Time of Grace With Pastor Mike Novotny

Life slows down after Christmas for us, but not on that first Christmas. The shepherds burst with good news and blurted it out to anyone who would listen. Mary treasured up the truths about her newborn son. People went home glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. What if we did the same?Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support, please donate here: http://bit.ly/2WXDJGf

There are many classic songs of the Christmas season, but nothing quite matches the first song of Christmas, the song of the angels in Bethlehem. Their lyrics are few, but their meaning is profound. God’s favor. Peace on earth. Glory to him on high!Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support, please donate here: http://bit.ly/2WXDJGf

Few things are as exciting as finding a Christmas gift labeled To: (You). The label means someone thought about you. Someone loved you. Someone searched for just the right gift. No passage proves God’s giving heart more than Luke 2:11, the classic summary of the gift of Christmas.Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support, please donate here: http://bit.ly/2WXDJGf

Christmas is a time when families gather, for better or worse. Tense relationships are revealed. Sins come front and center. Which is what makes Luke 2 so incredible. The shepherds are God’s first audience for Christmas. Angels bring good news of great joy to take away their fear and welcome them (and us) to the family of God.Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support, please donate here: http://bit.ly/2WXDJGf

Many people view Christmas as a season of wishes, dreams, and heartwarming tales. But the book of Luke in the Bible gives us the real people, real places, and real hope that we find in a real, historical Jesus. This message reminds us that Jesus’ birth actually happened, which is heartwarming news!Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support, please donate here: http://bit.ly/2WXDJGf

Jesus proves that sex is not required for a satisfying life, which is thrilling news for singles, divorcés, widows, and couples struggling with their sex lives. Having a joyful connection to God makes sex a good, but unnecessary, gift from God.

Daily Devotional. Listen to the entire devotional series from this week, as Pastor Mike helps us identify and use our spiritual gifts. Pastor Mike Novotny. Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support, please donate here: http://bit.ly/2Q15vjM You can also get Time of Grace daily video devotionals sent to your inbox each day by subscribing to our email list: https://timeofgrace.org/subscribe/?togipsrc=podcast

Daily Devotional. How can you make your spiritual gifts work? Pastor Mike shows you how to make the most of what God's given you. Pastor Mike Novotny. Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support, please donate here: http://bit.ly/2Q15vjM You can also get Time of Grace daily video devotionals sent to your inbox each day by subscribing to our email list: https://timeofgrace.org/subscribe/?togipsrc=podcast

Daily Devotional. Don't ping-pong back and forth between pride and envy about your gifts. Instead, celebrate how we are all different. Pastor Mike Novotny. Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support, please donate here: http://bit.ly/2Q15vjM You can also get Time of Grace daily video devotionals sent to your inbox each day by subscribing to our email list: https://timeofgrace.org/subscribe/?togipsrc=podcast

Daily Devotional. There are differences in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, yet they live in unity. Pastor Mike explains how we can too. Pastor Mike Novotny. Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support, please donate here: http://bit.ly/2Q15vjM You can also get Time of Grace daily video devotionals sent to your inbox each day by subscribing to our email list: https://timeofgrace.org/subscribe/?togipsrc=podcast

Daily devotional. Do you sometimes feel like God hasn't been fair to you with talents and gifts? When doubt and insecurity start to creep up on you, just remember the giver of the gifts. Pastor Mike Novotny. Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support, please donate here: http://bit.ly/2Q15vjM You can also get Time of Grace daily video devotionals sent to your inbox each day by subscribing to our email list: https://timeofgrace.org/subscribe/?togipsrc=podcast

Daily Devotional. Do you find yourself comparing yourself to others? Pastor Mike explains how you can stop playing the comparison game. Pastor Mike Novotny. Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support, please donate here: http://bit.ly/2Q15vjM You can also get Time of Grace daily video devotionals sent to your inbox each day by subscribing to our email list: https://timeofgrace.org/subscribe/?togipsrc=podcast

Like fire, sex must be treated with a healthy fear. Mess around with one flame and you might get hurt. Mess around with one night and you might get hurt worse. This message explores the Bible’s warnings about sex, showing Gods’ fatherly heart when he restricts sexual pleasure to the commitment of marriage.

Too many people expect sex to be easy, just like it is in the movies. But that expectation leads to pressure, frustration, and disillusionment with others. God, on the other hand, expects sex to be the result of a process of love and respect.

Sex was invented by God himself! In the beginning, when everything was very good, there was sex. God’s idea. God’s gift to husband and wife. In a world where too many of us have been victims of sexual sin or of an anti-sex church culture, we need the reminder that sex, by God’s design, is still very good.

Follow Jesus and the world might not approve. “You’re wasting time. Wasting money. Wasting energy. Wasting your life.” But Jesus defends those who love him. His approval is what matters the most, since it lasts forever.

Jesus’ “pep talk” about the end of the age was less than comforting. Wars. Earthquakes. Flogging. Arrest. Hatred. Are we willing to walk with Jesus during the end times? Be hated? Die for him? If you know his promise of salvation and election, the answer is easy—Yes!

Listen to the entire devotional series from this week, as Pastor Mike helps us see the importance of the Bible in our lives.

Why should you be compelled to read and trust the Bible?

The rich gave massive offerings on a particular day in the temple. But Jesus noticed and praised the poorest widow who quietly gave the “smallest offering.” In our day of public recognition, what would Jesus say? He would ignore those who praise themselves and praise those who serve God in secret.

Do you ever wonder why God doesn’t speak directly to you? Actually, he does.

If you want to start reading the Bible, where do you start? Pastor Mike can't tell you where to start, but he can tell you how.

The Bible can be a complicated book, but it is simply about you being with God.

Why is the Bible so important? Pastor Mike tells us why.

September 29, 2019 / Pastor Mike Novotny. The apostle Paul was unashamed to say that being financially generous is a key to joy, blessing, and so much more. In the same way, many Christians have learned that it is more blessed to give than to receive!

September 22, 2019 / Pastor Mike Novotny. How does a person have any peace in a world where everything seems so uncertain? Grow! Although the Bible is a hard book to read, it produces knowledge to keep you secure in your faith until Jesus returns.

September 15, 2019 / Pastor Mike Novotny. The Sabbath Day commandment proves that knowing God as your Creator and Savior is one of our Father’s highest priorities for us. We gather each week to celebrate those timeless truths—God made us. God saved us. Those facts produce joy and peace deep in our hearts, “fruit” that feeds us throughout our week.

September 8, 2019 / Pastor Mike Novotny. When you personally know and are personally known in a spiritual community, you find your spiritual and physical needs being met.

September 7, 2019 / Pastor Mike Novotny. Whether you're married, single, separated, or divorced, Pastor Mike's series this week had something for all of us to consider when dealing with the difficult topic of divorce. Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support. please donate here: http://bit.ly/2Zc5lHT You can also watch Time of Grace daily video devotionals by subscribing on YouTube to get new videos each weekday: http://youtube.com/TimeofGrace

September 6, 2019 / Pastor Mike Novotny. Divorce is complex. So be quick to listen. Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support. please donate here: http://bit.ly/2Zc5lHT You can also watch Time of Grace daily video devotionals by subscribing on YouTube to get new videos each weekday: http://youtube.com/TimeofGrace

September 5, 2019 / Pastor Mike Novotny. God doesn’t hate divorced people, but he hates divorce. Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support. please donate here: http://bit.ly/2Zc5lHT You can also watch Time of Grace daily video devotionals by subscribing on YouTube to get new videos each weekday: http://youtube.com/TimeofGrace

September 4, 2019 / Pastor Mike Novotny. When it feels like there is no love left in marriage, what do you do? Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support. please donate here: http://bit.ly/2Zc5lHT You can also watch Time of Grace daily video devotionals by subscribing on YouTube to get new videos each weekday: http://youtube.com/TimeofGrace

September 3, 2019 / Pastor Mike Novotny. God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. And guess who’s in the world? Divorced people too. Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support. please donate here: http://bit.ly/2Zc5lHT You can also watch Time of Grace daily video devotionals by subscribing on YouTube to get new videos each weekday: http://youtube.com/TimeofGrace

September 2, 2019 / Pastor Mike Novotny. Where in the Bible do you go when you want answers about divorce? Pastor Mike digs into the grace and truth of God’s Word. Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support. please donate here: http://bit.ly/2Zc5lHT You can also watch Time of Grace daily video devotionals by subscribing on YouTube to get new videos each weekday: http://youtube.com/TimeofGrace

September 1, 2019 / Pastor Mike Novotny. God has great plans for his people, but they don’t always involve a quick fix to all earthly problems. In the same way, God’s plan to prosper your spiritual life might not be the path you prayed for.

August 25, 2019 / Pastor Mike Novotny. The Bible does not talk about God not allowing you to be tempted “beyond what you can bear.” Make sure to read the context! The apostle Paul wrote those words as a warning not to rely on our own spiritual strength and a comfort to rely on the God who can sustain us in all kinds of temptation.

August 18, 2019 / Pastor Mike Novotny. Jesus spoke these words at the end of his message on dealing with sin in the church. He offered a great comfort to churches that do the hard work of dealing with sin, warning the hardhearted, and practicing church discipline.

Jesus was not against being judgmental. Yet he was very against the hypocrisy of many judgmental people who overlook their own flaws in a zealous attempt to point out the flaws of others. His words, clearly understood, encourage us to look in the mirror first and judge others in love afterward.Transcript

Aug. 5, 2019. We may not know why the mass shootings in El Paso, TX, and Dayton, OH, happened this weekend, but we do know that God’s love and grace for us is sufficient. Pastor Mike shares some thoughts.

In the strangest scene of Jacob’s story, God appears and wrestles with him for hours. Despite God’s superior strength, “Jake the Snake” refuses to loosen his python grip until God blesses him. After decades of grabbing on to sin, Jacob finally grabs on to God. In the same way, we grip God in prayer, holding on to his promises until he blesses us.Transcript

While karma is not a Christian teaching, a form of karma exists. The cycle of sin spins every time we give each other what we deserve. Jacob and Laban’s story is proof. Greed and lies spin back and forth, destroying a family. This same destructive cycle happens in our lives and points us to Jacob’s descendant who turned the other cheek on the cross, giving grace to sinners.Transcript

After his lies, deceit, and dishonor, Jacob fled for his life and found . . . a forgiving God. Jacob’s dream teaches us a classic truth—there is a way for sinners to be with God. Jesus’ words prove that the same is true for “Jacobs” today. He is the true stairway to heaven!Transcript

Rebekah, the “godly” wife of Isaac, was willing to deceive her husband to steal a blessing for her favorite child. This story shows us that while parents are to be honored, they are not always to be imitated. We are invited to reflect on the spiritual climate of our homes and remember Jesus, who was willing to disobey the mother who tried to stop his messianic ministry.Transcript

July 13, 2019. Pastor Mike Novotny. Listen to the entire devotional series from this week, as Pastor Mike tackles tough questions about mental health, #MeToo, heaven, relationships in accordance with God, and how to help others without coming off as self-righteous. Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support. please donate here: http://bit.ly/2DS4ztC You can also watch Time of Grace daily video devotionals by subscribing on YouTube to get new videos each weekday: http://YourTimeOfGrace.com

July 12, 2019. Pastor Mike Novotny. How do you lovingly correct someone who is making mistakes? Pastor Mike tackles this question as part of his "Tough Questions With Pastor Mike, Round 4" series. Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support. please donate here: http://bit.ly/2DS4ztC You can also watch Time of Grace daily video devotionals by subscribing on YouTube to get new videos each weekday: http://YourTimeOfGrace.com

July 11, 2019. Pastor Mike Novotny. How do you keep doing right in the eyes of God when those around you are not living biblically? Pastor Mike tackles this question as part of his "Tough Questions With Pastor Mike, Round 4" series. Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support. please donate here: http://bit.ly/2DS4ztC You can also watch Time of Grace daily video devotionals by subscribing on YouTube to get new videos each weekday: http://YourTimeOfGrace.com

July 10, 2019. Pastor Mike Novotny. Will we recognize people in heaven? Will we have memories of our time on earth? Pastor Mike tackles this question as part of his "Tough Questions With Pastor Mike, Round 4" series. Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support. please donate here: http://bit.ly/2DS4ztC You can also watch Time of Grace daily video devotionals by subscribing on YouTube to get new videos each weekday: http://YourTimeOfGrace.com

July 9, 2019. Pastor Mike Novotny. As a Christian, how should you respond to #MeToo? Pastor Mike tackles this question as part of his "Tough Questions With Pastor Mike, Round 4" series. Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support. please donate here: http://bit.ly/2DS4ztC You can also watch Time of Grace daily video devotionals by subscribing on YouTube to get new videos each weekday: http://YourTimeOfGrace.com

July 7, 2019. Pastor Mike Novotny. Where can you turn when you're dealing with mental illness? Pastor Mike tackles this question as part of his "Tough Questions With Pastor Mike, Round 4" series. Time of Grace is a donor-supported effort. If you would like to give a gift of support. please donate here: http://bit.ly/2DS4ztC You can also watch Time of Grace daily video devotionals by subscribing on YouTube to get new videos each weekday: http://YourTimeOfGrace.com

Despite God’s promise to bless Jacob, he hustled his brother. What seemed small started a pattern of behavior that ruined Jacob’s family and nearly destroyed his life. This account warns us of the “small” sins that become a pattern of something greater. Finally, it serves as a contrast with Jesus, who chose to give up his birthright of blessing to sinners like us.Transcript