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Where is God When Things Don’t Get Better?
This week on Wellness Wednesday, we explored a difficult but important reality: What do we do when things don’t get better? So many people in our digital community are struggling—whether with mental health, relationships, unanswered prayers, or just the weight of life—and they’re looking for real answers. My mission with Wellness Wednesday is to…
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The Role of Prayer in Content Creation: Passion & Pivotal Moments (Series Introduction)
What Do You Do Before Creating Content? Imagine you’re getting ready to start a big creator project – new video, art portfolio, new podcast concept, stream-a-thon. You’ve got your equipment set up, software open, references lined up, and a carefully curated playlist in the background to keep your energy up. You even posted on…
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XtianNinja’s Story: From Traditional Ministry to Digital Outreach (My Testimony/Biography)
In crafting this comprehensive story, I drew from a multitude of sources, including personal experiences, podcast transcripts, interviews, and testimonials. With the assistance of ChatGPT, I’ve been able to weave these elements together into a cohesive narrative. This is the story of my journey, from traditional pastoral ministry to becoming XtianNinja, a digital missionary…
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2022 XN Year in Review: From Foundation to Framework
Introduction Like many others, 2022 was a year of ups and downs for me and my ministry work. It began with the sudden death of my second-born son which led to a series of difficult months, but throughout them all, my local church and online communities were there with support and encouragement for my…
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9 Ways to Build Your Confidence
Everyone who creates has times when they struggle with motivation and confidence – sometimes so debilitating that it causes them to stop creating altogether! Whether you are a Twitch Streamer, YouTuber, Digital Artist, Musician, Cook, or any other type of creative, here are 9 practical ways to boost your confidence so you can get…
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A Very Personal Video – Why Streaming is So Important to Me
In this very personal video, Al (XtianNinja) Descheneau shares his heart, story, and reason for working so hard to bring the gospel to people who can only be reached through online ministry. You will learn why he has such a special concern for the lost, lonely, and disenfranchised on Twitch and what you can…
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The Difference Between Devotions and Bible Study
There is a huge difference in approach between your personal devotional time and doing a personal Bible study, and knowing that difference is going to change everything about how you connect with God. XtianNinja explains the difference and then gives an example of what it looks like. Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/The-Difference-Between-Devotions-and-Bible-Study-e1lak0r I Need Your Support…
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How long do you need to wait between sinning and praying?
What does it mean that we are “Free in Christ”? How free? Does that mean we can do whatever we want? Is there anything we can do to lose that freedom? How long do you have to wait between sinning and praying? Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/How-long-do-you-need-to-wait-between-sinning-and-praying-e1l57e9 I Need Your Support I’m doing this full-time and…
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Where is God Anyway?
Each day on stream we take time to go through a Verse of the Day, explain its meaning, and find an application. This verse is a very encouraging one on the surface, but what does it mean, really? Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/Where-is-God-Anyway–And-What-Does-it-Mean-that-God-is-With-You-e1kikto I Need Your Support I’m doing this full-time and the only way I…
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What Makes Jesus Special?
What does it mean that Jesus had the “fullness of God” and why is that such a big deal to Christians? What does it mean that Jesus is Preeminent? Join in as XtianNinja (Pastor Al) talks through Colossians 1:15-20 and answers those questions. Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/Jesus-is-e1kc64k I Need Your Support I’m doing this full-time…
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Christians: God Is NOT ANGRY at you when you sin!
Sometimes God has the reputation of being angry all the time – and a lot of people who grew up in the church were told that when they do something wrong God is disappointed and will come down on them hard if they don’t behave. Is that true? Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/Christians-God-Is-NOT-ANGRY-at-you-when-you-sin-e1jogau I Need Your…
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When God Asks the Impossible
Sometimes life throws stuff at us that we just can’t handle. Illness, relationship issues, responsibilities, big needs, cause all of us to shrink back and ask ourselves, “Why would God bring this into my life?”. There are a lot of people who have faced the same situation. What are we to do? Podcast Version:…
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But What if They’re a Really Good Person?
If you’ve ever asked, “Do good people go to heaven?”, give this a watch: XtianNinja talks through the thought process we see in Romans 1-3 and explains why understanding it is critical to understanding what Christians call “salvation”. Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/But-What-if-Theyre-a-Really-Good-Person-e1iplfr I split my YouTube channels, so if you’re looking for the fun and…
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Can Anyone Ever Actually Feel “Peace” in this Troubled World?
Everyone in the world wants “peace” – but when we try to make it ourselves it doesn’t seem to work very well or last very long. How does the peace that Jesus promises us in the Bible differ from the peace we keep trying to make for ourselves? Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/Can-Anyone-Ever-Actually-Feel-Peace-in-this-Troubled-World-e1ikg2v I split my…
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You Shouldn’t Trust Yourself Most of the Time (Daily Devo)
Most of the time we believe the thoughts that bounce around our heads, thinking that our beliefs, opinions, perspectives, and ideas are right and best. Mature people know that’s not true and have realized that we really can’t trust our own hearts and minds. Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/You-Shouldnt-Trust-Yourself-Most-of-the-Time-e1ihgn8 I split my YouTube channels, so if…
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You’ve Probably Already Met Jesus – What Did You Do?
Jesus said that if you’ve met poor, sick, imprisoned, or hungry people, then “as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (Matt 25:40) and how you reacted to those people shows a lot about your heart and your faith. Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/Youve-Probably-Already-Met-Jesus—What-Did-You-Do—–It-Matters-more-Than-You-Think-e1hngbo I Need…
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“I HATE Easter and I love Christians” Tweet is Ridiculous! Twitch Pastor Reacts
Jo Luehmann tweeted out a pretty intense message declaring her love of Christians, but hatred for the Christian gospel. It just so happened that Logos’ Verse of the Day hit this topic perfectly. So, let’s talk about that through the lens of 1 Corinthians 15:19-20. Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/I-HATE-Easter-and-I-love-Christians-Tweet-is-Ridiculous–Twitch-Pastor-Reacts-e1hgbeu I Need Your Support I’m doing…
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Does Everything Really “Work Out For the Good”?
Christians often quote Romans 8:28 (“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” to each other as a way to bring encouragement to someone going through a tough time. So, why then does it come as such cold…
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When Jesus Was Attacked by an Angry Mob! (Passion Week: Tuesday)
The leading men of Jerusalem took turns attacking, arguing, and trying to discredit Jesus, in hopes He would fall for their trap so they could accuse and kill Him. It didn’t work. Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/Jesus-Faces-an-Angry-Mob–Passion-Week-Tuesday-e1h6t0e I Need Your Support I’m doing this full-time and the only way I can keep it up is through…
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Cursing Figs & Flipping Tables: Passion Week Monday
What do a dead fig tree and overturned tables have to do with worship? And what does it mean for us today? Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/Cursing-Figs–Flipping-Tables-Passion-Week-Monday-e1h3psl I’m doing this full-time and the only way I can keep it up is through support from folks like you – so please consider supporting me on Patreon. There…
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Do you have something that, if broken, would destroy a relationship?
What do you have in your life right now, that if someone broke it, took it, insulted or devalued it, you would cut off that relationship? What habit, tradition, or affiliation do you have that actually causes you to pull away from or even harm people? Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/Do-you-have-something-that–if-broken–would-destroy-a-relationship-e1ga24s Bringing God’s love to the…
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What REAL Prayer Looks Like
New Video: Sometimes talking to God feels like a shopping list, complaint form, or even a 911 call – but does prayer mean something more? Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/What-REAL-Prayer-Looks-Like-e1g75e9 I’m doing this full-time and the only way I can keep it up is through support from folks like you – so please consider supporting me…
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Is God Too Busy to Care About You?
We often hear that “God has better things to do” than help unimportant people like us – that He might be at work in the world, but only on the really big stuff. Is that true? Are you a priority to God or not? Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/Is-God-Too-Busy-to-Care-About-You-e1fji1s **When God called me to this new…
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Why Someone Like You Matters to God
If God is so good and perfect, why would He care for messed up, violent, sinful people like us? What motivates Him to talk to us or to care for us? The answer might surprise you! Podcast Version: https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/Why-Someone-Like-You-Matters-to-God-e1fcv8i If you’d like to help me stay full-time please consider supporting me on Patreon. Every…
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Use This Test To See How You *Really* Feel About God! (and Discover How He Feels About You Too)
Reading Psalm 139 is like taking a Rorschach test. How you react tells you a lot about yourself, your worldview, and your perspective on God. Are you willing to take the test? I really enjoy sharing these daily devotions during my live streams! If you’d like to help me stay full-time please consider becoming…
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When an Agnostic Muslim Asked: “Where Do You Think I’ll Go When I Die”, I Said This…
New Video: An agnostic person, raised Muslim, came into my chat during a live stream and asked “Where do you think I’ll go when I die?”. This was my answer. Hopefully, it helps. This is exactly the kind of moment I hope for as a full-time streamer! If you’d like to help me stay…
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How To Replenish and Protect Your Soul When You Feel Spiritually Dry, Attacked, or Hopeless
New Video: How do you replenish and protect your soul when you’re in a spiritual “dry season” where God feels distant, the Enemy is winning battles, and/or you are struggling to grow in faith and hope? This video might help. I’ve been working really hard to make good and helpful videos lately, so if…
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Watch This When You Feel Angry
New Video: A lot of people have been hurt by someone whose anger is out of control. How can we deal with that anger? Is it ever ok to be angry? Where can we turn for help? This video might help.
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What Does Jesus Mean When He Says “I Am The Bread of Life?”
New YouTube video to watch when you feel like life is unfair and God isn’t giving you what you need. If God is good and all-powerful, then why doesn’t He just give us what we want? Why does life feel so unfair sometimes – even for people who believe in God? Here’s a new…
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I Forgot To Tell You About So Many YouTube Videos!
I’ve been working so hard on making new and better content lately that I’ve been completely forgetting to post all of my videos to my blog! I’m so sorry to all of the subscribers who have been missing out on my latest videos and I will try to do better. Here’s a list of…
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Why Does It Seem Like God Leaves People in Agony? – Psalm 22 – Daily Devo
As Jesus hung on the cross He cried out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Does God do that? Does he leave people during their worst times? What did Jesus mean? Every day on my Twitch channel’s we start the stream with a devotional from Logos’ Verse of the Day. It’s…
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Where to Turn When Everything is Going Against You – Daily Devo – Psalm 119:114
Where can you turn when everything seems to be going against you? Where can you hide when you need peace and security? How do you recover when you’ve been lied to and hurt? Your Hiding Place and Shield. Every day on my Twitch channel’s we start the stream with a devotional from Logos’ Verse…
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Not the Bee FULL Interview! + Big Changes Coming to XtianNinja OM
In this week’s episode, I’m excited to share some amazing things happening with XtianNinja Online Missions and then something a little different – a talk-show interview I did when I was a guest on the Not the Bee Unofficial Podcast, where I share about – well – a little of everything (including my hatred…
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Don’t Mess With Kids (Abortion, Parenting and Ministering to Children)
Jesus didn’t see these kids as less important than the adults around them. He didn’t see them as less significant than the leaders, parents or disciples. No, He saw them as exactly the kind of people that He had come to be with. Podcast Link:https://anchor.fm/xtianninja/episodes/Dont-Mess-with-Kids-Abortion–Parenting-and-Ministering-to-Children-e16j6l9/a-a6e86nh Script: Hello and welcome to the podcast, I’m super…
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Christians are All Hypocrites!
Why do people have such a strong reaction to words like “Christian”, “Church”, and “Jesus”? Are they justified? What have believers done to cause such intense feelings and what can we do about it? This message is from my Twitch channel’s Devos & Chill series where, on Thursdays, I give a short message before…
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Ripples: What If Your Worst Day was the Best Way to Change the World For the Better?
Is it possible that the misery you have been through – or are going through – is exactly the secret sauce that God is using to inspire others and make positive changes that you could never do yourself? Would it make it easier to face if you knew that your pain was necessary to…
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What *Really* Happens When Someone Becomes a Christian
Christians have been talking about what happens when you give your life to Jesus for a long time, but what do they really mean? What does “conversion” really look like? What really changes when you become a “believer”? This message is from my Twitch channel’s Devos & Chill series where, on Thursdays, I give…
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Why Are So Many Christians Such JERKS?!
If Christians are supposed to be loving, kind, and compassionate – why do so many have a reputation for being terrible people? Here are some reasons why, where it comes from, and how to fix it. This message is from my Twitch channel’s Devos & Chill series where, on Thursdays, I give a short…
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What Does The Healing of the Man at the Pool Tell Us About Jesus? (Gospel of John Series)
Please open up to John 5:1-18 and let’s read it together: “After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame,…
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We are ALL the Woman at the Well (Gospel of John Series)
Please open up to John 4, the story of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman, and let’s read it together: “Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), he left Judea and departed again…
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Who Should Christians Love? (Jesus & The Samaritan Woman – Gospel of John Series)
**Sorry, no video or audio this week!** Please open up to John 4, the story of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman. We start where we left off last week: Jews and Samaritans “Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus himself…
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The Persistent Love of God (A Mother’s Day Sermon)
Podcast Audio: “Before I was a Mom” By Suzana Haertzen Before I was a Mom…I made and ate hot meals. I had unstained clothing. I had quiet conversations on the phone. Before I was a Mom… I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into…
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Fear, Worry & The God Who Raises the Dead
Service Video: Podcast Audio: Please open up to 2 Corinthians 1:3-10 and let’s read it together. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who…
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EPIC: The Story of God & Humanity
It’s been sort of my tradition to take time on Palm Sunday to tell the story of the history of the world, the story of salvation, from beginning to end, because I think it’s important – maybe especially during times like these – that we remember that the moment we are living…
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It’s Not Your Church (Gospel of John Series)
Please open to John 2:13–17 and let’s read it together. But before we do, a little context. Remember where we are in the Gospel of John. I told you last time that the Wedding in Cana was on the third day, but commentators are actually divided about whether the days in John are…
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What Do You Seek? (Gospel of John Series)
“The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, ‘What are you seeking?’ And…
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A Firm Foundation for the New Year
There seems to be a feeling of flux right now in the world. I’m sure you’ve felt it. A feeling of instability in our hearts, community, country, and world. There are people going through relationship transitions as the dynamics of their marriage, friendships, partnerships and workplace change around them. Some are facing personal transitions…
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The Importance of Knowing Who You Are and Why You’re Here (The Gospel of John Series)
Please open up to John 1:19-34. But before we get into the reading, just a quick reminder about the context. The Apostle John is writing his gospel to introduce his readers to who Jesus really is. The rest of the gospels had already been written and circulated for about 30 years by the…
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When Jesus God Speaks (Gospel of John Series)
I think it’s appropriate that we start off the Christmas season with the very beginning of the Gospel of John today. We’ve been working on “context and structure” for about a month now and I feel like we could keep talking about it for another few weeks. The structure of John is absolutely fascinating!…
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The Thread of Light (Gospel of John Series)
John’s Purpose A few weeks ago I told you that the gospel of John is all about explaining who Jesus really is. If you recall, I said that by the time the Gospel of John was written, the gospels and letters of the New Testament had already been written and been circulating individually for…