VCLA Podcast

40 Days | A Lenten Companion | EP.1

Welcome to the first week of our Season of Stillness.
As we journey through Lent and move toward Easter, this weekly 10-minute guided prayer is an invitation to slow down, quiet your heart, and make space for the presence of God. In each episode, we’ll pause, reflect on Scripture, and practice listening prayer together.
Whether you’re starting your day, taking a midday break, or winding down in the evening, find a quiet place, take a deep breath, and let this be a moment to rest with the Lord.
We invite you to join us each week as we pause, reflect, and meditate on God’s Word together.

Why Your Faith Isn't Working | Peaks & Valleys EP.2 | Josh Shaw

"Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" Have you ever felt like you were coming down from a "mountain top" experience only to be met with the immediate chaos of real life? Maybe you’ve tried to fix your marriage, your finances, or your health in your own strength, only to find yourself exhausted and burnt out.
In this powerful continuation of our series on the journey of the disciples, we dive into Mark 9. While Jesus was being transfigured in glory on the mountain, the other nine disciples were at base camp failing miserably to help a desperate father and his son.
If you are operating on empty and need Jesus to do what you know you cannot do, this message is for you. It’s time to stop trying and start praying.
Repent of self-reliance. Re-center on His authority. Everything is possible for the one who believes.

Made For Another World: Why Your Soul Is Never Satisfied | Peaks & Valleys EP.1 | Josh Shaw

Are you constantly searching for "more"? Whether it's the endless scroll on Instagram, the next career promotion, or the Friday night Netflix binge, we all feel an "itch" that this world just can't seem to scratch. In this powerful message, Pastor Josh dives into Matthew 17 to explore the story of the Transfiguration.
Discover why C.S. Lewis believed our unsatisfied desires are the greatest proof that we were made for a different world. Learn how Peter, James, and John’s mountain-top experience reveals that Jesus is not just a miracle worker or a teacher, but the preeminent Son of God who meets us in our fear and whispers, "Do not be afraid".
If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or spiritually hungry, this sermon is an invitation to look up and see "only Jesus"

Stop Looking for A Shortcut | Staying Grounded EP.4 | Josh Shaw

Does it feel like your world is collapsing? In this powerful message, we dive deep into Habakkuk Chapter 3 to discover that trusting God isn't a "quick fix"—it's a process. Whether you are facing financial strain, a broken marriage, or physical anxiety that makes your "bones tremble," there is a way to move from fear to faith.
Pastor Josh shares a relatable (and hilarious) story about a Nintendo Switch 2 and the trap of looking for shortcuts, reminding us that "slow and steady" trust is what actually wins the race. Learn how to trade your anxiety for "deer’s feet" and find the strength to tread on the heights, even when the mountain hasn't moved yet.
In this podcast, you will learn:
- Why "shortcuts" in your spiritual life often lead to dead ends.
- How to handle a nervous system that feels like it’s "decaying" from stress.
- The 4 "R" steps to rebuilding trust when God seems silent.
- An imaginative prayer exercise to see Jesus standing with you at your insurmountable mountain.

Stop Chasing "More": Why Your Success is Leaving You Empty | Staying Grounded EP.3 | Josh Shaw

Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or constantly craving "more" despite having everything you need? In this convicting and powerful message, we dive into Habakkuk 2 to uncover the three primary idols that dominate modern culture: Security, Escape, and Control.
The human heart is an "idol factory," as John Calvin once said. We often take good or neutral things and turn them into gods, demanding they provide the favor and safety that only the Lord can give. Whether it’s the pursuit of financial stability, the numbing cycle of digital escapism, or the attempt to manifest our own reality, these false gods eventually "bite" back, leaving us with shame instead of glory.
Join us as we learn why the only solution to our restless striving is to behold the preeminence of God and find silence in His holy temple. It's time to throw the idols off the throne and return to the one true King.

When God Says Wait: Finding Peace in the Gap of Uncertainty | Staying Grounded EP.2 | Josh Shaw

Are you feeling overwhelmed, hurried, or anxious about the future? In this week's message, we continue our journey through the prophetic book of Habakkuk, focusing on the powerful lessons found in Chapter 2.
Most of us react to uncertainty by trying to grab control, seeking comfort in our own strength. But Habakkuk shows us a different way: The Watchtower. Instead of losing his mind in the chaos, Habakkuk stations himself to observe, listen, and actively wait for a revelation from God.
If you are in a season where the revelation feels like it’s lingering, remember: It will certainly come; it will not delay. Watch and be encouraged to slow down and trust the faithfulness of Jesus.

When God’s Plan Makes No Sense: Finding Trust in the Delay | Staying Grounded EP.1 | Josh Shaw

Are you walking into 2026 with high expectations, only to feel like reality is already falling apart? In this powerful message, Pastor Josh opens our brand-new series, "Staying Grounded," by diving into the small but mighty book of Habakkuk. Unlike other prophets who speak for God to the people, Habakkuk speaks for us—crying out with honesty, frustration, and even anger when it feels like God is silent or distant.
Through a hilarious (and painful!) personal story about a snowboarding trip gone wrong and a deep dive into the history of Israel in 605 BC, we learn how to navigate the "chasm" between what we wanted and what we’re currently experiencing. If you’ve ever asked, "God, where are you?" or "How long must I call for help?" this sermon is for you.

Beholding A Toddler: The Unexpected Story of the Magi | The Light Has Come EP.2 | Josh Shaw

What do you do when God gives you a sign? In this powerful Christmas message, we dive deep into Matthew 2 and the real story of the Magi. Forget the sentimental nativity scenes—the Magi were intellectual powerhouses, astronomers, and "outsiders" who traveled for two years across a dangerous desert just to worship a toddler.
Whether you are a lifelong follower of Jesus or someone still "working through the God thing," this sermon challenges us to look for our own "star moments." God is already moving in your life—the question is: Are you willing to get up and follow the evidence?
Have you ever had a "Star Moment" where you felt God’s presence?

YOUR LIFE Will Change: The Simple YES That Altered History | The Light Has Come EP.1 | Josh Shaw

Pastor Josh takes us through the Gospel accounts in Luke 1 and Matthew 1, revealing how the willing "Yes" of two teenagers laid the foundation for the entire Christian faith. Learn why the historical and theological necessity of the Immaculate Conception is central to the Gospel, and how their faith—in the face of confusion, social ostracization, and mystery—serves as a powerful invitation for us today.
The world needs our "Yes." Find out what God is asking you to do right now and what it means to truly trust in His plan, even in the "gray in the in between."

How to Change a Broken World | When In Romans EP.13 | Josh Shaw

Are you tired of feeling like you have to argue people into the Kingdom of God? Do you want to see your workplace, your city, and your family transformed, but don't know where to start?
In this final message of our Romans series, we dive into Chapter 15 to uncover the Apostle Paul’s personal "secret sauce" for ministry. Paul didn't just tell the Romans what to do; he showed them how to live. We move from "Do as I say" to "Do as I do."
Join us as we explore the four missional pillars that allowed Paul to shake the foundations of the Roman Empire. We are discussing why humility trumps arrogance, why we must stop building on other people's foundations, and why the Gospel is incomplete without the power of signs and wonders.
If you are ready to stop playing it safe and start living with audacious faith, this message is for you.