Redemption's Table

A Conversation with Special Guest: Andrew Osenga

I first met Andrew Osenga earlier this year at a retreat I was attending.  I walked up to him and asked, “How do you feel about Jesus’ beatitudes?”  His ecstatic response led to an on-the-spot invitation to come to The Table.

Andrew is a prolific creator.  He’s a singer-songwriter who has released 3 albums that I know of within the last year.  He’s an Indie artist, Major label Bandmember, Record Producer, Guitar Player, Label Executive, and a Nashville veteran in almost all areas of the music business.  He is also the Host of one of my top 10 favorite podcasts – The Pivot which returns sometime next week after a 5-year hiatus – and he has a brand new book coming out tomorrow, October 7, entitled How to Remember: Forgotten Pathways to an Authentic Faith.

Andrew and I recorded this conversation early in September and immediately I was drawn in because we were talking about subjects that we both are passionate about, including Jesus’ beatitudes, the music of Rich Mullins, and podcasts, among other things.  Come join us.  There’s a place setting with your name on it.

Featuring “The Love of Jesus” by Andrew Osenga (Used by Permission).

https://www.andrewosenga.com

https://www.andrewosenga.com/substack-1

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There’s a quote from one of my favorite western movies I have taken to heart these past few months in light of all the escalating tension across our nation and around our world.  In a way I’ve never considered before, it sets the table for what might take place if we dared to follow Jesus’ challenge of accepting Beatitude #7 – “Blessed are the peacemakers.” (Matthew 5:9)

“Don’t force me to fight because you won’t like my way of fighting.”

I get it.  There is much to be angry about right now.  There is a spiritual battle that is greater than any so-called culture war.  The kingdom of heaven, established by Jesus Christ, is advancing upon the earth.  And the forces of darkness are resisting.  Don’t get suckered into using the same tactics as the enemy.  Fight the battle as Jesus taught us to fight.

Resistance begins by spreading tables and inviting the opposition to break bread.

Resistance begins by sowing seeds of kindness in the lives of others.

Resistance begins by daring to fight the good fight in such a way that neither side will understand or appreciate.

Resist anyway.

Viva la resistance!

Featuring “Gardening” by JJ Heller (Used by Permission through Musicbed).

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Out in the New Mexican landscape three Spanish words were carved in stone 442 years ago – “Pasó Por Aquí.”  Translation: “Passed this way.”  “Passed by here.”

Pasó Por Aquí.  You can breathe these words wherever you find yourself today. Because wherever your journey has taken you at this moment, Pasó Por Aquí is your testimony as well as mine.  It is the testimony of everyone who surrounds us.  We’re just pilgrims passing through.

Pasó Por Aquí.  Passed this way.  Passed by here.  It denotes the journey, not the destination.  The travel, not the arrival.  Pasó Por Aquí.  Bodies in motion walking across terra firma that never stops spinning.  Human satellites that seldom sit.  Pasó Por Aquí.  Even when standing still we’re rotating at a 1000 miles per hour while speeding through space at 67,000 miles per hour.  Pasó Por Aquí.  

You’re not where you were when you started to read these words mere seconds ago.  Pasó Por Aquí.  

Featuring “Pilgrim” by John Mark McMillan (Used by Permission through Musicbed).

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Where are the places that bring you life?

If you were encouraged to come back to the places you know bring life, where would you go?  Where are the places that have awakened and reawakened you?  Where are the places that have brought deep sustenance and joy and wonder and curiosity to your life?  Where have you bumped into God?

I reached out to some of my dearest friends and family members who I thought might appreciate that question, and the answers they offered are pure delight.  Special guests Lauren Myers, Andrew and Diana Barge, and Clark Cothern share their life-giving places.  And singer-songwriter Andrew Osenga gifts us with his incredible song “Beautiful Places.”  This is an episode months in the making.  Come join in on this adventure of imagination and anticipation.

“Beautiful Places” used by permission.

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Are you picking up what God is laying down?  Are you picking it up every day, or only when you pick your Bible up?  Are you searching for treasure God places somewhere along your path each day?

Today’s episode explores the spiritual discipline of journaling.  You may be surprised to discover there are many different ways to journal.  Find one that best helps you live more intentionally in your daily walk with Jesus.  Find one that can turn your life into an ongoing treasure hunt.

Today’s episode features a bevy of quotes from G.K. Chesterton, Russ Ramsey, and several other authors, plus the song “Roaring Thunder” by John Mark McMillan  (Used by Permission through Musicbed).

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Welcome to the first fresh Table of 2025.

A New Year is only an imaginary line on a calendar, but there’s something about a fresh start that appeals to us.  I think it might be because we all know we need one.  The coming of the greatest fresh start the world has ever been offered was celebrated a few days ago.  And now, we have just stepped into a lesser one.  Brand new in some ways; same old in others.

Thanksgiving preceded Christmas and a New Year comes along like an encore to grant us one more song of gratitude.  To be grateful for the year that was.  To be grateful for whatever possibilities lie ahead.  To be grateful for the journey that will be.  One gratitude for what just happened.  The next for all we anticipate in the next 12 months.  The final gratitude for all we hope to be declaring one year from now.

Today’s episode explores the season that has not quite left us yet.  The world may be hastening on; there is no need for our souls to join the rush.  You’re invited one more time to “rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing!”

Featuring “May You Find a Light” by Josh Garrels (Used by Permission through Musicbed).

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Every Christmas season brings its own wisdom, so the question we all need to ask is, “Christmas, what did you come to teach me this year?”

Welcome to Christmastide!  Christmas is far from over.  The celebration of Jesus’ birth extends beyond December 25th.  Today is only the fourth day of Christmas.  There are eight more days to come, plus Epiphany.  For many of us, the best Christmas gift has yet to be unwrapped.  

Today’s Table encourages us to pause and reflect on what just happened a few days ago – on what just happened 2000 years ago.  Last Wednesday and two millenniums back are not that far apart.  Christmas Day itself is a thin place where the reverberating echoes of angels can still be felt and heard.  Ask the Christmas question and listen quietly for God’s reply.

Special thanks today to Arbo, a country band from the cajun swampland, led by brothers Stevie and Johnny Rees.  They have graciously allowed us to share their 2023 song “A Child Is Born” for this special Christmas episode.  (Used by Permission).

https://www.arboband.com

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“The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for want of wonder.” – G.K. Chesterton

We all need to be reminded.  We can’t manufacture our own wonder.  Sure, we can prime the pump to set our hearts in the right direction to receive.  But if we’re looking for Christmas to be one or two specific things this year – if we’re expecting something particular to happen in the next few days – and if it doesn’t happen, we’re going to be extremely disappointed, then we’ve set ourselves up.  There is a difference between expectancy and expectations.  

As we walk through the threshold from Advent to Christmas, today’s Table encourages us to relax, put down our expectations, and follow the bliss of what is about to unfold. We can’t plan surprise for yourself.  We will miss the bliss if we seek to control the bliss.  The surprise we need and where to find it will come only from the One whose birthday it is!  Follow the bliss!

Featuring “Bethlehem (2022 Version)” by Singer-Songwriter Ross King (Used by Permission).

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We’re halfway through Advent.  Today is December 12.  And someone out there feels the crush of the season.  The thought of “only 12 more shopping days left” bears down on you like an avalanche.  You’re rushing through December like Tom Cruise out to save the world one more time, caught up in an Impossible Mission.  

Pause.  Take a deep breath.  There’s still time to hit the Advent reset button.  There’s still time to redeem the days ahead.  There’s still time to enjoy the rest of the journey.  Such wonderful possibilities are woven into the very fabric of the story we now anticipate and celebrate.  And it is unfolding before you right this very moment.

Featuring “The Advent Song” by Future of Forestry (Used by Permission through Musicbed).

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It’s how I begin every day.  Thanksgiving is the single most spiritual practice that keeps me grounded daily in the goodness of God.

Four good friends accepted my invitation to gather at the Table this week to share their Thanksgiving for 2024.  You may notice a common theme.  All four have experienced some waves, some storms, and all four have seen Jesus at work in their lives and give Him thanks.

I am grateful for Jennifer Harris, Dr. P. Banneker Hatcherson, Rebecca Johnson, and Laura Williams for joining us at the Table today.

“Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.  His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1

Happy Thanksgiving!

Featuring “Thanksgiving Song” by JJ Heller (Used by Permission through Musicbed).

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