Paying Ridiculous Attention To Jesus

Humans can be brutal; we marginalize people, mocking and judging them for their flaws. But when someone acknowledges their imperfections and admits them to Jesus—like the woman in Luke 7 who weeps at his feet—something downright counter-cultural happens. Join Rick as he dives into her story, and invites us into a discussion about Jesus' unexpected response to imperfect and marginalized people…including us. Also in the episode, Rick interviews Emma Mae Jenkins, a teenager who is determined to wear the marginalization she’s faced as a badge of honor. Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all in with Jesus--to live a life that's “free indeed” because we’re wholly dependent on him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connections to other Pigs inside our private Facebook group. Join Here- www.mylifetree.com/pratj-member-sign-up/ Related: (Now Available) Spiritual Grit- www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Grit-En…nce/dp

As Jesus-followers we often believe that "doubt" is a dirty word pointing to a lack of faith. But what if our doubts are actually embraced by Jesus, and even lead us down a path of all-in belief? Join Rick and guest host Stephanie Hillberry as they continue a month-long series examining the tender aspects of Jesus. They'll focus on his response to Thomas’ skepticism about the resurrection, and how he greets our doubts in similar, transformative ways. Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all in with Jesus--to live a life that's “free indeed” because we’re wholly dependent on him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connections to other Pigs inside our private Facebook group. Join Here- www.mylifetree.com/pratj-member-sign-up/ Related: (Now Available) Spiritual Grit- www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Grit-En…nce/dp/1470750899 The Simply Jesus Gathering- http://simplyjesusgathering.com/ The Great Divorce by C.

Living a life dedicated to following Jesus includes pain. In fact, pain is expected. What’s often unexpected, however, is Jesus’ response to that pain. Join us as we continue a month-long series examining the tender aspects of Jesus by revisiting our most popular podcast of the year so far. In this episode Rick and the Beckynator slow down and pay attention to the story of the rich young ruler found in Matthew 19. Personalizing Jesus’ tenderness, Rick and Becky share examples from their own lives about what the tenderness Jesus shows us during difficult seasons. Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all in with Jesus--to live a life that's “free indeed” because we’re wholly dependent on him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connections to other Pigs inside our private Facebook group. Join Here- www.mylifetree.com/pratj-member-sign-up/ Related: (Now Available) Spiritual Grit- www.amazon.com/Spiritual-G

We all have ugly inside whether we want to admit it or not. Anger, greed, lust, jealousy, and a host of other qualities plague us all. While admitting our ugly to others often initially triggers hurt feelings, acknowledging our ugly to Jesus leads to a very different response. Join Rick and special guest Scotty Priest (pastor of Journey Church in Denver) as they focus on Jesus’ unexpected tenderness toward people who admit their faults. Turning to the Bible, they’ll dive into the different responses of the two criminals crucified next to Jesus found in Matthew 27. Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all in with Jesus--to live a life that's “free indeed” because we’re wholly dependent on him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connections to other Pigs inside our private Facebook group. Join Here- www.mylifetree.com/pratj-member-sign-up/ Related: (Now Available) Spiritual Grit- www.amazon.com/Spirit

As Christians, we’re probably most familiar with the loving and grace-filled side of Jesus. And we’ve heard about the angry, flipping tables in the temple side of Jesus. But what about the bothered, miffed, or the downright annoyed side of Jesus? Join Rick as he wraps up a month-long series highlighting tough aspects of Jesus by focusing on examples when Jesus seems frustrated and annoyed with people. Turning to the Bible, we’ll slow down and pay attention to passages where Jesus appears particularly irked including Luke 4 where he is rejected in his home town of Nazareth. Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all in with Jesus--to live a life that's “free indeed” because we’re wholly dependent on him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connections to other Pigs inside our private Facebook group. Join Here- www.mylifetree.com/pratj-member-sign-up/ Related: (Now Available) Spiritual Grit- www.amazon.com

Profanity. It has the ability to shock, disrespect, and hurt people. Your mom would wash out your mouth for using it, and the Bible gives warnings about speaking it. So why did Jesus use it? Join Rick and special guest Stephanie Hillberry as they continue a month-long series looking at tough aspects of Jesus by examining what’s behind Jesus’ use of seemingly profane words. Diving into to the Bible, we’ll slow down and pay attention to Matthew 23 where Jesus calls Pharisees "hypocrites," "white-washed tombs," and "snakes." Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all in with Jesus--to live a life that's “free indeed” because we’re wholly dependent on him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connections to other Pigs inside our private Facebook group. Join Here- www.mylifetree.com/pratj-member-sign-up/ Related: (Now Available) Spiritual Grit- www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Grit-En…nce/dp/1470750899 The Simply J

Hell. It’s the theme of TV shows, books, and Halloween costumes, but it’s rarely brought up in church, let alone in everyday conversations. Surprisingly, it was a subject Jesus focused on a lot. Join Rick and special guest Tom Melton (a longtime pastor and now leadership consultant) as they continue a month-long series examining tough aspects of Jesus by zooming in on what he says about Hell, particularly the parable of the rich man and Lazarus found in Luke 16. Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all in with Jesus--to live a life that's “free indeed” because we’re wholly dependent on him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connections to other Pigs inside our private Facebook group. Join Here- www.mylifetree.com/pratj-member-sign-up/ Related: (Now Available) Spiritual Grit- www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Grit-En…nce/dp/1470750899 The Simply Jesus Gathering- http://simplyjesusgathering.com/ Melton Leade

If you've ever taken a personality test and then followed it up with a lively conversation about how you compare with others, then you know how affirming it is for people to get you, and to get them in return. Naturally we want this same experience with Jesus, but just when we think we've got him figured out, he seems to contradict himself. This summer we'll be paying attention to one particular contradiction: his toughness and his tenderness, starting with John chapter 1 when he calls Phillip and Nathaniel. From there we'll press even deeper into how Jesus breaks the mold. It'll challenge us, but the result will be understanding him (and ourselves) better than a personality test could ever reveal. Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all in with Jesus--to live a life that's “free indeed” because we’re wholly dependent on him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connections to other Pigs inside our private

Sometimes Jesus’ teachings seem straightforward. Possibly difficult to execute, but straightforward. Love your enemies. Love God and love others. Ask in faith. Other times, Jesus creates a big “mud puddle”—a question or statement that causes people to wonder, speculate, or debate. Join Rick and special guest Carl Medearis (author of the new book 42 Seconds) as they jump into a “mud puddle” statement from John 10, a passage where Jesus discusses who he’ll bring into his flock. Wallowing in the puddle, Rick and Carl will discuss what it means to listen to the voice of Jesus and share their experiences interacting with “sheep from another sheepfold.” Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all in with Jesus--to live a life that's “free indeed” because we’re wholly dependent on him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connections to other Pigs inside our private Facebook group. Join Here- www.mylifetree.com/p

Imagine that you’re stuck. You've hit a rut or a roadblock and you’re not sure how to move forward. Could the answer you’re looking for come by asking a simple two-word question? Join Rick and guest host Stephanie Hillberry as they conclude a 4-week series on growing spiritual grit by discussing the freedom that can be found in asking "Why Not?" Turning to the Bible, they’ll slow way down and pay attention to the story of Jesus calming the storm in Matthew 14, examining how Peter asks "Why Not" before he steps onto water, and how we can follow his bold lead. Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all in with Jesus--to live a life that's “free indeed” because we’re wholly dependent on him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connections to other Pigs inside our private Facebook group. Join Here- www.mylifetree.com/pratj-member-sign-up/ Related: (Now Available) Spiritual Grit- www.amazon.com/Spiritual-G

What do you stand for? It’s a question that cuts to your identity, and displays the true story of your heart. The answer often becomes clearer as you develop spiritual grit. Join Rick as and his very special guest host as they continue a month-long sampling of the newly released book, ‘Spiritual Grit’. They'll discuss how someone's character, not accomplishments, forms the building blocks of what they stand for. Slowing down, they’ll pay close attention Jesus’ actions in Matthew 20, examining how he responds to a unique request made by the mother of James and John. Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all in with Jesus--to live a life that's “free indeed” because we’re wholly dependent on him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connections to other Pigs inside our private Facebook group. Join Here- www.mylifetree.com/pratj-member-sign-up/ Related: (Now Available) Spiritual Grit- www.amazon.co

It's natural for us to be our own biggest critics, scrutinizing ourselves more than we scrutinize others. This tendency isn't all bad, and can even be helpful at times. But at what point does our ongoing internal conversation turn into a trap, locking us into an untrue identity? Join Rick as he continues a month-long sampling of the newly released book, Spiritual Grit, by examining the impact a person’s internal narrative has on their identity. Digging into the Bible, we’ll slow down and pay attention to how Jesus brings freedom by changing the internal narrative of the paralyzed man found in Matthew 9. Join Here- www.mylifetree.com/pratj-member-sign-up/ Related: (Now Available) Spiritual Grit- https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Grit-Endurance-Character-Confidence/dp/1470750899 Spiritual Grit Video with Rick Lawrence- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKVRa0cXoWM The Unreasonable Jesus by Thomas Christianson- www.mylifetree.com/shop/the-unreasonable-jesus/ NEW Jesus-Centered Practical Guides- www.mylif

It’s often frowned upon in parenting, but celebrated in the world of entrepreneurs. It’s necessary in extreme sports, but can be dangerous in relationships. It’s RISK and it’s one of the main ways Jesus develops grit in us. Join Rick and special guest Stephanie Hillberry as they celebrate the release of the new book, Spiritual Grit, by discussing what it means to risk in a culture often obsessed with safety. Slowing down and paying ridiculous attention Jesus, we’ll dive into the story of the Canaanite woman found in Matthew 15, examining how Jesus rewards the great risks she takes, and how you can adopt her spirit with some risks of your own. Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all in with Jesus--to live a life that's “free indeed” because we’re wholly dependent on him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connections to other Pigs inside our private Facebook group. Join Here- www.mylifetree.com/pratj-m

Life storms are raging and your strength is quickly diminishing. But as a Christian, you know it’s going to be okay because all things work together for good… right? Join Rick as he closes out a month-long series exploring Biblical beliefs that may not be true by focusing on the idea that all things work together for good, an idea commonly borrowed from Romans 8:23-30. During the program, Rick will introduce the Stockdale Paradox, a methodology of embracing the brutal reality of situations while balancing it with a prevailing hope. Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all in with Jesus--to live a life that's “free indeed” because we’re wholly dependent on him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connections to other Pigs inside our private Facebook group. Join Here- www.mylifetree.com/pratj-member-sign-up/ Related: - Spiritual Grit Launch Group- www.facebook.com/groups/151219602…3760752032385%20 - {Pr

When it comes to sin, is there a clear line in the sand that helps define what it is and isn't? Or is it a gray area where we make our own judgment calls? Join Rick and his special guest Becky (aka the Beckynator) as they continue a month-long series exploring common Biblical beliefs that may not be true by examining sin, what it really is, and what Jesus wants us to do about it. Digging deeper, Rick and Becky will slow down and pay attention to how Jesus approaches people’s sin, including a promise to fulfill the law found in Matthew 15:17. Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all in with Jesus--to live a life that's “free indeed” because we’re wholly dependent on him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connections to other Pigs inside our private Facebook group. Join Here- www.mylifetree.com/pratj-member-sign-up/ Related: - Spiritual Grit Launch Group- www.facebook.com/groups/151219602…3760752032385%2

As followers of Jesus, we frequently want to be used by God to accomplish his will on earth. But what if this desire is fundamentally contrary to the heart of Jesus? Join us as we continue a month-long series exploring common beliefs about Jesus that may not be true, including challenging the idea that we should be “used” by Jesus. Turning to the Bible, we’ll dive into John 15, a passage where Jesus defines the type of relationship he wants with us. Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all in with Jesus--to live a life that's “free indeed” because we’re wholly dependent on him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connections to other Pigs inside our private Facebook group. Join Here- www.mylifetree.com/pratj-member-sign-up/ Related: - Spiritual Grit Launch Group- www.facebook.com/groups/151219602…3760752032385%20 - {Pre-order} Spiritual Grit- www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Grit-En…ce/dp/1470750899/ - The

During tough times, when all your limits are being pushed, it's nice to take comfort in the verse that says Jesus will never give you more than you can handle. Except there's just one problem: even though we hear that saying all the time, that verse doesn't exist. So why do we keep saying it? Join us as we kick off a month-long series exploring common beliefs about Jesus we often profess even if they’re not true. Starting off, Rick and special guest, author and producer Stephanie Hillberry, tackle the idea that “Jesus will never give us more than we can handle.” Searching for Jesus’ heart, Rick and Steph slow down and focus on Biblical examples where Jesus demonstrates a dependent connection to the Father during overwhelming circumstances. Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all in with Jesus--to live a life that's “free indeed” because we’re wholly dependent on him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connec

We call ourselves “followers” of Jesus, but how do you follow when you’re having a hard time seeing where the path is leading? Or…what if you can’t see the path at all? Join Rick and author Mikal Keefer as they discuss what it means to understand God’s will and examine why people, even those close to Jesus, can have a difficult time with it. Turning to the Bible, Rick examines two parables Jesus uses to help us understand how to find and follow God’s will. Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all in with Jesus--to live a life that's “free indeed” because we’re wholly dependent on him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connections to other Pigs inside our private Facebook group. Join Here- www.mylifetree.com/pratj-member-sign-up/ Related: - The Unreasonable Jesus by Thomas Christianson- www.mylifetree.com/shop/the-unreasonable-jesus/ - {Pre-order} Spiritual Grit- www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Grit-En…ce

We know that rash decisions made in our own strength lead to trouble. But the alternative--timid prayers that tiptoe around each and every step--is not much better. So how do we make decisions about what's right and wrong? How do we walk the line between our own common sense and Jesus' divine guidance? Join Rick and dear friend of the show Becky (aka the Beckynator) as they dive into a discussion about right and wrong. Turning to the Bible, they slow down and pay ridiculous attention to Luke 12, a passage where Jesus challenges weak decision-making and presents a compelling alternative. Have you joined the Pigs? We're a group of friends ready to go all in with Jesus--to live a life that's “free indeed” because we’re wholly dependent on him. Join us for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, opportunities to make your voice matter, prayer support, and connections to other Pigs inside our private Facebook group. Join Here- https://www.mylifetree.com/pratj-member-sign-up/ Related: - The Unreasonable Jesus by