Dayspring Fellowship Podcasts

The Bible for Grown-Ups | Part 1 | Last Things First | Chris Voigt

Last Things FirstMarch 7, 2021
I was talking to the mom of a young adult a couple of weeks ago. She told me her son decided to take a Bible class in his secular college. Mom expressed her concern but was told, “Don’t worry, Mom, I know what I believe.” Sure enough, after the class there is nothing but doubt and skepticism. How do you know you can trust the Bible?Lots of people are asking this question right now as we see values shifting around us in our culture. Most of us know some Bible stories – even if we’ve never been to church or don’t own a Bible. But knowing stories from the Bible isn’t the same as knowing the story of the Bible. And most of us don’t know the story of the Bible.If someone asked you where the Bible came from, what would you say? Mom and Dad? Church? Amazon?Perhaps you received your first Bible when you were a kid. A thick leather-bound book with your name stamped in gold on the cover; full of long words and difficult names you couldn’t pronounce. Or maybe it was a gift from a grandparent, youth pastor, or friend who introduced you to Jesus.  No matter when you got your first Bible, you were probably told that it was God’s Word, that everything in it was true and you should do your best to live by its teachings. And then you tried to read it…What seemed like it should be oh-so-simple is . . . well, it’s not simple. And, perhaps that’s because we were taught Bible stories but not the story of the Bible. There’s a big difference.Do you know how the Bible came to be? Over the next four weeks, we’ll explore the story of how we got the Bible and how it sheds light on and gives us insight into the stories in the Bible.If you are skeptical about the Bible, this is a fantastic series for you to discover the answers to some of your questions. For sure, if you already follow Christ, it might help you be able to better help others on their journey. 

Principle 7: Go the Next Step to Develop a "Rule of Life"

Go the Next Step to Develop a "Rule of Life"February 28, 2021
There are a lot of crazy rules out there.In the state of Connecticut: Pickles must bounce. You are not allowed to sell a pickle unless it bounces. I guess it’s good they also have a 5-second rule there.In Juneau, Alaska, flamingo owners are prohibited from bringing their pet into a barber shop. I didn’t know flamingos needed haircuts. And really, how many flamingos are there in Juneau, Alaska, anyway?In South Dakota, it is illegal to fall asleep in a cheese factory. Now, I can see a rule about not cutting the cheese in a cheese factory. But who falls asleep in a cheese factory?In New Hampshire it is forbidden to collect seaweed from the beach at night. If you want sushi for a midnight snack, well…you shoulda thought about that before the sun went down.I’m sure there are stories behind each of these odd ordinances, but still…it begs the question, why do we need rules?Think back to your days in grade school. When the teacher asked a question, what did you do if you wanted to give an answer? Anybody? Ah, yes…I see that hand back there! That’s right! You raised your hand! That happened because most likely your teacher had established a rule about raising hands before speaking in class in order to accommodate effective learning. Because if everyone just talked when they felt like it, not a lot of learning would get done.Rules exist to help bring order out of chaos. They provide a framework for behavior that helps make it possible for people to thrive.As we wrap up our Emotionally Healthy Spirituality series this Sunday, we’ll be digging into the concept of developing a personal “rule of life.” Now some of you love rules, so for you, this sounds awesome. But, you rebels out there aren’t quite as excited. But again, rules provide a framework that help us to thrive. The goal here is to add a tool to our skill set that will equip us to grow toward greater emotional and spiritual health. And that’s been our goal all along; becoming healthier, both emotionally and spiritually. Because you can’t be spiritually healthy, if you’re not emotionally healthy.

Principle 6: Grow into an Emotionally Mature Adult

Grow into an Emotionally Mature AdultFebruary 21, 2021
Well…it feels a little bit like Groundhog Day to me. Well, it feels a little bit like Groundhog Day to me. Well, it feels a little bit like Groundhog Day to me. …feels a little bit…bit like Groundhog Day, like Groundhog Day, Groundhog Day to me. Not the holiday; the movie. If you aren’t familiar with the 1993 comedy, it’s about a cynical TV weatherman, played by Bill Murray, who inexplicably finds himself reliving the same day – Groundhog Day – over and over again.Last week we recorded a video about how humanity is pre-disposed to thinking that we are the center of the universe. And how violently people have responded when they come face to face with the fact that it’s not true! We are all inherently self-centered. It’s part of the sin nature we are born with. But over the past few weeks, we’ve been looking at what it means for us as followers of Jesus to grow toward greater emotional health – not just taking care of the everyday basics, but tending to the deeper issues within each of us. And then…one little, I mean, big ice storm, and we’re all focused on the basics of food, water, and warm shelter again!So let’s try this one more time!As a church family, we are committed to pursuing greater health, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. And we continue in our study, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, this week. We’ll be taking a look at what means to be an emotional adult, unpacking the qualities that mark the lives of those who are emotionally and spiritually healthy. In our broken world, it matters, perhaps more than ever, that we as followers of Jesus, live out our faith in a way that demonstrates to those around us that there is real hope and healing in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Principle 5: Discover the Rhythms of the Daily Office and Sabbath

Discover the Rhythms of the Daily Office and SabbathFebruary 7, 2021
Shaniko, Golden, Sumpter, Galena, and Millican. These are just a few of the more than 200 ghost towns that are scattered across our state. There are some who believe that Oregon has more ghost towns than any other state. And while it’s nearly impossible to prove a statement like that is true, it’s a fact that a myriad of once lively and now abandoned communities are scattered across the landscape of Oregon. “Shifting economics and transportation patterns are what create ghost towns,” says Ian Johnson, who works at the State Historic Preservation Office. “If you’re the town that gets bypassed when a railroad goes in, you’re out of luck.” In other words, loss of connection results in the death of relationship and community. Developing and maintaining any relationship requires intentionality. In my own life, I’ve established a pattern of connecting by phone, on a regular basis, with people who matter to me, but that I don’t get to see very often. Without that pattern, those relationships might well be lost. But I value them, so I take the time for meaningful connection. This week, as we continue our study, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, we’re shifting gears just a bit. We’ll look at ways to establish daily rhythms in our relationship with God that enable us to cultivate deeper connection with Him. Ultimately, He is the Great Healer; and a deeper connection with Him will help us align our lives with His Word in ways that bring emotional healing and spiritual growth.

Principle 4: Enlarge Your Soul through Grief & Loss

Enlarge Your Soul Through Grief and LossJanuary 31, 2021
In a culture that is hyper-focused on acceptance, achievement, and success, there is precious little room for loss and grief. No one puts their failures on a resume. We put our best foot forward and slap a smile on our faces, regardless of what’s going on beneath the surface. And yet, without loss, brokenness, and struggle, all that holds meaning for us would be worthless. It is the cost that makes something…anything…worthwhile.Author J.K. Rowling was once on the verge of homelessness as an unemployed single mother.Michael Jordan missed more than 9,000 shots in his basketball career. Steven Spielberg was rejected from the college of his choice three times.The truth is that our world is broken, loss touches all of us in a myriad of ways, and struggle is a constant part of life on our planet.So why do we resist dealing honestly with our pain, when doing so would only help us grow? Why do we sweep it all under the rug and pretend like the hard things aren’t there?This week, as we continue in our study, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, we’ll be looking at the role that grief and loss play in our journey toward becoming spiritually and emotionally healthy followers of Jesus. We’ll look at a slew of coping mechanisms that as humans, we tend to employ. On the surface, they seem to help us cope, but in reality, they keep us from growing. We’ll also discover how to process the losses of life in a healthy way, that will enable us to thrive, even through brokenness.Our service is livestreamed on Sunday mornings at 11:00. As a church family, we are moving intentionally toward greater heath, both spiritually and emotionally this year. We’d love to have you join us on the journey. You’ll find our service on Facebook, YouTube, or by clicking the livestream link on our website. Join us as we worship and grow together!

Principle 3: Journey Through the Wall

Journey Through the WallJanuary 24, 2021
Will all the control freaks in the room raise their hands? Don’t worry…I can’t see you. But I know you’re out there! If the worldwide pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that control is an illusion; and though we want it, we don’t have it! Of course, there are some things you can control; but the reality is that life is unpredictable and perfection is impossible.This week, as we continue in our Emotionally Healthy Spirituality series, we’re looking at the issues of power and control and how we are impacted by our desire for them. Sooner or later, in one area or another, you will come face to face with your own limitations, your own inability, and you will be stuck. What happens then? Ever been there? Perhaps you’re there now. And if not, then just wait…your turn is coming.We believe there is nothing more important than your spiritual growth. We also believe that you can’t be spiritually healthy without being emotionally healthy. I invite you to join us as we journey together toward greater emotional and spiritual health. Our service is livestreamed on Sunday mornings at 11 am. You’ll find us on Facebook, YouTube, or by clicking the livestream link on our website. You’ll find it under the Resources tab.We’re focused on growing and getting healthier this year and we’d love for you to join us.  Don’t stay stuck! Let’s move forward together!

Principle 2: Going Back in Order to Go Forward

Going Back in Order to Go ForwardJanuary 17, 2021
A quick online search for the meaning of the word “inheritance” provides us with these definitions:  something that is or may be inherited; the act of inheriting property; the reception    of genetic qualities by transmission from parent to offspring; and the acquisition      of a possession, condition, or trait from past generations.Looking back at my own history, one trait I inherited from the Voigt family is a strong work ethic. My dad and my grandfather both taught and modeled for me the value of being diligent, industrious, and productive. They communicated the value and importance of hard work, and they showed me what it looked like to be a hard worker.Many of us, when we think of inheritance, think in positive terms. But not all that is passed from one generation to the next is necessarily beneficial!  It requires no intentionality on our part to pass on our deficiencies, shortcomings, and defects. In fact, without intentionality, we will most certainly transmit to those who follow in our footsteps, the shackles of unhealth that go unchecked and untended in our own lives.This week, as we continue in our study, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, we’re looking at the impact that our past has on us, and on future generations. As both a father and a grandfather, I want to make sure that I am doing all that I can to leave a healthy legacy for my kids and granddaughter. I believe you want the same for your family. But doing so requires us to do some work – both emotional and spiritual work.I invite you to join us this Sunday as we look at what God’s Word has to say about breaking free from the bonds and burdens of the unhealthy junk in our past, and moving into all the good He has planned for us. We’re committed to getting healthier, in every area of our lives. Will you join us for the journey?

Principle 1: Know Yourself that You May Know God

Know Yourself that You May Know GodJanuary 10, 2021
It’s an important question, and one that everyone, sooner or later, will need to answer: Who are you?  In countries and cultures all around the world, people are searching for an identity. So where do we find it? How do we know who we are? Far too many settle for allowing feelings, community, or life experiences to provide an answer. Where can we find the truth?In Hebrews 11: 24 we find a short, but important statement about one of the heroes of the Old Testament, “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” It was certainly true that Moses had grown up in the palace of Pharaoh after being rescued as an infant by Pharaoh’s daughter. And though he probably felt both love and gratitude toward his adoptive mom, as he grew in his relationship with God, he understood that temporary circumstances did not provide him with a permanent identity. Moses looked to Yahweh, the God who created him, for the answer to that question.This week, as we begin to dig into our new study, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, we’re looking at the importance of knowing who we really are. Do you know the answer to that question for yourself? Who or what have you allowed to define you?

I'm Not OK, You're Not OK

I'm Not OK, You're Not OK
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
January 3, 2021
Happy New Year! I don’t think I have ever been so glad to see one year end and another begin. I imagine many of you are feeling the same way although there’s nothing about starting a new year that will make anything magically better or different! I think most of us have made enough New Year’s resolutions – and then broken them – to know that. Making anything better or different takes commitment, intentionality, and discipline. If we want 2021 to be any different than 2020, it’s up to us to do something about it. Obviously, there are some things we can’t control. But what about the choices you can make? What will you do with the brand-spanking new year that stretches out in front of you? How will you choose to grow?We’re kicking off a new sermon series this Sunday called Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. We believe that for too long The Church (capital C) has neglected to disciple Christ-followers in the area of emotional health. You can’t be spiritually healthy if you’re not emotionally healthy. Being a Christ-follower should transform EVERY area of our lives…including the way we manage our emotions.I’m really excited about this new series. Personally, I want to be as healthy as possible in every area of my life. Being healthy gives me the ability to give the very best of myself to Christ and to others; to live and love as God has called me to, to the very best of my ability. And I want the same for you. I long to see our church family THRIVING in every way. I hope you’ll join us as we set out on this journey toward greater emotional and spiritual health together.

2020 Year in Review

2020 Year in ReviewDecember 27, 2020
It is deeply etched in my memory. And even though it no longer has any practical purpose for me, I still remember it…963.7710. It’s the first phone number I ever memorized as a kid (before area codes were necessary for reaching the intended person). Today, technology does much of our remembering for us. Instead of recalling and dialing a number, we tap a name on our phones, or ask Siri to dial for us! Which means that though I have a pretty good memory, and am better than average when it comes to numbers, I can’t recall some of the phone numbers I use regularly. They haven’t been hardwired into my brain like the ones I learned as a child. They’re stored in my phone’s memory instead.
There’s certainly much about this past year that many of us would like to forget. But, as we come to the end of this year and look forward to a new one, (as if somehow turning the page will make all the difference), perhaps, we should slow down and take a few minutes to remember. Maybe there are some good gifts buried in the muck of 2020 that we need to hold onto.
In the book of Joshua, chapter 3, we read the story of an incredible miracle God performed for His people. He made the Jordan River stop flowing so they could cross over on dry ground into the Promised Land. Then, God instructed them, through Joshua, to gather twelve stones – one for each tribe of Israel - from the dry riverbed - to set up as a memorial. They were a sign of remembrance, of what God accomplished for His people on that day; a marker that helped them to remember His promise, provision, protection, and plan for them.
Psalm 9:1 says, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” To recount means to remember. This weekend, as we gather one final time in 2020, we’re going to do just that – we’re going to remember the journey that we’ve walked with God, as a church family, over the past 12 months. And believe it or not, there is treasure to be found in the remembering; there is much to be thankful for.