Provide Like Jesus- Inspiring Christians to Serve Their Families and Communities like Christ

#163 Power Parables

Providing like Jesus should include talking like him. According to Bible scholars, there are 35-40 distinctive parables listed in the Bible. In this episode, Jesus shares insights from the book "Speak Like Churchill Stand Like Lincoln," that has a chapter on "Power Parables." This book highlights how Jesus explained concepts more concretely through stories and how we can do the same. Justin also shares 10 powerful parables from Jesus which you can also review on the handout below. Episode PDF: Review notes and a list of my top 10 parables from Jesus here. [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2sg2z51azlr0j2va7w6kd/163-Power-Parables.pdf?rlkey=hguu4b88h5c7hgpuyjiar15tp&st=zgjtp1bo&dl=0] As always, this is provided to you for free from the CL Thomas Fellowship non-profit so that you can provide for your family and community in new and fresh ways. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter at www.clthomasfellowship.org [https://www.clthomasfellowship.org] Keep blessing and protecting!

#162: Susy Schumann on Faith in Action and the Power of Prayer

On this episode of Provide Like Jesus, Justin welcomes a truly special guest—Susy. Her presence is a gift, and her stories are a beautiful reminder of what it means to live a life of provision, purpose, and faith. Susy wears many hats. She's been a motherly figure to countless people, someone who sees needs and responds without hesitation. Whether it's helping someone in deep distress, sending a letter of encouragement, or supporting a former student, Susy doesn't just notice—she acts. Though retired, Susy isn't sitting back and watching life go by. She's intentional with her time, caring for her body and her mind, and staying connected to her family, friends, and community. She shows what provision is. Sometimes it's presence. Sometimes it's prayer. Sometimes it's simply saying yes when God nudges you. As she shares her journey, it becomes clear that she has been protected and provided for by God for over 70 years. Through highs and lows, she has remained grounded in her faith. From her early childhood, when she first experienced answered prayers, to today, Susy's walk with the Lord has been steady and strong. She reminds us that we never stop growing when we walk with Him. Her reflections challenge us to look at our own lives and ask: How am I showing up for others? How am I taking care of the life God has given me? Susy is a light—full of wisdom, warmth, and trust in the Lord. This episode is a quiet, powerful reminder that true religion, as scripture says, is found in how we care for the people around us. And sometimes, it looks like answering a letter, offering a kind word, or simply refusing to turn away when someone is in need. This podcast is brought to you by The CL Thomas Fellowship non-profit. Our mission is to inspire leaders and parents to be providers and servant leaders like Jesus. For more encouragement, sign up for our free weekly newsletter, "Always Provide," at www.alwaysprovide.org [http://www.alwaysprovide.org/]. Follow on Instagram @clthomasfellowship [https://www.instagram.com/clthomasfellowship/] Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clthomasfellowship/ [https://www.facebook.com/clthomasfellowship/]

#161: If You're Not With Me I Am Not Going

How often are we making our decision based on where God is rather than where we just want to go? Justin highlights two stories from the Bible that reminds us how we are called as Christians to choose God's presence and will above all else. Follow along using the pdf below. #161 episode pdf [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nbtm2pp0n1bf3jyzlnr15/161-If-You-Are-Not-With-Me.pdf?rlkey=peocmie9eezzq1m4zq9p16j25&st=mhxidrj4&dl=0] And be sure to connect with us at www.clthomasfellowship.org and get connected to access more free resources to provide like Jesus for your family and community. Bless & Protect!

#160 Dr. Brett Blair on Building Resilience Through Grief and Choosing Joy

In today's episode, Justin sits down with Dr. Brett Blair—keynote speaker, coach, and a powerful voice on what it means to live with unshakable resilience. Through deep loss, major life transitions, and moments that could have broken him, Brett chose something different. He chose to rise. He chose positivity. He chose purpose. He chose joy. After walking through the painful experience of losing his wife to ALS, Brett didn't turn away from life—he leaned into it. With quiet strength and a deep-rooted faith, he carried his grief and grew from it. His story is a testament to what's possible when we allow hardship to refine us rather than define us. Brett shares how resilience isn't just something you're born with—it's something you build. It's a daily choice to keep going, to stay grounded in gratitude, and to believe that there's still beauty ahead. The science of resilience supports it. Faith fuels it. And Brett's life reflects it. Throughout the conversation, he invites us to reflect on what it means to provide like Jesus, to put our well-being first without guilt, and to remain anchored in God's presence—even when life feels overwhelming. If you've ever wondered how to keep going when life gets heavy, this episode is a push to remember your strength. Resilience doesn't remove pain—but it gives you the power to move through it with clarity, courage, and hope. This episode is your reminder: positivity is a force, resilience is a choice, and joy can still rise from hard places. Learn more about Brett's work at brettblairphd.com [https://www.brettblairphd.com/]. This podcast is brought to you by The CL Thomas Fellowship non-profit. Our mission is to inspire leaders and parents to be providers and servant leaders like Jesus. For more encouragement, sign up for our free weekly newsletter, "Always Provide," at www.clthomasfellowship.org [http://www.alwaysprovide.org/]. Follow on Instagram @clthomasfellowship [https://www.instagram.com/clthomasfellowship/] Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clthomasfellowship/ [https://www.facebook.com/clthomasfellowship/]

#159: A Deeper Walk

In this episode of 'Provide Like Jesus,' host Justin Thomas reviews the book 'A Deeper Walk' by Dr. Marcus Warner. Justin shares his personal notes and highlights from the book that have positively impacted his spiritual growth. Download his notes below: Episode handout pdf [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/q2cakwbsu73ailgv6ig5m/159-A-Deeper-Walk.pdf?rlkey=bq5r5c5kosqqp63qo9o50kpml&st=wr44k34t&dl=0] Justin discusses the main problem presented by Dr Warner—that Christians are not maturing in their faith—and dives into Dr Warner's solution, the FISH model of discipleship (Freedom, Identity, Spirit, and Heart-focused community). Justin also explores some key quotes and practical advice from the book, such as the importance of emotional honesty, the power of self-perception, and effective small group structures. Tune in for practical insights to help you grow as a mature Christian and provide like Jesus in all areas of your life. Keep growing in your faith by going to www.clthomasfellowship.org [https://www.clthomasfellowship.org] and keep blessing and protecting!