The Daily Grind

Monday, 27 November: Join us on The Daily Grind Podcast as we explore the profound wisdom of Saint Augustine's words, "The Christian should be an alleluia from head to foot." In this episode, we delve into the spiritual discipline of celebration and how it leads us into a perpetual jubilee of the Spirit. Discover the transformative power of cultivating "holy habits" that shape our character, fostering love, joy, peace, and more. Richard Foster guides us through the central role of celebration in all spiritual disciplines and offers practical steps to infuse authentic joy into our lives. Learn how embracing childlike joy, laughter, imagination, family events, and cultural celebrations can bring healing and wholeness to our communities. Celebrate the goodness of God with us!

Monday: The Lord has triumphed gloriously – Exodus 15:1–2, 20–21

Tuesday: The joy of the Lord ­– 2 Samuel 6:12–19

Wednesday: Bless the Lord – Psalm 103

Thursday: Praise The Lord – Psalm 150

Friday: Hosanna! – Luke 19:35–40, John 12:12–19

Saturday: Walking and leaping and praising God – Acts 3:1–10

Sunday: Hallelujah! – Revelation 19:1–8

Friday, November 24: On today's Daily Grind, we're delving into a captivating Thanksgiving tale from ancient Israel that goes beyond the pilgrims and Indigenous Americans. Join us as we journey back to the time of King David and the Ark of the Covenant. Discover the rich traditions of a Thanksgiving celebration that involved feasting, music, and a powerful expression of gratitude. Unearth the timeless lessons from David's song that remind us why we should be thankful for God's salvation, faithfulness, and worthiness of praise. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the deeper roots of Thanksgiving, offering insights that resonate across generations.

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, 23 November: 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, November 22: In this episode of "The Daily Grind" podcast, host John Spencer digs into the often-overlooked power and depth of the word "Whoever" in the famous biblical verse, John 3:16. While many know the verse, few understand the profound inclusivity embedded in the term "Whoever." John explores how this simple word challenges preconceived notions, breaks down barriers, and reveals the radical nature of Jesus' message. By considering key verses from the book of John, he underscores the transformative impact of "Whoever" and challenges listeners to embrace the inclusive love that transcends boundaries and welcomes all.

“Whoever believes may have eternal life in him.” John 3:15

“Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned.” John 3:18

“Whoever believes in the son, has eternal life.” John 3:36

“Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24

“Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35

“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” John 6:37

“Whoever believes has eternal life.” John 6:47

“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:38

“Whoever believes in me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

“Whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” John 11:26

“Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me.” John 12:44

Tuesday, November 21: In this episode of "The Daily Grind" podcast, join host John Spencer as we dig into the profound message of John 15:13. We explore the true essence of love as defined by the Bible and contrast it with the world's often conditional understanding. Discover the powerful truths behind Jesus' words and how they can inspire and challenge your life and faith. As we break down the meaning of John 15:13, we'll uncover the sacrificial nature of love and its transformative impact on our relationships. Don't miss this insightful exploration that invites you to go beyond the popular interpretation of the verse.

Monday, November 20: In this episode of "The Daily Grind" podcast, host John Spencer delves into Discipline Eleven – Guidance, exploring its revolutionary nature in the corporate disciplines. According to Richard Foster, Guidance isn't just about individual instructions; it's a collective effort, mirroring the biblical concept of communal guidance exemplified by the Israelites. The episode emphasizes the importance of aligning personal guidance with community beliefs and reliable sources, creating a harmonious melody of God's voice. Join the conversation as John, alongside insights from Dallas Willard, unravels the significance of being friends with Jesus, engaging in a conversation with God, and seeking guidance within the community.

Richard Foster recommends these daily scripture readings as explore guidance this week:

Monday: The pole star of faith – Hebrews 11

Tuesday: The guidance of Divine Providence ¬– Genesis 24:–21

Wednesday: The guidance of justice and obedience – Isaiah 1:17; 18–20

Thursday: Led into all truth – Proverbs 3:5–6; John 14:6; John 16:13; Acts 10:1–35

Friday: Closed doors, open doors – Acts 16:6-10; 2 Corinthians 2:12

Saturday: Listening or resisting? – Acts 21:8-14

Sunday: The family likeness – Romans 8:14; 28-30

Friday, 17 November: On this special episode of "The Daily Grind" podcast, join John and Maritza as they take a break from their usual format to explore the theme of joy and gratitude found in various Psalms. Instead of focusing on a single Psalm, they delve into multiple verses from different Psalms that emphasize the imperative of joy in the lives of God's people. Maritza shares a heartwarming and impactful encounter she had at an airport restroom, where a cheerful custodian's perspective on life left a lasting impression. The episode reflects on the power of gratitude and joy, showcasing that even in routine and mundane moments, one can find the presence of God and reasons to be thankful.

Psalm by Mariza

God in the Bathroom

In the bustle of the airport's flow,

I walked, weary, spirits low.

From New York's sky, a bumpy ride,

Hungry, tired, and bleary-eyed.

In the restroom, a dance, a hum,

A cleaning lady, her spirit not glum.

"Good evening, ma'am," her cheerful call,

Amidst the tiles of the bathroom stall.

"Fantastic," I said, but inside I frowned,

"Why so happy?" my thoughts wound.

Another lady, tired and terse,

Met with the same, cheerful verse.

Washing hands, I paused to hear,

The cleaning lady, crystal clear:

"Two legs for dancing, arms strong and fine,

Working for family, this joy is mine.

Sunday's embrace, God's loving hand,

Grateful for all in this life so grand."

The tired lady smirked, then walked away,

Her mood perhaps a bit brighter that day.

As I left, I couldn't hide,

The shift within, a change inside.

"Have a great evening," to her, my say,

"God be with you," she smiled my way.

In that moment, a lesson so bright,

Joy found in gratitude, in God's gentle light.

A simple encounter, in a place so routine,

Unveiled the joy in life's unseen scene.

— Mariza

Thursday, November 16: In this episode of "The Daily Grind" podcast, we delve into the practical wisdom and uplifting message found in James 1:17. Discover how this verse challenges common misconceptions among followers of Jesus and guides us to reevaluate the true source of every good and perfect gift in our lives. Join the discussion as we break down the meaning, explore the context set by James, and uncover three actionable takeaways that can transform the way we approach gratitude, hard work, and the priorities in our lives.

The host shares their personal journey of transitioning from a success-driven mindset to a relationship-centered approach in their Christian faith. Drawing inspiration from biblical passages and influential authors like Dallas Willard and Henri Nouwen, the podcast encourages listeners to love God, embrace the unforced rhythms of grace, and experience a life of freedom and peace. The show notes include recommended books and references from various influential figures.

Tuesday, November 14: Join John Spencer and his special guest, Scott Holly, on today's episode of The Daily Grind. John and Scott take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about their time in Vienna, Austria, working with Young Life. Scott shares insights into his experiences as a teacher for over 51 years and his current role supervising student teachers. The conversation dives into the impact of friendships and relationships forged during their time in Vienna and the unique camaraderie that comes from navigating life together overseas. Scott also discusses some thought-provoking books, including those by Justin Brierley, and shares his passion for teaching and making a difference in the lives of students. Don't miss this insightful and inspiring episode!

Check out Unbelievable podcast hosted by Justin Brierley

Check out these books by Justin Brierley:

Unbelievable?: Why After Ten Years of Talking with Atheists, I'm Still a Christian

The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God: Why New Atheism Grew Old and Secular Thinkers Are Considering Christianity Again