One Single Story

Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Wendy Korbusieski for today's edition of One Single Story as they walk through Isaiah 62-65. This conversation centers on persistent intercession, the role of spiritual watchmen, the danger of self-righteousness, and the hope found in God's promise of a new heaven and a new earth.

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 62:6–65:25 - In this section, Isaiah describes watchmen posted on Jerusalem's walls who are commanded to give the Lord no rest until He establishes praise in the earth. The passage moves through themes of restored identity, humble confession of human sinfulness, and God's ultimate promise of renewal and restoration.

In This Episode:

• What it means to "give the Lord no rest" and how this reshapes our understanding of persistent prayer
• The weight and responsibility of being a spiritual watchman, drawn from the seriousness of falling asleep on watch
• Why prayer should be viewed as the actual work of ministry, not an addition to it
• How Isaiah 64:6 and the imagery of "filthy rags" guards against creeping self-righteousness
• The importance of surrounding yourself with people who can speak truth and humility into your life
• Finding hope in God's promise of new heavens and a new earth amid present cultural uncertainty
• How this future restoration gives purpose and perspective to present pain

Key Quote: "Whatever we're praying about, how bad do you want to see me show up and work in this situation?"

About One Single Story: One Single Story is a daily podcast where hosts from Open Door Church read through the One Year Bible together and discuss a passage from each day's reading. Each weekday episode offers a brief, conversational look at Scripture meant to encourage consistent time in God's Word.

Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com, and find more episodes and resources at onesinglestory.com.

Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily conversation around God's Word. New episodes release every weekday, Monday through Friday.

Coming This Week: Join us as we continue walking through the book of Isaiah, exploring more of God's promises of restoration and the call to persistent faith. Be sure to come back tomorrow for the next episode in this ongoing journey through Scripture.

Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Isaiah #Intercession #Prayer #NewHeavensNewEarth #BibleReading

Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark and Pastor Wendy Korbusieski as they dig into Isaiah 60-62 in today's One Year Bible reading. This episode explores the difference between having the Holy Spirit and carrying His anointing, what it means to minister to people who are grieving, and how God gives His people a new name rooted in His delight rather than their performance.

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 60:1–62:5 - One of the great messianic passages of the Old Testament, where Isaiah describes the Spirit-anointed ministry of good news to the poor, freedom for captives, and comfort for those who mourn — the same passage Jesus quotes in Luke 4 to launch His public ministry.

In This Episode:

• The difference between being full of the Holy Spirit and carrying a specific anointing
• How Jesus's use of Isaiah 61 in Luke 4 shapes what church ministry should actually look like
• Five marks of Spirit-empowered mission: enabling, good news, comfort, freedom, and encouragement
• Practical wisdom on sitting with people in grief instead of rushing them toward resolution
• The pastoral tension between walking with people in genuine loss versus recurring, self-inflicted crisis
• How God's promise of a "new name" speaks to identity rooted in His delight rather than performance
• Why security and intimacy with God flow from being loved first, before doing ministry

Key Quote: "Your new name is my delight is in you... that identity has to come before your ministry or your mission."

About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast walking through the One Year Bible with practical, conversational teaching designed to help listeners connect Scripture to everyday life and faith.

Open Door Church, Edenton, North Carolina visitopendoor.com | onesinglestory.com

Subscribe to One Single Story for daily conversations around God's Word, and never miss an episode as we walk through Scripture together, one story at a time.

Coming This Week: Join us as we continue our journey through the book of Isaiah, uncovering more of God's heart for His people and what it means to live in the identity He has given us.

Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Isaiah #Anointing #GriefAndFaith #IdentityInChrist #HolySpirit

Welcome back to One Single Story! Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Wendy Korbusieski for a rich conversation through Isaiah 57:15-59:21. This passage contrasts the high and holy God with human hypocrisy, calling believers to true humility, genuine spiritual disciplines, and total dependence on Christ as Redeemer.

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 57:15-59:21 - This section of Isaiah reveals a God who is "high and lofty" yet chooses to dwell with the humble and contrite in heart. It moves through God's rejection of empty religious fasting that ignores justice and mercy, and closes with the powerful image of God's own arm bringing salvation because no one else could.

In This Episode:

• Why God dwells with the humble and contrite rather than the impressive or self-sufficient
• Unpacking what a "contrite heart" really looks like, and whether emotion is required for genuine humility
• How pride builds a wall that keeps God's presence out
• Isaiah 58 and the danger of going through religious motions while neglecting justice and mercy
• Practical questions for examining whether personal devotion is shaping public, everyday behavior
• Isaiah 59 and the truth that salvation is God's work alone, not a partnership with human effort
• The meaning behind God being called our Redeemer, and its connection to Job's declaration of hope

Key Quote: "It's like God saying, don't tell me how devoted you are. Show me how devoted you are, and you can show me that by the way you treat my people."

About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast offering brief, conversational lessons from each day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, each episode digs into Scripture together, wrestling honestly with what the text means and how to live it out.

Join us at Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina, or connect online at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com.

Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a daily conversation through God's Word. Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement to walk humbly with God today.

Coming This Week: Join us as we continue our journey through the book of Isaiah, exploring more of God's heart for His people and what it means to walk in humility and dependence on Him day by day.

Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Isaiah #Humility #Redeemer #ContriteHeart #BibleTeaching

Welcome to today's edition of One Single Story! Host Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Wendy Korbusieski for a rich conversation from the book of Isaiah. Today's discussion centers on beginning new things when we feel barren or find ourselves in difficult seasons, exploring how radical grace reshapes our perspective, cultivates humility, and how God's Word always brings a return.

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 54:1-57:14 - This passage moves from a striking image of a barren, desolate woman being called to celebrate in anticipation of abundance, into an invitation of radical grace for those with no resources to come and receive freely, and closes with the promise that God's Word will always accomplish its intended purpose.

In This Episode:

• Enlarging your tent: cultivating expectant faith and preparing for growth during seasons that currently look barren
• The difference between filtering our expectations through God's character and promises versus filtering them through our circumstances
• Why preparing for abundance requires proactive faith, whether you're moving from little to more or from nothing to something
• The radical, grace-driven invitation in Isaiah 55 to "come and buy" with no money, and what that reveals about earning versus receiving from God
• Why salvation is never transactional and why humility is required to simply respond to God's free gift
• How the promise that God's Word "will accomplish" its purpose brings confidence to pastors, teachers, and everyday believers doing kingdom work
• A personal story about growing tomatoes as a picture of planting, watering, and trusting God for the increase

Key Quote: "Our salvation is never transactional. It's not about what we've done, what we are going to do, what we can do... it's a free gift, which means it's available. It is on the level where anybody can access it, and it 100% is not transactional. It is simply a work of grace."

About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday podcast offering brief, practical lessons drawn from each day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by Pastor Stephen Mizell alongside rotating co-hosts, the show is designed to help listeners engage Scripture consistently and find real, applicable truth for everyday life.

Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com.

Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily episode, and join us as we walk through Scripture together, one story at a time.

Coming This Week: Join us as we continue our journey through the book of Isaiah, digging deeper into God's promises of grace, restoration, and the enduring power of His Word.

Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Isaiah #GraceOfGod #BibleReadingPlan

Welcome back to One Single Story! Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Sheryl Daughety for a rich conversation on wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, and what it really takes to build a home, a family, a ministry, or an organization that lasts.

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 24:3-4 - Solomon teaches that a house is built through wisdom, established through understanding, and filled with rare and beautiful treasures through knowledge. The hosts unpack what these three qualities look like in daily life and leadership.

In This Episode:

• The difference between building something and establishing it as an ongoing, functional part of life
• How wisdom, understanding, and knowledge work together in a home, church, or business
• Identifying the "rare and beautiful treasures" a wise leader brings, from integrity and patience to peace and joy
• Why every person has blind spots, and why shared leadership matters in a home or on a staff team
• The real difference between a life built quickly on hype versus one built slowly through wisdom
• Lessons from contractors, the 10,000-hour rule, and stories like the Beatles and the founders of Microsoft
• Why lasting success requires a strong foundation instead of shortcuts and manipulation
• How Scripture values character over celebrity, and what that means for a durable life

Key Quote: "I think when objects become more important than reality, we're setting ourselves up for trouble... Scripture values character over celebrity, and it constructs a durable life that can endure for generations, if we build our life on what the Scripture has to say."

One Single Story is a daily devotional podcast from Open Door Church, offering a brief lesson from each day's reading in the One Year Bible. Every weekday, our hosts sit down with Scripture, a pen, and paper to explore what God's Word means for our everyday lives, our relationships, and our faith.

Join us at Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina, and connect with us online at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com.

Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily devotional. Hit the bell icon to get notified each time a new episode drops, and join us as we walk through the One Year Bible together, one story at a time.

Coming this week, we continue our journey through the Old Testament with more daily devotionals from One Single Story. Grab your Bible, a pen, and paper, and join us for the next conversation around the Word of God.

Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Proverbs #Wisdom #ChristianLeadership #BuildingOnFaith

Welcome back to One Single Story, the daily podcast where Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Sheryl Daughety dig into a short passage from the One Year Bible for real, honest conversation about walking with God. In today's episode, the hosts tackle envy, shortcuts, and the company we keep as they work through Proverbs 24.

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 24:1-2 - Solomon warns believers not to envy evil people or desire their company, since their hearts plot violence and their words stir up trouble. This short but pointed proverb sets up a conversation about what really drives the desire to imitate people who seem to have it all.

In This Episode:

• Why the heart's condition always precedes outward action, and what it means that "wrong" happens but "evil" is plotted
• Why believers are tempted to envy the rapid success of dishonest people, and the hidden cost behind that success
• A candid discussion using Warren Buffett and Elon Musk as contrasting real-world pictures of success with, and without, integrity
• How proximity shapes character, for better or worse, and why the company you keep quietly reshapes your speech, habits, and values
• Practical ways to build a culture of contentment through thankfulness and generosity instead of chasing approval
• Why checking your motives regularly matters, even for things that started with good intentions

Key Quote: "Thankfulness is a boundary that protects us from envy and greed."

About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday Bible study podcast built around the One Year Bible reading plan. Each episode offers a brief, conversational lesson designed to help listeners connect Scripture to everyday life, encouraging consistent time in God's Word one story at a time.

Recorded at Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com.

Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily lesson, and join us as we work through Scripture together, one conversation at a time.

Coming This Week: Join the hosts as they continue their walk through the book of Proverbs, exploring more of God's wisdom for daily living. Tune in tomorrow for the next conversation in this One Year Bible series.

Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Proverbs #Envy #Integrity #Contentment #WisdomLiterature

Welcome to today's edition of One Single Story! Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark and Pastor Sheryl Daughety for an honest, practical conversation about addiction, temptation, and how the church can walk alongside people trapped in destructive cycles. Drawing from the One Year Bible reading plan, the team unpacks Solomon's vivid warning about the dangers of alcohol and applies its truth to every form of addiction and compulsive behavior.

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 23:29-35 - Solomon paints a graphic picture of the consequences of drunkenness: anguish, conflict, hallucinations, and a cycle so consuming that the sufferer wakes only to seek another drink. This passage serves as both a warning label for addiction and a window into how sin promises pleasure while delivering destruction.

In This Episode:

• Unpacking Solomon's warning against alcohol and how it applies to all forms of addiction
• Why temptation is designed to look attractive on the outside, like rat poison in a bright box
• The necessity of practicing self-control in small, everyday decisions
• How to hold both grace and truth together when confronting a loved one's addiction
• Andy Stanley's story of "Jane" and the lesson of committing long-term to one person's healing
• Discerning when to step in with help and when to let natural consequences teach the lesson
• Practical resources for walking someone through recovery, including celebrate recovery and professional treatment programs

Key Quote: "You have to have an enormous amount of grace with uncompromised truth. Because we like non-judgmental grace, but we don't like the truth, or we like the truth without the grace. And to have the two of it together? It's messy."

One Single Story is a daily devotional podcast following the One Year Bible reading plan, where Pastor Stephen Mizell and the Open Door Church team break down a passage from each day's reading and connect it to real, everyday life. Each weekday episode offers a short, conversational lesson designed to help you dig deeper into Scripture and grow in your walk with Christ.

Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more about our church at visitopendoor.com and explore more episodes of One Single Story at onesinglestory.com.

Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily devotional. New episodes release every weekday as we walk together through the One Year Bible.

Coming This Week: The team continues through the book of Proverbs, unpacking more of Solomon's wisdom on daily living, relationships, and walking faithfully with God. Be sure to tune in for tomorrow's conversation.

Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Proverbs #Addiction #Recovery #GraceAndTruth #Temptation #Sobriety #ChristianCommunity

Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark and Pastor Sheryl Daughety for today's conversation in the Book of Proverbs. The team digs into why capturing someone's heart is more powerful than managing their behavior, and why every believer needs to identify the personal "traps" that can pull them away from wisdom.

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 23:25-28 - Solomon appeals to his son to give him his heart, then warns that immorality works like a robber lying in wait, drawing the unfaithful into a deep pit and a narrow well.

In This Episode:

• Why "give me your heart" is the true foundation of discipleship, parenting, and leadership
• How trust and love, not just rules, transform behavior long-term
• Recognizing your own personal "traps" — the specific pits everyone is vulnerable to
• A candid discussion on temptation, headline news, and how easily anyone can fall
• Practical guardrails for staying focused on wisdom in a highly sexualized digital culture
• Setting boundaries with technology, accountability, and honest relationships

Key Quote: "If we don't know what they are, they will suck us into places that we never thought possible."

One Single Story is a daily podcast from Open Door Church walking through Scripture one conversation at a time. Hosted by Pastor Stephen Mizell with co-hosts Pastor Jay Rivenbark and Pastor Wendy Korbusieski, each episode dives into the Word of God to equip listeners with practical, biblical wisdom for everyday life.

Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com.

Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a conversation around God's Word. New episodes released daily.

Coming this week: the team continues its journey through the Book of Proverbs, unpacking more of Solomon's wisdom on relationships, integrity, and living a life anchored in God's truth.

Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Proverbs #Discipleship #Wisdom #Temptation #Accountability

Welcome back to One Single Story. Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Sheryl Daughety for a candid conversation about parenting, wisdom, and the generational rewards of raising godly children — including the honest tension of watching adult children walk away from the values they were taught.

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 23:24 - Solomon writes that the father of godly children has cause for joy, describing what he calls the "compound interest of character" that builds when children grow in wisdom. The hosts also touch on Proverbs 22:6, the well-known promise to train up a child in the way he should go.

In This Episode:

• Why the joy (or pain) parents feel is tied to the wisdom or foolishness of their children
• Three keys to cultivating righteousness rather than mere behavioral compliance: example, relationship, and influence
• The difference between behavior modification and true character growth
• Why modeling repentance teaches kids more than perfect performance ever could
• How to respond when adult children reject the wisdom they were raised with
• Loving unconditionally while parenting conditionally — setting boundaries without becoming a rescuer
• Letting go of parental guilt and regret over decisions that can't be undone
• A cultural shift from "helicopter" to "bulldozer" parenting, and what it costs kids long-term

Key Quote: "You have to capture their heart before you can affect their behavior."

One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast walking through the One Year Bible, offering short, practical lessons rooted in Scripture. Each episode features honest conversation between the hosts as they wrestle with what God's Word means for everyday life, marriage, parenting, and faith.

Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or onesinglestory.com.

Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a weekday devotional, and hit the bell to get notified when new episodes drop.

Coming This Week: Join the hosts as they continue their journey through the book of Proverbs, digging into more of Solomon's wisdom on family, character, and living a life that honors God.

Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Proverbs #ChristianParenting #GodlyParenting #Wisdom #RaisingGodlyChildren

Welcome back to One Single Story! Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Alyssa Bream for a rich conversation through Psalm 62. This Psalm of David has no petitions or pleas—only bold declarations of dependence on God. The team unpacks what it means to find true, quiet rest in God alone, even when the world offers endless distractions and counterfeit securities.

Scripture Focus: Psalm 62:1-12 - A psalm of David that reflects hard-won wisdom from trials and hardship. Rather than asking God for help, David declares his unwavering trust, reminding himself (and us) that rest, salvation, and hope come from God alone, and that God's power and unfailing love work together as one.

In This Episode:

• Why silence and rest in God alone are so difficult for modern Christians
• The dangers of "secondary securities"—distractions, comfort, and success that quietly become little "gods"
• Understanding the Hebrew term Elohim and what it means to trust God "alone"
• Balancing expressive, open-hearted prayer with silent, listening prayer
• How the rhythm of 21 Days of Prayer creates space for both pouring out and quiet waiting
• Holding together God's absolute power and his covenant love as one truth, not two
• Why power without love feels cold, and love without power feels helpless
• Encouragement for anyone walking through a trial or crisis right now

Key Quote: "I think the greatest threat to our trusting in God is our trusting in ourself."

About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday Bible study podcast offering brief, thoughtful lessons drawn from the daily reading in the One Year Bible. Each episode brings together pastors and leaders from Open Door Church for honest, practical conversations rooted in Scripture—helping listeners connect the full arc of God's Word to everyday life.

Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or onesinglestory.com.

If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily lesson, and share it with someone who needs to hear it today.

Coming This Week: Join us as we continue walking through the One Year Bible reading plan, exploring more of Scripture's single, unfolding story—one weekday lesson at a time.

Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Psalm62 #TrustInGod #WaitingOnGod #BibleDevotional #ChristianEncouragement