When you hear someone sneeze, what’s your reaction? Typically, people say “Bless you”. Or, how many times have you signed off an email with “Blessings”? A blessing is clearly a good thing, but what does “blessing” or “being blessed” actually mean?

On today’s episode of Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby and co-host Molly Mayo are joined by Masters Guild student Lucy Blend for an exciting journey centered around this “well-known” word. Listen in to discover how repetition in the Bible reveals surprising truth and how blessing others might just have the power to change lives—including your own.

Bonus Content: Listen to exclusive songs from Lamplighter Theatre's first ever musical— "Hungering and Thirsting"! Purchase your own copy here: https://lamplighter.net/product/dramatic-audio-cd-hungering-and-thirsting/.

On today’s episode of Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby and co-host Molly Mayo welcome a very special guest to the mic—Sissy Seagull from Patch the Pirate.

Shelly Hamilton, founder of Majesty Music and the voice behind the beloved musical audio drama series Patch the Pirate, shares the remarkable story of how God birthed a ministry of song and story through deep personal trial. What began with the loss of an eye became the spark for a worldwide ministry that has shaped the hearts and faith of generations of children and families.

This conversation traces the origin of the Patch the Pirate and “You Are There” series, revealing how God uses suffering to strengthen faith, refine obedience, and produce lasting fruit. As Shelly shares candidly about sorrow, surrender, and trusting God when things “go south,” listeners are reminded that our faith is often forged in trial.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18, NKJV)

Conflict is inevitable. How we respond makes all the difference.

On today’s episode of Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby is joined by board members Shad Bolen and Dr. Lew Sterrett for a candid and challenging conversation on how to deal with conflict biblically. Scripture reminds us, “A soft answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1, NKJV). How do we live that out, practically?

Hurt, irritation, and exposure are inevitable, but we must admit our reactions before we can exchange our attitudes for something good. This episode explores persuasion over dominance, the put off/put on principle, and why denial keeps us stuck.

We also discuss timing—why cooling off matters, why avoiding someone may signal the need to speak, and how “a word fitly spoken” is a great trophy (Proverbs 25:11, NKJV). Discover how humility can neutralize hostility and how to endure hardship as good soldiers of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3).

Today we’re reposting Part Two from our 2019 archives. In this episode, Lamplighter Guild instructor Pastor Colin Smith highlights Esther’s journey from fear and insecurity to boldly stepping into the role God designed specifically for her—for such a time as this.

Please note: this podcast was recorded live in 2019 and not in the studio, so the sound quality may vary.

Take a heart-gripping journey with the Trevors and discover a truth powerful enough to destroy besetting sin and expose the darkness of the human heart. Purchase your copy of The Haunted Room at: https://lamplighter.net/product/the-haunted-room/.

Today we’re reposting a powerful episode from our 2019 archives—one that is just as timely now as when it was first recorded. Lamplighter Guild instructor Pastor Colin Smith immerses students into the world of ancient Persia through the story of Esther, issuing a compelling call to return to femininity and masculinity rooted in God’s design. This is a message worth hearing again.

Please note: this podcast was recorded live in 2019 and not in the studio, so the sound quality may vary.

The battle continues to rage—moment by moment and day by day. But must we face the enemy blindfolded? To conquer, we must first recognize the real foe. Through this rich allegorical tale, listeners are equipped to identify and slay the Giants that confront them.

You can continue this journey by purchasing The Giant Killer at: https://lamplighter.net/product/giant-killer-dramatic-audio-mp3-download/

On this special episode of Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby is joined in the studio by board members Shad Bolen and Lew Sterrett, along with Masters Guild student Lucy Blend and co-host Molly Mayo. Together, they pull back the curtain on life inside The Masters Guild and the Lamplighter community, sharing stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes moments you won’t hear anywhere else.

What’s a day really like for a Masters Guild student? How does life at Lamplighter look from the board’s perspective? And what makes the experience so deeply transformative? Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with honest reflections and inside perspectives from the team.

Today on Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby and Molly Mayo welcome Dr. Lew Sterrett for a thoughtful conversation on seeking God first and trusting Him to carry us through every season of life. They reflect on the miraculous way our bodies are designed to heal, while also considering how easily we can become captive to our physical circumstances when the Great Physician offers true and lasting healing. This episode gently challenges a victim mentality and points listeners toward hope, faith, and wholeness found in Christ.

Today on Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby, Molly Mayo, and Dr. Lew Sterrett share their all-time favorite Bible verses, talk about spiritual weight lifting, identify each other's key character traits, and discuss their collective wisdom through life experiences and knowledge of the scriptures! Listen in for an inspiring range of topics extending from the aroma of Christ to the utterings of Wisdom in Proverbs.

We all shrink from circumstances that are out of our control. But what if God has a deeper purpose in trials than we ever imagined? 

This week on Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby, Molly Mayo, and Dr. Lew Sterrett explore Psalm 119:75, “in faithfulness you have afflicted me,” and delve into God’s ultimate purpose in affliction - to draw our self-reliant hearts back to Himself.

“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.” - 119:67

Open your Bible to Matthew chapter 1 and read the 14 generations of Jesus' lineage. Wait! You can only find 13! Where is this missing generation? Why are they missing in the first place? When you find out who this person is, your expectations of what God can do and how much grace He has will be stretched indefinitely!