Does more money mean more happiness? John Mark walks through some of Jesus's surprising teachings on money, showing us how social science affirms the fact that generosity, not accumulation, leads to joy. He challenges us to reflect on whether we have an abundance or scarcity mindset, and invites us to deepen our trust in God's generosity.

Key Scripture Passage: Matthew 6v19-24, Acts 20v35

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Stephanie from Castle Rock, Colorado; Amy from Salem, Oregon; Stephanie from Nashville, Tennessee; Grant from Polk City, Iowa; and Kalan from Crofton, British Columbia. Thank you all so much!

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Why is there such a disconnect between who we want to be and what we actually do? In this second of two conversations with Ger Jones of Vintage Church LA, John Mark and Ger discuss the practice of contemplation. John Mark argues that we overestimate the ability of willpower and insight to change us. Instead, he offers us three doorways into the practice of contemplation and practical suggestions for integrating this practice in our lives.

You can read more in the expanded hardcover edition of John Mark’s book God Has a Name, now available wherever books are sold.

Key Scripture Passage: 2 Corinthians 3v18

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Jana from Richardson, Texas; Janet from Liberty Lake, Washington; Allysa from Nipomo, California; Ryan from Dallas, Texas; and Anita from Anchorage, Alaska. Thank you all so much!

If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

Do we project our own ideas onto God? In this first of two conversations with Ger Jones of Vintage Church LA, John Mark and Ger explore the significance of God having a name and how God's self-disclosure often contradicts our assumptions. They challenge us to re-examine and adjust our implicit knowledge of God by reckoning with God's character revealed in Scripture.

You can read more in the expanded hardcover edition of John Mark’s book God Has a Name, now available wherever books are sold.

Key Scripture Passage: Exodus 34v6-7

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Kathryn from Amarillo, Texas; Kristen from Brentwood, Tennessee; Cole from Brush Prairie, Washington; Sarah from Waco, Texas; and Ian from Whitestown, Indiana. Thank you all so much!

If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.