Daily Christian Podcast

Our actions matter! What we do and how we treat people each day matters! We have been called to live a life that is Holy and set apart but trying to live that life disconnected from God is a pointless pursuit. It is through our spiritual growth we are able to live this holy life. 1 Peter 2:1-3 "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." How are you doing spiritually? Is your spirit starving? Are you feeding your spirit daily and craving the Lord? Thanks for listening in on this 5-minute episode (#129) and for sharing it with others. #God #jesuschrist #bible #dailydevotional #scripture #podcast #christianpodcast #Crave #delicious #spiritualfood https://www.dailychristianpodcast.com

Jonah get's a 2nd chance from God, which is fantastic, he even follows through this time with success! However, he is not happy until he gets shade from a vine. When the narrative was about "Jonah" then Jonah was happy, when it was about God or others repenting and being forgiven, Jonah was not happy at all. Jonah 4:1-3 "But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, 'Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.'" Do we live a life like Jonah? Only happy when good things are happening to us, or are we living our life for others? Thanks for listening in on this 6-minute episode (#128) and for sharing it with others. #God #jesuschrist #bible #dailydevotional #scripture

Jonah get's a word from God to go to a city to preach, he immediately goes in another direction. We learn later when traveling and asked about himself, he perceived himself as someone who worshiped God. Jonah 1:1-3 "The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish..." Are we like Jonah in that way? Do our actions line up with the way we perceive ourselves? Thanks for listening in on this 5-minute episode (#127) and for sharing it with others. #God #jesuschrist #bible #dailydevotional #scripture #podcast #christianpodcast #perception #actionsspeaklouderthanwords #action https://www.dailychristianpodcast.com

Anxiety can wreck your joy. 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us that we are to give our burdens to the Lord... easier said than done, right? I think our perspective can help, to understand what matters, what has meaning as said in Ecclesiastes. When we have a firm grasp on the things that actually matter (relationship with God and relationship with others) why be concerned with the things that don't? Ecclesiastes 11:10 "So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body..." Ecclesiastes 12:13 "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." Thanks for listening in on this 4-minute episode (#126) and for sharing it with others. #God #jesuschrist #bible #dailydevotional #scripture #podcast #christianpodcast #anxiety https://www.dailychristianpodcast.com

This is the only life you've got! What a mistake it is to throw away. The very fact that you are still alive proves that you still have opportunity! God can redeem and use anyone with a repentant heart and seeks Him. Don't lose your passion for life, for God is worth living for. Ecclesiastes 9:4-5 "Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion! For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward..." Thanks for listening in on this 5-minute episode (#125) and for sharing it with others. #God #jesuschrist #bible #dailydevotional #scripture #podcast #christianpodcast #godfirst #yolo https://www.dailychristianpodcast.com

This is yet another reminder that sometimes bad things happen to good people and good things happen to those who are wicked here on earth. The trick to life is beGod-fearing and enjoy the small things in each and every day... eat, drink, and be happy. We can get caught up in the pursuit of a "better" or more comfortable life when real wisdom has us enjoying the life we have currently while honoring revering God each and every day. Ecclesiastes 8:14-15 "There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: the righteous who get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve. This too, I say, is meaningless. So I commend the enjoyment of life because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad..." Thanks for listening in on this 5-minute episode (#124) and for sharing it with others. #God #jesuschrist #bible #dailydevotional #scripture #podcast #christianpodcast #godfirst #joy #life #outlook

Life is short, I don't think we need the Bible to remind us of that, however it does in Ecclesiastes on several occasions. How many of us are living for the weekends? TGIF! Ecclesiastes 5:18-20(NIV) "This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart." If you have a place to live, plenty of food to eat, and clothes to wear, you are richer than most in this world. To have a car, home, toys, etc. is exceedingly abundant life, but do we enjoy it? It is wise to accept our lot and pursue God as He will occupy us with "gladness of heart!"

I think it is important to know, that it's O.K not to be O.K. So many of us are out there putting on a front and trying to act like we have it all together. There is a time for everything, including a time for not being O.K. Be aware and present where you are in your life and realize it is O.K to be there. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8(NIV) "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak...

I am joining the Bible Reading Plan from www.bridgewoodchurch.com, if you'd like to follow along go to the "How Do I..." tab and click on "Read the Bible" that page has the reading plan from now on. What do dogs, cats, and some people have in common? They are going in circles accomplishing nothing of value. Ecclesiastes 2:24-26(NIV) "A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness, but to the sinner, he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind." As a reminder... This is the only life you get, make it count. Thanks for listening in on this 5-minute episode and for sharing it with others. #God #jesuschrist #bible #dailydevotional #scripture #podcast #christianpodcast

Your presence can make an impact. I give the example in today's episode of the hospital visits that I would do from time to time in ministry. There was not much to do or even say. I would just be present. The Apostle Paul had many struggles but would always seem to persevere to appear unstoppable! There is a verse in this last Chapter of Acts that points out other believers traveling long ways (30-40 miles) just to be there and what an encouragement it was the Paul! Acts 28:15 (NIV) "The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people, Paul thanked God and was encouraged. " May we make that an example in our own lives, let's take a few minutes to send out an encouraging word to someone you know. Thanks for listening in on this 4-minute episode and for sharing it with others. #God #jesuschrist #bible #dailydevotional #scripture #podcast #christianpodcast

Ready or not, a storm is coming. How prepared are you? Fact is, if we want to handle the storm the way the Apostle Paul handled it requires an extreme peace and faith that only comes from God. Acts 27:33-36 (NIV) "Just before dawn, Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves." Thanks for listening in on this 4-minute episode and for sharing it with others. #God #jesuschrist #bible #dailydevotional #scripture #podcast #christianpodcast #keepyourcool #peace #joy #faith https://www.dailychristianpodcast.com

Although I describe a parenting fail in this episode, it relates to how I see the Apostle Paul here at the end of Acts Chapter 26 when he is on trial. He does not take the stand for his defense to speak about his innocence but uses the time to share his testimony and witness to those in the courtroom and the judge himself. Acts 26:28-29 (NIV) "Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?' Paul replied, 'Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.'" I learn from the Apostle Paul the true meaning to love my neighbor! Thanks for listening in on this 5-minute episode and for sharing it with others. #God #jesuschrist #bible #dailydevotional #scripture #podcast #christianpodcast #parentingfail #truelove #gospel #witness https://www.dailychristianpodcast.com

I describe some of the struggles I had as a young pastor in ministry. Looking back I really didn't have the maturity to handle the dose of apathy I was witnessing regarding the mission at hand. I started to think, how many actually believe what we all say we believe? On the other hand, I was extremely blessed to have had my ministry experience, I have had many people pour into me and make me a better disciple for it! How do we appear to others? The Apostle Paul had been accused of insanity. Acts 26:24-25 "At this point, Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable" Ultimately, living the life we are called to live will make us look insane, at least to some degree. The apostle Paul was accused of insanity when preaching the truth. Give Jesus your heart, give Him your life, not just what is convenient.

My mower broke recently, well it started shaking really bad and I wasn't sure what could be the issue. It is a riding mower, so I took off the mowing deck and power washed everything to see if it was the dirt causing imbalance. It was not. I later had someone tell me that it was an internal problem with the engine and it was a good thing that I did not continue running the motor. Deeds should not be the focus. The focus should be on Christ and repenting so we turn towards Him. When our deeds are off, it is an internal problem, not an external one, so focusing on any external fixes would only be short-term in nature. Acts 26:20 "... I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds." Thanks for listening in on this 5- minute episode. #God #jesuschrist #bible #dailydevotional #scripture #podcast #christianpodcast #internalproblem #gooddeeds https://www.dailychristianpodcast.com

Getting punished for no reason has got to be one of the worst things. Having four children and reluctantly admitting that I am no perfect parent, there have been times when I have punished the wrong child in ignorance. Having done nothing wrong and bearing punishment is a tough thing. The Apostle Paul essentially did nothing wrong, at least nothing deserving of imprisonment. Yet there he was, and through his trial, God was there. The Apostle Paul destroys any thoughts that when we are close to God our life will be easy, also when we are going through a tough time, especially one where there has been nothing done to deserve the trial, that God is still there in our midst. Acts 24:16,27 16 - "So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." 27 - "When two years had passed..." Thanks for listening in on this 5- minute episode. #God #jesuschrist #bible #dailydevotional #scripture #podcast #christianpodcast #notalone #godiswithyou

I have made some unconvential moves in my life. I think that I freak out my wife every once in a while, quitting a perfectly good job to pursue something that has no guarantee can put you ladies on edge :) I think it is more my view on life that causes me to do those moves, the thought of regret later in life is a bigger factor for me than the fear of failing. I would rather try and fail than never try at all. When you come to that mindset you begin to see things differently and taking action becomes easier. Acts 23:1 "Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, 'My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.'" I believe the Apostle Paul knew it was only a matter of time before he was killed. He shared his faith anyway, I believe, so when he came to the end of his life, he would have no regrets. Thanks for listening in on this 4- minute episode. #God #jesuschrist #bible #dailydevotional #scripture #podcast #christianpodcast #noregrets

Friday (113) Lord, Your Will Be Done I have had the honor and opportunity to serve alongside Brad Brimmer in youth ministry as a volunteer for the last six years. When reading through Acts Chapter 21 I was reminded of the similarities that Brad, the Apostle Paul, and essentially all believers face while pursuing the Lord's will for our lives. Acts 21:14 "When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, 'The Lord’s will be done.'" I think we can learn from the early disciples here when they tried to persuade the Apostle Paul to stay. They essentially were fighting what the Lord's will was for the Apostle Paul. There are times in our life where we struggle to actually do what God has called us to do, we can find excuses, there are even those around us sometimes (out of love) point out the reasons why we shouldn't go out in faith. May we all be "in-tune" with the Lord as the Apostle Paul and allow our faith and willingness to serve God outweigh all the doubts

Tough Mudder is one of the hardest races I have ever done, just finishing is an accomplishment! Living out our faith is so much harder, but it is worth it. Acts 20:23-24 " I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." The biggest thing I learn from the Apostle Paul is how he looks at life. He recognizes that it is a race, a marathon at that (not a sprint), that it is tough and involves trials and pain but still worth to follow God and commit to Him everything that you do! Thanks for listening in on this 5- minute episode. #God #jesuschrist #bible #dailydevotional #scripture #podcast #christianpodcast #Dontgiveup #youcandoit https://www.dailychristianpodcast.com

I think that our culture is missing honor. Honoring those who are older than us, honoring our parents, honoring our military (active and veterans), etc. Honor is something that was more a part of the 1st-century church culture than it is today. Acts 19:17 "When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor." I think we can learn a thing or two from the first-century church. What Honor is and looks like is one of those things, may we all live a life that is honoring to our Lord and savior! #God #jesuschrist #bible #dailydevotional #scripture #podcast #christianpodcast #honor https://www.dailychristianpodcast.com

Do you find your identity in what you do for a living or who you are through Christ? The apostle Paul was a tentmaker. Acts 18 We are who we are because that is God says we are! What you do for a living is insignificant when compared to what God has created you for. Be encouraged, you are valued, not because of what you do but because of who you are! #God #jesuschrist #bible #dailydevotional #scripture #podcast #christianpodcast #ApostlePaul #justdoit #job #living https://www.dailychristianpodcast.com