about. I beleive it will help create conversations and connect us better. AND, increase our drawing close to Jesus. If you would like to receive this eamil, just drop me a note at one of the following. And also contact me if ou would like to give feedback or share a testimony. Contact me here: Email: phil958[AT]gmail[dot]com Speakpipe (free online message): Click here to leave a voice message Twitter: What I am reading and thinking in real time.     Thanks for listening and sharing this one year anniversary with me.