The Daily Grind

Friday, July 19: In this episode of The Daily Grind, John and Mariza continue their journey through the book of Isaiah, focusing on chapters 28 through 39. They discuss God's messages of judgment and hope for Israel and Judah, emphasizing the importance of repentance and trust in God over alliances with foreign powers. They highlight the significance of Isaiah's prophecies, particularly the rise and fall of Jerusalem, Hezekiah's faith and failings, and the promise of a future righteous king. Mariza brings a fresh perspective by reflecting on how these ancient warnings and promises apply to our lives today, reminding us to trust in God's unwavering support.

Thursday, July 18: Welcome to The Daily Grind! Today, we explore the transformative power of trusting Jesus and finding hope, joy, and peace amidst life's challenges. We'll dive into "cross-shaped suffering," as described in Philippians 3:10, where Paul seeks to know Christ through sharing in His sufferings. We'll discuss how personal hardships, persecution, and daily trials can connect us to Jesus and lead to spiritual growth. Join us as we uncover how to embrace suffering with faith and support others, finding joy and peace in Christ despite the chaos around us.

Wednesday, July 17: In this episode of The Daily Grind, we delve into the spiritual discipline of service, a cornerstone of living a cruciform life. Reflecting on Jesus' teaching in Matthew 20:25-28 and his humble act of washing the disciples' feet in John 13:1-7, we explore how true service transcends self-righteous efforts and flows from a deep relationship with God. Learn to distinguish between self-serving acts and genuine service, and embrace the humble, hidden acts that build community and reflect Christ's love. Join us as we uncover how daily acts of service shape our faith and bring us closer to the heart of God.

Tuesday, July 16: Now it’s that time on The Daily Grind to enrich your faith. In our latest episode, we continue our journey of exploring what it means to live a life shaped by the cross. Today, we're looking into the discipline of forgiveness as part of our series on the practices of a disciple. We delve into Jesus’ teachings from Luke 7:36-50, where a sinful woman’s act of deep remorse and humility sets the stage for a powerful lesson in forgiveness. Discover how forgiveness is essential in being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and doing what Jesus did. In this episode we will:

Let forgiveness transform your life, deepen your love for God and others, and live a life marked by compassion, humility, and love.

Monday, July 15: In this episode, John discusses the concept of fasting as a spiritual discipline in the cruciform life. He explains that fasting goes beyond abstaining from food and can include fasting from media, noise, technology, and other addictive behaviors. He highlights the biblical examples of fasting and the historical figures who practiced it. John emphasizes that fasting is a means of drawing closer to God and experiencing breakthroughs in the heart and mind. He also provides practical tips for starting a fast and emphasize the importance of focusing on God during the process.

Guidelines for Fasting from Food

What to do in the Time Set Apart for Fasting

Friday, July 12: In this conversation, John and Mariza continue their exploration of the Old Testament, specifically the book of Isaiah. They discuss the prophetic judgments and the hope that God delivers for the nations. They delve into the poetic nature of Isaiah and the heavy messages of judgment and hope. They also touch on the story of Sodom and Gomorrah and the significance of how God judges nations based on their treatment of others. They briefly discuss the use of the term Lucifer in Isaiah and its association with Satan. Overall, the conversation highlights the themes of divine judgment, hope, and the importance of how we treat others. In this conversation, Mariza and John discuss the themes of judgment, hope, and God's sovereignty in the book of Isaiah. They explore the prophetic messages to various nations and the consequences of relying on human strength instead of God. They also highlight the contrast between God's judgment and His desire for redemption and restoration. The conversation emphasizes the importance of context and understanding the historical events surrounding Isaiah's prophecies. The chapters covered in this conversation include Isaiah 15-23.

Thursday, July 11: In this episode of The Daily Grind, we explore the fourth part of living a cruciform life: our relationship to non-disciples as sowers of the gospel of grace. We delve into how early Christians spread their faith despite persecution and social costs, drawing inspiration from the story of the Samaritan woman in John 4. Discover the power of living missionally, being transparent about our faith, and sharing the joy of our salvation with those around us. Join us as we learn to engage our neighbors, the nations, and the next generation with cross-shaped words and works.

Wednesday, July 10: In this episode of The Daily Grind, we delve into the third aspect of the cruciform life: our relationship to the resources God has given us as stewards. We explore the biblical concept of stewardship, emphasizing our role as caretakers of creation who reflect God’s love and care. We also discuss how Jesus’ teachings challenge us to trust in God’s abundance and live generously, even in a world that often feels like it's defined by scarcity. Join us as we uncover the profound responsibility and divine calling of stewardship, and how it aligns with God's purposes and contributes to the renewal of creation.

Tuesday, July 9: Welcome back to The Daily Grind! In today's episode, we dive into the second part of living the cruciform life: our relationship with other disciples as shepherds who encourage one another. We'll explore the importance of community, the role of discipleship, and the power of encouragement in our faith journey. Discover how being part of a supportive fellowship, engaging in mutual discipleship, and actively encouraging one another can profoundly impact our spiritual growth and unity in Christ. Join us as we learn to live out our faith together, reflecting the love and care of our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

Monday, July 8: In this episode of The Daily Grind, we continue exploring The Cruciform life as we dive into what it means to be seekers of God as disciples of Jesus. We explore how God reveals Himself to us and how our response should naturally be worship. Understanding our purpose in God’s grand design, we discuss the importance of knowing God personally, living a life that glorifies Him, and aligning our actions with His will. Join us as we cultivate a deeper relationship with our Creator, pursuing His presence in every aspect of our lives.