The 44

Send us a textIn this episode we explore the profound impact Christians can have as carriers of the gospel drawing from 2 Corinthians 4:7, 1 Thessalonians 1:5, and 1 Thessalonians 2:8. Using the metaphor of an electrical receptacle, the episode illustrates how believers, like ordinary outlets, channel the transformative power of the gospel despite their imperfections.

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on 1 Thessalonians 1:3 to explore three transformative virtues: the work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope. Drawing from the Thessalonians church's example, the episode unpacks how faith produces action, love demands effort and hope endures through a burning desire for heaven.

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on the thrill of a walk off home run through the story of a fan who collects photos of these iconic moments, focusing on the player rounding third as teammates and coaches await at home plate Using scriptures like Hebrews 12:1-2 and Matthew 25:23, we draw parallels to our faith journey and our running of the bases of life, showing how life is a race toward eternal victory in Christ. Pull a seat up to the table as we eat on running with purpose, considering who is in our dugout and anticipating the ultimate celebration in heaven.

Send us a textIn this episode we reflect on what has become of us in regards to the Lord's Day. Has it become a day of less and less devotion? Has it become a day that is choked out because of a schedule to keep or the culture that surrounds us? If so, how do we get it back? Let's eat! 

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on matters of the conscience. What is it? How do I keep it "good"? And how do I actively listen to it better than I do?

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on a few examples in scripture that challenge us to consider the idea of our body language or posture during prayer, praise and worship. Let's Eat!

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on the story of the man who was healed at the pool of Bethesda in John 5:1-17, where this man waited for 38 years for a miracle that never came. That is until Jesus arrived. Through this story and other scriptures, we uncover the trap of pinning our hope on external fixes and discover how God's grace invites us to find wholeness and completeness right where we are. Your 44 is to take action now on letting go of our own "pools" and stepping into His mercy and grace that He so abundantly provides.

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on the importance of taking care of the ball. Here recently in the sweet 16 matchup between the Florida Gators and the Maryland Terrapins, the Gators went into the half in quite the predicament after turning the ball over 13 times. It was sloppy, uncharacteristic of them and had it continued they most surely would have lost the game. And so it is in life sometimes where we become careless and mindless about what we've been entrusted with the take great care over.- What is that thing in your life that you have fumbled or become carless with? - Have you forgotten to love what is precious? - If so, how can I hold it tighter…not with a clenched up fist or a shovel in hand ready to dig a hole and bury it (Matt. 25) but with open hands and open arms lifted up to the ONE who gave it to me in the first place?

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on the word Amen. We look into the history of the word and how it was used, how it is used, and ultimately how in Revelation 3:14, a reference is made to a name of Jesus that is THE AMEN. In this episode we shine some light on what that name tells us about Jesus? And then what does it mean for us?

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on these blue zones that have been researched and studied in our world today. These blue zones are places on this earth where there exist "centenarians" which are people who have lived longer than 100 years. What has been found through decades of research on these centenarians and their habits, diet, exercise and sleep patters is that the real difference in them and most others is not necessarily what they do but WHO they do it with. In this episode, we look into how God not only says "it is NOT GOOD for man to be alone..." but the dangers that exist in loneliness and isolation. The book of Ecclesiastes seems to have a solution to all of this in 4:9-11. In essence, you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, GO TOGETHER.

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on the song "Day's of Elijah" and try to better understand what it is we are singing when we sing this song. - "These are the days of Elijah, declaring the word of the Lord."- "These are the days of your servant Moses, righteousness being restored."- "These are the days of your servant David, rebuilding a temple of praise."- "These are the days of Ezekiel, the dry bones becoming as flesh."

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on what it is that can corrupt us away from all that Jesus is, and all He wants us to be as followers of His. Sometimes, we can find ourselves in the dangerous position of learning and reading and growing in knowledge to a point where we major in the minors and miss Him and the simplicity of the gospel altogether. What's worse, is the carry over effect of that into how we treat people and how we view them.

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on a man named Demetrius who is mentioned one time, in one verse and in one of the shortest books in all of the bible. He is a man of great reputation who many people as well as the truth are able to testify to. Let's eat on this man and see how and why we should be the kind of people that work towards a "good name".

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on the life of Solomon and how his heart turned away from God. What seems to start with one EXCEPTION turns into a life of complete indulgence of the very thing God said not to do and would lead his heart away from the One it belonged to. The result? Heart burn.

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on the story of Leah from Genesis 29 who went looking for Jacob to complete her. However, in her story, what we find is that she finally figures out that there is only ONE (That is GOD) who can complete her and give her "happily ever after."

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on a part of the Psalm of David (Psalm 139) where it reads that David said "For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well." The question in this episode is, do you know that very well? Or is it this case that I am constantly comparing myself to him and to her and to them? When we do that, we miss out on the LIFE that God has called us to and the purpose through which He fearfully and wonderfully created us.

Send us a textIn this episode we continue our discussion from last week's episode titled "The Moral of the Story" and look at David and the Prodigal Son as examples of what to do when we've traveled the wrong road and are living in the story that God has not called us to. With both stories, what we find is there is a 20 inch road that He provides to find the mercy, grace, forgiveness and love that we need to leave that story for HIS.

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on the very simple words of wisdom and advice that says "When you find yourself in the wrong story...LEAVE." Up and down the scriptures we find examples of one's that did this well. We also find examples of some that found themselves in the wrong story and stayed. Which will you choose when you find yourself in the wrong story? Will you stay? Or will you leave? 

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on the importance of taking ALL of our Lord Jesus who the Hebrew writer says is the "same yesterday, today and forever."

Send us a textIn this episode we go back again to the research and studies done on bible reading. See below for the Scientific Evidence for the Power of 4, which is the moral changes that come about through engaging in God's word four days a week. But what if even before we get to actually reading we try to understand what it REALLY is that keeps people from reading their bibles? Is it excuses? Is it laziness? What is it? And what was found through this research is that what keeps people from reading their bibles is either...A. They don't know how or where to start.B. When they do read they don't understand. In this episode we look at two ways to go to war against these two very real things that keep us from tapping into the Power of Four. https://bttbfiles.com/web/docs/cbe/Scientific_Evidence_for_the_Power_of_4.pdf

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on the Power of FOUR which is the scientific backing that reading and engaging with God's word just four days a week has the power to change your life for the better. The encouragement in this episode is to be PEOPLE OF THE BOOK but in order to do that, we've got to open it and read it. Center for Bible Engagement - Power of Four Researchhttps://www.centerforbibleengagement.org/post/bible-engagement-a-key-to-spiritual-growthCentral Church of Christ Facebook page - @ocalacentralCentral Church of Christ Instagram page - @ocalacentralExcel Still More Daily Bible Devotional  https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19o3VCvqN8/

Send us a textIn this episode we continue our discussion on the Rhythm of Creation. In this episode we look at the life of Jesus and how he was able to find rest and refreshing while living a life of go, go, go.

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on the REST that was coded into our DNA at creation. It is the norm these days to go, go, go and hurry, hurry, hurry. In fact, not only is it the norm but we boast about our schedule to keep and how hard we work! But, when is the last time you considered how important it is to REST? If it was important enough for God to REST after 6 days, then shouldn't it be that we do the same?

Send us a textIn today's episode we eat on this word YIELD, which means to slow down, concede the right of way, and to give up the advantage. We know what this word means when we are out on the road, but how are we doing with this word when it comes to life? In today's 44, we look to the life of Jesus and how He was "Master Yielder" in the way we Yielded to God and Yielded to People.

Send us a textIn today's episode is a call to action to meditate on the "Wonderful works of God and to let your soul know it VERY well." When is the last time you have been in awe of God's creation? If it's been a while, let that time be right now. Let it be today. And let your soul know it very well what a great God we serve!

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on Psalm 81:10-16 while prioritizing the idea behind vs. 10 which reads this way, "I, the Lord, am your God, Who brought you up from the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide and I will fill it." Oftentimes we can get to a point where our trust and our dependence upon God falls by the wayside. What a beautiful reminder in Psalm 81 that our lives should be lived OPEN to all He longs to do for us and through us. Most especially when it seems impossible (vs. 16).

Send us a textIn light of Thanksgiving, today we eat on what it means to give an appropriate response of THANKS to any and all blessings we receive from the hand of God. In this episode we eat on the story of Hezekiah from 2 Chronicles and also the 10 lepers from Luke 17.

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on what is in a name as it relates to the church (universal and local) as well as it relates to us as individual parts that make up the body. Does the bible speak to what we should call the church? Does the bible tell us what we should call ourselves? Let's eat!

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on "church shopping" and all the many things that people are looking for or shopping for when they are trying to find a church. Typically, people are shopping in such a way that they are trying to find a church that fits their desires and their preferences. But what if instead of shopping for the church of OUR choice we sought after the Church of God's choice? Would He be able to show us what we should be looking for in a church? God knows us better than anyone and our Lord knows the church better than anyone! So if we go to Him for some instruction on where to look and what to look for in the church that He built, He died for and will one day save, what would we be able to find? Let's eat!

Send us a textEcclesiastes 10:1 - "Dead flies make a perfumer's oil stink, so a little foolishness is weightier than wisdom and honor." In this episode we eat on what Solomon meant by this as well as what our response needs to be when we open the lid of our life to a "little foolishness".

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on the Principle of Duplication which is the idea of multiplying or duplicating ONE (YOU a Christian) into other ONE's…and doing it over and over and over again throughout your life. We take note of the life of Paul and the great lengths to which he went in his life and his encouragement to others to imitate Christ and duplicate.

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on Psalm 23...     1  The Lord is my shepherd,         I shall not want.     2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;        He leads me beside quiet waters.     3 He restores my soul;        He guides me in the paths of righteousness        For His name's sake.     4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,        I fear no evil, for You are with me;       Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.     5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;        You have anointed my head with oil;        My cup overflows.     6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,        And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.Is the Lord YOUR Shepherd? Or are you chasing the very ones that are empty and meaningless and don't lead to all the places God is able to lead you?

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on one of the most valuable aspects of the persona of Jesus and what we can learn from those moments where just like Him, what we see around us is frenzy and chaos. How did He handle those moments? What did He do? By looking at several of these examples in the gospel accounts, we see Jesus COOL, CALM and COLLECTED.

Send us a textWith Hurricane Milton setting it's sights on Florida, I'd like to read/pray a beautiful prayer that was shared with me that gives such great perspective to these anxious moments before the storm.

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on some things that we need as reminders when disaster strikes. Last week, Hurricane Helene devastated the SE. Disasters such as these can bring to life man questions like, why did this happen? Or maybe why didn't God stop this? And while those questions are natural for us, what we really need to remember is that...1.) This is temporary. Keep your eyes set on eternity. 2.) For those of us that have been spared, allow the compassion you feel for those going through the aftermath of the disaster to move your feet in doing good for those who need it the most.

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on Jesus life and His example to us about living our own lives "off-script". Because we are such a schedule oriented people, sometimes we lose sight of just how often Jesus was interrupted and what we see in his example is that He was always open to those interruptions. What's even more interesting is how some of the most extraordinary stories in the bible began with something that we would say was not originally a part of that person's plan. See Philip in Acts 8.

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on Jesus sermon on the mount from Matthew 5 and some fundamental things he says about how we should treat people and interact with them. As it was for them then, it still is for us today a challenge to treat people the way Jesus suggests here because culturally it is not the norm. And yet here it is...- Matthew 5:40 - "If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also." - Matthew 5:41 - "Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two."- Matthew 5:42 - "Give to him who asks of you and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you."

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on Jesus sermon on the mount from Matthew 5 and some fundamental things he says about how we should treat people and interact with them. As it was for them then, it still is for us today a challenge to treat people the way Jesus suggests here because culturally it is not the norm. And yet here it is...- Matthew 5:21-22 - 21 “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder' and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.' 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.- Matthew 5:38-39 - “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also."

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on LOVE. So often times we can come across these words in scripture that we have always known and are so fundamental to the Christian walk that we neglect it altogether. We overlook it. May it never be that we ever lose sight of the importance of LOVE being the center of all that we are and all that we do! Why? That is the example of Jesus!

Send us a textIn this episode we eat on 1 Timothy 4:7-8 and what it means for us to "train yourself to be godly. 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” What does your spiritual training regimen look like? How much effort do YOU put into training YOURSELF?

Send us a Text Message.In this episode we eat on some lessons from the Tennessee Walking Horse and the way they walk when they are set free from the weights and the chains. In the same way, we are set free by Christ. We are given this freedom by Him and through Him and so the question becomes "what will we do with that freedom?" Will we go back to the weights of the world? Will we go back to being slaves of sin? Or will we "stand firm in the freedom and not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1)

Send us a Text Message.In this last episode of a three part series we eat on UNITY and ONENESS one last part of being a part of the very thing that the Lord desires from us. In this episode we look at how true unity and oneness, while it is a together and a "we" kind of thing actually begins with "me".

Send us a Text Message.In this episode we eat on church culture and UNITY. In Jesus high priestly prayer from John 17 we see that it was His desire that the church be ONE. So how do we do that? What are some things we should avoid to stay unified and remain ONE? In this episode we look at two things that can very quickly lead to division....Selfish ambitions/desires and Trashing the Leadership.

Send us a Text Message.In this episode we eat on church culture and UNITY. In Jesus high priestly prayer from John 17 we see that it was His desire that the church be ONE. So how do we do that? What are some things we should avoid to stay unified and remain ONE? In this episode we look at two things that can very quickly lead to division.Cutting Corners  Whining/Complaining

Send us a Text Message.With everything that has gone on in the world around us the last few weeks it can sure feel as though we are being sucked right into the world. And yet in today's episode we look into how we can be the people that take these moments in time and use them to shine a light on Jesus! Listen and subscribe here:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xwa7L1...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode we continue to eat on what God's word says about the importance and the wisdom of controlling the tongue. We often consider our behaviors, attitudes, what we are engaged in but how often do we consider the premium God places on showing some restrain with what comes out of our mouths?Listen and subscribe here:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-44/id1633292693Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xwa7L1pmRvTBf7wZXEIQt?si=FuDe6d38QFayNWmy_5naMw

Send us a Text Message.In this episode we eat on what God's word says about the importance and the wisdom of controlling the tongue. We often consider our behaviors, attitudes, what we are engaged in but how often do we consider the premium God places on showing some restrain with what comes out of our mouths? Listen and subscribe here:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-44/id1633292693Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xwa7L1pmRvTBf7wZXEIQt?si=FuDe6d38QFayNWmy_5naMw

Send us a Text Message.In this episode we eat on what God's word has to say about the word hypocrite. Over the years many have left the church, stay away from the church and choose to not follow Jesus because they perceive the church is full of hypocrites. Why is that and what can we do about it?

Send us a Text Message.In this episode we eat on the power of a question. In this episode Jed shares a radio program called the "Ask Your Preacher" radio show from the 1960s and 1970s that was met with great controversy and also great success all because of the combination of a question that is met with going back to the book and given a bible answer. While going back to the book is important and should be something we are always doing, we should also be questioning and investigating everything and holding it under the microscope of God's word. Do we ask questions in search for the truth? Do we "test the spirits" by asking questions to find out what is true and what is not? Click below for a link to Ask Your Preacher radio show. https://truthondisc.com/topical/mp3_ask_your_preacher/mp3_askyourpreacher_lwilliams_1979/c11c1 

Send us a Text Message.In this episode we eat on investing in our future home in heaven. So often we get bogged down and our eyes get set on the here and now. But what about our future that is for all of eternity? What investments are we making there? Are we storing up for ourselves treasures in heaven? THAT is where our true citizenship is. 

Send us a Text Message.In this episode we eat on what God's word has to say to those who OVERCOME. We take a look to the book of Revelation to find great encouragement and victory to those Christians that do indeed overcome.