Our culture is obsessed with "excellent" things—people, sports ability, careers, etc—but biblically, there is only one thing that is truly "excellent." In this study of Philippians 4:8, Nathan Johnson talks about things culture deems as excellent and shows how the only truly excellent thing is Jesus Himself—and also discusses three ways to fill up your mind with "whatever is excellent."

This is the sixteenth episode in Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series drawing on the legendary life of Alfred the Great. In this special edition Daily Thunder message, he is welcoming the newly arriving students for the summer 2021 Alumni Summit and finding an excuse to share some profound tidbits about Alfred the Great simultaneously.  This particular episode introduces the extraordinary “revival” that comes to Wessex as a result of Alfred’s bold maneuvers as king. It’s a picture of the revival that God wants to bring to each and every one of our lives.

This is the fifteenth episode in Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series drawing on the legendary life of Alfred the Great. In this particular episode he unpacks the unusual way that Alfred handles the season of reprieve from battle that follows his extraordinary victory over the Vikings at Edington.  He doesn’t spend it enjoying the lovely Wessex summer, but he rolls up his sleeves and transforms the Saxon military system. He boldly changes out the age-old Fyrd system out for a new Burh system. This arduous and challenging shift alters the course of the island of Britannia, ultimately proves the undoing of the Viking hordes, and sets the pace for a united England in upcoming generations.

According to Paul, our minds are to have a “good reputation.” While many of us would fear if someone could see our thoughts for 24 hours, a Christian’s mind is to be full of honor and godliness. In this episode, Nathan examines the concept of “commendable” in Philippians 4:8 and four examples the Bible gives for such a thought life.

This is the fourteenth episode in Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series drawing on the legendary life of Alfred the Great. In this particular episode he explores the gift-giving prerogative of a king. The generosity of the Saxon kings of Alfred’s era is a fascinating study in itself, but the generosity of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings is even more astounding.  Christ has given kingly gifts to his Church, but have we received these kingly gifts? Have we responded as recipients of sacred gifts ought to respond? Have we tilled the land He entrusted us? Have we invested the talents of gold He bestowed upon us?  Have we swung the gilded swords that he placed within our grasp? May we honor our Almighty Ring Giver by handling His sacred trust with diligent and loving exercise.

"This study was not at all what I was expecting” was heard from Nathan’s mouth as he dived into what Paul calls “lovely.” As Christians, we often diminish or de-spiritualize anything that is delightful or pleasurable, yet Paul says that such things should be in our minds and filling up our lives. In this study from Philippians 4:8, Nathan explains three key areas that are lovely and why we should find great delight, joy, and pleasure in them.

This is the thirteenth episode in Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series drawing on the legendary life of Alfred the Great. In this particular episode two unexpected and amazing things are going to enter the already-exciting storyline. First, Guthrum, the evil king of the Vikings is going to have a shocking end to his life — a death that students of history have deeply pondered and wondered about for generations. While the second thing is the arrival of a new character on the scene named Æthelstan, at the precise time Guthrum exits the storyline. Æthelstan is another king who will prove critical to Alfred’s successes in transforming a terribly fractured Britain into one united England. 

This is the twelfth episode in Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series drawing on the legendary life of Alfred the Great. In this particular episode he continues to unpack the remarkable story of Alfred and his battles with the evil Viking king Guthrum. May 6, 878 the tide is going to turn in the dramatic storyline. The Battle of Edington marks a new beginning in the history of Alfred.  The good guys are going to start winning. And this leads to a crisis for Guthrum and a profound decision for Alfred. With Guthrum finally in his hands, what should he do with this advantageous position over the Viking king?

Purity is not a popular term these days. In a culture where “anything goes,” Christians are called to live set-apart, holiness, pure lives. Yet how can live pure in an impure world? In this episode, Nathan Johnson focuses on Paul’s call to purity in Philippians 4:8 and explains how this should not only affect every area of our lives but is only possible when we focus on Jesus and fill our minds with His Word.

This is the eleventh episode in Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series drawing on the legendary life of Alfred the Great. In this particular episode he explores what is possibly the most amazing feat of Alfred’s life. He is going to flip the script on the Vikings in the spring of 878. They have always been the hunters, but now he is going to start hunting them. They have always been the brilliant cunning strategists, but now he is going to become the fox and outsmart them. This amazing transformation of Alfred’s perspective, is precisely what every Christian must understand and put into practice. We are no longer the victims — we are the victors.