Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith
Cultivating Connection Amidst Loneliness: Levi Lusko & Daniel Darling
In today's world, characterized by advanced technology and increasing isolation, there's a pressing need to foster real connection. As technology continues to advance, genuine human connections are taking a backseat. However, in Scripture we find that God recognizes; "It is not good for man to be alone." (Genesis 2:18). As part of God’s unique design, He wired us for meaningful connection where we find strength, love, and support from others.
This week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving and a season of connection and gratitude, we have two pastors to help us navigate a season that also can be lonely and disconnected. Author and pastor Levi Lusko sheds light on the growing loneliness crisis in our highly connected world, and Daniel Darling explains the fundamental aspects of healthy relationships, including forgiveness, reconciliation, and trust.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Past interview: Larry Randolph and Jennifer Bleakley
Upcoming interview: Eric Constanzo
Jesus Listens for Advent and Christmas
National Religious Broadcasters Association
Land Center for Cultural Engagement
Interview Quotes:
“God said, ‘It's not good that man should be alone.’ And so I think there's something of the human experience where our souls will always crave and always be deficient if we're not having those vital exchanges, those conversations, those moments.” - Levi Lusko
“I think when we lift our eyes, we'll be reminded, Hey, the one who made the moon, the one who with His fingers called out the stars, with His voice, with the word of His power, separated light from darkness, He loves you. He has a plan for you. He came in the person of Jesus to this world. He wants to have a relationship with you.” - Levi Lusko
“No matter what you're facing today, God is safe to build your life upon, and the weather and the wind can change in a moment, but God's Word never will.” - Levi Lusko
“Jesus knows what you're going through and He has a plan for you in it. He has a plan to give you power and to give you peace and to give you comfort.” - Levi Lusko
“Paul says at one point in 1 Timothy, he says, ‘To fight the good fight.’ In other words, there are things worth fighting for.” - Daniel Darling
“Paul says to Timothy in 2 Timothy, ‘Avoid stupid and foolish arguments.’ And so there are things that we may have opinions on and that may be important to us, but we should be open handed about them and learn to love and live with people who disagree.” - Daniel Darling
“We should say, ‘I'm going to hold onto you amidst all this turmoil in the world, amidst these raging rapids. I'm not going to let you go as a friend.’ I think this is what God is calling us to do.” - Daniel Darling
“We don't have to be alone. We can be known by God and we can know God.” - Daniel Darling
“Once we understand how much God has forgiven us in Christ, anything that we've done against God is even worse than the worst thing done to us, if we can imagine that. And God gives us that ability to forgive.” - Daniel Darling
“See how God will use you as a witness in your own family and in your own communities.” - Daniel Darling
“We're praying to a personal God. We can ask Him for our personal needs. We can draw on Him for strength in our own personal lives, and what a blessing it has been to my family and to countless other families.” - Daniel Darling
________________________
Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel!
Audio Episodes: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7
Bonus Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw
Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C
Peace for Everyday Life: https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj
Peace in Uncertain Times: https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u
What’s Good? https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj
Enneagram: https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY
________________________
Connect with Jesus Calling