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Get ready to unlock the profound wisdom of Psalm 119 with local evangelist David Brickey. Have you ever wondered what the longest chapter in the Bible reveals about our relationship with God's law? In this episode, David brings fresh insights and personal reflections, guiding us through the psalmist's deep-seated desire and remarkable confidence in God's statutes. We'll explore the unique acrostic structure of the psalm and the multifaceted perspectives it offers, including the tension between humanity's failures and God's enduring grace.Our conversation doesn't stop there. We delve into the historical context of God's law, from Mount Sinai to the Deuteronomic era, exploring key moments that shaped Israel's relationship with divine commandments. Through a heartfelt discussion on the balance between the Pharisees' rule-keeping and the deeper spiritual meanings intended by God, we emphasize the importance of sincere devotion over mere outward compliance. David shares his thoughts on how Psalm 119, particularly verse 25, emphasizes the transformative power of God's word and the need for continual introspection and reliance on His guidance.As we reflect on the emotional depth of Psalm 119, you'll hear about the psalmist's struggles with grief, self-deception, and the dual nature of loving God's law while feeling inadequate. Discover how everyday actions, when viewed through the lens of God's blessings, can hold sacred significance. This episode underscores the journey of discipleship, the value of repentance, and the importance of seeking God's mercy in every aspect of life. Join us for a meaningful exploration of Psalm 119 that promises to enrich your spiritual understanding and devotion.Support the show

Ever wondered how your life might change if you could sit down and give your younger self some sage advice? In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Kenny Embry and Mark Dunagan explore just that, sharing the life lessons and wisdom they've gathered over the years. Discover the divine patterns in mathematics, the pivotal role of reading, and the essential value of following instructions. Mark opens up about youthful mistakes driven by haste and arrogance, stressing the importance of resolving issues promptly and learning from past errors.Mentorship can be a game-changer, and this episode is packed with personal anecdotes that highlight its profound impact. Mark recounts how early musical experiences and the realization of needing a plan B illuminated the importance of mentors who offer honest, sometimes tough feedback. We delve into the qualities of authentic mentorship and how observing a mentor's life and successes can guide us to reliable advice. This discussion reinforces the significance of discerning quality counsel and the value of mentors who genuinely invest in long-term relationships.Faith and resilience against societal pressures take center stage as we reflect on stories from history and personal life. From a young girl’s faith during the Hungarian Revolution to personal faith journeys influenced by family, we underscore the enduring value of a relationship with God. Discover the wisdom in informal teaching moments, family values, and the impact of modern technology on personal interactions. Through these reflections, we emphasize the importance of supportive relationships, building networks, and prioritizing emotional well-being, all while acknowledging how far we've come in our spiritual and personal journeys.Support the show

Another experiment, this time talking about the idol of busyness.Support the show

This is another experiment, and I talk about the idol of self.Support the show

This is an experiment. I wanted to try a short devotion and see if I could do it, and if it was any good. For this week, I want to talk about idols. The first is, in my opinion, the most obvious...greed.Support the show

In this episode, Hal Hammons and I discuss some of my past few months' stresses. This is a very personal episode for me. I'm grateful for Hal and I'm grateful for you.Support the show

In this episode, I read the book of Ecclesiastes.The translation I use is the World English Version available here. Support the show

Yeah, it's been a minute. This time we talk about the "rules of engagement" and how we fight in a loving way.Support the show

What does it mean God is running to you...or running after you. Keith Stonehart is a good friend, and he helped me see how God reaches out to us, even when we are not easy to reach.Support the show

Yes, this is a very short episode and a conversation about having empty spaces in your life. Hopefully this is helpful to you.Support the show

What does it mean to raise boys and how is that different than raising girls. In this conversation, I talk to two fathers of sons and what they've learned about raising sons which help their children grow, and themselves.Support the show

What is gratitude and why should we be a grateful people? In this conversation with Don Truex and Scott Beyer, we talk about what gratitude is, how to become more grateful, and if we are even good judges of our own graciousness.Support the show

This is a reading of the Gospel of Mark. The translation is the World English Bible.Support the show

Picture this - your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, shaking you to your core. Much like our lives, right? Join us as we explore this comparison and help you understand the promise of God's unending grace that keeps us going, even when our lives seem to be breaking down. In a compelling conversation with Craig Peane, a steadfast believer in Christ, we uncover the strength of placing our trust in God and the incredible power of hope. Through times of uncertainty, remember this: while a broken car can be replaced, your worth in God's eyes is exceptional and irreplaceable. Tap into this episode, and let's journey together towards understanding faith, devotion, and the infinite love God has for us.Support the show

What if being vulnerable isn't a weakness, but a profound strength? Jonathan Banning and I plunge into this question in an enlightening conversation about the complexities of vulnerability within the realm of Christianity. We look at the courage it takes to be exposed, potentially risking hurt, for the sake of authenticity in our faith walk. Drawing from Jesus' exemplary life, we challenge modern-day advice that promotes following whims and desires, and instead invite you to join us as we explore the profound depths of authenticity and self-judgment.Beyond the personal, however, we also delve into the implications of vulnerability within our Christian community. We underline the paradox that while being vulnerable may feel uncomfortable and risky, it can actually help us to grow. By acknowledging our weaknesses and embracing an authentic life, we find that most people respond not with judgment, but with mercy and forgiveness. We offer practical advice on fostering relationships through vulnerability, and turn to Jesus' model of vulnerability as an inspirational source of strength.Striking a balance between expressing our struggles authentically and descending into complaint is no easy feat, and we navigate this delicate path in our conversation. By comparing our relationship with God to the relationship we have with our children, we seek to better understand our own vulnerability and the strength that comes with it. This conversation will inspire, challenge, and encourage you to live a life of authentic vulnerability, aligned with God’s teachings, offering a fresh perspective on your faith journey. Join us, and let's journey together towards embracing vulnerability in our Christian life.Support the Show.

Prepare to embark on an inspiring journey as Mark McCrary, Wyatt Taylor, and I weave tales of our life-altering missionary trip to the Philippines. Our tales are a testament to the power of faith, the richness of diverse cultures, and the deep bonds formed when you step outside your comfort zones. Our discussion takes you from the planning stages, through unforeseen hurdles and fascinating cultural experiences, to the profound impact this expedition had on our Christian walk.Our conversation delves into the poignant moments that left an indelible mark on our hearts, such as witnessing baptisms influenced by cultural practices, encountering language barriers, and navigating foreign terrains. Hear us recount the invaluable lessons we learned, the power of encouragement, and the crucial role of community as we reminisce about our time in Palau. We pay homage to our wives who bravely served the people of the Philippines, illustrating the significant role of personal relationships in missionary work and highlighting the essence of faith when journeying overseas.As we reflect upon our experiences, we express our gratitude towards our supporters and share updates about our progress, including exciting book announcements. Through our stories, we hope to inspire listeners to embrace the transformative power of missionary work and the profound impact it can have on your life. Journey with us as we navigate the captivating narratives of our trip to the Philippines, illustrating how God's work in a foreign land can transform your perspective and deepen your faith.Support the show

Dreaming big can be risky business. That's why we're delving into the dangers of dreams and the potential pitfalls of turning them into idols. The first half of our journey guides you through the labyrinth of identity, ambition, and personal values. We challenge you to scrutinize your dreams with a magnifying glass, bring into focus the boundaries that can make or break your spiritual relationship with God. Let's embark on a journey of introspection and self-discovery, where personal goals and dreams are weighed against our fundamental values and beliefs.As the night falls, we find ourselves contemplating the power of a good sleep. Inspired by the wisdom of Keith Stoneheart, we bring light to the often-ignored significance of rest in our lives. Get ready to decode the science behind sleep and how it can impact your clarity of thought, overall well-being, and - yes - even your dreams. Hang tight for a small teaser on our next episode, where we share our transformative journey to the exquisite island of Palawan in the Philippines. This episode is a wake-up call to re-center our lives around God and value the restorative power of rest. Let's sleep on it.Support the show

Can you imagine the power that setting goals can bring to your Christian life? Well, Benjamin Lee helps us unpack this potent tool in our latest episode. We confront the cruciality of acting on our dreams whilst debating the dangers of dreaming too much or too little. With Benjamin’s insights, we delve into the balancing act between motivation and commitment to our goals. We also address the role of time and other realities in shaping what's truly feasible, concluding that it's absolutely okay to have grand visions and to take steps towards realizing them.Have you ever wondered how faith and trust in God can bolster us through our struggles? On this transformative journey with Benjamin Lee, we unearth the need for authentic answers, not just the right ones, and how knowing the truth about ourselves holds immense significance. We also investigate the role of taking action on our goals and its potential to chart our path to success. Together, we identify and define our goals, creating a system to work backwards towards them, undeniably emphasizing the importance of action.As we gear up for a new school year, we take a moment to reflect on how this period can be a beacon of inspiration and hope. We stress the importance of remembering the value of trades and maintaining our focus on what truly matters. We announce our plans for reading more from the Bible and remind ourselves to be good and do good. In our candid conversation, we explore the necessity of understanding what God wants from us, how it aids us to surmount life's struggles and the role of Jesus' habits and customs as a blueprint for us. Join us in this pursuit of balance in our Christian lives with the aid of goal setting and action.Support the show

Ever found yourself locked in a heated disagreement, leaving you feeling exasperated and distanced from a loved one? We tackle questions such as when is it right to fight for a belief, how to measure your motives, and what guidance can be found in our faith. We even navigate the sometimes tricky terrain of speaking the truth while maintaining humility and patience, all through the relatable analogy of a car ride disagreement.Deepening the dialogue, we plunge into the heart of love and unity during disagreements. We talk about how remembering your affection for the person on the other end of the argument can shape the conversation, and how to weigh your knowledge before entering a debate. Using insights from 1 Peter 3:8, we also discuss dealing with deadlocks. Regardless if you're wrestling with a personal or spiritual family difference, we'll equip you with the tools to handle the situation gracefully, leaving relationships stronger than ever.Support the show