Digital Thorns | Joey Odom

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Welcome back to the Menlo Midweek Podcast! This week, Matt Summers and Phil EuBank continue our series, "God, If You’re Real," by stepping into the heart-wrenching and hope-filled story of Jairus and his daughter (Luke 8). When we are in the middle of our most desperate prayers, one of our biggest questions is often: “God, are you even paying attention? And if you are, why are you taking so long?” 📍 In This Episode: The Interruption: We explore the tension of the story—Jesus is on his way to save a life, but He stops to address someone else. How do we handle it when God seems to "delay" our miracle to attend to someone else’s need? The Father’s Fear: We put ourselves in Jairus' shoes. What does it look like to approach God with a desperate request when the situation feels like it’s slipping through your fingers? "Do Not Fear, Only Believe": We break down Jesus’ command in the face of impossible news. Is this just a platitude, or is it a radical invitation to trust a different kind of outcome? The Courage to Keep Walking: When the worst-case scenario happens, what keeps us moving forward with Jesus? Reframing "Late": A conversation on the difference between God being late and God being on time—even when that timing defies our human logic. 💬 Reflection Point Jairus had to watch Jesus stop and talk to another person while his own world was falling apart. What does it feel like to wait on God when it feels like He is "distracted" by other things? How can we cultivate trust in His character even when His timing doesn't match our emergency? Next Steps Looking to take your faith journey deeper? Here are some great next steps: Need Prayer or Have Questions? Text us at (650) 600-0402. Download this week’s sermon study guide:  Support Hope for Everyone Thank you for your generosity! Support Menlo Church’s mission to reach 3% of the Bay Area with the message of hope in Jesus. Learn more or give at: http://www.menlo.church/hope. Listen to Menlo Midweek Podcast Want a behind-the-scenes look at this week’s sermon? Tune into our Menlo Midweek Podcast where we break down the sermon, themes, and other personal insights not covered on Sunday. Listen at: http://menlo.church/podcasts. Get Connected We’d love to connect with you and help you get plugged into Menlo Church. Visit http://menlo.church/connect and fill out a quick form so we can reach out. Stay Connected with Menlo Church Kids (Preschool–Grade 5): https://menlo.church/kids Students (Grade 6–12): https://menlo.church/students Explore All Ministries: https://www.menlo.church/ministries Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: @menlo.church Facebook: Menlo Church Website: http://www.menlo.church Musicbed Sync ID: (MB014RCECFXJCWL) Musicbed Sync ID: (MB01EKBUICB4NLC)

Jairus risks his reputation to plead with Jesus. And when all hope seems lost, Jesus still shows up. This message is for those on the edge—wondering if it’s too late.

Welcome back to the Menlo Midweek Podcast! In this episode, Matt Summers and Phil EuBank unpack the raw, honest, and often desperate place where faith meets our most challenging life circumstances. Following up on this past weekend’s message, "If You’re Real, Help Me," we take a deep dive into the story of the woman with the issue of blood in Luke 8. This conversation is for anyone who has reached the end of their own resources and is ready to move from the armor of cynicism to the vulnerability of faith. 📍 In This Episode: The Weight of Humanity: We address the reality of being "mentally overloaded and emotionally tired" and why acknowledging our limits is the necessary starting point for a relationship with God. The Isolation of Suffering: We break down why the woman’s condition was so much more than a medical problem—how it affected her social, spiritual, and relational life—and how Jesus stepped into that isolation to offer restoration. The Significance of "Who Touched Me?": Phil explains why Jesus’ question wasn't about annoyance or performance, but about assigning significance to someone the world had forgotten. The Power of Being Called "Daughter": A reflection on how one word from Jesus can restore identity to someone who has been defined by their struggle for years. Cynicism vs. Honest Doubt: Matt and Phil tackle a tough tension: why cynicism is often "pride in disguise" (hopelessness), and how it differs from the honest, questioning doubt that leads us toward God. The Hardest Question: We navigate the tension of unanswered prayers—what do we do when we or those we love don't receive the healing we hope for? 💬 Reflection Point Phil noted that cynicism is often just pride in disguise. If you’re feeling cynical, try to identify if you are protecting yourself from potential disappointment rather than honestly seeking God’s presence. Next Steps Looking to take your faith journey deeper? Here are some great next steps: Need Prayer or Have Questions? Text us at (650) 600-0402. Download this week’s sermon study guide:  Support Hope for Everyone Thank you for your generosity! Support Menlo Church’s mission to reach 3% of the Bay Area with the message of hope in Jesus. Learn more or give at: http://www.menlo.church/hope. Listen to Menlo Midweek Podcast Want a behind-the-scenes look at this week’s sermon? Tune into our Menlo Midweek Podcast where we break down the sermon, themes, and other personal insights not covered on Sunday. Listen at: http://menlo.church/podcasts. Get Connected We’d love to connect with you and help you get plugged into Menlo Church. Visit http://menlo.church/connect and fill out a quick form so we can reach out. Stay Connected with Menlo Church Kids (Preschool–Grade 5): https://menlo.church/kids Students (Grade 6–12): https://menlo.church/students Explore All Ministries: https://www.menlo.church/ministries Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: @menlo.church Facebook: Menlo Church Website: http://www.menlo.church Musicbed Sync ID: (MB014RCECFXJCWL) Musicbed Sync ID: (MB01EKBUICB4NLC)

The bleeding woman reaches for Jesus with no words, no plan—just pain. And Jesus stops everything for her. This message speaks to those who are suffering silently, unsure if God notices. Text Our Team (650) 600-0402 | Connect With Us

Welcome to the start of a brand-new series at Menlo Church! This week, Matt Summers and Phil EuBank kick things off by leaning into the tension, the doubt, and the honest curiosity that many of us carry. In a world that often demands certainty, we’re starting a conversation titled "God, If You’re Real." This episode focuses on a core value at Menlo: Giving people permission to ask questions. Whether you’ve been a follower of Jesus for decades or you aren’t even sure if God exists, this series is a safe space to bring your "what-ifs" and "how-comes." Join ALPHA: https://www.menlo.church/alpha 📍 In This Episode: Permission to Doubt: Matt and Phil discuss why "I don't know" is a valid spiritual answer and why the church should be the first place people go with their hard questions. The Strength of a Challenged Faith: We dive into the idea that a faith that isn't allowed to be questioned is a faith that cannot grow. Why challenging our own beliefs actually leads to a deeper, more resilient trust in God. Wrestling with the Divine: A look at how some of the most influential figures in the Bible (like Thomas and David) built their relationship with God through honest, raw questioning. Safe Space vs. Echo Chamber: How Menlo strives to be a community where intellectual honesty and spiritual growth go hand-in-hand. 💬 Discussion Question: What is a "God, if You're real..." question you've been afraid to ask? How would it change your faith to know that God isn't intimidated by your curiosity? Next Steps Looking to take your faith journey deeper? Here are some great next steps: Need Prayer or Have Questions? Text us at (650) 600-0402. Download this week’s sermon study guide:  Support Hope for Everyone Thank you for your generosity! Support Menlo Church’s mission to reach 3% of the Bay Area with the message of hope in Jesus. Learn more or give at: http://www.menlo.church/hope. Listen to Menlo Midweek Podcast Want a behind-the-scenes look at this week’s sermon? Tune into our Menlo Midweek Podcast where we break down the sermon, themes, and other personal insights not covered on Sunday. Listen at: http://menlo.church/podcasts. Get Connected We’d love to connect with you and help you get plugged into Menlo Church. Visit http://menlo.church/connect and fill out a quick form so we can reach out. Stay Connected with Menlo Church Kids (Preschool–Grade 5): https://menlo.church/kids Students (Grade 6–12): https://menlo.church/students Explore All Ministries: https://www.menlo.church/ministries Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: @menlo.church Facebook: Menlo Church Website: http://www.menlo.church Musicbed Sync ID: (MB014RCECFXJCWL) Musicbed Sync ID: (MB01EKBUICB4NLC)

Thomas is remembered for his doubt, but maybe he should be remembered for his honesty. Jesus doesn’t scold him—He shows up. This message affirms that doubt is not the enemy of faith. It’s often the doorway to deeper trust. Text Us (650) 600-0402 | Connect with us

Happy Easter! In this climactic episode of our "I AM" series, we gather to celebrate the most life-changing news in history. But we aren’t just looking at an empty tomb; we’re looking at the God who meets us in the shadows of grief and confusion. Hosts Matt and Phil dive into John 20:1-18, focusing on a moment so personal it changes everything: the moment the resurrected Jesus stands in the garden with Mary Magdalene. 📍 In This Episode: The Darkness of the Morning: We explore why Mary was at the tomb while it was still dark—both physically and emotionally—and why we often miss God when we’re blinded by our own pain. The Turning Point: Why didn't Mary recognize Jesus? We discuss the tension between her expectations and the reality of the Resurrection. "Mary": The core principle of our Easter message. Jesus didn't come back just to prove a point, fulfill a prophecy, or win an argument. He came back to say your name. Personal Resurrection: What it means for us today that the Creator of the universe knows us intimately and calls us out of our "dark" seasons by name. 💬 Discussion Question: Mary was looking for a body, but she found a Savior. In what area of your life are you looking for a "solution," but perhaps Jesus is trying to offer you His presence and a personal call instead? Next Steps Looking to take your faith journey deeper? Here are some great next steps: Need Prayer or Have Questions? Text us at (650) 600-0402. Download this week’s sermon study guide:  Support Hope for Everyone Thank you for your generosity! Support Menlo Church’s mission to reach 3% of the Bay Area with the message of hope in Jesus. Learn more or give at: http://www.menlo.church/hope. Listen to Menlo Midweek Podcast Want a behind-the-scenes look at this week’s sermon? Tune into our Menlo Midweek Podcast where we break down the sermon, themes, and other personal insights not covered on Sunday. Listen at: http://menlo.church/podcasts. Get Connected We’d love to connect with you and help you get plugged into Menlo Church. Visit http://menlo.church/connect and fill out a quick form so we can reach out. Stay Connected with Menlo Church Kids (Preschool–Grade 5): https://menlo.church/kids Students (Grade 6–12): https://menlo.church/students Explore All Ministries: https://www.menlo.church/ministries Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: @menlo.church Facebook: Menlo Church Website: http://www.menlo.church Musicbed Sync ID: (MB014RCECFXJCWL) Musicbed Sync ID: (MB01EKBUICB4NLC)

The women come to the tomb expecting closure. Instead, they meet the risen Christ—alive, personal, and present. The darkest place in history becomes the dawn of eternal nearness. God is not distant. He is risen, and He is here. Text Us (650) 600-0402 | Connect With Us

Welcome to a powerful and timely episode of the Menlo Midweek Podcast. This week, host Matt Summers is joined by special guest Vince Vitale to unpack a message that hits home for anyone feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders. As we continue our "I AM" series, we travel to the Garden of Gethsemane. It’s here we see the ultimate contrast between the crushing weight of human expectation and the sustaining presence of God. 📍 In This Episode: The Atlas Complex: We discuss the myth of the Greek god Atlas, sentenced to carry the celestial heavens for eternity. Why do so many of us—especially in our careers—feel like we are living out this myth today? Gethsemane vs. The World: A deep dive into the "Garden of Pressing." We explore how Jesus faced a weight no human could bear, so that we wouldn't have to carry ours alone. The Career Burden: Matt and Vince discuss the unique pressures of the modern workplace. How do we stop "performing" for our worth and start resting in our identity? Strength in Surrender: Moving from "I have to handle this" to "He is with me in this." Next Steps Looking to take your faith journey deeper? Here are some great next steps: Need Prayer or Have Questions? Text us at (650) 600-0402. Download this week’s sermon study guide:  Support Hope for Everyone Thank you for your generosity! Support Menlo Church’s mission to reach 3% of the Bay Area with the message of hope in Jesus. Learn more or give at: http://www.menlo.church/hope. Listen to Menlo Midweek Podcast Want a behind-the-scenes look at this week’s sermon? Tune into our Menlo Midweek Podcast where we break down the sermon, themes, and other personal insights not covered on Sunday. Listen at: http://menlo.church/podcasts. Get Connected We’d love to connect with you and help you get plugged into Menlo Church. Visit http://menlo.church/connect and fill out a quick form so we can reach out. Stay Connected with Menlo Church Kids (Preschool–Grade 5): https://menlo.church/kids Students (Grade 6–12): https://menlo.church/students Explore All Ministries: https://www.menlo.church/ministries Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: @menlo.church Facebook: Menlo Church Website: http://www.menlo.church Musicbed Sync ID: (MB014RCECFXJCWL) Musicbed Sync ID: (MB01EKBUICB4NLC)