We all dream of mastering our craft. Whether we are painters, surfers, or accountants, the pursuit of excellence is something we’ve all considered. But is it really as unattainable as it sometimes feels? Certainly not!

On today’s episode of Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby welcomes two master teachers: Jake Phillips—voice actor and Lamplighter Theatre legend—and Steve Rosen—music designer, composer, and producer. Together, they share personal testimonies of how God has used life’s most difficult experiences to strengthen their faith.

Listen in as these two master craftsmen reveal the wisdom and lessons that have guided them in achieving—and continuing to pursue—excellence for God’s glory.

Tune in today and discover what it truly takes to follow hard after the Lord and grow in your God-given gifts!

Wealth is something we all wrestle with at some point in life. In a culture that constantly urges us to chase after more, how often do we pause to consider what it truly means to be rich? On today’s podcast, Pastor Justin Langley and Dr. Mark Hamby explore these questions through the well-known parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. From Luke 16:19–31, this unusual story offers a fresh perspective on rags, riches, and the secret to everlasting wealth.

We all like to be clever. Be it a smart joke, a well-timed business venture, or a sly move in a board game, acting shrewd can feel very satisfying. But is “shrewdness” always a good thing? Today on Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby and Pastor Justin Langley delve into one of the Bible’s most puzzling parables: The Unjust Steward. The steward is dubbed “shrewd” by his actions, but whether or not that’s a good thing is up for debate. Dr. Hamby and Pastor Justin present two sides to this parable, expositing the Scripture in equally compelling ways. Perhaps there’s more to shrewdness (and this steward) than meets the eye! Listen in to find out more…

We’ve all heard the parable of the prodigal son—and most of us think we know what prodigal means: someone who lives a lavish, reckless, and foolish life… right? But what if that definition misses the heart of the story?

On today’s episode of Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby and Pastor Justin Langley explore the surprising meaning behind “The Prodigal Son.” Drawing from the Old Testament account of Jacob and Esau, Pastor Langley offers a fresh perspective on this well-known parable. Tune in and prepare to see not just the prodigal son—but The Prodigal Family—through a new lens.

“Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” Sound familiar? Most know this phrase from Ecclesiastes, but few explore its deeper message. In this episode of Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby uncovers the true heart of Ecclesiastes—not vanity, but words. Through its poetic structure and purposeful repetition, Ecclesiastes reveals that fulfillment is found by following the Word. When life feels empty, the path to joy begins at the cross—where bitterness turns to hope, and questions find their answers. Discover what it means to be made clean through the Word. Tune in and see Ecclesiastes with fresh eyes.

Do you have saber-tooth tigers in your church?

If you answered no, think again! On today’s episode of Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby draws a powerful parallel between these great cats and the congregations in some of our very own churches. The saber-tooth tiger is believed to have wiped out its own species due to incessant infighting. Sadly, the fate of the sabertooths is often mirrored in churches today. Conflict and strife are infesting more and more congregations every day.

How can we learn to avoid these deadly conflicts and help our churches thrive? Tune in to the newest episode of Fastened Like Nails to find out!

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His hand at work.” Join Mark as he presents God’s animal kingdom through the lens of well – known scriptures and wonderfully unique – and amusing – shepherding experiences. Discover how God’s creatures become the teachers! Be inspired, refreshed, and encouraged to glorify God by enjoying Him!

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His hand at work.” Join Dr. Hamby as he presents God’s animal kingdom through the lens of well–known scriptures and wonderfully unique (and amusing) shepherding experiences. Discover how God’s creatures become the teachers!

May you be inspired, refreshed, and encouraged to glorify God by enjoying Him!

No one likes to be sick. Even a minor cold can derail your weekly plans. But what if you had a chronic illness, a disease that would not release its grip on you. Today on Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby brings to our attention the struggles and dangers of chronic illness, or any trial that strives to consume us. These ‘Territorial Tyrants’ can dominate our lives, ruin our plans, and ultimately, tear away our joy. Where is God when we’re suffering? Why doesn’t He simply set us free from these tyrants so we can do His work? Perhaps it is because life’s most painful moments are what bring us to our knees before Him. Tune in today and learn how God can use even these territorial tyrants to bring Him the ultimate glory.

With all the unrest in our world, happiness is hard to come by. But God has something far better for his children! God calls us to be holy, but He also calls us to be happy. It just may not look how we think it should.

On today’s episode of Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby delves into the Psalms to show us the key to true happiness. The secret? Strong, straight rope! While baffling at first glance, the idea of something being straight (or righteous) is integral to living in the happiness God desires for us. Tune in and find out how you can weave the strands of happiness into your own life.