S4 Episode #14- Josh Benson
THE ONE WITH JOSH BENSON
This week we are so excited to welcome Josh Benson to the show! Josh is the worship leader at Jes’ church– Forest Hill Church, where his passion for worshiping Jesus shines out of everything he does! In this interview, Josh reminds us of the gracious, loving, gentle character of The Lord. Josh encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, go to new places with God, and always keep Him (Christ) at the center.
He encourages us, “You may feel like you’re falling, but you will look back and see that every single step was worth it. Life is a series of next steps. Lean into God and release your fears to Him.”
LISTEN
READ
CHARACTER OF GOD
God is a gracious, loving, gentle God. Josh’s faith started at a young age from the fear of damnation and wanting to avoid Hell. However, as he began to learn the character of God, it quickly grew into a relationship. He explains, “This huge, powerful God desires a relationship with us, knowing that we are going to fail and mess up. He sees all of our shortcomings and still chooses to love us and use us for the glory of His Kingdom!”
God uses broken people all throughout the whole Bible to accomplish his purposes. Even when we fall short, God can use us! Even when we don’t deserve it, God is so kind and gracious to allow us to be part of His grand plan.
When we make God the center of everything, he will continually remind you that he is ever-faithful, ever-kind and ever-loving.
GOD’S GRACE
God’s grace is sufficient. HE is the Word from the very beginning. He knows you in and out. Nothing you can do will ever surprise God. He knew all the ways that you would fail and yet you are still breathing. The Bible says that “The wages of sin is death”... but you are still alive! So there is still another opportunity to experience God in new ways and learn more about who He is. The more we learn the Truth about who God is, the more we will see that He is good.
Get back to the truth of who God is– not who the world says He is. Focus back on His power.
PREPARATION + TIMING
God’s timing is incredible! Josh never could have imagined the role that he is in now. In the corporate world, Josh felt like he was really good at the job, but it was crushing his soul. His job now uses all of his administrative skills, coupled with his God-given gifts of singing and leading worship.
Everything that Josh did in the past– especially the hard things– prepared him for the life-giving role that he has now.
God even used a connection at Forest Hill to help Josh find his birth mother! He found her at a time when he was needed in their lives, and his birth mom filled a void Josh didn’t even know that he had.
God’s timing is so skillful and intricate. Continually take time to remember the past and see what God has done. You may not yet be where you want to be, but look how far you’ve come! God is constantly working in you to transform you into the person you were created to be!
God is always working out His story of redemption in our lives and all of creation!
WORSHIP
We all have our jobs or careers, but our initial creation purpose was to worship God. We are created to worship and connect with God in a real way.
We often let our own perspective dictate how we worship. This is not the way it should work. When we worship, we need to keep in mind who God is. We worship because of who God is, not how we are feeling in that moment. He is the one who has saved us and created us. He is the Almighty God. Worship is a right that we have– “Let everything that has breath praise The LORD.”
Worship is not just regulated to singing– it is taking any opportunity to live in the desires of God.
We are so abundantly blessed! Life itself is a gift. Jesus gave his life for us, so the least we can do is lift our hands. We must take the focus off of ourselves and place it all back on Him.
NEW THINGS
The Holy Spirit is pushing Josh into a new place of being more bold in speaking and teaching. This will require more work and effort. It takes him out of his comfort zone.
When we are entering a new season, it might be hard or uncomfortable, but there is great joy and encouragement in knowing that God is entrusting you with this new mission. What a huge honor and privilege is it that the God of the universe allows us to enter into His plan!
God’s timing is always right on time!
God’s way is always better. Most things that are good don’t come easy… but they are always worth it.
Ask The Lord to break your heart for what to do next. Pray for the next first step.
You may feel like you’re falling, but you will look back and see that every single step was worth it. Life is a series of next steps. Lean into God and don’t be afraid.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Always remember that God’s gifts come without repentance. You are gifted because HE is good, not because you are good. It’s not about us– it’s Jesus at the center.
Be encouraged knowing that God is good; His mercy endures forever, and His truth is everlasting.
WATCH
Videos will be back next time! I’m so sorry (especially to you, Mom) for our technical difficulties! :)
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The Collected Podcast is a production of Collected Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping disciples of Jesus discover and live from their true identity in Christ, recognize and walk in their divine purpose within the Kingdom of God, and experience growth in their capacity for mature, healthy relationships.
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The Collected Podcast is produced by Jes Biondo and edited by Jacob Early. Cover art designed by Ben Biondo.