Living Strategically

In our current series for the Living Strategically podcast, we have been exploring our “five pillars of Living Strategically” which include: a biblical framework, an eternal perspective, stewardship, prophetic urgency, and our topic of today…freedom. We see these five elements as the key to living a strategic life. We believe that wise Christians make their days count during our short time here on earth. And not just count for anything, but count in the ways that God has intended for our lives.

Sometimes we Christians come against obstacles that hinder our effectiveness, even hindering us from fulfilling our life’s calling. And that’s why the topic of freedom is so important. We need to aim for living unhindered! Here are some examples of encumbrances in our modern culture, that may not cross the line of sin, but can still keep you from living in freedom:

1 Corinthians 6:12 says, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” That’s the standard we have to apply to everything in our lives. Whenever you feel something weighing you down, or competing with the Holy Spirit for control of your life, that’s probably something that you need to prune back or remove entirely.

The bottom line is when we walk by the Spirit, it keeps us on the straight and narrow, because we see sin for what it really is (captivity) and we see submission to God for what it really is (freedom). We pray that you will pursue things that lead to freedom in your life, so that you can live a life unhindered!

In our upcoming episodes, we’ll continue to “unpack” the core principles of Living Strategically, so tune in weekly and subscribe to this Christian podcast!

SCRIPTURE FROM THIS EPISODE

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” 1 Corinthians 6:12

“…through Him [Jesus Christ] forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.” Acts 13:38-39

“…walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16

“…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17

Living Strategically Book Recommendations

It’s been said that everyone ends up somewhere in life. But few people end up somewhere on purpose. If we aren’t careful, we’ll look back one day and realize how quickly our lives have passed us by. That will not be the time to evaluate our life’s purpose and why God has placed us on this earth. If you don’t already know your God-given purpose, then this podcast episode will help you figure it out.

We also talk about the special calling that God gave to Abram/Abraham in Genesis 12 and how he demonstrated intentional focus and obedience to head toward the Promise Land as soon as he received that calling. It says in Genesis 12:4, “So Abram went forth as the Lord had spoken to him…” His obedience reminds us of the quote: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” This is where you start walking. Just like Abram, you start taking steps in the direction that God is leading you.

As Christians, we should live each day purposefully and intentionally. In order to do that, we must live our lives in response to God’s call. Once you answer that call, you are on your way to a fruitful and abundant life!

In our upcoming episodes, we’ll continue to “unpack” the core principles of Living Strategically and study what the Bible says about this concept, so tune in weekly and subscribe to this Christian podcast!

SCRIPTURE FROM THIS EPISODE

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” I Corinthians 10:31

“Everyone who is called by My name, and whom I have created for My glory, whom I have formed, even whom I have made.” Isaiah 43:7

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you. And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing.” Genesis 12:1-2

“So Abram went forth as the Lord had spoken to him…” Genesis 12:4

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

“So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

Living Strategically Book Recommendations

Today we are starting a new series for the Living Strategically podcast where we dive deeper into the aspects of a life lived with intention, or as we like to say, “lived strategically”. We explore what we call our “five pillars of Living Strategically” which include: eternal perspective, stewardship, prophetic urgency, freedom, and most importantly…a biblical framework. When these aspects come together, we can live the abundant life that God has called us to live.

There’s no greater joy to be found in life than fulfilling the calling that God has given you. And the impact it can have on others, both here on earth and for eternity, is astounding! In our upcoming episodes, we’ll continue to “unpack” the core principles of Living Strategically and study what the Bible says about this concept, so tune in weekly and subscribe to this Christian podcast!

SCRIPTURE FROM THIS EPISODE

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20, NASB

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17, NASB

SUGGESTED RESOURCES

Jonathan Cahn at the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast

Why has America been blessed?

After eight weeks of traveling around America and seeing 35 states, we have safely arrived back home to South Texas. We have been looking forward to our homecoming, especially towards the end of the trip. It was an epic journey but there is something special about returning to familiar territory.

As Christians, we should never lose sight of where our eternal home is because that affects all of our actions and decisions while on earth. The Bible tells us that Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven and we should all be seeking that city which is to come, the new Jerusalem (see Revelation 21 and 22). It also reminds us that our real citizenship is in heaven and we should eagerly await our Savior’s second coming. A glorious homecoming awaits us at the end of this present age!

SCRIPTURE FROM THIS EPISODE

“He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

“For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.” Hebrews 13:14

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2-3

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.” Philippians 3:20-21

SUGGESTED RESOURCE

The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn

Reading these books, we are amazed at how little the Ingalls family had to make do with and yet how much abundance they felt like they had. They were pioneers and knew how to live off the land. At times they had harsh weather and endured financial hardships. Through it all, they had contentment, which is a strategic mindset, multiplying the effectiveness of their circumstances.

The Ingalls family also lived a very simple lifestyle, especially compared to American standards in today’s culture. They held possessions loosely and valued relationships over material gain. Being content with what God supplied allowed them to overcome challenges and leave an enduring legacy that still inspires readers today.

SCRIPTURE FROM THIS EPISODE

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.” I Timothy 6:6-8, NASB

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13, NASB

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” I Corinthians 9:24

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

As we travel through 35 states to accomplish a bucket list dream of visiting all 50 states, we have seen some spectacular scenery. God’s creation is amazing! And in some areas it can also be dangerous, if we don’t heed the warning signs, guardrails, and barriers. Those frequent boundaries that we have seen at tourist stops around the country gave us the idea for today’s podcast episode on hedges of protection.

The Bible tells us that God is a shield around the righteous and ultimately the only One who can protect us from harm. But a hedge of protection can work two ways. It is both a defense against dangers on the outside, and it is also a boundary to keep us inside the bounds of safety. When we go outside God’s boundaries, natural consequences will take their course.

“For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O Lord, You surround him with favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12, NASB

“He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.” Ecclesiastes 10:8, KJV

“What more was there to do for My vineyard that I have not done in it? Why, when I expected it to produce good grapes did it produce worthless ones? So now let Me tell you what I am going to do to My vineyard: I will remove its hedge and it will be consumed; I will break down its wall and it will become trampled ground.” Isaiah 5:4-5, NASB

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20, NASB

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1, NASB

From dodging bad weather to the hazards of traveling 12,000 miles across America, our road trip to see 35 states had the potential for numerous ups and downs and uncertainties. We know that God holds our future in His hands, and we trusted Him to carry us through it all.

As Christians, we similarly need to have a response of faith ready for the trials of life, ahead of when they hit. What will your response be the next time a loved one passes on to eternity? Or you face a financial hardship or loss? God knows our needs before we need them, and many times circumstances are completely out of our control. In this episode, we encourage listeners to rely fully on the Lord through the uncertainties of life, for He is faithful and He will always protect His children.

SCRIPTURE FROM THIS EPISODE

“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:31-34

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

The brand new Living Strategically podcast is hosted by Reed and Elizabeth Hewitt, who want to help you strategically pursue your God-given purpose and make the most of your time on earth. As the Hewitts prepare for an epic adventure around the USA in an RV, they invite listeners to come along on the journey and discover life lessons that God shows them over the course of eight weeks.

In this first episode, Reed and Liz compare their upcoming trip to a Christian’s journey through life. It starts with preparing for what is to come and knowing your purpose. You must also have a plan, while staying flexible and dependent on God’s guidance. And remember to “pack light” and take only what is necessary.

There are many more spiritual truths to be discovered on this trip of a lifetime, so tune in weekly and subscribe to the new Living Strategically podcast!

SCRIPTURE FROM THIS EPISODE

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

“Man is like a mere breath; his days are like a passing shadow.” Psalm 144:4

“Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” James 4:14

“Then He said to them, ‘Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.’ And He told them a parable, saying, ‘The land of a rich man was very productive. And he began reasoning to himself, saying, “What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?” Then he said, “This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.'” Luke 12:15-21

“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9