Time For a Difference

David Skelton

In this episode of 'Time for a Difference', hosts David and Joy Skelton explore the profound impact of being a difference maker in the community. They discuss the costs associated with making a difference, emphasizing the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and the sacrifices involved. The conversation highlights the parable of the Good Samaritan as a model for compassion and the necessity of building partnerships to effectively support those in need. The episode encourages listeners to embrace their roles as difference makers and to actively engage in their communities. Takeaways ·      People who have been impacted by difference makers become “differenced” ·      Making a difference requires stepping out of your comfort zone. ·      The best motivation for making a difference is gratitude for the “differenced” experience that you received from someone. ·      Jesus serves as a blueprint for difference making. ·      The emotional cost of helping others is significant. ·      Compassion often requires personal sacrifice and commitment. ·      Building partnerships is the essential help you need in making a lasting impact. ·      Difference making is a messy business that requires dedication. ·      Every act of kindness can inspire others to make a difference. Titles ·      Making a Difference: The Heart of Compassion ·      The Cost of Difference Making Sound Bites "Go and do likewise." "It starts with the heart." "You need partners to help you with the difference making process with people ." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Difference Making 02:24 The Cost of Making a Difference 09:12 The Good Samaritan: A Blueprint for Compassion 18:28 Building Partnerships in Difference Making

  1. Apr 5

    Difference Makers - Helping People in Crisis and Shock

    Title: How to Help Others and Strengthen Yourself During Crisis and ShockIn this episode, we explore the vital role of difference makers in supporting individuals experiencing shock from unexpected crises. Discover practical steps for helping others effectively, while also nurturing your own resilience and spiritual strength to withstand life's inevitable shocks. Key topics:Understanding what shock is and how it affects emotional healthThe importance of showing up and offering the "Ministry of Presence"How to share in someone's pain genuinely and meaningfullyPractical ways to initiate help without waiting to be askedThe significance of crying out to God during personal times of crisisThe importance of community, spiritual roots, and building a safety netHow a church community fosters resilience and support during crisesThe role of fellowship in suffering and the power of presenceTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to helping others in shock during crisis 01:01 - The importance of difference makers showing up and sharing pain 02:20 - Defining shock: emotional disturbance caused by sudden life crises 03:17 - Biblical examples of shock from Ezekiel and David 03:50 - Recognizing shock in those around us: Know the three conditions 04:21 - Common crises: Finance, health, and relationships 05:18 - How to help someone in shock: Show up, don't wait to be invited 06:16 - The Ministry of Presence: Silence can sometimes be the most healing gift 07:35 - Lessons from Job: Responding appropriately to people's shock 08:00 - The power of touch and shared emotions during crisis 09:23 - Sitting with someone in shock: The value of silence and presence 10:18 - The importance of just being there for someone in deep pain 11:23 - The initiative: Practical ways to help without being asked 12:32 - How to support those staring at a TV or unable to process their pain 13:43 - Personal response: Cry out to God as a primary step 14:40 - The significance of praying in the night when support from God is most needed 16:10 - The importance of being easy on yourself during shock: Avoid big decisions 17:36 - The role of true friends during a crisis and the importance of not judging 18:33 - Encouragement to lean into fellowship despite the desire to withdraw 19:31 - Building a crisis safety net through strong relationships and spiritual roots 20:37 - Cultivating spiritual relationships in church and community 22:34 - Growing spiritual roots: Know God and His Word before crises strike 23:55 - Practical challenge: Practice shock response lessons with someone in need 24:23 - Join the community and support the podcast Resources & Links:Bible GatewayColossians 2:6-7

    20 min
  2. Mar 29

    Difference Making With People in Crisis

    Summary   This episode explores the profound truths about God's love, His presence in life's challenges, and how to maintain hope and peace through faith. Discover how knowing the Father personally can transform your response to pain, confusion, and brokenness.   Keywords   God's love, hope, peace, faith, life's challenges, spiritual growth, biblical promises, God's presence, suffering, eternity   Key Topics   ·      God's love and protection in tough times ·      Biblical promises for peace and hope ·      The importance of personal relationship with God ·      Understanding life's brokenness and God's purpose ·      How to maintain hope through eternity perspective   Titles 3 Big Love Truths About God That Will Change Your Life How to Find Peace and Hope in Life's Toughest Tests   Sound Bites "The Father is with me and He loves me." "Our hope must be firm, rooted in love for God." "Life doesn't always make sense, but God is with us."   Chapters   00:00Introduction: The Heart of God's Love and Our Response 01:52Three Big Love Truths About the Father 03:44The Power of 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 in Difficult Times 05:38The Role of Hope and Peace in Life's Challenges 07:03The Foundation of Knowing the Father's Love 08:58Dealing with the Why Trap and Life's Inevitable Losses 10:46The Importance of Personal Experience and Intimacy with God 12:34Biblical Promises for Peace When Life Doesn't Make Sense 14:21Understanding Brokenness and God's Good Plan 16:20The Reality of Sin, Evil, and God's Sovereignty 17:36The Power of Joy and Hope in Troubles 19:08Growing Character and Strength Through Pain 20:43Living with Eternal Perspective and Hope 21:57Hope in the Midst of Pain and Brokenness 24:04Looking Forward to Eternity and God's Faithfulness 25:15Practical Steps to Overcome Tough Days and Maintain Hope

    26 min
  3. Mar 1

    Difference Makers Compassion for the Overlooked

    #17 Difference Makers Compassion for the Overlooked   Content type: Discussion   Primary Goal: Educational   Summary   This podcast explores the transformative power of Christ-hearted compassion, focusing on how it can help us see and value overlooked , unseen, un-noticed and unconsidered people in our communities. Through personal stories and biblical examples, we see the importance of compassion in making a meaningful difference to the overlooked.   Keywords   Christ-hearted compassion, overlooked people, biblical examples, personal stories, social impact, spiritual growth, community service   Key Topics   ·      Christ-hearted compassion is a transformative force ·      Seeing and valuing overlooked and unconsidered people ·      Biblical examples of compassion: Stephen and Philip ·      Overcoming bias and social awkwardness to embrace the overlooked ·      Practical ways to grow and practice compassion with the un-seen, un-noticed, un-considered.   Titles The Power of Christ-Hearted Compassion in Transforming Lives How to See and Value the Overlooked with Compassion   Sound Bites "Christ-hearted compassion can be life-saving." "The pain of being overlooked is real and deep." "We must give value to the unnoticed."   Chapters 00:00Introduction to Christ-Hearted Compassion 00:37 Personal Story of Lewis and the Power of Listening 02:10 Valuing the Overlooked in the Church and Community 03:02 The Challenge of Rejection and Courage in Sharing Your Story 03:53 The Miracle of Compassion: Lewis' Transformation 04:38 The Impact of Compassion on Self-Worth and Purpose 05:32 Seeing the Unseen with Christ-Hearted Compassion 06:25 Scriptural Focus: Acts 6 and Overlooked Widows 07:46 Resolving Conflict with Spirit-Filled Wisdom 08:31 Overcoming Bias Heart and Expanding Compassion 09:27 What is Compassion? The Heart of Suffering with Purpose 10:23 Biblical Examples: Stephen and Philip’s Compassion 11:30 The Power of Compassion for the Overlooked 12:03 Types of Overlooked People: The Not Seen, Unconsidered, and Unnoticed 13:52 How Christ-Hearted Compassion Sees the Unnoticed 15:17 Addressing Social Awkwardness and Bias in Compassion 16:50 Growing Christ-Hearted Compassion in Your Heart 18:18 Giving Value to the Unconsidered and Unnoticed 20:20 The Servant Heart of Christ and Its Significance 20:56 The Power of Seeing the Unconsidered with Compassion 22:26 Disciples of the Unconsidered: Changing the World 23:20 How to Cultivate a Heart for the Overlooked 23:37 Weekly Challenge: Touch Three Overlooked People 24:34 Join the Community and Make a Difference 24:52 Time for a Difference Logo Outro (2).mp4

    25 min
  4. Feb 22

    Difference Makers - Compassion for Complaining

    #16 DIFFERENCE MAKERS COMPASSION FOR COMPLAINING   Keywords   Christ-hearted compassion, political divide, healing, difference makers, biblical compassion, love, conflict compassion, empathy, community, social change   Summary   This conversation explores the theme of Christ-hearted compassion as a vital tool for addressing pain, conflict, and political division in society. The speakers emphasize the importance of understanding and embodying compassion, drawing from biblical examples and personal experiences. They discuss how compassion can heal divisions and encourage listeners to embrace a Christ-centered approach to love and empathy in their interactions with others. To create a 3rd island of compassion for all people.   Takeaways   Christ-hearted compassion is essential for addressing pain and conflict. The story of the apostles illustrates the power of compassion in resolving issues. Compassion is a 'suffering with' heart that seeks to heal others. Political division creates pain that can be healed through compassion. Difference makers must choose to love everyone, regardless of sides. Compassion can grow through experiences of pain and conflict. Real compassion requires understanding the true pain behind complaints. Christ's love touch is a powerful remedy for societal issues. We must actively seek to bridge divides with compassion. Living on 'Jesus Island' means having an inclusive community of  love and healing for both sides of the political divide.   Titles   Embracing Christ-Hearted Compassion Healing Through Compassion in a Divided World   Sound Bites   "Compassion is a suffering with heart." "Christ's love always has a remedy." "Compassionately love both islands in the political divide."   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Christ-Hearted Compassion 02:20 The Biblical Foundation of Compassion 04:10 Understanding Compassion and Its Power 06:51 The Impact of Political Division on Compassion 09:18 The Role of Compassion in Healing Divisions 10:24 The Process of Growing Christ-Hearted Compassion 12:50 The Three Aches of Compassion 16:24 The Call to Action for Difference Makers 19:47 Christ's Love as a Healing Touch 21:44 Living on Jesus' Island of Compassion

    26 min
  5. Feb 8

    Difference Makers and Their Sacred Assignment

    Keywords   Divine assignment, sacred purpose, life transformation, commitment, alignment, sacrifice, refinement, spiritual growth, difference-making, faith   Summary   In this podcast episode, the speakers discuss the concept of a divine assignment, emphasizing its sacred nature and the importance of understanding one's purpose. They explore the alignment of decisions must match up with God's will and ways, there are sacrifices required to fulfill one's assignment, and the importance of refinement in personal growth. The conversation highlights the significance of facing temptations and doubts while remaining committed to one's sacred calling, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace their unique paths and the challenges that come with them.   Takeaways   ·      Your divine assignment is your purpose. ·      A sacred assignment carries a God kind of weight. ·      Your sacred assignment is deeply personal from God. ·      Your greatest temptation battle is all about your assignment. ·      God will never ask you for a sacrifice you can't handle. ·      You need God's refinement to fulfill your assignment. ·      Your struggles have meaning for your assignment. ·      Every sacred assignment is full of refinement tests. ·      Your will be done must become your decision words.   Titles Embracing Your Divine Purpose The Weight of Sacred Assignments   Sound Bites "Your divine assignment is your purpose." "It carries a God kind of weight." "You can make a difference with people."   Chapters 00:00 Understanding Your Divine Assignment 04:54 The Importance of Alignment in Sacred Assignments 09:55 Facing Temptations and Doubts 14:11 The Role of Sacrifice in Fulfilling Your Purpose 19:22 Embracing Refinement for Growth 23:43 Time for a Difference Logo Outro

    24 min

About

In this episode of 'Time for a Difference', hosts David and Joy Skelton explore the profound impact of being a difference maker in the community. They discuss the costs associated with making a difference, emphasizing the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and the sacrifices involved. The conversation highlights the parable of the Good Samaritan as a model for compassion and the necessity of building partnerships to effectively support those in need. The episode encourages listeners to embrace their roles as difference makers and to actively engage in their communities. Takeaways ·      People who have been impacted by difference makers become “differenced” ·      Making a difference requires stepping out of your comfort zone. ·      The best motivation for making a difference is gratitude for the “differenced” experience that you received from someone. ·      Jesus serves as a blueprint for difference making. ·      The emotional cost of helping others is significant. ·      Compassion often requires personal sacrifice and commitment. ·      Building partnerships is the essential help you need in making a lasting impact. ·      Difference making is a messy business that requires dedication. ·      Every act of kindness can inspire others to make a difference. Titles ·      Making a Difference: The Heart of Compassion ·      The Cost of Difference Making Sound Bites "Go and do likewise." "It starts with the heart." "You need partners to help you with the difference making process with people ." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Difference Making 02:24 The Cost of Making a Difference 09:12 The Good Samaritan: A Blueprint for Compassion 18:28 Building Partnerships in Difference Making