From Brock: during my personal time of prayer and devotion this week, I came across a devotional from Christian singer-songwriter Ellie Holcomb that really encouraged my heart. It focused on Luke 15:4, where Jesus says, “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?”

That verse immediately made me think about how I feel whenever I lose something important—usually my car keys. It always seems to happen right when I’m about to head out the door, and suddenly I’m searching everywhere in a panic so I won’t be late. Reading this passage reminded me that in a much greater way, that’s how Jesus feels when we wander from Him. Staying lost is never His plan for us.

As someone who struggles with perfectionism, I can sometimes allow my mistakes to define me and make me feel unworthy of love, grace, and the guidance of the Good Shepherd. But I’m thankful that our God doesn’t simply stay with the ninety-nine. He lovingly seeks us out in the middle of our failures, our struggles, and the moments when we feel far from Him. Because no one is too far gone.”

From Joe: I’m bringing back one you may have heard before, ‘The Coffee Bean’ question, inspired by the book by Jon Gordon and Damon West. This is all about what happens to you when the pressures of life, or ‘the heat,’ ramp up. Jon and Damon remind us that you can go three ways:

The Way of the Carrot? It starts hard, but when boiled, weakens.
The Way of the Egg? It starts fragile and with a soft heart (yolk), then hardens on the outside and inside.
The Way of the Coffee Bean? When boiled, it transforms the environment around it!

The spiritual application? Influence and resilience. Instead of letting life’s trials change you, you can use the power of Christ within you to transform your environment.
You are called to be an active presence that brings flavor, warmth, and hope to the world

https://coffeebeanbook.com

Congrats, Rachel from Mount Vernon for correctly guessing this week’s Name That Tune – Still Rolling Stones by Lauren Daigle!

Thanks for listening to the Afternoon Drive!

-Joe & Brock