VCLA Podcast

When You Feel Unseen | The Art of Being Unordinary EP.2 | Joel Moses

Are you tired of feeling like you have to perform to be noticed? In this week’s message, Pastor Joel explores the second temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4. We often find ourselves in "spectacle mode"—trying to force God’s hand, demanding proof of His love, or taking shortcuts to avoid suffering. Using the hilarious yet poignant example of his dog Gibson, Joel illustrates how our anxiety leads us to "freak out" when we feel ignored by God. But Jesus models a different way: the Hidden Life. Learn why the "way of the cross" is better than the "way of the spotlight" and how you can find true security in being known by your Father in secret.

40 Days | A Lenten Companion | EP.2

Welcome back to our second 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 Identity Is Under Attack | The Art of Being Unordinary EP.1 | Josh Shaw

Are you feeling alone, exhausted, or questioning your purpose? You might be in a "wilderness season." In this powerful opening to our Lent series, Pastor Josh explores the profound connection between our spiritual highs and the refining fires that often follow.
Drawing from Matthew 3 and 4, we dive deep into the temptation of Jesus. We often think Satan’s first attack was about food, but it was actually a strategic strike against identity. Learn why the enemy wants you to question if you are truly loved by God and how to fight back using the only thing that truly satisfies: the living Word of God.
If you’ve been trying to "turn rocks into bread" by overworking, obsessing over your image, or striving for human approval, this message is for you. It’s time to stop grabbing at perishing stones and start feasting on the lavish, redeeming love of the Father.

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.