The Daily Grind

Friday, May 24: In this episode, John and Mariza continue their study of God calling his people and building his people. They focus on the story of Elisha in 2 Kings chapters 2-9, highlighting key moments such as the healing of the water in Jericho, the encounter with the mocking youth, and the various miracles performed by Elisha. They also delve into the story of Naaman, the Syrian general with leprosy, and discuss the themes of faith, obedience, and the power of God's work through anyone. The episode concludes with a discussion of the downfall of Jezebel and the importance of humility and faith.

⁠⁠Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes. 

Thursday, May 23: This special episode of "The Daily Grind" explores the profound teachings of Jesus on the Kingdom of God. Through parables, the rich imagery Jesus used to describe the Kingdom—yeast, seeds, treasure, and a banquet. In a heartwarming story from 1990, John recounts Tony Campolo's experience in a diner, where a simple act of kindness turned into a transformative moment for a woman named Agnes. Discover the unexpected ways the Kingdom of God can manifest in our lives, challenging preconceptions and inviting us to embrace a love that knows no boundaries.

Wednesday, May 22: In this episode of the Daily Grind Podcast, we delve into the thought-provoking pages of John Dixon's "Bullies and Saints." Today John runs through Chapter 5, titled 'Good Losers,' and explores the character of the earliest Christians and how they embodied Christ's teachings and Paul's instructions. Join us to discover their unwavering commitment to overcoming evil with good, promoting forgiveness and peace, even in the face of extreme challenges. "Bullies and Saints" offers an honest look at the dynamic highs and lows in Christian history.

You can find the print or audio book ⁠here⁠

⁠Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes.

Tuesday, May 21: In this episode, we'll explore the idea of eliminating hurry from our lives. We'll talk about why hurry is a spiritual problem, and how we can learn to slow down and live more intentionally. We'll also discuss the importance of Sabbath-keeping as a way to cultivate a more unhurried lifestyle.

Here are some items we cover in the episode:

⁠⁠Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you!

Monday, May 20: In this episode, we look at one of Jesus' most challenging commands: to love and forgive our enemies. We explore the practical implications of this command, as outlined by the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:14-21. Through the powerful testimony of Corrie Ten Boom, a Holocaust survivor, we discover how forgiveness can be an act of the will, inspired by the example of Jesus. We also address the important distinction between forgiveness and excusing abusive behavior, emphasizing the importance of personal safety and boundaries. Join me as we explore the transformative power of choosing love and forgiveness in the face of adversity.

⁠[email protected]⁠

⁠⁠Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Or respond to the question below. If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all

Friday, May 17: In this thought-provoking episode of The Daily Grind podcast, we delve into the New Testament’s portrayal of the gospel, challenging the common heaven-centric view held by many Christians. Scot McKnight, a New Testament scholar, highlights the striking absence of an afterlife focus in the Apostles’ sermons within the book of Acts. Instead, Peter’s sermon in Acts 3 reveals a gospel centered on the restoration of creation and the unification of heaven and earth. This episode invites listeners to reconsider the ultimate goal of their faith in light of the Apostles’ teachings.

Thursday, May 16: In the season finale of ‘The Daily Grind,’ we reflect on the journey of faith that has propelled us through a year of inspiring podcasts. Episode 249 is a heartfelt tribute to the power of persistence and the impact of ministry in everyday life. We revisit the scriptural call to be Christ’s ambassadors from 2 Corinthians 5:20, embracing our mission to spread God’s love. Romans 12:6-8 reminds us of the diverse gifts bestowed upon us, each playing a crucial role in the ministry of the Gospel. Our host shares the origin story of TDG, sparked by Mariah’s unwavering encouragement, and celebrates the global reach of the podcast, especially among the Texan faithful. As we bid farewell to Season One, we express our deepest thanks to the ‘Daily Grind Nation’ and invite listeners to join in living out their ministry, shining God’s light in all endeavors.

Wednesday, May 15: In this episode of The Daily Grind podcast, we explore the profound call of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, examining its implications beyond traditional evangelism. We discuss how “Go” signifies a continuous action within our daily lives, emphasizing the transformative journey of discipleship. The episode delves into the importance of intentional living, authentic faith, and relational ministry, encouraging listeners to embrace disciple-making in every aspect of life. We challenge the notion that discipleship is solely about knowledge transfer, highlighting that it’s about sharing life and walking with others in their spiritual journey.

Tuesday, May 14: In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of ancient Christianity and explore how early Christians navigated a hostile non-Christian society. Drawing inspiration from biblical passages like Matthew 6:2–4 and Matthew 25:36-40, we discuss the core principles that set Christians apart from the world. Our goal? To imitate Jesus, informed by His teachings and the Holy Spirit within us. We’ll explore how Christ followers engaged with their surroundings, built authentic relationships, and embodied God’s love. Join us as we uncover timeless lessons from the past that resonate with our present challenges.

Monday, May 13: In this episode of The Daily Grind Podcast, we delve into the core beliefs of Christianity, encapsulated in the Apostles’ Creed. Despite the diversity of Christian denominations, this concise 83-word summary stands as a unifying symbol of faith. We explore its historical roots, its emergence as a response to heresy, and its enduring spiritual significance. The episode concludes with a detailed breakdown of the Creed, illuminating the profound concepts of God as the creator, Jesus as the savior, and the Holy Spirit as the life-giver.