We don’t think much about mercy until we need it.  We don’t want to suffer the consequences when we have wronged someone.  But when the shoe is on the other foot, we realize that it is far more satisfying to default to revenge and displays of strength.  Jesus calls us to be merciful though.  Will we obey?

When available, episode notes are at Lionshare.org/podcast. Learn more about Lionshare's ministry at Lionshare.org Purchase books on discipleship and subscribe to teaching videos at Lionshare.org/store Download the Lionshare Leadership Group app for free video devotionals.

If someone asked you what you hunger for, what would be your answer? Happiness? Time? Comfort? Healthy relationships? Financial security? Peace? Jesus tells us that we are blessed if we hunger and thirst for righteousness.  It’s that piece of us that is bothered by injustice, desires strong character and conduct and longs to be in a right relationship with God.  When we pursue those things, we will move from feeling empty to being satisfied.

When available, episode notes are at Lionshare.org/podcast. Learn more about Lionshare's ministry at Lionshare.org Purchase books on discipleship and subscribe to teaching videos at Lionshare.org/store Download the Lionshare Leadership Group app for free video devotionals.

Meekness conjures the idea of being a doormat, letting others trample over us. In our world, the meek person is not valued.  But Jesus says the meek will inherit the earth.  We must have the wrong idea of what it means to be meek. Theologian RT Kendall says, "It is the opposite of self-righteousness, arrogance, haughtiness, smugness and defensiveness." That sounds like something we all need, so how does it look to be meek?

When available, episode notes are at Lionshare.org/podcast. Learn more about Lionshare's ministry at Lionshare.org Purchase books on discipleship and subscribe to teaching videos at Lionshare.org/store Download the Lionshare Leadership Group app for free video devotionals.

“Happy are the unhappy” is how theologian John Stott explains what Jesus means when he says, “Blessed are those who mourn.” We commonly associate mourning with the death and loss of a loved one, but in the Sermon on the Mount, it’s about mourning our own sin and the consequences that come with our choices. So, how and when will we be comforted?

When available, episode notes are at Lionshare.org/podcast. Learn more about Lionshare's ministry at Lionshare.org Purchase books on discipleship and subscribe to teaching videos at Lionshare.org/store Download the Lionshare Leadership Group app for free video devotionals.

Every one of us has felt poor in spirit at one time or another.  You might call it helpless, hopeless, desperate, broken or even just needy.  We might consider that weak or pitiful, but in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is saying, “Congratulations! If you are broken, you are blessed.” What does He mean by that?

When available, episode notes are at Lionshare.org/podcast. Learn more about Lionshare's ministry at Lionshare.org Purchase books on discipleship and subscribe to teaching videos at Lionshare.org/store Download the Lionshare Leadership Group app for free video devotionals.

St. Augustine is the one who gave the name “Sermon on the Mount” to the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5-7. It’s the closest account we have from Jesus on what He wants His disciples to be and do.  The whole sermon contrasts how followers of Jesus live, act and think in comparison to the world around them. In the midst of all of the noise right now, what do we need to be focused on? Let’s get back to how Jesus wants us to live.

When available, episode notes are at Lionshare.org/podcast. Learn more about Lionshare's ministry at Lionshare.org Purchase books on discipleship and subscribe to teaching videos at Lionshare.org/store Download the Lionshare Leadership Group app for free video devotionals.

We've spent this season talking about the Leadership Games and the need for discipleship in the various fields where people work.  We talked with believers in government, law and security; business; arts, entertainment & media, health, medicine & wholeness, and we're ending our series talking about the need to disciple people who work in ministry. That may sound strange because it seems like they should be the ones who have discipleship down! But many who work in the church and other para-church organizations will tell you it doesn't always happen there either.  There's a difference between teaching discipleship and practicing it. 

When available, episode notes are at Lionshare.org/podcast. Learn more about Lionshare's ministry at Lionshare.org Purchase books on discipleship and subscribe to teaching videos at Lionshare.org/store Download the Lionshare Leadership Group app for free video devotionals.

The need to improve our physical and mental health, and the idea of wholeness — these are top of mind for so many people today. Loneliness and anxiety are epidemics, we aren't taking care of our bodies, and people are turning to quick fixes. So it's important to have believers serving and teaching in these fields because they have access to people during times of vulnerability and pain that only God can heal. What challenges do they face, and why is it important to use the Holy Spirit as they work?

When available, episode notes are at Lionshare.org/podcast. Learn more about Lionshare's ministry at Lionshare.org Purchase books on discipleship and subscribe to teaching videos at Lionshare.org/store Download the Lionshare Leadership Group app for free video devotionals.

The fields of arts, entertainment and media have an outsized impact on our culture and society.  Content, as it's called now, affect the way we think about and see the world. That's why it's so important that we need people who work in these industries to see their work as an expression of their faith. Listen to three leaders who are trying to put discipleship principles into practice in their work. What challenges do they face, and why does it matter?

When available, episode notes are at Lionshare.org/podcast. Learn more about Lionshare's ministry at Lionshare.org Purchase books on discipleship and subscribe to teaching videos at Lionshare.org/store Download the Lionshare Leadership Group app for free video devotionals.

Business is the backbone of modern civilization.  It provides goods and services, creates jobs, and drives innovation. Of course, the goal is to make a profit but there are good ways to do business and bad ones as well. It is of great importance that we have godly people leading and running businesses — making money with integrity, treating employees and customers with honor, and being a positive impact on the communicty.  Listen to three leaders who are trying to put discipleship principles into practice in their work. What challenges do they face and why is it important to bring God into financial decisions?

When available, episode notes are at Lionshare.org/podcast. Learn more about Lionshare's ministry at Lionshare.org Purchase books on discipleship and subscribe to teaching videos at Lionshare.org/store Download the Lionshare Leadership Group app for free video devotionals.