Divine Savior Church-Sienna
235 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 9 ratingsWeekly messages from Divine Savior Church in Sienna, TX.
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Episodes
How Shall We Now Live? | The Living Hope of Easter
April 14, 2024 16:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBI Peter is a letter written to encourage Christians who were under severe pressure to renounce their faith. They were arrested or imprisoned, held without bail or rights, physically abused by their captors, subjected to seizure of property, exiled, and even killed. Peter’s letter offered living hope in a world that seemed to have none. For that reason, I Peter is relevant to our lives today. Though our freedoms are not challenged or abused in the same way as the early Christians, the world a...
Joy In Suffering | The Living Hope of Easter
April 07, 2024 17:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBIt’s not easy being a Christian in our world. It never has been. Jesus said that would be the case. We need a deeper joy, a deeper hope to live for to make it through. Easter gives that to us. So does the fact that God was thinking about us since before creation! The God who chose us before time began isn’t going to let go of us now. The future we have to look forward to will make everything worth it. That gives us reason for joy. Our suffering isn’t meaningless – it focuses us ever more sha...
The Comeback | Race to the Cross | Pastor Dan Laitinen
March 31, 2024 16:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MBJesus finished his race as he gave his final breath on the cross. We have run together with him as Mark announced each step of this race. Now Mark is elated to give us this final account. The account of victory - Christ is risen up from the grave. He was victorious. Because Jesus was victorious, so are you. His race is over, but yours continues. He tells you to run out into this world and declare his victory, and you won’t be alone - Jesus will always run with you! Support the show ~ Chang...
The Finish Line | Race to the Cross
March 30, 2024 01:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MBThe finish line. The pain. The exhaustion. The final breath. The tired muscles that finally fail. This is what we witness at Jesus’ cross. There is tremendous agony and pain there, but he crosses that finish line for one, incredible, remarkable purpose - our salvation. The curtain stretched out and torn as he died on the cross, reminds us that the separation from God we would have suffered is no longer there. The pain, the exhaustion, the body laid to rest in a tomb means that Jesus' race is...
For Many, For You | Race to the Cross
March 29, 2024 01:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBJesus wanted his disciples to never forget his race to the cross. He wanted them to remember his race because of what he would do - for many, and for you. Jesus gave up his body and his blood to the cross for each one of us. As he institutes Holy Communion, he does so so that we remember and receive that assuring truth again and again in a special way - bread and wine, body and blood, for the forgiveness of our sins. Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTube Instagr...
The Final Stretch | Race to the Cross
March 24, 2024 15:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBThey come around the final turn and now it is a sprint to the finish, but just because it is near the end of the race doesn’t mean the steps become less important - they become more important. Every stride takes the runner closer to the finish, closer to victory, but every step becomes more challenging, more difficult. The crowds may roar around the turn, but the celebration can’t fully begin yet. There is more to take in. As Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the crowds roar with praise...
First is Last | Race to the Cross
March 17, 2024 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBHow many of us easily buy into the thinking, “If you’re not first, you’re last.” The Kingdom of God flips this thinking around. Jesus turns the ways of the world upside down. Which is so good for us. We need Jesus’ revelation and teaching to help us with this. Worldly wisdom takes us the opposite direction and we’ll never finish the race. Jesus guides us in understanding what is truly valuable and important to pursue with eagerness and urgency. Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus!...
Make Sure You Have the Salt | Race to the Cross
March 10, 2024 16:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBFamily support is often a massive part in the story of an athlete’s success. In addition to physical talent, determination, and practice, a support system is necessary for success in competition and life. Jesus knows this better than anyone - he was part of the creative acts that instituted marriage and the family. So on his own race, Jesus speaks clearly and directly about the support system God has built - not for himself, but for our benefit. To live as God’s children is to raise up the n...
Losing to Win | Race to the Cross
March 03, 2024 16:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBNo one likes to lose. No matter how much our competitive nature drives us, we still prefer to win. But sometimes you win by losing. If you want to follow Jesus you have to lose to win. You have to give up your life for Jesus in order that he can save that life. You have to deny yourself and follow him, just as Jesus denied himself to take up his own cross. Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTube Instagram @dscsienna
A Compassionate Teammate | Race to the Cross
February 25, 2024 16:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBWhen teammates train together, compete together, travel together, eat together, have fun together, they develop a deep bond. They may known each other better than anyone else, and because they know each other so well, they often are able to offer the exact encouragement needed. Jesus is our compassionate teammate and he knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows exactly what we need - every time! He knows how to meet all our needs. He does everything well. Support the show ~ Changin...
Practice Proper Form | Race to the Cross
February 18, 2024 16:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBProper form makes all the difference in the race. How your feet hit the ground, the way your toes push off, the rotation of your legs, the pumping of your arms, the position of your chest, the focus of your eyes - it all matters. Runners practice proper form and technique for a purpose, but not just an external one. It is to ensure their whole body is in sync, including their lungs and heart. It all contributes to a successful race. Jesus reminds that when it comes to our spiritual race prop...
Give Up Fear for Lent | Race to the Cross
February 15, 2024 02:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBAs you run your race, what do you find vital and essential in your life? What do you need - more than anything else? Can you find it here, in church, in the ashes, in the religious motions, rites, and ceremonies we employ and practice? Maybe, the better question to ask is what don’t you need? Of what do you need to let go, give up? Guilt, shame, fear. Let Jesus take them. He is what you need. Find him and his mercy here, in worship. Let these ashes, these rites, and ceremonies refocus your...
The Point of No Return | Race to the Cross
February 11, 2024 16:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBGlory and celebration await the victorious runners of the race, but that glory never comes easy. It only comes through the intense agony of the pain, even suffering, as every step becomes harder and harder; every breath becomes more strenuous. Only through that pain can the runner gain the glory that is to come, if they finish. Throughout his life Jesus showed glory in his miraculous power, and on the mount of transfiguration he showed incredible glory, but his race wasn’t complete. His race...
Listen Carefully to Your Coach | Race to the Cross
February 04, 2024 18:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBThe coach observes his athletes, jots down his notes, compares the times, and then he speaks. He teaches. He gives important directions. Those with the humility to accept his instructions and encouragements will grow in their abilities. Those who think they know better will struggle and fail. Jesus is so much more than a coach. He is our God - our Savior! When he teaches and instructs us, it’s important we open our ears to listen to his Word and to put his words into practice. As Jesus instr...
No Distractions | Race to the Cross
January 28, 2024 17:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBAll along the course the runners find distractions. Some in the crowd cheer you on, some in the crowd cheer on your opponents. Some praise your form and skill. Some accuse you of cheating. But you can’t get distracted. You need to stay focused on what is most important. Jesus faced many distractions in his ministry, but he always stayed focused on the most important thing - drawing more and more to be closer and closer to God. He drew his disciples, he drew crowds, and he showed them how out...
Running on Forgiveness | Race to the Cross
January 21, 2024 16:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MBWhat inspires you to get up each day? What allows you to live with joy? With the hardships and struggles we experience in this world, we need something to encourage us and empower us to live well each day. Money, philosophy, and technology might be tools we use, but they aren’t the reason we live. Jesus uses tools to bring his incredible and miraculous grace into our hearts. That grace can inspire us each day. That grace gives us joy each day. Because of the power in Jesus’ words, you can l...
The Amazing Race | Race to the Cross
January 14, 2024 19:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBSome athletes are simply incredible. When they compete, you can’t help but stare in awe and wonder at the strength they exert, the focus on their task, the abilities with which they have been blessed, and what they are able to accomplish. It tells you something about their origin, their work ethic, their determination, and you wonder what drives them so hard. You can’t help but stare in awe and wonder at Jesus’ miraculous power. It is amazing! As he is determined to use that amazing power to...
The Starting Line | Race to the Cross
January 07, 2024 17:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBEvery race has a start. As they prepare, and step up to the line, the competitors already have their minds and hearts on the finish line. They take their mark. There’s silence. The gun cracks and muscles instantly respond with action. The race is on! The eyes of the crowd are drawn in. Every race has a start, but it all began far before that moment. As did Jesus’ race to the cross. It began in time and history as God declared he would send a Savior. The preparations had been made, and now Ma...
A Time for Everything | New Year's Celebration 2023
December 31, 2023 18:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MBThere is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. As we mark the passing of one year and the beginning of a new one, there is time for reflection and expectation, for remembrance and determination, a time for confession and celebration. Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTube Instagram @dscsienna
A Story of Home | Christmas Day 2023
December 25, 2023 16:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBHome - is there any better place to be for Christmas? Surrounded by family. Joy, laughter, and love become favorite memories. Christmas is all about home, unless you have no home or the home you have is broken. Will the warmth of Christmas be met by the coldness of a close relationship? Will your memories be of loss? Do joy, laughter, and love seem out of reach? Brokenness impacts our whole world. But Christmas is a story of home healed and restored. It's the story of a son who didn't have...
A Story of Home | Christmas Eve 2023
December 25, 2023 00:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBHome - is there any better place to be for Christmas? Surrounded by family. Joy, laughter, and love become favorite memories. Christmas is all about home, unless you have no home or the home you have is broken. Will the warmth of Christmas be met by the coldness of a close relationship? Will your memories be of loss? Do joy, laughter, and love seem out of reach? Brokenness impacts our whole world. But Christmas is a story of home healed and restored. It's the story of a son who didn't have...
God With Us | Thy Kingdom Come
December 17, 2023 19:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBHave you ever asked God for a sign? Did he deliver? Today God tells us to ask for a sign - to test him? He tells us to pray: “Thy Kingdom come.” He wantsus to see the signs of his kingdom. The sign of his holy Word preserved through millennia The sign of water combined with that Word of God. The sign of the most fulfilling feast laid out upon his table. The signs that remind us that God remains "Immanuel" - with us. Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTube Instagr...
Peace Out of Chaos | Thy Kingdom Come
December 10, 2023 17:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBA barren landscape bursts into vibrant blossoms. What an amazing sight to witness, but Isaiah speaks of the miraculous and instantaneous power of God. God's kingdom truly does bring joy; everlasting joy. He miraculously works it out of the chaos we see in the world and the chaos that churns isnide our own hearts. We are all blind, dead, lame, and mute in our own ways. Jesus changes everything, Jesus' kingdom delivers real, lasting peace. Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus! Face...
Wisdom and Righteousness | Thy Kingdom Come
December 03, 2023 17:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MBWhen we ask, “Thy kingdom come,” don't we want to know what we are asking? Shouldn’t we know exactly what we are asking. Isn’t that important as we look forward to Christmas? If you’re going to celebrate Christmas – the lights, the carols, and the food, the time with family – shouldn’t we know what’s behind it? Isaiah describes in detail the Kingdom. When we ask “thy kingdom come,” we ask Jesus to rule in our hearts in preparation for his eternal kingdom. Both are defined by righteousness, ...
God's Recipe for Contentment | Thanksgiving
November 26, 2023 18:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBPhilippians 4:10-20 guides us in creating meaningful worship. Imagine your service like a harmonious symphony, each part contributing to a beautiful whole. Just as the Philippians supported Paul generously, let your music and leadership come from a heart of sharing and uplifting. Paul's contentment, even in tough times, shows his true satisfaction in Christ. Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTube Instagram @dscsienna
Restoring Relationships | Proverbs
November 19, 2023 17:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MBThis week we focus on relationships. It’s easy to believe that relationships succeed (They’re so awesome!) or fail (They’re so miserable!) because of the “other” person. In contrast, the book of Proverbs teaches what’s in our heart determines the nature of the relationship. In the series this week learn what Proverbs has to say about the enemy of relationships, the source of healing for relationships, and path to restoration for relationships. Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus! ...
Healing Heartache | Proverbs
November 12, 2023 17:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBThis week we focus on heartache. We’ve all been there at some point in our lives. Loss of job, friend, family member, savings, health, leisure, or ability creates a void capable of destroying the human spirit. Left unchecked a person can experience physical, emotional, moral, existential, and philosophical effects long after the event has occurred. In the series this week learn what Proverbs has to say about the true nature of heartache and the only thing that will remove it. Support the sh...
Learning Self-Control | Proverbs
November 05, 2023 16:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MBThis week we focus on self-control. In a world with limitless possibilities, self-control seems elusive. Overeating, under-budgeting, binge-drinking, and living large are the norm. But if no one gets hurt, what’s the problem? In the series this week learn what Proverbs has to say about the need for self-control, the source of self-control, and how we learn to live with self-control. Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTube Instagram @dscsienna
Finding Security In God's Timeless Truth | Proverbs
October 29, 2023 16:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBThis week, our worship theme centers on the pursuit of timeless truth in a turbulent world. Proverbs 2:6 reminds us that true wisdom and understanding come from the Lord, while Proverbs 30:5 underscores the reliability of God's Word as an unwavering source of truth. In Matthew 7:24-27, we learn the importance of building our lives on Christ's teachings, as they provide a solid foundation in the face of life's storms. Ephesians 6:14-17 reinforces the significance of truth and God's Word as vi...
Untitled Episode
October 22, 2023 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBThis week we focus on envy. Envy is the awful feeling you have when you know you should celebrate someone’s good fortune but think it really should have happened to you instead. Envy makes it hard to rejoice with others. Soon it becomes hard to rejoice at all. The result is a complaining spirit that’s difficult to be around. In the series this week learn what Proverbs has to say about envy, how we eliminate it, and what will happen when we do. Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus! F...
Eliminating Envy | Proverbs
October 22, 2023 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBThis week we focus on envy. Envy is the awful feeling you have when you know you should celebrate someone’s good fortune but think it really should have happened to you instead. Envy makes it hard to rejoice with others. Soon it becomes hard to rejoice at all. The result is a complaining spirit that’s difficult to be around. In the series this week learn what Proverbs has to say about envy, how we eliminate it, and what will happen when we do. Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus! ...
Mastering Money
October 16, 2023 13:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBThe evil of pursuing money at all cost and the injustices caused by greed are obvious. And yet, commerce and economy are core to our society. How can you deal wisely with money without it consuming you. In the series this week learn what Proverbs has to teach about a godly understanding of money and generosity. Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTube Instagram @dscsienna
Overcoming Anger | Proverbs: Pursuing the Path of Wisdom
October 09, 2023 11:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBAfter 4 weeks of looking at the source of wisdom and the principles of its design for our lives, this series now applies wisdom from the book of Proverbs to the everyday “complexities of life”. This week we focus on anger. Is anger a good thing or a bad thing? Where does anger come from? What does it have the power to do and how can it be overcome? In the series this week learn what Proverbs has to teach about pursuing the path of wisdom in regard to anger. Support the show ~ Changing liv...
The Difference Is Grace | Proverbs: Pursuing the Path of Wisdom
October 01, 2023 16:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBEveryone likes a guarantee. It makes us feel safe. Hesitation in the grey zone of “what if” causes doubt, worry, and fear. We prefer confirmation, a stamp of approval, and the proven process that gives confidence, a sense of security, and builds excitement for what’s to come. The book of Proverbs shows that God’s path of wisdom gives us the confidence we’re looking for because it’s different than every other pursuit of wisdom. This week in the series learn what the difference is, why it’s ...
The Reality of Life | Proverbs: Pursuing the Path of Wisdom
September 25, 2023 19:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBEveryone knows to get to the right destination you must start in the right place and head in the right direction. The same is true for wisdom. But whose way is right? Experts offer wisdom through short cuts, techniques, and formulas. Friends give advice from experience. Our own hearts lead with emotion. Artificial intelligence uses science and facts. But who’s right? Only Proverbs points to the right way by directing us to the One who is wisdom and designed the path on which to find it. Thi...
The Wellspring of Life | Proverbs: Pursuing the Path of Wisdom
September 18, 2023 05:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBA godly pursuit of wisdom has an ultimate goal of living God’s way as outlined in the Bible. Unfortunately, life in a sinful world means our path is filled with distractions, deterrents, and delays. Often these roadblocks are even more alluring than annoying. They threaten to derail a godly pursuit of wisdom by encouraging us to settle for less than everything God has planned for us. Because of this, Proverbs tells us to “guard our heart above all else because it is the wellspring of life.” ...
The Path of Wisdom | Proverbs: Pursuing the Path of Wisdom
September 11, 2023 05:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MBWisdom is knowing the right thing to do at the right time for any given circumstance-especially when there’s no “right” answer. But how do you get wisdom? Like walking a path, pursuing wisdom begins with knowing where to start, where to go, and what to expect along the way. This week we begin the series on Proverbs by defining wisdom, showing where to find it, and learning how to grow in it. Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTube Instagram @dscsienna
Peter - Solid as a Rock | Disciples
September 04, 2023 12:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBMade solid by the undergirding promises of Jesus, the apostle Peter acted boldly and courageously. Sometimes this acting-before-thinking disciple pushed the envelope of courage to its border with foolishness, but Jesus was always there to pull him back. Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTube Instagram @dscsienna
John: The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved | Disciples
August 28, 2023 17:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBLoved by his Lord, John expressed the same kind of love to his Lord and others. His writings in the Scriptures encourage followers of Jesus in that same love. Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTube Instagram @dscsienna
Matthew: When Mercy Calls | Disciples
August 21, 2023 14:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBThis tax collector turned apostle experienced firsthand the loving mercy of the Messiah, who came to save sinners. He turned around and wrote a lot about it in his gospel. Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTube Instagram @dscsienna
Thomas: Blessed Are Those Who Believe | Disciples
August 14, 2023 05:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBHe vacillated between the twin towers of unshakeable confidence and wishy washy uncertainty. However, faith is as strong as the on whom it rests, and Jesus' loyalty and love bless this apostle with a new resurrection conviction. Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTube Instagram @dscsienna
James: Son of Thunder | Disciples
August 07, 2023 18:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBWith the zeal of thunder, James has glory on his mind, both personal glory and ethnic/national glory and pride. Jesus' zeal to save and serve recovers and redirects this apostle to evangelical instead of legislative zeal. This is the only place to mention the other apostle, James the Less, about whom we know very little. Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | YouTube Instagram @dscsienna
Philip: Finding God | Disciples
July 31, 2023 05:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MB"We have found the one," Philip proclaimed to Nathaniel, when Jesus actually found him first. Later Philip personally found a gracious Savior at the feeding of the 5,000 when Jesus taught him a lesson about faith. On another occasion Philip commented to Jesus, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us," and Jesus went on to describe the mysterious unity of the Father and the Son. All of this helped Philip find others in search of a Savior. Support the show ~ Changing lives w...
Andrew: We Would Like to See Jesus | Disciples
July 24, 2023 05:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBAndrew showed care and concern for bringing others to Jesus. Ministry is one on one. Mission is one on one. Parents to children. Husband to wife. You to a friend, family member, or co-worker. We only know Peter, because Andrew sought out his brother. Mission work happens in backyards, picnics, bleachers, and cubicles. One of the main principles of our harvest strategy is "Everyone invite one." There is value in telling just one person. Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebo...
Bartholomew - Exceeding Expectations
July 17, 2023 05:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBBartholomew asked, "Nazareth, can anything good come from there?" and found in his shattered hope a fulfilled hope in the promised Savior. In Bartholomew (aka Nathanael) we see our own expectations. Too often misunderstood and misplaced, until Jesus meets them and us. So often we expect God to fit our mold and to fit his plans into what we expect and hope for. But God's plan is almost always different than ours. And it's better! Support the show ~ Changing lives with Jesus! Facebook | Yo...
Thaddaeus: Sharing Jesus with the World | Disciples: God's Love in Action
July 10, 2023 19:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBThaddaeus (also called Judas) asked Jesus, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the whole world?" Many ask this same question today, why some and not others? We marvel at God desiring all to be saved and his grace for all, and yet we see the sad reality that those who don’t know him, or who have rejected him won’t be saved. The attitude of Thaddaeus, "I want others to know," is the outward love for the world who do not yet know the heart of God behind the great com...
Stand Up and Stand Firm | Know Greater Hope
July 03, 2023 21:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBStand Firm In The Fight Most people today think the “devil” is a joke. And make jokes about him. But the truth is, the devil is a real and vicious enemy of God and his people. He tempts us to doubt God’s Word. He wants to tear us away from God, and he did so. But Jesus came to defeat the devil. And He did! The church displays that victory in all we do! But the battles rage on… our enemy is real and the daily battles we face with him are too. So Paul reaches the dramatic finale to his letter:...
Worshiping Monday through Saturday
June 26, 2023 05:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBAt Home and At Work From the beginning, God designed people to live in families. He also gave us work to do, a garden to take care of, something to give meaning and purpose. So a lot of our lives are spent at home and at work. As we continue to rebel against God, our homes and workplaces often become the scenes of our most obvious failings and flaws. They can become unhappy or even downright dysfunctional places. When Jesus came here to save us, He was born into a family of a worker, a carpe...
A Marriage Made in Heaven | Know Greater Hope
June 19, 2023 05:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBA Marriage Made In Heaven Marriage has been instilled into human hearts and human society by our loving Creator to stir up human longing and to prepare our hearts for the love of Christ. Marriage conducted in God’s way by his people is a beautiful demonstration of his plan to gather all things under Christ and make us one in Christ. Among God’s people, marriage isn’t a battleground, but a field of victory, where sinners can remain united to each other in the service of Christ. Marriage is a ...
Live in the Light | Know Greater Hope
June 12, 2023 05:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBThe world we live in loves to live in darkness. What people do behind closed doors should be up to them, they say. The world is accepting of all kinds of alternative expressions of gender and sexuality. But the God who loves us created us a certain way to glorify Him. His Word is very clear on how He wants us to live. In the light. Not in the darkness. As we shine this light into the world, it isn’t going to want to hear it. It seems backward and outdated. It sounds unloving and unsupporting...