The 4Heroes Podcast

Send us a textThis episode is the latest message from the 4Heroes Huddle! The focus is Joshua Chapter 2. A woman named Rahab hides 2 Hebrew spies and helps them escape Jericho. She had no spiritual advantage.. Rahab was a prostitute from Jericho who recognized that God was at work and chose to be on God's side. Because of her faith in action, Rahab is later listed in the Genealogy of Jesus! What an honor God gave her as a reward for her faith!! We hope this will encourage you—No matter what you've done or where you've been—to live a life of faith. 

Send us a textChaplain Frank Mercer continues walking through the Biblical narrative and in this episode, reaches the Book of Joshua. God's people lost Moses, the man who delivered them out of slavery in Egypt. But God raises up a new leader—Joshua. Like Frank says, the book offers invaluable leadership lessons. Number one, no one is indispensable. What would our lives and leadership look like if we were willing to consider preparing for our inevitable absence?

Send us a textThis message is lessons from the end of Moses' life. Often we find meaning when we look at our lives with the end in mind. Moses is no different. He is remembered as a Servant of the Lord. Chaplain Frank Mercer gives us a deeper look at God's purpose for Moses' life. EVERY season of our lives is purposeful. Even the final one… And this episode raises some important questions… Questions like, what would be on your tombstone? Also questions about what Moses' life and death teach us about the life and death of Jesus.

Send us a text4Heroes Lead Public Safety Chaplain, Frank Mercer, completes his messages on God's ten words to live by...the Ten Commandments. This final command may sound a little less intense than the others; the offense of being envious or jealous may seem minor, but Frank discusses how these feelings can often lead to us away from contentment. It impacts our ability to live generous and grateful lives.

Send us a textIt's time for commandment #9! This one is unique because we all agree that it's wrong to lie, but we also all agree that we've broken this commandment and struggle regularly with it. As always, Chaplain Frank Mercer shares a fresh perspective on these verses and reminds us of how important the Ten Commandments are to living and loving like Jesus. Jesus IS truth and wants us to reflect truth as His image bearers.

Send us a textChaplain Frank Mercer talks about commandment #8. At a glance, most of us would say that this particular commandment doesn't apply or need our attention. Stealing sounds like committing a robbery… like holding up a bank, taking merchandise from a store, or breaking into someone's house and taking their valuable jewelry. In this episode, we'll see that commandment #8 is addressing something much deeper… we all have moments where we're tempted to claim or keep something that belongs to someone else.

Send us a textWe're back! Recording at the 4Heroes Huddle, a weekly gathering of first responders at a local coffee shop with Chaplain Frank Mercer.  In this episode, he discusses an important topic… it's personal and perhaps a little uncomfortable, but you'll hear why commandment #7 matters! Scripture teaches us that our bodies and covenant relationships, aka marriages, are worth protecting!

Send us a textOur guest today is Brandon Drake, a firefighter and AEMT with Fayette County Fire and EMS and the founder of Heroes and Angels. Through their apparel and merchandise, Heroes and Angels shares the stories of brave men and women who have made, and are currently making, sacrifices to serve their country and communities. Brandon also shares a very special Giving Wings campaign that benefits one of their own - firefighter Callan Wheeler and his wife Mia. Visit the Heroes and Angels website to preorder "The Wheeler Family Hat" at heroesandangels.squarespace.com or visit their social media @heroes.angels on instagram and Facebook.

Send us a textWe've made it to commandment #6 - NO MURDER! It may seem unnecessary or even silly to tell people not to murder because to most people it's obviously wrong. However, there is much more to this command. Looking at Jesus' words in Matthew 5, we see that we are called to reflect God's character as life givers.

Send us a textWe're halfway there! Today's episode covers commandment #5. God begins the "BIG 10" with commandments focused on our vertical relationship with Him. Now, it shifts to our horizontal relationships and the first one is "Honor your father and mother." It can be a sensitive topic for many people, but we hope that you'll take a moment to listen!

Send us a textIn this episode, 4Heroes staff had the opportunity to have a conversation with Mary Frances Bowley, Founder of Wellspring Living and co-founder of Open Prayer Spaces. She connected with 4Heroes when Open Prayer Spaces decided that First Responders would be the prayer focus for one of their monthly prayer and worship gatherings. Learn more about the gathering and how prayer impacts the public safety community!

Send us a textIn this episode, Chaplain Frank Mercershares a meaningful perspective on commandment #4. We're all busy, but this commandment challenges our pace… our focus… Do we prioritize rest? Do we set aside time to connect with God? Whether you're a part of the public safety community or not, this is essential..  We often wear busyness like a badge of honor. Busyness says I matter, Sabbath says God matters. 

Send us a textIn the latest episode of The 4Heroes Podcast, Chaplain Frank Mercer discusses the importance of the 3rd commandment in Exodus 20:7. At a glance, most people  think that the focus is language; that the commandment is addressing using swear words. However, Frank leads our law enforcement officers at the Huddle to think about this passage differently. The command is less about language and more about honoring God and understanding the significance of His name. For those who are Christians, we bear His name. Because of that, our conduct matters! As a Christian, or "little Christ," we have a responsibility to reflect who Jesus is.

Send us a textIn this episode, Chaplain Frank Mercer shares some challenging thoughts on Exodus 20:4-6. This commandment is often overlooked, misunderstood, or seen as irrelevant, but it's actually connected to foundational truth about our purpose. People are created to worship and we often direct our worship toward things that don't deserve it. Whether it's your family, your bass boat, your football team, or your career - anything good can become an idol if you love it too much. When we have idols in our lives, it impacts our relationship with God.

At the 4Heroes Huddle, Chaplain Frank Mercer discusses the profound meaning behind the first of the Ten Commandments: "You shall have no other gods before me."  The commandments serve as a mirror to show us the truth about ourselves, as well as loving boundaries to guide us. The first commandment is first for a reason! It is foundational. Join us for an inspiring message about what this commandment means, and how putting God above all else can transform your life and deepen your faith. 

In Exodus Chapter 19, the Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai. God has delivered them from Egypt, but what did He deliver them for? They are being given a purpose and identity as God's people - to live as a holy nation and a kingdom of priests. So how does this apply today? Chaplain Frank Mercer challenges us to think about what God has saved us from, but also what God has saved us for.

In this episode, Chaplain Frank Mercer dives into the biblical story of Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro, from Exodus 18. Jethro arrives with wisdom that reshapes Moses' leadership and prevents burnout. He didn't just offer criticism; Jethro provided guidance that Moses needed to hear. So how do we handle criticism in our own lives? Do we sift through the discomfort to find the helpful nuggets that can lead to personal growth, stronger relationships, and more effective leadership?

This episode is about a very special and redemptive place… The 4Heroes Thrift Store. Bonnie Douglas sat down with Chaplain Frank Mercer and his wife, Pam - who runs the thrift store - to discuss how God has used the store to help fund 4Heroes' ministry to first responders, offer hope and help to people in need, and provide a place to build relationships and find community. There are meaningful messages woven throughout the story of The 4Heroes Thrift Store and we're excited to share it with you!

In this episode, Pastor and Suicide Prevention Chaplain Lou Koon discusses key verses from the Book of Philippians, also known as the book of encouragement.

In this week's episode, Pastor John Sweat shared a message from Psalm 19. It is an encouraging message about the ways that God has revealed himself to us. Creation declares who God is and scripture reveals His character and conduct. John also challenges us to learn from David's transparency in the Psalms. Whether you're struggling or celebrating, God wants you to approach Him.

While Chaplain Frank Mercer was away from the Huddle, local pastor Bo Nelson shared a message from 2 Chronicles 33. It's the story of King Manasseh, who lived in clear rebellion of God. The King also led the people of Judah astray. But Manasseh's story didn't end there!  His repentance led him to be different and behave differently... and that's what happens to those who have experienced true restoration and forgiveness.

Jimmy Kinnaird, from the Fairburn Baptist Association, visited the 4Heroes Huddle and shared a message from 2 Kings 7. God does an incredible miracle to deliver Israel from the Aramean army. Four men with leprosy, who are outcasts sitting at the city gate, decide to just do something! Rather than go backward or stay put, they come up with a plan of action.

In this episode, Bonnie Douglas discusses the Adopt-a-Station program with two of 4Heroes' dedicated volunteers. They share what Adopt-a-Station is, what made them say yes to serving a local shift of firefighters, what memorable moments they've had, what keeps them going, and what makes Adopt-a-Station so worthwhile.

This episode provides a picture of the kind of support 4Heroes wants to offer the public safety community. In Exodus 17, the Israelites enter into their first battle. Moses raises his hands in a posture of prayer, and as long as he keeps his arms lifted, God's people are victorious. The problem is, he got tired.. but two men came alongside him to help Moses. They held his arms and provided the support he needed to make it through the battle.

Chaplain Frank Mercer continues our study in Exodus chapter 16. All of us have moments where we struggle with our perspective and start to grumble. It's easy to complain when we can't see the big picture. In this episode, Frank discusses the theological significance of grumbling. It is evidence of dissatisfaction with God's sovereign plan. Will you trust that He is working for His glory and your good?

In this episode, Chaplain Frank Mercer encourages our law enforcement officers at the 4Heroes Huddle to look beyond moments of bitterness and hopelessness to the better days ahead. The Israelites are desperate and thirsty, but they are only 7 miles away from a place with 12 springs! In their bitterness, they had no idea they were so close to a better place.

In Exodus 14, God makes a way when there is no way. Pharaoh's army is closing in and God's people arrive at the Red Sea. Anybody can trust God on a good day, but in this moment, when it looks like there's no way out, God shows that He is in control. God led them to the sea and he was faithful to part it!

When the 10th plague happens in Egypt, God's people are given a glimpse into His plan for salvation. The instructions they receive point to the gospel! In Jesus, God provides an innocent lamb who dies in our place as a willing substitute.  The circumstances in Egypt are shocking, but God is at work and is pointing to a greater Exodus.

Chaplain Frank Mercer continues our study in the Book of Exodus. God releases plagues on the Egyptians and their nation is in shambles after boils, hail, locusts, and darkness destroy everything that's left. 9 plagues have come and gone. When you look closely, these are expressions of love... God is pouring out his wrath to dismantle their trust in Egyptian gods and draw them to Himself.

Chaplain Frank Mercer continues his study in the book of Exodus. Even though God is orchestrating plagues that make Egypt unbearable, it is truly an act of mercy. Have you ever considered that God shows tender mercy, but also severe mercy? Pharaoh's hard heart and constant disobedience requires God to take action. The plagues are terrible, but they are also opportunities for Pharaoh to see and believe who God is.

Chaplain Frank Mercer continues his study in the book of Exodus. Even though God is orchestrating plagues that make Egypt unbearable, it is truly an act of mercy. Have you ever considered that God shows tender mercy, but also severe mercy? Pharaoh's hard heart and constant disobedience requires God to take action. The plagues are terrible, but they are also opportunities for Pharaoh to see and believe who God is.

Something miraculous happened on February 14th of this year and we got to celebrate it in the parking lot of Dogwood Church on the very next day. On this episode of The 4Heroes Podcast, Chief Randy Mundy and his wife Devon share their story of faith and healing!

This week at the 4Heroes Huddle, our guest speaker Jimmy Kinnaird shares a message about fear from the book of 1 Samuel.  It's Mental Health Awareness Month and the story of David and Goliath encourages us to face our fears with courage. 

This episode was recorded at Crossroads Church where Chaplain Frank Mercer shared a message of encouragement for community leaders and nonprofit staff.  Serving others can be draining, especially in public safety... but, Galatians 6:9-10 says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all the people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Frank encourages us not to give up--let's fight one more round!

At the 4Heroes Huddle, Chaplain Frank Mercer continues studying the Book of Exodus. God has an amazing plan to act on behalf of Israel and chooses Moses as His right hand man. After making excuses, Moses finally asks God to send someone else... Moses feels inadequate and would rather remain in exile, but God has a different plan. God is more than enough and provides all that we need to do what He has created us to do!

Chaplain Frank Mercer continues with Exodus Chapter 3 at the 4Heroes Huddle. God shows up and calls Moses, a shepherd in exile, to go back to Egypt. Why? The Lord heard the cries of his people and wants to act on their behalf.  Moses goes from using an instrument to gather, direct, and care for sheep. Now, God invites Moses to become an instrument that the Lord will use to  gather, direct, and care for Israel.

Our study of Exodus continues! Moses' life is quite complex...He makes some big mistakes, and God uses them to position Moses for an incredible comeback. Spoiler alert! Moses becomes the leader of God's people.  Join Chaplain Frank Mercer as he shares an encouraging message from Moses' journey.

This week, we are celebrating NPSTW 2024! Episode #4 is a conversation with one of our local heroes in headsets. Lauren is a gifted dispatcher and provides a unique perspective as a first responder and follower of Jesus. We are so thankful that she was willing to share some of her journey with us...and with you!

This week, Chaplain Frank Mercer begins a study of the Book of Exodus. Moses is a little "d" deliverer who points us to Jesus, the big "D" Deliverer. God hears the cries of his people and always has a plan to rescue and redeem. That's the message of the gospel! First responders have a front row seat to human suffering. The good news is, God is bigger than every challenge, need, trauma, or pain. 

This week at the 4Heroes Huddle, Chaplain Frank Mercer discusses the last chapter of Genesis. Throughout his life, Joseph believed that God kept his promises. His last request reflected this belief. He was confident that the Lord would lead the Israelites to the land God had promised them. Although he wouldn't be alive to see it, Joseph asked that his remains would be taken with them when they left Egypt. Many of you will relate to Joseph's life. He was betrayed, wrongly accused, rejected... But there is good news! God is faithful and just. You can count on him to be your defense and keep his promises. As we conclude our study of Joseph's life, our prayer is that no matter where you're at in your journey, you will be reminded that you can trust in God.

This week at the 4Heroes Huddle, Chaplain Frank Mercer discusses the final chapters of Jacob's life. While Jacob's journey was full of mistakes and storms, his last season of life was full of blessings--it was a beautiful sunset.  As he looks back, Jacob acknowledges that God had been a good Shepherd. Often sheep wander because they want to be free, but the truth is, they are actually lost. In spite of Jacob's wanderings, God is faithful to him. God keeps his promises and shows Jacobs steadfast love as his life comes to an end. Many of you will relate to Jacob's story. It's a mirror that reminds us of our own brokenness. The good news is, God loves you and has a plan for you right where you are! As we conclude the book of Genesis, our prayer is that no matter where you're at in your journey, your eyes will be opened to the goodness of God.