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What habits, hobbies, or interests did you pick up because of your dad? For most of us, it doesn’t take long to think of something. Maybe it’s the way you follow a particular sports team, the way you approach work, the music you enjoy, or even the way you spend your weekends. Fathers have a unique way of shaping the rhythms and priorities of our lives, often without realizing just how deeply their influence runs.

That idea serves as the starting point for this week’s episode.

This week, Wayne explores how the influence of a father goes far beyond hobbies or shared interests. Children are constantly watching what their dads value most. They notice what gets their father’s time, attention, and enthusiasm. Those notice if their dad love to worship the Lord or not. . When children see their dads investing in their relationship with God—prioritizing the assembly, engaging in worship, and speaking about spiritual things—it communicates something incredibly important: that faith is not merely a duty but a deeply valued part of life.

Ultimately, this episode is a reminder that some of the most important lessons fathers teach are the ones their children see lived out week after week. When dads make worship a priority and demonstrate a genuine love for God, they are shaping the faith of the next generation in ways that may last a lifetime. Join us for a thoughtful discussion about the influence of fathers, the power of example, and why children need to see their dads leading the way in worship.

In this episode of Wifey Wednesdays, we explore what it truly means to wholly trust in the Lord. Proverbs 3 reminds us to trust God with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. But what does that look like when life is stormy, uncertain, or confusing?

Looking at examples from Scripture, we see that trusting God doesn’t mean the path will be easy. It means believing that God is present, powerful, and faithful—no matter what the path looks like.

Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly made a way where there seemed to be none:

• The Red Sea opening for Israel (Exodus 14)
• Provision in the wilderness (Exodus 16–17)
• Crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 3)
• The fall of Jericho (Joshua 6)
• David defeating Goliath (1 Samuel 17)
• Deliverance from the Assyrians (2 Kings 19)

Most importantly, God made a way for salvation through Jesus Christ. God’s history of faithfulness reminds us that no problem we face is greater than His power.

In Luke 23:43, Jesus spoke words of incredible comfort to a dying man:

In the previous episode, we examined what Jesus meant when He spoke these words from the cross. In this episode, we turn our attention to the compassion behind the promise.

The statement Jesus made to the thief was not out of character. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently showed deep compassion for sinners, the suffering, and the spiritually lost. The promise of paradise reveals the heart of a Savior who cares deeply for people.

In this episode, Dewayne discusses artifacts that show a Jewish presence in Israel dating back over three thousand years through the first century AD.

The Bible tells us that King David was a man after God's own heart, yet David was far from perfect. If David can be this type of man, is it possible that we can become people after "God's own heart"? In this episode, we find that we CAN indeed obtain this and show you the characteristics needed to do so. Part 2 of the podcast tackles a listener question about the importance of varying talents among the brotherhood of Christ.

Other show highlights: Someone get Daniel some coffee...

Transformation is accomplished in smalls steps and single decisions. Sometimes transformation is not about major changes, but about a singular adjustment. Wayne notes this reality by considering the example of Apollos in Acts 18. The primary reason Apollos was transformable is because was teachable. He was willing to receive instruction and accept correction. True masculinity allows us to acknowledge our limitations and to accept the help needed to change.

In this episode of Wifey Wednesdays, Emily Hatfield explores what it truly means to wholly follow the Lord. Looking at the powerful example of Caleb, we’re challenged to consider whether our hearts are fully aligned with God — even when standing alone.

What It Means to Wholly Follow the Lord

1. Trusting God Over Opposition

Caleb believed no obstacle was greater than God’s power — not fortified cities, not giants, not fear. When others saw impossibility, Caleb saw God’s provision.

We are reminded:

• The One who is in us is greater than the one in the world.
• Jesus has overcome the world.
• We do not follow in fear — we follow in faith.

2. Standing Firm — Even Among God’s People

Sometimes opposition doesn’t come from the world, but from fellow believers.

Caleb stood against the majority report — even when it came from men who should have trusted God.

Wholly following may look like:

• Refusing to join gossip.
• Questioning unbiblical teaching with humility.
• Choosing obedience over popularity.
• Living differently than other families.
• Saying no when others say yes — and yes when others say no.We follow the Lord — not the crowd.

3. Serving Faithfully for a Lifetime

In Joshua 14:6–12, Caleb is 85 years old and still asking for the hill country filled with giants.

He declares he is just as strong and ready for battle as he was at 40.

Wholly following the Lord means:

• No spiritual retirement.
• No “I did my time” mentality.
• No slowing zeal because of age or experience.
• Lifelong faithfulness.As long as we have breath, we serve.

A Warning Example: Solomon

Not everyone finishes well.

Solomon is described in 1 Kings 11:6 as one who “did not wholly follow the Lord.” Despite wisdom and blessing, Solomon allowed divided loyalties.

In contrast, David — though imperfect — is remembered as one who wholly followed the Lord:

• He repented when confronted.
• He fought when called.
• He waited for God’s timing.
• He aligned his heart with God’s.Wholly following is not about perfection — it’s about direction.

In a culture that:

• Celebrates following your heart
• Rewards popularity
• Competes for your attentionBe a Caleb.

Stand firm when it’s hard.
Trust God when it’s unpopular.
Serve Him when no one else does.

There is no such thing as a sideline Christian. The wilderness generation shows us where that leads. But stepping up in faith? That’s a Caleb move. A David move.

And that’s the heart God desires.

In this episode, Dewayne discusses the Apiru and whether they were ancient Israelites under another name.

Ashley and Kristen discuss the biblical names Jehovah Sabaoth (Lord of Hosts), Jehovah Rohi (The Lord Our Shepherd), Jehovah M’Kaddesh (Lord Who Sanctifies), El Elyon (Most High), El Roi (God of Seeing), Qanna (Jealous God), Abba (loving Father), and Immanuel (God with us). Join us as we explore the profound meanings behind these names of God and how understanding these facets of His character affects our prayers and worship.

Episode Resources:

Names of God Scripture Writing Plan & Reference Guide: https://www.theruffledmango.com/february-scripture-writing-plan-names-of-god/

Names of God Kids' Scripture Writing Plans: (scroll down to curriculum section for free downloads)

https://the-ruffled-mango-school.teachable.com/p/behold-our-god-scripture-writing-extras

Names of God acapella playlists:

Free on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1lHOeEadoNfE9Der7hpezW

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/names-of-god/pl.u-KVXBDdGT2vDRvE

Find the Prayer Prompts here:

Behold Our God Scripture Writing Journal (BACK IN STOCK): https://theruffledmango.etsy.com/listing/4383440254

Behold Our God Scripture Writing Extras:

https://the-ruffled-mango-school.teachable.com/p/behold-our-god-scripture-writing-extras

Our Etsy shop: https://theruffledmango.etsy.com

Ashley's favorite Bible study resource: blueletterbible.org (but especially the Blue Letter Bible app)

Kristen's favorite resource for creating visual aids for children's Bible classes: chatgpt.com

Casandra Martin's study "God, Pass By Me" (about names of God): https://amzn.to/3ODDMpx {affiliate link}

This episodes seeks to answer thew question of the Lord's Supper's importance in worship and how we as Christians can honor the Supper and Jesus in our taking of it without minimizing the other avenues of worship in the process.

Episode Resources:

Passages Referenced: Matthew 26:26-29; Acts 2:42, 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:17, 11:18, 11:20, 11:33, 11:34; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 4:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Acts 2:42