WHAT’S ON WHAT’S UP TODAY:

Who Is Caring for the Caretakers?

When the shepherd is hurting, who cares for the flock?

Ministry burnout is a growing problem. Where do we go from here?

Phil Kerpen joins us again with a look at our ailing health care system.

Has hospital consolidation contributed to rising health care costs?

Mark Lanier’s fourth lesson on: The Ingredients of Life.

Pastor Steven Morris: Fighting Temptation.

Today’s Prayer:
Father God,
Thank you for hearing our prayers. Sometimes, we do not know what to say. May we learn to just be silent and let the spirit inside us cry out for our worldly needs, hurts, and desires. More below....

Discussed by Terry Lowry
with Host of the What's UP Radio Program

Host Terry Lowry interviews influential and knowledgeable guests on relevant topics for today.

WHO IS CARING FOR THE CARETAKERS?

Discussed by Bryan Stine
with Brotherhood Works (www.brotherhoodmutual.com/works)

Who cares for the flock when the shepherd is hurting physically, mentally, and/or spiritually?

Today, Bryan Stine discusses the growing burnout crisis among pastors and ministry leaders, why many suffer in silence, and how churches can better support those called to lead. Bryan serves as a director for Brotherhood Works, which is located in Fort Wayne, IN.

Click here for more information about Brotherhood Works, a division of Brotherhood Mutual.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is there a growing burnout crisis among pastors and ministry leaders?

Why do many suffer in silence?

How can we better support our pastors? Bryan has some wonderful suggestions that we can either do individually or as a church.

Another ministry that Bryan Stine is a part of is Standing Stone Ministry. There wasn’t time to discuss this amazing ministry, but check out their website.

HOW TO FIX THE HEALTH CARE CRISIS IN AMERICA

Discussed by Phil Kerpen
with American Commitment (AmericanCommitment.org)

Most public anger over the cost of American health care has been directed toward Congress, the insurance companies, and the pharmaceutical companies. However, is the direction of their anger changing direction?

Today, Phile Kerpen discusses how hospital consolidation and tax exemptions are an overlooked health care crisis and changes must be made before it’s too late. Phil is the President of American Commitment and the Founder of Unleash America.

Click here to read Phil Kerpen’s op-ed on this topic.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Have hospital prices been the fastest rising component of inflation over the last two decades, outpacing university tuition?

Are the major hospital conglomerates in financial stress? Phil says that this is nothing new because the hospitals are constantly spending money on things that have nothing to do with health care.

Have hospitals evolved into enormous integrated “health system”?

Are hospitals the major employer in many political districts? Phil discusses the huge amounts of money hospitals spend on lobbyists – and it’s getting more and more ridiculous.

How do we fix the problem? Click here to join the fight with Most Favored Patient.

Click here to help support American Commitment and here to help support Unleash America.

THE INGREDIENTS OF LIFE

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS IN YOUR LIFE? DO THEY GO TOGETHER? OR ARE THEY SEPARATE AND AWAY FROM GOD?

Mark Lanier continues in his series on the book of Romans, looking at one single verse, which is often mistranslated or misquoted. He will explain the context behind the verse, the promise found within the verse, and how we can live the truth of the verse to spread the Gospel to others.

To view Mark Lanier's video for this lesson, click here.

If you have a prayer request, need Scripture encouragement, or would like a copy of Mark’s lessons each week, email wantmore@biblical-literacy.org

QUESTIONS / ISSUES DISCUSSED:

UNPACK THE PROMISE

How do the Holy Spirit and God work together side-by-side with us? Click on the link above and fast-forward to the 47-minute mark to view Mark’s illustration.

What is the difference between the various translations of Romans 8:28? Mark reviews the NIV, ESV, NT Wright’s translation, and others. What is really interesting is the OLDEST translation that we have!

For more information about Mark Lanier’s Biblical Literacy class, click here.

FIGHTING TEMPTATION

Discussed by Pastor Steven Morris
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 4

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TEMPTED? WOW! WHAT A COINCIDENCE! ME, TOO! HOW HAVE YOU HANDLED TEMPTATION IN THE PAST? I KNOW IT’S BEEN HARD FOR ME!

This week, Pastor Steven Morris helps us understand why we are tempted and teaches us how to resist it using Matthew 4 – the record of the time Jesus was tempted. After all – Jesus is the ultimate example for us to follow, right?

Find Pastor Steven Morris’s sermon here.   

Find Pastor Steven Morris’s sermon notes here.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

LESSON #3: Remember that You are a Child of God

Summer is coming. How can we keep our kids and grandkids in the Word all summer long?

Did the devil know that Jesus was the son of God? Is that why he tempted Jesus so often?

Can we run from temptation without running to God? Have you ever tried simply bowing at the throne of God for help to flee temptation? (Hebrews 4:15)

HOW TO FIGHT TEMPTATION

Prepare beforehand and make specific covenants before God. (Job 31)

Tune in tomorrow for more suggestions from Pastor Steven.

If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, or if you have a prayer request, text: 281.688.2630 and follow the text prompts.

For more details about Champion Forest Baptist Church, click here:

PRAYER

Discussed by Terry Lowry
with Host of the What's UP Radio Program

Father God,

Thank you for hearing our prayers. Sometimes, we do not know what to say. May we learn to just be silent and let the spirit inside us cry out for our worldly needs, hurts, and desires.

Right now, may we be reverent – honored to be in your presence, Father God.

As one of your children, keep your watchful eye on us.

Times are difficult and dark with the devil working overtime. May we be faithful in our service to the Kingdom.

Someday, may we hear: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Until that day, may we keep our shoulders to the plow and not grow weary doing good.

And, Father God, if you grant us tomorrow, may we eagerly and faithfully do your will in all we do and say.

Humbly praying in and through the precious name of Jesus Christ,

Amen