Your Best Growth Podcast

The presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life is one of the greatest advantages true Christians have. Yet few know enough about this supernatural Helper's work in their spiritual journey. Let's change that in this mini-series! In this episode, I share 7 awesome blessings of having the Holy Spirit in one's life. They include conviction, rebirth, and affirmation of our adoption as children of God, to name a few. 

The truth of the matter is that fasting turbocharges our prayers. In this episode, I would like to encourage you concerning some of the wonderful benefits of prayer coupled with fasting. Without any shadow of a doubt, genuine prayer is very powerful on its own. But to fast and pray by faith with a Bible-based understanding compounds results. Benefits include promotion, the release of anointing, supernatural intervention and so forth. Have a listen to learn more.

The Best Year End Tip is a unique episode, designed to help believers wrap up this season wisely. It's based on Solomon's proverb that the end of a matter is better than its beginning (Ecclesiastes 7:8). David provides the tip that in my view is the very best--the wisdom of counting your blessings. You'll discover the amazing benefits of gratitude. 

This final episode of the Christmas Nuggets series unpacks the real reason for arguably one of the most important holidays across the whole wide world--Christmas. The true reason for this season revolves around the identity and mission of Jesus Christ as explained to Joseph by an angel of God as recorded in Matthew 1:21. Jesus' was born for the sole purpose of saving humanity from our sin. That means celebration, family time, gift exchanging and bright lights minus salvation--all that is pointless. 

Like Joseph, we too must not limit God's power only to the prayers we've articulated. Our Lord loves to exceed our requests and imaginations. We must believe that God responds to our inner thoughts as well. We must understand that some of the dreams we receive are God's responses to our unuttered thoughts, questions and desires. 

Joseph, Mary's husband, demonstrates an uncommon attitude we would all do well to emulate this Christmas season. He gives his wife a unique gift, something more than the material stuff about which our society is obsessed nowadays. Joseph gives his sweetheart the precious gift of honour in spite of confusing circumstances. No wonder God chose this guy for an assignment with eternal consequences for all humanity!

A new Genesis! That is what the Evangelist Matthew presents to readers of the New Testament. In this first episode in the Christmas Nuggets series, we consider the implications of this "New Genesis" for today's believers, particularly as we celebrate Christmas. Among other things, you'll learn that it's not about getting new presents, gadgets and clothes. Rather, Christmas is about receiving new life through Christ. Enjoy!

It pays to love God wholeheartedly! This truth is only superficially understood by most believers. In this episode, based on Psalm 91:14-16, all children of God have an opportunity to explore the 7 blessings of devoting one's heart to God. Listen, believe the promises of God and praise Him for each of these blessings. There is no better time than this festive season, in which we celebrate the greatest gift God gave to humanity, to reflect on the amazing blessings of God!

The little-known benefits of raising your Ebenezer, that is, your Stone of Help are the focus of this episode. First, it's all about acknowledging our reception of divine help. In an atheistic world, raising your Ebenezer is celebrating the realness of God and His willingness to intervene in human affairs when sought after earnestly. Second, raising your Ebenezer is about recognition of who (God) has made the victory or breakthrough possible. Third, raising your Ebenezer is about recording the divine help received. 

Everyone, young or older, spiritual or otherwise, is subject to burnout. In this episode, Josh discloses two biblical solutions to the problem of giving up. The main text is Galatians 6:9, which avers that believers must not grow weary in doing good, knowing that their efforts have great rewards. But the proviso is not giving up. The first solution to burnout is to refuse to give up when the temptation to do so attacks you. The second is to remember that there are rewards for untiring efforts. Our labour in the Lord is never in vain.

The matter of the fear of God is extremely critical to the believer's growth, destiny and influence. Yet most Christians don't ever think about it, let alone practice it. This episode is a wake up call to all and sundry to revisit and walk in the reverential fear of God. This introductory episode lays a necessary foundation to this indispensable quality. 

The Blessing of Fruitfulness is one of three terrific outcomes of obeying the word of God outlined in the first psalm of the Psalter (Psalm 1:1-3). Scripture records that when believers reject ungodly counsel, rejoice in God's word and reflect on the Word, they will achieve three marvellous results. First, we'll enjoy the privilege of being PLANTED by rivers of water. Second, we'll become FRUITFUL. Third, we'll become DURABLE. But the focus of this episode is entirely on the second blessing. In turn, the blessing of fruitfulness is threefold--that is, contribution, continuity and consistency.  Have a listen for clarity!

This podcast episode revolves around three questions--the why, what and how  of GENUINE FAITH. Regarding why we should l earn about genuine faith, there are many reasons, but this podcast explores only four. Firstly, you cannot be truly saved on the basis of fake faith.  Secondly, fruitless faith is frustrating. When your faith doesn't produce results, you're likely to be frustrated. You may end up blaming God, becoming bitter or disillusioned. Thirdly, fruitless faith makes you vulnerable to deception. You become prey to unscrupulous ministers and false prophets. Fourthly, fake faith cannot please the true God.   Among other things, you'll also learn that  genuine faith is not mental curiosity. It is not an intellectual exercise. Neither is it a leap in the dark.  Nor is it religious experimentation. It's not trial-and-error, make-believe or magic. You'll be blessed as you listen!

In this episode, which is the first of a two-part series, you'll discover the reason why contemporary believers' worship doesn't seem to produce the same sort of phenomenal results ancient Christians obtained. We are in danger of practising a nominal, stale and abstract spirituality. To many Christians nowadays, having a mental religiosity is good enough. But if we wish to match ancient saints' exploits, we must be willing to similarly suffuse our praise and worship with genuine, heartfelt faith. The main reference text is 2 Chronicles 20:20, but other biblical witnesses are also called in for our blessing.

One of the most effective spiritual weapons at every believer's disposal is the master key of praise or worship. This podcast episode revisits the narrative of Paul and Silas, unearthing profound principles embedded in the biblical text for the believer's edification, empowerment and equipment. Learn about the Apostles' response, results and the rationale for choosing to worship God in the midst of unjust treatment, incarceration and confinement. 

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul includes 4 strategies that help believers to remain steadfast in trying times. In this episode we explore what it means to be alert, stand firm in the faith, to be courageous like men and to be strong. The striking about this teaching is the concept of intentionality. Paul seems to operate from the premise that victory is a choice. We do not have to be the victims of our times, situations or challenges. I trust this episode will serve you by inspiring faith, hope and confidence in your walk with God.

From the perspective of a born-again Christian, pastor and mentor, I have observed at least 6 common problems that affect the rapid spiritual growth of many believers. So you'll find serious disparities between the level of maturity and victory we should be experiencing and the reality on the ground. Consequently, the Church suffers needless challenges. The extension of the kingdom of God on earth is hampered and the credibility of our Christian witness becomes debatable.  Have a listen to this brief teaching for your edification. More to follow! 

In this episode we explore the meaning, means and results of grieving the Holy Spirit. First, we consider Jesus' supreme example. Then we discuss the significance of the believer's sealing by the Holy Spirit. Included are the benefits of approval, attestation, appropriation and assurance.   

Most genuine Christians end up quenching the Holy Spirit in their lives unknowingly.  So they shoot themselves in the foot, hurt their own cause and sabotage their own destinies totally unawares. So they lose their cutting edge. Their ministries lack passion, vim and lasting impact. Simply because they have been routinely extinguishing the fire of God in their lives unwittingly. This episode discusses 5 reasons why Christians do that. 

In How To Change Your World, Josh unpacks five biblical principles that enable believers to make a lasting difference in their families, communities, spheres and all sorts of platforms.  

In this episode, we explore Jesus' seminal teaching on the cost of being His authentic followers. Listeners will appreciate that this cost is threefold. First, there is the cost of denying yourself. Then there is the need to die to sin, otherwise known as putting off the old man. Third, there is the requirement to intentionally follow Jesus. Each of these costs is examined in some depth in order to enable believers to understand what it practically means in this day and age to truly follow Jesus--not as social-media-like friends, fans or followers. This teaching is an antidote to nominal Christianity. Enjoy it and share it with fellow seekers and pilgrims of the kingdom of God.  

In Affirmations of Christian Identity podcast episode, Josh shares more than 70 Bible-based confessions that help the believers to assert their God-given identity. This is of critical importance, given the frequent and often subtle assault on our true nature that every Christian suffers from all sorts of quarters. There is a huge temptation for us to adopt false identities imposed upon us by religious ignorance as well as by worldly influencers. In my experience, your awareness of who you are in Christ is of paramount importance and key to victory in a degenerate world. I'm convinced that we cannot effectively share our faith with others if we are uncertain about who we are. All who desire to live as authentic disciples of Christ will cherish this 3-minute exercise. I've not concerned myself with listing relevant Bible verses. Should you struggle to find them, please holler and I'll be glad to help. God bless!

In this first episode of a brand new Discipleship series, Pastor Josh outlines Six Marks of True Followers of Christ, drawn from the Scriptures. The brief teaching outlines key requisites every child of God needs in order to lead an authentic Christian life. It is necessitated by the confusion prevalent in church circles nowadays on account of mixed messages from within and without Christendom. In particular, many believers live under the illusion that walking closely with Jesus is either automatic, impossible or impractical. Be encouraged, dear friend, it's as doable as it is rewarding! Go ahead and enjoy, make notes and share.