Followed By Mercy

By W. Austin GardnerBusiness Education Self-Improvement How To Non-Profit

Followed By Mercy episodes

March 25 Austin Gardner | Religion Says "Do," Grace Says "Done"
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Throughout church history, the greatest struggle has been the tension between grace and performance. Today, Austin Gardner addresses the fear many of us have: If I tell people they are loved unconditionally, won't they stop doing right?
Austin shares his personal journey of moving away from a "steeped legalism" that crushed people under expectations, toward a biblical understanding of grace that actually empowers holiness. He contrasts the "coach who only criticizes" with the "Father who loves first," and explains why your position in Christ is more important than your performance for Him. If you’re tired of the religious treadmill, join Austin Gardner for a message of radical rest and restoration.
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Austin Gardner, Gospel vs. Legalism, Performance-Based Religion, Grace-Filled Living, Christian Rest, Biblical Obedience, Austin Gardner Podcast, Transformation, Mental Health and Faith.

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11 min
March 24 Austin Gardner | 5 Biblical Ways to Speak Life Over Your World
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What is the difference between a contract and a covenant? And why does it matter for your spiritual life? Today, Austin Gardner takes us through a deep dive into the types of blessings found in the Bible.
Austin shares honestly about his 71 years of life, his battle with cancer, and the unwavering support of his wife, Betty. He moves beyond "sins of omission" and performance-based religion to show how God has woven blessing into the very fabric of our relationship with Him. If you want to learn how to bless your children, your spouse, and your church according to who God is (rather than what they’ve done), this episode is a must-listen.
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Austin Gardner, 5 Forms of Blessing, Biblical Covenant, Grace vs. Performance, Christian Mentorship, Benediction, Priestly Blessing, Austin Gardner Podcast, Faith and Resilience.

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9 min
March 23 Austin Gardner | Restoring the Language of Life to Our Churches
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Is your spiritual language defined by Thanksgiving or "fussing"? Today, Austin Gardner dives into the power of biblical blessing. He shares a personal story from his youth about a woman named Gail who used the "language of blessing" to impact an entire youth group, and how that same grace is available to you today.
Austin walks through the entire arc of Scripture to prove that God is, and has always been, a "Blessing God." From the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem, discover how God is working to restore everything sin destroyed—and how He wants to use you as a channel for that blessing.
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Austin Gardner, Biblical Power of Blessing, Language of Life, Grace-filled Mentoring, Genesis 1:28, Priestly Blessing, Following Mercy, Christian Encouragement, Overcoming Legalism.

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9 min
March 22 The 4 Daily Blessings We Often Overlook
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Is God a distant judge or a Father who delights in you? Today, Austin Gardner challenges the idea that blessings are only about money or comfort. Instead, he points us to the profound, life-altering blessings of God’s guidance, courage, protection, and restoration.
Austin shares how his own heart was transformed from being "rigid and hard" to understanding the sweetness of the Father. If you’re feeling "beat up or whipped" by life’s circumstances, listen in to discover how the Shepherd doesn't just restore you—He leads you forward into paths you didn't even know how to tread.
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Austin Gardner, Biblical Blessings, Psalm 23, Trusting God, Overcoming Fear, Christian Mentorship, Grace vs Legalism, Daily Devotional, Healing and Restoration.
Full Article: The Big Leap of Faith ➡️ https://waustingardner.com/the-big-leap-of-faith-believing-god-loves-you-exactly-as-you-are/
Daily Podcast: https://waustingardner.com/podcast/
Weekly Newsletter: https://followedbymercy.beehiiv.com/
Deep Dives on Substack: https://waustingardner.substack.com/
Connect with me:
Website: https://waustingardner.com/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/waustingardner
Ministries:
Alignment Ministries: https://alignmentministries.com
Sociedad de Mentores: https://sociedaddementores.com

Thanks for listening. Find us on YouTube, Substack, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
12 min
March 21 Loves Me, Loves Me Not: Breaking the Performance Mindset
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What comes to your mind when you think about God? If it’s a judge or a taskmaster, it’s going to shape your entire life. Today, Austin Gardner dives into Ephesians 3:16-19 to show us a different picture.
Austin shares his personal journey of moving from a "judging" view of God to experiencing a Father who strengthens us from the inside out. We talk about the "breath, length, depth, and height" of a love that passes knowledge, and why 1 Thessalonians 5:24 is the most encouraging verse for anyone feeling "not enough." God is faithful, and He is the one doing the work in you.
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Austin Gardner, Spiritual Strength, Ephesians 3 Prayer, Inner Man, God's Goodness, Christian Mentoring, Overcoming Legalism, Grace-Based Living, Faith Journey, 1 Thessalonians 5:24.

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11 min
March 20 Stop Chasing Blessings and Start Walking with God
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We often think of God as a judge waiting for us to mess up, but the New Testament tells a different story. In today’s episode, Austin Gardner walks through the beautiful "benedictions" of the New Testament to reveal the heart of a Father who desires good for His children.
Austin shares personally about finding supernatural peace during his battle with cancer and how you can find that same "soldier-like" guard over your heart today. If your life feels like it’s "stinking" right now, this message of hope, resurrection, and final grace is for you.
SEO Keywords (Tags):
Christian Mentorship, Peace of God, Biblical Hope, New Testament Study, Overcoming Hardship, Austin Gardner, Grace vs Performance, Spiritual Growth, Daily Devotional.

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8 min
March 19The Authorized Blessing: Why the Father Smiles on You
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"The greatest blessing isn't material; it's the living God walking with you."
In today’s episode, Austin Gardner takes us into Numbers 6 to examine the "Priestly Blessing." For many, the idea of "blessing" feels like prosperity gospel talk—but Austin shows that God authorized His leaders to speak life, protection, and favor over His people.
Highlights from this episode:
The King’s Face: In ancient times, the King’s look determined your life. Austin explains why God’s "shining face" is the ultimate security.
Shalom in Chaos: Why biblical peace is about completeness, not just the absence of noise.
A New Testament Connection: How Jesus is the fulfillment of every line of this Old Testament blessing.
Practical Application: How to use these verses as a prayer for your children, your spouse, and your church.
Connect with Austin:
Visit waustingardner.com for more resources, books on marriage and leadership, and personal mentoring.

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9 min
March 18The Miracle of Right Now: Finding the Father’s Heart in the Valley
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“God is not a boss watching your every mistake; He is a Father who loves to hear you talk.”
After five decades of missionary work and pastoral leadership, Austin Gardner found himself in the fight of his life against Stage 4 cancer. But the greatest miracle wasn't just physical survival—it was a radical change of mind about who God is.
In this episode, Austin pulls back the curtain on his health battles and his theological shift from "Performance-Driven Christianity" to "Rest-Driven Faith." He shares how the darkest days of his life led to the sweetest fellowship he’s ever known.
Key Takeaways:
Why we preach a "man-centered" Christianity and how to stop.
The difference between being a servant and being a friend of God.
How to live from grace rather than working for it.
A reminder that you are the "Beloved" of the Father.
Connect with Austin:
Visit waustingardner.com for more resources, books, and mentorship opportunities.

Full Article: The Big Leap of Faith ➡️ https://waustingardner.com/the-big-leap-of-faith-believing-god-loves-you-exactly-as-you-are/
Daily Podcast: https://waustingardner.com/podcast/
Weekly Newsletter: https://followedbymercy.beehiiv.com/
Deep Dives on Substack: https://waustingardner.substack.com/
Connect with me:
Website: https://waustingardner.com/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/waustingardner
Ministries:
Alignment Ministries: https://alignmentministries.com
Sociedad de Mentores: https://sociedaddementores.com

Thanks for listening. Find us on YouTube, Substack, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
17 min
March 17 Are You a "Blesser"? Shifting from Criticism to Grace
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In this episode, Austin Gardner shares a personal revelation from his morning Bible study that challenged his 50+ years of ministry. Moving from the Old Testament priesthood to our role as a "royal priesthood," Austin explains why our words are the primary way God releases grace into the world today. If you’ve felt the weight of performance or the sting of religious criticism, this episode is a refreshing reminder that God is a Father of "sweet love" who wants to bless His people through you.

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13 min
March 16Prayer is a Relationship, Not a Report
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Ever felt a little "weird" asking God for something He already knows you need? You’re not alone.
In this episode, W. Austin Gardner dives into a question that hits every believer: If God knows our thoughts before we speak (Psalm 139), why bother praying out loud?
Discover why prayer isn't about giving God information—it's about intimacy. From the "movement toward God" in the Greek language to Jesus’ own prayers, Austin explains how prayer is the natural expression of a Father who simply wants to share life with you.
Key Moments:
0:00 - The "weird" question: Why pray?
2:15 - What Psalm 139 says about God’s knowledge.
4:30 - Jesus and the "Intentional Tension" of prayer.
7:10 - Relationship vs. Religious Technique.
10:45 - How prayer transforms us, not God.
#Prayer #Faith #Jesus #WAustinGardner #RelationshipWithGod #BiblicalTeaching #Grace

If God is all-knowing, is prayer a waste of time? W. Austin Gardner challenges the idea of prayer as a "religious duty" and reframes it as a relational movement toward a Father who loves you. Learn how to stop informing God and start sharing life with Him.

Purpose of prayer in the Bible
Relationship with God vs religion
W. Austin Gardner podcast
Biblical meaning of prayer
Psalm 139 prayer teaching
Does prayer change God?
Why Pray If God Already Knows? | Biblical Prayer Tips | Austin Gardner

Why do we pray if God knows our needs? W. Austin Gardner explores the relational heart of prayer and why God wants to share life with you.

Thanks for listening. Find us on YouTube, Substack, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
11 min

About Followed By Mercy

From the publisher's feed

The Followed By Mercy Podcast

Real Grace, Honest Hope

You might notice a new name and a fresh look, but the heart behind this podcast is the same.…

After years as the World Evangelism Podcast, I sensed God leading me to a deeper, more personal path centered on His relentless mercy and the kind of honest hope that can reach into every hurting place. That’s why this show is now called Followed By Mercy Podcast. The format may shift, and the tone may be a bit more personal, but my mission hasn’t changed: I still believe the world desperately needs to hear the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ. You are welcome here if you’ve been with me from the beginning or just found us now.

What if God’s love is more personal, stubborn, and relentless than you ever imagined?

Welcome to The Followed By Mercy Podcast, where we get honest about pain, hope, and the kind of grace that finds you right where you are, five days a week. This isn’t about religious performance or church routines. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt worn out, unseen, or unsure if they belong in the story of God’s love. Every conversation is rooted in this reality: God loves you right now, just as you are, and He isn’t giving up on you.

Here’s what you’ll find in every episode:

Experience God’s Relentless Love

Every show starts by reminding you that the Shepherd knows your name, cares about your story, and isn’t offended by your failures or questions. This is personal—it’s about God’s unwavering affection for you.

Find Your Place in His Heart

Once you grasp how fiercely you’re loved, sharing that love with others doesn’t feel forced. It becomes the most natural thing in the world. Real grace overflows.

Prayer That Changes You

We pray together—not just for the world “out there,” but for the battles and hopes you’re carrying right now. These prayers are honest, rooted in Scripture, and meant for hearts that need a gentle touch from the Shepherd.

Discover Your Unique Role

Whether you’re called to go, give, serve, or show kindness in your corner of the world, God’s mercy meets you where you are. You’re not just a bystander. You are His beloved, invited into the story He’s writing.

When life knocks the wind out of you, this is a place to catch your breath. You’ll hear the encouragement that meets you on your hardest days, and your honest questions will be welcomed. No pretending, no heavy-handed advice—just the reminder that your Shepherd is right there with you, walking every step with you, even when you feel like giving up.

Why does this matter? Because some days, it feels like nobody sees you or cares what you’re going through. But the truth is, you have a Shepherd who never takes His eyes off you, lets you slip through the cracks, and never gives up on you. That kind of love can put you back on your feet, and it might be the hope someone else is waiting to see in you, too.

If you’re longing for more than just religious talk—if you want to know you’re not alone and that God’s mercy is following you all the way home, you’re in the right place. Whether you listen in the car, on a walk, or in a quiet moment, let every episode remind you: God’s mercy is after you right now, ready to bring real grace and honest hope.

Subscribe today and join a community to discover what happens when loved people become loving people. The journey’s just beginning, and there’s a place for you here.

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Followed By Mercy

Followed By Mercy episodes

About Followed By Mercy