Whatever we argue about, disagree with, and become defensive about can be a mirror to our soul, revealing our insecurities and need for validation. Jesus shows us how to step away from the need to defend ourselves. Text Mark 9            The Sons of Thunder. Pod 237

Jesus said you 'must' learn how to deny yourself; otherwise, you have no hope of following me. What does it mean to deny oneself? What are we called to relinquish? Text Gospel of Mark 8                                    Pod 236

How do you respond when God says, "No?" It's easy to give up, withdraw, and stop asking for anything. "What's the point? God doesn't care." We might think.      That's the wrong approach, Jesus teaches. There's something to be said for persistence and tenacity. Ask and you will receive. Mark 7 Pod 235

Contrary to popular belief, Jesus did not teach, "Don't judge." He taught us how to judge accurately, not superficially. He encouraged us to develop discernment, a skill that allows us to see beyond surface appearances and perceive the truth about people, events, and choices. Text Mark 7 Pod 239 

It's not the stunning victories in our lives that strengthen us. It's how we face profound doubts and fears and move on despite them.  We can spend too much time mulling over the predicament we find ourselves in. There comes a point where we must choose to leave disappointments, anger, and fear behind and move on. The text is 1 Kings 19:4-8 The prophet Elijah is depressed and ready to give up.  Pod 233

Ever heard the phrase, "Don't be so defensive? While that advice often has its place, Scripture offers a different perspective on defense. Defending yourself is necessary, but we need wisdom on what we protect ourselves against.   Ephesians 6. The Armor of God. Pod 232

Scripture teaches us to channel anger constructively and avoid its destructive pitfalls. The spiritual work is discerning the motivation behind this intense emotion. Once we see why we are angry, we know how to proceed. The text is Ephesians 4. Pod 231

Why do we keep making the same mistakes over and over again? Are we picking the wrong partners or jobs, or do we blame someone else for our unhappiness? Why does history repeat itself? Much of the time, it's because we are not learning from our past mistakes. Learning from past mistakes is challenging because it takes brutal honesty. Exodus 16 Pod 230

Are you facing the same challenge over and over? It might feel like you're stuck in a loop, but could there be a more profound lesson behind it? In this episode, we explore how God uses repeated patterns to give us insight into ourselves and our own spiritual tests. John 6 Philip's test Pod 229

Distinguishing my will from God's guidance and leading is an ongoing task. It's not easy to pause and reassess amidst life's reactions, but it is necessary if we desire to access the wisdom God promised us. It takes practice. Text Mark 6. Pod 228