The Daily Grind

Bonus episode, full interview with Scott Holley.

You can also check out Scott's Book:

Monday, November 13:On this week's episode of The Daily Grind with John Spencer we delve into Week Ten of our exploration of "Celebration Of Discipline" by Richard Foster. This time, we're focusing on Chapter 10: The Discipline of Worship. Foster takes us on a journey through the concept of "holy expectancy" in worship, drawing inspiration from biblical figures like Moses, Isaiah, and John.

Discover the transformative power of approaching worship with a heart tuned to God's divine initiative. From the awe-inspiring scenes in Solomon's temple to the revelations on Patmos, we explore how these extraordinary encounters can inspire our seemingly ordinary worship experiences.

Join us as we discuss George Fox's advice on meeting in the Name of Jesus and Foster's insights on cultivating holy expectancy in our daily lives. Learn how maintaining a quiet inner posture of listening, worshiping, and talking with God can deepen our connection with the divine and shape our thoughts, actions, and conversations.

Don't miss this insightful episode that encourages us to go beyond the routine and connect with Jesus in our everyday moments. Check out the show notes for Foster's recommended scripture reading to enhance your journey of ongoing connection with God.

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

Monday: Worship in spirit and truth – John 4:19–24

Tuesday: Communion: the essence of worship – John 6:52–68, 63

Wednesday: The life of worship – Ephesians 5:18–20, Colossians 3:16–17

Thursday: The Lord high and lifted up – Isaiah 6:1–8

Friday: Sing to the Lord – Psalm 96

Saturday: Worship of all creation – Psalm 148

Sunday: Worthy is the Lamb – Revelation 5:6–14

Friday, November 10: In this episode of "The Daily Grind," we delve into the complex web of American Evangelical perspectives on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The host shares personal reflections and prayers while examining the apparent cognitive dissonance in Evangelical attitudes toward Israel. The episode challenges the idea of viewing the Jewish people as a means to an end and explores the potential dehumanization that can occur when geopolitical goals supersede compassion and understanding. Drawing from Romans 11:25-27, the host advocates for a shift in focus towards love, compassion, and a genuine commitment to building God's Kingdom on Earth.

Thursday, November 9: Join us in this enlightening episode as we delve into the life and legacy of Alcuin of York, a figure often overshadowed by history. A devout church deacon in the eighth century, Alcuin played a pivotal role in transforming education across Europe under the patronage of Charlemagne. From his influential position as head of the court school in Aachen to his courageous stance against Charlemagne's brutal policies, Alcuin's impact on shaping the minds of generations is undeniable. Discover the man who not only introduced Charlemagne to the liberal arts but also left an indelible mark on the course of Western European education.

Wednesday, November 8: In this episode of "The Daily Grind" podcast, we delve into the life and legacy of one of history's most remarkable scholars you've probably never heard of, The Venerable Bede. In 682 AD, a young boy named Bede was entrusted to the care of the twin monastery of Monkwearmouth-Jarrow, where he would go on to become a Benedictine Monk. Little did his caregivers know that Bede would grow up to be one of the greatest polymaths the world has ever known. Over his lifetime, he penned over forty books on subjects ranging from history, science, arithmetic, biblical commentary, and grammar, leaving an indelible mark on the world's intellectual landscape.

We’ll briefly explore Bede's fascinating journey from obscurity to becoming the "Father of English History." We'll hear from Professor Sarah Foot, who's been working diligently to reintroduce Bede to the modern world and highlight his significant contributions to English identity, faith, and knowledge. Join us as we uncover the life and times of this incredible scholar who lived during the "Dark Ages" but illuminated the path of learning and discovery.

You can listen to a full episode on the Undeceptions podcast, where host John Dickson goes deeper into the incredible story of The Venerable Bede and his enduring impact on history, science, and culture.

Tuesday, November 7: In this thought-provoking episode of "The Daily Grind," we delve into the intriguing question: Whose side is God on? Drawing inspiration from the book "The Coddling of the American Mind" by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt, we explore the "3 Big Misconceptions" that are shaping the beliefs of a whole generation, particularly the notion that life is a battle between good and evil people. This divisive thinking extends beyond politics and permeates various aspects of our lives, exacerbated by the influence of social media. However, we learn valuable lessons from Abraham Lincoln's humility and a biblical passage, which suggest that the key isn't about God choosing sides, but us aligning with His purpose. Tune in to this insightful episode for a fresh perspective on finding common ground in a divided world and understanding whose side God truly stands on.

BTW: Václav Havel was a Czech statesman, author, poet, playwright and former dissident. Havel served as the last president of Czechoslovakia from 1989 until 1992, prior to the dissolution of Czechoslovakia on 31 December, before he became the first president of the Czech Republic from 1993 to 2003.

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.

Monday, November 6: In this week's chapter of "Celebration of Discipline," we delve into the profound spiritual practice of confession. For Christians, confession is a powerful way to connect with God's grace and mercy, offering forgiveness and healing for our past mistakes and pain. Hosted by John Spencer, we explore how confession brings freedom, forgiveness, and healing. We unravel the mystery of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and how it made all the difference. The episode also discusses the significance of corporate and private confession, and outlines the four key principles of a meaningful confession. Join us on this transformative journey of rediscovering the beauty of confession.

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

Monday: The need for confession and forgiveness – Isaiah 59:1–9, Romans 3:10–18

Tuesday: The promise of forgiveness – Jeremiah 31:34, Matthew 26:28, Ephesians 1:7

Wednesday: The assurance of forgiveness – 1 John 1:5–10

Thursday: Jesus Christ our adequate Saviour, Mediator and Advocate – 2 Corinthians 6:21, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 John 2:1

Friday: A parable of confession – Luke 15:11–24

Saturday: Authority and forgiveness – Matthew 16:19, Matthew 18:18, John 20:23

Sunday: The ministry of the Christian fellowship – James 5:13–16

Friday, Nov 3: In this episode of "The Daily Grind," John and Maritza reflect on the importance of slowing down and being grateful, even when life throws unexpected challenges. Maritza shares a recent experience with her car's tires going flat and how it led her to take a moment to reflect on the lessons life was trying to teach her. They dive into the message of Psalm 100 and discuss how being grateful and acknowledging God's constant love can help us navigate the ups and downs of life.

Thursday, 2 November: In this episode of "The Daily Grind" podcast, we explore the powerful message of Romans 8:31, which offers incredible encouragement to Christians in the face of life's challenges. The verse asks, "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" It's a reminder that when God is on our side, nothing can stand against us. We dive into the context of this verse in the book of Romans and break it down into three key parts, helping you grasp its profound meaning. Discover how to apply this message to your life, focusing on the eternal, stepping boldly into God's plans, and finding hope in the midst of life's trials.

Wednesday, 1 November: In today's episode of "The Daily Grind" podcast, we delve into the concept of living in alignment with your true spiritual identity. We explore the term "saint," a frequent mention in the Bible, and how understanding this identity can profoundly shape our lives and interactions. Join us as we discuss passages from Philippians, the significance of being born again, and the transformation from sinners to saints. Discover how recognizing your sainthood can lead to a life filled with blessings, and the power to impact the world positively.