Podcasts about finding god

Life can change in an instant. And, in that moment, the illusion of control can either take you down a path of fear and worry or a path of surrender and peace.   In today's podcast, Laurie Brooker, from our community group in Trussville, Alabama, shares her story of how the Lord guided her to trust His sovereign plan as He strengthened and upheld her through the loss of her husband and a cancer diagnosis of her own (all in the same year). Laurie will courageously remind you that while life can sometimes place unwanted titles on you, God can bring joy out of the pain and goodness into your story. _________________________________________________________   Verse of the Week: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”   Challenge of the Week: Laurie spoke often of how her community surrounded her in the suffering her family was experiencing. What can you do for someone who is struggling this week? Be the hands and feet of Christ to them!   Listen to a similar story: Lori Anderson- Ep. 75: “The Transforming Power of Grief”   Learn more about our Sustain the Stories Campaign and how to become a Story Champion by a recurring donation or simply give once in honor of Laurie and our past storytellers!!   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content   Register for our Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story workshop being offered online on October 29th, 9:30-12:30 CST   Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!  (click the link and hold down on the photo to save to your phone)   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series   Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website. Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings AND our Sustain the Stories Campaign!

Today's episode is a little different. Instead of a structured teaching, I want to pause with you for a moment of reflection. The news of Charlie Kirk's death has shaken many people, and for grieving moms and dads, it can stir grief in unexpected ways. When someone young, bold, and outspoken is suddenly gone, it reminds us of how fragile life is, and it brings our own losses back to the surface. If you've been feeling the weight of recent events—or if you're wondering how to hold both grief and faith together—I invite you to listen in. This is a space for us to remember that while darkness is real, it will never overcome the light of Jesus. What You'll Take Away from This Episode: Why national tragedies can stir deep personal grief for parents who have lost a child How Scripture speaks into the reality of cold hearts in the last days The difference between the world's response to tragedy and God's promise of light A reminder that prayer and closeness to Jesus are what sustain us in seasons of unbearable heaviness Listen Next: [Episode 188: Why Do Triggers Hurt So Much? Finding God's Presence in the Pain] [Episode 191: A Glimpse of Heaven in the Everyday: What Grieving Moms Need to See to Keep Going] [Episode 200: How to Know if You're Healing or Just Hiding: 5 Faith-Based Signs to Watch For] [Episode 209: Why Seasons Trigger Grief—and What To Do About It] Grief Mentor Resources: Seven Free Ways The Grief Mentor Can Support You: Free Grief Survival Guide – The exact steps I used to keep me alive in that first year. Download your free copy at The Grief Mentor Website(scroll to the bottom of the page). Free Grief Masterclass – A two-day event packed with tools to help you navigate grief, available on my website. The Grief Mentor Website Need access to Day 2? Reach out, and I'll send it to you! Teresa's Grief Worship Playlist – Music is hard, I get it. But this playlist gave me courage for tomorrow and confidence for the future. Find it at the bottom of my homepage or reach out if you need the direct link. Weekly Newsletter – Encouragement straight to your inbox every Tuesday with exclusive behind-the-scenes insights and links to both podcast episodes. Become A Grief Mentor Insider  The Grief Mentor Blog – A new way to support you with faith-filled encouragement in your grief journey. The Grief Mentor Blog Monthly Support Group – A safe space where we say our children's names, share our stories, and find hope together. Join The Support Group The Grief Mentor Podcast-Released twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Going Deeper Going Deeper: 1-on-1 Grief Mentor Sessions Maybe you've realized that living without your child is harder than you ever imagined. If you need deeper support, come sit with me, friend. This isn't a casual meet-and-greet—it's an intentional, Spirit-led time where I pray over you before we even speak. If you're ready for that kind of support, book a Grief Mentor Session. XOXO Teresa-Your Grief Mentor

Faith and relationships demand our attention and intentionality, especially in a world filled with digital distractions designed to pull us away from what truly matters.• Making time for God should be our top priority, followed by our spouses and families• Modern distractions like AI companions are just the newest version of avoiding real relationships• We often criticize sins we're not tempted by while justifying our own distractions and escapes• The Bible reminds us God is "so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love" (Psalm 86:5)• Captain Mervyn Sharp Binion's Medal of Honor story demonstrates extraordinary courage and sacrifice• America's Christian foundations are evident in historical artifacts like the Liberty Bell, which bears scripture from Leviticus• Difficult times may be ahead, making our faith in Christ even more essentialIf you're looking for wholesome reading for your children or grandchildren, check out my Countryside middle grade fantasy series: "Book of the Wise" and "Tears of Adina." If you enjoy them, please leave a review!Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

I sit down with Pastor Tony Calabrese, lead pastor at The Gathering in Spring Hill, Tennessee, for a conversation that ranges from his admittedly bougie coffee habits to the deep spiritual work that happens in seasons of transition.Tony shares how his passion for prayer was shaped by watching his single mom depend on God through difficult circumstances, and why he believes prayer begins with understanding God as Father rather than taskmaster. We dive into his journey of saying yes to his biggest no - church planting - and how God often calls us out of our comfort zones to step into His purposes.The heart of our conversation centers on transition as spiritual invitation. Tony offers profound insight for anyone feeling stuck between what was and what's to come, explaining why God's perceived absence in difficult seasons might actually be the prime condition for His breakthrough. We explore how the greatest demonstration of God's power at the resurrection was actually what was missing from the tomb, not what was there.Tony also shares about The Gathering, the church he recently planted after a previous church planting season ended during COVID. He describes this new venture as the most freeing and joy-filled season of his 19-year ministry. Whether you're in a season of transition, struggling with prayer, or simply need encouragement to trust God in the unknown, this conversation offers hope and practical wisdom for following Jesus through every season of life.Chapters00:00 | Introduction and First Impressions04:42 | Transitioning Through Life's Seasons05:11 | The Coffee Journey09:12 | The Power of Prayer14:27 | Personal Stories of Prayer19:13 | Saying Yes to Our Biggest No23:07 | Encouragement for Prayer29:02 | Navigating Transitions30:14 | Navigating Transitions: The Spiritual Journey37:01 | The Power of Dependence in Transition41:29 | God's Silence: A Test of Faith47:34 | The Gathering: A New Church Community54:45 | Designing a Beautiful Day: Simple JoysTony's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tony_calabrese_The Gathering Website: https://www.thegatheringchurch.co/Tony on QAVA: https://qava.tv/teachers/tony-calabrese/

This past week, the news has been heavy and unsettling. In the wake of tragedy and fearful headlines, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and weighed down by negativity. But you don’t have to stay stuck in fear. In this week’s episode, Bonnie shares how to break free from negativity’s grip and discover how God renews your mind with peace. Through scripture, science, and soul care practices, you’ll learn how to quiet the noise, recognize the small new beginnings God is planting in your life, and take one step that brings clarity, calm, and hope. Friend, you don’t need to figure out the whole picture. You just need one faithful step—and the reminder that God’s power shines through you, even in jars of clay. Key Takeaways:Why negativity bias makes painful news cling to us more than positive experiences
 How focusing on meaningful, positive action rewires your brain for peace and resilience
 What Jesus’ parable of building a tower teaches us about releasing and rebuilding with Him
 Why you are called to be Christ’s ambassador in this generation
 A simple soul care practice: take one small step toward the “tower” God is building in your life Breath Prayer:
Inhale: We have this treasure in jars of clay…
Exhale: to show this surpassing power is from God Scripture:“Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” – 2 Corinthians 4:7–9 Gen Z Leads Church Attendance Articles & Reserach:https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/09/study-gen-z-leads-church-attendance-average/https://www.barna.com/research/young-adults-lead-resurgence-in-church-attendance/ → Take the FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.comGet your free personal wellness assessment and learn which area of wellness you need most. Join NEW Wellness Course: Breathe Joy with Jesus: Creating Happy Healthy Habits with God's Promises Register at mysoulcareschool.com Connect with Bonnie: Bestselling Books by Bonnie:https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd Join the Soul Care Newsletter:https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe Watch Weekly YouTube Devotionals:https://youtube.com/thebonniegray Follow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:@thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this powerful sermon, discover how to navigate life's challenges with faith in Jesus Christ. Explore 1 Samuel 16 to learn how God guides us through circumstances, focusing on His values and love. Amidst pain and uncertainty, find hope, joy, and purpose in Christ's presence. Perfect for those seeking spiritual direction and encouragement in tough times. Join our church community to grow in faith! Subscribe for more sermons on hope, love, and God's kingdom.

In this honest and hope-filled conversation, I'm joined again by my friend Laura Bell—a wife, mother, and multi-passionate entrepreneur who's helping women reclaim their wellness so they can walk fully in their God-given callings. Together with her husband, Laura lives and runs a homestead in New Harmony, Alabama, where life has looked both beautifully rooted and wildly unpredictable. In this episode, Laura opens up about navigating a season full of transition: financial hardship, marriage heaviness, postpartum recovery, career redirection, and the long road to trusting God's provision again. Whether you're in the thick of discouragement or clinging to hope on the other side of disappointment, this episode is full of truth, permission, and grace for your own unfolding story. Connect with Laura Bell on IG for continued resources!

Life As It Was Meant To Be | Week 1: Finding God in Dark Times // Ryland Walter // When you need an answer to a problem in your life, where do you look? To whom or what do you turn? You may have heard the Lord's prayer, but do you understand what the words truly mean? Have you uncovered God's wisdom from it? Many have overlooked the profound truths offered in these phrases. In this Spiritual Growth Campaign, we will explore the sacred wisdom of the Lord's Prayer, line by line, to teach us what we stand to gain from being connected to God. The Lord's Prayer takes only 30 seconds to pray, but Jesus lived this prayer. It's a pattern for prayer and a pattern for life. When you understand The Lord's Prayer, you will understand Life As It Was Meant To Be.

Ever wondered why bad things happen to good people? In this powerful message from Philippians 1:12-18, discover how the Apostle Paul turned his worst circumstances into opportunities for gospel advancement. Learn the life-changing difference between asking "Why me?" and "What for?" when facing trials.Show Notes:

RICK GERHARDT, Antioch Elder Chair / Third Sunday of Creation / Psalm 104.24-31

40 years ago, Dr. John Trent discovered the power of “the Blessing” — the powerful affirmation and unconditional love that parents give to their children. He and his grown daughter, Kari, explore the challenges of missing or losing your blessing, and how God can redeem that blessing in our lives. Receive a copy of Your Journey from Broken to Blessed and an audio download of "Finding God's Love When You Feel Broken" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive. Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Send us a textJoined by our host, Jared Bulman, Grant & Laurel discuss depression, praying & having faith through pain, navigating an abusive spouse, relationships & much more. If you'd like to listen to this conversation, check out the audio version at podcast.ctk.church or wherever you listen to podcasts.We'd love to hear from you! If you'd like to send any encouragement, questions, or feedback about this episode to Grant & Laurel, please email us at live@jesus.netSpecial Thanks to:Audio Production:Jared BulmanTheme Song:Stephen Folden – stephenfoldenmusic@gmail.comPodcast Graphic:Dejah KutrovskiWe'd love to hear from you! If you'd like to send any encouragement, questions, or feedback about this episode to Grant & Laurel, please e-mail us at podcast@ctk.church. Special Thanks to:Audio Production: Gabe ChartierJared BulmanTheme Song: Stephen Folden – stephenfoldenmusic@gmail.comPodcast Graphic:Dejah Kutrovski

In this week's episode of Finding God, Keana W. Mitchell explores one of the most foundational questions in faith: Are you practicing religion or living in relationship with God? With honesty and spiritual insight, Keana unpacks the difference between following a set of rules and cultivating a personal, transformative connection with the Creator.Listeners will learn:What defines religion: structure, tradition, and external behaviorsWhat defines relationship: intimacy, trust, and spiritual dialogueWhy religion can feel easier but often leaves us spiritually dryWhy relationship is harder but essential to knowing God's heartHow understanding God's character requires more than ritual it requires presenceKeana also shares personal reflections and practical ways to assess where you stand in your spiritual walk. If you've ever felt like you're “doing all the right things” but still feel disconnected from God, this episode will speak directly to your soul.

40 years ago, Dr. John Trent discovered the power of “the Blessing” — the powerful affirmation and unconditional love that parents give to their children. He and his grown daughter, Kari, explore the challenges of missing or losing your blessing, and how God can redeem that blessing in our lives. Receive a copy of Your Journey from Broken to Blessed and an audio download of "Finding God's Love When You Feel Broken" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive. Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

In this bonus episode of Affirming Truths, Carla sits down with Christian life coach and podcast host Joy Johnson to share a powerful testimony of loss, resilience, and the goodness of God. Joy opens up about losing her mother, grandmother, and brother to suicide—and how generational trauma shaped her early years. With raw honesty and deep faith, she shares how God brought restoration, equipped her to break unhealthy emotional patterns, and led her to create the Joyful Fit Life community, where women of faith find clarity, consistency, and Christ-centered support. If you've ever wondered how to see God's goodness in the middle of heartbreak, this episode will encourage you to hold onto hope, embrace healing, and choose joy. Bio: Joy Johnson is the founder of The Joyful Fit Life and host of The Journey to Becoming Podcast. She has helped hundreds of women of faith step out of survival mode and into the abundant life God created them for. Known for her heart, authenticity, and Christ-centered approach, Joy guides women in building clarity, consistency, and confidence through practical systems, community, and faith-based encouragement. Get a FREE month in The Joyful Fit Life community!: https://joyful-fit-life.mn.co Did you know that Carla is a Christian Mental Health coach? See if working with her is what you need in your current season.  Book a discovery call today! GET YOUR FREE RENEWING YOUR MIND WORKBOOK HERE Connect With Carla: Book a Discovery call with me https://calendly.com/cmsarges/discoverycall  Come hangout on IG with me @carla.arges Check out my blog and more at www.carlaarges.com   Resources: 5 Steps to Building Resiliency Rahab Bible Study Guide 5 Tips for Overcoming a Negative Body Image Who You Say I Am Biblical Affirmation Cards  

A continuation of Pastor's teaching on FINDING GOD'S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE. In this audio, Pastor emphasizes on what our life's desire should be. When it comes to the things of God, the time is now. Whatever is not God's will for your life, should never be your desire.

Walking with the Lord is a life-long journey filled with spiritual highs and lows and refinement in between.  And, in the midst of it all, we often think, “If I just work harder for the Lord and do all the right things, life will be easy.” As today's storyteller encourages us, that's just not how God works - and thank goodness He doesn't!   Rebecca Walker, from our community group in Charleston, South Carolina, shares her story of spiritual transformation and how the Lord gently showed her what a true relationship with Him looks like. Through years of walking with God and gaining rich wisdom along the way, this story brings so many nuggets of truth as Rebecca sweetly reminds us of the importance of focusing on God's faithfulness and grace and letting go of self-sufficiency.   _________________________________________________________   VERSE OF THE WEEK: 1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have, but do this with gentleness and respect. “   CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK: Pray for an opportunity to share your story of the hope and freedom you have found in Jesus.   Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God   Listen to a similar story: Ep. 103- Tiffany Adkison: “From Religion to Relationship”   Learn more about our Sustain the Stories Campaign and how to become a Story Champion by a recurring donation or simply give once in honor of Rebecca and our past storytellers!!   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Q&A from Rebecca's live gathering in Charleston   Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE  (click the link and hold down on the photo to save to your phone)   Register for our Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story workshop being offered online on October 29th, 9:30-12:30 CST   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series   Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.   Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings AND our Sustain the Stories Campaign!

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Ty Earlewine. He shares how he transformed from cautious to courageous, making bold decisions that changed everything. Join us for an honest conversation about stepping into courage and taking faith-filled risks. WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER: ⚡️How to become "comfortable in the uncomfortable" ⚡️Why choosing faith over familiarity leads to growth ⚡️The power of disconnecting to connect with God ⚡️How to navigate family expectations while finding your own path ⚡️Senior year advice that actually matters ⚡️Why taking the leap of faith was worth the fear Ty opens up about his journey from being the "safe" kid to hiking 25 miles in the wilderness, leading Young Life camps, and choosing to attend Grand Canyon University across the country. This conversation reveals how God uses discomfort to grow our faith and courage. WORK WITH DARON: ⚡️FREE: Jumpstart to Purpose ➡️ https://rb.gy/4qpsgb ⚡️BOOK: The Death of a Dream ➡️ https://rb.gy/a9ifwi ⚡️COACHING: Register ➡️ https://rb.gy/0is05k

In a Western culture of increasing skepticism towards conservative Christianity, what motivates intellectually driven atheists to believe in the reality of God and become passionate followers of Christ? A review of social science literature confirms a predominant functional approach to religious conversion, effectively reducing a complex, substantive phenomenon to a partial functional explanation. Today, Jana Harmon will take a broader look at religious conversion to determine the precursors and pathways from atheistic disbelief to belief in God and Christianity within an educated population. Many former atheists not only experienced a change in their worldview, but also a dramatic transformation of their ‘whole world.’Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the 'I Won't Keep Quiet' series...tune in to find out more... Need accountability and community in your professional career journey?? Click the link https://careerchasersclub.com/ to learn more and join my global professional development community, Career Chasers! Scriptures of the week: Psalm 37:4, Philippians 4:19 Join the #CareerDailyBread text message list by texting the word BREAD to (201) 357-3218 When you join you will receive uplifting messages that will elevate your work week! ***Download the Peculiar Career Chit Chat playlist on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3DoUwHN P.S. If you have any prayer requests simply send them to hello@theyoubrandacademy.com Need help elevating to the next level in your career journey??? Simply book a complimentary consultation: http://bit.ly/elevatemycareer Additionally, follow Crystal on social media: IG- @career_elev8her, FB-The YOU Brand Academy, https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalclearcareercoaching/

A continuation of Pastor's teaching on FINDING GOD'S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE. In this audio, Pastor emphasizes on what our life's desire should be. When it comes to the things of God, the time is now. Whatever is not God's will for your life, should never be your desire.

Fr. Patrick preached this homily on September 7, 2025. The readings are from Wisdom 9:13-18b, Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17, Philemon 9-10, 12-17 & Luke 14:25-33. — Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCytcnEsuKXBI-xN8mv9mkfw

In this episode of the Life Coach BFF Show, Heather Pettey discusses a surprising encounter with her son at a high school football game that sparked reflections on our relationship with God.   She draws parallels between how teenagers seek their parents in times of need and how we often turn to God only when we face challenges.   Heather shares insights from Dr. Lisa De Moore's book 'Untangled' and emphasizes the importance of keeping God at the center of our lives, even during good times. Practical tips for maintaining a daily connection with God, such as starting the day with prayer, listening to worship music, and practicing gratitude, are also highlighted.   Follow for more encouragement and connect through private coaching via show notes. Join The Facebook Group: @ourmidlifemoxie   Connect with Host Heather Pettey: Email: hpetteyoffice@gmail.com Private Coaching with Heather:https://www.ourmidlifemoxie.com/heatherpetteycoaching Speaker Request Here Instagram @HeatherPettey_ Facebook: @HeatherPettey1 Linkedin: @HeatherPettey Book: "Keep It Simple, Sarah" (Amazon bestseller) Connect with Dr. Carol Lynn: Linkedin Website: https://www.drcarollynn.com Facebook Group: @ourmidlifemoxie Website: www.ourmidlifemoxie.com Don't forget to subscribe to the Life Coach BFF Show for more inspiring content and practical life advice!   *Quick Disclaimer- Heather Pettey is a certified coach and not a therapist. Always seek the support of a therapist for clinical mental health issues.       00:00 Welcome to Life Coach, BFF Show! 00:44 A Surprising Encounter at the Football Game 02:45 Reflecting on Our Relationship with God 03:22 Insights from Dr. Lisa De Moore's Book 06:10 Practical Ways to Keep God First 07:57 Final Thoughts and Encouragement  

Are you walking through a season of trials, pain, or uncertainty and wondering where God is in the middle of it all? In this powerful episode of The Journey to Becoming, I'm sharing biblical encouragement to remind you that while God may not cause the trials we face, He never wastes them. Drawing from Romans 8:18, John 16:33, and 1 Peter 5:10, this conversation will strengthen your faith and give you hope when life feels overwhelming. You'll discover how to recognize God's presence in the thick of your struggles, why He allows certain hardships, and how every trial is part of a greater story that leads to His glory. Whether you're facing heartbreak, loss, or everyday battles, this episode is a reminder that God is right beside you—guiding you, refining you, and preparing you for what's ahead. Tune in for encouragement, biblical truth, and the hope that what you're enduring now cannot compare to the glory that will be revealed later. Scriptures Referenced: Romans 8:18 John 16:33 1 Peter 5:10 I pray this blesses you,  Xoxo Coach Joy    JOIN THE COMMUNITY FOR FREE

We're really excited to have Sam join Michelle & Jesse in the studio this week! Extra point to those of you who can comment which videos Sam has appeared in previously on this channel

SEAN DELBECCARO, Pastor of Community and Formation / Second Sunday of Creation / Psalm 147.1-11

How does God guide us when the Bible doesn't give a direct answer to our situation? In this message from the series Finding God's Will: Walking in His Ways, Pastor Darrell Underwood explores the practical ways God leads His people through providence, peace, and godly counsel. You'll discover: • How God opens and closes doors through His providence. • Why the peace of Christ acts as the “umpire” in our hearts. • How wise, godly voices can confirm and safeguard our decisions. If you've ever stood at a crossroads—facing a career decision, a family move, or a ministry opportunity—this sermon will help you discern God's voice with clarity and confidence.

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

n this solo episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb dives into a theological exploration of work as an extension of Christian calling that extends far beyond paid employment. Building upon their previous discussion about vocational choices for Christians, Jesse addresses the question: "Does a Christian's work ever cease?" Through careful examination of Ephesians 2:8-10 and other passages, he argues that while the nature of our work may change through different seasons of life—including retirement, caregiving, or illness—God has prepared good works for believers to walk in throughout their entire earthly journey. The episode offers both theological foundations and practical guidance on how Christians can approach all forms of labor as worship, finding purpose and meaning in every season of life. Key Takeaways Good works are not the basis of salvation but its goal—Christians are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), not by works, yet they are saved for good works that God has prepared in advance (Ephesians 2:10). The Christian's work never ceases but changes form—Whether in paid employment, retirement, caregiving, or even during illness, God has prepared meaningful work for believers in every season of life. All work has spiritual value when done unto the Lord—The Reformed tradition elevates all forms of work, not just paid employment, as having potential to glorify God. Prayer is a significant and valuable form of work—Even those who cannot engage in physical labor can participate in the vital spiritual work of intercessory prayer. Good works offer multiple benefits to believers—According to the Westminster Confession, good works manifest gratitude to God, bolster assurance of faith, encourage other Christians, adorn Christian doctrine, silence critics, and glorify God. Christian workers should be distinctively different—Believers can stand out in the workplace by being fair and committed, genuinely caring for others, demonstrating generosity, remaining calm under pressure, and being authentic about their faith. Finding our identity in Christ transforms our approach to work—When we place our ultimate treasure in heaven rather than earthly gain, we can approach our labors with greater peace, purpose, and freedom from anxiety. Elaboration on Key Points The Christian's Work Never Ceases but Changes Form Jesse challenges the modern Western notion that work is merely a season of life that eventually ends with retirement. Instead, he presents a more ancient and biblical perspective: that work never ceases but merely takes different forms throughout our lives. Using Paul's metaphor of "walking" in the good works God has prepared (Ephesians 2:10), Jesse explains that our journey continues throughout life, with the landscape changing as we move through different seasons. Whether we're in paid employment, caring for loved ones, serving in retirement, or confined to a bed during illness, God has prepared meaningful work for us to do. Even those who are physically limited can engage in the vital work of intercessory prayer, which Jesse describes as "the kind of work that is so glorious... that while it exhausts us, it exhausts us in a way that brings us the greatest kind of sleep or refreshment." This perspective eliminates the anxiety many Christians feel about the purpose of their later years and affirms the ongoing value of their contributions to God's kingdom regardless of their physical capacity or economic productivity. Good Works Offer Multiple Benefits to Believers Drawing from the Westminster Confession of Faith, Jesse outlines six significant benefits of good works in the Christian life. First, good works manifest our gratitude to God for the gift of His Son—they become tangible expressions of thankfulness for salvation. Second, they bolster assurance of faith by providing evidence of God's work in our lives. Third, good works encourage other Christians toward greater acts of Christ-centered love, as we witness the transforming power of the gospel in one another. Fourth, they adorn the doctrine of God our Savior, making abstract theological truths visible and attractive to others. Fifth, good works silence critics who devalue biblical Christianity by demonstrating its positive impact. Finally, they glorify God by displaying His transformative work of love in our lives. These benefits apply to all forms of work—paid or unpaid—and give eternal significance to even the most mundane tasks when done unto the Lord. As Jesse emphasizes, "There are no mundane things. There are no small works... There are just these small things that come alongside with the great work that God has done already in our lives." Memorable Quotes "Good works aren't bad when they're seen as the goal of salvation, not its ground. The goal, because it's worthwhile to want to worship God and to obey him by doing good works." "Keep walking on that journey knowing that God all along the way has already prepared good works for you to do because he loves you and because this is our opportunity to worship him together in everything that we do." "When we are performing this work for God, he assures our faith. He refreshes us in it. He exhausts us in the best possible way so that we might love him more, cherish him more, encourage one another more, and really come to understand his character more forthrightly."   Full Transcript [00:00:08] Jesse Schwamb: Keep walking on that journey knowing that God all along the way has already prepared good works for you to do because he loves you and because this is our opportunity to worship him together and everything that we do. [00:00:32] Jesse Schwamb: Welcome to episode 459 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse, and this is the podcast where the tulip never wilts. Hey, brothers and sisters. [00:00:48] Recap of Previous Episode [00:00:48] Jesse Schwamb: So in this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, this solo episode, I'm gonna wrap up a conversation that Tony and I just had in the last episode and set us up, wet Your Appetite for a whole brand new series. [00:01:03] Jesse Schwamb: That's gonna be starting in the next episode. So you find yourself bookended by two really great things. One, a great conversation we just had about the Christian and work. Are there jobs that really Christians shouldn't have? Because it takes us away from what it means to serve the Lord vocationally, as strange as that sounds. [00:01:22] Jesse Schwamb: So if you didn't hear that, you're gonna wanna go check that out before you listen to me, wrap all of us up right now. In fact, here's what you should do. Stop everything you're doing, unless it's operating a vehicle or a backhoe. Power those things down. Get off the side of the road, then go to reformed brotherhood.com and you can find all of the episodes living out there that we've ever recorded, including the one from last week, and I believe will be greatly blessed by hanging out with some of those conversations. [00:01:49] Jesse Schwamb: So go and do that first. [00:01:51] The Christian's Work and Retirement [00:01:51] Jesse Schwamb: On this episode, I'm gonna talk a little bit as a follow up about. Does the Christian's work ever cease? Is there a time, because we just spoke about vocational work and work for which we're remunerated, where once that goes away, what happens next? Is it a different kind of work? [00:02:07] Jesse Schwamb: Is it no work? Should we be the kind of people that are trying to pursue an end to that remunerated work as quick as possible? Is that okay? What happens if we can't be compensated for our work anymore? What happens? We're gonna reason from the scriptures a little bit more about work, our calling and all of that by way of vocation. [00:02:26] Jesse Schwamb: And part of this conversation has actually come from a larger conversation. So one of the greatest and best things about this podcast, something I wanna boast in right now, because it has nothing to do with Tony or me, and that is. There are lots of people listening, brothers and sisters from all over the world who gathered together and debrief. [00:02:47] Jesse Schwamb: Talk about the episodes, hang out and talk about life, share funny stories, share prayer requests, support one another. And you can do that by joining our little group on a messaging app called Telegram. So in fact, here's the second thing you should do. If you go to T Me Reform Brotherhood one more time, T Me Back slash Reform Brotherhood, slap that bad boy in your favorite browser, and that'll give you a link to our little corner of this messaging app. [00:03:13] Jesse Schwamb: And there's a channel within that app just to talk about. The various episodes as a way of interacting with all of us, and as a result of the episode that we recorded last about this idea of vocational work and calling, how does that all come together? Brother Joshua posed an excellent question, which is in part the reason for the conversation I'm about to have with you all, and that is what happens. [00:03:33] Jesse Schwamb: When we retire, or what happens when we desire to set aside sufficient resources if we can, so that we can get to that place as soon as possible. What then what about work or what if we have to care for a sick, sick, loved one? Or what if we have to come and take responsibility for our family in a different or unique way that takes us away from work where we're not being paid for things in the same way anymore? [00:03:52] Jesse Schwamb: What happens then? So we are going to get to all of that on this little brief little episode that's gonna sit in between the end of our conversation on work and the beginning of our brand new series, which, you know, you want me to tell you what it is, but I'm not gonna do it. It's just not gonna happen on this episode. [00:04:09] Jesse Schwamb: So you're just gonna have to sit in that anticipation waiting. Waiting for it to come next week, but for now, let's talk a little bit more about work. [00:04:17] Good Works and Salvation [00:04:17] Jesse Schwamb: And let me start with a, a phrase that's like so obvious, but you can say it with me if you want, because we have to agree on this. At least that good works aren't bad. [00:04:27] Jesse Schwamb: I mean, good works aren't bad. They're good. By definition it seems like self-reinforcing. And as Christians, we should want to do those good works. Now, I haven't said what the good works are, haven't even explained really. Although we, Tony and I talked about this before, how they really fit into that pattern and that normative behavior of the Christian life. [00:04:44] Jesse Schwamb: But can we just agree that if the Bible is saying there are good works for us to do, then they must be good. And they must be there for a purpose. They must be there for a reason and we can't debate that. Just because we're not saved according to our works doesn't mean that we shouldn't be concerned about pursuing a life of joyful obedience to God's word. [00:05:01] Jesse Schwamb: I mean, this is why Jesus like emphatically states in the gospel. If you love me, you'll keep my commandments in obedience. However frail it is. However much we stumble, however feeble we are in actually executing it is our evidence. Our love for God and for his son Jesus Christ. So far from undermining the gospel of grace, good works are the perfect compliment to the gospel, and this is why good works are good. [00:05:29] Jesse Schwamb: So to be clear, good works are bad when they're seen as the basis of salvation. And I think if you've been with us for any length of time or you're familiar with the reform. Theological movement. If you've been steeped in the scriptures, you're gonna find that kind of compulsion, that pull that says like, well, I understand that when I use my good works as a means of somehow Meritoriously earning my salvation, they cease to be good. [00:05:54] Jesse Schwamb: This is why, of course, Jonathan Edwards called Good works of this nature, only glittering sin because they're, they have no power to redeem. They have no power to save. They have no power to. Transition yourself into some kind of a righteous sense or rubric. It's impossible. They will not do that. They do not serve that purpose. [00:06:12] Jesse Schwamb: A person is not saved by works, but by God's grace through faith in Christ. [00:06:17] The Role of Good Works in Christian Life [00:06:17] Jesse Schwamb: So this is the time where we have to love ones. Go to Ephesians chapter two. It's impossible for me to continue without at least sharing this good news. If you need to hear this again, and this may be a well rehearsed verse or a well rehearsed writing from the Apostle Paul to you, but I ask that you hear it again. [00:06:32] Jesse Schwamb: If you can with these ears that are unstopped, that are almost fresh with excitement for this really good news, this is what Paul writes to the church and Ephesus for. By grace, you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not as a result of works so that no one may boast. [00:06:51] Jesse Schwamb: For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. I mean, there's so much there that is. Lovely and refreshing. And freeing. It's not works righteousness, it's not meritorious. Salvation is clearly not of our own doing. It's not the result of these works, even the faith through which we receive salvation is a gracious, gracious gift from God. [00:07:21] Jesse Schwamb: So what a just burden taken off of our shoulders. The mantle has been removed from us. To somehow even equate or think that, well, if I have a good day and I've done a lot for God, he must love me more. I must be more ingratiated towards him, even if I have the sense that. I feel closer to him. Hopefully that closeness is the sense of joy and obedience. [00:07:40] Jesse Schwamb: And now where we get the sense that, well, because I've done something for God, he ought to do something for me or me more favorably disposed towards me. All of that is nonsense and that way just. Total foolishness and madness lies. Instead, when we turn that into our rejoicing first for the faith itself by which we receive from God, that grants us access to this great salvation. [00:08:02] Jesse Schwamb: When we see that as a gift first, then all of this other mongering for responsibility and trying to placate through the things that we can do and having this sense of guilt in our minds about what we should have done or what we did not accomplish, or even if in our own obedience toward Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, we've fallen short. [00:08:20] Jesse Schwamb: We can still find there is this gift for us and the gift of salvation is ours in Christ through faith, not by works. It's very, very clear in what Paul writes to the church here as fallen creatures, even our best efforts are completely laced with sin. This also is, by the way, a really great kindness of God that we can never really be contrite enough in our coming before him and, and even in our humility, we probably can never be humble enough. [00:08:47] Jesse Schwamb: So the fact that God accepts because of Christ us into the family of God without having to put upon us this burden that you must be sorry enough for your sin, or you're not repentant enough, you haven't expressed the severe and necessary amount of contrition to really placate and understand that you have cosmically committed treason against the all powerful God of the universe. [00:09:13] Jesse Schwamb: Who could stand underneath that kind of weight. And the answer is no one, but by the grace of God through Jesus. So it's amazing. That when we start to think about work, what we find is that God is first doing all of the work in us, and we see that the first work is not our work, but his work, the secondary work, this means of obedience, of showing, our gratitude of expressing praise and worship. [00:09:37] Jesse Schwamb: Must, I think, necessarily be manifest in work that is labor of some kind, because God has first expressed himself in that kind of labor. And second, he's given it to us to do as an experience into his very being and his character, but also in service to him and to those who are around us. I promise I'm getting to all of this good stuff about what does this practically mean, but all this I think is so necessary for us. [00:10:02] Jesse Schwamb: To really set the proper understanding for what it means to have good work to do and to do this work. So these good works provide no basis for boasting because they're utterly worthless to save. They have worth in other ways, but it just turns out they're worthless In this way. It's a bit like if you take your, take your, whatever your domestic currency is, whatever the currency you, you transact in, I live and hang out in the United States, so my currency is the US dollar. [00:10:24] Jesse Schwamb: If I take a bunch of dollars with me and I go travel almost anywhere else in the world. There's a small chance they'll be accepted. And I realize I've picked the wrong currency for this metaphor at this point, but if I let, let's say, let's just pick a different one. Let's say that you live in Zimbabwe or you just happen to have a bunch of Zimbabwean dollars hanging out in your pocket. [00:10:42] Jesse Schwamb: I'm sure some of you do, and you take that currency and you come to the United States and you wanna go buy something, those dollars will not work. They just won't work. Nobody will accept them. They're worthless. They're without value. Now, do they have value? In a certain sense, of course they do. In that domestic currency, in that homeland they do. [00:10:59] Jesse Schwamb: And in the same way, though, of course, slightly different here, our works are these expression of. Obedience of love for God. But the minute we try to exchange them for salvation, what we're gonna find is God says that's worthless here. And it again, is a fool's errand to build your entire life on some kinda system or belief that says, what I'm doing is earning these dollars, making these good works, performing these things. [00:11:22] Jesse Schwamb: So I'll have gathered to myself all of this currency, which I'm then going to use to buy my salvation now, I think even in my own ears, that sounds ridiculous to say, and yet so many of us. Get caught up in that. And if we don't get caught up in whole, we sometimes get caught up in it peace wise, because again, we have a sense that, well, if I've been a particularly good Christian today, doesn't that mean that God is more happy with me? [00:11:45] Jesse Schwamb: And Paul says, no, you have been saved as a gift of God. It is his gracious act that through faith you have been given salvation, and that faith was not of your own. That itself as well was a gift. It's gift upon gift upon gift. And so even the work itself is shaped. By the sense that all that God gives us and him doing all the verbs is his gifting. [00:12:09] Jesse Schwamb: So good works are gonna provide no basis for boasting because they are worthless to save. And the only foundation for salvation is Christ, we're saved by his works, not ours. If you're looking for that good, that first, that perfect work, the thing that you could latch onto, the thing that you would say this, I'm gonna hang my hat. [00:12:27] Jesse Schwamb: And all of my life on the work that you're looking for is not the one that you can accomplish. It is the one that Jesus has already done on your behalf. So that's why I always think when I see those W wait, they're not as prevalent anymore I suppose. But do you remember a time loved ones when like the ubiquity of the WAJD bracelet and I always thought about the question, what would Jesus do? [00:12:49] Jesse Schwamb: And to me, the answer I give now somewhat tongue in cheek is everything and it's already been done. And so that is really the promise. The great blessing of the gospel that now we are saved for works and boy does that preposition make a difference. Like we should be underlining that, like putting that gilded gold in our Bibles like we are saved now for God works good, works are not bad then when they're seen as the goal of salvation, not its ground. [00:13:14] Jesse Schwamb: I wanna say that again because I think that might sound a little bit funny to some, but I've long really come to cherish this idea that it is the goal but not the ground. The goal, because it's worthwhile to want to worship God. And to obey him by doing good works. And Paul gives us an avenue in which to travel and to understand this and to reason it from the scripture so that we can be confident that that's exactly what God intends for us. [00:13:37] Jesse Schwamb: And so again, while these good works aren't meritorious salvation, they are a necessary component of Christian faith. And the first important thing that we ought to mention here. Is that when we think about work, it's not that like the reform tradition, that that theological perspective has somehow elevated work for remuneration. [00:13:55] Jesse Schwamb: I, I don't think that entirely was the whole emphasis of talking about vocation in that kind of theological sphere. That is, we have a bunch of Christians and they have to do work to survive, and some of them are cobblers and of them are cooks and some of them are cleaners. And so what we really need to do here is make sure that people understand that whatever you're getting paid for God has made you to do. [00:14:15] Jesse Schwamb: And that is not a great thing. That's all true, but the goal wasn't just to elevate that style or type of work that is the work for which you get compensated. It was to elevate all work, all work of every kind, all labor of every kind, because God is big enough that every bit of labor paid or unpaid in direct service for somebody. [00:14:34] Jesse Schwamb: Fortunately, there is no compensation or in service to someone for which there is that all of that work. It does give God glory if we mean it to. And so this is why they do all things. Whatever you do, whether you eat or whether you drink, all of even these tiny things roll up into this argument from the lesser to the greater all of work is for God's glory. [00:14:53] Jesse Schwamb: And so to tip my hat a little bit here, then I think an answer to, to Brother Joshua's question, and in a nice compliment to what Tony and I were talking about last week, there is no end to the Christian's work. There's just different types of work. Oh, we'll get to that. I'm a little bit ahead of myself here. [00:15:08] Jesse Schwamb: But of course we find in Ephesians two, it's important to understand this because there's so much of the dynamic of good works in the Christian life that are being explained there. And of course we learn that good works are the result and not the cause of being new creations, and they're testifying to the fact that we have been redeemed. [00:15:24] Jesse Schwamb: So our lives might reflect craftsmanship and character of God. So amazing, isn't it? That God has given work, that work is not a four letter word, that labor is good labor of all kinds. Is good because it's reflecting the craftsmanship in character of God in unique ways. That is like apart from doing work from this work which God has called us to, from traveling in it through our lives and participating in all kinds of different work, that there's something that would be missing in our exemplifying, the craftsmanship in character of God. [00:15:56] Jesse Schwamb: And so we see that apart from Christ. We can do nothing that pleases God, but in Christ. And here's a great promise. We are created to perform God honoring acts of obedience in Christ. We can be confident that God accepts our weak and wobbly efforts. You know, Paul further goes on to talk about good works, a result of God's pattern for the Christian life. [00:16:15] Jesse Schwamb: We don't need to wonder what God requires from us. He's told us in his word, good works are deeds done in conformity to God's word. Now the beauty of that is. That we have this pattern for the Christian life in which Paul is saying, and I think this is really helpful for our conversation, that all of the things that God has given us to do, he's already prepared. [00:16:39] Jesse Schwamb: He's already me and plus it. He's already set the table for us. He's already put all the things in place. He's already organized all the details. And he says that because he's done that we are now free to walk in them. And I interpret that walk as this idea, which I think is very particular to the way that Paul is writing here. [00:16:57] Jesse Schwamb: It's a word of encouragement that is speaking of more of a marathon and rather a sprint. So of course, like a lot of times in the West, we think of our work as a season of life in which we're doing something in service for a company and for others, creating value, which is good. All of these things can be in service to God, of course, especially when they're in honoring. [00:17:15] Jesse Schwamb: With a full counsel of the scriptures and that when we do those things, that time will end and then we start to think about what work do have left. Whereas really, of course, a more ancient way of thinking about work was that it never ceased. It was of different kinds, and we know it was of different kinds because of this idea of walking that is like you never says stop the walk. [00:17:32] Jesse Schwamb: It never says take a break. It says you're gonna continue throughout your life in this metaphor of. Your journey of life being a walk, and as that walk changes, as the landscape undulates, as you move and transverse over different geographies on this walk in this metaphor, there's no doubt that the work will be different. [00:17:50] Jesse Schwamb: And there may be a season when you no longer have to work and be compensated, but it doesn't mean, of course, that the work ends. In fact, the work is still there. It's a different kind. And we don't want it to go away, in fact, and we don't want it to feel, uh, like it should be a, a lesser thing because it's not because we've been given in this verse the sense that this is the pattern that's been given to us. [00:18:12] Jesse Schwamb: It's the value of walking the pathway of obedience. And Paul makes it manifold. In fact, the Westminster Confession of Faith, which I'm 17 minutes in and you can mark your clock. That's the first time I mentioned it. I've gotten there already. Loved ones. Don't worry, we're always gonna bring in a confession. [00:18:27] Encouragement and Assurance Through Good Works [00:18:27] Jesse Schwamb: And on this week, it's the confession of faith from the Westminster states that there are at least six benefits of good work. So here these out, this is just my quick rundown of what the Westminster puts forward thinking about these good works and when you hear these benefits. Think about them in the broadest way. [00:18:41] Jesse Schwamb: That is like, think about how these benefits apply to all kinds of work, not just like your nine to five, but like of course your family society and the church and your work there is needed both because it is an exemplification of obedience to Christ, but also because it is accomplishing good and creating value. [00:18:58] Jesse Schwamb: So the first is that good works manifest our gratitude to God for the gift of his son. Now think about this. If that's true, that this in a concrete way. No matter what, we're able to do that we, if we're doing these good works, we're showing gratitude to God. Why would we ever want those good works to go away? [00:19:14] Jesse Schwamb: Why do we wanna break that pattern? We don't want to. And again, this gives a, a high level, a high calling to all the things that we can do, both like again, in our paid work and then thereafter. Or even if we, we never have paid work that all of these things, there's something for us to do here and it manifests our gratitude to God and the gift of his son. [00:19:32] Jesse Schwamb: The second thing is good work's, bolster assurances of faith. So it is the Christian who in obedience to Christ has a compulsion is as Paul would say elsewhere, hemmed in by the love of God to work towards a specific end in love and service toward others. That is a good work. And when we're doing that good work, there's a mutual kind of reinforcement that occurs that as we humble ourselves before God and that we work to. [00:19:57] Jesse Schwamb: Or to obey him and that we walk in the good works that he has prepared for us, that we find that we are sure that God is who he is, that his character and craftsmanship is, is in fact manifest in us and demonstrated by us. And in this way as we worship him, we find that our faith grows. Especially perhaps when we're called to do things that are difficult or we're called to participate in work, especially in the church, that requires some kind of leap of faith and we're in so doing where we must trust God forthrightly. [00:20:27] Jesse Schwamb: We find that doing those good works bolster our assurance of faith. Number three. Good works are a means of encouraging other Christians toward greater acts of Christ-centered love. There's so much in Hebrews chapter 10 that we could talk about there. This is an incredible idea that when we work towards obeying God laboring on his behalf in all of the spheres of life, to which he has given us to participate in that Christians receive this as a. [00:20:55] Jesse Schwamb: Form of encouragement. You know, think about how you've seen the testifying work of somebody else in your church, in their patience, in their kind behavior. You know, we often speak about a person who is graceful, and by that of course, we mean there's a beauty to their outer movement, as it were. That's maybe they're a graceful dancer. [00:21:11] Jesse Schwamb: Maybe they're a grace or a baseball player, but you'll find that you can apply this word in so many ways whenever you are trying to really show that somebody in their outward movements does things particularly well, or just with ease or in a way that conveys a certain kind of beauty. When we say that somebody is gracious, what we essentially mean is that there's a beauty to their inner movement that is, that the exemplification of who they are in Christ is so firmly rooted in solid, that the way they behave in situations and circumstances clearly shows. [00:21:43] Jesse Schwamb: That there's something different about the way that they process the world and in the way that they work. And when we see that we are prone to be encouraged to see that God is real, that he does intervene and interact in situations that he does, in fact still do the most miraculous thing ever, which is take the sinner, take the gospel abuser, take the unregenerate, and perform that surgical movement. [00:22:05] Jesse Schwamb: Where that heart of stone is replaced with one of flesh, it's the greatest miracle in the entire universe. And so when we're seeing that work exemplified, we're allowing ourselves to participate in encouraging our brothers and sisters. Fourth good works are concrete avenues for adorning the doctrine of God, our savior in life, in ministry. [00:22:25] Jesse Schwamb: So again, it's uniting this idea of who we are, that we say we are, who we are in our transformation regeneration, marrying that up with work. And this is, again, why a. All of this reform of theology elevates work to this place of saying, whatever you do, you can do it to the glory of God and you ought to, you ought to be thinking that way because this is the way God intended all the things that we do to be done. [00:22:47] Jesse Schwamb: So idea of like when Paul says, like, pray without ceasing, be constantly in the Lord. I think in some ways what he's saying is. When you shift your mindset to recognize that there are no mundane things to do because God has prepared all those things ahead of time, they're, they're mundane, maybe in their smallness, in our own like really myopic kind of human natural man perspective. [00:23:06] Jesse Schwamb: They are certainly not mundane with respect to the power of love that may be communicated in them with the encouragement that flows out of them, and with the expression of gratitude for God, our savior and his son. All of those things are high and lifted up worthy of exaltation and call worthy of all of our efforts. [00:23:23] Jesse Schwamb: And so there we find that there are really no mundane things. There are no small works as it were. There are just these small things that come alongside with the great work that God has done already in our lives and our expression of that first work that he has done. So Fifth Good Works, silence critics who devalue the goodness of biblical Christianity. [00:23:43] Jesse Schwamb: You know, there's a lot here that we could talk about. Jesus was so outspoken about what it meant for his followers to adorn themselves to be in Christ, and in so doing, they were gonna be these lights set on a, like a city on a hill for all to see. And sometimes as Christians, we get a little, eh, strange about this kind of thing, don't we? [00:24:01] Jesse Schwamb: Because we, we wanna be careful that we need to be humble. You know, we, we want to make sure that as we're serving God, that we are not boasting in that in any kind of way, and yet there is something here where we ought to be giving and testifying to why we do certain things. I've been thinking about this a lot because I think it's one thing for us to say, well, we wanna live in such a manner. [00:24:21] Jesse Schwamb: We wanna do our work in such a manner, whatever that is, so others know there's something different and, and this is noble and honorable. I think what's even better is to let them know why it's different. Sometimes you shouldn't wait for somebody to ask. You know, if it's clear that you're doing something and you wanna express why we're doing it, say, I'm, I'm doing this 'cause Jesus loves me, he's changed me, and Jesus loves you. [00:24:39] Jesse Schwamb: I mean, this is okay to say loved ones. And I think in doing that, making that connection clear, what it's gonna do is it's going to make sure that those who would say like the, the Bible is antiquated out wounded document. It's a document that's filled with strife. It's a document that pits won't people against one another. [00:24:54] Jesse Schwamb: It's a document that is not progressive enough. What they'll find instead is. When our good works, our truly good works are accompanied by a verbal testimony of why we do these works in obedience to God for, because of his great love for us. It will discredit those who would say all of those things. It turns away a. [00:25:14] Jesse Schwamb: All of the critics would say that the Bible is, is not relevant, that Christians are too, uh, bigoted, that we are the kind of people that are too hypocritical. Instead, when we acknowledge that we are far from perfect, but that we have a perfect savior when we talk about our weak faith, but that our, the faith that we have is not in its size, but in the size of the savior. [00:25:34] Jesse Schwamb: When we can say all these things alongside of our efforts to be obedient. Being humble, asking for forgiveness, seeking repentance from those whom we hurt, that in this way, we are again doing all of the things that are the theology of the cross, that even in our small weaknesses, even in our great failures, what we find is God does more than just to fill in the gaps He overflows with through the power of His Holy Spirit into a powerful testimony into the lives of others with whom we interact, and especially in the things that we do. [00:26:05] Jesse Schwamb: So six. And lastly, this is from the Westminster. These benefits of good works. Last Good works glorify God by displaying his work of love in our lives. I think we often forget about this. That God has given us work because he loves us. Of course, God is always working. There's something beautiful about the fact that God is ever present in our lives working in our hearts. [00:26:29] Jesse Schwamb: And sometimes of course, as the, the older reformers have said, he lays us over the Anil, as it were, and he hammers on us, and those are painful times. And other times he's really polishing up our sharp edges or sanding off those places where we need a little bit of attention. But everywhere he's working in us and what a blessing that he never stops, isn't it that he comes to us constantly because he loves us. [00:26:51] Jesse Schwamb: He refuses to leave us in a state that is less than the abundant life. Now we know that we will never accomplish that, this side of glory. But what a benefit that God never gives up on us. That he continues to show his great love for us in how he attentively comes into our lives to hone us in this progressive sanctification, whereby his work doesn't stop. [00:27:13] The Unending Nature of Work [00:27:13] Jesse Schwamb: And so because his work doesn't stop. Neither does ours. So the beauty of this is for anybody else, for us, for brother Joshua, for those who are thinking about, you know, what if I, I want to maybe try to set aside more resources now so I can stop my work of re of compensation to do other things, I would say. [00:27:31] Jesse Schwamb: Well, Godspeed by, by the power of God, I, I hope that happens for you. And what about those who would say, well, my work is gonna have to be caring for a loved one who's ill? I would say that is great and good work. What about those for who are retiring now or thinking about retirement? What's left? Tons. Of good work. [00:27:48] Jesse Schwamb: I think we know this. Now, what about for those who are in the final stages of their life, those who are not ambulatory, maybe those who are weak, maybe those who are ill themselves. There is still good work because the work that God gives us is not the heavy kind that causes our bodies or our minds to be crushed in despair, to have to till the ground as it were in such a way that it leaves us lacking replenishment instead, even for those. [00:28:16] Jesse Schwamb: Who are saying, what is my place when my body is wasting away? [00:28:21] The Value of Prayer in Our Work [00:28:21] Jesse Schwamb: When I'm having a, a season of sickness and I feel like there's nothing I can do, there is so much that the church needs from you in particular, especially your work in prayer. And again, I think we've been outspoken. Prayer is absolutely a work. [00:28:34] Jesse Schwamb: If you don't believe me, just. Try to pray. So just being able to participate in something like that, which is in many ways maybe the greatest calling. I, I always think about this phrase, when we work, we work, when we pray, God works. And so just the act of saying I'm gonna devote myself in prayer, in intercessory prayer for my church, for my community, for my family, is a kind of work that is unparalleled. [00:28:58] Jesse Schwamb: And so if that's the work that God has given you to walk in right now. Then would you please do it? Because it is the season to which he's called you because he's with you on that journey. And Paul says, wherever you go, wherever you are walking, God has already prepared before you get to the next stop sign, before you get to the next wave point, before you get to the next pin drop. [00:29:17] Jesse Schwamb: God has already prepared for you good works, and you're mealing to walk in them. [00:29:22] Finding Joy and Refreshment in Labor [00:29:22] Jesse Schwamb: And so the work of prayer by itself is the kind of work that is so glorious, like all the work of Christ that we find refreshment and it changes. There's a theme here, like all of our work changes because when we are doing it onto the Lord, we're doing it with him in mind when we're understanding that this is our obligation, but also our greatest privilege, that while it exhausts us. [00:29:41] Jesse Schwamb: It exhausts us in a way that brings us the greatest kind of sleep or refreshment. Does that make sense? We ever had like a really great day at work where, you know, I, I worked hard and I did work worth doing, and in that I felt that there was a sweetness. In fact, Ecclesiastes five 12 says, sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich man will not let him sleep. [00:30:05] Jesse Schwamb: This idea that. Why as we work, as we labor for God, that he does restore us, he gives us joy and satisfaction in that work. And again, there's this, all this mutual reinforcement, this kind of self-fulfilling and reinforcing idea that. When we are performing this work for God, he assures our faith. He refreshes us in it. [00:30:24] Jesse Schwamb: He exhausts us in the best possible way so that we might love him more, cherish him more, encourage one another more, and to really come and understand his character more forthrightly. [00:30:34] Living Quietly and Minding Your Affairs [00:30:34] Jesse Schwamb: I like what Paul says in one Thessalonians chapter four, aspire to live quietly and to mind your own affairs. I mean, that's. [00:30:42] Jesse Schwamb: Good advice for all of us, mind your own affairs and to work with your hands as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. So we talked before about what it means, that really in our work, we ought to care for those who we love. We ought to make sure that we can provide for them, but there will also be seasons. [00:30:59] Jesse Schwamb: One, there will be others who need to provide for us. And so in so doing, again, we're honoring God by walking in this path that he has given us, uh, to do. I like this. There's a couple of other great verses I think that are helpful for us to really think about what it means to have good work to do and to understand that good work. [00:31:17] The Blessing of Giving [00:31:17] Jesse Schwamb: Here's from Acts chapter 20. Paul says, in all things I've shown you that by working hard in this way, we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus. How He himself said, it is more blessed to give than to receive. So think about that there. There is an expression right there about work and what is this working hard. [00:31:35] Jesse Schwamb: It's to help the weak and to remember the words of Lord Jesus Christ. It is more blessed to give, to receive than to receive. Love always leads to giving for God. So love the world that he. Gave, and I think part of this good work that God calls us to is just giving. And so like right now, you may be in a season where you are giving of your labor in return for compensation, for that labor, but presumably there will, and there should come a time when you'll be giving it and you'll not be receiving that. [00:32:00] Jesse Schwamb: But it doesn't lessen the work. It doesn't take it away. It doesn't mean that it's not necessary anymore. We ought to continue to pursue that because love always leads to giving. Now I want to just finish our short little time together today as we've reasoned, hopefully. [00:32:15] Practical Ways to Exemplify Christian Values at Work [00:32:15] Jesse Schwamb: In a profound way from the scriptures helping us to be encouraged in this work by just a couple of things that if you are thinking in the sense of what can I do right now in my work of all kinds to exemplify and to be driven by unique view of humanity and a love rooted in the wisdom of the cross to stand out, what, what can we do as Christians, practically speaking. [00:32:37] Jesse Schwamb: To take everything that Paul has just given us here, appreciating this beautiful pattern that work is just gonna be part of our lives forever. And by the way, loved ones I, I have a strong conviction that in the new heavens and new Earth, that work will still be present there in a fully orbed and fully expressed, fully realized way that it's not capable today because of everything being mined by sin. [00:32:59] Jesse Schwamb: But then we're gonna find that this is just like an amm bush. It's the taste that. The thing that's coming for us, the appetizer of how work is gonna be fully satisfying, fully encouraging, fully joyful, and a full expression of how God has made us to do things. One of those things again are laboring in prayer, laboring on the construction site, laboring on a desk, laboring in the education and the teaching and ammunition of children. [00:33:24] Jesse Schwamb: All of these things are just really, really good. So what are a couple of things that we can do? Well, here's some things that that come to my mind. The first is that I think Christians can be known as the most care fairing and committed kind of people. So. Think about it this way, driven by the father's love and his acceptance of us through Jesus, we can be the kind of people that are known as fair, caring, and committed to others. [00:33:52] Jesse Schwamb: Since we know the depths of our own sin and the magnitude of God's grace to us, we can be ready to forgive and reconcile with others, and we should be quick to do so if we're doing that in their work environments. Whatever that environment is, there's no doubt this is gonna draw some fair amount of attention. [00:34:07] Jesse Schwamb: We may actually, and this is gonna sound a little bit wild. We may even have opportunities to take risks for the benefit of others. Now imagine it this way. Let's say that everybody has somebody to whom they're responsible and almost everybody else has somebody who's responsible to them. So think of it this way, if you are leading any kind of group of people, formerly or informally, you may have a unique opportunity to take risks on the behalf of those people. [00:34:30] Jesse Schwamb: Now, that may be may mean advocating for them. It could mean yielding to them, even if you have a hierarchical position that's above them. But more than anything, it could mean that you actually take a risk to take responsibility at times. So it's possible that let's say you're a leading a team and you're a place of work, and one of the people who is responsible to you, that is one of the people who reports to you, makes a mistake. [00:34:52] Jesse Schwamb: Let's say that the person that you are responsible to, your boss finds out about this. There's lots of ways you could go about this. Now, you may feel that you want to be easy just to say, well, this wasn't me. It was their fault. But consider how a Christian might approach this in love. It's possible that it may be entirely appropriate for that leader to take responsibility for the mistake, not taking blame for it, but taking responsibility for it as an act and expression of what it means to be fair, caring, and committed to others. [00:35:20] Jesse Schwamb: And now this may mean that if you were that person, you might lose a little bit of cloud to the organization. You might use a little bit of reputation or ability to maneuver within the organization, but there could be a very powerful, could be testimony in your ability to risk yourself for others in a way that I believe, again, is walking in this path of good works and that you are reasonable people. [00:35:41] Jesse Schwamb: You can sort out, I think in a situation like that. What kind of responsibility you might have, but I think it's important for us to consider that we may have that kind of responsibility and that to be known as fair, caring and committed to others. To advocate for them to again, forgive and to reconcile, and then sometimes to take risks of opportunity for the benefit of others is something that is unique to the Christian. [00:36:00] Jesse Schwamb: I think we at least agree on that, that kind of response to a s. We'll be wholeheartedly unique. [00:36:06] Generosity and Kingdom Living [00:36:06] Jesse Schwamb: I think we also need to be known as generous and depending on the context and opportunity, generosity at work can be expressed in so many different ways. Managers can be generous with their advice, their access, their investment in people. [00:36:17] Jesse Schwamb: All of us can be generous with our time, our money sharing our resources. Sacrificially. If you're a small business owner, and this is gonna sound wild, but let's, let's talk about kingdom living for a second. Loved ones like I presumably you're listening to this because we're not just satisfied with the small things. [00:36:31] Jesse Schwamb: We wanna think big in what it means. For the gospel to go out, for Jesus to be known. And so in this context of being generous, maybe it means if you're a small business owner, that you're willing to take less personal profit to benefit your neighbors or your customers or your employees. You know, I think of this company called a Go. [00:36:47] Jesse Schwamb: Which is a wooden toy company and it's, it was founded by a couple of Christians and driven by their Christian faith. They intentionally take smaller profit margins to benefit the people of Honduras where the wood is sourced and to create an employee savings program for them. I mean, that what a remarkable thing what, what a counter-cultural expression of what it means to be doing good. [00:37:08] Jesse Schwamb: Work. And so we can also grow and show our generosity to our colleagues by loving them outside work. You know, cooking a meal, preparing a meal for them when they have a child or attending a funeral if they lose a loved one, grabbing dinner with them if they're struggling, joining their club sports team, attending their wedding. [00:37:23] Jesse Schwamb: You know, generosity during, after work hours is a testimony of love. It shows that you see them as a whole person, not merely as like a productive asset or just a colleague. So I think we should push back a little bit on being generous and maybe sometimes I, I wanna say this. Gently because we are a benefit ourselves in this podcast of this, but not just with your money, especially with your time and maybe with like your attentional focus, maybe with your prayer time. [00:37:47] Jesse Schwamb: Maybe with your labor, in your prayer closet, that of all the things you could focus on, how often are we praying for our colleagues, like really praying that they would come to see the gospel in us, that we would be courageous in expressing that gospel and that God would arrest their hearts, which snatch them up and bring them into his kingdom so that all of our workplaces would be filled, uh, with Christians, that they would be everywhere. [00:38:08] Jesse Schwamb: Doing all kinds of things in som, much as God calls us to those things in submission to him, an expression of who he is and in obedience to what he's done for us. Here's another thing. I think this is a big one. It's one that I struggle with in my own life. [00:38:23] The Importance of Calmness and Authenticity [00:38:23] Jesse Schwamb: So I think another place, another way in which we can really stand out as Christians in our good work is to be known as calm. [00:38:30] Jesse Schwamb: Poised in the face of difficulty, failure or struggle. This might be the most telling way to judge if a person is drawing on the resources of the gospel and the development of their character. And this goes back to this idea of like, what does the a voracious person mean? It's, it's somebody who has like that inner. [00:38:47] Jesse Schwamb: Beauty expression of inner inner beauty. You know, how do we act when our boss passes over us for a promotion? How do we act if we fail to get that bonus we expected or, or if like a colleague is placed on a team we want to be on, how do we respond to those things really reveals where we placed our hope and identity. [00:39:03] Jesse Schwamb: And that can be a whole nother. Podcast. But if it's true that we have rooted ourselves, grounded ourselves, securely in Christ, then that is the supreme treasure that we have, and then everything else should be like, oh, that's no big deal. It's not to say that we're not gonna have big emotions, but even as we experience those big emotions, part of what it means to be humble is to come before God and say, God, I'm feeling this way. [00:39:26] Jesse Schwamb: And I'm a contingent being and I'm upset about this. Would you help me to reveal your gospel in this situation? And what a blessing in our progressive sanctification where God moves us into that space so that what becomes normative is when everybody else is losing their minds, when everybody else is gossiping, when everybody else is complaining. [00:39:46] Jesse Schwamb: What everybody else is pushing back here is the Christian who is resolute in firm and is speaking words of life. Encouragement into their workplace or those whom they're doing their work, who is speaking the gospel to them, who is calm and is poised and is ready to lead in such a way that brings value to everybody, helps 'em to find the true security in the situation and is not willing to compromise by participating in a meaningless backtalk. [00:40:12] Jesse Schwamb: That is an incredible testimony, and there's no doubt it's gonna cause us to stand out. There is something about this placing value that I think is important to mention. And I think I mentioned this before, but Tony's not here and I'm just talking. And so my experience, my professional career is all in the realm of finance. [00:40:30] Jesse Schwamb: So I've gotta use this because I think about this a lot and it's certainly relevant to us thinking about where is our value. [00:40:38] The Concept of True Treasure [00:40:38] Jesse Schwamb: I find it so interesting. That in the sermon on the mound. And when Jesus is speaking about treasures, he doesn't completely say that we should forsake treasures. Have you ever thought about that? [00:40:50] Jesse Schwamb: So instead of saying, you know, listen, don't worry about the treasure, just focus on me. Don't try to go after things. Just focus on me. And somebody says, listen. Listen, listen. You're going after the wrong treasure. So don't go after treasure where you know a moth or Russ is gonna destroy it or where like you're gonna be worried. [00:41:09] Jesse Schwamb: A thief is gonna break in and steal it. All those things are not just temporal, they can be taken from you. In fact, they, they will be taken from you. This is the wild part to me. He says instead, rather than do that, here's what you should do. Seek after the treasure that's in heaven. In other words, the proclivity to want to grab hold of valuable things and to keep them close to you, that is not bad in and of itself. [00:41:32] Jesse Schwamb: It's that you are focusing on the wrong thing that you want to grab and hold close. Seek after those treasures in heaven. And I can tell you why. This just shows the brilliancy with which Jesus knows us because he has created us loved ones, and in our fallen state, he's so kind to condescend to be like us, yet of course, without sin. [00:41:50] Jesse Schwamb: And in that he expresses a great knowledge of who we are and how we are. So. There's a very famous study done, actually very many versions of this study done, and what they'll do, and you can play along, I know I've done this before, but as you're sitting there listening to my voice play along with the scenario that I'm about to give you, and you can answer for yourself what you would do in this situation. [00:42:11] Jesse Schwamb: There's no right or wrong answer. So here's the situation. Researchers gave per people two options. They said, you, I can either give you a thousand dollars for sure, or. Or we can play a game. We'll flip a coin. If the coin is heads, you get $2,000, but if the coin comes up, tails, you get nothing. So the choices were you could have a sure thousand dollars or you could risk it. [00:42:39] Jesse Schwamb: And with a coin flip, a fair coin flip, you could get either $2,000 or zero. Now I'll pause. What would you prefer if you're like most people? You would take the sure $1,000 because you'd rather have for sure a thousand dollars in your pocket than giving up the gamble. Even though you could get twice as much the gamble of $2,000 or zero, who wants to walk away with zero when somebody's like, I'll give you a thousand dollars for certain. [00:43:06] Jesse Schwamb: Most people would prefer the certainty. Now those who are like keen have a turn of mind for mathematics are gonna realize that on average, those two options are exactly the same. So whether you get a thousand dollars. For certain, you got the a thousand dollars on the other option, half the time you'll get zero. [00:43:23] Jesse Schwamb: Half the time you'll get a $2,000. If you average those out, that's sequel to a thousand dollars over the long term. So there's something interesting there too, isn't it? See how our minds are working that we prefer, we are loss averse. In other words, we do not like loss. In fact, there's a very famous. [00:43:39] Jesse Schwamb: Theorem about this that says the pain of losing a dollar is twice as great as the pain of gaining one. And this is why it's so hard. If you have a retirement account, you have investments somewhere. When you look at your accounts and the numbers are down, you feel particularly awful. And when they're up, you feel good, but not that great. [00:43:54] Jesse Schwamb: Uh, this is the idea of. Being a loss averse. Now, here's the other thing that these researchers did. They flipped the whole scenario, and I'm gonna give you one more thing to think about. So rather than talking about gains, they said these people, okay, here's your choice, and you have to choose one of these. [00:44:09] Jesse Schwamb: Either you can take a sure loss of a thousand dollars, or you can take a gamble. And you can take a, we'll flip a coin and if it comes up heads, you'll lose $2,000. But if it comes up tails, you will lose zero. So again, here are the two options, but now we're talking about losses. You either have to take a loss of a thousand dollars for certain, or you could take the gamble, flip a fail fair coin, and you could lose $2,000 or you might lose nothing if it comes up tails. [00:44:42] Jesse Schwamb: Now what would you do? Now if you're like most people, what these researchers found is people gravitated toward taking the risk. That is, they chose the option when they said, let me flip the coin, because at least if I flip the coin, there's a chance I might not lose anything. I know I might lose $2,000, but I would rather take the risk of losing 2000, but have the opportunity to lose nothing than take the sure loss of a thousand dollars. [00:45:05] Jesse Schwamb: So here's what's crazy about all this. Here's what it teaches us, is we make the wrong choices all the time. You know, technically speaking, when it comes to gains, we should prefer the risk, the risk of zero, because you started out with zero, so you're not better. You're not worse off by having zero, and if you win, you get $2,000. [00:45:22] Jesse Schwamb: But when it comes to the loss, we should take the sure loss of a thousand dollars because we might end up having a loss of $2,000. We tend to behave poorly given the situations. This is an example of loss aversion and risk aversion, and Jesus knows this. That's the brilliance of it, of course, because he says, I know that your hearts will be troubled by losing your treasure. [00:45:45] Jesse Schwamb: So here's the thing. It's not the treasure that's bad, it's that you're putting your faith, you're going after the wrong thing. So loved ones. When we find ourselves rooted in Christ, when we find our identity right there in him, when we are sure that all that we have is in the heavenly realms and therefore everything else can float and fl away, then we find ourselves able to be the kind of people in our workplaces where we're calm, poised in the face of difficulty failure, or all kinds of challenges. [00:46:14] Jesse Schwamb: One more thing I would encourage you with, and that is just be known as authentic and integrated. This goes back to something Tony and I have really challenged ourselves with so much, and that is some Christians aren't very open about their faith at work and others talk about it all the time, but act and speak in ways that marginalize nonbelievers. [00:46:30] Jesse Schwamb: We should, of course, be really wise about how we share the reason for the hope that we're, we have when we're at work. But staying silent isn't an option. If we wanna be authentic people, we have to bring our whole selves to work. I think this is where we all, at times could use a little work. I, I've barely been encouraged by brothers and sisters who are far better at this than I, where. [00:46:50] Jesse Schwamb: They're really good at explaining why they do something, and perhaps they've been building a relationship with non-believers, serving them, working with them. And, but when the right opportunity approaches when the moment arrives, they're right there with their explanation. They're quick to say, it's because Jesus loves me. [00:47:06] Jesse Schwamb: They're quick to talk about the transforming power of the gospel. And it's not in a way that's overbearing. It's not in a way that seems disingenuous or somehow like they're, they're shoehorning in some kind of, you know, bully pulpit testimony. Instead, it's a natural expression. Because they were ready and willing and brave. [00:47:22] Jesse Schwamb: To do that. So we've got to be known as authentic and integrated, and that integration is just as important as the authenticity. What, what is the good, what is the point of doing many of these good works if there is not a commensurate explanation or expression of why we are doing them, because. Plenty of people who are non-believers also do good work. [00:47:42] Jesse Schwamb: This is part of the common grace that God has given to all of our world and to the entire universe writ large. So in that being said, sometimes we just need to say, this is why I'm doing it. And it's possible that probably people are sometimes thinking, I have no idea why this person is doing this, but I'm not gonna ask them. [00:47:57] Jesse Schwamb: 'cause that's super weird. So by us stepping forward and saying, listen, I love you, God is good to me, uh, there there's a God over the universe who saved me. I was in this pit of despair and he's taken me out of that pit. My work, the things I do, I do now for him. I do it not just because I wanna provide for my family, but because I love God. [00:48:16] Jesse Schwamb: I want to be obedient in worshiping him, and part of how I worship him is doing my work this particular way. That's why you see me. Work like this. What a beautiful thing. Loved ones. [00:48:25] Final Thoughts and Encouragement [00:48:25] Jesse Schwamb: So there's so much I think for us to think about here. I could go on and on, and at this point, this is no longer a short episode. [00:48:32] Jesse Schwamb: You've gotten almost 50 minutes of me just talking. So I want to thank some people for good works right now. And that is. For those of you who have joined in the Telegram chat and are hanging out. Thank you. I really appreciate that. And there's so much good conversation going on there. Again, I gotta plug it. [00:48:48] Jesse Schwamb: If you haven't, if you're not in there, you're really missing out on this experience. It's not just hearing Tony and I talk. It's coming alongside and being integrated with all kinds of other brothers and sisters. So do yourself and us a favor and go to T Me Rhyme, see t me slash reform brotherhood and come hang out with us in addition. [00:49:10] Jesse Schwamb: I'm so grateful for all those who contribute to the podcast financially to make sure that just keeps going. If you've ever wondered like, how is this all free, and there's a website where I can go surf the back catalog@reformbrotherhood.com and it just shows up in my podcast feed, and it doesn't sound like they're in a tin can somewhere or in a hurricane recording this. [00:49:28] Jesse Schwamb: How does all of that happened? It happens because there's so many lovely brothers and sisters who's come alongside and said. Yeah, you know what? After all my responsibilities, I have a little bit left over and I wanna make sure that this thing just continues to keep going. And so I say to you, thank you so much. [00:49:43] Jesse Schwamb: If you would like to be a part of that and I challenge you, come join us in giving toward the podcast, Tony and I do. And there's somebody I love, our brothers and sisters who do as well. That's what makes this happen. You can go to patreon.com, reformed brotherhood, so we've got all kinds of good stuff coming up. [00:49:59] Jesse Schwamb: I love the fall season, autumn in the Western hemisphere here, because it feels like a reset in many ways. Like the kids go back to school, the weather changes depending on where you are, the

In part 2 of our study, we go deeper into the practical aspects of prayer by examining Jesus' secret place. Yielding, Crushing, Direction.

Randy Leavitt, whose family has been in East Barnard for 10 generations, is building an outhouse with a composting toilet outside the village church. It will be open to the public.

In this episode of the Finding God podcast my guest Elizabeth Bristol talks about how she was able to find God during a time when she was running away from God. Join Me on social media!!!!Facebook:Finding God | FacebookFacebook Group:Finding God | FacebookInstagram:Keana W. Mitchell (@findinggod2) • Instagram photos and videosListen to Finding God on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/022Zht5DjU1i3k7BAeHaTW?si=8c728b93da5d43c2If you would like to either be a guest on Finding God or submit music to the podcast, please send an email to anaekmusic@outlook.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

Lauren Via shares her powerful testimony of walking through church conflict and finding healing after being forced to leave her beloved Oklahoma church community due to gospel misunderstandings.• Experiencing the difficult transition when church leadership began pushing back against gospel freedom• Suppressing her own emotions while supporting her husband and children through the conflict• Watching her four-year-old son develop anxiety as he witnessed his father's emotional distress• Having to leave their church without fully explaining the situation to their congregation• Moving to Texas and initially struggling to feel at home in their new church• Finding God's presence through repeated "dragonfly moments" at pivotal times• Experiencing breakthrough healing during a gathering in Missouri where friends prayed over her• Learning that freedom is a journey rather than a one-time event• Returning to Oklahoma a year later and experiencing the gift of forgiveness• Discovering that peace doesn't depend on circumstances but on our secure relationship with JesusIf you're going through a difficult transition or church conflict, remember that Jesus walks with you through every step. Your freedom remains secure even when your feelings suggest otherwise.

Our Playlist wraps up with an examination of the theme of light in Scripture and the music of Collective Soul.

This Sunday, Track 4 of Finding God in the music looks at the good creation of God through the music of Louis Armstrong.

Every night, join Father Joseph Matlak as he ends the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, and using the Douay-Rheims psalter for his reflections, Father Matlak guides you in prayer and shares a brief reflection and a thorough examination of conscience providing you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. ________________

What do we do with the reality that even Jesus experienced crushing emotional pain? Christian Nichles concludes our series by exploring Matthew 26:36 and Jesus's agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, where the Son of God was "deeply grieved, even to death" and asked His friends to stay with Him in His darkest hour. Jesus's experience in the garden shows us that emotional struggle isn't a sign of weak faith—it's part of the human experience that even God Himself entered into and understood. In this final message, you'll discover: How Jesus models honest prayer in times of overwhelming distress Why community matters when we're struggling mentally and emotionally The hope we have because Jesus walked through anguish and emerged victorious This series is for anyone wrestling with anxiety, depression, or fear—and for those who love someone who is hurting. About the Series: This seriece explores mental health through Scripture, showing that God doesn't shame us for our weakness—He meets us in it. If you're struggling, please reach out to a counselor or mental health professional.

Have you ever found yourself walking through a door you never expected—but somehow knew God opened for you? On this week's episode, Camille Fronk Olson shares her own personal experience with the subheading of her new book, “But If Not”—this is her story of “Finding God in Unmet Expectations and Unwanted Detours.” 1:45- Our Stories in Hindsight 7:36- Why Now? 10:31- Prosperity Gospel Fallacy 20:03- Leaving to God the Management of Blessings 26:07- Physical Bodies 34:16- Mandatory Vs. Voluntary Obedience 39:08- Because of Jesus Christ 42:15- What Does It Mean to Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? “If going down that detour that He has sent us down leads us to trust more in Him, it is a glorious life.” Links: But If Not- https://www.deseretbook.com/product/PR00001364.html Elder Vargas's general conference talk- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/34vargas?lang=eng  

Welcome to season 9 of the StoryTellers Live podcast!

Get ready for a deeply moving conversation about navigating faith, family dynamics, and devastating loss during the most important year of high school. Ty Earlewine opens up about finding purpose through unthinkable tragedy. WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER: ⚡️The unique blessings and challenges of being the middle child ⚡️How worship music became his strongest connection to God ⚡️Why leadership through Young Life transformed his faith journey ⚡️Walking through the loss of two close friends during senior year ⚡️Learning to live fully in the present moment after tragedy ⚡️How Baron's quiet kindness and Mason's infectious joy shaped his character This is part of a special family series where each Earlewine family member shares their perspective on faith, growing up, and finding purpose. Don't miss the powerful insights from a young man who learned to find light in the darkest moments. WORK WITH DARON: ⚡️FREE: Jumpstart to Purpose ➡️ https://rb.gy/4qpsgb ⚡️BOOK: The Death of a Dream ➡️ https://rb.gy/a9ifwi ⚡️COACHING: Register ➡️ https://rb.gy/0is05k

Send us a textThis is a bonus episode of the latest episode of my monthly church history podcast. To binge the entire series, visit; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comFinding God in the Silence: Gregory PalamasIn this episode of the History of the Christian Church podcast, we turn to the 14th century and meet one of the most influential voices of Eastern Christianity: Gregory Palamas. A monk, mystic, and defender of Hesychasm, Palamas taught that the path to God is found not only in theology and doctrine, but in prayer, silence, and communion with the divine. His distinction between the “essence” and “energies” of God became a cornerstone of Orthodox theology.But how should evangelical Christians view Palamas today? Can we learn from his emphasis on prayer and communion with God while still holding firmly to the sufficiency of Scripture and the finished work of Christ? Join us as we explore his life, his teaching, and why he still matters.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Faith demands more than words—it requires daily commitment to Christ and our loved ones. When we say we love Jesus or our spouse but don't fulfill our responsibilities to them, we're only giving lip service.• Making time for God and spouse demonstrates true love beyond empty words• Song of Solomon provides a biblical model for passionate, God-honoring marriage• Colossians 3 reminds us to focus on heavenly things and put away sinful behaviors• Our focus should be on Christ, not denominational labels or divisions• Christ's message transcends buildings, denominations, and religious traditions• Living authentically means aligning our actions with our professed beliefs• American founders valued Christ's principles above specific denominationsIf you enjoyed this episode, please check out my family-friendly fantasy series "Countryside" available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you read it and enjoy it, please leave a review and tell others about it.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Comedian and spiritual seeker Pete Holmes joins us for a conversation that weaves together humor, mysticism, and the search for truth. Pete opens up about his journey from growing up in a fundamentalist Christian household to having life-altering psychedelic experiences that redefined his understanding of God and religion. Together, they explore what it means to move beyond belief into direct experience, why we can never truly be separate from the divine, and how comedy can serve as both healing and revelation.Try Pique Life tea and save 20% for life & get a free frother:https://www.piquelife.com/KnowThyselfStart your free trial with Wix:https://bit.ly/3SXG2qKAndrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________0:00 Intro 2:46 Asking the Deeper Questions in Life6:27 From Fundamentalist Christian to Psychedelic Experience 11:29 Reinterpreting Religion through the Lens of the Mystical17:10 The Prodigal Son: Reclaiming Our Birthright22:02 Go From Belief to Direct Experience26:50 His Experience on the George Janko Podcast28:41 Ad: PiqueLife30:05 How His Understanding of God Has Changed34:45 Mental Exercise for Experience the “I am”40:36 We Can Never Be Separate from God45:10 Existential Comedy & Wondering at Life's Mysteries55:28 Ad: Wix56:30 Balancing Being Spiritual & Being Human1:00:05 Lessons from Psychedelic Experiences 1:07:12 The Power & Responsibility of Comedy1:18:27 Are Comedians Traumatized?1:23:03 Future of Comedy in a Changing World1:32:40 Conclusion___________Episode Resources: https://www.instagram.com/peteholmes/https://www.youtube.com/@peteholmeshttps://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

Discover how to find victory in life's toughest battles through the story of Moses in Exodus 17:8-16. This sermon explores the power of surrendering to God's authority, finding rest in Jesus, and claiming His victory. Perfect for anyone feeling weary or facing challenges. Join us to be encouraged and inspired!

Description: It's Mailbox Monday! I'm sharing my tummy tuck story—what I learned and what I'd do differently. I'll also tackle your questions about family size, homeschooling balance, and helping young adults grow up. Plus, some encouragement for those battling anxiety and a reminder that real peace comes from Christ.Prime Sponsor: No matter where you live, visit the Functional Medical Institute online today to connect with Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood. Go to homeschoolhealth.com to get connected and see some of my favorites items. Use coupon code HEIDI for 20% off!Lifestone Ministries | Lifestoneministries.com/heidiShow mentions: heidistjohn.com/mentionsWebsite | heidistjohn.comSupport the show! | donorbox.org/donation-827Rumble | rumble.com/user/HeidiStJohnYoutube | youtube.com/@HeidiStJohnPodcastInstagram | @heidistjohnFacebook | Heidi St. JohnX | @heidistjohnFaith That Speaks Online CommunitySubmit your questions for Mailbox Mondayheidistjohn.net/mailboxmonday

Episode 840: Life Without God - What happens when you remove God from society? The answer may surprise you, and it's not a life we want for our children! Join for this episode on the series, “Finding God,” on Good News with Greg Fritz! Download or request your FREE Study Notes for this series at https://gregfritz.org/study-notes/. Greg Fritz is on a mission to get the truth of the Good News to as many people as possible. The truth is God has a plan and a meaning for your life. You are extravagantly and deeply loved by God, and you were created for a purpose.  Receive a free CD and our newsletter: https://www.gregfritz.org/free-cd/   Follow Greg on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregfritzministries/  Follow Greg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregfritzministries/ Watch more videos: https://www.gospeltruth.tv/   Learn more on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrR9Rsx4h_RqYigda2PysZQ  Email us: info@gregfritz.org  Partner with us:  https://gregfritz.org/partners/ Donate: https://gregfritz.org/donate/

Many married couples plan on having children at some point, but what happens when one or both partners can't reproduce? Some consider fertility treatments while others are led to adopt, and both are often challenging processes. Join us for a personal conversation with Pastor Julie Washington who walks us through her journey of infertility followed by adoption followed by (surprise!) a biological child.

“What is God's will for my life?” It's a serious question that is asked by believers of all ages facing all kinds of decisions and uncertainty. As Jill Briscoe explains, you cannot know the will of God until you find God and get to know Him personally—or at least slow down long enough for Him to find you!God does not intend for His will to be a mystery to us. In fact, He makes it perfectly clear in His Word. What can we learn from the stories of the Bible… from how Jesus handled certain situations? A great deal!Through this teaching, you'll learn how you can know God's will for your life and then begin to apply it in practical ways. Are you ready to surrender your plans if it means you will accomplish His? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1141/29

Stress has a way of sneaking into every part of our lives—our thoughts, our bodies, even our sleep. If you’ve ever faced anxiety so heavy it led to nightmares or physical strain, you’re not alone. Today’s reflection from Vivian Bricker reminds us that even in overwhelming seasons, God offers consolation and joy, just as Psalm 94:19 declares: “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Sometimes the bravest, most faith-filled choice we can make is to step away from the people, places, or situations fueling our stress and instead turn toward God’s presence. His peace is not earned—it’s a gift. And in Him, we find strength to set boundaries, rest in His promises, and release the pressure we were never meant to carry alone. Main Takeaways Stress can manifest physically and emotionally, but God invites us to bring it all to Him. Boundaries are not selfish; they are often necessary for health and healing. Psalm 94:19 reminds us that God’s consolation brings joy even in the heaviest seasons. Choosing to step away from harmful stressors creates space for God’s peace to guard our hearts. Bible Verse References Psalm 94:19 – “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. 1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Calls to Action (CTAs) Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for encouragement rooted in Scripture each day. Share this episode with someone who may be overwhelmed and in need of God’s peace. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps others find encouragement. Resources & Related Articles 10 Prayers for Anxiety – Crosswalk.com How to Trust God in Stressful Times – Christianity.com Finding God’s Peace in a Chaotic World – BibleStudyTools.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this week's Ask Me Anything episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle powerful questions from the Order of Man community. From knowing which battles are worth fighting, to bringing God into past trials, to addressing blind spots at work without sounding like a complainer — they cover practical wisdom every man can apply. They also dive into handling public haters, having hard conversations about addiction, and reflecting on past interviews. Honest, challenging, and inspiring — this one's packed with lessons for intentional living. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Opening and headlines 08:07 – Choosing your battles 19:45 – Inviting God into past trials 29:50 – Approaching leadership with blind spots 41:01 – Telling your wife about addiction 48:27 – Responding to public haters 56:45 – Interviews Ryan would redo 01:02:41 – Promotions and closing Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready