Podcasts about philippians

Welcometo Pastor's Chat today. I'm very excited about today's chat because we're goingto be talking about what I believe to be the real key to joy in the Christianlife—the true joy in life itself. I believe we find the clue in the very firstverse, where the apostle Paul, in his introduction to the letter he wrote tothe Philippians, said, “Paul and Timothy.” He is referring to bothhimself and his son in the faith, who were ministering there at Philippi whenthe church was founded. He says, “bondservants of Jesus Christ, toall the saints in Christ who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” Sothe very first word he mentions is bondservants—bondservants of JesusChrist. A slave to Jesus Christ. That is so important, because as you studythrough the Scripture, you find that every great leader was a servant leader.He did not put himself on a pedestal and say, “Look at me. God has made mespecial—more special than you—and you better listen to what I say or you're introuble.” Moses did have some conflict with people questioning his authority.But when God spoke about Moses, He would always say, “My servant Moses.” Youread this in Numbers 12:7–8 and other passages in the Pentateuch. Also,when God spoke of Abraham, the father of the Israelite nation—the father of ourfaith—we find in Genesis 26:24 that God referred to him as “My servantAbraham.” When God talked about Caleb in Numbers 14:24, He said, “Myservant Caleb.” When speaking of King David, God would refer to him as “Myservant David”. This is really important, because you find it mentioned somany times in the books of 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings and the Chronicles. David isreferred to by God in this way some 13 times in the historical books. Itis also interesting to note that the apostle Peter, when he was speaking of theLord Jesus Christ in prayer, called Him “Your holy servant Jesus.” Thatreminds me of what Jesus Himself said in Mark 10:44–45: “Whoever of youdesires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not cometo be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Jesussaid, “I didn't come to be served.” Remember, He is the Son of God. Heis God in the flesh. He is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. He is theOne who sustains you and gives you the breath of life every second. Yet Hesays, “I didn't come to be served, but I came to serve and to give My life aransom.” TheBible tells us in the book of 1 Peter 2:21, that Jesus set an example for us, andthat we should follow in His steps. The great example He gives us is found evenhere in the book of Philippians, where the apostle Paul wrote in Philippianschapter 2:5-7, “Let this mind be in you which is also in Christ Jesus, who,being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, butmade Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming inthe likeness of men.” Jesusin some of His last words to His disciples in the Gospel of John, said, “Asthe Father has sent Me, even so I also send you” (John 20:21). God did notsend us to be big-shot preachers or big-shot people. He sent us to beservants—servants like His Son, Jesus Christ. “Let this mind be in you whichis also in Christ Jesus.” One of the major issues we have today is thatpeople think they're entitled. They believe they have a right to a certainsalary or a certain position because they worked for it. But I love what itsays about Jesus in 2 Corinthians 8:9: “Though He was rich, yet for yoursakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” Thatis the way we should live—a life focused on being a servant of Jesus Christ,and a servant to others, serving them. That is servant leadership, and itbrings tremendous joy into your life as you serve and have the mind of Christ. Itrust we will take these words to heart today and live as the Lord would haveus to live. Today,do you have the heart of a “servant leader”?

(Philippians 4:4) What is your joy based on? This book shows the secret to true and lasting joy in Jesus. The world cannot give this joy, and circumstances cannot take it away. "Rejoice in the Lord." (10067260319) Listen to Scott's verse-by-verse study of Philippians HERE Join our study through Scripture this year. Find resources for every book of the Bible at enjoyingthejourney.org/journey-through-scripture/ Whether you're a new believer or have walked with the Lord for years, you'll find thousands of free devotionals, Bible studies, audio series, and Scripture tools designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of the Bible, and help you stay rooted in the Word of God. Explore now at EnjoyingTheJourney.org. Extend the Work Enjoying the Journey provides every resource for free worldwide. If you would like to help extend this Bible teaching, you may give at enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

Today,we're beginning our journey through the book of Philippians. It's amazing thatthe Apostle Paul wrote one of the most joyful books in the Bible from a prisoncell, encouraging believers—through difficult and terrible circumstances in theworld at that time—to be joyful and to have a joyful mind. As a matter of fact,I believe we've already mentioned this, but some 19 times the word joy appearsin one form or another in this book.  I want toencourage you to take time to read through this entire book, thinking about howGod is encouraging us—even today, despite our circumstances—to have a joyfulmind. Noticehow this book begins: “Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, to allthe saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” Rightaway, the Apostle Paul says something very interesting. He does not say, “Paul,an apostle.” If you go through his thirteen epistles, you'll find that in mostof them he does refer to himself as an apostle of Christ, or called to be anapostle. But in the book of Philippians, as well as in 1 and 2 Thessaloniansand Philemon, he does not mention his apostleship. However,in all his letters, he emphasizes that he is a bondservant—a servant, aslave—of Jesus Christ. The word bondservant refers to someone who belongscompletely to another. When Paul says this, he is essentially saying, “My lifeis not my own anymore. I belong to Jesus Christ.” You don't have your ownagenda. You don't simply do what you want to do. Instead, your focus is on whatthe Master—your Lord—wants you to do. Myfriend, in this book we see that Jesus Christ is the owner of our lives when wefully yield ourselves to Him. We want to be where He is. That's why Jesus saidin John 12:26: “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am,there My servant will be also.” Why? Because we are there to do what Hewants us to do. We don't have our own agenda. WhenI began to understand that as a pastor—after about twenty years inministry—everything changed. I didn't have to prove anything. I didn't have tostrive to be a “big-time” pastor or try to win the whole world to Jesus Christon my own. All I had to do was be where my Master, Jesus Christ, is—follow Him,embrace His agenda, and do what He wants me to do. This truth is one of themost powerful realities at the heart of the Christian life. Salvation is notsimply believing something about Jesus—it is surrendering our lives to Him. Itis loving Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. Paulincludes Timothy here—Timothy, his spiritual son in the faith, whom he mentoredand loved deeply. We also notice that this letter was written “to all thesaints in Christ Jesus.” When Paul refers to “all the saints,” he is speakingof those who are in Christ Jesus. A saint is not someone who has lived aperfect life or someone recognized for extraordinary deeds. No, we are saintsbecause we have been set apart. The moment we trust Jesus Christ as our Lordand Savior, we are set apart—set apart to live for God, to live for His glory,and to proclaim His name to the world around us. Paulalso mentions the bishops and deacons, reminding us that the church is tofunction with spiritual order and servant leadership. And that's what we'll betalking about tomorrow—servant leadership—because Paul makes it clear that hehimself is a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. Solet me ask you: Are you seeing yourself that way? As someone who belongs toHim—His servant—doing what He wants you to do, going where He is, andfaithfully following Him? God bless you, andmay you have a wonderful, wonderful day.

Pr. Will Weedon, Host of “The Word of the Lord Endures Forever” We Praise You, O God The Word of the Lord Endures Forever Celebrating the Saints Thank, Praise, Serve and Obey See My Savior’s HandsThe post Philippians 4:8 “Think on these Things” – Pr. Will Weedon, 3/18/26 (0773) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

To follow along, please visit https://dailyliturgy.com.Lent - Ezekiel 18:1-32, Philippians 2:4-11, Psalm 109:21-31Writers: Mike Kresnik, Bob Thune, Darby Whealy, Tyler AndersonNarrators: Charlotte Bertrand, Gary Nebeker, Bob Thune, Darby Whealy, Kevin HuddlestonMusic: Lens Distortions - https://lensdistortions.comProduction: Mike Kresnik, Bethany Gilbert, Zach LeeSources: The Worship Sourcebook; The Valley of Vision; The Book of Common Prayer; + original contributions by the authors.To follow along, please visit https://dailyliturgy.com.

Your Life Follows Your Focus (Part 2): Fix Your Eyes on Jesus In a world where everyone is competing for your attention, learning to focus may be one of the most important spiritual disciplines a disciple can develop. In this second episode in his Power of Focus series, Rob Skinner shares a powerful message from a recent sermon in Boston about why disciples of Jesus must intentionally direct their attention toward Christ. Philippians 2 calls believers to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus—a mindset marked by humility, sacrifice, and obedience. But the challenge is that the world constantly pulls our focus in other directions. Comparison. Success. Approval. Pleasure. Entertainment. Just like racehorses wear blinders to keep their eyes fixed on the track, disciples must decide where their attention will go. When racehorses look sideways, they slow down and lose the race. In the same way, when believers constantly compare themselves with others or chase distractions, they lose spiritual focus. The solution is simple but powerful: Fix your attention on Jesus. In this episode, Rob shares a practical spiritual habit called Christ-focused reading—spending intentional time in passages of Scripture that reveal the character and identity of Jesus. Passages like: • Philippians 2 – The humility of Christ • Colossians 1 – The supremacy of Christ • The Sermon on the Mount – The teachings of Christ By slowly reflecting on these passages and asking, "What does this reveal about Jesus?" disciples begin to absorb His character and imitate His example. Transformation doesn't happen by accident. It happens when we intentionally direct our attention toward Christ. Because in the end, your life truly follows your focus. Key Scriptures Philippians 2:5–11 "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…" Colossians 1:15–17 "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation…" Practical Challenge Try this simple practice this week: Spend time reading passages that focus directly on the character of Jesus. Slow down. Reflect on what the passage reveals about Him. Ask yourself: How can I imitate this today? Because discipleship is not about perfection. It's about direction and attention. Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: • Subscribe to Rob's weekly newsletter: https://robskinner.com • Read Rob's latest book: The 10X Christian Available on Amazon or RobSkinner.com. Rob's mission is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

I was on a flight from Chicago to Newark, and I was busily working until suddenly the pilot put on the brakes. We weren't really near Newark yet, so I tried to figure out what's going on. It looked as if the plane was beginning to circle, and our wing was dipped down a little bit. So pretty soon I said, "You know, I believe I've seen that house before. Those trees look familiar." I got to see them again, and again, and another time. Yep, we were in that time warp that is dreaded by every frequent flier called the holding pattern. We weren't standing still. No, I'm happy to say we were not standing still. That wouldn't have been good. But we were using up time, we were using up fuel. We were in constant motion; we just weren't making any progress. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Stuck in a Holding Pattern." That leads us to our word for today from the Word of God from Philippians 3, beginning in verse 12, where Paul says, "Not that I have already obtained all this or have already been made perfect. But I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it, but one thing I do. Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Now, if anyone could have been satisfied with where he was spiritually it would be the Apostle Paul. He was living one of the greatest Christian lives in history. You can tell from this passage that in spite of that he is refusing to stay in spiritual neutral. He's certainly not going to go in reverse and live on his spiritual memories. "Forgetting the things that are behind" he says. No, he's in high gear. He says, "I'm forgetting what's back there. I'm pressing on. I haven't got it all yet. I want the rest of Jesus. I want to know Christ!" Paul never flew, but I don't think he would have liked the holding pattern. You know, maybe you're in a holding pattern right now spiritually. You started on your journey with Jesus. You've made some progress, but somewhere along the way you slowed down and you're circling ground that you've covered before. You're not standing still; you're just circling in this holding pattern. Churches get in holding patterns. Ministry organizations get in holding patterns. Oh they keep their calendar full: time for the banquet, time for this activity, time for the board, time for the committee. But are they taking any new ground for the Lord? Spiritually healthy people are restless people. They're aggressively pursuing more of God's power in their lives than they've ever tasted before. They want a more intimate relationship with Jesus than they've experienced yet. They desire to have a greater effectiveness in praying than they've ever had before. They want to make a greater difference with the rest of their life than they've ever made before. Am I describing you - this restlessness for more in prayer, more of God's power, more intimacy with Jesus; knowing Him better than you've ever known Him; making a greater difference for Him? These kinds of spiritual healthy people want to make more of a difference than they've ever made. Is that you? Is that your church? Let it begin with you, breaking out of your holding pattern, getting moving again. See, it begins when you say, "Lord, I'm tired of this plateau. Activity is not obedience. I know that. Busyness is not power. I want all You have, Lord, I want more of You than I've ever tasted before. I want to make more of a difference with my life than I've ever made before." Find some other people who feel the same way and pursue the Lord together in prayer times. Make it a discipline to find new ground in God's Word, to get to Him daily. Circling the same ground in that airplane, I was restless to get on toward the goal. And it was a good feeling when we finally started moving in the right direction. Aren't you tired of a spiritual holding pattern?

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do,forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those thingswhich are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling ofGod in Christ Jesus.” Today,we conclude our introduction to the book of Philippians by looking at one ofthe most powerful statements that Paul makes in this letter. In Philippians3:13–14, he writes: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; butthis one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reachingforth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prizeof the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” These words reveal the focusand the passion of the Apostle Paul's life. I'dlike for us to take a few moments to remember what Paul was doing as Saulbefore his conversion. We first meet Saul back in Acts 7:58. He was standingthere when Stephen, the first martyr, was stoned to death. He held the clothesof those who cast the stones at Stephen. In Acts 8:1-3, in the opening verses,we find that Saul was making havoc of the church—persecuting Christians,dragging them from their homes, throwing them into prison, and even puttingthem to death. Then, in Acts 9, Saul meets the Lord Jesus Christ on the road toDamascus. When he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Jesus answered from heaven,“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” Saul was persecuting JesusChrist as he was imprisoning and killing believers. Later,when Paul gave his testimony in Acts 26:9-11 before King Agrippa, he said: “ThisI also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, havingreceived authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, Icast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue andcompelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, Ipersecuted them even to foreign cities.” Can you imagine that? He said hewas “exceedingly enraged” against them. He hated the followers of Jesus Christ.But then he met Jesus—and everything changed. Sowhen Paul says, “forgetting those things which are behind,” can youimagine the burden he carried after becoming a follower of Christ? He had toface families of those who had suffered because of him. He had to seekforgiveness from people whose loved ones he had persecuted. He must have carrieda tremendous weight from his past. But, my friend, Paul did not live in thepast. He did not dwell on past failures—or even past successes. Instead, hepressed forward toward the mark that God had set before him. Inthis same letter, Paul makes another well-known statement in Philippians 1:21: “Forto me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This verse captures the veryheart of Paul's life. Living meant serving Christ. Dying meant being withChrist. Either way, Jesus Christ was everything to him. That is the centralmessage of the book of Philippians. Joy is found in Christ. Strength is foundin Christ. Purpose is found in Christ. Aswe begin our verse-by-verse study of this letter in the days ahead, we will seeagain and again how Paul points believers back to the Lord Jesus Christ. InPhilippians 3:10–11, he writes: “That I may know Him and the power of Hisresurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Hisdeath, if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Myfriend, the more we know Christ, the more our hearts are filled with joy. Themore we trust Christ, the more we experience peace. The more we follow Christ,the more our lives begin to reflect His love and His humility. Iam convinced that as we study through this book together, God will use it todeepen our faith, strengthen our walk, and fill our hearts with a joy that onlyJesus Christ can give. Maythe Lord bless you in the days ahead as we explore this wonderful and excitingbook together.

Many Christians today feel overwhelmed by the chaos of the modern world. Wars, political corruption, cultural upheaval, financial uncertainty, and constant news cycles can stir deep anxiety even in mature believers.In the first episode of Take Heart, host Cory Wing looks at what Scripture actually teaches about anxiety. Jesus commands His followers not to worry—but why? And how is that even possible in a world that often feels unstable and frightening?Drawing from passages like Matthew 6, Philippians 4, Psalm 115, and 1 Peter 5, Cory explains how anxiety is ultimately a crisis of trust in God’s sovereignty—and how prayer, faith, and the promises of Christ bring real peace to the troubled heart.If you’ve been wrestling with fear, uncertainty, or the weight of the world’s problems, this episode offers a biblical path to peace. Because the good news of the gospel is this: Christ has overcome the world.New episodes of Take Heart release every Monday mornin.Leave a question in the comments—Cory will answer one viewer/listener question in each future episode.

Do you ever replay conversations in your mind… wondering if you said the wrong thing or made the wrong decision? Overthinking and anxious thoughts can quietly steal your peace — causing your mind to spiral into worry, analysis, and trying to control outcomes that actually belong to God. Many Christian women struggle with this. We want to make the right decisions. We want to honor God. We want to steward our lives well. But when our minds start trying to carry things God never asked us to carry, our thoughts can quickly become exhausting. In this episode of the Strong. Confident. His. Podcast, I'm sharing what Scripture teaches about overthinking, anxious thoughts, and how to renew your mind so you can return to God's peace. You'll learn why mental spirals happen, how our thoughts begin replaying conversations and future worries, and how anchoring your mind in God's Word helps restore peace. If your mind ever feels restless or overwhelmed, this episode will remind you that peace begins when we stop trying to do God's job and start trusting Him. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why overthinking often happens when we try to control outcomes that belong to God • How replaying conversations and future worries creates spiraling • Why renewing your mind through Scripture changes the direction of your thoughts • How prayer, gratitude, and surrender bring your mind back to peace • A simple question you can ask when your thoughts start spinning This episode will help you stop trying to carry everything in your own strength and begin returning your thoughts to God's truth. When truth leads your thoughts, God's peace follows. Scripture Referenced in This Episode Isaiah 26:3 — You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You Matthew 6:34 — Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself Romans 12:2 — Be transformed by the renewing of your mind Philippians 4:6–7 — Present your requests to God and the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus Take the Next Step in Your Faith and Fitness Journey Are you tired of starting over with your health and fitness — and ready to do it God's way? Inside the Fit God's Way 30-Day Transformation, I guide you through a proven, Christ-centered plan with live coaching and prayer so you can finally stay consistent. Join us ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com/fit-gods-way-course Subscribe to the Strong. Confident. His. Podcast If this episode spoke to your heart today, please share it with a friend who needs that same encouragement. You can also help more women find this message by leaving a five-star review on Apple or Spotify. Every review helps someone else discover hope, strength, and freedom through Christ-centered health. With so much love, Remember, You are Strong. Confident. His. Kim Dolan Leto Listen to Strong. Confident. His. Apple ➞ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strong-confident-his-christian-fitness-health-and/id1504962677 Spotify ➞ https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ymer79UOqIbItrwPJErxC All Episodes ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com/podcast Connect with Me Newsletter ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com/get-on-the-list Website ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com Instagram ➞ https://instagram.com/kimdolanleto Facebook ➞ https://facebook.com/kimdolanleto YouTube ➞ https://youtube.com/kimdolanletofit Podcast ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com/strong-confident-his-podcast

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 32-34,1 Corinthians 2 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the March 17th, 2026 episode of the Daily Radio Bible, where Hunter, your Bible reading coach and faithful companion, guides us through another transformative day in God's Word. In this episode, we journey with the people of Israel as they reach the edge of the Promised Land, reading from Deuteronomy 32–34 and 1 Corinthians 2. As we listen, Hunter beautifully unpacks the significance of Moses viewing the Promised Land from afar and reflects on Joshua as a powerful symbol of faith and the grace that leads us into God's promises. The episode draws out the wisdom of God made known not through human achievement or the law, but through the Spirit and the work of Christ. Amidst prayer and moments of reflection, Hunter encourages us to trust deeply in God's goodness, enjoy the simple gifts of life—like the changing seasons—and remember that, no matter our circumstances, we are profoundly loved. So take a breath, savor the beauty around you, and join us on this spiritual walk as we open the Scriptures together. TODAY'S DEVOTION: A mountain-top view of grace. Moses is on the mountain. He did not make it into the Promised Land, at least not yet. He was a man of the law, and it is not by the law that we enter into the promise. But Joshua does. He enters. He represents the way of faith. Righteousness is by grace through faith, and Joshua is a picture of that. He is a picture of Christ. Even his name reflects this: Yeshua, Jesus. Our Yeshua leads us into the Promised Land. He leads us into life and the promise of God. It doesn't come through the Law. It comes through Him, through the cross. It comes through His life given for you, for me, for the whole world. Paul calls this the wisdom of God. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus' work on the cross. That is God's wisdom. It is not tradition, ethnicity. It is not political affiliation or our own personal piety. It is only by God's Spirit. It is God's work. And we get to live in it. We get to say, "Thank you," and walk into the land that has been won for us by him. Moses goes up the mountain, takes a good look around, he sees the land, but he won't enter it, at least not yet. Then we're told that he heads out into the desert, and there he dies and is buried in some unmarked grave. But don't feel too bad for Moses. God knew where he was buried. God was with him. God never abandoned him. God doesn't do that. In fact, we see him again in the Gospels. We see him standing with Elijah and the Lord up on the Mount of Transfiguration. No longer is he looking from a distance on Mount Pisgah. Now he's standing on a whole new mountain. His feet have touched down in the land. He's made it across the Jordan. He's standing in the promise. He's face to face with the promise himself, looking into the eyes of Jesus. Jesus has worked all things out for Moses. That's what Jesus does. And that's true not just for Moses, but it's true for you too. God is working out his purposes in your life. Even when it seems like you've failed and there's no recovering, he will not forget about you. He knows where you are. He has not abandoned you, and he will not leave you out in some desert wasteland in an unmarked grave. No, he will be faithful to complete the good work that he began in you, and you, like Moses, will see Jesus face to face. Philippians 1:6 says, I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Trust in the wisdom of God seen in the face of Christ. Rest easy in the work of Christ accomplished for you. That's the prayer that I have for my own soul. That's a prayer that I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Are you living under grace… or under guilt? In this powerful episode, Pastor Ken Senchal uncovers how condemnation quietly shapes the way many believers think, feel, and live. The enemy's strategy is clear—attack your identity, distort your thinking, and keep you stuck in shame. But the truth of the Gospel tells a different story. Through Scripture, we're reminded that: Your sin does NOT define you God is NOT tired of you Your story is NOT over Because of Jesus, condemnation has already been removed—and freedom is available right now. This message will help you: ✔ Break free from shame and guilt ✔ Replace lies with God's truth ✔ Walk confidently in your identity in Christ ✔ Experience real spiritual freedom

Many Christians today feel overwhelmed by the chaos of the modern world. Wars, political corruption, cultural upheaval, financial uncertainty, and constant news cycles can stir deep anxiety even in mature believers.In the first episode of Take Heart, host Cory Wing looks at what Scripture actually teaches about anxiety. Jesus commands His followers not to worry—but why? And how is that even possible in a world that often feels unstable and frightening?Drawing from passages like Matthew 6, Philippians 4, Psalm 115, and 1 Peter 5, Cory explains how anxiety is ultimately a crisis of trust in God’s sovereignty—and how prayer, faith, and the promises of Christ bring real peace to the troubled heart.If you’ve been wrestling with fear, uncertainty, or the weight of the world’s problems, this episode offers a biblical path to peace. Because the good news of the gospel is this: Christ has overcome the world.New episodes of Take Heart release every Monday mornin.Leave a question in the comments—Cory will answer one viewer/listener question in each future episode.

Aswe continue to look at the message in the book of Epistle to the Philippians, Iwant to talk about something that affects every believer. Even though God wantsus to live with joy, there are many things that can rob us of that joy if weare not careful. In John 10:10, Jesus reminds us: “The thief comes only tosteal, to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and thatthey may have it more abundantly.” If there is one thing the devil wants tosteal from you, it is the joy of your salvation. Paul addresses several ofthese “joy stealers” in the letter he wrote to the church at Philippi. Thefirst one we see is selfish ambition. In Philippians 2:3, Paul writes: “Letnothing be done through strife or vain glory.” When we become focused onour own recognition, our own success, and our own importance, our joy willquickly disappear. We begin to live selfish, self-centered lives, makingeverything about ourselves. We live in a very humanistic culturetoday—especially in America—that constantly emphasizes, “It's all about me.”That kind of thinking leads directly to selfish ambition. Anotherjoy stealer is complaining and arguing. Philippians 2:14 says: “Doall things without murmuring and disputings.” As you read through the Bookof Proverbs, you will find repeated warnings about this. A complaining spiritdrains joy from our hearts and spreads negativity to others. It only takes onebad apple in the basket to affect the rest. Negativity is contagious. You knowwhat happens when you get around people who are negative, cantankerous,disputing, backbiting, or talebearing. The Bible warns us often about this.When the talebearer is removed, the strife ceases—just like when coals areseparated, the fire goes out.Anotherjoy stealer is worldliness. In Philippians 3:18–19, Paul writes: “Formany walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, thatthey are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whosegod is their belly, whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthlythings.” When our hearts become focused on the world instead of on Christ,our joy begins to fade. Paul says something very similar in Colossians 3:1-2 “Ifthen you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, whereChrist is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, noton things on the earth.” Worldliness is simply living as though God is notpart of our lives. That is why we are told in 1 John 2:15–16: “Do not lovethe world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love ofthe Father is not in him.” Anotherjoy stealer is anxiety and fear. Philippians 4:6 says: “Be anxiousfor nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,let your requests be made known to God.” Worry and fear can crowd out thepeace and joy that God wants us to experience. Worry is like a rockingchair—you can go back and forth all day long and it gives you something to do, butit does not get you anywhere. We must be careful not to let anxiety takecontrol of our hearts. Finally,Paul reminds us of the importance of guarding our thoughts. InPhilippians 4:8, we are told to think on things that are true, honest, just,pure, lovely, and of good report. If you are thinking about the things youshould be thinking about, you will not be thinking about the things you shouldnot be thinking about. If you are where you should be, you cannot be where youshould not be. When we fill our minds with the right things, our hearts arestrengthened and our joy increases. Today, if thedevil has stolen your joy please pray what David prayed in Psalm 51:10-12: “Createin me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me…. Restore tome the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” 

There is no place to stop, plateau, or think we have arrived in our spiritual lives. We are never to stop growing. There is always more we can learn, more we can experience, more steps of faith to take, and more character to be developed.Main Points:1. Like an adopted child learns the behaviors and expectations of their new family. We are to learn the values, behavior, and lifestyle of the family of God. Let's commit, as did the Apostle Paul, to keep pressing forward in our goal of being like Jesus.2. Even the great Apostle Paul realized that he needed to keep growing in his faith and his relationship with God.3. By placing our faith in Jesus Christ and his death on the cross for us, we have been adopted by the Holy Spirit into the family of God. It is a gift we receive. We did not have to work to earn the right to become a part of God's family. But now that we are sons and daughters, God asks us to live like children of God. The Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit inform our new behavior and our new lifestyle.Today's Scripture Verses:Philippians 3:12 - “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”Philippians 3:13-14 - “…one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward 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

Titus 3:3-8 NIV “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”   *Transcription Below*   Hunter Beless is an author of several children's books including Read It, See It, Say It, Sing It! and Amy Carmichael: The Brown-Eyed Girl Who Learned to Pray. She is also a Bible teacher, co-author of Titus: Displaying the Gospel of Grace and the founder of Journeywomen Ministries, which empowers women to live out their faith through deep commitment to their local church. Hunter hosts the Journeywomen Podcast, sharing resources and insightful conversations with women of faith. She and her husband, Brooks, have four beautiful children, whom Hunter homeschools. You can find her on Instagram @hunterbeless, or at https://www.hunterbeless.com/books. Journeywomen Podcast   Thank You to Our Sponsor: The Sue Neihouser Team   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website   Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!   Questions and Topics We Cover: 1. What rhythms have been most profitable to you (spiritually, relationally, physically, and productively?)  2. In your own home, how have you intentionally helped your children know and love God through Scripture?  3. How is the Gospel useful for not only salvation, but also sanctification?   Similar Episodes from The Savvy Sauce: 16 Reflecting Jesus in Our Relationships with Rach Kincaid 57 Implementing Bite-Size Habits That Will Change Your Life with Author, Blogger, Podcaster, and Speaker, Kat Lee 150 Brain Science and Spiritual Abundance with Ken Baugh 166 Journey from Empty to Well Nourished Soul with Gretchen Saffles  207 Cultivating Character in Our Children with Cynthia Yanof Special Patreon Release Wholehearted Quiet Time with Naomi Vacaro 267 Apologetics with Ray Comfort 274 Holy Spirit Stories and Fruit and Ways to Identify His Guidance in Our Lives with Margaret Feinberg   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”   Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   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 Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:11)   Laura Dugger: (0:12 - 1:16) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   Thank you to the Sue Neihouser Team for sponsoring this episode. If you're looking to buy or sell a home this season, make sure you reach out to Sue at 309-229-8831. Sue would love to walk alongside you as you unlock new doors.   My guest for today is Hunter Beless, and you may recognize her as the founder of Journey Women Ministries. She's also a podcaster and an author of multiple books, including this recent one, Jesus Loves You More. Hunter is going to share today about all things discipleship.   Here's our chat. Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Hunter.    Hunter Beless: (1:17 - 1:23) Thank you so, much for having me. I just love the concept of this show, and I'm excited to be here with you today.    Laura Dugger: (1:23 - 1:56) Well, I've been looking so, forward to getting to chat with you. You've been on my list for years, so, I'm thankful this worked out. And even, it may have been years ago, but I heard you publicly share that you had chosen to put your faith in Christ in elementary school, I believe. But then as you transitioned into high school, you were open about then choosing to pursue the ways of the world. So, will you just speak to that experience and talk to that teenage girl who's currently facing some similar temptations?    Hunter Beless: (1:56 - 6:39) Oh, that'd be such a privilege to get to speak to any young woman who is in a situation like this. I often think, like, if I would have just had one older friend who was encouraging me in the Lord, who would be willing to testify to God's grace in her life, and who would reach back and try and help me just to continue walking in the grace that he had extended to me through his son, like, I wonder if it would have gone differently for me, Laura. But, you know, the Lord did save me at a young age, and I lived fervently for him, loved God's word, even from a young age.    And I remember, like, seeing groups of people that I wanted to like me, and wanting so, desperately to be accepted by them. But knowing that when I opened the pages of scripture, the Holy Spirit brought conviction to my heart in a way that would not allow me to act in accordance with the things that these groups were doing, in order to be approved of by them. And so, I thought to myself, "Well, maybe I'll just stop reading my Bible so, much." This is about eighth or ninth grade. And, you know, then I won't feel a sense of conviction when it comes to, like, these behaviors that I know I need to, you know, adapt to, in order to be approved of by the people that I deemed, you know, significant. And so, I set my Bible aside.    And it's a really sad story. I mean, as I continued to spend time outside of God's word, I would still go to church with my family and things like that on Sunday mornings. But I just began to look less and less like a follower of Christ, and more and more like the world. And eventually, you know, I spent my entire duration of my high school years doing that. And I have to tell you; I just went back to my 20-year high school reunion. And there was a girl that I saw there. And she told me what a jerk I was in that season of my life. And it was such a wonderful thing to be reminded of what it looks like for me to not be walking in the Spirit, but to be walking in the flesh. And to really have to reckon with, that is what it looks like to be walking like the world.    And I just told her, I said, "You know what, you're completely right." I said, "I was." I was totally looking out for my good and not for the good of others. I was absolutely living for myself and not for the Lord. But by God's grace, when it came time for my senior year of high school, he allowed me to get to the end of myself. And you would have thought, like, looking back, I had the resume, I had the 4.0, I had the salutatorian status, I was the president of my high school senior class. You would have thought, this girl's crushing it. But I had never been more anxious, more depressed, more insecure, more selfish, obviously, as testified to by the girl that I just referenced, than I was in that season of my life.    And I remember I had a youth pastor who had just come into our church. And he said, "Hey," he said, "How's your time in the word looking?" And I said, "Well, I could either lie, or I could tell the truth." And I said, "You know, it's looking pretty, pretty bleak." And he said, "I just want to challenge you to get back in God's word." And at the same time, my dad had a tragic accident. It was a near death accident. And I was kind of reckoned with the brevity of life as a senior in high school. And I cried out to the Lord. And I said, "God, if you really are who you say you are, would you show me who you are through your word?"    And that sparked, Laura, this passion for God's word. And it allowed me then to see the difference in my own life, what it looks like for Hunter to be walking without listening to the voice of God, and what it looked like for Hunter to have her face in her Bible, and to seek to live by God's word. And I tell you what, I probably don't look nearly as impressive by the world's standards. But the joy and the peace, and really just the transformation that the Lord has accomplished in my life through his word, is something that I cannot stop testifying to. And I just cannot encourage women enough, like if you are wrestling with the flesh, to get into God's word, because God works by the power of the Holy Spirit through his word in the lives of his people. And so, that's why really this whole passion has just overtaken my life for God's word.    Laura Dugger: (6:40 - 6:59) Wow, that is incredible to hear that transformation, because God did it, and God can do it again. And God can do it for each one of us listening. But you are so passionate about discipling others. Can you first tell us, what were some of the significant ways that you've been discipled?    Hunter Beless: (7:00 - 10:07) Yeah, well, I went to college, and that was the first time that I had ever really had someone seeking to do spiritual good in my life, outside of my parents. And really, even with my parents, like, you know, sitting down intentionally studying the word, that wasn't a part of our family culture. And so, when I went to college, there was a girl, her name was Meredith. And I remember, she sat down, and she taught me how to read my Bible, for really the very first time. I remember being confronted with some of the truths of scripture, Laura, and I'm like, "That's in the Bible? That disrupts me. Like, I didn't know that, you know?" And so, it was such a wonderful time, just of really kind of being confronted with my own theological ideas from my, you know, lack of ability and time to really understand the message of the text, you know, and then to really reevaluate that and be conformed to the text and to allow it to conform me. So, Meredith had a significant influence in my life in how to study the Bible.    And then I had an older woman named Joyce, who at the time, I believe, was in her late 40s, maybe early 50s. And I just remember, Joyce found out that I began to memorize scripture. So, somewhere along the way, I realized, like, this book is so, significant that I need to start, you know, hiding scripture away in my heart. Some of that was just watching my own grandmother and seeing the way that the Lord had used scripture in her own life. And realizing, like, wow, if my grandmother has these truths hidden away in her heart for this season, and she had dementia, I need to start hiding scripture away in my heart, too. So, Joyce and I really, we started up a group on scripture memory.    And I'll never forget the first time I met her, she said, "Hey, I heard you're starting to memorize Ephesians." I never finished. But she said, "Let's hear it." And so, she just opened up her Bible. And I just started quoting Ephesians. And one of Joyce's coined phrases that at the time I didn't realize was actually scripture itself, she would hold the Bible out in front of me. And she would say, "Hunter, this is no empty word for you, but your very life." And she had so many phrases like that, that I didn't even realize at the time, because I was pretty biblically illiterate, that were the words of scripture themselves. That's Deuteronomy 32:47. And Joyce really embodied that message for me, that scripture is that man doesn't live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. And so, watching her just live with her face in her Bible, proverbially speaking, and seeking to meditate on its truths and live by those day in and day out really transformed who I am even today. And she gave me a picture of what I'd like to look like years down the road.    So, I've had various mentors, but those are some of the first. And the Lord definitely used them in significant ways to do spiritual good in my life.    Laura Dugger: (10:08 - 10:36) And I don't know what kind of life those women lead if they're in public or more private disciplines, but their faithfulness, you just see the impact how it ripples out to bless generations. And even you, Hunter, you're leading this incredible ministry, where you disciple others through helping women know and love God through his word. So, will you share how you ended up getting to do this awesome work that you get to do today?    Hunter Beless: (10:37 - 15:41) Oh, well, the beginnings of this, you would not have thought were awesome. And in fact, you and I were just chatting, and I still am recording out of my closet. And really, it's all just been an overflow of what the Lord has been doing in my own life. And I did feel like along the way, I just, I began to just love learning from older women. And I do think that's a biblical, like scriptural kind of practice. You look at Titus 2, you see the older women are to teach the younger women what is good. I was a younger woman who loved learning from older women. And so, I had this, over the years, this just long list of women who had invested in me who had, you know, testified to God's grace in their life, who had taught me the scriptures.    And when my husband Brooks and I were in the military, we found ourselves on post. And just due to the transiency of a military lifestyle, the churches around military installations tend to be a little bit tired, sometimes depleted, because people in the military are moving so, frequently. So, it's hard, right, to have continuity to see people through in their discipling process and all of that. And so, I really missed those mentors that I'd had from college, and the year after college, after coming into marriage. And so, I thought to myself, like, man, I want the other women. I was also interfacing with either believers or non-believers who really had never been discipled. And I thought, man, I just wish I could get you with Joyce, or I wish I could get you with Meredith. I wish I could connect you, you know, with X, Y, or Z woman from the past couple of years.    And so, I thought, I also simultaneously was listening to a lot of podcasts because I was super lonely. Just because, you know, moving into a new culture, and then my husband was gone at least 50% of the time for training or deployment. And so, I'd be walking along the military installation listening to like sermon audio, like John Piper or Timothy Keller or whatever. And I thought, man, I wish that there was a conversational podcast about theology for women that would just be more warm and kind of like what we're doing right now. And my husband was like, "Well, you should start it." And so, I just started with the women who had mentored me. If you go back to the very beginning of the podcast, it's truly like my college roommates. It's my mentors from Pine Cove Christian Camps where Brooks and I met.    And I think I just by God's grace, the podcasting network was so, small at the time. I remember Journey Women landed in the number two spot right behind Joel Osteen whenever the thing launched. And so, then from there, it just gave the podcast some notoriety, which is what then allowed, you know, some of the names that you would recognize to reach out and to say, "Hey, you know, could we come on the podcast?" And at the time, I had no knowledge of, you know, how to market people marketing books or any of that Bible studies, etc. And yeah, it was a really fun season, actually, because it was pre-COVID. And you know, people weren't used to doing a whole lot online. And so, had some really, really fun conversations. And along the way, the Lord has helped me to hone in more of a vision of what I'm doing. Because at first, it was just like, let's get in the closet and have like fun, intentional conversations that I could share with my girlfriends or with maybe the military spouse that I'm meeting on the playground that I may never see again, you know.    And then along the way, people started even wanting to donate to the podcast and different things like that. And I thought, I really need to have a clearer aim. And so, now, you know, over the past eight years, the Lord has given us this mission to help women know and love God through his word, to find their hope in the gospel and to invest deeply in their local churches as they go out on mission for the glory of God. And some of that came and Laura, I'm sure you face this from women really seeking out discipling online, and us realizing we can't disciple you. Like, we cannot come alongside you and help you to grow in godliness, you know, but we can do that via the interwebs. But the degree to which we're able to do that is super-duper limited. And so, what does it look like for us then to equip women so, that then they would be encouraged to seek out fellowship in the local church, and to be investing their time, energy and talents in the local church. And so, that's become kind of our resounding gong at Journey Women over the years, just because we really do believe that ministry happens best in the context of the local church. And that's something that the Lord has validated through seeing women reaching out online and realizing like, hey, we could never, you know, provide what they need. But God in his grace has given us the local body that is able to do that.    Laura Dugger: (15:42 - 19:08) So, well said, because this is a great place that we can meet people anytime what is most convenient for them with a podcast. But then also, so, that's great for sowing seeds. But there's nothing that replaces that embodied relationship. And it just makes me think of God that he created us that way. And he knew it because Jesus even being embodied, little baby sent to earth, so, nothing replaces that. And, Hunter, I just I love hearing about your public ministry and the way the Lord has blessed and grown it.    And now a brief message from our sponsor. With over 28 years of experience in real estate, Sue Neihouser of the Sue Neihouser Team is a RE/MAX agent of Central Illinois, and she loves to walk alongside her clients as they unlock new doors. For anyone local, I highly recommend you call Sue today at 309-229-8831. And you can ask her any real estate questions. Sue lives in Central Illinois and loves this community and all that it has to offer. When unlocking new doors with her clients, Sue works hard to gain a depth of understanding of their motivations and dreams and interests in buying and selling their home. And then she commits to extensive market research that will give them confidence in their decision. Sue truly cares for each of her clients and the relationship she forms with each family along the entire home buying or selling process. This was absolutely our experience when we worked with Sue and her team. The house that we desired at the time was actually not even on the market, but Sue had a connection and was able to ask those homeowners if they would be willing to sell. She was timely in her response as she walked us through this whole process, and she helped us sell our home with the right offer coming in hours after it was listed. We kept saying she's thought of everything. And Sue's continued generosity was astonishing. I remember one afternoon after we had settled into our new home, and she was knocking on the door dropping off a goodie bag for our family that came from the local bakery. Our daughters also loved getting to know Miss Sue as she assisted us in finding truly our dream home.    So, whether you're looking to buy a home for the first time, or looking to upgrade or downsize, or making the big decision to move to an assisted living from your home of many years, Sue will be there to help you navigate the big emotions and ensure the process is smooth and stress free, and that the new doors to be unlocked are ready and waiting for more memories to be made. So, call her today at 309-229-8831 or visit her website at sueneihouser.com. And that is sueneihouser.com. Thanks for your sponsorship.   I'd also love to hear a little bit more about your personal life. So, what does a day in the life look like for Hunter Beless?    Hunter Beless: (19:09 - 21:25) Well, I think if somebody joined me in a day in a life, in this season, Laura, I feel like I'm too busy. I have committed to too much. And so, what it looks like practically, it's going to be a lot of time running from this or that event and just trying to do the things that I committed to before or some of the other things that the Lord has allowed in my life came to fruition. But just leaning into him for the grace that I need moment by moment, you know, and trusting that he is the same and that he has provided all of the grace that I need. His grace is sufficient for me, you know, as I'm running errands and facing the temptation to feel anxious or overwhelmed that, you know, I think it's Luke 12, where it's talking about how I can't even add a moment, not even the smallest amount of time to my life by worrying. So, I'm just going to entrust all of this to the Lord.    So, for me, I wonder how many women are listening to this and that they can relate to this because I talked to various people who they don't have a podcast, but they don't have the same work as me, but they feel that same temptation towards anxiety and the feelings of overwhelms that we all face, you know, and yeah, I think my life probably looks a lot like many of y'all's. And for me, it's just the constant meditation on scripture and just rehearsing the truths of God's word that are never changing, even in the midst of my ever-changing and chaotic circumstances. So, it doesn't seem to change even if I do a better job, which I could have done, planning my schedule or, you know, prayerfully considering the commitments that I made, but just resting and knowing that he is unchanging and that he is ever-present and that he is all-knowing and that he has provided everything that I need and his son.    So, that is what it looks like. Every day looks different, but again, leaning into the truths of God's word, meditating on those truths, rehearsing those truths over and over, and resting in the grace that the gospel provides. That's the thing that never changes.    Laura Dugger: (21:27 - 22:06) And I love that overview because if we look from the outside, you're homeschooling, you run this ministry, you have a podcast, and you're cooking healthy recipes for your family, but I'm sure do you also have weekly patterns? Because to me, it's a stewardship issue. You've been faithful with little, it sounds like, so, he has given you the opportunity to be faithful in much, and it's a season of much where you've written books and produced all this content. So, do you have a system in place or rhythms throughout the week that have helped you live that full, abundant life?    Hunter Beless: (22:06 - 24:19) Yeah, that's a really good question. Obviously, the weekly rhythm that we always start with is worshiping with the saints on Sunday. I look forward to that like no other. And we are in a church that the Lord is just so, gracious to have provided a pastor who prioritizes the preaching of the word and who is consistently proclaiming the gospel from the pulpit. And so, Laura, on the weeks where I feel like I have been so, busy that I have not spent the time in God's word that I would desire, just the recognition that going to church on a Sunday is such a blessing to get to receive God's word. And so, there have been many times that I just show up and I'm just like, "Thank you, Lord." Thank you for the provision of your word. Thank you for the provision of the body of Christ. And so, Sundays are just like a non-negotiable for us. We go to church on Sundays. And then, you know, we have various things. My kids are actually homeschooled on two days out of the week or three days out of the week. And then, they go to school two days. So, we do like a university model is what it's called. And so, on the three days that they are home, I am full tilt homeschooling, doing everything home-related.    And in fact, I have had to learn that part of their education is also helping care for our home. And so, we really see it as a team effort to keep the home, like, tidy and running and functioning well, so that we can, you know, spend as much time in it as we do, like, with happy hearts. And then, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I typically am in this closet working while the children are at school. Saturdays, we rest together as a family. We spend a lot of time outdoors. I also make bread regularly. And I think there's something liturgical for me about making bread. And, like, when everything else feels, like, a little bit chaotic and out of my control, the beauty of just doing a simple task like making bread to provide food for my family and nourishment is something that really brings me great joy. So, Saturdays are also bread-making days. And then, the week begins again. That is awesome.    Laura Dugger: (24:19 - 24:41) I love hearing that. And it makes me curious to go even a little bit further. I'll give you a few categories, but I'd love to hear what rhythms in these categories have been most profitable to you. So, when you think of it spiritually, physically, relationally, and just productively, how you stay creatively fresh.    Hunter Beless: (24:41 - 28:24) Yeah. You know, spiritually for me, and I'm a mother of, like, young children, right? So, my kids are ranging from age 11 to age 3. I would say we're still in a season in which sleep is a little bit unpredictable, particularly in those early waking hours. But I do my very best to try and get in God's Word first. And that is not because I want to check it off the list, but because I need the people in my home and beyond. So, really trying to just orient myself rightly to the truths of God's Word first thing is huge. I also do try to work out. So, that gets to the physical piece. I neglected working out for many years. I actually, hilariously, was a personal trainer when we were back in the military. And that was kind of my gig while Brooks was gone. And so, I know how to work out, and I enjoy working out. But with the children, it has been a difficult thing for me to prioritize. But just this last year, I got, this is the most, like, basic thing ever. I got a Peloton. I bought it secondhand off of Marketplace. And it has just been a wonderful way for me to sweat and exercise my body first thing in the morning without, you know, really requiring a whole lot. I don't have to leave the house. I don't have to go outside or anything, because Brooks does travel quite a bit still for work. And so, I try to ride the Peloton. Doesn't always happen. Happens less than it does, than I want for it to, but it does help.    And then, yeah, relationally is really, that's a really good question. I think one thing that the Lord has blessed me with, having lived a season of extreme transiency, right? So, we did eight years of military. And then, we did two years at, you know, university where Brooks got his MBA. And now, we're in our first, like, what we would call, like, a civilian kind of location, where he's got his first civilian job. We're almost 15 years deep into marriage now. And so, all of the friendships that I made along those eight years of moving almost annually. I think we moved, like, six or seven times in eight years. Yeah, just trying to maintain those relationships. I only have one or two from each duty station, but I love using Voxer or Voice Memo to keep in touch with people who have known me for, you know, a longer time. And that's just one thing that's really fun. I have to be careful not to let that overtake my time on my phone, but I do love to keep in touch with old friends. And they are some of the friends that the Lord has used just really to help me navigate the various challenges that we face, right, in life and relationally in marriage and all of that.    So, anyways, and relationally in marriage, Brooks and I were really just relishing in the friendship that God has given us with one another. I don't think it's been easy over the years, especially with all of the transiency and all of the deployments and all of the many moves that we've faced. But God has really just given us a true appreciation for one another. And to begin to see now, 15 years into marriage, that the differences that He has given each of us are a gift to help us be conformed into the image of His Son. So, that's some of it, spiritually, physically, relationally. Did I miss anything?    Laura Dugger: (28:25 - 28:32) Just even productively as you're creating content, how do you stay creatively inspired and fresh?    Hunter Beless: (28:33 - 30:55) Yeah, I love, my friend Gretchen Stoffels has a lot of wonderful things to say about this. She talks a lot about producing from the overflow and not the undertow. And that's ministered to me over the years. I find a lot of times when I am not creatively fresh, it's either because I'm overproducing or because I'm not honestly spending, most of what I do is all revolving around God's Word. So, it's like if I'm not spending time in God's Word and allowing myself to just be struck anew with truths from the text, then what do I have to share? So, that helps me too in knowing when am I overcommitted? Because if I don't have time then to be relishing in God's Word, not for the sake of producing something, but just like you said, just being struck and wonder by who God is, then I really need to reevaluate the commitments that I'm making and slow things down a bit. And so, that's kind of what has helped me to protect that time with the Lord so that then I would have something to offer others.    And I don't just think about it in terms of producing a podcast or writing a book or sending out a newsletter. I mean, honestly, even with the children, this has been something that I've been thinking about for the last six to eight months. If I want them to understand how God's Word informs all of life, then I need to be with my face in my Bible because who is it that they spend the most time with, right? All throughout their life. Like, it's me. And so, I get to then help them realize like, oh, here is how Scripture applies to all these different circumstances. But if I don't spend time in God's Word, then I've got nothing to give. And I have a friend who was a missionary actually in a remote country with the IMB. And I asked her, I said, "How did you ever evangelize with people in this remote context from this different religion and all of this?" And she said, "You know what, I just had to be so, filled up with God's Word that that's what came out." And I think about that all the time. So, when I'm feeling dry, I'm like, "Oop, oop, that's a good sign. I need to go back to God's Word."    Laura Dugger: (30:56 - 31:07) I love that. And let's go there then in your own home. How have you intentionally helped your children to know and to love God through Scripture?    Hunter Beless: (31:09 - 33:52) This is going to sound really selfish, but, you know, this whole endeavor, right, I've realized the significance of God's Word in my own life. And so, I'm constantly thinking, Laura, like, how am I going to get into God's Word? You know, like, that's, it sounds selfish. But if I really believe that I need God's Word for all of life, I'm going to have to figure out how am I going to get that in. And then it's wonderful because I get to bring the children along in that. So, maybe that's just like a fresh take on it, right? Because we're always thinking as mothers, like, how can we be investing in our children more heavily in all of these things? And I think those are good and right desires. Obviously, Deuteronomy speaks to that. You know, we're supposed to teach our children diligently the ways of the Lord. But I think it's just so refreshing when we come to the text as learners, as co-learners. And so, for me, I'm just always thinking, like, how can we learn together who God's Word is? How can we worship the Lord together in our home?    And then it helps me see those times, right, when you are offering instruction to the children, when you are being intentional about, you know, for us, we do, like, catechesis, for example, which is a series of questions and answers just to help disseminate doctrinal truths and help the children learn, like, here are, you know, foundational doctrine of the Christian faith. Then I'm not just like, "Okay, who is God? You know, God is the Spirit." I'm, like, thinking about the things that we're learning in a way where I also am seeking to learn as well. And I think that just gives a posture of humility, too. Like, as a parent, where it's not like, "You gotta learn your Bible verse this week, kid." You know, it's like, "We get to, we get to, look, we get to learn God's Word together, you know?" And then that helps them understand the joy of learning God's Word. And it also gives them a very real picture of a parent who's being transformed by the truths of God's Word. What better witness is there? And so, really, I've stopped seeing it as, "Hey, here's our time," you know, which we do have.    And practically, for us, a lot of that happens around the table because I've realized that, like, when children are well-fed, when they have something to do with their hands, they may be a little bit more prone to, like, have open ears, ready to hear, you know, instruction. But we do have those rhythms kind of in place, but I don't want it to be relegated to those rhythms. I want it to be all of life. I want us to understand it doesn't just mean we're gonna sit here over breakfast and do our Bible reading for the day. This is something that is really going with us through the day because we need it not just for this moment, but for all of life.    Laura Dugger: (33:53 - 35:38) You draw so much wisdom there, and I think especially that it's not an either-or, having that set-aside rhythm and time, or just hoping it'll be incorporated into all of life. But it's both.   I want to make sure that you're up to date with our latest news. We have a new website. You can visit thesavvysauce.com and see all of the latest updates. You may remember Francie Henrichsen from Episode 132, where we talked about pursuing our God-given dreams. She is the amazing businesswoman who has carefully designed a brand-new website for Savvy Sauce Charities, and we are thrilled with the final product, so, I hope you check it out. There you're going to find all of our podcasts, now with show notes and transcriptions listed, a scrapbook of various previous guests, and an easy place to join our email list to receive monthly encouragement and questions to ask your loved ones, so, that you can have your own practical chats for intentional living. You will also be able to access our donation button, or our mailing address, for sending checks that are tax-deductible, so, that you can support the work of Savvy Sauce Charities and help us continue to reach the nations with the good news of Jesus Christ. So, make sure you visit thesavvysauce.com today.   Even going back to the heart of this conversation of discipleship, Hunter, how do you think the local church, and especially older women in the community, can play a vital role in encouraging young people to love Scripture?    Hunter Beless: (35:40 - 39:34) You know, I love this question, and I just, I cannot overemphasize the value of older women who love God's Word in the church enough. You know, I think in the culture, we're hearing and seeing that, you know, it's not good to grow old. I mean, that's being perpetuated by all of the Instagram ads that we receive, and by seeing shiny faces that look like they haven't aged one bit. And I'm like, "No, God's Word says that women, older women in particular, have tremendous value in the family of God." And so, I think I want older women just to realize, like, we need you. And in fact, no one is exempt. No woman is exempt from the Titus 2 mandate to teach the younger women what is good. And how do we know what's good? Well, we know God alone is good. And because God is good, we know His Word is good. And if you don't have any clue, like how to reach back and invest in the next generation, I have great news for you. All you need is God's Word.    So, I mean, the littlest learners, the children in the community, I think they are the most gracious recipients of anybody in our community, you know, just when it comes to God's Word. And so, look for ways that you can encourage the younger people in your sphere of influence, in your local church, with God's Word. And often I think that just starts with maybe even meditating on one verse. You know, it can be that simple. Or for me, one way that I want to encourage, you know, the children in my life with God's Word is by identifying ways that I see God working in their lives and naming it. I mean, how encouraging would that be if an older saint in the church said, "Hey, you know, I don't know, my oldest daughter's name is Hadley. Hey, Hadley, like, I see God working in you. You are showing kindness, you know, to the other children in the church. Thank you so much for that. And I'm just praising God for the work he's doing in your life," you know.    But I think in order for them to do that, right, they have to be willing to be inconvenienced by being around the children. And we just had a sermon on this, a wonderful sermon from the book of Mark about Jesus saying, "Let the little children come to me." And so, I think just realizing that Jesus himself, right, he was unbothered. He delighted in the presence of children. So, I think in our older age, you know, especially after you have young kids and you've done all of your time, you know, investing in the next generation in that way, just realizing that there is value in serving in kids' ministry or children's ministry in the church and just getting around the children to be able to give yourself the opportunity to know them in a way where you can meet them with the truths of God's Word. It could also be just having younger families in your home. And I know that can be such an inconvenience. I mean, we're a hot mess. We are so chaotic. And I know, you know, you even have to consider the breakables. Like, you got to protect those, you know, when we come into the house. But figure out, like, what does hospitality look like where we can welcome in younger children, the families with younger children in the home, seek to encourage the parents. I mean, truly, Laura, what else are we doing here? Like, we have been given two things. We have been given the mission of evangelizing and discipling. And that message is the same.    At the heart of both of those things is the gospel. The gospel is for salvation and for sanctification. And so, if you're an older person in the church, keep meditating on the gospel. Keep, you know, seeking to disseminate the truths of the gospel to everybody around you. And remember, the littlest of these, I think, are the most eager learners. And it's such a great opportunity.    Laura Dugger: (39:36 - 39:52) Goodness, I love that. And as you say, disseminate these truths of the gospel for both salvation and sanctification. Can you even share clearly what is that gospel that applies to everyone?    Hunter Beless: (39:53 - 43:58) Oh, yes. I mean, this is the good news that I continually am rehearsing over and over and over again. I think for me, you know, I realized as a young child that the gospel was for salvation, right? That I love the Titus 3. You know, I just wrote this Bible study on Titus with Courtney Docter. If you don't have, like, a great comprehensive kind of gospel text that you've got in your back pocket, I think Titus 3:3-7 is a wonderful text to commit to memory. It says, "So, we are sinners." Romans 3:23. You know, we were created by God to glorify him. And yet, we have chosen to glorify ourselves. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." So, we too were once foolish. I think it's easy to see that when you really think about your life. You know, like, even me testifying to my life in high school. We too were once foolish. There's no getting around that. But we too, let me see, where am I now? "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us," "not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy," So, how does he save us? Well, he sent his son, Jesus. When did the kindness of God our Savior appear? Well, it appeared over 2,000 years ago. In a stable in Bethlehem. When, like you said, God sent his son to live a perfect life. And then he gave his life on the cross so, that we might have right relationship with God. He saved us. Not by works of righteousness, but according to his mercy, "By the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit."    So, when, and by the way, he rose from the grave. Let's see, is that in here? I don't know. But let's see. That one's not in this particular gospel text of Titus 3:3-7. But we know that from the gospels, right? That Jesus Christ died on the cross. And that he rose again three days later. Overcoming death. So, that we too might not have to experience eternal death. We get to experience eternal life. When we turn from our sin and trust in him. And that's when that washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit happens. We're filled with the spirit. He's poured out his spirit on us. Verses 6 and 7 says, "whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." And so, I think part of what it looks like for us to live with that hope of eternal life. Is to constantly be reflecting upon who we were apart from Christ. Who we are in Christ. And who we will be when we one day see Christ again. Face to face. And so, that for me is what it looks like. Just to relish in the gospel. To remember the gospel.    Even when I was talking earlier, Laura, about feeling overwhelmed. The temptation for me then is to feel down on myself. And to wrestle with shame. Because I've over committed, right? But I'm rehearsing the truths of the gospel to myself in that moment. And saying, "Okay. Yes, could I have planned my schedule better? Yes, could I have done all these things? But you know what? I, by God's grace, get instead to rest in the grace that the gospel provides for me in this moment. Knowing that with all these various responsibilities, I am not going to be executing them perfectly. But he has perfectly accomplished my salvation on the cross. And so, I can rest in his son. Knowing that my salvation is not based on my perfect performance. But on the performance of Christ." And that then again helps me then to relish in the gospel. To remember the gospel, like I said, is not just for that moment of salvation or justification. When we're saved from our sins and made right with God. But it's also for every moment of every day. Because we need it all the time. At least I do.    Laura Dugger: (44:00 - 44:20) Yes, absolutely. And I think we can hear that or repeat that so, often. But I love how you unpack it. Because especially for those who have been saved. When they rely on the gospel for sanctification. Can you give any more examples of what that looks like? Specifically for sanctification after the salvation?    Hunter Beless: (44:21 - 46:35) Yeah. I think it's just coming to a greater understanding of our desperate need for Jesus. And then as we rely on him more wholly. I think we're conformed even more into the image of his son. Just after that gospel hymn in Titus 3. Verse 8 says, "The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works." So, what is sanctification? Well, sanctification is growing in godliness. Or said another way, it's growing in good works. Right? So, we're not saved because of our good works. We're saved by the gospel so, that then we can produce good works. By God's grace. That's the sanctification process. And so, how does that happen? Well, verse 8 tells us, "The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things." What does it want us to insist on? It wants us to insist then on the contents of the gospel from Titus 3:3-7. So, we need to, in order to grow in our ability to do good to others. What do we do? We insist on the gospel.    And how does that work? Well, when I am feeling, again, overbooked, overwhelmed. And somebody comes into my life that needs service. If I'm functioning by the world's wisdom, what am I going to say? "You know what? I just don't have the margin for that. I can't do that. I need to protect my time." But if I'm looking at the gospel, what do I see? Well, I see what Christ died for me. Was that act of service self-protective in any way? No. So, what does it look like for me then to lay down my life for the good of another? And that's how the gospel then informs our living in such a way that we begin to grow by God's grace, not by our own effort, in godliness. So, I think that's how the sanctification process kind of works itself out.    Laura Dugger: (46:35 - 46:54) Thank you so much for sharing that. And you've taught us already so, much in this time together. But you've also written a book recently for children. Can you tell us a little bit more about it and share the lasting truths that you want to impart to children who get to read or listen to your book?    Hunter Beless: (46:55 - 49:47) Yeah. I think it started for me with really thinking about what are those kinds of scriptural, biblical truths that I want to offer to the children in these everyday moments like we've been talking about. My son, I already shared, he's been struggling with sleep for the last year or so,. And he'll come tumbling down the stairs in the middle of the night. And my initial reaction to that is to want to say, "It's okay. Mommy's here." Right? And that's true. And I do think that offers some temporal comfort. And it is a good thing for a mother to be present in the time of a child's need. But thinking more deeply, I began to say, "Buddy, God is with you. You have no need to fear." And the reason for that is because I started thinking about, well, what if mommy wasn't here? What if I wasn't able to be here? And some of that came just from having lost my own father in the last few years to cancer spontaneously. And just thinking, like, what are the lasting truths that I then want to impart to my children when I'm no longer able to be present? So, it is true. It's comfort that mommy is here in your time of need. But also, even when mommy's not able to be here, remember, God is with you always.  And it's been such an encouragement for me then to even see him, like, on the playground and his little buddy will get hurt. And he'll turn and he'll tell his buddy, like, "It's okay. God's with you." You know what I'm thinking? "That's so, good. Like, this is the kind of stuff that I want to be just ingrained within the children so, that their initial reaction is, 'It's okay. God is with me.'" Similarly, the message that is repeated throughout the book is, "Jesus Loves You More". And that was really instigated from one of my children requesting for me to say over and over again this popular phrase that we've all heard, "I love you to the moon and back." And I started thinking, like, "Okay, that's true. I do. I love you to the moon and back. I love you to the, you know, mountaintop and to the ocean floor. I love you as far as the east is from the west. But there is one who loves you even more than I ever could. And in fact, when my love fails you, His never will." And so, I wanted to get that.    If there's one message that I want my kids to know, it's that. It's that Jesus loves them so, much that he went all the way to the cross at Calvary and gave his very life so, that they could be made right with God. So, that's the message that I hope kids will take away from the book. I do hope that it inspires parents to think about what are those lasting truths that they want to impart to their kids. And I hope it equips them then to be able to share what I believe as Christian parents is the most important message we could ever give.    Laura Dugger: (49:48 - 49:54) I just want to acknowledge too, I'm so, sorry for the sudden loss of your father in recent years.    Hunter Beless: (49:55 - 50:19) Well, thank you. Yeah, it's, you know, my kids were just saying as we were hiking this last weekend, they're like, "We miss puppy." But we're like, I'm at a point now where I did go through many years of grief, missing him, you know, all of this. But just relishing in the fact that he's in the presence of the Lord Jesus. And I am just so grateful because he's in a much better place. So, I'm looking forward to the day that I get to join him there. Amen.    Laura Dugger: (50:20 - 50:28) Well, Hunter, you've already given us so much, but where can we go to continue being discipled by you after this conversation?    Hunter Beless: (50:30 - 51:14) Well, if you like conversations like this, you know, I infrequently show up at Journey Women. We used to do a weekly show and then it turned to bi-weekly and now we're seasonal. But I do love having conversations just like this. And I hope that, you know, just as our conversation today, I hope it encourages women just to get together, like you said, with women in their local context to open up God's word. And just to go deeper, relationally, conversationally, to come together around the truths of God's word. You've asked such great questions, Laura. And I think take some of these questions and ask your friends and see where the Lord guides those conversations. I think that'll just be such a blessing. It's been a blessing to meet and chat with you today.    Laura Dugger: (51:15 - 51:32) Well, I've loved every minute. And you may already be familiar that we're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge or insight or discernment. And so, as my final question for you today, Hunter, what is your Savvy Sauce?    Hunter Beless: (51:34 - 52:28) Oh, you try to nail me down to something practical. It's funny, Laura, because I feel like I resist practical. And I'm not sure what it is about me that resists practical other than maybe sometimes I felt like bound in by people's practical advice. Does that make sense? And so, for me, here's my practical advice. My practical advice is to allow all of your practices or your practicals to be informed by the principles of the text. So, allow the principles of scripture to inform your practice. And that's not very practical, but I think the only practical way you can do that is to get your face in your Bible and to really seek to know and love God through his word. And then he will certainly help inform your practice.    Laura Dugger: (52:30 - 56:34) I think that's actually more practical than you realize. That is wonderful. And Hunter, your joy and your laugh are just contagious. And you're clearly gifted from the Lord as a clear, articulate communicator. And it blesses so, many people in so many generations because you are able to filter in the truth and then communicate it in a way that's able to be received. So, it's been so encouraging to sit under your teaching and be inspired to take this out and to hopefully begin in our home. But also, those good works, as we're called as older women, too. None of us are exempt, as you said. So, I've just thoroughly enjoyed being with you. Thank you for being my guest. Thank you so much for having me. It's been so fun.   One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.   Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started.   First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it.   You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.   And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

Have you ever looked back and been thankful God said "no"? In a world that measures life by outcomes, achievements, and results, Scripture points us toward something deeper: obedience to God and trust in His plan. In this teaching, we explore why faithfulness matters more than visible results — and how true peace comes from walking in obedience, even when life doesn't unfold the way we expected. If you've ever wondered: • Why following God doesn't always lead to immediate success • How to trust God when life feels uncertain • What Biblical contentment really looks like • How ambition and faith can work together (not against each other) …this message is for you. Through passages like Proverbs 16:9, Philippians 4, and Romans 5, we unpack how God uses every season — even difficult ones — to shape our character, build perseverance, and strengthen our hope in Him. Nothing in the Christian life is purposeless. Even seasons of pressure, waiting, or testing can become part of God's process of preparing us for what's ahead. At TRADEway, we believe stewardship begins with the right foundation — spiritually, mentally, and financially. Our mission has always been about more than trading education. It's about helping families walk in wisdom, faith, and long-term legacy thinking. If this message encouraged you to view your life and finances through the lens of Biblical stewardship, please consider liking this video and subscribing so you don't miss what's ahead. We're grateful to walk alongside you as we seek God's wisdom and steward well what He has entrusted to us. Learn More About TRADEway:

Most battles in life are not happening around us. They are happening inside our minds. In this message from the Misfit Mindset series, we explore how the real fight for believers is often the battle for our thoughts. Scripture tells us to take every thought captive and to fix our minds on what is true, honorable, and worthy of praise. But that is much easier said than done. Worry, frustration, distractions, and everyday conflicts can quietly pull our thinking in the wrong direction before we even realize it. This teaching walks through passages like Philippians 4 and 2 Corinthians 10 to show how God invites us into a different way of thinking. Instead of living trapped in cycles of worry or frustration, we learn how to replace those thoughts with prayer and trust. When that shift happens, something powerful follows. God begins guarding our hearts and minds with a peace that does not even make sense to the world around us.   Did you accept Christ today? Fill out our digital connection card: https://churchontherock.net/connect-card

What are TV shows actually doing to us?In this episode of the GoodKind Podcast, Clayton, Chris, and Amy wrestle with a surprisingly important question: when we sit down to watch a show, are we just relaxing—or are we being shaped by the stories we consume? From nostalgic sitcoms to intense dramas, television doesn't just entertain. It reflects culture, communicates values, and often invites us into a particular way of seeing the world.The conversation explores how Christians can think thoughtfully about entertainment without becoming anxious or overly restrictive. The hosts discuss setting personal “edges” around what they watch, recognizing the messages embedded in storytelling, and why common grace means good stories can still be meaningful even when they aren't told from a Christian perspective.They also turn to parenting—how kids absorb the stories they watch, why conversations about media matter, and how families can help children learn to discern what is good, true, and beautiful in the content around them.Whether you love TV or rarely watch it, this episode invites you to consider a simple question: what stories are shaping your imagination?Takeaways Television can be a form of storytelling that reflects and shapes cultural values.Entertainment can be relaxing, but it still influences how we think and see the world.Christians can thoughtfully engage culture without feeling pressure to avoid it entirely.Setting personal boundaries around themes like violence, sex, or hopelessness can help guard our attention and imagination.Asking simple questions about a show's message can help reveal the worldview behind the story.Watching media together can open meaningful conversations between spouses and friends.Kids are actively learning from the stories they watch, which makes parental guidance important.Media discernment is a skill that families can practice together over time.Chapters00:00 TV shows we love (and a friendly debate)08:08 What is actually happening when we watch TV?15:05 Entertainment, storytelling, and escape23:59 Setting boundaries around what we watch30:10 A biblical framework for media (Philippians 4:8)33:15 How stories shape us more than we realize36:27 Asking the “moral of the story” question44:00 Why Christians don't have to avoid TV entirely45:59 Parenting kids in a media-saturated world52:32 The challenge of YouTube and short-form content53:55 Final reflections: are we passive viewers?

Philippians 4:6-7 This Sunday we get to look at a passage that seems almost impossible to live out. It goes like this: "Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." See you Sunday to consider! SPOTIFY MUSIC PLAYLIST -- https://tinyurl.com/fkzpkjwh SERMON PODCAST -- https://tinyurl.com/2sn3msmn CONNECT WITH US -- https://siderischurch.com/connectcard MORE GOSPEL RESOURCES -- https://siderischurch.com/resources

Have you ever written or received a letter that warns you about certain people who may cause you harm? That's what Paul did in Philippians. But more than that, he used it as a springboard to launch into what is the essence of a maturing relationship with the Living God and to find out that this was his intention for humankind all along. Nate's on vacation this week, so Sean filled in! What happens when Adam and Sean are left to their own devices? Find out!▶️ Sean's Message on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/ytp4e3df

We often exhaust ourselves chasing perfection and personal growth, desperately hoping our achievements will finally give us a sense of true value and peace. Imagine what your life could look like if you stopped relying on your own efforts and finally let go of the past. Let's find out how to shift our focus toward the only prize that truly matters.Chapters:00:00 What Prize Are You Chasing00:36 Easy Wins vs Hard Wins01:15 Door Prize Xbox Story02:43 VBS TV Hustle03:56 Two Approaches to Faith05:33 Philippians 308:36 Surrender to Be One09:48 Reprioritize Your Life11:15 Cut Off Hindrances16:08 Hope for the Future19:06 Power Through Suffering20:12 Eternity Starts Now21:54 Set Goals With Purpose24:20 Press On Look Forward26:50 Journey Report30:46 Build Family Values33:32 Faith Not Self RighteousnessTAKE A NEXT STEP:INTRODUCE YOURSELF

Thefirst theme that stands out in this book, of course, is joy. This theme ofjoy is closely connected to our minds—what our minds are set upon. That'swhy, over the years as I've taught through this book, I've often used a verysimple outline based on the focus of the believer's mind in each chapter. Inchapter one, we see what it means to have the single mind. Thisis the mind that is set on Jesus Christ—always looking unto Jesus, the authorand finisher of our faith. It is also a mind that is focused on the gospel. Aswe go through this chapter, you will notice how many times Paul mentions JesusChrist and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul lived to share that gospel, andthat purpose brought great joy to his heart. Thenin chapter two, we see the submissive mind. This introduces us toanother great theme of the book—humility. Chapter two contains one of the mostbeautiful descriptions of the humility of Jesus Christ in all of Scripture.Though He was rich, yet He became poor. Though He sat on the throne with the Father,ruling over creation, He humbled Himself. He became a servant. He became a man.This is the incarnation of Christ. In this chapter we see the example of Jesusin His humility. We also see the example of Timothy in his humility, theexample of Epaphroditus in his humility, and even the example of the ApostlePaul himself. If we want to experience real joy, we must learn to have asubmissive mind. Thenin chapter three, we see the theme of the spiritual mind. HerePaul explains that although he could boast about many things according to theflesh, he has no confidence in the flesh. In fact, he says, “I have noconfidence in the flesh” (v. 3). Instead, he declares in 3:10, “That Imay know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of Hissufferings.” Paul's great desire was simply to know Christ more intimately. Thisbrings us back to something Jesus said about joy in Gospel of John 15:8. Jesussaid, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you willbe My disciples.” I am convinced that great joy comes when we fulfill thepurpose for which God created us. That purpose is to glorify God. And weglorify God by bearing fruit as disciples of Jesus Christ. And according toJohn 15:1-8, the only way we can bear fruit is by abiding in Christ. Do you seehow all these things tie together? When we abide in Christ, wonderful thingsbegin to happen in our lives. Thenin John 16:22–24, Jesus said, “Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will seeyou again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.”Jesus knew the disciples would soon see Him crucified and experience deepsorrow. But He also knew that joy would follow. He continued, When you are fulfilling the purpose for whichGod created you, your joy will be full. Your joy will be complete. This is thespiritual mind—a mind set on knowing Christ and experiencing the power ofHis resurrection. Thenwe come to chapter four, which reveals the secure mind. Here Paulexplains that he has learned to be content in every circumstance and situationin life (4:11-13). He says that he has learned how to live whether he haslittle or much. Whether he has abundance or nothing at all, he has learned howto trust Christ. That is why he can say, “I can do all things through Christwho strengthens me.” And he also declares, “My God shall supply all yourneed according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (v. 19). This is thesecure mind—a mind resting in the provision and faithfulness of God. Sothese are some of the great themes we will discover throughout the book ofPhilippians: joy, humility, unity in Christ, sacrificial service, and a lifecentered on doing the will of God every day. And when we live that kind oflife, we discover the joy that only God can give.

Is your name written in the Book of Life? The Book of Life is mentioned eight times in the New Testament (once in Philippians and seven times in Revelation). The Bible teaches that this book lists all the names of people who are going to spend eternity in heaven with Jesus. If your name is not in the book, you will be denied access to heaven. So how can you be sure your name will be listed in the Book of Life? Find out in today's study from Philippians 4 with Pastor Gary.

In this broadcast I div into the intersection of biblical truth and mental health, and how the two meet us right in the middle of our real-life struggles. I start in Philippians 1:12–18, looking at Paul's imprisonment as a master class in what I call “redeemed interpretation.” Paul was in chains, but he refused to live as a […]

"Your Old Nature & Your New Nature"Genesis 33The Book of Genesis Series - In The Beginning, GodPastor Nate ClarkeMarch 15, 2026Join us Easter Sunday at our new church building April 5th7339 Atlee Road, Mechanicsville VAVirginia's proposed Constitutional amendments on Abortion & Marriage - How to VOTE BIBLICALLY: https://youtu.be/Y8z8xTFsOn8How should Christians respond to wickedness in the world? https://youtu.be/2OJUIM9YRwASERMON NOTES:- Genesis 33:1-4- Genesis 33:12-20- Your old nature & your new nature - Encounters with God will bear the fruit of transformation- Jacob: “heel grabber”   Israel: “God rules / prevails”- 2 Corinthians 5:17- Signs of a transformed Jacob:    - He now goes ahead to meet Esau. New courage.- Genesis 33:3    - He humbles himself by bowing 7X. Surrendered humility.- Genesis 33:3- Sanctification (discipleship) doesn't happen at one time, but over time.- From Genesis 33-50, “Jacob” is used 45x and “Israel” is used 23x- Signs of doubt and struggle for Jacob:    - He ordered his people based on emotional priorities.- Genesis 33:6-7    - He insisted Esau receive his gifts- Genesis 33:8-11    - He settled short of where God called him- Genesis 33:18- Matthew 7:15-20- If your name is Israel, how long are you going to live like your name is Jacob?- Hebrews 5:11-14- Philippians 2:12-13- Ephesians 4:22-24- Romans 12:2- It only takes 1 day to obey God, but disobedience can delay you for years.Oasis Church exists to Worship God, Equip the believers, and Reach the lost.We are led by Pastor Nate Clarke and are located in Mechanicsville outside Richmond in Central Virginia.STAY CONNECTEDInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasischurchva/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OasisChurchRVA/Website: https://oasischurch.online

In this 3/1/26 sermon from the Philippian series, Michael Gowens considers Philippians 2:19-30 and Paul's tribute to two exemplary Christians - Timothy and Epaphroditus. These two men embody the selfless and sacrificial nature of Christian discipleship, and serve as role models for the rest of us to emulate.

Fear SEES. Anxiety IMAGINES.100% of your anxiety is tied to a future you are IMAGINING and cannot CONTROL.Anxiety EXPANDS to the size of our THOUGHTS. Faith EXPANDS to the size of our PRAYERS.Philippians 4:4-8 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.The objective is to MOVE your anxiety TOWARDS God.PRAYERPETITIONREQUESTS3 Practical Ways to Pray to Experience PeaceWRITE it.Isaiah 37:16–20 “Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to all the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God. “It is true, Lord, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste all these peoples and their lands. They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, Lord, are the only God.WALK it.3.  MEDITATE on Scripture.The world teaches you to rehearse your WOUNDS. The Word teaches you to rehearse GOD'S TRUTH.Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.Peace is found in SURRENDERING everything to the God who already HOLDS IT ALL.

In this week's episode of Raising Kids on Your Knees, we're diving deep into one of the most powerful—and often misunderstood—character traits we can cultivate in our homes: humility. Using Scripture as our guide, we explore what true biblical humility looks like, how pride subtly sneaks into our lives and parenting, and why teaching our children to walk humbly before God sets them up for lifelong wisdom, unity, and spiritual strength.Together, we unpack five key Bible verses on humility, learn how pride disguises itself in both bold and quiet ways, and discover practical steps for helping our children depend on God rather than on us. You'll also hear encouragement for navigating hard seasons, receiving compliments with grace, serving others with joy, and modeling humility in everyday moments.If you're a Christian parent longing to raise children who love Jesus, walk in wisdom, and reflect His character in a world obsessed with self, this episode will equip and encourage you.Keywords: Christian parenting, humility, pride, spiritual growth, raising godly kids, biblical character, family discipleship, Christian mom podcast, spiritual parenting, Proverbs 11:2, Philippians 2:3, Romans 12:3, James 3:13, 1 Peter 5:6Listen to Legacy - A Mom Podcast https://RaisingKidsOnYourKnees.org/podcastJoin the Prayer Tribe https://mailchi.mp/24bba9787d3e/raisingkidsonyourknees Listen to last week's episode on Integrity https://open.spotify.com/episode/1PJ1fxl5lTUvDQP0vf2poP?si=9b88a99e7bd44719Flying Arrow Productions

Pastor Alan R. Knapp discusses the topic of "H2020 in Overdrive Adequah - Part Two" in his series entitled "Hebrews 2020: We See Jesus" This is Increment 422 and it focuses on the following verses: Jeremiah 45:1-5; Philippians 2:3-11; Hebrews 11:14; 12:1-2

Philippians 4:4-7 NASB

This sermon was preached by Ed Mangham, C&MA Regional Director for Europe, on Philippians 1:12–30 and is part of our series Upside-Down Joy.

Welcome Graham fam! We are so glad you could watch Sunday morning online with us. Sermon TitleMaking a Holy Week: God in Flesh IntroductionThis sermon explores the significance of Jesus coming in the flesh as the Son of Man. We look at the journey from the fall of man to the gauntlet of Jesus’ final week, focusing on why His humanity was essential for our redemption and how being filled with the Holy Spirit leads us to a miraculous union with God. Scripture– John 1:10-18– Philippians 2:6-8– 1 Timothy 3:16– Colossians 2:8-10– Colossians 1:15-20– Matthew 19:25-26 Sermon Points– Flesh and Blood!– Spirit Filled!– A Miraculous Union!– The Visible God! ClosingWhile holiness and perfection may seem impossible by human standards, Jesus reminds us that with God, all things are possible. Through faith and surrender, we can experience the cleansing and purifying work of God in our lives, joining Him in the holiness He made possible during that first Holy Week. Watch past services: https://www.gcwesleyan.org/teaching/ Subscribe to Graham Chapel Youth: https://is.gd/grahamyouth Give to Graham Chapel: https://www.gcwesleyan.org/give/ Graham Chapel Wesleyan Church is in Mayo, SC near Cowpens and Chesnee in Spartanburg County. We'd love to have you join us in person on Sundays or Wednesdays for youth! Visit our website to learn more.

In Week 4 of our series Indicators: 6 Tests of Spiritual Growth, we ask: Am I becoming increasingly eternally-minded and Kingdom-focused? Looking to Matthew 6:33 and Philippians 3, we're reminded that spiritual maturity reshapes our values. As believers, we press on toward Christ, loosen our grip on earthly priorities, and live in light of our true citizenship in Heaven.Website:www.experienceredemption.comFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/experienceredemptionInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/experienceredemption

Philippians 2

Our lifestyle can lead others to eternity. Welcome To BARAH MINISTRIES An Online Christian Church Teaching the Word of God RORY CLARK Pastor-Teacher Good Morning! Welcome to Barah Ministries, an online Christian Church teaching the Word of God verse-by-verse to the hearers the Lord... for full notes: http://www.barahministries.com/index.php?proc=lsn&sf=v&tid=1988

Philippians begins with an incredible expression of thankfulness from Paul and Timothy. Philippians 1:3–6 “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this: that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Paul and Timothy are filled with gratitude because of the Philippian believers’ partnership in the gospel. Their support and faithfulness encouraged them and sustained them throughout their ministry and travels. What a reason for joy—to know that you are united with other believers who are praying for you and caring for you out of the blessings God has given them! As a church, how are we doing in partnering together for the mission? Do we pray for one another? Do we care for and support each other? I know we do these things—but I also believe we have even greater opportunities ahead of us to grow in these ways and glorify Christ together. This weekend, we’re excited to explore what it means to partner in the mission of the gospel at MBC as we continue to grow in Christ and move forward for His glory. Join us this Sunday at 8:00 AM or 11:00 AM as we worship together as the body of Christ at Mitchell Berean Church! - Pastor Ben For this week's Scripture and notes: http://bible.com/events/49567368

This teaching opens with thanksgiving for answered prayer and fellowship, celebrating God's healing power and faithfulness, then transitions into a biblical exhortation rooted in Book of Revelation 2, focusing on the church in Thyatira—a small, working-class city facing intense pressure to compromise faith for economic survival through pagan trade guilds—while drawing illustrative parallels from Book of Acts 12 (Peter's miraculous release from prison), Book of Acts 16–17 (Lydia of Thyatira, a faithful seller of purple who responded to the gospel), and the resulting witness seen in the church addressed in Epistle to the Philippians, emphasizing that although Thyatira was culturally insignificant, Christ addressed it with the longest letter to warn against tolerated sin, false teaching (symbolized by “Jezebel”), and moral compromise, while calling believers to perseverance, holiness, and unwavering loyalty to Him despite social, financial, and spiritual cost. 

The Blessing of Suffering Well(1 Peter 4:1-6) For the bulletin in PDF form, click here. Message SlidesStanding Out in the Crowd - SwindollThe Liberty of Salvation - Edmund ClowneyApplication: 1 Peter 4:1-6 - Scot McKnightINTRODUCTION: Patterns for Preaching in Peter and PaulFollow this ExampleBe willing to suffer rather than sin.• Example: The suffering of Christ is the supreme example (4:1a).• Commitment: Be ready and willing to suffer instead of sinning. (4:1b).• Submission: Be ready and willing to suffer to live for the will of God (4:2).Do Not Follow This ExampleLeave your past life behind.• Out of Time: Your pre-conversion life is in your past (4:3a).• Out of Control: Your pre-conversion life was out of control (4:3b).• Out of Sync: Your post-conversion is strange to others (4:4).• Out of Appeals: Everyone will eventually give an account (4:5).• Out of Excuses: Everyone will be judged fairly (4:6).Choosing to follow in the footsteps of Christ's sufferingmay alienate you from the world as you avoid sinful livingbut provides you with the satisfaction of identification with Christ.‘Make the Application“Read the Scriptures, not as one who goes to a wardrobeto take an inventory of clothes, but as one who goes thereto find something to wear.” John DonneHome Church Questions1. Read Philippians 2:1-11. This parallel passage to Peter's teaching in 1 Peter 4:1-2 expands on the truth found there. Both passages encourage us to follow the example of Christ. How does Philippians 2:1-11 give you additional hope, confidence, and courage for your own suffering?2. In the Bible Belt, how do you resist the pull of the American Dream while still accepting that suffering is often part of God's will for us? How do you pursue faithfulness to Christ when the surrounding culture constantly pressures you to seek comfort, success, and security—especially when Scripture teaches that hardship and self-denial are frequently God's will for believers?3. In the most practical way you can, articulate what it means to “arm yourself” with the same attitude Christ had when He suffered? Can you give any examples of when you have done this?4. Jesus, far beyond any of us, suffered when He did not deserve it. How does this frame our response when we recognize that our suffering is also undeserved? Are we entitled to a life of blessing?5. Have you ever experienced rejection by a past community because you chose to live according to your Christian convictions? Have you ever remained quiet about your Christian practices in order to avoid this?6. What about your current way of living as a believer and faithful follower of Christ is seen by unbelievers as, in the words of Nijay Gupta's book, “Strange Religion?”UPG FOCUS: Pray for the Tai Do in LaosThe Tai Do are a small ethnic group living primarily in central Laos, with a few communities in Vietnam. They follow traditional animistic beliefs, seeking to appease spirits for protection and blessing. Only a small number of believers are known among them, and Scripture translation has just begun. Pray that the growing number of Tai Do Christians would remain strong in faith, that the gospel would spread to every village, and that many would come to know Jesus as Lord.FinancesWeekly Budget 34,615Giving For 03/01 22,132Giving For 03/08 48,141 YTD Budget 1,246,154Giving 1,588,461 OVER/(UNDER) 342,307Fellowship Men's MusterMen's Muster is April 17-19, 2026. Senior Teaching Pastor, Chris Moore, will be our speaker, and the weekend promises to be great for growing spiritually and connecting deeply with other men. Cost is $135 or $85 for a college/High School student. If money is an issue, please check the “contact me” button. We will reach out to see what you are able to pay. Register at fellowshipconway.org/men .New to Fellowship?We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift. Fellowship 101 - April 12 | 9:00 a.m Whether you've been visiting Fellowship Conway for a few weeks or a few months, we'd love to invite you to take the next step in getting connected. Come hear our heart as a church — who we are, what we do, and why we're passionate about it. It's also a welcoming space to ask questions, meet others, and discover how you might grow and serve alongside us. Please register at fellowshipconway.org/register so we can plan well and keep you updated with reminders or any details about the class. If you have questions or would like more information, feel free to reach out to Michael Harrison at mharrison@fellowshipconway.org — we'd love to help you get connected.Holy Week on Hogan StreetPastors from several churches along Hogan Lane have come together to host a special Holy Week gathering, March 30–April 3. Participating pastors include Herschel Richardson of Grace Methodist, Larry White of Woodland Heights, Chase Moser of Cornerstone Bible, Jim Hays of Grace Presbyterian, along with Chris Moore and Ken Wilson from Fellowship Bible Church. You're invited to gather each weekday of Holy Week from 12:00–1:00 pm at Grace Methodist for a brief time of worship, a devotional message from one of the pastors, and a shared meal. Donations will be accepted and directed towards local missions. Crucifixion DinnerYou are invited to join us on Good Friday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. for a meaningful evening of reflection as we remember Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Together, we will share a simple dinner of broth and bread, setting aside time to consider the depth of His love and the hope made possible through His suffering. Childcare is available for children ages six and under by texting Shanna at 501-336-0332. Please be sure children are fed before being dropped off. Let us gather with grateful hearts as we reflect on the great price that was paid for us. Join the Worhip Tech TeamHelp create a space where people can encounter the Lord through worship. Our Sunday morning Tech Team is looking for a few more volunteers to serve behind the scenes with audio, visuals, and livestream. No experience is needed—we'll provide all the training and support you need. If you'd like to be part of the team and are college age or older, contact Jordan Mays at jmays@fellowshipconway.org.Prayer During ServiceWe love praying for one another. After the message, members of our prayer team will be at the front of the Auditorium under the Hope and Love signs, ready to pray with you. During the first worship song following the message, please feel free to come forward if you would like prayer or encouragement.

Sunday, 15 March 2026   At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Matthew 18:1   “In that hour, they came, the disciples to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then, he is, greatest in the kingdom of the heavens'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus's word finished Chapter 17 as He told Peter to go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish he caught, opening its mouth, and taking out a stater that would be in its mouth. With that, Peter was to pay the temple tax for Jesus and himself. Chapter 18 begins with, “In that hour.”   Mark and Luke do not mention the account concerning Peter and the payment of the temple tax. Instead, they go into Jesus' words about Him being betrayed and killed (Matthew 17:22, 23) directly into the account now stated. Peter, being the one approached by the tax collectors, may have simply been drawn out of the flow of the narrative, or Matthew may have put that account in there categorically to ensure typology was maintained.   Either way, each account describes this scene a little bit differently, but all agree on the overall tenor of what occurs. Placing the three accounts together, a full picture of how the matter arose is easily seen. This matter is, according to Matthew, that “they came, the disciples to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then, he is, greatest in the kingdom of the heavens?'”   To introduce this account, Mark says, “Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, ‘What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?'” Luke records, “Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest.”   The substance of the matter is that of being great in their hoped-for Messianic kingdom. The disciples argued over who the greatest of them would be. Thus, there is a mark of selfishness and a desire to be recognized above the others. This is a part of the human condition, and few, if any, are exempt from it.   Life application: For the most part, those who appear exempt from feelings of grandeur and self-importance are simply aware of the fact that they don't have a way of becoming great, or they lack what is needed in whatever they think “being great” means. It's not that they don't want it, it's that they aren't able to attain it.   This may not be universal, but it generally becomes evident when someone who had no shot at becoming “great” suddenly has greatness thrust upon him. It is a very rare soul who will handle his elevation responsibly and with humility.   But such an attitude is contrary to what is biblically expected of all, much less leaders. Paul says –   “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3, 4   After saying that, he pens the example of Christ, the One to be emulated –   “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11   Therefore, even if this is not in our nature, we are asked to work on it, until it becomes our nature. The King of the Universe was willing to unite with humanity and take on the lowliest form of man, serving others. This is what God esteems in us. It is akin to the example that Jesus will set forth to His disciples in the verses ahead in Matthew.   Let us have this mind in us, to the glory of God who called us unto Himself.   Lord God Almighty, may we be willing to set aside our pride, lustful desires, and the earthly temptations that we are constantly bombarded with to pursue a life of humility and honoring others. Above all, may our actions be done to glorify You. You alone are truly worthy of all praise, glory, and honor. Amen.

In part two of the "Serve-olution" series, Pastor Jeff Gonzalez explores the radical heart of the Kingdom of God. While the world chases prestige, power, and "likes," Jesus models a different path to greatness: the path of the servant. This message challenges us to look beyond our own convenience and see people through the eyes of compassion, revealing that true spiritual maturity is found not in what we receive, but in what we pour out. -- Real greatness in God's Kingdom is found by lowering yourself for the sake of others, not by exalting your own status. -- Humility is not insecurity or weakness; it is strength under control, rooted in a secure identity in Christ. -- Serving like Jesus changes our "prescription," allowing us to see people as souls to love rather than inconveniences to manage. -- A faith that only receives but never releases becomes weak and shriveled; we must exercise our faith through action. -- Service acts as a spiritual mirror, exposing our hidden pride, impatience, and need for recognition so God can heal us. -- Transformation is not about becoming a better version of ourselves, but about becoming more like Christ through the act of serving. Scriptures for Further Study -- Mark 10:43-45 -- John 13:3-5 -- Philippians 2:2-8 -- Matthew 9:36 -- James 1:22-23 +++++++ Join us for church this Sunday. For service times and meeting location please visit https://transformtlh.com/

What Are You Aiming For MESSAGE SUMMARY: What are we truly aiming for in life? This powerful message challenges us to examine our ultimate goals and purpose. Drawing from Philippians 3:7-15, we're invited to reflect on the Apostle Paul's radical transformation - from chasing earthly accolades to pursuing an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul's journey reminds us that success without Christ isn't true success at all. The message encourages us to shift our focus from temporary achievements to lasting transformation, emphasizing that our identity should be rooted in our relationship with Jesus, not in our accomplishments or status. As we contemplate our own lives, we're urged to consider: are we striving for Christ-centered righteousness or merely following religious rules? This introspection can lead us to a deeper, more purposeful faith journey.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV):  Philippians 3:7-15 (main passage); Philippians 3:4-6; Acts 9 (Paul's conversion); Romans 3:20; Ephesians 2:8-9 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Do You Struggle with Your “Prayer Life”? Find a Quiet Place for Your Personal Relationship with God and Pray to the Universe's Creator”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

During difficult seasons, we often look for something steady—something that won’t shift beneath us when fear and uncertainty begin to rise. Scripture reminds us that God Himself is our firm foundation, the rock that holds us steady through every storm. His presence never wavers, and His peace never runs dry. Yet God, in His kindness, gives us another gift to help sustain us through life’s challenges: His people. The body of Christ is one of God’s most tangible expressions of care. Through fellow believers, God provides encouragement, prayer, wisdom, and comfort. Sometimes that support comes through a conversation, a message, a shared prayer, or simply someone willing to sit quietly beside us during a hard moment. The Apostle Paul understood the power of this gift. In Philippians 1:3-5, he expresses deep gratitude for the believers who partnered with him in the gospel. Their support strengthened him in his mission and reminded him that he was never alone in his calling. Many of us struggle to ask for help. Vulnerability can feel uncomfortable, and we often try to carry our burdens quietly. But God designed the church so that we would support one another. When we open our hearts and allow others to walk beside us, we experience the strength of a community bound together by Christ. And just as we receive encouragement from others, we are also called to extend that same care to those around us. Gratitude for God’s people naturally leads us to become a blessing ourselves—offering prayer, encouragement, and compassion whenever we can. When we pause to thank God for the people He places in our lives, we recognize that His provision often arrives through the hands and hearts of others. Main Takeaways God is our ultimate foundation and source of strength. The body of Christ is a tangible gift of encouragement and support. Asking for help allows others to serve as God’s hands and feet. Gratitude grows when we recognize how God works through His people. Believers are called to both receive and offer encouragement within the church. Today’s Bible Verse I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. - Philippians 1:3-5 Your Daily Prayer Prayer excerpt for listeners: “Thank You for the people You’ve placed in my life to encourage and strengthen me.” Listen to the full prayer here. To view the prayer in written format, visit the links below. Want More? Relevant Links & Resources Continue growing in faith and encouragement: LifeAudio.com – Christian podcasts and devotionals Crosswalk.com – Daily prayers, articles, and Bible study resources If you enjoyed this devotional, you may also appreciate Keri Eichberger’s book, Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes, available on Amazon and major online retailers. This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.orgTrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments, Trinity has the knowledge and resources to make a difference. https://trinitycredit.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this Weekend Pulpit Scott Pauley gives a prayer list drawn from the apostle Paul's own requests for intercession. Every faithful shepherd is bearing heavy burdens and each local church must be faithful to pray for their pastor.  This message was preached while Scott Pauley served on staff at the Temple Baptist Church in Powell, TN. Scott walks through multiple Scripture references—Romans 15:30, Ephesians 6:18–19, Philippians 1:19–20, Colossians 4:2–3, 2 Thessalonians 3:1, 1 Timothy 2:1–2, and Hebrews 13—showing seven specific ways to pray for a pastor.  Print/download 7 Prayers for Your Pastor HERE Join our study through Scripture this year. Find resources for every book of the Bible at enjoyingthejourney.org/journey-through-scripture/ Whether you're a new believer or have walked with the Lord for years, you'll find thousands of free devotionals, Bible studies, audio series, and Scripture tools designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of the Bible, and help you stay rooted in the Word of God. Explore now at EnjoyingTheJourney.org. Extend the Work Enjoying the Journey provides every resource for free worldwide. If you would like to help extend this Bible teaching, you may give at enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

Have you ever been taught that focusing on your health or fitness might be selfish… or even vain? Many Christian women have been exposed to a more legalistic view that caring about their bodies or health is prideful or worldly. But when we look at what Jesus actually said, we see something very different. Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves — which means caring for your body and your health was never meant to be selfish. In this episode of the Strong. Confident. His. Podcast, I'm sharing what Scripture really teaches about caring for your body and why stewarding your health can actually be an act of honoring God. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why many Christian women believe taking care of themselves is selfish • How constantly serving everyone else can lead to exhaustion and neglecting your health • What Jesus meant when He said to love your neighbor as yourself • Why caring for your body is biblical stewardship, not vanity • How shifting your mindset about your body can transform your relationship with food, fitness, and discipline This episode will help you stop seeing health as something selfish and start seeing it as an act of gratitude for the life God has given you. When you begin to love yourself the way God loves you, you begin to care for yourself the way He intended. Scripture Referenced in This Episode Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust in the Lord with all your heart Matthew 22:37–39 — Love your neighbor as yourself 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 — Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit 3 John 1:2 — I pray that you may prosper and be in health Philippians 4:13 — I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Take the Next Step in Your Faith and Fitness Journey Are you tired of starting over with your health and fitness — and ready to do it God's way? Inside the Fit God's Way 30-Day Transformation, I guide you through a proven, Christ-centered plan with live coaching and prayer so you can finally stay consistent. Join us ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com/fit-gods-way-course Subscribe to the Strong. Confident. His. Podcast If this episode spoke to your heart today, please share it with a friend who needs that same encouragement. You can also help more women find this message by leaving a five-star review on Apple or Spotify. Every review helps someone else discover hope, strength, and freedom through Christ-centered health. With so much love, Remember, You are Strong. Confident. His. Kim Dolan Leto Listen to Strong. Confident. His. Apple ➞ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strong-confident-his-christian-fitness-health-and/id1504962677 Spotify ➞ https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ymer79UOqIbItrwPJErxC All Episodes ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com/podcast Connect with Me Newsletter ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com/get-on-the-list Website ➞ https://kimdolanleto.comInstagram ➞ https://instagram.com/kimdolanleto Facebook ➞ https://facebook.com/kimdolanleto YouTube ➞ https://youtube.com/kimdolanletofit Podcast ➞ https://kimdolanleto.com/strong-confident-his-podcast

“Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.” (Philippians ... More...

We will always struggle to keep God as the center of our worship and satisfaction. Just like the verse in Come Thou Fount says, “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love,” I definitely feel that pull. Even as a redeemed child of God, I struggle with my sin nature and will continue to fail and need to repent. While you and I will not be perfect in this life, we can make progress. That's what I'd like to focus on today. How can you and I as Christians seeking to love God with all our hearts, souls, and strength avoid common traps that lead to idolatry? While there are many great ways to do this, I'd like to share three practical tips to fight idolatry that have been extremely helpful in my own walk with the Lord. The first is to develop the habit of spiritual disciplines. Spiritual disciplines are practices we do because they aid us in our relationship with God. The two most powerful spiritual disciplines are prayer and Bible reading. I can't even begin to describe how important these practices have been in my life. 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 (Romans 12:2). Surely the pattern of this world includes idolatry. Don't you constantly hear messages that call you to put our hope in something other than God? But when I come to his Word on a regular basis, my mind is renewed. I see that thing, whatever it is, I have been placing my trust in is empty and will fail every time. I read about God's character—how he is steadfast, and sustains his people, how his love never fails, and he is powerful. As I pray and confess my need for him and praise him for his character, my mind is renewed and I am less likely to fall into the trap of looking to worthless things to satisfy me. What would it look like for you to prioritize prayer and Bible reading as a regular part of life to orient your mind and affections toward the Lord? The next tip for fighting against idolatry is similar and takes the practice of Bible reading a step further. I have found it very helpful to spend time meditating on God's character. Now the word meditate in our current setting can often mean emptying or clearing your mind and just being present in the here and now. However, Biblical meditation is very different. It is not clearing the mind but actively setting the mind on truth and choosing to focus on that truth and mull it over—to steep in it and consider it from all angles. Remember, even though you and I know idolatry proves fruitless, the pull and want of certain things is extremely powerful, sometimes ridiculously powerful. If you are struggling with a disordered love, something you feel you have to have or hold so dear that it has taken God's place in your heart, if that's you, I would commend you to meditate on God's attributes. As you read your Bible, take time to stop and ask yourself, what is this teaching me about God? What does this show me of his character? And then stop and ponder it. Maybe keep a notebook where you list what you learn about God from scripture. Pray about it. Talk with God about his character. Praise him, thank him, draw near to him. When was the last time you sat and marveled at who God is? It is so difficult to do in a world that is constantly rushing to the next thing! Meditation takes discipline and practice, and I need to cultivate that in my life more as well because it is so worthwhile. A passage that might be helpful to start meditating on is Isaiah 46. That passage provides a wonderful contrast between false gods that vie for our hearts and the one true God. Listen to how verses 1-2 describe idols. Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low; their idols are borne by beasts of burden. The images that are carried about are burdensome, a burden for the weary. They stoop and bow down together; unable to rescue the burden, they themselves go off into captivity (Isaiah 46:1-2). The idols of the world are a burden for the weary. The text paints a picture of someone stooping low because they are so weighed down by their idols. Idols burden the worshippers have no power to unburden but instead lead to captivity. However, the one true God could not be more different. Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. With whom will you compare me or count me equal? To whom will you liken me that we may be compared (Isaiah 46:3-5)? Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me (Isaiah 46:9). In contrast to idols, the God of the Bible is described as someone who upholds his people, who carries them in love; he bears their burdens. He sustains his people and rescues them. He brings his righteousness and salvation near to us. As I ponder the goodness of a God who not only sees my need but is powerful and willing to help me, I am less likely to run after hollow substitutes. Meditation on God's character will also fortify your heart. We grow in the habits of prayer, Bible reading, and meditation, but I also think it is important to consider the relationship between idolatry and discontentment. Really, they are very similar. Idolatry is a lack of contentment in the Lord. It is saying, “Lord, I see you, but I want more. I need something else to satisfy me. You are not enough for my soul.” If idolatry springs from discontentment in the Lord, wouldn't it make sense to be active in cultivating contentment in order to guard our hearts? In Philippians 4:13, we find the beautiful and popular verse I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Sadly, this verse is often misunderstood to mean that whatever I want to do, I am able to do because Christ will help me. But that is not what this verse is saying. We can see the true meaning by looking at the context of the verse. What is Paul talking about? He is talking about contentment. He has just said he learned the secret of being content no matter what the circumstances, and it is that he can do all things through Christ. In this context we could even say the verse is revealing that the Christian can bear all things or endure anything through Christ. That means whether my bank account is full or I'm broke, if I have Christ, I am secure. Whether I have a beautiful family or lose everyone I love, if I have Christ, I am rooted in a love that is sure and unshakable. Whether life is easy and comfortable and I experience the riches of God's blessing or every day is painful and suffering seems to come in waves, if I am in Christ, the God of all comfort will minister to my soul and use all things for my ultimate good. Are you content in Christ? Can you truly say, Jesus is enough? Can you declare, his grace is sufficient for all your needs? It is normal if there are times when faith comes easier and when it is hard. Jesus was tempted as we are and knows the pull of our hearts away from the Father. But as you seek to grow in contentment, as you meditate on the character of God, as you take time to be in his word and pray, the Lord will meet you and draw your heart to himself. The words from the song Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus have proved so true in my life and I pray they will in yours too. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.” May it be so. Amen.

Jase, Missy, Al, and Lisa offer solutions to what they believe young men and women are missing in their lives today. Along the way they reveal their own shame, shortcomings and how mentorship and grace from God have changed them from the inside out. Jase jokes that he has spent his life researching whether marital relations will be part of heaven, but agrees that whatever God's plan for eternity is, it'll be better than we can imagine. In this episode: Proverbs 31, verses 10–31; Acts 17; Matthew 19, verses 3–12, 28; Titus 3, verse 5; Proverbs 22, verse 14; Proverbs 23, verse 27; Job 31; Matthew 6, verses 22–23; Genesis 39; Philippians 4, verse 13; Job 19, verses 25–27 “Unashamed” Episode 1286 is sponsored by: Check out Zocdoc and stop putting off those doctors appointments. Go to https://zocdoc.com/UNASHAMED to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. https://texassuperfood.com — Get 35% off your first order when you use code Unashamed. https://fastgrowingtrees.com — Get 20% your first purchase when using the code UNASHAMED at checkout. https://preborn.com/unashamed — Visit the PreBorn! website or dial #250 and use keyword BABY to donate today. http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://open.spotify.com/show/3LY8eJ4ZBZHmsImGoDNK2l Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters 00:00 The Women Stay for Another Episode 06:02 Quoting Phil's Marriage “Advice”  11:15 Why Young People Are Searching for Mentors 17:08 Cultivating a Christ-Centered Home 23:05 Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes 28:32 Jesus on Marriage, Divorce & the Kingdom 34:18 The Proverbs 31 Woman vs. the “Forbidden Woman” 40:32 Job's Blueprint for Integrity and Faithfulness 49:03 Job's Bold Confidence in the Resurrection 56:00 Thoughts on Heaven & Eternity — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices