Podcasts about main points

Prayer is an adventure in trust. We put our needs into the hands of an almighty God, who has the power to meet our needs according to His will. What will God do? We don't know, but we do know that what God does is right. His answer and His actions may not make sense to our finite minds and limited understanding, but the will and purpose of God are always correct.Main Points:1. When we have a need, it's normal to be anxious, to worry, and to wonder what will happen. This is our human response to uncertainty. Yet, when we pray we choose to trust. When we pray we choose to believe God. 2. What an adventure it is to wait on God and see what He will do. The waiting is not always pleasant, but the longer we serve Jesus, the more confidence we have in the waiting. We know God is up to something. We don't see it yet, but we are confident testimony of His faithfulness is coming soon.3. Faith in God is a choice. It's a decision to believe and to trust that He is working all things for your good, according to His purpose.Today's Scripture Verses:2 Corinthians 4:18 - “So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” Hebrews 11:1 - “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”Mark 9:21-24 - “Jesus asked the boy's father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can'?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”Proverbs 3:5 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Citizens not only have rights and privileges, but they also have responsibilities. The same is true for us as citizens of Heaven. Let's not only experience the blessings of our new citizenship but let's conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.Main Points:1. You may not have thought about this, Heaven is not just a place you are waiting to see, but it's a place of which you are already a citizen. You have a legal right to belong in Heaven because the blood of Jesus has paid for your entry. 2. As citizens of Heaven, the Word of God calls for us to live as citizens of Heaven. We are not yet in Heaven, but we are to live with the values of our new home.3. Paul says we can live as citizens of Heaven by conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. In other words, if you are saved, live as someone who is saved. If Christ has come into your life, it should be noticeable in how you live. We are not worthy of what Christ has done for us, but we should do our best to live as though we were.Today's Scripture Verses:Ephesians 2:19 - “You Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family.”Philippians 1:27 - “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

“How good is good enough?”  Here's the short answer. We could never be good enough to go to Heaven. It's simply not possible for humans to satisfy the justice of God with our efforts at being good.  The Bible teaches us that being a good person could never save us. Instead, salvation is based on the goodness of Jesus, on our behalf.Main Points:1. Jesus, in kindness and love, took our sins upon himself and once and for all died in our place. This is the definition of goodness. God did for us what we could not do for ourselves. Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, satisfying the justice of a righteous and holy God.2. Forgiveness of our sins and the promise of eternal life is received as a gift from God. We receive this gift as we confess Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. We place our faith in his death and resurrection for our sins, instead of placing our faith in our good works.3. Refuse to buy into the deception that you could be good enough to go to Heaven. Put your faith in Jesus, who was good on our behalf.Today's Scripture Verses:Judges 21:25 - “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.Proverbs 14:12 - “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.”Isaiah 64:6 - “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags.”Titus 3:4-5 - “When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

We stand on Jesus' promise that the gospel will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations. As we see this being fulfilled, we know the end is near and Jesus' return is soon.Main Points:1. There are still locations in our world where the gospel message is not being preached. There are places where there are no churches, no missionaries, no translations of the Bible in local languages, and no access to the salvation message.2. With the use of the ever-increasing tools of technology the message of Christ is spreading faster than ever before. My prayer is that a new generation of missionaries will hear the call of God and will take the gospel to people still waiting to hear.3. The gospel of Jesus Christ is good news. We cannot be silent. We cannot keep such good news to ourselves. We must tell others. We must let people know that Jesus saves. Let's determine that we will be a part of preaching the gospel locally and globally as a testimony to all.Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 24:14 - “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”1 Thessalonians 1:8 - “The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.” Matthew 28:19 - “Go and make disciples of all nations…”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Do you need a guide? Are you in need of guidance and direction? God has given you two sources, His Word and His Spirit.Main Points:1. Where does this guidance come from? How does God become our guide? He guides us in two ways. He guides us by His Word and by the Holy Spirit.2. Psalm 119 says God's Word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path, meaning, it illuminates the steps we are to take. God's Word makes it clear what the next step should be.  As wonderful as this is, it is only half the answer. You'll make many decisions in life that are not identified or prescribed in the Bible.3. In the absence of clear guidance from the Word of God, we rely on the direction of the Holy Spirit. This is why Paul said in Romans 8:14 - “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” Not only do we need daily guidance from Scripture, but we also need daily direction from the Holy Spirit. The Word and the Spirit together are the leadership that we need.Today's Scripture Verses:James 1:5 - "Whoever among you lacks wisdom, ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.”Psalm  32:8 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go and I will counsel you and watch over you.  Proverbs 3:5-6 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

That is what we live for: to experience the glory of God, to reflect it, to bring it to the world around us, not for our own sake but for the praise of His glory and honor.Main Points:1. The glory of God refers to his beauty, majesty, purity, and power. It speaks of the greatness and wonder of God. 2. In His love for us, God created us to experience himself. He created us to experience his glory. We get to experience God's beauty, power, love, and mercy.3. Not only do we experience His glory, but we were also created to reflect it. Like the moon reflects the light and radiance of the son, we are to reflect the glory of God to others around us. People should see and notice there is something different about our lives.Today's Scripture Verses:Isaiah 43:7 - “Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.”2 Corinthians 4:6 - “For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.”Ephesians 2:8-9 - “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”Matthew 5:16 - “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Every day, you make decisions about whether you will stand for Christ or not. In how we live our lives, the choices we make, the attitudes we portray, and the words we say, we are telling others that we stand for Christ, or we are communicating that we do not stand with him.Main Points:1. Jesus knew we would face a strong temptation to hide our light. When we are open and public about our testimony for Christ, it draws attention to us. We face potential rejection, scorn, and persecution. No one wants to experience such things. It's so much easier to keep our faith and our testimony hidden. After all, isn't faith in God supposed to be a personal, private matter?2. Unfortunately, this is a lie we have come to believe. Satan wants your voice to be silenced. If you can be intimated to keep your witness for Christ quiet, then that is the temptation you will face. 3. Today you'll have an opportunity to stand for God. In a conversation, at your office, with your family, or on social media, there will be a moment of decision. Choose to speak up. Choose to be identified with Christ. Don't hide your witness. You can stand for Christ, but do it in a way that is gentle and respectful.Today's Scripture Verses:Isaiah 7:9 - “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.”Matthew 5:15 - “No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.”Romans 1:16 - “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

This sermon explores Nehemiah chapter 2, teaching how prayerful dependence on God leads to faithful action. The message addresses the common struggle of knowing what to do when God seems to be moving slowly, warning against two spiritual ditches: giving up in passivity or taking control through manipulation. Instead, the sermon presents a third way—waiting on the Lord while remaining actively obedient. Using Nehemiah's example, the message shows how to step forward with courage, ground ourselves in humility and preparation, and stand firm against opposition and self-righteousness. The central teaching emphasizes that true faith involves both deep dependence on God and diligent action, summarized as "step, ground, stand."Main Points:Faith Steps Forward (2:1–8) Obedience in “waiting for the Lord” transitions to obedience in courageous and diligent action as the Lord leads.Vision Gets Grounded (2:9–16)Faithful leaders don't need fanfare; they humbly gather facts to help them discern faithful action.Leadership Stands Firm (2:17–20)God's servant puts to death any self-righteousness and invites God's people to move in unity toward God's promises.Scripture Referenced:Nehemiah 2:1-20 (main passage); Nehemiah 1; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Proverbs 21:1; Psalm 27:14; Lamentations 3:25; Isaiah 40:31; Proverbs 18:13; Proverbs 19:2; Proverbs 14:15; Proverbs 31; Job 29 and 31; Ecclesiastes 3:1-5; Proverbs 28:1; Esther 4; Daniel 6; Genesis 16; Matthew 22:21Community Group Guide:Begin with Prayer - Begin by asking God to help your group share authentically and honestly in a way that encourages one another and pushes your group toward Christ.Discussion Questions:Part 1: The Two Ditches (Introduction)Which "ditch" do you tend to fall into when facing difficult circumstances?Giving up and becoming passive ("If God wants to fix it, He'll fix it")Taking control and moving ahead without God ("God helps those who help themselves")Part 2: Stepping Forward (Read Nehemiah 2:1-8)Nehemiah waited four months before acting. How do you distinguish between God's timing and your own procrastination or fear?Nehemiah's instinct to pray in the moment (v. 4) reveals a heart shaped by faithful waiting on the Lord. Often, when we wait on God seeking answers, He deepens relationship instead. Has there been a season where God Himself became more precious to you than the outcome you were hoping for?Part 3: Grounding in Humility (Read Nehemiah 2:9-16)Nehemiah gathered facts before announcing his plan. How does the principle "facts are our friends" apply to a decision you're currently facing?Nehemiah chose discretion over fanfare.Where in your life might you be tempted to seek recognition or justification rather than quietly trusting God with your faithfulness?Part 4: Standing Firm (Read Nehemiah 2:17-20)When opposition came, Nehemiah stood firm because he knew 'what time it is' - how does closeness with God help you define reality and discern when to stand against criticism?Practical Application:If you are waiting on the Lord in a particular area, take note of how many times this week you're tempted to either give up or take control.Journal about those instances and confess this to God, asking the Spirit to help you depend on His leadership as you faithfully wait.Share with someone in your Community Group if there is a tendency one way or another and ask them to join you in praying against it.Read Nehemiah 3 in preparation for Sunday's sermon.Personal Reflection:What am I waiting on God for right now?What faithful action can I take while I wait?Where do I need to ground myself in humility and preparation?Are there any facts I need to gather before I am ready to act?Are there any areas where I am looking for fanfare that I need to confess to God?Worship Setlist: Life Defined; Agnus Dei; All Hail King Jesus; Shout to the Lord; Build My Life; Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me

Jesus left the glory of Heaven to come to earth and take on humanity. He came with one purpose that was to satisfy the justice of God. Jesus would come and die for us. He would become our substitute. We wouldn't have to die for our sins because Jesus would die for us. He would shed his own life blood on the cross as payment for our sins.Main Points:1. Sin must be atoned for by death. Why? Because sin violates the righteous laws of God. God cannot wink at sin. He cannot overlook it. Sin must be accounted for and justice must be served. 2. In the Old Testament, God set up a system of animal sacrifices to atone for sin. It was a temporary solution until Jesus, the Messiah, would come. 3. The New Testament book of Hebrews teaches us that through the coming of Jesus, God put away the old system of animal sacrifices. Why? Because the final perfect lamb of God has come that takes away the sins of the world.Today's Scripture Verses:Hebrews 9:22 - “…without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”John 1:29 - "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”1 John 1:7 - “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”Ephesians 2:13 - “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”Revelation 1:5 - “…To him who loves us, and washed us from our sins by his blood.”Romans 10:13 - “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Gentleness is the demonstration of strength and self-control. Life and its stress and pressure can tempt us to react with frustration and anger. It's easy to fly off the handle and say things we don't mean. We can project a false sense of strength by being brash and outspoken. But true strength keeps our spirit under control.Main Points:1. It's possible that you and I could think of the character trait of gentleness and equate it to weakness. We might consider gentleness to be the opposite of strength and power. Yet, as we serve God, sometimes our greatest strength reveals a heart of gentleness to those in need.2. The world around us doesn't usually applaud gentleness. It seems to recognize those who speak loudly and forcibly in public and on social media. But God honors gentleness.3. Gentleness involves humility and gratitude toward God. It is polite, restrained behavior toward others.Today's Scripture Verses:Philippians 4:5 - “Let your gentleness be known to all. The Lord is at hand.”Galatians 5:22-23 - “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”Matthew 7:16 - “By their fruit, you will recognize them.” Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Unfortunately, one of the characteristics of humanity, even followers of Christ, is that our strength is exhaustible.  We are not superhuman creatures.  Our strength runs out and we face the common problem of weariness.Main Points:1. We've sometimes bought into a misunderstanding that in order for you and I to be strong we must have good conditions. However, it seems that most of our spiritual growth occurs when times are difficult. It's in these hard times we learn God is faithful and dependable. It's in these times we gain much-needed strength from the Lord.2. What we decide to do in our times of weariness is critical.  I've seen people who were tired, become discouraged, they failed to reach out for God's strength, and eventually, they gave up on their faith – they quit.  This is what the devil would like to have to happen to each of us.3. While we must face the reality that all of us must deal with weariness, there is hope from the Scriptures of a deeper reality in which we can tap into the inexhaustible strength of God. It's here that we discover a source of strength for those who trust in and wait upon the Lord.Today's Scripture Verses:Isaiah 40:31 - “…those who wait on the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”Psalm 27:14 - “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Work out your salvation. Put your salvation to work. Let it be evident in every area of your life. Allow your salvation to transform your thinking, your attitude, your words, and your behavior. Let Christ be exalted in every area.Main Points:1. The forgiveness of our sins does not come through our own works and good deeds. In other words, we could never earn our salvation.2. Works do not save us, but they are the evidence of our salvation. We do not work to be saved. We work because we are saved.3. Having received such a powerful and gracious salvation from our heavenly father, we want to serve Him. We want to live the life of a believer he has called us to. We want to use our time, talents, and treasure to advance the kingdom of God.Today's Scripture Verses:Acts 16:30 - “What must I do to be saved?”Ephesians 2:8-9 - “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”Philippians 2:12-13 - “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”James 2:26 - “Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.” Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

The love of money is a heart issue. It's called greed. Greed is one of the enemies of our hearts.  Very quietly it slips in and begins to guide and direct our decisions.  The Bible calls greed sin because it can lead us to push God out of our lives.  Greed is dangerous because it blinds us to what is truly important.Main Points:1. The problem with the love of money is that it is never satisfied. When will you have enough? It doesn't matter how much we possess, we still want more. The love of money can motivate any evil on this earth. There is no sin that cannot be committed for the sake of money.2. Jesus identifies the love of money as a heart issue. Here is an important biblical truth: Satisfaction can only be found in Christ. Contentment can only be gained through a relationship with Jesus. Apart from living for Jesus, our hearts wander in search of fulfillment, only to never find it.3. We rid ourselves of greed and materialism when we treasure Jesus above all things. He is our ultimate treasure. When we have Jesus we have everything we need. This is how we guard our hearts against the root of all evil. Today's Scripture Verses:1 Timothy 6:10 - “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” Luke 12:34 - “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”1 Timothy 6:6 – “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

We discover that God cares about the heart. God wants us to love Him, value Him, and esteem Him above all things. When we serve the Lord out of sincere hearts, wanting to please Him, and wanting to give Him the glory, he rewards us only a loving Heavenly Father can.Main Points:1. In Jesus' great Sermon on the Mount he speaks to the heart of what we do for God, not just what we do for God. We learn that it's not just the act of serving God that pleases the Lord, but our motives matter to Him as well.2. I believe this is one of the things that distinguishes Christianity from every other world religion. You see every world religion is about what you do. It's about your work. Salvation is earned by your diligence to hard work and keeping rules. 3. In Christianity, it's not that Jesus doesn't care what we do, but he is more interested in those intentions that are hidden from human eyes. He's after our heart. Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 6:1 - “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”Matthew 5:16 - “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”Psalm 26:2 - “Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

As we grow in our faith, we aspire to be Christians who know what we believe. Our beliefs have stood the test of time. These truths have become deep convictions in our hearts. We know them to be true because God has revealed them to us in His Word and by His Spirit. Others may choose to believe other things, but we live with the deep assurance of the truths of God.Main Points:1. Let me ask you, “Do you have a deep conviction about the gospel of Jesus Christ? Are you thoroughly convinced the Word of God is true?  Are you letting the scripture not only inform your life but also change your life?” 2. Our faith is anchored in the steadfast character of God. He does not change. His Word is forever true. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Generations come and go. Seasons come and go, but the Word of God is the same forever.3. You might be thinking, “Loren, why is it essential that we have a deep conviction about the Word of God?” It's so common today for people to express the idea that they are open-minded. As if this is a virtue. They don't want to seem dogmatic. They don't want to appear rigid in their thinking and beliefs. But this is exactly what our enemy wants. Without conviction, we are prey to false teaching, idolatry, and falling away.  Today's Scripture Verses:1 Thessalonians 1:5 - “our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.”Romans 14:5 - “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” Romans 4:21 - “…fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Here's what I have come to believe. God has blessings planned for your future that you don't even know about yet. God is actively initiating blessings. His blessings are not an afterthought. They are not the results of leftovers from someone else's blessings. No God has designed plans to bless your life. Main Points:1. Have you ever experienced a blessing from God that you weren't expecting? I'm sure you have. Maybe you thought, “Wow! I didn't see that coming.2. As you navigate these challenges of life, it's here that you see the goodness and mercy of God. In sickness, he provides strength, peace, healing, and recovery. In the family, he provides forgiveness, restoration, peace, and guidance. In financial struggles, he makes a way where we couldn't see a way.3. Psalm 23 calls for faith and a belief in the goodness of God. Will we trust Him? Let's choose to believe that his goodness and mercy are following us every day. Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 23:6 - “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Here's what I am learning: It's easier to avoid temptation than it is to fight sin. If possible, we should avoid being in places where we know we will be tempted. But sometimes, temptation seems to come out of nowhere. What do we do? Main Points:1. We must deal with the temptation immediately. Don't wait. Don't linger. Don't think about it. Don't entertain the possibility. The longer you wait, the weaker you become.2. This means that we take immediate action against those thoughts which would lead us away from God's will for our lives. We cannot give place to thoughts of temptation. Let me say it again. The longer you wait, the weaker you become. We must become fierce in the battle against temptation. 3. Maybe as you listen to this episode, you acknowledge you've done a poor job in the battle against temptation. I get it. I've been there too. So, where can we find strength? We find strength in three things: God's Word, God's presence, and in community with other believers. Today's Scripture Verses:2 Corinthians 10:5 - “…take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”2 Peter 1:3 - “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him…”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

We keep in step with the Spirit by a continual surrendering of our lives to the will of God. His will is revealed to us in His Word. As we follow and obey the Word of God, we are walking by the Spirit. As we abide with Jesus through prayer and worship, our hearts stay in tune with the Holy Spirit.Main Points:1. In the New Testament book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul instructs us to keep up with the Holy Spirit. God is leading our lives. We have put Him in the driver's seat. We have yielded the control of our lives to Him. In fact, we have made Him the Lord of our lives. Our job is to follow. We don't know where we are to go or how we are to live, so we must follow. 2. As Christ followers we have given up being the master of our own lives because we have discovered a better master. We've discovered that following Jesus is worth it and there is no better life to live.3. As you draw near to God, listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit as He guides you to walk in step with Him. Today's Scripture Verses:Galatians 5:25 - “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.Galatians 5:16 - “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”Galatians 5:24 - “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

You can outlive your life.  Today you are writing the chapters that will be told of you, long after you are gone.  There will be a service for you one day, in which eulogies, memories, and stories will be told.  The life you live today determines what story lives on.Main Points:1. Over the years I have met a lot of Christians who started well.  You could say they're on fire for God.  They love God.  They want to learn, they want to grow, and they want to be used by God.  But somewhere along the line as years go by they get distracted or they get sidelined or they get tripped up by somebody else.  Some people do not finish life well, the way God intended for them to.2. I have one story I want told.  If there is anything of my life that remains, I want it to be that Loren Hicks was faithful.  He was faithful to his God, he was faithful to his family, he was faithful to his friends, and he was faithful to his calling.  I started well, but I want to finish well.3. I want to stand before Jesus Christ one day and hear him say, “You did it!  You did a good job!  Well done good and faithful servant.”  I don't want to just start well, and just to grow a little bit spiritually.  I want you to hear God say, “Good job!  Well done!  You finished the race that I put you on earth to do.”   Today's Scripture Verses:Deuteronomy 34:10-12 - “Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt—to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.”Hebrews 11:24-26 - “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Every time we are asked by God to wait, it comes with a choice. Will we be impatient, frustrated, or irritable, or will we learn to wait with calm assurance that God is in control and the waiting is for my good?Main Points:1. The Bible repeatedly calls for us to wait on the Lord, and to do so patiently. But you might ask, “Why? Why wait? Why would God make us wait? Is there a benefit to waiting? Is there a promised blessing for waiting on God?2. Waiting teaches us that God is in control. He is not bound to our time restraints. When we wait on God we are submitting to His leadership and His lordship. Waiting reminds us that He is God, and we are not.3. Waiting enables us to develop the Christ-like characteristics of patience and perseverance. God often calls for us to slow down so we can listen and learn. Today's Scripture Verses:Lamentations 3:25 - “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.”Psalm 27:14 - “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”Isaiah 40:31 - “those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Use the measure of faith God has given you. Cry out to Him… “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” Once again trust our great God to meet you in your time of difficulty and to give you the faith you need.Main Points:1. We want to believe, but sometimes faith is a struggle. When you have been through so much, when you are weary, and when it seems like options are few, it can be hard to believe.2. When our faith is weak, it's in those moments that I have to go back to God's Word.  This is where my faith is strengthened.  I have to be reminded often of who God is, what he has already done, and what he has promised to do.3. Maybe today it's only a whisper, but let it out…. “Jesus, I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” Today's Scripture Verses:Romans 10:17 - “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Mark 9:22-27 - “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.“ ‘If you can'?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”  Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He's dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

When you give the devil an inch, he becomes ruler in your life." — Elizabeth Davenport Join Pastor Jack King for a special live session featuring Randy and Elizabeth Davenport, the founders of Red Life Ministries. Based out of Kansas City, Missouri, this husband-and-wife team has dedicated their lives to traveling and ministering to those incarcerated in jails and prisons. In this conversation, Elizabeth shares her raw and powerful testimony of how Jesus set her free from a "junkie habit" that began at age twelve. Randy discusses his own journey of returning to the Lord after years of drifting and how he reinvented himself as a singer-songwriter to reach the "captive audience" behind bars. The episode features live studio performances of Randy's original songs, including "Prisoner's Praise" and "Follow You," which combine blues, rock, and country influences to deliver the Gospel message. Main Points of the Discussion: -- The transition from church laypeople to full-time prison ministers and the "boot camp" experience of preaching in noisy cell blocks. -- Elizabeth's miraculous transformation from a life of drug addiction to a powerful voice for Christ. -- Randy's story of backsliding and finding his way back to God's "reset button" in 1981. -- The concept of the "Inside Church" and how Red Life Ministries focuses on both "fishing" for the lost and "feeding" the believers within the prison walls. -- The role of creative arts and music in ministry, specifically using the guitar and harmonica to connect with inmates who share a love for southern rock and blues. Scriptures for Further Study -- John 10:10 (The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy; Christ comes to give life). -- Psalm 107:14 (He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their chains in pieces). -- Matthew 4:19 (I will make you fishers of men). -- Matthew 25:36 (I was in prison and you visited me). Find more information about Red Life Ministries with Randy and Elizabeth Davenport here: http://www.redlifeministries.org/ This is episode 1255. ******* This is the radio program with the music removed. By the way, I have written a new book, and you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

Our words have the power to build up and the power to tear down. You and I have likely been on the receiving and giving end of both. You can remember words spoken years ago that encouraged and inspired you. You can probably also remember words that brought deep pain and suffering.Main Points:1. Throughout the day, I'll have the opportunity to speak to a lot of people. I'll speak with my family, church members and staff, people in the marketplace, and even complete strangers. I'll also have the opportunity to use my words in emails, text messages, and on social media. I want to remember that my words have power. I want to use the voice God has given me to bless, encourage, and uplift others. 2. If our vocabulary, our conversations, and our reactions to others are unwholesome, our hearts are not right with God. Our words can definitely reveal our spiritual condition.3. We are to ask the question: “Will what I am about to say benefit those who listen?” In other words, is it necessary? Do they need to hear it? Does it concern them? Will they benefit from hearing these words? If not, I should keep silent.Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 19:14 - “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”Ephesians 4:29 - “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”Luke 6:45 - “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”James 3:9-10 - “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

The return of Christ is imminent, and He is coming for a bride without spot, wrinkle, or blemish. To prepare for this day, the Body of Christ must move past cultural and racial divisions to become one unified body under the lordship of Jesus. In this teaching, Dr. Edith Davis reveals that the key to this unity is the total transformation of our thought lives. By examining the life of Jesus, we see a model of perfect mental and spiritual health that we are called to emulate. Dr. Davis discusses the "guardrails" of the Word of God and the importance of discerning the source of our thoughts. She provides practical insights on how to "jettison" negative thoughts and replace them with the Word, reminding us that we have the authority to command every thought to bow to King Jesus. Main Points of the Teaching: -- The Call to Unity: We are not a collection of segregated churches based on ethnicity; we are one body that must be unified through the renewing of the mind. -- The Strategy of the Enemy: Satan first attacks our sense of authority and our walk of love, using deception and offense to create fear. -- The Four Attributes of a Sound Mind: To walk in victory, we must cultivate a mind that is calm (cool and collected), balanced (focused on Jesus), disciplined (guided by the Word), and self-controlled (ruling over emotions). -- Words vs. Thoughts: A spoken word is more powerful than a silent thought. We can cancel out the enemy's suggestions by speaking the Word of God out loud, just as Jesus did in the wilderness. -- Fruit over Labels: True salvation is evidenced by the fruit we bear. Dr. Davis warns against "religious works" that lack a true heart connection with the Savior. -- The Priesthood of Christ: A look into the lineage of John the Baptist and how the Aaronic priesthood served to baptize Jesus into the Melchizedek priesthood. Scriptures for Further Study -- 2 Timothy 1:7 -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Proverbs 3:5-8 -- Matthew 7:21-23 -- Matthew 8:23-27 -- John 15:1-8 This is episode 386. +++++++ Check out my new website: https://www.enterthegloryzone.org/ MY AUDIO BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE You can Divorce Proof Your Marriage by understanding the Secret Keys of Love. You will come to understand that your Marriage has an enemy. You will come to understand that you are dating your future spouse representative. You will come to understand that your Marriage has the gift of Supernatural Sex. For more information about purchasing this audio book, click here: https://personalbuy.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/product8702.html

God has given everyone a general revelation of himself by displaying the beauty and power of creation. Though some reject this truth, it is obvious in the heart and mind of man that there is a God.Main Points:1. As we look around at our world, we see the clues God has left. When you stand at the Grand Canyon, you can't help but be overwhelmed at the mighty power of God to create such magnificence. When you see the vast Pacific Ocean, the power of Niagara Falls, the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, you know there must be a creator.2. I believe King Solomon was right when he said in Ecclesiastes, “God has put eternity on our hearts.” The longing we feel, the cravings we experience, and the unfulfilled desires all leads us to the one who can meet every need and satisfy our every desire. His name is Jesus. He is the Son of God, our Savior, and our Lord.3. Seasons come and seasons go, but nothing in this life is completely satisfying. Solomon said, “it's all vanity.” But through it all, we have a glimpse of something more. We recognize this world is not our home. Creation points to a God who is in control and one who has given us a Savior.Today's Scripture Verses:Romans 1:20 - “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”Ecclesiastes 3:11 states God has “set eternity in the human heart.”Psalm 19:1 - “The Heavens declare the glory of God.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Jesus leaves the glory and majesty of Heaven and takes on flesh and blood. He becomes one of us. He doesn't leave his deity behind, but he takes on humanity. He is fully God and fully human at the same time. Yes, it is miraculous.Main Points:1. Not only does Jesus take on humanity. He moves into our world, our neighborhood, our very lives. He experienced what we experience. He knew joy, happiness, friendship, love, temptation, sadness, frustration, and sorrow. He even experienced suffering and death on our behalf.2. This is what Jesus has done for you and for me. He moved into our lives. He moved into our families. He moved into our neighborhood.3. We have a Savior who knows, who understands, and who cares. On His own initiative, Jesus came to earth to live as we live, to serve, and give his life as a ransom for our sins. What an incredible thought. Jesus moved into the neighborhood.Today's Scripture Verses:John 1:1-5 - “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”John 1:14 - “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”John 1:14 MSG - “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.”Hebrews 4:15 - “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”1 Peter 5:7 - “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Let us remember that nothing is a substitute for earnest prayer. Nothing can take its place. Today's church does many important things, but we must make prayer a priority. Main Points:1. This is a remarkable story of God's power and deliverance, but what stands out to me the most from this story is the commitment of the church to prayer. This miracle happened in the middle of the night. The church was not asleep because they knew the next day Peter would be put on trial. The church was having an all-night prayer meeting to ask God to protect Peter.2. It was a desperate situation but I believe they remembered that Jesus told them to “ask and it will be given you.” The Greek word tells us that they were “straining in prayer”.  It was not a casual prayer, “Lord, bless Peter tonight.” No, it was a desperate prayer, a fervent prayer, and an earnest prayer. They were seeking God. They were crying out to God for Peter's deliverance. This is intercessory prayer.3. When was the last time you gathered with other believers and prayed an earnest prayer? Let's recommit ourselves to prayer. The God who hears will answer.Today's Scripture Verses:Acts 12:5-10 -  “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.”James 5:16 - “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”Mark 11:17 - “My house shall be called a house of prayer.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Welcome to the Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy, hosted by Drs. James Hawkins, Ph.D., LPC, and Ryan Rana, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC—Renowned ICEEFT Therapists, Supervisors, and Trainers. We're thrilled to have you with us. We believe this podcast, a valuable resource, will empower you to push the boundaries in your work, helping individuals and couples connect more deeply with themselves and each other. In this episode of “Push the Leading Edge”, James Hawkins and Ryan Rana dive into one of the most anxiety‑provoking parts of EFT: when the caregiving system red-lights right in the middle of beautiful vulnerability. Drawing on attachment theory and years of EFT training experience, they explore “caregiving nightmares”—those predictable moments when a partner can't respond with comfort, even when their loved one is wide open and reaching. They unpack how pursuers and withdrawers each bring their attachment strategies into the caregiving role: withdrawers often “loan out their avoidance” as a form of love, and pursuers “up the ante” as their way of fighting for the bond. Rather than shaming these moves or bypassing them to “get to the heart,” James and Ryan show how to move toward the blocks themselves as emotional material, validating the attachment logic inside them and using structured, attuned interventions to help partners reclaim their caregiving systems. With rich clinical examples, regulation strategies for therapists, and practical language you can use tomorrow, this episode helps you trust the process, trust the caregiving system, and stay with the red lights long enough for new attachment experiences to emerge. Main Points from the Episode Framing: “Caregiving Nightmares” & Red Lights  - Focus on stage 2 / step 6 caregiving positions, and the “back half” of vulnerable enactments.    - The “red light” is the blocked caregiving system: the partner can't offer simple comfort even when they want to. Predictable Attachment Patterns in Caregiving  - Withdrawers as caregivers:    - “Loan out their avoidance” or self-reliance: advice, positivity, “be comfortable in your own skin.”      - This is a form of love and responsiveness, but often misattuned.    - Pursuers as caregivers:      - “Up the ante”: test, push, or kick the tires on vulnerability (“it's just words,” “you only do this in here”).      - Driven by hope and fear of being dropped again. Therapist Regulation & Preparation  - Pre‑regulate before couples sessions; expect blocks as part of the process, not a failure.  - If the therapist dysregulates, you now have three protection systems in the room. Working with Withdrawer Red Lights  - Steps:    1. Regulate yourself.        2. Offer an attuned, assertive interruption (contain the cycle).        3. Give 3–5 concrete validations of the withdrawer's strategy as attachment‑driven care.        4. Reframe the strategy's attachment function (“this is how you love/protect”).        5. Then gently move toward the part that wants to reach.      - Don't bypass the strategy; work with it as emotional material. Working with Pursuer Red Lights  - Normalize that pursuers often lash out or test the first vulnerabilities they've begged for.    - Validate their vision, hope, and fight for the relationship (3–5 validations).      - Help them notice their somatic/empathic response to the partner's pain (1% of reach or comfort).      - Avoid shaming language like “you're going to your head.” Use of Numbers & Repetition  - “Magic” 3–5 validations to regulate a nervous system.    - Sue Johnson's idea: clients often don't really hear you until about the 5th repetition. Tourniquets & Sender Protection  - After a strong send + strong red light, layer tourniquets on the sender so they:    - Feel caught and not blamed.        - Are reinforced to risk again.      - Never make the sender give up their experience just to soothe the blocked caregiver. Trusting the Caregiving System  - Leanne Campbell's idea: trusting the process = trusting the caregiving system.    - People do know how to care; the cycle paralyzes access.      - Our job is to create conditions for that caregiving instinct to re‑emerge experientially. Hope, Respect, and Attachment Change  - Both pursuer protest and withdrawer avoidance are hopeful, survival strategies.    - Change often comes through “begrudging respect”: seeing a partner fight their old pattern for the relationship. We aim to equip therapists with practical tools and encouragement for addressing relational distress. We're also excited to be part of the team behind Success in Vulnerability (SV)—your premier online education platform. SV offers innovative instruction to enhance your therapeutic effectiveness through exclusive modules and in-depth clinical examples.  Stay connected with us: Facebook: Follow our page @pushtheleadingedge Ryan: Follow @ryanranaprofessionaltraining on Facebook and visit his website James: Follow @dochawklpc on Facebook and Instagram, or visit his website at dochawklpc.com George Faller: Visit georgefaller.com If you like the concepts discussed on this podcast you can explore our online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV). Thank you for being part of our community. Let's push the leading edge together!

What would the world be like if we viewed everyone as our neighbors?  And, what if we truly loved our neighbors as we love ourselves?Main Points:1. Our relationship with God is inseparable from our relationships to the people in our lives.  We can't be in a love relationship with God and not act in love towards other people.  This is what Jesus calls the greatest commandments:  love God, and because you love God – you will love people.2. Sometimes you may not feel like loving someone. You may not feel any sympathy or compassion. We demonstrate our love for God when we love others with our actions, regardless of our feelings.  God will often provide the love we need to feel when we act before we feel.  What would I do, if I did have appropriate? feelings toward them? 3. Let's ask this important question: What kind of neighbor am I? Listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit and let God direct you to be a neighbor to someone in need.Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 22:37-39 - “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”John 13:35 - “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

In a world that feels increasingly creative in its wickedness, many believers wonder if it is truly possible to live a righteous life. Servant Marcia Carty addresses this head-on by looking back at the "Days of Noah." This teaching breaks down the biblical definition of wisdom as a spiritual gift that provides protection, success, and a pathway to righteousness. By examining the lives of Noah, Solomon, and Enoch, we learn that God's wisdom is more than just "common sense"—it is a divine release that empowers us to take dominion and establish the Kingdom of Heaven on earth today. Main Points of the Message: -- Defining the "Days of Noah" as a season of perversion and innovation in evil that mirrors our current generation. -- Understanding that righteousness is impossible through human strength but becomes accessible through the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation. -- The example of King Solomon: how asking for wisdom to serve others unlocks wealth, honor, and global influence. -- Practical steps for making the best use of time: shifting from "earthly wisdom" to "godly sincerity" and grace. -- The protective nature of wisdom: how abiding in the "secret place" (Psalm 91) preserves the believer from the destruction and pestilence of the world. -- How communities of faith, such as those within Share HealthCare, can apply these principles to care for the widow, the homeless, and the hurting. Scriptures for Further Study: -- Genesis 6:5-22 -- 1 Corinthians 1:30 -- James 1:5 -- James 3:13-17 -- 2 Chronicles 9:1-22 -- Proverbs 2:1-12 -- Proverbs 3:13-18 -- Psalm 91:1-10 +++++++ We have begun building a new website which you can see here: https://www.noahdays.org/

The God we serve is a gift-giver. He loves to give gifts to His children, but not just any gifts. He always gives good gifts. He will never give you a gift you don't need and can't use.  In fact, he knows what we need better than we do.Main Points:1. In Several places in the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is called a gift.  To be filled with the presence and power of God is an incredible gift.  2. I've seen people be hesitant and even afraid of the Holy Spirit. Let's trust the character of our good Heavenly Father. He knows what we need and has wonderful gifts to give us, including the gift of the Holy Spirit.3. The Spirit is given to empower believers to be a witness for Christ. The task of evangelism we are called to cannot be accomplished in our strength alone. We need a power greater than our own. We need the power of the Holy Spirit. Today's Scripture Verses:James 1:17 - “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”Acts 2:38 - “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”Acts 10:45 - “And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.”Joel 2:28-29 - “ I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Divine healing is a gift of God's grace for all.  Just as salvation comes to us by God's grace, healing does as well. We do not deserve it and cannot earn it. In the NT people did not view healing as a right, but as an act of God's grace. We are in no position to demand God to give us healing.Main Points:1. In the church today there is a lot of false teaching about healing.   What the Bible teaches us is that healing occurs according to the will of God.  There is no magic formula.  God is concerned about our needs.  We bring them to him.  We pray.  But God is the healer.2. Admittedly, the sovereignty of God is difficult to understand. Why does He heal some and not heal others? I do not know. But this is not for me to figure out or question. My responsibility is to do what I have been instructed to do in Scripture.3. Let's remain confident in our belief that God has the power to heal the sick and that this blessing is offered to us.Today's Scripture Verses:James 5:13-15 - “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”Isaiah 53:5 - “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes, we are healed.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Can I give you a word of encouragement? Your unsaved family members are on the mind of God. While He won't force anyone to believe in Him, He is actively pursuing them through His Holy Spirit. In fact, scripture tells us this is the reason God has delayed the return of Christ.Main Points:1. First, let me encourage you to pray faithfully and consistently. Resist the temptation to give up. Don't let the enemy convince you that your prayers don't matter or that God is not listening. He is listening, He cares, and prayer is powerful.2. Second, pray that God will soften their hardened heart. Pray they will begin to have a spiritual hunger that would cause them to seek and search for God. 3. Believe God will save them. The enemy of our souls will try to convince you that your unsaved family members will never be saved. We resist this temptation. Our faith is in a God who can save anyone. He loves your family. He sent His son Jesus to the cross to die as a sacrifice for their sins. Let's believe that all things are possible through Jesus.Today's Scripture Verses:2 Peter 3:9 - God is “patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”Luke 19:10 - “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”1 Timothy 2:3-4 - “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 2 Corinthians 4:4 - “In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Jealousy has been defined as “resenting God's goodness in others' lives and ignoring God's goodness in my own life.  Jealousy is an enemy of our hearts because it causes a lack of contentment and gratitude toward God.Main Points:1. Jealousy can lead us to become angry, bitter, and unforgiving. It can lead us to gossip, lie, or be malicious. Jealousy can lead us to steal, commit adultery, and even murder. 2. The cure for a heart struggling with jealousy is to resist the temptation to compare yourself with others.3. Here is a great truth:  “I already have more than I deserve.”  So, why am I complaining and being jealous of others when God has given me more than I can ever possibly deserve?  Today's Scripture Verses:James 3:16 – “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.”Proverbs 23:17 - “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.”  Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

God invites us into this intimacy. He calls for us to be close to Him. This is what differentiates Christianity from any other religion in the world. God is not cold and distant. He welcomes closeness with himself. He calls and invites us to seek Him and pursue Him.Main Points:1. Can you hear His voice? In your loneliness, in your anxiety, in your frustration, and in your desperation, God is calling you to come to Him. I pray that you will respond like David and say, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”2. There are so many today who have lots of Bible knowledge. Maybe they were raised attending church. They know the Word of God and can quote many scriptures, but they are empty spiritually because they have no relationship with God.3. God wants to be known. He makes himself available to us. He rewards our seeking with His presence. Your relationship with God can be rich and full. It can be powerful and inspiring; it just requires us to seek Him.Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 27:8 - “When you said, ‘Seek My face,' My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”James 4:8 - “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”Psalm 119:37 - “Turn my eyes away from worthless things.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Often in Scripture, our relationship with God is described as a walk. Sometimes we'll use the phrase “we are on a journey.” This idea goes back to the relationship Adam and Eve had with God in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:8 - “God, as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day.” Main Points:1. When I preach funerals, I'll often say, “The best gift you can give your family and friends is the assurance that you are in Heaven. Let your legacy be that you loved and served Jesus faithfully. Leave behind the powerful memory that you were someone who walked with God.2. The Bible teaches us as believers to walk in love, walk in the light, walk in wisdom, and walk in the Spirit. These instructions remind us that the Christian life is not static. It's not stationary. There is no place to stop. There is no plateau of spiritual growth. There is no place of arrival, where we can stop growing in our relationship with God. We must keep walking. 3. So, today, let's get out our walking shoes. Let's spend time with Jesus. Let's journey with Him. Let's grow in our relationship with God. Today is a good day to grow spiritually.Today's Scripture Verses:Micah 6:8 - “walk humbly with your God.” 2 Corinthians 6:16 - “As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”Genesis 5:24 - “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”Hebrews 11:5 - “By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.”For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Have you ever encountered someone who simply wouldn't listen to wise advice? Or what about you? Have you ever refused to listen to words of wisdom?  The Bible calls this decision "foolish."Main Points:1. The Bible teaches us that a foolish person is the one who leaves God out. In fact, Psalm 14:1 - “The fool has said in his heart, there is no God.” According to the Scripture, the fool either doesn't believe in God, or they don't consider God and his ways. They leave God out. The fool doesn't follow Godly wisdom or advice. The fool leaves God out of their planning and goes their own way.2. Charles Stanley wrote, “Wisdom is the capacity to see things from God's perspective and respond according to scriptural principles.”3. I believe that to gain wisdom, we must have humility. As long as we think we know better, we'll neglect Godly wisdom, whether it comes from Scripture or a trusted friend. When we humble ourselves, we are declaring that God knows better. We are acknowledging our weaknesses and our limitations. We are trusting God to lead us to make the right decisions.Today's Scripture Verses:Proverbs 12:15 - “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” Proverbs 28:26 - “Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.”Proverbs 14:12  - “There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.”1 Corinthians 3:19 - “The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Today, you and I will face things that will threaten our faith, especially our faith in God's protection. You might be worried about your marriage, the decisions your children are making, the future of your career, the economy, or even your physical safety. You might be worried about your retirement account, the increase in crime in your neighborhood, or an upcoming medical test. There are so many things that threaten our faith in God's protection.Main Points:1. First, remembering God's past protection inspires us to believe God will protect us in the present and future. Remembering what God has already done inspires confidence in God's future faithfulness. 2. Second, David knows the power of verbalizing his faith. He worships out loud. In Psalm 27:6, David says, “I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.” By writing down this Psalm, he is declaring what he believes about God. In doing both of these things, he is encouraging his own soul in the Lord.3. You and I can do this today. No matter what you are facing, put your faith in God and in His power to protect you. Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 27:1-2 - “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

The presence of God is an amazing thing. To think that God is with us is incredible. God is omnipresent. He is always with us. In fact, He promised to never leave us or forsake us. But if that is true, why don't we experience more peace? The answer is that we are not always aware of God's presence.Main Points:1. J. Oswald Sanders - “Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God.”2. Most often, we are more aware of our fears, anxieties, problems, and struggles. These present difficulties occupy our thoughts and emotions. We can let them take over. But when we are consumed with fear, worry, and anxiety, we are less consumed with thoughts about God. So, the issue is not about God's location. The issue is with our awareness of His presence.3. So, let me ask you: How aware are you today of God's presence? Are your thoughts focused on the Lord? Have you spent time with him today? Have you read His Word and allowed it to speak to your soul? Have you made time to worship and pray? Spending time with God is the most important thing you will do today. Today's Scripture Verses:Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Remember this: our hope in God isn't just a wish or a dream, but a sure confidence that what God says will happen. Every other hope will disappoint. Every other hope will come up short. God is the one who never fails, he never leaves us, and he never forsakes us.Main Points:1. Today, I ask you to let the Word of God penetrate the dark place in your soul. Let the light of God's truth illuminate your situation. If you feel hopelessness, despair, discouragement, or depression, receive this Word from the Lord.2. Just because you can't see him, it doesn't mean God is not at work in your life. Just because you don't recognize it at the moment, it doesn't mean there is no way out. Just because you don't feel him, it doesn't mean the Lord is not with you. 3. Discouragement, despair, and hopelessness are not God's will for your life. Let his truth fill your heart and mind. Meditate on His Word. Let God restore your hope.Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 34:17-19 - “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.”Psalm 113:4-5 - “For the Lord is high above the nations; his glory is higher than the heavens. Who can be compared with the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high?”Matthew 19:26 - “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”1 John 4:16 - “ We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.”Psalm 25:3 - “No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

I'm fascinated with the idea that we are to love God with all of our minds. The Bible sees the mind as a place of our thoughts, judgment, and intention.  Our minds allow us to be rational, weigh evidence, make decisions about right and wrong, and to develop opinions.  Our minds allow us to worship, praise God, love, repent, and trust.Main Points:1. Why is it important to consider loving God with our minds?  Because during a typical day, we constantly use our minds to make decisions.  How many thoughts pass through your mind every day?  Several studies have shown that we think around 6,000 thoughts per day. Our mind is a huge part of who we are. 2. Loving God with our minds is critical because our minds are connected to our emotions and our actions.3. God gives us the power to change how we think, so through even our thoughts, we are loving and honoring God. Today's Scripture Verses:Mark 12:29-30 - “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'”2 Corinthians 10:5 – “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Colossians 3:2 - “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”Romans 12:2  - “Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”Colossians 1:9 - “So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Know this: God always has a next step for us. Until we see Jesus in glory, God is not finished with us. This work of ongoing spiritual growth and development is called sanctification.Main Points:1. The basic meaning of "sanctify" is to set apart to God, for His use. This work of “setting us apart” is the ongoing spiritual growth that makes you and me more like Jesus.2. Sanctification is the work of God in our lives to call us away from sin, ungodliness, and worldliness, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, enable us to live holy and righteous lives that reflect Christ.3. Salvation is a momentary act, bringing us from spiritual death to life. It is exclusively God's work. Sanctification is an ongoing process; it is dependent on God's ongoing work in our lives, but it also requires our continuous fight against sin.Today's Scripture Verses:1 Thessalonians 4:3 - “It is God's will that you should be sanctified.”Romans 8:29 - (God is) “conforming us to the image of His Son.”  Ephesians 2:8-9 - “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 - “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.”Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

It's always better to listen to the caution of the Holy Spirit and to guard our hearts against pride. If we do not live in humility before the Lord. God himself will humble us, and it is not pleasant.Main Points:1. What is Humility?  Humility is an accurate estimation of our self-importance in relation to God and others.  Humility is having a right view of yourself because you have a right view of God.2. Humility is not thinking too highly of yourself. It's also not thinking too low of yourself. It's having an accurate estimation of our self-importance in relation to God and others.3. So, how do we humble ourselves? We focus on the greatness of God. In my life, I cannot be prideful, and God be great. It can't happen at the same time. Either I think God is great or I think I am great. It's having a right view of yourself because you have a right view of God.Today's Scripture Verses:James 4:10 - “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”Luke 14:11 - “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (Romans 12:3)Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

In my life, I have discovered that when it comes to the choices of fear and faith, it's not always one or the other. Life produces fear, it's an emotion we feel, but with God's help, I can choose faith anyway. Though I may feel fear, I choose to trust God. Main Points:1. As Christians, we acknowledge that fear is a choice. We can also make another choice. It's the decision to live by faith. 2. Having faith doesn't diminish the reality of what we are facing, it doesn't deny it or sweep it under the rug. Faith is not pretending the hard times aren't there. Faith is choosing to believe that God is with us in our battle and that the ultimate outcome is in His hands. He is involved in every detail of our lives.3. Faith brings God into the equation. As I face my fears, I remember what the Bible says about God's character and his power. God is both loving and strong. He is compassionate and powerful.Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 23:4 - “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”Psalm 86:15 - “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”Ephesians 3:20 - “God…is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.”Psalm 56:3 - “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

There is a very common type of fear identified in the Bible that is not talked about much. It is the fear of man. It's a fear of people and it can include intimidation, peer pressure, social anxiety, isolation, and insecurity. The fear of man can lead us to make choices that aren't right for us or avoid making decisions at all. Main Points:1. When we are filled with the fear of man we are no longer focused on God, his presence, and his power in our lives. The fear of man leads us to a place of bondage and enslavement. We become slaves to our fears and unable to move forward.2. The fear of man asks: What do people think of me? Will they accept me? What if I'm rejected? What if they don't like what I'm doing? How can I face something like that?3. The will of God for your life is peace and rest. God's will is for you to live with confidence in your Heavenly Father's love. When we fear others we live for their approval. As believers, we are to live for the approval of God.Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 29:25 - “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”Hebrews 13:6 - “So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”Galatians 1:10 - “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”Psalm 27:1 - “The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?”Proverbs 14:27 - “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

I discovered that Jesus could offer me something that nothing or no one else could offer.  He could quench my spiritual thirst.  He offered me a relationship.  He offered me purpose for my life.  As I began to sincerely follow him, my life was filled with contentment.  I realized that Jesus could satisfy the thirst and the longing that I had inside.Main Points:1. You and I have experienced physical thirst. But we have another kind of thirst. It's spiritual thirst, and yes everyone experiences it, sometimes without realizing it. Inside all of us there is a thirst that nothing in this world can satisfy.  There is a thirst within us that only God can fill.  2. All of us have tried to satisfy our thirst. If a person is thirsty, they are going to search for water.  It's the same way with our spiritual thirst.  We are all looking for a way to quench our thirst.  We search for meaning and purpose through a person, through possessions, or by pursuing pleasure…only to find that our souls are still parched. 3. We experience this living water when we put our faith in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. It's only then that we can experience the satisfaction of our thirst being quenched.Today's Scripture Verses:John 6:35 - Jesus says, “He who believes in me will never thirst.” John 7:37-38 - : “‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.' Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

According to the Joshua Project, there are still 7,415 unreached people groups around the world. An unreached or least-reached people is a people group among which there is no indigenous community of believing Christians with adequate numbers and resources to evangelize this people group without outside assistance.Main Points:1. Why should we care? Why should this be a priority for the church? Because we are compelled by our Savior to reach them. We have been given this mission. This is what matters to God.2. There must be within the body of Christ an urgency to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. The gospel must be urgent to us because it is urgent to God. Can I ask you, “Is the work of missions and evangelism urgent for you?”3. What if every Christian took the Great Commission seriously? What if every Christian prayed for the lost, for our missionaries, and the unreached? What if every Christian gave financially each month to ensure that everyone around the world had access to the gospel message? What if every Christian took steps of faith to witness for Christ?Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 28:19-20 - “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”2 Peter 3:9 - (God does not want) “anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

From generation to generation, the Word of God endures. It is timeless in its relevance. It speaks to the hearts of men, women, teenagers, boys, and girls. Seasons come and go, but the Scripture is still powerful in its application to the human condition.Main Points:1. The Word of God we have is precious. God has spoken and we have it in print and in digital form. It cannot and will not be destroyed. The Word of God is eternal because God is eternal. 2. God was the primary author of the Bible; He was the One who inspired the writers to speak truths.  He was the initiator.  God was the source, the writers were the recipients.3. We can approach the Word of God today with confidence in its accuracy, relevance, and its power to endure. It is the eternal Word of God.Today's Scripture Verses:Isaiah 40:8 - “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”Matthew 24:35 - “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”1 Peter 1:25 - “but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.”Psalm 119:89 says, “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”2 Peter 1:21 - “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”2 Timothy 3:16 - “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Offense is a growth opportunity. How will you respond when another Christian hurts you? Will you become offended and bitter? Will you ignore them and refuse to talk with them? Will you leave the church in an attempt to find a better one?  Or, will you allow the experience to become a tool that helps you grow spiritually? Main Points:1. Every Christian is in process. We are not who we used to be, but we are not yet what we will be in Christ. We are learning and we are growing, but we are not yet perfect. Sometimes we make mistakes, we react, we get frustrated, and we say things we shouldn't.2. We can't use our imperfections as an excuse. We have to own our behavior, ask God for forgiveness, ask others for their forgiveness and seek to reconcile. The mistakes then become an opportunity for our spiritual growth.3. No one is immune to the challenges that come from relationships, even those among believers. We will all face them. Yet, there is so much growth that can occur in our character as we continue to love, pray, forgive, and sometimes confront.Today's Scripture Verses:Luke 6:28 - “bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”  Ephesians 4:32 - “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”Proverbs 19:11 - “A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Character is never built in a classroom. Character is built in the circumstances of life.  God builds character in our lives by allowing us to experience situations where we are tempted to do the exact opposite of the character quality. Character development always involves a choice. When we make the right choice, our character grows more like Christ.  Main Points:1. We don't know why tragic circumstances happen in our lives. We don't know why accidents happen. We don't know why people receive bad news from the doctor. Life and its difficulties comes to us all. Live long enough and you will experience suffering.2. God will use every circumstance of our lives to help us be more like Jesus. If you think back over your life you'll realize that you have grown through the things you suffered. 3. Christ-like character is the goal of the Christian life.  To settle for anything less is to miss the point of spiritual growth.Today's Scripture Verses:Isaiah 43:2 - “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”Hebrews 5:8  - “Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.”Romans 8:28 - “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”Romans 8:29 - “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.”Ephesians 4:13 - We are to “become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group