Reflect on This

Birds, Blueberries, and Prayer

Click this link to send feedback or suggestions directly to me! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2271115/fan_mail/new] Season 3 Episode 24 -- God will often use small, seemingly insignificant things in my life to teach me important spiritual truths, or to remind me to apply truths that He has taught me in the past.  Who would have thought that He would use birds and blueberries to teach me about prayer?  Have I got you curious to hear more?  Then listen to this episode to hear two principles about prayer that I learned! "Reflect on This" is a once-a-week, short devotional podcast, where I share what I am learning about following Jesus, through applying eternal biblical principles to life, in practical ways.  Not religion, but RELATIONSHIP - relationship with Jesus!   If you like the podcast, please tell your friends and family about it, and subscribe/follow it, because it helps others to find the podcast more easily.   Resources that inspired some episodes: "Worship Is My Weapon" podcast by Rita Springer:  https://youtu.be/RucXhr1zYGU?si=WeVTpssmUP4rMXlL [https://youtu.be/RucXhr1zYGU?si=WeVTpssmUP4rMXlL]  "My Heart, Christ's Home" by Robert Munger "The Language of Rivers and Stars" by Seth Lewis “Dream Small:  The Secret Power of the Ordinary Christian Life” by Seth Lewis Seth Lewis blog:  https://sethlewis.ie/ 35 Bible Verses About Listening To Others (Explained) - Bible Repository  "Restoration Year: Devotions to Transform Your Relationships, Spirit, and Faith" by John Eldredge "Boundaries" by Henry Cloud and John Townsend "The Pleasure of His Company" by Dutch Sheets "Fresh Air" by Chris Hodges “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” by Gary Chapman "The Lies We Believe: Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life" by Dr. Chris Thurman Featured ministries and resources:   “Agape Puppets” (ministry) This is an amazing world-wide ministry that uses puppet shows to reach children (and their parents) for Christ, in cultures that are generally not very open to the Gospel.  To learn more, go to: https://theagapepuppets.org/  "Manufacture Good" (ministry) Manufacture Good is a Christian ministry that offers paid apprenticeships to men who need a second chance.  These apprentices learn biblical principles, character, and valuable woodworking and metalworking skills which lead to employment opportunities.  You can shop their catalog of fine home and office products, order a standard or custom piece of furniture, make a donation, and learn more about this amazing ministry, at: https://manufacturegood.org/. "The World and Everything in It" (podcast) This is a weekday 35-minute podcast that presents headline news, in-depth news articles, media reviews, and opinion pieces from a Christian world view.  Their stated mission is "biblically objective journalism that informs, educates, and inspires."   “Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage” (podcast)  This is a once a week 30-minute podcast hosted by Greg and Erin Smalley, who head up the marriage team at Focus on the Family.  Each episode addresses a different aspect of marriage, using biblical principles, featured guests, practical advice, and a mixture of humor and candidness.     Music credits: Beauty by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all

Is Suffering Really a Privilege?

Click this link to send feedback or suggestions directly to me! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2271115/fan_mail/new] Season 3 Episode 23 -- I have been pondering this verse recently:   "For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him." (Philippians 1:29)   The original language says that the word translated as "privilege" means literally "kind and gracious gift."  Really?  Is suffering really a “privilege” – a kind, gracious gift from God?  This led me to further study and reflection, and I gained a better understanding of what this does (and does not) mean.  Curious to know what I found out?  Then listen to this episode! "Reflect on This" is a once-a-week, short devotional podcast, where I share what I am learning about following Jesus, through applying eternal biblical principles to life, in practical ways.  Not religion, but RELATIONSHIP - relationship with Jesus!   If you like the podcast, please tell your friends and family about it, and subscribe/follow it, because it helps others to find the podcast more easily.   Resources that inspired some episodes: "Worship Is My Weapon" podcast by Rita Springer:  https://youtu.be/RucXhr1zYGU?si=WeVTpssmUP4rMXlL [https://youtu.be/RucXhr1zYGU?si=WeVTpssmUP4rMXlL]  "My Heart, Christ's Home" by Robert Munger "The Language of Rivers and Stars" by Seth Lewis “Dream Small:  The Secret Power of the Ordinary Christian Life” by Seth Lewis Seth Lewis blog:  https://sethlewis.ie/ 35 Bible Verses About Listening To Others (Explained) - Bible Repository  "Restoration Year: Devotions to Transform Your Relationships, Spirit, and Faith" by John Eldredge "Boundaries" by Henry Cloud and John Townsend "The Pleasure of His Company" by Dutch Sheets "Fresh Air" by Chris Hodges “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” by Gary Chapman "The Lies We Believe: Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life" by Dr. Chris Thurman Featured ministries and resources:   “Agape Puppets” (ministry) This is an amazing world-wide ministry that uses puppet shows to reach children (and their parents) for Christ, in cultures that are generally not very open to the Gospel.  To learn more, go to: https://theagapepuppets.org/  "Manufacture Good" (ministry) Manufacture Good is a Christian ministry that offers paid apprenticeships to men who need a second chance.  These apprentices learn biblical principles, character, and valuable woodworking and metalworking skills which lead to employment opportunities.  You can shop their catalog of fine home and office products, order a standard or custom piece of furniture, make a donation, and learn more about this amazing ministry, at: https://manufacturegood.org/. "The World and Everything in It" (podcast) This is a weekday 35-minute podcast that presents headline news, in-depth news articles, media reviews, and opinion pieces from a Christian world view.  Their stated mission is "biblically objective journalism that informs, educates, and inspires."   “Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage” (podcast)  This is a once a week 30-minute podcast hosted by Greg and Erin Smalley, who head up the marriage team at Focus on the Family.  Each episode addresses a different aspect of marriage, using biblical principles, featured guests, practical advice, and a mixture of humor and candidness.     Music credits: Beauty by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all

What Can We Learn from the Trinity?

Click this link to send feedback or suggestions directly to me! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2271115/fan_mail/new] Season 3 Episode 22 -- Christians acknowledge that there is only one God, and this one God exists as one essence in three persons – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit.  Recently, as I was searching the Scriptures to answer a question about one of Jesus' statements regarding His relationship with the Father, I began to see some helpful, practical life applications of this doctrine.  Curious what those applications are?  Check out this episode and find out! "Reflect on This" is a once-a-week, short devotional podcast, where I share what I am learning about following Jesus, through applying eternal biblical principles to life, in practical ways.  Not religion, but RELATIONSHIP - relationship with Jesus!   If you like the podcast, please tell your friends and family about it, and subscribe/follow it, because it helps others to find the podcast more easily.   Resources that inspired some episodes: "Worship Is My Weapon" podcast by Rita Springer:  https://youtu.be/RucXhr1zYGU?si=WeVTpssmUP4rMXlL [https://youtu.be/RucXhr1zYGU?si=WeVTpssmUP4rMXlL]  "My Heart, Christ's Home" by Robert Munger "The Language of Rivers and Stars" by Seth Lewis “Dream Small:  The Secret Power of the Ordinary Christian Life” by Seth Lewis Seth Lewis blog:  https://sethlewis.ie/ 35 Bible Verses About Listening To Others (Explained) - Bible Repository  "Restoration Year: Devotions to Transform Your Relationships, Spirit, and Faith" by John Eldredge "Boundaries" by Henry Cloud and John Townsend "The Pleasure of His Company" by Dutch Sheets "Fresh Air" by Chris Hodges “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” by Gary Chapman "The Lies We Believe: Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life" by Dr. Chris Thurman Featured ministries and resources:   “Agape Puppets” (ministry) This is an amazing world-wide ministry that uses puppet shows to reach children (and their parents) for Christ, in cultures that are generally not very open to the Gospel.  To learn more, go to: https://theagapepuppets.org/  "Manufacture Good" (ministry) Manufacture Good is a Christian ministry that offers paid apprenticeships to men who need a second chance.  These apprentices learn biblical principles, character, and valuable woodworking and metalworking skills which lead to employment opportunities.  You can shop their catalog of fine home and office products, order a standard or custom piece of furniture, make a donation, and learn more about this amazing ministry, at: https://manufacturegood.org/. "The World and Everything in It" (podcast) This is a weekday 35-minute podcast that presents headline news, in-depth news articles, media reviews, and opinion pieces from a Christian world view.  Their stated mission is "biblically objective journalism that informs, educates, and inspires."   “Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage” (podcast)  This is a once a week 30-minute podcast hosted by Greg and Erin Smalley, who head up the marriage team at Focus on the Family.  Each episode addresses a different aspect of marriage, using biblical principles, featured guests, practical advice, and a mixture of humor and candidness.     Music credits: Beauty by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all

Spiritual Horticulture (Part 2)

Click this link to send feedback or suggestions directly to me! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2271115/fan_mail/new] Season 3 Episode 21 -- A theoretical method to approach important parts of our life is often helpful, especially when it is based on truth and experience.  Yet, sometimes we also need concrete examples to help us to see how to apply these methods to our particular situation.  In this episode, I try to get really practical, as I walk through a recent example of my time in the Bible, using the theoretical framework I originally presented in episode 19.  Listen, and see if this example is helpful and illuminating to you. "Reflect on This" is a once-a-week, short devotional podcast, where I share what I am learning about following Jesus, through applying eternal biblical principles to life, in practical ways.  Not religion, but RELATIONSHIP - relationship with Jesus!   If you like the podcast, please tell your friends and family about it, and subscribe/follow it, because it helps others to find the podcast more easily.   Resources that inspired some episodes: "Worship Is My Weapon" podcast by Rita Springer:  https://youtu.be/RucXhr1zYGU?si=WeVTpssmUP4rMXlL [https://youtu.be/RucXhr1zYGU?si=WeVTpssmUP4rMXlL]  "My Heart, Christ's Home" by Robert Munger "The Language of Rivers and Stars" by Seth Lewis “Dream Small:  The Secret Power of the Ordinary Christian Life” by Seth Lewis Seth Lewis blog:  https://sethlewis.ie/ 35 Bible Verses About Listening To Others (Explained) - Bible Repository  "Restoration Year: Devotions to Transform Your Relationships, Spirit, and Faith" by John Eldredge "Boundaries" by Henry Cloud and John Townsend "The Pleasure of His Company" by Dutch Sheets "Fresh Air" by Chris Hodges “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” by Gary Chapman "The Lies We Believe: Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life" by Dr. Chris Thurman Featured ministries and resources:   “Agape Puppets” (ministry) This is an amazing world-wide ministry that uses puppet shows to reach children (and their parents) for Christ, in cultures that are generally not very open to the Gospel.  To learn more, go to: https://theagapepuppets.org/  "Manufacture Good" (ministry) Manufacture Good is a Christian ministry that offers paid apprenticeships to men who need a second chance.  These apprentices learn biblical principles, character, and valuable woodworking and metalworking skills which lead to employment opportunities.  You can shop their catalog of fine home and office products, order a standard or custom piece of furniture, make a donation, and learn more about this amazing ministry, at: https://manufacturegood.org/. "The World and Everything in It" (podcast) This is a weekday 35-minute podcast that presents headline news, in-depth news articles, media reviews, and opinion pieces from a Christian world view.  Their stated mission is "biblically objective journalism that informs, educates, and inspires."   “Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage” (podcast)  This is a once a week 30-minute podcast hosted by Greg and Erin Smalley, who head up the marriage team at Focus on the Family.  Each episode addresses a different aspect of marriage, using biblical principles, featured guests, practical advice, and a mixture of humor and candidness.     Music credits: Beauty by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all

The Gratitude Principle

Click this link to send feedback or suggestions directly to me! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2271115/fan_mail/new] Season 3 Episode 20 -- There is an important character quality that, if we express it regularly, will inspire others, build strong relationships, help us to withstand pressure, and help us to become more resourceful.  Wow!  We all could use that in every area of our lives:  where we live, work, and play.  What is this character quality?  Listen to this episode and find out!  (And to hear more about this character quality, be sure to also listen to season 1 episode 24, and season 2 episodes 25, 26, and 47.) "Reflect on This" is a once-a-week, short devotional podcast, where I share what I am learning about following Jesus, through applying eternal biblical principles to life, in practical ways.  Not religion, but RELATIONSHIP - relationship with Jesus!   If you like the podcast, please tell your friends and family about it, and subscribe/follow it, because it helps others to find the podcast more easily.   Resources that inspired some episodes: "Worship Is My Weapon" podcast by Rita Springer:  https://youtu.be/RucXhr1zYGU?si=WeVTpssmUP4rMXlL [https://youtu.be/RucXhr1zYGU?si=WeVTpssmUP4rMXlL]  "My Heart, Christ's Home" by Robert Munger "The Language of Rivers and Stars" by Seth Lewis “Dream Small:  The Secret Power of the Ordinary Christian Life” by Seth Lewis Seth Lewis blog:  https://sethlewis.ie/ 35 Bible Verses About Listening To Others (Explained) - Bible Repository  "Restoration Year: Devotions to Transform Your Relationships, Spirit, and Faith" by John Eldredge "Boundaries" by Henry Cloud and John Townsend "The Pleasure of His Company" by Dutch Sheets "Fresh Air" by Chris Hodges “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” by Gary Chapman "The Lies We Believe: Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life" by Dr. Chris Thurman Featured ministries and resources:   “Agape Puppets” (ministry) This is an amazing world-wide ministry that uses puppet shows to reach children (and their parents) for Christ, in cultures that are generally not very open to the Gospel.  To learn more, go to: https://theagapepuppets.org/  "Manufacture Good" (ministry) Manufacture Good is a Christian ministry that offers paid apprenticeships to men who need a second chance.  These apprentices learn biblical principles, character, and valuable woodworking and metalworking skills which lead to employment opportunities.  You can shop their catalog of fine home and office products, order a standard or custom piece of furniture, make a donation, and learn more about this amazing ministry, at: https://manufacturegood.org/. "The World and Everything in It" (podcast) This is a weekday 35-minute podcast that presents headline news, in-depth news articles, media reviews, and opinion pieces from a Christian world view.  Their stated mission is "biblically objective journalism that informs, educates, and inspires."   “Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage” (podcast)  This is a once a week 30-minute podcast hosted by Greg and Erin Smalley, who head up the marriage team at Focus on the Family.  Each episode addresses a different aspect of marriage, using biblical principles, featured guests, practical advice, and a mixture of humor and candidness.     Music credits: Beauty by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all