Podcasts about main points

Why has the Lord blessed us with so much? Why has God been so generous to us? Why has He met our needs and so much more? The answer is, so that we will use the blessings we have been give to be a blessing to others.Main Points:1. God wants our lives to be a conduit or a channel of blessing to others. If God can get it through you, God will get it to you. 2. One of the fears that keep people from being generous is the thought that they will not have enough for themselves. Yet, if we are generous, God has promised to keep blessing us.3. Where in your life is God calling you to be a blessing? Who has God put on your heart? Where is the Lord leading you to invest your resources, time, wisdom, and experience? Where can you use your spiritual gifts and talents to bless others?Today's Scripture Verses:Genesis 12:1-2 - “The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.”2 Corinthians 9:8 - “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”Psalm 24:1 - “The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it…”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 live in the river of a rapidly moving culture.  It's a culture that is rapidly moving away from truth, righteousness, and morality. It's a culture as the Bible defines that “does what is right in its own eyes.” As a Christian, who has been called by God and identified by God, you have to swim. With the power of the Holy Spirit, you can swim against this culture. You don't have to get swept away.Main Points:1. The New Testament teaches us that while we are in the world, we are not of the world. We live in this present world, but we do not embrace the values of a world that is rapidly moving away from biblical values. What do we do? We swim. We swim against this fast-moving current. 2. So, how do we swim? First, we swim by ensuring that our hearts and minds are filled with the Word of God. This is essential. Without knowing the truth, we won't know which values to embrace and which ones to reject. Knowing the truth is vital. Let's make sure that every single day we are spending time in God's Word. Read it, memorize it, meditate on it, and obey it.3. Next, develop strong biblical convictions. In other words, know what you believe. Where do you stand? What strongly held beliefs have you developed based on what the Bible has to say? Biblical convictions help us know where the lines are that we will not cross. These convictions are not simply opinions, ideas, or viewpoints. They are deeply held beliefs that impact our lifestyle.Today's Scripture Verses:Romans 12:2 - “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”1 John 2:15 - “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”1 Peter 3:15-16 - “if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way…”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 are all aware of the spiritual battle that rages. We do have an adversary. We do have opposition. We are in a fight but find encouragement in these verses. Christ Jesus will place us on a firm foundation. He is our firm foundation. He is the rock we have built our lives upon, and He cannot be moved.Main Points:1. No matter how fierce the fight, no matter how difficult the battle, our firm foundation is not shaken. Yes, we have to stand firm. Yes, we must be strong in the faith. But all the while, we remember that our suffering is not forever. The promise from these verses is that we will share in God's eternal glory. 2. In this life we are constantly reminded of the spiritual battle that rages around us. Like a prowling lion, our adversary seeks to devour us, tear down our faith, and rob us of our hope. Yet, amid this struggle, we find reassurance and strength in the unshakeable foundation of Christ.3. Peter's words speak to us today, urging us to be alert and sober-minded. We cannot afford to be complacent or unaware of the dangers that surround us. The enemy's attacks may come in various forms – doubts, temptations, trials, and tribulations – but we are called to stand firm in the faith.Today's Scripture Verses:1 Peter 5:8-11 - “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.  In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen.”Isaiah 33:6 - “In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the Lord will be your treasure.”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 scripture says to us, “don't forget about all of God's benefits. Amid life's challenges, don't forget about all the good things God has done for you.”Main Points:1. Even when life is good and our struggles are minimal, it's easy for us to forget what the Lord has done. In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to become consumed by our daily routines, obligations, and distractions. Our minds can be preoccupied with tasks, worries, and plans, leaving little room to stop and reflect on the goodness of God. 2. These encouraging verses remind us that the Lord is our forgiver, healer, redeemer, provider, satisfier, and renewer. How could we forget that? And yet we often do.3. As David writes this Psalm, he implores his soul to bless the Lord and to remember His goodness. It's a call to intentional reflection, a conscious effort to pause and acknowledge the hand of God at work in our lives. Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 103:1-5 - “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.”Psalm 105:5 - “Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced…”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

If you've been around here for a while, you already know—I'm an email marketing geek. Not the kind of geek who builds robots in her basement, but the kind who gets excited about subject lines and open rates the way some folks get excited about the first tulips of the season. That's why chatting with Ellen McDowell Strauss felt like talking to an old friend who also happens to alphabetize her spice rack. Ellen and I first connected over our mutual affection for email, but our latest conversation had a more urgent tone—thanks to Microsoft's recent announcement that could throw a wrench in the way we all send emails. If email is your small business's secret weapon, it's time to sharpen it. Main Points from the Conversation: Microsoft's Email Policy Changes Microsoft has announced stricter deliverability rules—emails that don't get opened or clicked may not make it into inboxes at all, even if the sender is marked safe. This shift will force marketers to pay more attention to engagement metrics like never before. List Hygiene is No Longer Optional Holding onto disengaged subscribers could hurt your deliverability. Cleaning out your list—removing folks who haven't opened or clicked in 6–12 months—isn't just good housekeeping, it's mission critical. Quality Over Quantity Big lists are out, and meaningful lists are in. A smaller, engaged audience is far more valuable than a bloated list of people who aren't paying attention. Smaller Campaigns, Better Results Ellen suggests sending smaller, staggered campaigns to improve sender reputation. Large blasts might raise red flags, even if your content is solid. Strategic Email for Every Stage Email can't be one-size-fits-all anymore. You need tailored messages for prospects, new clients, and past clients—each stage should feel intentional and personal, not like you're just checking a box. Actionable Takeaways: Audit Your List: Check who's been opening and clicking. If someone's been snoozing for over 6–9 months, it may be time to let them go—or offer a re-engagement path. Segment Your Sends: Break your list into smaller groups and stagger your email sends to improve visibility and avoid being flagged. Lean on Third-Party Tools: Ditch BCC blasts. Use trusted email marketing platforms (like Constant Contact, Mailchimp, or Robly) that work hand-in-hand with email providers to boost deliverability. Craft Content with a Purpose: Make every email part of a bigger story. Whether it's educating, engaging, or asking for a review, know your audience and meet them where they are. Rethink “Set It and Forget It”: Email marketing isn't a crockpot dinner. It's more like sourdough—needs regular attention, care, and a little love.  

This week, we continue our study of the minor prophets in the book of Joel. The book of Joel shows us that our Creator and Redeemer God is a God of judgment but also a God of mercy who stands ready to restore His people when they come before Him in repentance. This book also points to a time when the Spirit of God would be present in all God's people.Main Points:1. The Day of the Lord is a Day of JudgmentJoel 1–2:11A locust plague devastates the land.This is a covenant curse (Deuteronomy 28:38).It is a foreshadowing of an even greater judgment (Babylonian invasion).Israel is being treated like Egypt for covenant unfaithfulness.

Who is Jesus Christ?  This is the most important question you will ever be asked. A good man? A great teacher? A revolutionary leader? Or is he the Christ, the Son of the Living God?  Who was he? Who is he? Your eternal destiny hangs on your answer.Main Points:1. Jesus came as a savior and as a king, but not an earthly one. He came for a greater purpose. He came to save us from a greater oppression than a Roman army. He came to save us from our sins, that which would keep us from God for eternity. He came to be the King of our hearts.2. This brings us to an important question. Who is this? “Who is Jesus?”  Is he just a historical figure, a religious leader, a philosopher, and a teacher? Was he a revolutionary and a political rebel? Is he an imaginary person and a myth? Or is Jesus the Messiah, the King of the Jews, a Savior, and God in the flesh?3. Have the courage today to put your faith in him and trust him as the savior of your soul.Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 21:10-11 - “When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”John 1:1.2.14 - “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. 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.”Jesus is our Savior - Matthew 1:21 - "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”Jesus is our King - Philippians 2:9-11 - “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”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 cannot dismiss our lack of fruit by arguing that “at least we have been faithful.” Faithfulness in duty for Christ is not the same thing as abiding with Christ. Main Points:1. We often talk about faithfulness as the goal of the Christian life. After all, when we stand before Him, we desperately want to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” While remaining faithful is a common topic of conversation, I rarely hear God's expectation of fruitfulness being discussed. 2. A branch disconnected from the vine has no life and cannot produce fruit on its own. Similarly, a Christian disconnected from Jesus has no life of their own and is incapable of producing fruit. Intimacy and closeness with Jesus, produced by our time with Him, are vital if we are going to bear fruit.3. Our faithfulness is not meant to be passive or stagnant; rather, it should overflow into tangible acts of love, kindness, and service that bear witness to the transforming power of Christ in our lives.Today's Scripture Verses:John 15:8 - “This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”John 15:5 - “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”John 15:4 - “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”Galatians 5:22-23 - “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”Matthew 7:20 - “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

Let me ask you a question. Do you love God with your whole heart? It's a powerful question, isn't it? Perhaps you feel a bit convicted by the question. Our hearts are so easily divided among a lot of things we love and desire. We can be tempted to love God, but to do so without giving Him our whole heart. Main Points:1. As I think about our lives, I recognize that one of the primary obstacles to wholehearted devotion to God is simply distraction. In a world filled with noise and busyness, it's easy to allow our attention to be diverted from God. We become preoccupied with the cares of life, the pursuit of success, or the allure of entertainment. 2. Our hearts, meant to be wholly His, are divided among competing interests. As a result, our love for God can become diluted.  Our love for God is downgraded to a corner of our lives, rather than occupying the central throne it deserves.3. We also know that sin entangles us and obstructs our path to following God wholeheartedly. Whether it be overt sins or even subtle compromises, sin separates us from God and disrupts the intimacy of our relationship with Him. Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 22:37-38 - “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.”Numbers 13:30 - “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”Numbers 14:24 - "The Lord said, “Because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.” Joshua 14:14 -  “because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.”Hebrews 12:2  - “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”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 do you fan into flame a gift God has given to you? You do it by faith, laying hold of the promises of provision God has made to you.

Can I encourage you today with a powerful truth? The Lord fights for you. Main Points:1. As we face the many battles of this life, physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, relational, and financial, we don't face them alone. God has promised to never leave us or forsake us.2. His Holy Spirit is in us and with us. He will give us strength when we are weary, peace when we are confused, joy when we are sad, and wisdom when we are confused.3. There is no limit to his power, his creativity, his wisdom, and his love for you. Just as a loving earthy father would do everything in his power to protect his children, our Heavenly Father, loves and protects us as well.Today's Scripture Verses:Exodus 14:10-13 - “As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn't we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.  The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”Deuteronomy 20:4 - “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”1 Corinthians 15:57 - “ But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord 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

Can we just take a moment for an honest evaluation? Among many churches, prayer is given very little emphasis. Church calendars are filled with ministry and activities, but often no prayer meeting is scheduled. In churches that do have a consistent prayer meeting, attendance is often very low.Main Points:1. We must ask, “Why has corporate prayer become such a low priority? Isn't prayer the engine of the church? Doesn't prayer and faith move the hand of God? Shouldn't prayer be our first response and not our last resort?2. Prayer is no small thing. Prayer is a mighty thing. Imagine if the church returned to prayer. Imagine if once again we began to see the value and importance of the prayer meeting. Don't you agree that a return to prayer would result in the power of God among us?3. Prayer is not merely an activity to check off our spiritual to-do list. It is the heartbeat of our relationship with God. It is the lifeline that sustains our spiritual passion. Prayer aligns our hearts with the will of God, empowers our ministries, and transforms us from the inside out.Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 21:13 - “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,'but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.'”  Isaiah 56:7 - “…these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for 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

Main Point. The God we forget is also the God who faithfully delivers us. Driving Question. What happens when God is forgotten? (3 lessons from this text): Drifting from Truth – (vv. 6–10). Devotion to Counterfeits – (vv. 11–15). Delivered by God – (vv. 16–19). 1. Drifting from Truth (6–10) "All it takes is one generation to forget the gospel, and we are always one generation away from losing it". D.A. Carson Apply: Love God and prioritize Christ and the Gospel. Be diligent to teach your children the goodness and glory of God. 2. Devotion to Counterfeits (11–15) What do you trust in and treasure more than God? 3. Delivered by God (16–19) Interpretive key for the book of Judges: Idolatry Judgment and bondage to a foreign enemy Cries out to the Lord Salvation: through a Judge (12 judges in the book) Judge dies, people return to idolatry God's evaluation (20–3:6) Application. Sometimes God doesn't remove trials immediately, because they reveal what we really love. Takeaways. Pluralism is a great evil in God's sight. God disciplines his people who compromise. Build your family on the word of God and the One who saves.

The gospel was never meant to silence culture, but to redeem it. Learn how contextual worship and indigenous art are helping every people group declare the glory of God in their own voice. In this episode, Jason Watson speaks with Heber Negrão—missionary, scholar, and global voice in ethnodoxology—about how the arts can serve the Church's mission by connecting the gospel to the cultural heart of every people group. Drawing from years of field experience among indigenous communities in Brazil and global training contexts, Heber unpacks how local art forms can be reclaimed to witness to Christ in ways that are deeply meaningful and biblically faithful.  

I remember my Dad saying, “If God can get it through you, God will get it to you.” If God knows you and I can be trusted to be His channel of blessing through generosity, He will continue to provide the resources to do so. In other words, you cannot outgive God.Main Points:1. When it comes to generosity, I don't believe the struggle for most people is greed. I think the bigger struggle is fear. We want to be generous. We know God is calling us as His children to live with generosity. But we battle with fear thinking that if we are generous, we won't have enough for ourselves.2. God is the owner of everything. We are just the managers of His resources. If He put it in our hands, or our bank account, it means He trusts us. I suppose a question to wrestle with is: Are we being trustworthy?3. Are you living with the fear that if you are generous, you won't have enough for yourself? Trust the promise of God that He will provide bread for food and seed for sowing.Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 24:1 - “The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”2 Corinthians 9:10-11 - “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”Proverbs 11:25 - “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”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 convinced that one of Satan's strategies is to cause us to get stuck in the “why” question. As humans, we want to understand. We want everything to be logical and rational. When life is hard we don't want to lean on faith, we want to stand on reason.Main Points:1. The Christian life is a journey of faith. Our knowledge is limited. I can't see and know everything about God and His ways. This present life won't always make sense to me. Neither will God and His plans. But I get to choose whether I will trust Him or not. 2. But there is a better question than “why”. Instead of asking why, we must move on to the question of “what now?” I like asking, “God, what do you want me to learn from this experience? What do I need to do to experience a greater measure of your peace and comfort? How can my faith be stronger? In which ways can I grow in my faith? How can I use this experience to help others? 3. When you are going through a difficult season, it's easy to experience a bit of spiritual amnesia. As we focus on the present difficulty, it's common to forget all the things God has already done for us.  But I'm confident that if you begin to reflect on your life, you'll see evidence of the goodness of God. Make a list and write down the many ways God has blessed your life.Today's Scripture Verses:Genesis 3:5 - “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”Psalm 145:9  - “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”Psalm 31:19 - “How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge 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

Pray and ask God to search your heart. As the Lord reveals things that are hindering your spiritual growth, be willing to throw them off so that nothing slows you down.Main Points:1. I must ask the Lord to show me if there is anything in my life that is hindering my relationship with Christ. Is there anything that is hindering me? Is there anything slowing me down and impeding my spiritual growth?2. What burdens are you carrying today? Is there anything slowing you down? I think of doubts, fears, worries, sins, and distractions that hinder our progress. These hinderances could be people in our lives that not influencing us towards godliness. It could be good things like work, hobbies, or things we enjoy that are not sinful, yet they have become distractions that keep us from growing in Christ.3. Paul said that we are to put off the old self and put on the new self. We are letting go of old sins, attitudes, habits, and sinful patterns of living. In Christ, we are putting on the new self that exemplifies righteousness and holiness. As we pursue godliness, this is a work of the Spirit and a process that will continue in our lives until we meet Jesus face to face.Today's Scripture Verses:Hebrews 12:1-2 - “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Psalm 139:23-24 - “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”Ephesians 4:22-25 - “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”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

Unequivocally, I can say that God is looking for us to say “yes” to Him. Have you given God your yes? Have you surrendered your will and your life to God? Have you said “God, I'm yours. Take my life and use it for your glory?” Have you said, “God, I'll say what you want me to say, go where you want me to go, and do what you want me to do?”Main Points:1. Some of our greatest internal battles are with God. There is an internal wrestle over whether we will say yes to God or not. Will we obey His Word? Will we submit to God's authority? Will we let the Bible guide and direct our lives?2. This simple response, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening," is a profound declaration of openness and obedience to God's will. We see Samuel's readiness to hear and obey whatever God may command. And it is through this willingness to say yes to God that Samuel's life is forever changed.3. Without hesitation, let's be quick and ready to give God our yes.Today's Scripture Verses:1 Samuel 3:4 - ““Then the Lord called Samuel.  Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”1 Samuel 3:10 - "The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”Quick Links:Subscribe to The 5 Minute Discipleship NewsletterDonate 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 are you using your influence? Now, you might think you are not very influential because you define influence as position, fame, prominence, or name recognition. But listen to this definition of influence. Influence is the effect of something on a person; the power that somebody has to affect other people's lives, beliefs, thinking, and actions.Main Points:1. Everyone listening to this podcast episode has influence. You have people who like you and look up to you. There are people to come to you for your opinion, advice, or wisdom. You have acquaintances, friends, and colleagues who respect you. People are watching your life and being influenced by it, without you even knowing it. Everyone has a circle of influence.2. Our influence is not to be egotistical.  It is not for our benefit.  It is for Christ's sake.  The reason you let your light shine, the reason you are the salt of the earth, is for God.  We are an influence so we can bring more people to Jesus.  3. Let's use the influence God has given us for God's glory and to point others to the Savior.Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 5:13-16 – “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.  “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father 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

Our minds are not renewed automatically when we come to Christ. There are still old patterns of thinking that do not please God. But every day we have the choice to set our minds on things above. Will we allow the world to conform our minds, or will we invite God to transform our minds? Main Points:1. How do we do that? How do we set our minds on things above? Does that mean we go outside and look up at the sky? No, we must deliberately fill our minds with the things of God. We do this primarily by reading, listening, and meditating on the Word of God.2. As we read, hear, and think about the Scripture, our way of thinking is being transformed. We are being changed inwardly. This inner transformation leads to a change in our exterior behavior.3. The Holy Spirit is actively working in your life to make you more like Jesus. Be intentional about renewing your mind with the Word of God and your actions will be renewed as well.Today's Scripture Verses:Romans 12:2 - “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”Ephesians 4:21-23 - “Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.”Colossians 3:2 - “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly 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

“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

CFN's Murray Rundus speaks with our Editor-in-Chief Brian McCall about the history of the hermeneutic of continuity, Vatican II, and the goals of Pope Leo's pontificate.Early Access to the Paper: https://catholicfamilynews.locals.comCHAPTERS:00:00 - 02:55 Intro02:55 - 05:30 What is the Hermeneutic of Continuity?05:30 - 12:50 The Main Points of the Second Vatican Council12:50 - 18:10 Pope Benedict and the Hermeneutic18:10 - 19:50 Pope Benedict and Archbishop Lefebvre19:50 - 23:40 Pope Benedict's Notion of Tradition23:40 - 33:10 What is Binding on a Catholic?33:10 - 37:30 Pope Francis and the Hermeneutic37:30 - 43:45 Pope Leo's New Hermeneutic43:45 - Book RecommendationsSubscribe to the physical paper: https://simplecirc.com/subscribe/17820213• Angelico Press: https://angelicopress.com/catholicfam...• Sophia Institute Press: https://sophiainstitute.com/product-c...• TAN Books: https://tanbooks.com/?rfsn=7859550.9c...#catholic #popeleoxiv #catholicchurch #sspx #fssp #icksp #vatican2 #vaticanII

Do you have a dream? Do you have a God-given dream? Is there something God has put into your heart to do, accomplish, and fulfill? Does the dream stay with you and never seem to leave? Is there something God is calling you to do? Main Points:1. Maybe you need a little encouragement. What God has called you to do, you need to do it. Do it now. Don't put it off. Don't say someday. Someday may not come, but you do have today. What action step can you take today?2. We take time for granted. We live as if our time is unlimited, but we know deep down inside that is not true. We only have a limited amount of time and we don't know how much. 3. We always have plenty of time to do everything we need to do. This means that all of my time belongs to God, and therefore how I spend my days is a sacred issue. Someday I will answer for what I did today.Today's Scripture Verses:Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 - "There is a time for everything, And a season for every activity under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die, A time to plant and a time to uproot, A time to kill and a time to heal, A time to tear down and a time to build, A time to weep and a time to laugh, A time to mourn and a time to dance."Proverbs 27:1 - “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”James 4:13-15 - “ Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it's here a little while, then it's gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.”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 it seems as if maybe we have forgotten our mission. Those who follow Christ, those who have been saved and forgiven have received a mission from their savior. We are told to “go and make disciples.” Have we forgotten this is our calling? Have we forgotten this is our individual responsibility?Main Points:1. We have come to believe the church is something we attend, not something we are, but this is not how Christ framed his network of followers in the New Testament.2. Obedience to Christ's command to make disciples is fulfilled not through church programs, but as individuals invest their lives into others. It's people who reach people for Christ. We then spend time with them to help them grow and become disciples, who would then make other disciples.3. Jesus said we are to “make disciples.” This means we must take the initiative to do something. We must speak up. We must invest our lives in building relationships with those who don't know Jesus. We must give our time to share Christ and to help them grow into disciples.Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 28:19-20 - “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.”Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."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

Joshua 14:6-15: The Main Point:Wholehearted faith locks onto the Person of God and the Promises of God.--------DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOOREGet Ron's Daily Devotional to your inbox each morning; visit biblechapel.org/devo.CAREGIVINGDo you have a need we can pray for? Do you need someone to walk alongside you? Do you know of another person who needs care? Let us know at caregiving@biblechapel.org.GROWTH TRACKWe all have a next step - what's yours? To learn more about our Growth Track and to take your next step, biblechapel.org/connect.

Main Point. God demands His people's complete and unwavering obedience, for half-hearted obedience invites spiritual decay and divine judgement. Driving Question. What are the results of half-hearted obedience? 1. Deception of short-lived prosperity (1–20) 2. Downward spiral of faithlessness (21–36) Application. Do you think you have ever been guilty of half-hearted obedience? 3. Divine judgment of God (2:1–5) Takeaways. three about man: Distrust breeds Disobedience. (1:3–36) Compromise leads to Consequences. (2:1–3) Revelation of sin leads to Repentance. (2:4–5) two about God: God is faithful to his promises. (1:1–2) God alone drives out the enemy.

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

The Bible uses the metaphor of a marathon to illustrate the perseverance of the Christian life. It's a picture we can understand. Today, you and I are still in our race. We are on a journey of serving Jesus. We have not finished it yet. We must keep going until we reach the end.Main Points:1. Let me encourage you today. Don't let anything stop you from running this race. Don't let anything trip you up or hinder you from reaching the finish line. 2. You and I can persevere to the end. We can finish the race God has given us. We can be faithful and live for Jesus until the end of our lives. We know this is possible because God has given us everything we need for a godly life.3. Sometimes the race gets so hard that you aren't sure if you can make it. Yet, we are encouraged by this truth that if others have persevered to the end, so can we. Today's Scripture Verses:Hebrews 12:1-2 - “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”2 Peter 1:3 - “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”James 1:12 - “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love 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

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

Our relationship with Jesus is the source of the strength, wisdom, patience, and power we need to serve God, help others, and meet the challenges of today. Through our relationship with Him, we can overcome our uncertainty and feelings of inadequacy.Main Points:1. In myself, I recognize my limitations. I am not talented enough, smart enough, creative enough, and I am certainly not strong enough to be what God wants me to be. But I have to recognize God is not asking me to be those all by myself. He promised that he would be my provider. He would give me everything I need.2. In every situation, God has given us everything we need to serve and honor Him.3. The enemy of your soul wants you to believe that you can never be who God desires you to be. Hear this truth: the devil is a liar. Combat his lies with the truth of God's Word. Remember, God's divine power gives us everything we need for a godly life through our relationship with Him. Today's Scripture Verses:2 Peter 1:3 - “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”John 15:5 - “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”Romans 8:37 - “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”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

Are you preparing for your next season? I believe God has a preferred future for your life. He's not finished with you and wants to use your life for His purpose. Too many people have settled with a belief they have reached their potential or that there's nothing more God wants to do through their lives. Main Points:1. Let me encourage you with this truth: Everyone has a next step to take. No matter how long you have served Christ, He still has a next step for you. It might be a step of faith or a step of obedience but know that you have another step to take.2. We must prepare ourselves today for what God has for us tomorrow. We can't wait until opportunities arrive to get prepared. We must prepare now. God may withhold opportunities because we are simply not ready.3. In a spiritual sense, God has a new season for you. His work in our lives is never static. By His Holy Spirit, God is always moving us forward. We must prepare today for what God wants to do in our lives tomorrow.Today's Scripture Verses:Joshua 3:5 - “Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among 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

You know, I've always believed marketing should feel more like a warm hug than a high-pressure sales pitch. So when Alesia Galati and I got to chatting about social media burnout (oh yes, that nagging, energy-draining beast), it was like she reached into my cluttered content calendar and whispered, “There's a better way.” We laughed, we nodded, and somewhere between SEO tips and podcast rants, I found myself ready to trade reels for real conversations. If you're teetering on the edge of social media fatigue, wondering if there's an off-ramp that doesn't lead to oblivion—good news. There is. And Alicia's got the roadmap. Main Points from the Conversation: Podcasting as a Stress-Free, Strategic Alternative to Social Media Alicia hit a nerve with so many of us—social media can feel like a hamster wheel with no off switch. Podcasting, by contrast, offers a calmer, more intentional way to share content, connect with your audience, and still build your brand without dancing in front of your phone. Guest Appearances as Powerful SEO and Exposure Tools You don't have to do it all yourself. By guesting on other people's shows, you tap into new audiences who already trust the host—and just might trust you too. Bonus? Those appearances show up on Google, helping your digital footprint grow without a single trending hashtag. The Magic of Names and Smart SEO Practices Don't underestimate the power of your own name in a podcast title. Whether it's your show or a guest spot, making your name searchable helps you get found. Retitling old episodes or refreshing descriptions is like giving your content a second wind—and Google loves it when you freshen things up. Newsletter Love and Thoughtful Repurposing Alicia and I both agreed: newsletters are the unsung heroes of content marketing. Sharing new and old episodes, linking to guest features, and curating themes gives your audience a reason to stick around—and gives your podcast episodes a longer shelf life. Pick Your Lane, and Stay There (Happily) You don't need to be everywhere. Really. Pick one platform you like (mine's LinkedIn), build a cozy corner on your website, and focus on podcasting and newsletters to draw people in. When you stop chasing the algorithm and start owning your message, marketing becomes a whole lot more enjoyable

Have you ever felt the temptation to take revenge? Your work colleague takes the credit for a project you have worked so hard on. Your so-called friend betrays your confidence and spreads lies about you. Your spouse has been unfaithful. Someone has attacked you, mistreated you, ignored you, or socially rejected you. Main Points:1. Revenge is the desire or urge to get even with somebody.  To punish or cause harm as an act of retaliation.  2. The idea of revenge is only an illusion.  You can never “get even” with anyone.  It is impossible to balance the scales of hurt.  The only possible way to come out on top is to respond to hurt with a godly attitude and trust that God will settle the account.  3. The people of God do not retaliate.  The people of God do not seek vengeance.  We do not take revenge into our own hands.Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 5:44 – “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”  Romans 12:19-21 - “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:  “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”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

What does it mean to be bold? The dictionary defines the word bold as “a characteristic of confidence and courage.” I believe God is calling for you and me to live our faith out loud with confidence and courage. How else will the world around us know the difference Jesus has made in our lives?Main Points:1. Pastor and Author Craig Groeschel wrote, “Sometimes we function as ‘Christian Atheists.' We believe in God, we just live as though he does not exist.”2. We've been told by our culture that faith is a private matter, it's inappropriate and rude to share it with anyone else. This, of course, is Satan's strategy to intimidate believers into silence and ineffectiveness for Christ. If our enemy can cause us to be afraid of what others will think of us, we'll keep our voices quiet and our influence will be minimized.3. We cannot be ashamed, timid, or afraid. The gospel is the “good news” of Jesus Christ. God intends for us to live out our faith in a public way. We can do this in kind, gentle, and respectful ways and still have a bold testimony for Christ.Today's Scripture Verses:Proverbs 28:1 - “The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.”Romans 1:16 - “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes…”Luke 9:26 - “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”Quick Links:Subscribe to The 5 Minute Discipleship NewsletterDonate 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

Nothing we can do for people is more important than leading them to the Savior who can forgive their sins.  We must do whatever it takes to bring our family and friends to Jesus.Main Points:1.  One thing that is constant in all of our stories is that someone brought us to Jesus. We were brought through a personal witness, a sermon, a gospel tract, or a video, but God used a person to bring us to Jesus.2. There are people in your sphere of influence that you can bring to Jesus. There are people who like you, people who listen to you, people who respect you. Bring them to Jesus. 3. Which friends, family members, neighbors, or co-workers can you bring to Jesus?Today's Scripture Verses:Mark 2:4 - “Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.”Mark 2:5 - “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”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 Christians, we must allow the Word of God to determine how we see and interpret the world around us. This will only happen if we consistently read and meditate on scripture. As we do so, the Bible influences our thoughts, our understanding, and our actions.Main Points:1.  Your worldview is shaped by influences. This can include how you were raised by your parents, the culture you grew up in, your educational background, and the people in your life.2. We will only develop a Biblical worldview, and we will only see things the way God sees them if the Word of God is on our hearts and minds.3. As we read the Bible, we must engage with scripture. We must ask questions. We must seek to understand. We must put the Word of God into the practice of our daily lives. The goal is not to get through the Bible. The goal is to get the Bible through you.Today's Scripture Verses:Colossians 2:8 - “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”Romans 12:2 - “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”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

Throughout Scripture, God promises He will be our provider. While in our minds the line between needs and wants is easily crossed, God truly knows our needs. In fact, the Bible says God knows our needs before we ask. We can rest in the assurance that with God as our shepherd, we will lack nothing.Main Points:1.  Needs are something that you must have, in order to live or to do God's will. On the contrary, wants are something that you wish to have, so as to add comfort or enjoyment to your life. Needs represent the necessities while wants indicate our desires.2. Though he was king, David had come to the understanding that God was his shepherd. Like sheep, he needed God's provision in his life. He believed God would graciously supply and that he would lack nothing.3. Joy does not come from the accumulation of things, travel, or experiences. Joy comes from an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the one who supplies all of our needs.Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 23:1 - “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”Psalm 84:11 - “For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.”Philippians 4:19 - “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory 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

May 11, 2025 Eccl. 12:1-14; Ps. 50:1-6; Prov. 15:1-3; 2 Cor. 8:10-15

Unless the author of the Bible is  God, the scripture is simply the collection of ancient man's thoughts and ideas, it might be uplighting and even inspiring, but we wouldn't consider it authoritative. Yet, if the author is truly God Almighty, then His words are as eternal as He is. His words are relevant for every generation. His words and life-changing are transformative.Main Points:1. There is a question today in our culture about the continued validity and relevance of the Bible. Many no longer consider the Scripture to be inspired by God and they certainly do not regard it to hold any kind of authority over their beliefs or actions. 2. The relevance and authority of the Bible are still in place, they are eternal, because of its source, the very mouth of God.3. The Bible is the eternal, unchanging, always-relevant, Word of God. Through its pages, we are introduced to the author. We come to know Him in a personal way and we are transformed.Today's Scripture Verses:2 Timothy 3:16-17 - “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”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.”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

Maybe today you feel alone. Perhaps due to your mistakes and failures, you have isolated yourself from others. Maybe you are struggling and you wonder where God is. Possibly, you feel as if you are on the far side of the wilderness. Stand on this truth from God's Word: He will never leave you or forsake you.Main Points:1. This morning as I was reading my Bible, I found myself in Exodus chapter three. It's the story where Moses meets God at the burning bush. Six words leaped off the page as I read the familiar story. It says Moses was on “the far side of the wilderness.” Moses wasn't just in the wilderness, he was on the far side of the wilderness. What is the wilderness? The dictionary defines it as “an uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region.” In other words, Moses was as isolated as a person could get.2. Yet, on the far side of the wilderness, with not another person in sight, Moses was not alone. It's here Moses has a life-changing encounter with God. He is reminded he is not alone, he is not forgotten, and God's purpose for his life has not changed.3. Moses never forgot about the day he encountered God at the burning bush. It was a revelation of God's continued purpose and plan for his life, but the greater lesson for Moses was the necessity of God's presence. Today's Scripture Verses:Exodus 3:1 - "Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness..."Psalm 139:7-10 - “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”Exodus 33:15-16 - “Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”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's power is immeasurable. You can't calculate or quantify the power of God. It is beyond what we can see, know, and understand. God's power is without limit. When we pray, God can do more than we ask or imagine.Main Points:1. Most of us, in our moments of despair, have cried out to the Lord and asked, “God, can you meet my needs? Are you able to provide what I need?” Theologically, we know God can do anything. We know He has all power. We understand He is the creator of all things, yet, when our back is up against the wall, we question whether God can and will meet our needs. But as we read His Word, we learn of His power, His might, and His ability. In reality, the question is not “What can God do? But what can God not do?”2. There is no lack with God. God never runs out of resources. He is never in short supply of whatever we need. He is a God of abundance.3. Speak truth to your own soul. Stand upon the never-changing Word of God. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.Today's Scripture Verses:Ephesians 3:20 - “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…”Jeremiah 32:17 - “Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard 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

When we surrender our lives to the lordship and leadership of Jesus, in His sovereignty, he will open doors of opportunity. Sometimes He will close doors. Surely, you have seen both in your life. In both cases, the issue is the surrender of our will to God. Will we let the Lord direct our steps? Main Points:1. When it comes to allowing God to guide our lives, the struggle is often the surrender of our own will. When God opens a door will you, by faith, walk through it? When God closes a door, will you recognize it as one of the ways God protects and guides us? 2. We celebrate open doors. They are exciting. We praise God for making a way and leading us forward. While closed doors don't seem quite as exciting, we should thank God for them because they are one of the ways he protects us and directs our steps. 3. Let's allow the God who sees and knows all things to take us where we need to go. When a door needs to be opened, God can open it. When a door needs to be closed, He can certainly do that as well. Let's trust His plan for our lives.Today's Scripture Verses:Revelation 3:7-8 - “What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.”1 Corinthians 16:9 - “For a wide door for effective work has opened to me…”Colossians 4:3 - “Pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word…”Acts 16:6-7 - “Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.”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

One of the characteristics of God is that He is omniscient. This means God sees and knows all things. Nothing is hidden from Him.Main Points:1. The omniscience of God is not meant to cause us to fear. While the book of Hebrews lets us know that God knows even the thoughts and intents of our hearts, the omniscience of God is a good thing.2. The knowledge of God assures us that God will meet our needs. The Bible tells us He knows our needs even before we ask Him. While God desires and delights in our prayer, His full knowledge of our lives provides him with the necessary information to meet our needs.3. The knowledge of God provides us with confidence that our future is in God's hands. We don't know what tomorrow will bring, but God does. The God who protects us, sustains us, and guides us today, will be faithful tomorrow. I can sleep tonight in peace knowing He has tomorrow in his hands. Today's Scripture Verses:Proverbs 15:3 - “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”Isaiah 40:28 - “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.”Job 28:24 - “For he looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.”Hebrews 55:8-9 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”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

First, there was the March 15 conference revealing stunning discoveries that may lie beneath the Khafre pyramid... But there was also a follow-up conference March 16 that was hardly reported. So I got a hold of the Italian transcript and I asked ChatGPT to translate, outline, and summarize the March 16, 2025 press conference (centered on new radar and archaeological findings at the Giza Plateau):

When describing a Christian who is passionate about their faith in Jesus, we might say they are “on fire for God.” We are saying they are fervent and zealous about their relationship with Jesus. You would likely agree that this intense and passionate pursuit of Jesus has to be maintained. We have to intentionally stoke the fire to keep it burning hot. If not, the fire will eventually burn out. A fire left alone will burn out. It's only a matter of time.Main Points:1. I want to challenge you today to not let your spiritual fire go out. Be intentional about keeping the flames of your faith burning. Pay attention to your spiritual life. If you ignore it, if you neglect it, the flames will go out.2. If there was a time in your life when your fire for God burned hotter than it does today, there is still hope. Put another log on your fire. Your fire and passion for God can be reignited. 3. This is a good day for all of us to check our spiritual thermometer. What is the temperature of our relationship with God?  Are we burning hot in our passion and zeal for the Lord? Today's Scripture Verses:Leviticus 6:12 - “The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not go out. The priest shall burn wood on it every morning…”Romans 12:11 - “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”Matthew 22:37 - “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”Revelation 2:5 - “Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.”2 Timothy 1:6 - “I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave 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

We have a Father who is always there. Night or day, whenever the going gets tough, we can trust that He will never abandon us. He has promised to care for us, and He knows better than we do what we need.Main Points:1. God knows. He knows what I need. He knows what I am going through. He knows what I am facing right now. My heavenly Father knows. How comforting this is to an anxious heart.2. We don't pray to tell God things that He didn't know before we told Him. We pray to spend time with and bring our requests to a loving God who wants us to bring every need and worry before His throne.3. Like a good earthly Father, our Heavenly Father loves to spend time with His children. He is not annoyed by our presence. We are not a bother to Him. He gives us access to ask anything of Him.Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 6:25-31 - “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.Matthew 6:8 - “…your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”1 John 5:14-15 - “And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.”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 doesn't offer us a philosophy to cure our weariness. He doesn't provide a path to enlightenment or ten steps to lessen our stress. No, He offers something incredibly better. Jesus offers himself. Main Points:1.  We all experience weariness in different ways and for different reasons. Our pace of life seems so fast that we can't keep up. Being busy is our badge of honor. 2. In the busyness of life that creates this weariness, there must be a break in the schedule to simply be with Jesus. It's our daily time with God that provides the strength to do everything that is before us. Sometimes we are exhausted because we have neglected to go to our source of strength.3. Spending time with Jesus is not a duty. It's not a tradition or an empty religious ritual. It's not a rule to passively follow. No, being with Jesus is an invitation. Jesus himself invites us to be with Him, to spend time with Him, to learn from Him, and to be refreshed by Him.Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 11:28-29 - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”1 Peter 5:7 - “Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”Psalm 16:11 - “In Your presence is fullness of joy…”John 15:5 - “...apart from me, you can do nothing.”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 and I know a powerful truth very well. Words have power. Our words have the power to bless, encourage, inspire, uplift, and bring hope. Our words also have the power to wound, critique, discourage, and cause pain. Every day we get a choice of which kind of words we will use.Main Points:1.  What are “reckless words?” How do we know if we are using them? Many types of speech can be considered reckless and potentially hurtful. I think of unnecessary criticism, sarcasm, insensitive comments, blame-shifting, offensive jokes, public humiliation, and personal attacks.2. Given that our words are so important, how do we guard our hearts against reckless words? How can we make sure our words bless others and bring healing? We begin by recognizing the importance of our words and by asking God to give us wisdom in what we say.3. When we slow down and when we truly listen to others, we are less likely to speak reckless words. Why? Because genuine listening requires that we care about others. What they say matters. It means something to us. It's a demonstration of love. Today's Scripture Verses:Proverbs 12:18 - “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”Proverbs 15:4 - “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”Matthew 12:36 - “…every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”James 1:19 - “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…”Psalm 141:3 - “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”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

My prayer for you today is that you will let nothing move you. Remain steadfast. Stand firm in the truth. When others compromise their beliefs and when others crumble under the pressure to water down the truth, I pray you will remain strong for Christ.Main Points:1.  “Will we stand and will we remain unmoved in our faith, our beliefs, and our biblical convictions? 2. Just continue. Continue to preach the gospel. Continue to stand for truth and righteousness. Continue to pray and seek for the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Continue to believe in God to move in your generation. Just keep going in those things which you are convinced of.3. Continue in the truth you know and hold dear. Remember, times change, but God's Word remains the same.Today's Scripture Verses:2 Timothy 3:14 - “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it…”“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)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

Regardless of what our culture has come to believe, as a Christian, you have a mandate from Christ himself, to share the gospel with others. We cannot believe that evangelism is a calling for someone else. We cannot leave the responsibility to others. No, we are all called by Jesus to be His witnesses.Main Points:1.  In my lifetime there has been a growing sentiment in our society that it's wrong to talk about matters of faith. People have come to believe it's improper to try to convert someone to become a follower of Jesus. Many now feel it's insensitive, impolite, and even rude to witness to them about Christ.2. Your message is good news. The truth that Jesus saves, forgives, heals, and delivers is good news. We live in a society filled with bad news, negativity, pessimism, gloom, and hopelessness. Amid all this darkness, people are desperate for some good news.3. Begin by telling people your story. Let them know what Jesus has done in your life and what He means to you. Remember, God, has given you the Holy Spirit to empower you to be bold and courageous. You have everything you need to be an effective witness for Christ. Today's Scripture Verses:Acts 1:8 - “ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”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 the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…”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