The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

We live in a very loud culture. The sound of our day is filled with the voices of media, news, politics, music, movies, sports, social media, friends, teachers, spouses, and much more. We hear it all, but have we heard the voice of God? God doesn't have a speaking problem. We have a listening problem. He is speaking, and it's critical to hear what He is saying.Main Points:1. I believe God is a speaking God. In fact, I know He is a speaking God. On many occasions, I have heard the voice of God. No, not in an audible voice, but in the quiet of my spirit. God has confirmed his voice many times. You can't convince me that God does not speak today.2. The struggle is not God speaking; I believe He is always speaking. The challenge is in listening. We struggle to get quiet before the Lord. We don't always make time for Him, and sometimes we haven't been in the practice of listening for his voice.3. When someone speaks in a whisper, you have to get very close to hear. In fact, you have to put your ear near the person's mouth. We lean toward a whisper, and that's what God wants. The goal of hearing your heavenly Father's voice isn't just hearing his voice; it's intimacy with Him.Today's Scripture Verses:Revelation 2:7 - “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says…”John 10:27 - “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

God has ordained that His Word would last forever. No man can destroy the Word of God. It remains throughout every season and every generation. Main Points:1. Scripture has never been more available than it is today. As of September 2020, the full Bible has been translated into 704 languages, and the New Testament has been translated into an additional 1,551 languages. Now, through the means of technology, Scripture is even more available to us than it ever has been before.2. Since the enemy's attempt to destroy the Word of God has failed, he has changed his strategy. Today, his work is to discredit the Bible. We are told that any thinking person couldn't possibly take the Bible seriously.3. Since the devil cannot keep this book out of our hands, he now attempts to keep the book out of our hearts. As we read Scripture, we come to know the author of the book. These words are life to us. Satan knows that if you read the Word of God, it will change your life.Today's Scripture Verses:Isaiah 40:8 - “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”1 Peter 1:25 - “But the Word of the Lord remains forever.”Matthew 24:35 - “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”Psalm 119:89 - “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Your spiritual gifts determine how God wants to use your life.  Are you willing to allow God to use your life, for His glory, to build the kingdom of God?  Are you willing to say “yes” to God?Main Points:1. The Bible has a lot to say about spiritual gifts.  There are at least 20 of them listed in the Bible.  We don't have time to define them all today, but you can read about them in these passages of Scripture:  Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4.  2. Peter contends that each of us has received at least one spiritual gift when he states, “As each one has received a gift.” These gifts of grace are to be distinguished from natural talents, skills, and abilities.3. What this tells us is that God wants to use our lives uniquely. He has gifted and enabled us to serve Him and others. God intends for your life to be a blessing to others. You have a particular role in the work of God, and by the Holy Spirit, God has given you a gift to make this happen.Today's Scripture Verses:1 Peter 4:10-11 - “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”Romans 12:6 – “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”1 Corinthians 7:7 – “But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Every believer needs a secret place. Where is your quiet place? Where can you regularly get alone with God in prayer? I believe the impact of our public testimony and ministry is a direct result of the time spent with God in secret.Main Points:1. If all we see is the public ministry of Jesus, we miss something very important. It's not talked about much, but Jesus had a private, personal relationship with His Father. There was a vital connection to his private times of prayer and his public ministry.2. It's in the secret place that we can be alone with God. We remove ourselves from the distractions of daily life. There are no interruptions of family, work, school, smartphones, or social media. It's in the quiet we draw closer to God and a new intimacy is gained. It's here that we quiet the noise around us and within us. We open our spiritual ears to hear the voice of our Heavenly Father. 3. May you and I see the value of finding a secret place to spend time with God in prayer. In our busy, noisy world, we need this quiet place with God.Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 6:1 - “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”Matthew 6:5-6 - “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”Psalm 46:10 - “Be still and know that I am God.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Out of all the prayers we pray, there is one prayer that is more difficult than all the others. It is the prayer of surrender. The prayer of submission to God is harder than all other prayers. It requires great trust in God. It demands a letting go of our control. It's releasing the situation in God's hands and trusting Him to meet the need as He sees best.Main Points:1. The reason this prayer is more difficult is because we like control, or at least the illusion of control. If I sincerely pray for God's will to be done, I have to allow for God's will to be done. 2. While the prayer of surrender is often the hardest prayer we pray, it is the most rewarding. God rewards those who submit to his will.3. Let us pray along with our Savior, “Father, not my will, but your will be done.” Let's be willing to pray this most difficult prayer of surrender, acknowledging that God knows what Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 6:10 - “…your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”Matthew 26:39 - “not my will but your will be done.”Hebrews 5:7 - “During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Here's the good news. Jesus is our righteousness. By placing our faith in Jesus, and believing he is the perfect, sinless son of God who died and rose again as payment for our sins, we receive His righteousness.Main Points:1. No matter how many good things we do, no matter how consistent our moral behavior, we all come up short of God's righteous standard. It's important to see that our good works will never enable us to be righteous, as God defines it.2. When Jesus died on the cross he carried all the sins of humanity. He became sin for us. As a result, everyone who believes in Him is made righteous with God. 3. Now, having become righteous in God's eyes by placing our faith in Jesus, we pursue righteous living. This righteous lifestyle is not an attempt to earn salvation. It is the result of our salvation. Today's Scripture Verses:Romans 3:23 - “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”Isaiah 64:6 - “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags…”Philippians 3:9 - “and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”2 Corinthians 5:21 - “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Where is our confidence? It is not in ourselves, and it is not in our prayers. Our confidence is in God. This is where we place our faith. Our faith is not in ourselves, in our prayers, or even in our faith. Our faith and confidence is in God. Main Points:1. I want to encourage you today to pray with boldness. Not a brash boldness that orders God around. After all, we must remember that prayer is asking, it's not telling God what to do.2. The Scriptures teach us to pray with confidence and believe that God will, not only hear our prayers but also answer them.3. As we study God's Word, as we grow in our faith, we begin to discover the will of God for our lives. The more we pray in alignment with His will, the more we can pray with confidence.Today's Scripture Verses:1 John 5:14-15 - “And this is the confidence which we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him.”Hebrews 4:16 - “Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”Hebrews 10:35 - “So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

After his departure, Jesus would send his followers a Helper. This helper is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives within us and though we cannot see Him, we can feel him and we sense he is working in our lives to make us more like Jesus.Main Points:1. Although we cannot see the Holy Spirit, we should be able to sense His work in our lives changing us to be more like Jesus.2. Truth has never been more scarce than it is today. You and I live in a time where it is culturally appropriate to not believe in absolute truth. Rather, we are told that truth is personal. It is said that something may be true for one, but not true for another. Truth is what we want it to be. 3. In the last days many will be deceived by false teaching and false doctrine. None of us listening today believes we will be deceived, but there are many New Testament verses that speak of the deception of believers in the end times.  So, we pay careful attention the Scriptures. We listen for the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit so that we will stay focused on truth.Today's Scripture Verses:John 16:5-7 - “But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?' But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.”John 16;13 - “…when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.”1 Timothy 4:1 - “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow dQuick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Today, you and I can work on our foundation. In fact, we never stop working. We are to keep growing in God's grace. We continue to pursue a closer relationship with God. We go deeper in His Word. We grow in our faith. We use our gifts to serve God. We obey His Word. All of this contributes to a strong foundation for our lives.Main Points:1. We are all building a spiritual house. What foundation are you building on? Are you taking time to build on a solid foundation? The storms of life are sure to come. The rain will fall and the winds of adversity will beat against your spiritual house. Will you endure the storm?2. How foolish it would be to know the Word of God and to know how to be a strong Christian, and yet fail to take action to put it into practice.3. Today, you and I can work on our foundation. In fact, we never stop working. We are to keep growing in God's grace. We continue to pursue a closer relationship with God. We go deeper in His Word. We grow in our faith. We use our gifts to serve God. We obey His Word. All of this contributes to a strong foundation for our lives.Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 7:24 - “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”James 1:22 - “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says we are to seek God, but he goes on to say that we are to seek him “first.” This is a matter of priority. We all seek something. We might seek opportunity, position, resources, and open doors. We could seek pleasure, enjoyment, comfort, success, and fulfillment. We might seek friendship, family, and connection. We all seek something, but Jesus said that for those who would follow him, we must seek God and his kingdom first.Main Points:1. To seek is to pursue, to look for, to desire to obtain, and to discover. 2. Today is a good day to ask ourselves some important questions: Is Jesus in first place in our lives? In all of our seeking, are we seeking God first? Is there practical, everyday evidence that we are putting God first in our lives?3. Your life and mine are filled with worry. We live with a certain amount of anxiety about our needs being met. Let's focus on this powerful promise from Jesus. If we begin to seek God first in our lives, God is faithful to meet all of our needs.Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 6:33 - “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”1 Chronicles 22:19 - “Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God.”Colossians 3:1-2 - “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”Psalm 34:10 - “…those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Your story is one of your greatest ministry tools. I meet people who feel they have nothing to offer the Lord. In their minds, they feel incapable of serving in some ministry. Yet, every one of us has a story. It's a God story. It's a story of how we met Jesus, the circumstances of your salvation, and how Jesus has changed your life.Main Points:1. When I think of the explosive growth of the New Testament church in the Book of Acts, we see two things at work. People were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, and second, they shared their testimony with others.  Sadly, it seems as if today we have stopped telling our story.  But you have a story to tell. It is a story of God's grace. 2. A personal testimony is the most non-threatening way to tell an unbeliever why Jesus is important to you.  It allows you to be open about your life while giving God the glory.  You can rave about the power of Jesus to transform a life, and even someone hostile to the gospel will listen because you are not asking anything of them.  3. Your story is simply an account of how God has changed your life.  If Jesus is your Lord and Savior, then surely He has done miraculous things for you.  People are looking for evidence that God exists and that He is personally involved in people's lives.  You can't make God appear on the spot to prove His existence, but you can certainly point straight to Him by talking about how He has worked in your life.Today's Scripture Verses:John 7:46 - “No one ever spoke the way this man does.”Acts 4:33 - “And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

The author of the Book of Hebrews makes the case that we simply can't stay with the basic, elementary teachings about faith and spiritual growth. We must move forward to a deeper and more mature understanding of our life in Christ. This makes sense, doesn't it?Main Points:1. Here's an important truth: God wants you to grow spiritually. He wants you to mature and develop a strong faith. He wants your understanding of his Word to grow so that you can move past the elementary stages and move on to deeper doctrines.2. We grow by being diligent in our pursuit of knowing God. We read and study His Word. We develop a consistent prayer life. We grow as we regularly gather with other believers and we share our faith together.3. If you want to grow in your faith, begin to take small steps of obedience to Jesus. With every step, you move away from the basic, elementary teaching and advance to maturity.Today's Scripture Verses:Hebrews 6:1 New Living Translation - “So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don't need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.”2 Timothy 2:15 - “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”James 1:22 - “But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Jesus paid our debt on the cross. He bore our sins upon his body. He suffered and died in our place, as our substitute. Jesus took the shame, condemnation, and pain we were to bear. He carried our cross and paid the ultimate price. It was a very high price to pay for our forgiveness.Main Points:1. Forgiveness comes at a cost. If you forgive someone, you bear the cost rather than insisting that the wrongdoer does. And that is what Jesus, the Mighty God, was doing when he came to earth and lived as a man and died a criminal's death on a wooden cross.2. Here is an important understanding about our forgiveness: Jesus didn't have to do it. He was not obligated to take our penalty. He was not forced to do so. He did not have to love us. We are not worthy of his love. Yet, Christ chose to love us. He chose to take our place. He chose to lay down his life for us.3. What a great and awful price was paid for our freedom. Let us never forget there was a high cost to our forgiveness, but it was a cost Jesus was willing to pay.Today's Scripture Verses:1 Peter 1:18-19 - “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”John 10:18 -  "No one takes my life from me; I lay it down of my own accord.”Galatians 2:20 - “The life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

There is a struggle that all of us face, and it is the struggle of submitting to God's will. Why is this so difficult for us? Because we really want to do our will. We have our own desires, dreams, goals, and ambitions, and often these desires conflict with God's will for our lives.Main Points:1. But I have discovered that the more we know Jesus and the closer we are to Him in relationship, the more our desires align with God's desires. The more our will lines up with God's will.2. We should first focus on the will of God that is clearly revealed to us in Scripture. Sometimes we are focused on knowing God's will for our future, but we are not paying attention to what He has already revealed. 3. Trust that God wants to lead you every day in his perfect will.Today's Scripture Verses:1 John 2:17 - “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”Matthew 26:39 - “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”Romans 12:1-2 - “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Joy in the Biblical context is not an emotion.  Joy is an attitude of the heart.  It is not necessarily based on something positive happening.  Joy is something that lasts; happiness is temporary.  When happiness fades away, joy remains.  Joy is something God deposits into us through the Holy Spirit.  Main Points:1. In these verses, Jesus actually gives us the key to living our lives with joy. We also see that God intends that His joy would remain in us and that our joy may be full. Imagine being full of joy! How would that change your life? Your outlook? Your attitude and your words? Being full of joy would change a lot of things in our lives.2. But here is the key. It's found in “abiding with Jesus.” What does that mean? It means living your life in a close relationship with Christ. It's daily spending time with him. Pursuing a close and intimate relationship with God daily. The result of this relationship with God is a joy that only He can give.3. If you find yourself living a joyless life, recognize that it can change today. Begin pursuing more of God. Press into God. Seek Him. Abide in Him. His joy will be yours.Today's Scripture Verses:John 15:9-11 - “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.  “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”Psalm 16:11 - "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

There is one key that is absolutely necessary for a relationship to be restored. It requires forgiveness. I've never seen a broken relationship restored without forgiveness. Main Points:1. A relationship can break down from neglect.  A relationship can break down from conflict.  A relationship can break down from misunderstanding.  The world is literally filled with broken relationships.  We see it all around us.  It's possible you have some broken relationships in your life.2. I know God can heal the pain in our hearts and enable us to offer forgiveness to others.3. Let's put our faith in the God who can do the impossible. Let's ask him to do miracles and to restore our relationships, and let's be willing to do the hard work of forgiveness and reconciliation.Today's Scripture Verses:Romans 5:10-11 – “For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!  Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group5 Minute Discipleship on Instagram

Loving our neighbor is not simply a good idea or an admirable ethic; Jesus called it the second greatest commandment. We first love God, and second, we love our neighbors as we love ourselves.Main Points:1. The idea of loving our neighbor is beautiful to think about, so long as it remains an idea. But the concrete reality of loving our neighbor, the difficulties and the challenges, strips the beauty away.2. If God is not the love of our lives, there is no way that we will truly love our neighbor as ourselves. Something happens when you experience the love of God and then begin to love God in return.  3. God desires you and me to love our neighbors. Let's let his love shine through our lives to those we meet. Let's make it more than a theory; let's get practical and put love into action.Today's Scripture Verses:Romans 13:10 - “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”Galatians 5:14 - “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”John 13:34 - “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”1 John 4:20 - “…For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook GroupLoren Hicks on Instagram

What a tragedy it is when there is a loss of spiritual identity.  I believe you can lose your true identity, give it away, forget it, waste it, or change it for better or worse.  It's also possible that some individuals go through life searching for their true identity and never find it.Main Points:1. If you don't know who you are, then you are vulnerable to other people telling you who you are.  But the concrete, solid, gospel truth is that as a follower of Jesus, you are who God says you are, and no one else has a vote in the matter.2. The phrase “in Christ” is used about 140 times in the Bible.  We are said to be “in Christ.”  It is the most used term to describe a follower of Jesus.  God's Word is saying to us that if you are trusting Jesus Christ as your savior and Lord, “You are in Christ.”  This is your new identity!  This is who God made you to be.  This is the real you!3. Reject any label the world tries to give you. As a believer in Jesus, your Heavenly Father has given you your true identity as a child of God.Today's Scripture Verses:John 1:12 - “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”Galatians 2:20 - “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook GroupLoren Hicks on Instagram

Can I ask you an important question? What do you do when you become discouraged? You need an answer to this question. You need a plan, and you need it now. Discouragement comes to us all. Everyone will face it. Everyone will battle it.Main Points:1. Discouragement will make you want to quit. Maybe even right now, as you listen to this podcast episode, you have been fighting the feelings of wanting to quit.2. There are going to be times when you have to encourage yourself in the Lord.  No one else is around.  The pastor is not there.  No friends are around to help you.   Your family is not there.  Do you know how to encourage yourself in the Lord?  Have you done this?  Can you grab God's Word and feed your soul? Can you find a place of prayer and pour out your soul before the Lord?  Can you worship in times of trouble?3. If you are discouraged right now, remember God's past faithfulness and begin to thank Him for what He has already done. As you worship, watch the discouragement disappear.Today's Scripture Verses:1 Samuel 30:6 - "David encouraged himself in the Lord.”Galatians 6:9 - “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook GroupLoren Hicks on Instagram

From scripture, we come to see that love is more than words, feelings, and emotions. Love is action. True love calls for us to do something, and also to refrain from some things. Main Points:1. Love, when truly demonstrated, is not just an emotion expressed to family and close friends. Love is seen the clearest when it is given to those we think don't deserve it and those who don't expect it. 2. When God's love changes us, we begin to notice others. We begin to see what God sees. We'll notice the lonely, the hurting, the broken, and the discouraged. We see those who desperately need to be loved.3. So, let's ask, how can I show love today? To whom can I show love? What loving words can I share with someone? What loving acts can I do to show God's love? Who can I serve? Who can I bless with the love of God?  Your loving actions might just change their lives.Today's Scripture Verses:John 13:34, Jesus says to his disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”1 John 4:19-21 - “We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook GroupLoren Hicks on Instagram

The Bible has a lot to say about time. The most important thing it says is something we know already—that our time is limited. Time can be used or wasted, it can be invested or squandered, but either way, once used, it can never be regained. Time matters because we have such a limited supply. Main Points:1. We always have plenty of time to do everything we need to do. This means that all of my time belongs to God, and therefore, how I spend my days is a sacred issue. Someday you and I will answer for what I did today.2. The truth is, most people know the right thing to do.  You know the right thing to do.  It's just that we put it off.  We delay.  We don't do it.  We say tomorrow.  Later.  Someday I'll…  “One of these days I'll get around to it.”  We keep putting things off.3. I encourage you to count the cost.  Count the cost of your delay.  There's always a cost in delay.  There's always a price tag that goes along with procrastination.  You have one life to live for God.  Don't waste the opportunities God is giving you.Today's Scripture Verses:Ecclesiastes 3:1-4:"There is a time for everything, And a season for every activity under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die, A time to plant and a time to uproot, A time to kill and a time to heal, A time to tear down and a time to build, A time to weep and a time to laugh, A time to mourn and a time to dance."Ephesians 5:15-16 – “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook GroupLoren Hicks on Instagram

I'm convinced that most of us listening today would say we have been blessed by God. In fact, many would say that we have been greatly blessed and blessed beyond what they deserve. God has been so good to us. So what do we do with our blessings?Main Points:1. Jesus teaches us that the blessing is found in the giving. The blessing is found in the serving. The blessing is found in ministering to the needs of others. 2. Continually, the scripture speaks to the heart and motive behind our actions. The Bible teaches us that if we give to be seen by others, well, then we have our reward. If our motive in giving is to receive something back, we give with the wrong motive.3. Remember this truth today: We have been blessed to be a blessing. What are we to do with our blessings? We are to bless others. Proverbs teaches that those who hoard their blessings will no longer be blessed. The blessing is found in the giving.Today's Scripture Verses:Acts 20:35 - “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”Proverbs 11:25 - “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook GroupLoren Hicks on Instagram

There is no truth more fundamental in all of God's Word than this truth. God is for us. God is not against us. God is not neutral towards us. Because of Jesus Christ, once and for all, the question is settled. God is for us.Main Points:1. Paul's question is, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” In other words, who can really fight against us, who can defeat us, if God is on our side?2. Name the enemies of the people of God. Can the devil stand against us? No, because he has been defeated. Can the world stand against us? No, because Jesus has overcome the world. Can the flesh destroy us? No, because in Jesus Christ we overcome the temptations of the flesh. So, today, let's be secure in our victory! Who dares to stand against us if God is for us?3. No matter what Satan, our accuser, says, no matter the circumstances we face, nothing can come against the love God has for us and win. We may be mocked, beaten, bruised, or even killed for our faith in Jesus. Even if we face the worst of circumstances, we are loved and accepted by our Heavenly Father because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross.Today's Scripture Verses:Romans 8:31 - “If God is for us, who can be against us?”Psalm 23:4 - “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Matthew 28:20 - “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age”. Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook GroupLoren Hicks on Instagram

We should desire to be like Jesus in our values, beliefs, character, and behavior. The only way we can be imitators of God is that we would follow him. We must come to know Him. We must learn from Him, and it's only then that we will know what to imitate.Main Points:1. In some ways, we cannot be like God. You and I will never be all-knowing or all-powerful. We will never be omnipresent. We cannot be unchangeable like God. But there are characteristics of God that we can emulate. 2. We can imitate His characteristics like love, kindness, forgiveness, generosity, patience, grace, and mercy. We can be like God by living in purity, righteousness, and holiness. 3. To imitate God means that we follow his example, and we should follow it closely. When we were born again, we entered into his family. We belong to God, and we bear his name.Today's Scripture Verses:Ephesians 5:1 - “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.”Romans 12:2 NLT - "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”Ephesians 4:13 - "...“become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

When we come to Jesus and make Him our Savior and Lord, he begins to work in our lives and strips away old ways of living that conflict with scripture and dishonor the Lord. Through the Word of God, He teaches us a new way of living. As we break with the old sinful patterns and habits, we form new ones that please God, but also give joy.Main Points:1. It's through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can break the patterns of the world that we have lived by for so long. Now, through Jesus, we can be transformed, and this transformation takes place by a renewal in our minds.2. In today's culture, we sometimes talk about habits in their negative connotation. We'll say, I'm struggling to break some bad habits.” But what if you could form some new habits? What if you and I developed some holy habits? What if we created some habits that helped us grow spiritually?3. Remember, there is a difference between behaviors and habits. Anyone is capable of a particular behavior from time to time, but a habit is done instinctively and consistently. How do we develop a habit? Through regular repetition. As we do so consistently, the behavior becomes a regular and almost involuntary part of our lives.Today's Scripture Verses:Romans 12:2  - “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook GroupLoren Hicks on Instagram

It's so important to remember the Lord's faithfulness. In our times of anxiety, fear, and discouragement, the remembrance of what God has done brings peace to our souls.Main Points:1. When it comes to what the Lord has done for us, we cannot forget. Repeatedly throughout scripture, we are called to remember what the Lord has done.2. Decides to remember God. A strategy for fighting discouragement and doubt, and darkness is remembering, pondering, and meditating on the deeds, wonders, and works of God.3. If you are struggling with discouragement, grab a sheet of paper and a pen and begin to write down what God has done for you. Remember his blessings. Remember his faithfulness. Remembering will bring hope into your soul.Today's Scripture Verses:1 Chronicles 16:11-12 - “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.  Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.”Psalm 77:7-9 - “Will the Lord reject forever?    Will he never show his favor again?Has his unfailing love vanished forever?    Has his promise failed for all time?Has God forgotten to be merciful?    Has he in anger withheld his compassion?”Psalm 77:10-12 - "Then I thought, “To this I will appeal:    the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.I will remember the deeds of the Lord;    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.I will consider all your works    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook GroupLoren Hicks on Instagram

We must have a desire for the Scripture. It's through the pages of the Bible that we come to know the author. My prayer is that we would develop a hunger for the Word of God, because we have a hunger to know God personally.Main Points:1. If it's true that the majority of Christians are not reading and learning from the Word of God regularly, there must be a deficiency in our discipleship. Our spiritual growth is stunted. We are not being changed into Christ-likeness. We are not growing as God would intend.2. If today, you find yourself with little desire for the Word of God, there are some things you can do. First, you can pray. Admit to God what's in your heart. Begin to ask God every day to give you a hunger and delight for Scripture.3. I believe God will develop in us a hunger for His Word. We'll begin to experience a taste and a craving for the Scripture because our time with God is satisfying and nourishing. Today's Scripture Verses:2 Peter 2:1-3 - “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.Psalm 119:97 - “Oh, how I love your law!  I meditate on it all day long.”Psalm 119:18 - “Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook GroupLoren Hicks on Instagram

What a powerful promise! The blood of Jesus cleanses us from ALL sin. It's not a partial cleaning, no, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. Isn't this amazing? We can be fully forgiven and completely cleansed of our sin, because of Jesus' death and his blood shed for us. The blood of Jesus Christ paid the penalty for all our sins – past, present, and future.Main Points:1. It might seem strange to someone who is not a Christian that we as believers talk about, and even sing about, the blood of Jesus. After all, blood is often considered an uncomfortable subject.2. But the reason we are grateful for the blood of Jesus is because of its power. Yes, there is power in the blood of Jesus. It has the power to cleanse us from our sins.3. God wouldn't be just if he winked at our sin, or swept it under the rug. No, justice had to be met. Compelled by his great love for us, Jesus steps in and pays the awful penalty for us. He gave his life for us. He shed his blood for us.Today's Scripture Verses:Ephesians 1:7 - “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.”1 John 1:7 - “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”John 1:29 - “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook GroupLoren Hicks on Instagram

Have you ever felt like you were on an emotional treadmill?  Our lives are going faster and faster, and we don't know how to slow them down.  I meet people who say to me, “Pastor Loren, I am running on fumes.  I'm on empty.  I can't go much further.”  Life has a way of draining us.  If you don't stay closely connected to Jesus, our source of life, you will eventually find yourself empty.  Main Points:1. If today your tank is on empty, if you find yourself depleted, just like Elijah, the Lord wants you to rest. Physical rest is essential, but so is spiritual and emotional rest. 2. There is a refreshing that can come from the Lord. Make time to worship, to listen for His still, small voice, and be encouraged by his faithful presence. 3. If you are spiritually and emotionally in a wilderness place, remember you are not alone. God is right there with you. Ask him to restore you, refill you, and replenish your soul. He is not done with you yet.Today's Scripture Verses:1 Kings 19:4 - “He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook GroupLoren Hicks on Instagram

Whether it's your coffee pot, your phone, your computer, or your car, power is necessary for each of these essentials to operate. It's the same in the Christian life. You need power. God does not intend for us to live powerless Christian lives. In fact, He promised to provide the power we need to live victorious over sin and to be effective in our calling and purpose.Main Points:1. After Jesus' resurrection, He spent 40 days with His disciples. It was during these conversations that he gave them their marching orders. It was His instructions for their lives, after He would ascend back to the Father. These instructions are found in Matthew 28:19-20, and we call them “The Great Commission.”But before getting started, these Christ-followers would need power. The task God had for their lives was too large. In and of themselves, they would be incapable of obeying the command of Jesus to make disciples of all nations.2. As much as they had already been prepared for their mission, there was still something missing. They needed God's power. So do I. So do you.3. Thankfully, God has promised to give us the Holy Spirit. This power of the Holy Spirit is not just for some Christians. It's for every Christian, and it's been promised. Our God is a promise-keeper. Today's Scripture Verses:Acts 1:8 - “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…”Luke 24:49 - “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”Acts 1:4-5 - “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Nothing we can do for people is more important than leading them to the Savior who can forgive their sins.  We must do whatever it takes to bring our family and friends to Jesus.Main Points:1.  One thing that is constant in all of our stories is that someone brought us to Jesus. We were brought through a personal witness, a sermon, a gospel tract, or a video, but God used a person to bring us to Jesus.2. There are people in your sphere of influence that you can bring to Jesus. There are people who listen to you and who respect you. Bring them to Jesus. 3. Which friends, family members, neighbors, or co-workers can you bring to Jesus?Today's Scripture Verses:Mark 2:4 - “Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.”Mark 2:5 - “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

What an amazing truth this is! Our Heavenly Father has lavished his love on us. The word “lavished” refers to something generous or extravagant. God has been extremely generous in His love for us. So much so that He has adopted us into His family and He now calls us His children. We are the children of God.Main Points:1. Because of our past sins, failures, and mistakes, we may feel as if we are unloveable and unworthy of God's love. In and of ourselves, we are unworthy of his love. We can't earn, merit, or ever deserve the love of God. You might even think, “Why would God love someone like me.”2. Here is the good news: Jesus makes us worthy. It is Jesus who gives us access to the Father's love. In fact, there is no other way. Jesus opens the door to a relationship with the Father. It is here that we become the children of God. 3. Let this truth fill your heart and mind today: You are loved deeply by your Heavenly Father.Today's Scripture Verses:1 John 3:1 - “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”John 1:12 - “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”1 John 4:19 - “We love because He first loved us.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Simple faith. Child-like faith. We must come to God with this same simplicity and sincerity. Just as a child can have complete faith in the protection and provision of their parents, so we must come to God with such faith. We must completely believe that Jesus is the Son of God and the he alone can save us from our sins.Main Points:1. Let's think for a minute what characteristics little children possess when it comes to faith. They are innocent and sincere. They're eager to learn. They are teachable, humble, trusting, open, simple, and spontaneous. They are unpretentious.2. It's my prayer that as adults, we could develop this assurance in God. As a child has assurance of the love of their parents, couldn't we develop assurance of our Heavenly Father's love? Couldn't we find assurance of our salvation and forgiveness of sins? Could we also obtain assurance of God's care, provision, and protection? Could we lay our head on our pillow at night with assurance in our hearts, knowing that if we passed in the night we have the promise of eternal life?3. We spend our days stressed out, worried, anxious, afraid, frustrated, and even angry. Surely this is not God's will for the lives of his children. Let's come back to simple trust and childlike faith in a God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 18:1-3 - “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

As Christians, we put the future in God's hands. We cannot predict the future. We don't know what will happen tomorrow. Many will choose to worry about the future, but instead, we can choose to trust our Heavenly Father. We trust His will, His plan, and His purpose for our lives. Main Points:1.  Tomorrow is on our minds. It's likely you are thinking about the future as it relates to your family, your health, your finances, your retirement, your work, and your ministry. What does tomorrow hold? What will the future be like?2. Planning our future gives us a sense of comfort and control. It's not wrong for us to plan and prepare for tomorrow, but we cannot leave God out of our planning. Why? Because He is the only one who truly knows what tomorrow brings. 3. As we look to tomorrow and our future, let's be quick to consult God and ask Him to show us His will. Ask Him to lead, guide, and direct your steps. Pray and ask the Lord to show you His will concerning every aspect of your life. Let's return to the verbiage of believers in a previous generation and say, “if it is the Lord's will."Today's Scripture Verses:James 4:13-16 - “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.”Proverbs 27:1 - “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

My prayer for you today is that you will let nothing move you. Remain steadfast. Stand firm in the truth. When others compromise their beliefs and when others crumble under the pressure to water down the truth, I pray you will remain strong for Christ.Main Points:1.  “Will we stand and will we remain unmoved in our faith, our beliefs, and our biblical convictions? 2. Just continue. Continue to preach the gospel. Continue to stand for truth and righteousness. Continue to pray and seek the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Continue to believe in God to move in your generation. Just keep going in those things which you are convinced of.3. Continue in the truth you know and hold dear. Remember, times change, but God's Word remains the same.Today's Scripture Verses:2 Timothy 3:14 - “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it…”“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Loving the world will result in losing our first love. When this happens, we begin to buy into the world's value systems and eventually, our lives do not reflect Christ; they will reflect the world.Main Points:1.  When we meet Christ, one thing that fundamentally changes is what we love. Before we met Jesus, our primary love was ourselves, but we also loved the things of this present world. But when we met Jesus, things began to change. We discovered a better love.2. Loving the world means being devoted to the world's treasures, philosophies, and priorities. God tells His children to set their priorities according to His eternal value system. We are to “seek first” God's kingdom and righteousness.3. The problem with loving the world is that it conflicts with what is to be our first love. Jesus is to be our first love. Why? He alone is worthy of such love and devotion. In Revelation chapter two, we learn the Ephesian church was commended for their hard work and perseverance, yet they were warned because they had lost their first love.Today's Scripture Verses:1 John 2:15 - “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.”Romans 12:2 - “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Today, everyone has natural faith. You step onto an elevator without any thought of its braking system. You fly on an airplane and you sit in a chair, both require natural faith. But to be born again, you must have saving faith. To be forgiven of your sins and to be in a right relationship with God, you must have saving faith.Main Points:1. Hebrews 11:6 tells us faith is an essential component of our relationship with God. Without faith, we cannot please God, and we cannot experience the fullness of His blessings in our lives.2. So, what exactly is faith? The Bible defines faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). In other words, faith is the confident assurance that what we hope for will actually happen, even though we cannot see it with our physical eyes.3. Having faith requires us to believe in God's existence, His love for us, and His ability to do what He has promised. It means trusting in His character and His word, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. It means putting our full confidence in Him and His plan for our lives.Today's Scripture Verses:Hebrews 11:6 - “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”Ephesians 2:8 - “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”2 Corinthians 5:7 - “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Have you ever felt like you were on an emotional treadmill?  Our lives are going faster and faster and we don't know how to slow them down.  I meet people who say to me, “Pastor Loren, I am running on fumes.  I'm on empty.  I can't go much further.”  Life has a way of draining us.  If you don't stay closely connected to Jesus, our source of life, you will eventually find yourself empty.  Main Points:1. If today your tank is on empty, if you find yourself depleted, just like Elijah, the Lord wants you to rest. Physical rest is essential, but so is spiritual and emotional rest. 2. There is a refreshing that can come from the Lord. Make time to worship, to listen for His still, small voice, and be encouraged by his faithful presence. 3. If you are spiritually and emotionally in a wilderness place, remember you are not alone. God is right there with you. Ask him to restore you, refill you, and replenish your soul. He is not done with you yet.Today's Scripture Verses:1 Kings 19:4 - “He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Jesus is telling us that while God can do great things with small faith, our faith doesn't have to stay small. It can grow. In fact, it's God's will for your faith to grow. A mustard seed can grow to become a strong, tall tree. So it is with your faith. The more you trust God, the more you will experience his power. The result is greater faith.Main Points:1. Faith is essential for the Christian. In fact, you cannot become a Christian without faith. Christianity is not just about knowledge and good works. It is about faith.2. You and I have a measure of faith. Right now, it may feel as if your faith is quite small. The question is: What will you do with the faith you possess? Will you exercise your faith? Will you believe God? Will you use the faith you have been given?3. Our struggle is often the refusal to exercise our faith. We don't use the faith we have. Internally, we know God can do things. We read the Bible and we see his amazing power. We also hear the stories of how God works in people's lives today. So, our struggle is usually not with God's ability. Our struggle is with God's willingness. We know he can, but we doubt he will.Today's Scripture Verses:Hebrews 11:6 - “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”Matthew 17:19-20 - “Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn't we drive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Apart from a heart of gratitude, we begin to be self-focused, self-centered, and self-pleasing. But when you and I, as Christ-followers, decide to live with a daily heart of thankfulness, it changes us. A peaceful heart is the result.Main Points:1. Gratitude causes us to focus our hearts on God as the source of every blessing. Being thankful is a part of a lifestyle of worship. Gratitude keeps us humble.2. Do you ever forget to be grateful? It's so easy to do, isn't it? We can easily take everyday blessings for granted. We can enjoy the blessings of God without considering how blessed we truly are.3. Usually we express gratitude when something good happens, but in every situation, there is something for which we can thank the Lord. Even in the inconveniences, the cancellations, the restrictions, the interruptions, the disappointments there is still a reason to give our thanks to God.Today's Scripture Verses:Romans 1:21 - “ For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.”Colossians 3:15-17 - “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”1 Thessalonians 5:18 - “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Maybe you have wondered why some do not respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have often thought, “If they could only see how wonderful Jesus is. If they could only see how amazing it is to know the Lord and to be forgiven of our sins.” But that's just it, they cannot see. They are spiritually blind.Main Points:1. The God who spoke at creation and brought light into the darkness, is the same God who can make his light shine in our hearts so that we can see Jesus.2. When we receive word that there is a cure for our spiritual blindness, we too must act. We must step out in faith and trust Jesus Christ to be our savior and our Lord. I am convinced the work of the Holy Spirit is to deal with our hearts so that we can have our spiritual blindness cured. The Spirit reveals Christ to us.3. If you don't know Jesus Christ as your savior, I want you to know the joy that awaits you. You don't have to live in the darkness of sin and this world. I pray you'll experience Jesus, who is the light of the world.Today's Scripture Verses:2 Corinthians 4:4 - “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”John 3:19 - “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”2 Corinthians 4:6 - “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Our efforts at personal goodness, no matter how consistent they may be, will never save us. In fact, good behavior is incapable of bringing us into a right relationship with God. We must be born again.Main Points:1. Everyone of us, no matter how kind, decent, and respectful we may be, are still sinners. We have sinned. We have violated God's laws. 2. A newborn baby will need a second birth. It had a physical birth, but to be in right relationship with God it will need a spiritual birth. It must be born again.3. Have you been born again? Recognize that good behavior is incapable of saving us from our sins. We must have a new birth by placing our faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 51:5 - “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.”Romans 5:12 - “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned”Romans 3:23 - “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard.”1 Peter 1:3 - “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Think about this truth. God didn't have to love us. He didn't have to offer us grace and mercy. Nothing forced God to show us forgiveness. Nothing compelled Him to give us the precious gift of eternal life, but God chose to. He chose to love us. He chose to call us His own. He chose to make us children of God. Main Points:1. If you've ever been tempted to doubt the love of God, recognize this wonderful blessing: God chose to love you. Despite all of your sins, your failures, and your mistakes, God still chose to love you and wants to spend eternity with you. 2. But there's more, not only has God chosen to love us, he has chosen to use us. You have an assignment, a task, and a role to play in the kingdom of God. For many of us, we feel as if we aren't capable or qualified, so we expect God will use others instead, but that is not what the scriptures teach us.3. God takes great joy and delight to use our lives for his glory. As He empowers us with His Holy Spirit, and we take steps of faith and obedience, great things are accomplished through our lives. All of this takes place because chooses to make it happen.Today's Scripture Verses:1 Peter 2:9 - “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”1 Peter 2:4 - “…rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him.”1 Corinthians 1:26-29 - “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

We must see that with God's help, we have the power to flee and to run away from temptation. If we are hesitant, if we wait and entertain the temptation, we lose power against it. God's Word teaches us to flee.Main Points:1. Temptation is something everyone of us will face. No one is immune. To be tempted is not sin – it's what you do with the temptation that's important.  Even Jesus was tempted. 2. So, how do we flee temptation? We can always pray. We can cry out to God for strength against whatever temptation we are facing. Sometime it may be necessary to physically flee your environment. You may need to call a friend or family member for support.3. What is essential is that you choose a course of action before you face the temptation. If you wait until you are tempted, it's too late. Decide today how you will flee temptation.Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 6:13 - “Lead us not into temptation.”2 Timothy 2:22 - “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”1 Corinthians 6:18 - “Flee sexual immorality.”  1 Corinthians 10:14 - “Flee from idolatry.”1 Corinthians 10:13 - “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”Psalm 141:4 - “Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers…”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

How many times have you and I come to God in prayer over a desperate situation, and we felt as if we didn't have the words to pray?  We didn't know what to say. In that moment, words seem to fail us.Main Points:1. What a powerful truth this is! The Spirit of God knows what our needs are and in our moments of weakness, begins to intercede for us.2. We need the Spirit's help because we are so weak.   There are moments in life when we are physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted.  Circumstances have pushed us over the edge.3. The Holy Spirit takes up our needs at the deepest emotional level and brings our hurts and cares to the Father's throne, all in line with the will of God. This should encourage us to pour out our hearts before Him.Today's Scripture Verses:Romans 8:26-27 - “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

The giants we struggle with the most are not sickness, finances, pain, loss, or grief.  Our biggest giants are internal.  The battles that take us out are personal.  Struggles like lust, greed, selfishness, anger, bitterness, and fear can become giants that destroy our faith, our relationships, and our future.  We must guard our hearts and develop a close relationship with Jesus to defeat these giants within. Main Points:1. David's internal giant was lust.    You may not battle this one, but perhaps you are fighting another internal giant, one with a different name. Maybe you are fighting the giant of discouragement, despair, fear, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, or unforgiveness.2. Thankfully, King David was repentant and his relationship with God was restored, but it's a tragic story that didn't have to happen if only David had guarded his heart. For us, the story is a cautionary tale and a reminder to run to God for help when we are fighting internal giants.3. Bring your giants to God. With His help, every giant can be defeated.Today's Scripture Verses:2 Samuel 5:13 - “David took more concubines and wives in Jerusalem…”Proverbs 4:23 - “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”Psalm 46:1 - “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

The Bible teaches us that not only does God forgive us, but he removes our condemnation. Grace brings freedom. It provides healing for the soul. Sins are not only forgiven, but God lifts our sentence of guilt. Shame is erased.Main Points:1. There is one universal thing every human has in common. We are all sinners. We have all made mistakes. We all have failures and shortcomings.2. The story of the gospel is that Jesus has come to save us from our sins. Jesus died on the cross, taking the penalty for our sins and satisfying the justice of a righteous and holy God. Out of His love and grace, he offers us forgiveness of our sins, as we place our faith in Him and confess Him as our Lord and Savior.3. Stop and think about these words. No condemnation. Not a hint, not a whisper, not even a shadow of it. The believer stands before the throne of God, not as a condemned criminal awaiting punishment, but as a redeemed child embraced by the loving arms of the Father.Today's Scripture Verses:Romans 3:23 - “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”1 Corinthians 6:11 - “…you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”John 3:17 - “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."Romans 8:1 - “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”John 5:24 - “I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and he will not be condemned.  He has crossed over from death to life."   Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

You and I have a truth we can hold onto today: God is a promise-keeper. He will not fail. What He has said, He will do. What He has promised, He will perform. Main Points:1. Let this truth be an encouragement in your life today. No word from God ever fails. No matter your current circumstances, God's Word remains unshakable. In times of uncertainty, when others may question the reliability of God's promises, as believers, we can find comfort and assurance in the unchanging nature of God's Word.2. Some of God's promises come to pass quickly, even overnight. Others stretch over long periods of time. Waiting on God is not always easy. In fact, sometimes it's even painful. As finite humans, it's difficult to understand the timing of a sovereign God. Yet, we live by faith. We trust a God who has proven Himself to be true to His Word time and time again.3. Be encouraged by the truth that no word from God will ever fail. Today's Scripture Verses:Luke 1:37, "For no word from God will ever fail."Joshua 21:43-45 - “So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands. Not one of all the Lord's good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.”1 Kings 8:56“ - Blessed be the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

God, in His infinite wisdom, uses what the world considers foolish—the preaching of the cross—to confound the wise. The power of salvation is not found in human wisdom or eloquence, but in the message of Christ's sacrificial love.Main Points:1. To an unsaved world, the salvation that God offers us through Christ seems incomprehensible to those who haven't experienced it. It sounds like “foolishness” to say that salvation could come through a cross—a death marked by weakness, defeat, and humiliation. Yet this “foolishness” was the salvation that Paul preached! 2. God took something shameful and weak—death on a cross—and made it the foundation of wisdom and power. God does the unimaginable. Later in verse 27, Paul would say that God chooses the weak and foolish things of the world to shame the wise.3. The simple message of the Gospel, though considered foolish by the world, carries the power to transform lives and bring about salvation. Today's Scripture Verses:1 Corinthians 1:18-24 - “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”  Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

The good news is that God specializes in restoring and rebuilding lives. Millions of people have experienced His grace and power. They have seen God pick them up out of the ruins and turn their lives around.Main Points:1. Today, there are many whose lives are falling apart. Their marriages have been destroyed. There is conflict and difficulty within the family relationships.  Many have experienced collapse due to sin and rebellion against God. They have left behind a trail of mistakes, failures, and poor decisions. Others battle addictions and brokenness. Where there was once health and vitality, there is now rubble and debris.2. Maybe you need God's restoration power in your life, and you wonder where to start? How do you begin to pick up the pieces of a life that has been broken apart? The answer is to follow the example of Ezra. Rebuild the altar. 3. With humility, rebuild the altar in your life. No, not a physical altar or a piece of furniture where you would kneel to pray. Building an altar means you are turning to God for help. You are establishing a relationship with God. You are reaching out in prayer to a God of grace. He's a God who wants to restore.Today's Scripture Verses:2 Kings 25:1,9 - “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army. He set fire to the temple of the Lord, the royal palace and all the houses of Jerusalem. Every important building he burned down. The whole Babylonian army under the commander of the imperial guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem.”Ezra 3:3 - “Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening sacrifices.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

The Word of God is our trail marker. Without the Word of God, we don't know where to walk, or even how to walk, in a spiritual sense.  Left to ourselves, we will get lost. Main Points:1. A hiker who ignores the trail markers and wanders off the well-worn path, thinking they know a better way, is foolish. To think you know better than those who have walked this journey before you would be unwise. Yet, as it relates to our Christian faith, it happens all the time.2. We must see that there is safety in staying on the path God has marked out for us. He has marked the way home. If we let God's Word be our guide and if we let the Scripture identify every step, we'll make it safely to our eternal destination. 3. We can't afford to be careless on our spiritual journey. We must be in the Word of God. We must read the truth of the Bible and apply it to our lives. This will ensure that God's Word directs our footsteps.Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 119:133 - “Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.”Psalm 119:105 - “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”Hebrews 12:1 - “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…”Proverbs 14:12 - “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group