Podcasts about discerning god

NEW PATH WORSHIP - New Album Out Now Spirit-Led, Not Self-DrivenLetting go of control and following the Spirit's leadEpisode Title:Walking In Spiritual Authority: Stepping Into Who God Called You To BeWhy This Series Now?:You weren't saved to play small. You were called to walk in the authority Jesus paid for. In this final episode of the Spirit-Led series, we're going beyond passive faith into powerful, Spirit-filled living.Learn what real spiritual authority looks like (hint: it's not arrogance), how to overcome fear and self-doubt, and how to start taking ground in your life, family, and calling.If you're tired of survival mode and ready to step into Kingdom impact, this episode will challenge and equip you.Key Verse:  Luke 10:19 – “I have given you authority… to overcome all the power of the enemy.”Epsiodes In The Series:Flesh vs. Spirit: Who's Really In Control?Discerning God's VoiceSurrendering The TimelineWalking In Spiritual AuthorityFree 5-Day Bible Plan:It's called “Breaking Free from the Idol of Productivity”Each day is short, powerful, and Scripture-based—designed to help you walk in freedom and trust God again with your work.GET YOUR FREE DEVOTIONALTake time to think about this, pray about it, and take one small step in obedience. Remember, divine interruptions aren't just obstacles—they're opportunities for God to do something amazing in your life.Links to Connect with Ron:Website: www.newpathnewyou.comInstagram: @rcooljrFacebook: Ron CoolYouTube: New Path New YouDon't forget to subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more men seeking purpose! Share your stories of bold obedience with Ron on social media, and let's encourage each other on this journey.Find your Community: Men DiscipleshipBecome a NPNY Supporter! - Now Tax Deductible!One TimeMonthly For Married Couples! - The Abundantly Expectant Marriage Podcast - with Ron and Rachel Cool Website: AEMARRIAGE.com

Discerning God's will in daily choices, discussing salvation, dietary decisions, cultural practices,...

NEW PATH WORSHIP - New Album Out Now Spirit-Led, Not Self-DrivenLetting go of control and following the Spirit's leadEpisode Title:Surrendering The Timeline - Trusting God's Timing When It Doesn't Make SenseWhy This Series Now?:Waiting on God is one of the hardest parts of faith. We want answers now, progress now, breakthrough now. But God doesn't work on our schedule—He works on His.In this Spirit-Led episode, we dive deep into the art of surrendering the timeline. Learn why God's delays are not His denials, how to release control over your plan, and how to build real trust when the waiting feels endless.If you're tired of forcing your own timing and ready to trust the One who sees the whole picture—this is for you.Key Verse: Galatians 5:25 – “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”Epsiodes In The Series:Flesh vs. Spirit: Who's Really In Control?Discerning God's VoiceSurrendering The TimelineWalking In Spiritual AuthorityFree 5-Day Bible Plan:It's called “Breaking Free from the Idol of Productivity”Each day is short, powerful, and Scripture-based—designed to help you walk in freedom and trust God again with your work.GET YOUR FREE DEVOTIONALTake time to think about this, pray about it, and take one small step in obedience. Remember, divine interruptions aren't just obstacles—they're opportunities for God to do something amazing in your life.Links to Connect with Ron:Website: www.newpathnewyou.comInstagram: @rcooljrFacebook: Ron CoolYouTube: New Path New YouDon't forget to subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more men seeking purpose! Share your stories of bold obedience with Ron on social media, and let's encourage each other on this journey.Find your Community: Men DiscipleshipBecome a NPNY Supporter! - Now Tax Deductible!One TimeMonthly For Married Couples! - The Abundantly Expectant Marriage Podcast - with Ron and Rachel Cool Website: AEMARRIAGE.com

The ability to hear and obey God's voice is not only powerful for believers, but it's essential! Learning to hear ... Read More

Romans 12:1-2 Sermon Audio

NEW PATH WORSHIP - New Album Out Now Spirit-Led, Not Self-DrivenLetting go of control and following the Spirit's leadEpisode Title:Discerning God's Voice – Learning to Recognize When God is SpeakingWhy This Series Now?:In a noisy, distracted world, how can you truly know when God is speaking? This episode of the Spirit-Led series helps you cut through the chaos and lean into the whispers of the Holy Spirit. Learn the biblical patterns, practical tools, and heart postures that position you to hear clearly from God. Whether you're making big life decisions or seeking daily guidance, this conversation will help you develop a Spirit-tuned ear and a surrendered heart.Key Verse: Galatians 5:25 – “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”Epsiodes In The Series:6/13 - Flesh vs. Spirit: Who's Really In Control?6/20 - Discerning God's Voice6/27 - Surrendering The Timeline7/4 - Walking In Spiritual AuthorityFree 5-Day Bible Plan:It's called “Breaking Free from the Idol of Productivity”Each day is short, powerful, and Scripture-based—designed to help you walk in freedom and trust God again with your work.GET YOUR FREE DEVOTIONALTake time to think about this, pray about it, and take one small step in obedience. Remember, divine interruptions aren't just obstacles—they're opportunities for God to do something amazing in your life.Links to Connect with Ron:Website: www.newpathnewyou.comInstagram: @rcooljrFacebook: Ron CoolYouTube: New Path New YouDon't forget to subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more men seeking purpose! Share your stories of bold obedience with Ron on social media, and let's encourage each other on this journey.Find your Community: Men DiscipleshipBecome a NPNY Supporter! - Now Tax Deductible!One TimeMonthly For Married Couples! - The Abundantly Expectant Marriage Podcast - with Ron and Rachel Cool Website: AEMARRIAGE.com

Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott “It's important to be surrounded by people who model what a Christ-like life looks like, invest in you regularly, offer spiritual friendship, ongoing guidance and encouragement.” — Steve Macchia  The final episode of Season 35 explores what it looks like to walk with the saints. You'll hear personal stories from Steve and Matt as they share some of the relationships that have helped them embody and emulate the things that make for community (presence, listening, hospitality, forbearance, humility, trust-building, repairing and restoring). Tune into this conversation as you consider who is helping to feed your soul and whose soul you're companioning along the way.   Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.  

If you need help discerning God's voice, I want to talk to you. As you listen, you'll learn keys to clearly hearing the Holy Spirit.   www.ladies4Jesus.org

NEW PATH WORSHIP - New Album Out Now Spirit-Led, Not Self-DrivenLetting go of control and following the Spirit's leadEpisode Title:Flesh vs. Spirit: Who's Really In Control? - Letting go of control and following the Spirit's leadWhy This Series Now?:Are you led by faith… or by feelings? In this powerful kickoff to the Spirit-Led series, we dive into the real battle happening within every man—the war between flesh and Spirit. It's not just about behavior modification; it's about surrendering control. Learn how to recognize when your flesh is leading, how to walk in step with the Holy Spirit, and how to win the fight for your mind, your family, and your future.This episode will challenge, convict, and equip you to lead from the Spirit, not your emotions.Key Verse: Galatians 5:25 – “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”Epsiodes In The Series:6/13 - Flesh vs. Spirit: Who's Really In Control?6/20 - Discerning God's Voice6/27 - Surrendering The Timeline7/4 - Walking In Spiritual AuthorityFree 5-Day Bible Plan:It's called “Breaking Free from the Idol of Productivity”Each day is short, powerful, and Scripture-based—designed to help you walk in freedom and trust God again with your work.GET YOUR FREE DEVOTIONALTake time to think about this, pray about it, and take one small step in obedience. Remember, divine interruptions aren't just obstacles—they're opportunities for God to do something amazing in your life.Links to Connect with Ron:Website: www.newpathnewyou.comInstagram: @rcooljrFacebook: Ron CoolYouTube: New Path New YouDon't forget to subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more men seeking purpose! Share your stories of bold obedience with Ron on social media, and let's encourage each other on this journey.Find your Community: Men DiscipleshipBecome a NPNY Supporter! - Now Tax Deductible!One TimeMonthly For Married Couples! - The Abundantly Expectant Marriage Podcast - with Ron and Rachel Cool Website: AEMARRIAGE.com

Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott “Those who have an articulated communal rule of life stick together longer and more faithfully...and go deeper in their walk together with the Lord.” — Steve Macchia  Healthy churches and healthy spiritual communities are comprised of those who learn, live and grow together in Christ. These communities offer a safe place to share hurts and heartaches, pray for and care for one another, grow together in grace, and offer forgiveness and selfless love to one another. Of course, this way of living doesn't happen without great purpose and intention. Enjoy this podcast conversation centered around how to live out a share rule of life within a spiritual community.   Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.  

NEW PATH WORSHIP - New Album Out Now Spirit-Led, Not Self-DrivenLetting go of control and following the Spirit's leadEpisode Title:Spirit-Led, Not Self-Driven - Letting go of control and following the Spirit's leadWhy This Series Now?:What if the biggest obstacle to God's direction in your life… is your need to control it? In this powerful episode, we talk about what it means to be Spirit-led—not self-driven. From your calendar to your calling, God wants access to it all. But too often, we white-knuckle our way through life, driven by pressure, pride, or fear. The Spirit offers a better way—a path of peace, presence, and purpose. Learn how to release control, tune into the Spirit's voice, and walk in step with God's plan, even when it challenges your own.Key Verse: Galatians 5:25 – “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”Epsiodes In The Series:6/13 - Flesh vs. Spirit: Who's Really In Control?6/20 - Discerning God's Voice6/27 - Surrendering The Timeline7/4 - Walking In Spiritual AuthorityFree 5-Day Bible Plan:It's called “Breaking Free from the Idol of Productivity”Each day is short, powerful, and Scripture-based—designed to help you walk in freedom and trust God again with your work.GET YOUR FREE DEVOTIONALTake time to think about this, pray about it, and take one small step in obedience. Remember, divine interruptions aren't just obstacles—they're opportunities for God to do something amazing in your life.Links to Connect with Ron:Website: www.newpathnewyou.comInstagram: @rcooljrFacebook: Ron CoolYouTube: New Path New YouDon't forget to subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more men seeking purpose! Share your stories of bold obedience with Ron on social media, and let's encourage each other on this journey.Find your Community: Men DiscipleshipBecome a NPNY Supporter! - Now Tax Deductible!One TimeMonthly For Married Couples! - The Abundantly Expectant Marriage Podcast - with Ron and Rachel Cool Website: AEMARRIAGE.com

Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott “Leadership is about whether or not the people are doing better because of your decisions.” — Steve Macchia  We know all-too-well the destruction that comes when power, influence and authority are mishandled and misguided in selfish ambition. This conversation explores “power” and how we can healthily steward the influence and authority entrusted to us in a way that honors, empowers, and equips others to flourish.   Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.  

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rwh7june Ep.367 – Run With Horses Podcast –  Honoring others Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube:  https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith **(24:00)** At our core, most of us are selfish and really struggle to consider others and their spiritual life. But the call of a disciple of Jesus is a call to place a high value on everyone we meet. God challenges us to lay aside our own wants and desires and to really honor others. That's the topic, and the challenge, for today. Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It's very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you're new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” **(23:00 – 0:00)* *  PART 1 Run With Horses is on the radio! If you are enjoying Run With Horses, would you let someone know? Contact the radio station or leave a review on your favorite app. We want to hear from you! Honoring Others: The Mark of A Disciple A good, basic definition of honor—especially in a biblical and discipleship context—is: Honor is the act of recognizing and treating others with the dignity, value, and respect they deserve as image-bearers of God, regardless of their status or behavior. To honor someone means to esteem them highly, to give weight to their worth, and to treat them in a way that reflects God's view of them—not just your personal opinion. 1. The Biblical Command to Honor Others

Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott “If we could practice listening first before speaking, how different our words would be and how different our relationships would be.” — Steve Macchia  Humbly receiving the preached Word of God is one means of speaking and hearing the Truth in love. But what does this look like within the context of our relationships? How do we humbly and gratefully accept reproach and admonition from others? This conversation offers wisdom and practical steps around what it looks like for us to both speak and hear the truth in love. Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.       

Episode DescriptionIn this episode co-hosts Edmund Mitchell and Emily Mentock dive into the fourth petition of the Lord's Prayer, 'Thy will be done.' They discuss teaching the importance of accepting God's will, especially in the context of suffering. The conversation explores how this petition impacts various aspects of ministry, emphasizing the need for practical applications and a fuller understanding of suffering in the context of God's will. They discuss the way the catechism acknowledges and addresses the existence of evil and suffering, the significance of free will, and the importance of cooperating with God's plan prayerfully and with obedience. The episode also offers practical advice on how to approach and support individuals grappling with these emotionally-charged questions concerning God's will and suffering. Show Notes00:00  In the opening of the episode, Edmund and Emily explore the petition “Thy will be done” from the Lord's Prayer. They unpack the meaning of “will” through the lens of ministry, suffering, and spiritual discernment. Drawing from the catechism and Jesus' agony in the garden, they emphasize choosing God's will with love, trust, and action—especially when facing challenges in ministry and discernment of our vocation.07:48  Edmund and Emily explore the challenging question of how to reconcile God's will with the reality of suffering and evil. They reflect on free will, the catechism's teaching (especially paragraph 309), and Jesus' own suffering. They discuss how catechists and ministers can address questions of suffering with honesty, empathy, and theological clarity, helping others reconcile God's goodness with a broken world.16:01  The conversation then begins to explore ways suffering is sometimes dismissed by well-meaning christians and how genuine compassion calls us to enter into others' pain like Christ did. They discuss emotional maturity, empathy, and the idea of “unconditional positive regard” in ministry, drawing on personal experiences, therapeutic insights, and the catechism's call to unite our will with Christ's through suffering and trust in God's greater plan.24:58  Edmund and Emily dive into the tension between God's mysterious, sovereign plan and our free will, using Scripture, the catechism, and examples from film and spiritual direction. They discuss how we're all called to actively cooperate with God's will not as passive recipients, but as free agents choosing to trust in God's plan, even amid uncertainty, suffering, or difficult discernment.31:49  In the closing of the episode, Edmund and Emily reflect on practical ways to accompany others through suffering with empathy and compassion. They emphasize listening over fixing, respecting people's emotions, and rooting ministry responses in Jesus and the catechism's wisdom on suffering, obedience, and God's will. They offer concrete tips like using the Stations of the Cross, the sorrowful mysteries, and stories from the lives of the saints to help people unite their suffering with Christ's. The episode closes with a pastoral call for catechists to study the theology of suffering and compassionately support those they serve.An OSV Podcasts partner. Discover more ways to live, learn, and love your Catholic faith at osvpodcasts.com. Sharing stories, starting conversations.

Understanding the various ways that Scripture speaks of God's will is vital for discerning His purposes in your life and the life of the church. Having a space for these categories will build faith, clarify understanding, and help us grow deeper in God's wisdom from above. 

 Ep.366 – Run With Horses Podcast – Stewarding Your Time Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube:  https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith **(24:00)** If you are like me you have a long list fo things you would like to see accomplished this week. Time always seems in short supply with way more to do than time to do it. in the middle of the busyness, what is God doing? How can we keep Him first in the middle of the rat race. That our topic today! Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It's very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you're new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” **(23:00 – 0:00)* *  PART 1 Run With Horses is on the radio! If you are enjoying Run With Horses, would you let someone know? Contact the radio station or leave a review on your favorite app. We want to hear from you! ### 1. Stewardship of our Time: “Redeeming the Time” Passage: Ephesians 5:15–17 (NKJV) “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Principle: Every minute is a gift. We must “buy back” each hour from distractions by aligning our schedules with God's priorities—especially the Great Commission. ### 2. Wisdom in Planning: “The Plans of the Diligent” Passage: Proverbs 21:5 (NKJV) “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, to poverty.” Principle: Thoughtful, prayerful planning prevents wasted time and creates margin for gospel opportunities (e.g., inviting neighbors, mentoring new believers). ### 3. Counting Our Days: “Teach Us to Number Our Days” Passage: Psalm 90:12 (NKJV) “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Principle: An eternal-perspective reminder that life is brief. When we internalize our limited hours, we'll prioritize what lasts—making disciples. ### 4. Purposeful Living: “Doing All to the Glory of God” Passage: 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV) “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Principle: Every task—work, rest, family time, evangelism—should be offered as worship. That reshapes even “routine” minutes into Kingdom service. ### 5. Prioritizing Prayer & Communion: “Jesus Prayed Early” Passage: Mark 1:35 (NKJV) “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” Principle: Jesus structured His day around communion with the Father—our ultimate source of wisdom for time management and disciple-making. ### 6. Eternal Urgency: “For What Is Your Life?” Passage: James 4:14 (NKJV) “Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” Principle: The fleetingness of life compels urgent obedience to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20). ### 7. Single-Mindfulness: “Deny Yourself” Passage: Luke 9:23–24 (NKJV) “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” Principle: Self-discipline in scheduling (saying “no” to lesser things) frees us to “lose” our lives in service—especially in making disciples. ### 8. Balance Work & Rest: “Six Days You Shall Labor…” Passage: Exodus 20:8–10,12 (NKJV) “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy…6 for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth…12 ‘Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long…'” Principle: Biblical sabbath—and honoring family—establish healthy rhythms that prevent burnout and protect time for disciple-care. ###9. Investing in Others: “Do Not Steal” (as Stealing Time) Passage: Ephesians 4:28 (NKJV) “Let him who stole steal no longer… but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.” Principle: Our work (and your time!) isn't just for self—but for generosity. Freeing up “spare” hours to invest in new believers. ### 10. The Great Commission as First Priority Passage: Matthew 28:19–20 (NKJV) “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always…” Principle: Every time-management decision must be filtered through: “Will this help me obey Jesus's command to make disciples?” **(00:00) END PART 1** **(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2** ### Part 2: Practical Advice for Using Time to Be and Make Disciples ### 1. Begin with a Paradigm Shift: Time is Kingdom Currency  • Time is not just something we “spend”; it's something we invest. Just like money, time can be stewarded for temporary or eternal purposes.  • Regularly ask: “Is this activity helping me know Jesus more deeply or helping someone else follow Him better?” “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time…” (Ephesians 5:15–16) ### 2. Build Life Around Jesus's Priorities, Not Just Adding Him In  • Many busy Christians are trying to fit Jesus into their schedule instead of building their schedule around Him.  • Suggest starting with these 3 buckets and planning around them:  • Time with God (Being a disciple) – prayer, Scripture, Sabbath, silence.  • Time with others (Making disciples) – intentional meals, mentoring, small groups.  • Time on mission (Living sent) – workplace witness, neighborhood engagement, volunteering. ### 3. Combine Your Calling With Your Calendar Help them redeem ordinary rhythms by integrating disciple-making into:  • Meals – “Who can you eat with this week that needs encouragement or the gospel?”  • Commutes – Use it for prayer, audio Bibles, check-in calls with mentees.  • Family time – Lead short devotionals, model hospitality, include kids in ministry moments.  • Work breaks – Strategic encouragement or follow-up with someone God's placed nearby. “Disciple-making doesn't always need new time blocks—it often needs intentionality in existing ones.” ### 4. Create a Disciple-Making Weekly Rhythm Encourage a simple rhythm:  • Daily: Time with God, open eyes to opportunities.  • Weekly: 1 relational touchpoint (e.g., coffee, call, prayer walk).  • Monthly: One deeper investment (e.g., mentoring conversation, service together).  • Quarterly: Retreat or reevaluation—Am I growing? Is anyone growing because of me? ### 5. Say No to Say Yes Help them see that every “yes” is a “no” to something else.  • Challenge: “What are you doing that someone else could do, so you can do what only you can do?”  • Sometimes the most spiritual thing they can do is decline a good thing for the sake of the best thing (Luke 10:41–42 – “Martha, Martha…”). ### 6. Use Tools with Intentionality  • Calendar: Block time for people, not just tasks.  • Alarms/reminders: Prompt prayer, Scripture, check-ins.  • Apps: Bible apps, group chats for discipleship groups, accountability tools.  • Notebooks or journals: Record prayers, disciple progress, insights from Scripture. ### 7. Don't Go Alone—Form a Band of Disciple-Makers  • Encourage small discipleship bands of 2–4 people with shared goals and check-ins.  • Ask: “Who's helping you follow Jesus better? Who are you helping?”  • This builds encouragement, accountability, and shared momentum. ### 8. Encouragement: Grace Over Guilt, Progress Over Perfection  • Remind them that they are not earning God's favor by being busy for Him.  • Jesus is not measuring productivity; He's forming people.  • Celebrate small, faithful steps. Even 5 minutes of prayer for someone is eternally significant.  • God multiplies what we surrender, even if it's small (loaves and fish principle). “You may feel behind, but Jesus is not. He's patient, and He delights in every act of love in His name.” ### Challenge  • “Imagine if every one of us made just one disciple this year.”  • write one name they'll pray for or pursue this month.  • You don't need more time—you need more focus and faith. **(5:00 – 1:00)**  Doctrine Today Jesus and His Present Ministry The Holy Spirit's Role in Disciple Making. Dispensational Baptist view of the End Times Understanding Theology is Important The Gospel and Ongoing Disciple Making Church Role in Discerning God's Will Barriers to Disciple Making Spiritual Warfare Jesus – Incarnation God's Sovereignty Sin and the Call to Make Disciples I. Introduction: The Clear Call of Jesus  • Matthew 28:18–20 (NKJV) “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…”  • The Great Commission is not a suggestion, but a command.  • Discipleship is not optional for the believer—it's our identity and mission.  • Briefly affirm your audience's desire to follow Jesus more faithfully. II. The Nature and Consequence of Sin  • Romans 3:23 (NKJV) “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  • Isaiah 59:2 (NKJV) “But your iniquities have separated you from your God…”  • Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV) “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us…” Key Points:  • Sin is not just moral failure—it's a barrier to intimacy with God and others.  • Sin entangles and weighs down believers, keeping us from active obedience.  • Our mission to make disciples is spiritual warfare—sin compromises our witness, our clarity, and our power. III. Sin's Direct Impact on Discipleship A. It Weakens Our Witness  • 1 Peter 2:11–12 (NKJV) “…abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable… that they may, by your good works… glorify God.”  • Our credibility is tied to our character. Ongoing, unrepentant sin dulls our message. B. It Diminishes Our Passion  • Revelation 2:4–5 (NKJV) “…you have left your first love. Remember… repent and do the first works.”  • Sin numbs the heart. A lukewarm heart does not multiply disciples—it replicates complacency. C. It Breaks Fellowship and Unity  • John 13:34–35 (NKJV) “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”  • Sin disrupts love and unity, weakening the Church's witness and the environment in which disciples are formed. IV. Repentance and Restoration for Disciple Makers  • 1 John 1:9 (NKJV) “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…”  • Psalm 51:10–13 (NKJV) “Create in me a clean heart… Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You.”  • Repentance is not the end of ministry—it's often the beginning of renewed fruitfulness.  • David sinned greatly, but through repentance, his voice became a song of redemption that still disciples us today. V. Living Holy to Make Disciples Effectively  • 2 Timothy 2:21 (NKJV) “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself… he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master…”  • Holiness is not perfection, but readiness—an availability for God's use.  • Personal holiness fuels spiritual authority and fruitfulness in disciple-making. VI. Conclusion: Renew the Mission  • Luke 9:23 (NKJV) “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”  • Philippians 2:15–16 (NKJV) “…shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life…”  • The world needs disciples. The church needs disciple-makers. Jesus is still calling.  • Let us repent where we've fallen, recommit where we've grown weary, and re-engage the mission with holy fire. **(1:00)**  Busyness can suck that life out of you. One reason is that other activities intrude on the work that God is doing in you and through you. Be proactive and put God first in every activity, every day. It's not always easy but it's always right. – “Thank you for listening today!  -If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Don't be discouraged by the challenges you face. Keep your eyes on Jesus and embrace the opportunity to grow through the trial. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running." **(00:00)**

  Spiritually Fit: Practical Steps Towards Spiritual Health - The Practice of Discerning God's Voice and Will | Psalm 119:105 | Jared Osselaer | May 25, 2025

Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott “That's the hard reality...that I, too, irritate others. I need others to bear with me, also.” - Steve Macchia  How do we lovingly bear with one another and suffer alongside others in spiritual community? This episode tackles some of the hard realities we all face when we stay in one place long enough. What does it look like to move beyond tolerating and enduring to loving and serving those we find irritating, challenging, and hard-to-love? How can we humbly walk alongside one another in an empathetic, compassionate and gracious manner? This conversation offers helpful tools and wisdom around what Dietrich Bonhoeffer called “The Ministry of Bearing.”   Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.  

What do you do when the calling is clear — but the timing isn't?This week on The Trailblazer Talks Podcast, Courtney has a conversation with author and speaker Chelsey DeMatteis about discerning God's voice through writing, motherhood, and ministry. From unexpected book deals to starting a worship gathering with no venue or budget, Chelsey shares how she's learned to trust God's whispers even when the outcome is unknown.If you're wrestling with clarity in your calling or wondering whether to persevere or pause, this conversation will help you tune in to God's direction with faith and peace.Takeaways:How to recognize when God is asking you to wait, pause, or press onWhy “no” doesn't always mean “never” in the kingdom of GodHow Chelsey knew it was time to write Mercy in the MarginThe role of spiritual community in discerning next stepsWhat it looks like to walk out your calling when the path feels unclearChelsey DeMatteis is a wife, mother, and woman on fire for Jesus. She is a devotional writer for Lifeway's Journey Women Magazine, Salem Media, and YouVersion. She hosts the Living with Less Podcast and is the author of More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World and A Thrill of Hope. Chelsey resides in the midwest with her husband and their two children. Learn more at ChelseyDeMatteis.com or follow her on Instagram @chelseydematteis.Show Links:More of Him - https://amzn.to/43MKONQA Thrill of Hope - https://amzn.to/3Hdj9wPChelsey's Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-with-less-podcast/id1450217627Sponsor: littlecreativecompany.comSubscribe and Leave a Rating and Review!Follow Courtney: https://instagram.com/courthopejones

Dr. Gary Butler shares key points on how to be directed by God.

rwh24may Ep.365 – Run With Horses Podcast – Goal Setting Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube:  https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith    **(24:00)** Do you find yourself wandering through life, one day morphing into the next and one year much like the last? Is your life lacking the clear spiritual progress you would like to see? IF so, today may be just for you. We are looking at pursuing clear Biblical goals to get out of a rut and back on track.   Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It's very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you're new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”   **(23:00 – 0:00)* *  PART 1     Goal setting is useful for followers of Jesus—especially for Baptist Christians who want to be disciple makers—because it helps us live intentionally, steward our time wisely, and align our lives with Christ's mission.   ### 1. **Keeps Us Focused on the Mission**   Jesus commanded His followers to “make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19–20, NKJV). Setting specific goals helps us stay focused on this Great Commission. Without clear direction, it's easy to drift. But when we prayerfully set goals for relationships, spiritual growth, and ministry opportunities, we live with purpose. Why do we drift so easily? The world is full of distractions. Even good things can hinder us from pursuing the best things. Our priorities should be clear but often seem fuzzy.   ### 2. **Encourages Faithful Stewardship**   Ephesians 5:15–16 says, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Goal setting helps us steward our time, talents, and resources for eternal impact. It keeps us from wasting energy on things that don't contribute to Christ's kingdom. Every resource is ultimately God's. Our time is our most valuable resource and the easiest to waste. Clear goals help us evaluate the use of all of our resources in light of God's work in our life and in the world.   ### 3. **Provides a Framework for Spiritual Growth**   2 Peter 3:18 urges us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Setting personal spiritual goals (e.g., daily devotions, Scripture memorization, sharing the gospel weekly) helps us pursue maturity as disciples—so that we can help others grow as well. Although God always does His work of sanctification, He invites us to be part of the process. making clear decisions based on His Word and His Work is part of the process. There are clear choices that help us to grow toward maturity. Prayer, Bible reading and involvement with the church family are foundational and it is easy to set simple realistic goals for each on that will help us stay on track.   ### 4. **Promotes Intentional Relationships**   Disciple making requires time and intentionality. Setting goals to meet regularly with a younger believer, to start a Bible study, or to mentor a new Christian helps ensure we are actively investing in others for their spiritual benefit (2 Timothy 2:2). Disciple Making is about people. Using our time wisely gives us more time for investing in others. Keeping our lives simple helps us free up time and resources to be generous in all areas of life.   ### 5. **Builds Accountability and Encourages Perseverance**   When we set godly goals and share them with others in the church, we create a structure for encouragement and accountability (Hebrews 10:24–25). This helps us persevere when we face discouragement, setbacks, or spiritual warfare. We need to ask for accountability. IT is difficult to do that when we aren't actually working on anything related to our spiritual growth. With clear goals it is easy for others to talk with us about how God is working in us. Those conversations can be encouraging and help us perevere when times are tough.   ### 6. **Reflects the Wisdom of Planning Under God's Sovereignty**   Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty.” While we trust God's sovereignty over our lives, we are still called to plan wisely and act in faith. Goal setting is an act of diligence that honors the Lord when it is submitted to His will (James 4:13–15).God has a plan. He is organized and purposeful in all that he does. If we are to be growing in Christ-likeness, we are to be growing in purposeful choices that lead us closer to Him.   **In summary:** For a believer who wants to make disciples, goal setting is a practical expression of faithfulness. It helps us be intentional about growing spiritually, investing in others, and fulfilling Jesus' mission—always depending on God's grace and guidance every step of the way.   **(00:00) END PART 1** **(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2**   Implementing goal setting into a personal spiritual journey is a way for a disciple of Jesus to grow in Christlikeness and become more effective in making disciples. As a disciple committed to the authority of Scripture and the Great Commission, goal setting should be approached prayerfully, biblically, and purposefully.   How do you begin implementing goal setting in your spiritual life?   ### 1. Start with God's Purpose, Not Personal Ambition   Our goals must flow from God's purposes—not personal preferences. God's purpose for every believer is to be conformed to the image of Christ and to make disciples.  

This week on That's a REACH Matt, Taylor, Josh, and Taylor discuss questions about being content in seasons when life is moving slow and everyone else your age seems to be moving up in life quickly, How to know if you're actually where God has called you to be, and how to combat not trusting God's plans for your life and how to let go of control.Get connected! https://linktr.ee/reachtulsa

Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott "This welcoming spirit of graced hospitality is to be shared and received continuously, one at a time and in community." - Steve Macchia  Learning to offer soul hospitality to another only comes after first experiencing the hospitality of God. In this episode of The Discerning Leader podcast, Steve and Matt define soul hospitality, how it shapes and builds spiritual community, and suggest tangible ways we can offer it to those around us. This conversation also explores how we can approach holy interruptions and embrace one another with a non-judgmental, gracious and generous spirit.   Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.  

From Brain Tumor to Bold Faith: Karen's Journey Through Surgery, Glioblastoma & God's Grace In this moving episode of the Fast to Faith Podcast, Karen Bartram shares her unbelievable story—from a small limp and fine motor issues to a devastating diagnosis of a grade 4 glioblastoma. What began as a suspicion of a pinched nerve turned into an emergency room visit, brain surgery, and a life-changing faith journey.Karen walks us through her awake craniotomy, the moments of fear and surrender, and how years of prioritizing her health and spiritual growth prepared her for this unexpected battle. She opens up about combining conventional treatment with holistic healing, and the role prayer, perseverance, and community have played in her resilience. If you've ever wondered where God is in your pain, Karen's story is proof He's been preparing you all along.If you liked this episode, watch it on YouTube!

Letting people know you are praying for them? Are you being called to the Diaconate? To the Priesthood? This and more in today's Open Line Tuesday with Fr. Wade Menezes.

Letting people know you are praying for them? Are you being called to the Diaconate? To the Priesthood? This and more in today's Open Line Tuesday with Fr. Wade Menezes.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (05/19/25), Hank answers the following questions:Are dinosaurs mentioned in the Bible? And where do they come from? How do I respond to skeptics who bring them up? Davey - Blairstown, NJ (0:56)How do we discern God's voice from our conscience? Brandon - Clinton Township, MI (6:44)Do you believe the events in the Book of Revelation have already happened? Dan - Renton, WA (15:12)Skeptics always raise the issue of the age of the Earth. Could God have created the Earth with the appearance of age? Rob - St. Louis, MO (23:07)

I've heard a lot of "whys" from different authors--why they started writing, wanted to write, began when they did. All the whys.  Listen in and learn why Heidi Gray McGill took her why for her career and reworked it into her new writing career (and why I think she was so successful!).  note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. When I found out Heidi's series, Discerning God's Best, allows readers to watch characters grow up and learn to navigate life with (and without--not recommended) the Lord's direction, I knew why folks love it so much.  We love characters we don't have to say goodbye to and get to see become MORE of who they are supposed to be.  Win/win! Heidi also shares her heart for what she's doing with her stories, why she does what she does, and more! Written on My Heart by Heidi Gray McGill It's hard to hear God's voice when you've already decided what you want him to say. In the wilds of the rugged West, Betsy Smith discovers beauty in every corner—from the blazing sunsets to the wind murmuring secrets through the mountains. Yet, it's the magnetism of Gabe Manning, with his dark complexion and dashing demeanor, that draws her gaze. Having known him since childhood, Betsy sees in Gabe the embodiment of the heroes she admires from her novels: a stalwart protector of the innocent, a champion of justice, a man of unshakable integrity, and a paragon of honor, guided by principles as steadfast as the mountains themselves— all while reconciling with his Arapaho Indian heritage. Yet, amid her admiration, Betsy longs for God's reassurance that Gabe is the one for her. As deputy of Shumard Oak Bend, Missouri, in 1875, Gabe “Little Sun” Manning sees the allure and harshness of frontier life. Amidst the chaos, he finds solace in the presence of Miss Betsy Smith, a compassionate schoolteacher whose independence and intellect captivate him as profoundly as her beauty. Yet, as their bond deepens, Gabe wrestles with doubts about his ability to fulfill the desires of her heart. Haunted by the secrets of his past and desperate for redemption, Gabe faces his most formidable challenge yet. Written on My Heart is a powerful Christian Historical Romance full of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of the human spirit. In award-winning author Heidi Gray McGill's fifth installment in the Discerning God's Best series, you'll be transported to a world of wild-west adventure and heartwarming romance. For Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford fans, this standalone novel in the Discerning God's Best series will capture your heart and leave you breathless. You'll love this book if you enjoy gripping historical drama and compelling characters. Binge-read the entire series on Kindle Unlimited. • Full-length Christian historical fiction • A standalone novel in the Discerning God's Best series • Includes discussion questions for book clubs • Timeline: 1875–1876 • For fans of Misty M. Beller, Lacy Williams, and Linda Ford Book One: Desire of My Heart Book Two: With All My Heart Companion Christmas Novella: Stitched on My Heart Book Three: Matters of the Heart Book Four: Healing of the Heart Book Five: Written on My Heart Book Six: Keeper of My Heart - Coming Soon Prequel: Deep in My Heart – available for free with newsletter signup.  Listen to our first episode talking about Dial E for Endearment HERE. Learn more about Heidi on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Don't miss Heidi's YOUTUBE Channel where you can listen to some of her books FREE. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

In today’s episode of Your Daily Prayer, Kyle Norman explores the profound spiritual challenge and invitation of Isaiah 6:8—God’s call to step into His purpose with the words, “Here I am, send me.” This devotion reflects on the fear, self-doubt, and hesitation that often accompany God’s call, using examples from biblical figures like Moses, Sarah, Jeremiah, and Peter to highlight that reluctance is a natural human response. But God’s call persists, not because of our perfection, but because of His grace. Whether you’re feeling unworthy, unprepared, or unsure, this prayer will encourage you to trust that God equips those He calls and invites you to boldly respond with faith. Topics covered: The meaning and challenge behind Isaiah 6:8 Biblical examples of hesitation and God's patient call Why God’s call is rooted in His grace, not our qualifications Encouragement for those discerning their purpose or ministry A prayer for boldness and surrender to God’s will Scripture References Isaiah 6:8 (ESV) “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’”

Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott "Relational turmoil and conflict can indeed be resolved as we work toward mutual reconciliation." - Steve Macchia  When we live in a spiritual community together, it's inevitable that we will encounter conflict. It can be a challenge to know what to do when someone has broken our trust, sinned against us or brought harm to our life. How do we repair that which has been ruptured? This episode of The Discerning Leader podcast offers practical wisdom to help you remain in healthy relationships and not simply walk away when things get tough.   Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.  

Can you build a business, support your family, and stay true to your faith? In this empowering episode, Kristin Fitch sits down with Mercedes Eckert, CEO and founder of iShop, a leading mystery shopping company, to explore how faith and finances can coexist. Mercedes shares her inspiring journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship—where she created income opportunities that honor her Christian values and offer flexibility for other women.Whether you're feeling called to something more or simply looking for faith-aligned ways to earn income, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Learn how to discern God's voice in your career path, set healthy boundaries, and walk boldly in your purpose—all while creating financial stability for your household.If you've ever wondered how to balance spiritual convictions with professional growth, this episode is a must-listen.✨Key Takeaways:Faith and Finances Can Coexist: You don't have to choose between your spiritual values and earning income—you can do both with intention and integrityFrom Corporate to Calling: Mercedes shares her path from corporate life to launching a purpose-driven mystery shopping business.Flexible Income for Faithful Women: Mystery shopping offers women flexible work that supports family life and faith-based living.Discerning God's Voice: Practical encouragement to help you recognize and act on God's calling—even when it feels uncertain or unconventional.Healthy Boundaries Matter: Why setting spiritual and practical boundaries in your work life protects your purpose and peace.Work as Ministry: Your business or job can be more than a paycheck—it can be a platform for impact, service, and purpose.Connect with Mercedes at MercedesEckert.com or learn more about ishopagp.com to find out about mystery shopping training/membership.Join the 10 Day Email Challenge: Reignite Your Passion: Step into the Life You Were Made For https://kristinfitch.myflodesk.com/spark (join email newsletter to join)Download My Free Joyful Living Devotional: https://kristinfitch.com/devotionalReady to take your first step towards a more joyful, faith-filled life? Download our Reignite Your Passion Workbook and start living with purpose today!Ready to work with Kristin to make a shift in your life? Click here to get started.faith fueled woman podcast, christian women growth, spiritual growth for women, income opportunities for moms, mystery shopping explained, flexible income for women, purpose aligned income, balancing family and work, faith and finances, encouragement for working moms, how to make extra money, honoring God in work, faith-based business strategies, empowering women entrepreneurs, mystery shopping for income, finding purpose in work, intentional living for families, building a faith-based community, financial freedom for women, biblical wisdom for everyday life

If the goal of prayer is to delight in God's presence and develop deeper communion with Him, few of us want to settle for a one-sided relationship. At some point in our prayer journey, we'll want to actually hear from Him. This is what Scripture calls discernment. And while prayer is about delighting in our personal relationship with God by sharing our hearts with Him, it's also about learning His heart for us and for those around us. When we pray to discern God's heart, we're asking to know God's will. But we're also asking that God would form and shape us into the kinds of people who are actually capable of accomplishing it. This means discerning God's heart is less about finding the right path when faced with a decision and more about tuning our hearts and desires to God's heart and desires. This is partly what Jesus means when He tells His disciples to pray, “Your Kingdom come Your will be done…” (Matt. 6:10). Discerning God's heart is about surrendering our will to God's. We want His will, not ours, to be done in our lives, in the lives of those around us, and in our world. Praying this way is about alignment. We want to bend our desires to God's desires. And not just for ourselves. We want to develop the heart God has for those around us as well. We want to hear from God, we want to respond to His voice, and we want to become people who carry out His will.

If the goal of prayer is to delight in God's presence and develop deeper communion with Him, few of us want to settle for a one-sided relationship. At some point in our prayer journey, we'll want to actually hear from Him. This is what Scripture calls discernment. And while prayer is about delighting in our personal relationship with God by sharing our hearts with Him, it's also about learning His heart for us and for those around us.When we pray to discern God's heart, we're asking to know God's will. But we're also asking that God would form and shape us into the kinds of people who are actually capable of accomplishing it. This means discerning God's heart is less about finding the right path when faced with a decision and more about tuning our hearts and desires to God's heart and desires. This is partly what Jesus means when He tells His disciples to pray, “Your Kingdom come Your will be done…” (Matt. 6:10). Discerning God's heart is about surrendering our will to God's. We want His will, not ours, to be done in our lives, in the lives of those around us, and in our world. Praying this way is about alignment. We want to bend our desires to God's desires. And not just for ourselves.We want to develop the heart God has for those around us as well. We want to hear from God, we want to respond to His voice, and we want to become people who carry out His will.

If the goal of prayer is to delight in God's presence and develop deeper communion with Him, few of us want to settle for a one-sided relationship. At some point in our prayer journey, we'll want to actually hear from Him. This is what Scripture calls discernment. And while prayer is about delighting in our personal relationship with God by sharing our hearts with Him, it's also about learning His heart for us and for those around us.When we pray to discern God's heart, we're asking to know God's will. But we're also asking that God would form and shape us into the kinds of people who are actually capable of accomplishing it. This means discerning God's heart is less about finding the right path when faced with a decision and more about tuning our hearts and desires to God's heart and desires. This is partly what Jesus means when He tells His disciples to pray, “Your Kingdom come Your will be done…” (Matt. 6:10). Discerning God's heart is about surrendering our will to God's. We want His will, not ours, to be done in our lives, in the lives of those around us, and in our world. Praying this way is about alignment. We want to bend our desires to God's desires. And not just for ourselves.We want to develop the heart God has for those around us as well. We want to hear from God, we want to respond to His voice, and we want to become people who carry out His will.

Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott “It's not only my neighbor's will but their honor that needs to be more important than mine.”—Steve Macchia   Spiritual communities are to be marked by humble and meek followers of Jesus. In this week's episode of The Discerning Leader podcast, Steve and Matt explore questions like: What is the role of humility within a spiritual community? How do we honor and prefer one another over and above ourselves? Tune in to hear more about the ministry of meekness and how we lead others from that posture.  Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

Send us a textHave you ever felt pressured to make an important business decision right away? That uncomfortable feeling of being rushed or pushed may actually be revealing something crucial about the source of that guidance.The concept that "Holy Spirit is a gentleman" transforms how we approach decision-making in business and life. When faced with opportunities—even multi-million dollar ones—there's a profound difference between feeling pulled toward something and being pushed into it. This episode unpacks a powerful discernment tool I learned years ago that has saved me from countless fear-based decisions.Drawing from Ephesians 3:20-21, we explore how God works "not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." This gentle wooing stands in stark contrast to the high-pressure tactics we often encounter in business negotiations. When someone says, "If you don't decide now, the offer's gone," that pressure rarely aligns with God's patient, drawing nature.For Christian entrepreneurs navigating complex business landscapes, this principle provides a reliable litmus test: if it creates anxiety rather than peace, if it demands immediate action through fear rather than confidence, it likely isn't divine guidance. Through personal stories, scripture insights, and practical application, this episode equips you to recognize the difference between the anxious push of human demands and the peaceful pull of God's direction.Subscribe to continue exploring how faith and business success intersect, and share your own experiences with discerning God's gentle guidance in high-stakes decisions!Support the show

Co-Hosts: Steve Macchia and Matt Scott “Listening and presence are the greatest exhibition of love.” —Steve Macchia  One of the ways we love and serve each other in our spiritual communities is by learning to listen well. This podcast episode invites you to consider how you can become a better listener as you receive, welcome, and accept another. Offering practical exercises and personal experiences, Steve and Matt offer tangible ways to extend the gift of listening as an act of love.  Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.  

In this episode, Eric Goss shares his profound journey of following the Spirit into new territories of his life and vocation. From his beginnings at the Naval Academy through his time at Amazon and into nearly facing bankruptcy while building a Christian Children's media company, Eric discusses the importance of carefully listening to God and to those he works alongside. When he introduces us to Minno Kids, he emphasizes the critical yet often overlooked need for investing in children's spiritual education and family formation. Through personal highs and lows, Eric reveals how his deep reliance on God's guidance and collaboration with others has shaped his approach to creating impactful content that communicates the gospel to young hearts and minds. Discover Minno Kids: www.gominno.com Learn more about the Surge Netwokr: www.surgenetwork.com Explore the Global Faith & Work Initiative: www.globalfaithandwork.com Timeline 00:00 - Introduction 02:20 - Discerning God's call 07:52 - Getting into Children's Media 11:50 - The Why Behind the What 16:07 - The Humility of Collaboration 18:25 - Navigating Power Dynamics in Collaboration 25:01 - Curiosity in Leadership 27:22 - Wisdom from the Mouths of Babes (And Everyone Else) 31:49 - Kingdom of God as Joy in the Workplace 33:54 - Flipping the Corporate Ladder 49:32 - Formation through Content

How can we know when God is speaking to us? How can we be sure that we've heard His voice? This week, we take a look at these questions that can sometimes confuse us and lead to uncertainty.