The Faith Tested By Fire Podcast

I've been reading about the signs of the times since the 1980s. And of course, generations of writers have written about the topic long before that. I imagine predictions of the end go back to the Apostle Paul's time. Over the years, many have placed their short-term hopes in the rapture to put an end to the trials, tests, and tribulations they were facing in their lives. I can't imagine the disappointment that was felt when the event didn't come to pass. We don't know and we won't know the day or the time. We do know the season, however, and we can identify a few of the signs that we have yet to see. Personally, I don't believe there are any end-time experts. I do believe, however, that we can identify a few things that Jesus shared with certainty – and I'll be sharing those things with you in today's episode!

In today's podcast episode, I'd like to share with you some encouraging thoughts on what Jesus taught His disciples – starting in Matthew, Chapter 7. What Jesus taught will work as well for you and I today as it did for those who believed and put their faith Him then. In this lifetime, each of us must confront our own doubts, fears, and uncertainties. If you're in the midst of a trying time in your own life, I believe you'll get a lot out of today's episode!

Hope is a scarce commodity in the time we're living in. According to statistics, the numbers of people afflicted by depression have reached all-time highs. Especially among younger people. The world in general is grappling with hopelessness on a mass scale. Everything from disease and global warming to financial ruin – those are the messages that dominate our time. And yet, there remains an eternal message of hope for those who have ears to hear it. For those who believe, there is a message of hope that assures us we are not alone. Not only are we not alone, but there has been given to us … exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:4) If you feel powerless by what's happening in your life and in the world around you, today's message can reignite a restoration process in your life.

Many times, our faith is seriously challenged by what the Bible calls, “Unbelief.” If it weren't so, Paul (writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) wouldn't have said – “Fight the good fight of faith.” Faith is a fight. Especially when we've been faced with problems and difficulties that just don't seem to go away. We've all been there. You live in a state of unrest relative to certain problems you're facing. Not every challenge keeps people up at night. But even minor problems that have been around for a prolonged time – even those problems have a way of robbing us of the kind of true peace and rest the Bible promises. If you're interested in taking a deeper look into this subject, I think you'll get a lot from today's podcast episode!

During the past year and a half, we've experienced what it was like to live in a world where life as we knew it ground to a halt. Even though life here in Florida was more “open” than it was in many other parts of the country, it was still far from normal. Today, as we see the world slowly reopening again, I don't see things going back to the way they were – Post-Covid or post-2020. Why? I really think God is doing a unique work in His people in this unique time. It appears that an awakening of sorts is occurring with God's people around the world. And it makes sense when you remember that, He's the vine and we're the branches (John 15:5). He's the head and we're the body (Colossians 1:18). The connection makes all the difference. In today's podcast, I want to share some thoughts on having a real, daily connection or relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ – through the Holy Spirit. We can only do so much in our own strength. We can only get so far with the knowledge we acquire. Above and beyond that is a whole world of possibilities that are available to us… if we're willing to move to a deeper level of trust in the love, willingness, and ability of God. That and more in today's podcast.

In today's podcast, I'd like to talk about one of the most controversial topics in the Christian circles today. I'm talking about the Prophetic ministries and the predictions of events that are supposed to occur in the very near future. You won't want to miss this. That and more in today's podcast episode.

In today's podcast, I'd like to talk about something that keeps us from experiencing some of the bigger breakthroughs many of us have longed for in our daily lives. I'm talking about unbelief. Hear me out, I believe this will really have a positive impact on your life. The original disciples of Jesus experienced “unbelief” just as we do. And keep in mind, they lived, ate, and traveled with Jesus for YEARS. They saw the miracles firsthand and they still had to deal with the effects of unbelief from time to time. You see, we can have faith and unbelief – simultaneously. The father with the oppressed son had both in Mark 9:24. Peter had faith when he started walking on the water, but unbelief starting undoing the miraculous moments later. In both examples, both men cried out to Jesus and both were saved. In today's episode, I want to talk about lessening the effects of unbelief on our faith and what can happen as a result.

There was a time in my life when I felt like the woman from Canaan. Matthew 15:22-23 KJV (22) And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. (23) But he answered her not a word. In one sense, I knew the Lord was there… but it seemed that He chose to remain silent. One night, I actually yelled at Him and let my feelings be know! Afterward, I felt bad, but the point is – I was being honest with myself and Him. We all deal with things deep down on the inside that we'd rather not be dealing with. And over the years, I learned to open up and look to Jesus from a place of complete honesty and humbleness. From that place I've shared my worries, fears and things I was utterly unsure of as they related to my life and my future. What I discover was – that was the place where true finally started to manifest real solutions in my everyday life. If that's something you'd like to hear more about, you'll be blessed by today's podcast.

The Bible has recorded many stories of people who experienced severe trials and tribulations before finally getting their breakthrough. The story is really no different today. If you're the cause of your problems, God can still help and rescue you from them. If there are delays that are your fault, God will not abandon you. Remember, salvation in all its applications (both in this life and the one that is to come) is a free gift. God's favor is unearned as we were chosen by Him before the foundations of the world (Ephesians 1:4). All that being the case, if we're still trying and still failing in an area of our lives, what should we do (besides not giving up)? That and more in today's podcast.

According to Hebrews 4:1, we can fall short of God's promises for our lives in the here and now. Falling short of God's promises is basically falling short of God's best. Recently, I looked back at the past several months and realized that I, too, was falling short of God's best. Yes, there are tests and trials. That's a given. But according to the Bible, we've been promised (among other things) peace in the midst of the storms. For me, that peace seemed to be in limited supply. So – I called out to God for help. In today's podcast, I'm going to talk about what happened next.

Life seems to have more than its share of frustrating moments. That's especially so when you've prayed and asked for help, but the help you're seeking seems to have been indefinitely delayed. Some of life's challenges seem to persist over time and become points of frustration. In fact, it's easy to certain things as being “normal” over time. Especially if you consider the lives of those around us. That said, Jesus painted a much different picture of how life could be in the lessons he taught His disciples. He showed what complete victory could look like. He didn't stop there, either. He also showed the disciples what to do when problems seem to persist. Today, I want to talk about unbelief and how it affects our prayers and lives. More importantly, I want to talk about what the Bible says about overcoming our doubts and fears – and living in God's best on this side of eternity. That and more in today's podcast.

We find ourselves in an interesting period of time here at the start of a new decade. The current pandemic has pushed masses of people into a unique period of trial and testing. Fear, worry, and stress have become the norm over the past few weeks. Some people may ask, “Where is God in all of this?” Or, “Will I be protected?” The truth is, God doesn't want you to be fearful or worried? Why? That's the subject of today's podcast.

I have an encouraging word that I'd like to share with you in today's podcast. Most of the time we can't see how God is working in our lives. From the outside, it may appear that we're stuck. To us, the possibility of things going downhill from there appears to be quite real. Naturally, the negative emotions tied to those thoughts can be very powerful. The truth of God's Word, however, paints a much different picture or vision of who we are and what's available to those who believe. Those who believe, the Bible says, are in Christ. This can be the foundational truth that changes everything. Today, I want to help you put your challenges in the right perspective… and to help make 2020 the year things begin to change for the better!

Happy New Year to you! I hope you enjoyed the holiday season of 2019 with your friends and loved ones. During the past month and a half, I took the time to examine some of the central truths from the Bible in a fresh and practical way. There's always room to grow in life. There's always room for improvement. That's especially so when it comes to spiritual things. During the last few episodes of this podcast, I was talking about the topic of “How Faith Worked.” It's a hard topic to talk about at times for a few reasons. First, you can get into the mechanics of a subject to the point where it feels like all the pressure is on you to “do it right” or it won't work. Almost like you have to earn God's help by doing more of this and less of that. In today's episode, I want to talk about two central truths that I personally began focusing upon in the New Year. Today, I want to talk about guarding your heart and guarding your mouth. These two things can totally transform the upcoming year for you. I believe you'll be extra-blessed by today's podcast.

I think you'll really enjoy today's latest podcast episode, entitled; How Faith Works – Part 3. When it comes to trust, we can analyze, philosophize and even hypothesize about what the Bible says. Many do just that. We can buy and read books, listen to sermons, etc. None of those things, however, can replace the simple act of doing what the Bible says, and practicing it in our own life experience. If that sounds good to you, you'll be blessed by today's episode.

In today's podcast, I want to continue talking about how faith, belief, and praying works in everyday life. More specifically, I'd like to talk about the challenges we face when it appears that our prayers have gone unanswered.   There are many scriptures in the Bible that point to the fact that we (believers) have an enemy in this world. There are invisible, evil forces that seek to thwart God's best from happening in the lives of His people. We may also have to wrestle with personal doubts or uncertainties as they relate to specific challenges.

In today's podcast, I want to talk about how faith, belief, and praying works in everyday life. More specifically, I'd like to talk about the challenges we face when it appears that our prayers have gone unanswered. There are many scriptures in the Bible that point to the fact that we (believers) have an enemy in this world. There are invisible, evil forces that seek to thwart God's best from happening in the lives of His people. We may also have to wrestle with personal doubts or uncertainties as they relate to specific challenges. This is part one of what will probably be a four-part series. The purpose of this series is to simplify what can otherwise be a very confusing topic. And also to encourage you – quoting from Jesus himself who said, “Men ought always to pray and not faint (or give up).”

We each see the world, at least in part, through the lens of our personal experiences. Along the way, it becomes easy at times to accept things God doesn't want us to accept. There's a disconnect between what we see and what we believe. In today's podcast, I'm going to talk about seeing the world through the lens of God's Word instead of the lens of tradition or our own limited experiences. God has something better for each of us, but it's up to each of us to believe it for our individual lives.

What we see and experience outwardly affects how we feel inwardly. Even so, God has given you the measure of faith (Romans 12:3). Jesus is the author and finisher of that faith (Hebrews 12:2)… and that faith will work like it did for the people of Hebrews 11, even if you feel defeated. It will work when your faith stops relying upon the wisdom of man and starts relying solely on the power of God (1 Corinthians. 2:5). The Bible says Abraham “considered not” his own body. Maybe you're considered some things that you shouldn't be considered? If you can relate to that, I think you'll be blessed by today's podcast.

We all wrestle with doubts and fears. Faith, however, begins where the will of God is known. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob believed because “God said…” Before the New Testament was in written form, it was played out in real time through the words and actions of Jesus Christ. The Bible said, “His fame spread.” In other words, people heard about His preaching and his miracles and faith came. Some, however, doubted. People hear, “Jesus saves,” but not everyone believes it. In today's podcast, we'll be talking about the Will of God will for you (being always for good) and how to overcome nagging doubts and fears that try to come between you and God's best for your life.

Theology or theory sometimes does as much to break people apart as it does to bring them together. Over the centuries, much has been writing about good, evil, what God allows, and what the word “allows” even means. For example, is God allowing you to suffer? Or, are your own doubts and fears allowing or causing the situation to remain unchanged? These are all great questions that we might ask ourselves as we go through different challenges in life. In today's podcast, I want to take a look at this topic and share some thoughts with you. Simply put, I believe it's important to get the place where God is no longer seen as a “withholder” in any area of our lives. That and more in today's podcast.

According to the Bible, the words that come from our mouths have influence in two worlds – the visible one and the invisible one. What we say not only influences the outer world and the people around us, those same words also affect us internally. They influence what happens next – for better or worse. Even “self-talk,” where we visualize and internalize these things, can affect us deeply in ways we might not realize. You might think, “Yes, I heard that before and heard sermons on the subject.” Even so, I encourage you to give this subject some of your time today. Consider it a time investment. In today's podcast, I've picked certain scriptures to focus on for a reason. As you listen, think about how this principle can be applied to your life – starting today. Think about the things you should no longer “talk about.” And beyond that, consider embracing a new, “positive testimony.” I'm talking about something that you can talk about (even to yourself) that focuses on the blessings and good things God has done and is doing in your life.

If you feel like the blessings of God are far removed from your daily experience, you're not alone. Many of us struggle in life with fears, doubts, uncertainty and all manners of temptations. This, however, is nothing new. What is new for those of us believing in Jesus Christ is the fact that we're under a new covenant that's established upon better promises. This leaves us with a choice. We can either focus on Jesus and the love and blessings of God – or we can focus on our own human weakness and inadequacies. Whichever we choose will play a big part in what happens next. If that sounds interesting to you, you'll enjoy today's podcast.

In today's podcast, I want to look at some of the scriptures and Bible promises from a pragmatic, practical point of view. As interesting as certain debates or scholarly insights may be – those things don't really help us as much as we'd like them to in our daily lives. I'm just being honest about it. So today, I want to talk about Abraham, Bible blessings, Bible curses, and more. Most importantly – how we can start receiving the better things God wants for our lives. If you need a breath of fresh air and a little inspiration for your daily challenges, you'll be blessed by today's podcast.

Don't let the tests and trials of life discourage you. Yes, you may be wondering why things take so long at times? I think back to the tests I took throughout my lifetime. I'm talking about the academic and business certification variety. Some were short and to the point. Others seemed to go on and on. The test was the thing that stood between what I had and what I wanted. It was the thing that stood between where I was and where I wanted to be. Truth be told, I dislike waiting for things to happen or play out as much as the next person. But – Jesus told us we'd be tested. Acts 14:22 says, “through much tribulation, we enter the Kingdom of God.” Jesus himself when through many tests and trials. In today's podcast, I'd like to talk about our part and God's part in the journey of life. Yes, we have take action. We can't just sit around and wonder – calling that faith. But, we can't depend on our own ingenuity or ability to figure things out, either. We have to trust and depend on God. Today, we'll look at how both of these things fit together like opposite sides of the same coin.

As we prepare to enter a new year in our lives, it's a great time to reflect on a question – are all things really possible to you as Jesus said they were? In other words, did Jesus really mean what He said? Or, have we unwittingly exchanged possibilities for probabilities? Yes, life can be exhausting and even overwhelming to us at times. That doesn't mean, however, that we should settle in and become comfortable with the struggle. In today's podcast, I'd like to talk about what Jesus taught about experiencing the power of God in our lives. I believe the modern, Christian culture has influenced us to have more faith in the law of averages than it has the law of faith. That and more in today's podcast.

Sometimes we fight, sometimes we're just going through the motions. This can apply to anything in life. Our jobs, our relationships, even our prayers. God can totally transform your life, but you have to be honest with Him about absolutely everything. If you're looking for help and you feel like you'll always be repeating the same old defeatist patterns of the past, today's podcast is for you. Happy Thanksgiving!

Over the years I've always found it challenging when the friends or loved ones you're praying for never seem to benefit in a real, tangible way from your prayers. It almost feels at times that your efforts will never produce any positive effect in the other person's life (or very minimal at best). In today's podcast, I want to finish talking about what the bible says about ongoing prayer and get completely away from thoughts, ideas or other teachings on this topic that aren't explicitly spelled out in the Bible. This is Part 2 of a two-part series.

Over the years I've always found it challenging when the friends or loved ones you're praying for never seem to benefit in a real, tangible way from your prayers. It almost feels at times that your efforts will never produce any positive effect in the other person's life (or very minimal at best). In today's podcast, I want to talk about what the bible says about ongoing prayer and get completely away from thoughts, ideas or other teachings on this topic that aren't explicitly spelled out in the Bible. This is Part 1 of a two-part series.

A simple reading from the Gospel of Luke puts our current time in an interesting perspective. Specific signs have come, just as Jesus foretold... so besides the obvious, there's no reason to think the remaining signs won't manifest exactly as He said they would. That and more in today's podcast!

We often judge ourselves in the light of our own actions, choices and life decisions. Or, sometimes by the lack thereof in those areas. We don't like what we see. We don't like how that makes us feel. Those feelings can begin to dictate our future actions and choices. Then we see Jesus. Jesus – who was crucified for us. Jesus, who took our unrighteousness and sin and washed it away. Jesus, who satisfied the claims of justice against the highest court there is. Jesus, whose payment was massive enough to cover the sins of the entire world. Whatever we look at, whatever we focus on, that's the reality that will play out in our day to day lives.

Oftentimes in the Christian community, we jump from topic to topic, sermon to sermon, maybe book to book – getting momentary bursts of hope and insights. Most find that nothing really seems to stick or cause what you might call a “long-term transformation” in their lives. Today that changes. Are you ready?

It can be difficult leaving things in God's hands for multiple reasons. First, maybe you're not convinced what the Will of God is? Even if you don't know specifics – just look at Jesus. Jesus always wins. He's never intimidated, confused or taken by surprise. He never changes. What more do you really need to know? Maybe you feel like you're paying for your sins and there's no way out? Again, look at Jesus. He's faithful to forgive us and bring us through the worst of situations, even if we brought those situations on ourselves through poor choices. Maybe you feel your lack of insight, understanding or knowledge is keeping you stuck? Well, I have good news for you. Today, we're going to look at the Holy Spirit and how He will help you. Consider this, Jesus said it was to our advantage that He leave so the Holy Spirit would come (John 16:7). It's difficult to believe that it would be to our advantage that Jesus not be here physically isn't it? Yet, He said it was to OUR advantage, so it must be so. That and more in today's podcast.

Do you feel worn down, a bit worn out and in need of some uplifting? Every day we have the choice to feed our spirit with good, uplifting “food” just like we do with our physical bodies. The things we talk about effect our inner-man. The things we think about effect our inner-man. The things we hear do the same. You can see why God gave his people Mana or food from heaven – one day at a time. The food they received on Monday wasn't enough to tide them over several days. It was just good on Monday. Once Tuesday came, they needed a fresh supply for that day. In today's podcast, I want to encourage you to make a practical plan to ensure you get what you need from God to thrive and prosper, each and every day (no matter what's happening in the outward world around you.

In the words of Jesus, “The truth shall set you free.” The wonderful thing about the truth is, it pertains to every area of life. There's no such thing as the truth setting you free in one area of life but not applying to another. When you think about all the different elements and aspects of life, we can face challenges on just about every front you can think. Jesus said, “I am the Truth.” Why then does the truth often seem so close, yet just out of reach? I'm talking purely from a practical standpoint? The truth isn't just information things. When you think about all Jesus did – He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil. This same Jesus, who God raised from the dead and who never changes is with you right now. For this to move beyond “doctrine” into the practical nooks and crevices of life, you have the want a real relationship with Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That can only happen when you're willing to open your heart and let all the things that should be there - out. That and more in today's podcast.

In the Bible, people who received from God didn't struggle to believe like we see today. Jesus taught people to keep things simple and to believe from the heart with child-like faith. Today, we intellectualize things so much - we make spiritual things overly complex. That's how we've been taugh In today's podcast, I'm going to talk about getting to the place where we know in our heart we have the answer. The place where we're no longer looking or waiting for outward manifestations to validate or confirm that we "really do" have the victory. http://www.faithtestedbyfire.com

In the words of Jesus, “The truth shall set you free.” The wonderful thing about the truth is, it pertains to every area of life. There's no such thing as the truth setting you free in one area of life but not applying to another. When you think about all the different elements and aspects of life, we can face challenges on just about every front you can think. But here's the thing, Jesus said, “I am the truth.” The truth isn't just information about things. The truth is actually a person. When you think about all Jesus did – He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil. This same Jesus, who God raised from the dead and who never changes is with you right now. Simply believe and start taking another step forward in every area of your life you need to make progress in.

The Early Church had it right. The had faith in the Grace, Mercy and Peace of God. They had a foundation that has become somewhat lost to most of us in the modern era. That is about to change, I believe. The message of Grace is the foundation upon which the much yearned for life stability can be build. It is the rock - like Jesus Christ Himself, that causes us to overcome when faced with the troubles and tribulations of life.

In this second part of a series of episides (Lessons from the 1st Century Believers), I wanted to examine a few truths that we do not often hear from the modern pulpit. I believe there are a lot of traditions that make the power of God of no effect in our lives. The wrong emphasis and focus can leave people forever entangled with fears and doubts. If that's you, today's podcast can really help you.

Traditions, especially from the American-Based Church, have muddied the ways quite a bit when it comes to how the 1st Century Believers prayed, faced challenges and operated. When you examine certain scriptures closely, you can see where we have departed from the path somewhat in our era. This is the first episode in a series where we will look at and question some of the things we may have taken for granted.

There is an honest, pure heart connection we can make with God, through prayer, in the midst of any test of trial. In this place, fear gives way to faith, and we make the transition the Bible describes as going from faith to faith (Romans 1:17) and from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). In this podcast, I will give you real-world examples of why certain things may take longer to receive than others through prayer. I believe true, heart-felt prayer will set you free. Whether it happens in a single prayer or through several… it is the driving principle that separates those who experience Gods promises from those who only see them from afar off.

Do Bible promises really cover your individual case today, or where they just meant for those who lived back in Jesus time? A lot of people debate theology, but I believe we should examine what the Bible itself says about it. What did God Himself intend with the Words that were written? Up until the Book of Acts, the believers did not even realize salvation was available to Gentiles, even though they walked with Jesus in the flesh. Today, we will take a closer look into Bible promises that have been left to those who believe.

In Florida, where I live, people are praying for safety for themselves and for their friends and loved ones. Elsewhere, people are also praying for those areas either hit by or threatened by the hurricane. In this “Hurricane Special” podcast, I’m sharing some thoughts about storms, calamities and what God’s people can do according to the Bible. (Recorded on 9-9-2017) *https://www.faithtestedbyfire.com

As time passes, we tend to reassess or reconsider the value we place on the things in our lives. I'm talking about what's truly important and what, in retrospect, wasn't as important as we thought at the time. The other day, I had a deeper insight into this topic. I gave some thought to the big picture and how we as individuals fit into God's plan. I'll be talking about this and other things in today's podcast.

I apologize for the lower volume on this recording. Please turn up your speakers or sound and receive a positive, uplifting word you can apply to your life immediately.

From the feeling that you're missing out on something to not being happy with a limiting income, many believers find themselves dealing with discontentment in their lives in various areas. In today's podcast, I want to talk about what the Bible says about being content and how you can reset your focus if you feel yourself sinking within the waves that are created through the storms of life. https://www.faithtestedbyfire.com

Persistent problems (by definition) seem to be immune to the solutions we've turned to. How many times have you wondered why – “For some reason, this problem is still present in my life?” We all have. The secondary problem occurs when we answer the “why” with false or untrue conclusion. For example, “The problem exists because of God.” By creating a false reality or belief system, we basically co-sign ourselves to an ongoing imprisonment to that problem. There's a better way that I'll be talking about in today's podcast.

A good portion of the Book of Revelation seems to point to the events surrounding the fall of Jerusalem in 70AD. Still, other events seem to point to a future point in time. If most of the end time prophecies are already fulfilled, are we close to the end of God's timeline or are there still hundreds of more years of history yet to come?

There's no question, good things happen to those who “choose God's Word” and purpose to apply its truth as they face various tests and trials in life. Sometimes, however, you can be so introspective of you inadvertently become your own worst enemy. What seems to be a vicious circle in our experience can actually be a simple matter of focus and the choice we make to believe or doubt.

Faith creates expectancy. The question is, what are you expecting? Some expect very little, or they expect to have the same or similar limitations as those who don't believe. I was caught in such a situation and it took quite a while before I realized it. In today's podcast, I'll be talking about what I learned and how you can get to a place where you expect God's power to help through every test and trial – even the minor ones.

You can plant the seeds today for a better tomorrow. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 AKJV (6) I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. (7) So then neither is he that plants any thing, neither he that waters; but God that gives the increase. Follow the Bible principles and don't be fearful. Prayer is a form of seed planting. We plant seeds in our own lives and in the lives of others. Persistent praying along with thanksgiving waters the seeds (Philippians 4:6). In all cases, both instant and those requiring patience, God gives the increase. Don't worry about imperfections or inadequacies. The seeds, water and increase all originate with God. We're just taking what he gives and using it on our lives and circumstances.