Know Your Enemy: Battling Dark Coping

Know Your Enemy: Battling Dark Coping

This episode’s devotional takes a different turn. Today we’re identifying a common and destructive threat facing first responders and military personnel, a threat that attacks the mind, erodes relationships, steals joy, and numbs the heart: pornography. This isn’t about awkward conversations; it’s about spiritual warfare and understanding an enemy that thrives in silence and secrecy. Just as we study criminal trends or tactical threats to stay alive on the job, we must also recognize the patterns, vulnerabilities, and pathways through which pornography becomes a coping mechanism, and a form of bondage. This conversation is necessary, and it’s meant to equip you with clarity, hope, and a path toward freedom. Links mentioned in this episode: * (https://bethesdaworkshops.org/ [https://bethesdaworkshops.org/]) To connect with us, shoot us an email at Josh@enterthelion.co Website: www.enterthelion.co/ourmission Join our private community: ETL Skool [https://www.skool.com/enter-the-lion-5264/about?ref=39d863ffcdce4d6b9406fc5e088de5f2] Show Music: sublime reflection - CHANGETHEWXRLD This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm [https://wwww.zencast.fm] References: AddictionHelp. (2023). First responder addiction statistics. https://www.addictionhelp.com [https://www.addictionhelp.com] Department of Veterans Affairs. (2017). Study yields insight on sexual disorder. https://www.research.va.gov [https://www.research.va.gov] Kraus, S. W., et al. (2016). Compulsive sexual behavior: Research and treatment. Current Addiction Reports, 3(2), 153–160. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). First responders: Behavioral health concerns. https://www.samhsa.gov [https://www.samhsa.gov]

Get Off the Balcony and into Battle

In this episode of Enter the Lion on Patrol, we explore the story of 2 Samuel 11. We examine how David's complacency led to temptation, which led to death. Get off the balcony and into battle! Reflection Questions: 1. What is your balcony? 2. What would it look like to "leave" the balcony? 3. What battles has called invited you to fight in? To connect with us, shoot us an email at Josh@enterthelion.co Website: www.enterthelion.co/ourmission Join our private community: ETL Skool [https://www.skool.com/enter-the-lion-5264/about?ref=39d863ffcdce4d6b9406fc5e088de5f2] Show Music: sublime reflection - CHANGETHEWXRLD This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm [https://wwww.zencast.fm]

The God of All Comfort

In this episode of Enter the Lion on Patrol, we explore how humans were created to seek comfort. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 1, we see that only God is the true source of the comfort we long for. His comfort comes through His presence—not through changing circumstances—and equips us to come alongside others in their suffering. As first responders and military personnel who face the harsh realities of life, we are called to press into the God of all comfort. Reflection Questions: When facing suffering, where do you tend to look for comfort? What does that reveal about your trust? How have your past struggles equipped you to comfort and encourage someone else? Where do you see God’s hand of comfort most clearly in your life? Application Challenges: This week, intentionally draw near to God for comfort—through prayer, Scripture, or community—rather than carrying burdens alone. Identify someone in affliction right now and come alongside them with the comfort you’ve received from God. Surrender a current weakness or struggle to Christ today, trusting Him to display His strength through it. To connect with us, shoot us an email at Josh@enterthelion.co Website: www.enterthelion.co/ourmission Join our private community: ETL Skool [https://www.skool.com/enter-the-lion-5264/about?ref=39d863ffcdce4d6b9406fc5e088de5f2] Show Music: sublime reflection - CHANGETHEWXRLD ---------------------------------------- This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm [https://wwww.zencast.fm]

A Living Sacrifice: A Brief Theology of Exercise

Can exercise be holy? Absolutely. Every stretch, lift, and run can be an act of worship when we do it for God, for our minds, for our will, for joy, and for others. Physical fitness isn’t just about strength, it’s about stewardship of the body He gave us, building discipline, and equipping ourselves to serve well. This episdoe was inspired by David Mathis's book A Little Theology of Exercise: Enjoying Christ in Body and Soul. You can purchase the book from Amazon by clicking here: [https://www.amazon.com/Little-Theology-Exercise-Enjoying-Christ/dp/1433598671] Reflection Questions: In what ways do I currently view exercise? As a duty, a form of vanity, or a form of worship? How does caring for my body reflect my gratitude to God for the life and strength He has given me? Application Questions: What is one small change I can make this week to intentionally honor God in my workouts or daily movement? How can I use the strength, discipline, or energy gained from fitness to serve others more effectively in my family, community, or work? To connect with us, shoot us an email at Josh@enterthelion.co Webstie: www.enterthelion.co/ourmission Show Music: sublime reflection - CHANGETHEWXRLD ---------------------------------------- This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm [https://wwww.zencast.fm]

Breaking Free from Shame

In today's devotional we dive into the often-unspoken weight of shame, whether from our own failures or from wounds inflicted by others. Shame thrives in secrecy, but the gospel offers freedom and covering through Christ. Drawing from Genesis, the cross, and God’s promises, this episode reminds us that while guilt says “I did wrong,” shame whispers “I am wrong”, and only Jesus can silence that lie. If you’ve ever carried hidden shame, let this devotional encourage you to lay it at the cross and walk in the freedom of being fully loved and fully known by God. Questions for further study: Personal Reflection Questions 1. Where have I experienced shame in my life, either from my own sin or from someone else's actions toward me? 2. What lies have I believed about myself because of shame? 3. Have I tried to “cover” my shame in ways that isolate me from others or from God? 4. What’s been my response when shame is exposed, do I hide or bring it into the light? 5. How does it change things to know that Jesus bore my shame and covers me in His righteousness? Practical Application Questions 1. What is one step I can take this week to bring my shame into the light, whether through confession, counseling, or trusted community? 2. Is there a Scripture (like 2 Cor 5:21 or Romans 8:1) that I need to memorize and speak over myself regularly? 3. Who in my life needs to be reminded that Jesus bore their shame, and how can I lovingly share that truth with them? 4. Am I willing to believe that Jesus’ covering is enough, or am I still trying to fix or hide myself? 5. What might it look like to exchange my shame for Christ’s righteousness, practically and daily? To connect with us, shoot us an email at Josh@enterthelion.co Webstie: www.enterthelion.co/ourmission Show Music: sublime reflection - CHANGETHEWXRLD This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm [https://wwww.zencast.fm]