Chasing Empty Cups: What Jesus Said About the Thirst That Never Quits (Ep 174)

Chasing Empty Cups: What Jesus Said About the Thirst That Never Quits (Ep 174)

Why are so many people deeply unhappy, even when they have everything they ever wanted? In this episode, I explore what the research is telling us about America's growing unhappiness crisis, what Solomon discovered after running the most ambitious experiment in human satisfaction ever attempted, and what Jesus offered a thirsty woman at a well in Samaria that changed everything. Drawing on Ecclesiastes, Isaiah 55, and John 4, I unpack why the things we chase keep leaving us empty, and what it actually looks like to find the living water Jesus promised. If you have ever felt that restless ache underneath a life that looks fine on the outside, this one is for you. Interesting Links: References to Bible Verses: Ecclesiastes 5:10; Isaiah 55:2; Ecclesiastes 2:10–11; Ecclesiastes 12:13; John 4:13–14; Philippians 4:4; Philippians 4:11; John 15:11; Romans 15:13; John 10:10; Matthew 5:6; Psalm 107:9 My Ministry Mission Information 1. Website: https://myministrymission.com/ [https://myministrymission.com/] 2. Become a Guest: https://myministrymission.com/guest [https://myministrymission.com/guest] 3. Support the Show: https://myministrymission.com/support [https://myministrymission.com/support] 4. Contact Me: https://myministrymission.com/contact [https://myministrymission.com/contact] 5. Free Christian Resources: https://myministrymission.com/resources/free-resources/ [https://myministrymission.com/resources/free-resources/] My Ministry Mission Social Media 1. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myministrymission [https://www.facebook.com/myministrymission] 2. Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyMinMission [https://twitter.com/MyMinMission] (or @MyMinMission) 3. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myminmission [https://www.instagram.com/myminmission] (or @MyMinMission) 4. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@myministrymission [https://www.youtube.com/@myministrymission] Support The Show If you are enjoying the content and would like to support this show, consider giving me a tip. It's not required or expected, but certainly appreciated Buy me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/myminmission] Credits: Cover Image & Music from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/]

Built on its Knees: The Prayer History America Forgot (Ep 173)

America was founded on prayer, but somewhere between 1776 and today, the Church seems to have quietly set that down. In this episode, I look at what the founders actually did before every major act of the founding, what Scripture says about interceding for the nation you live in, and why passages like Daniel 9, Jeremiah 29:7, and 2 Chronicles 7:14 are more relevant right now than most of us realize. I also walk through what that famous verse from 2 Chronicles really means in context, because the context changes everything. If you've ever felt like America is slipping and wondered what you can actually do about it, this one is for you. I hope it moves you to your knees. Research Links: * Pew Research Center. (2025, February 26). Prayer and other religious practices. [https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/02/26/prayer-and-other-religious-practices/] * NPR. (2026, May 18). Trump-backed prayer gathering held on National Mall to 'rededicate America' to God [https://www.npr.org/2026/05/18/nx-s1-5825016/trump-backed-prayer-gathering-held-on-national-mall-to-rededicate-america-to-god] * National Day of Prayer Task Force. (n.d.). History of prayer in America. [https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/about/history_of_prayer_in_america] * Henry, M. (1706). Matthew Henry's commentary on the whole Bible. [https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/] * Christianity Today. (2025, September). White House asks US for one hour of prayer per week [https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/09/trump-white-house-prayer-museum-of-the-bible/] * CBN News. (2024). 250,000 women gather on National Mall to pray for the nation: 'Last stand moment for America.' [https://cbn.com/news/us/250000-women-gather-national-mall-pray-nation-last-stand-moment-america] * Barna via MBC Pathway. (2024, February 19). Barna: U.S. deeply fragmented, national survey shows; 'future hinges on spiritual renewal, not politics.' [https://mbcpathway.com/2024/02/19/barna-u-s-deeply-fragmented-national-survey-shows-future-hinges-on-spiritual-renewal-not-politics/] References to Bible Verses: Psalm 35; Psalm 33:12; Daniel 9; Nehemiah 1; Jeremiah 29:7; 1 Timothy 2:1–2; Ezekiel 22; Romans 8:26; 2 Chronicles 7:14 My Ministry Mission Information 1. Website: https://myministrymission.com/ [https://myministrymission.com/] 2. Become a Guest: https://myministrymission.com/guest [https://myministrymission.com/guest] 3. Support the Show: https://myministrymission.com/support [https://myministrymission.com/support] 4. Contact Me: https://myministrymission.com/contact [https://myministrymission.com/contact] 5. Free Christian Resources: https://myministrymission.com/resources/free-resources/ [https://myministrymission.com/resources/free-resources/] My Ministry Mission Social Media 1. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myministrymission [https://www.facebook.com/myministrymission] 2. Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyMinMission [https://twitter.com/MyMinMission] (or @MyMinMission) 3. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myminmission [https://www.instagram.com/myminmission] (or @MyMinMission) 4. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@myministrymission [https://www.youtube.com/@myministrymission] Support The Show If you are enjoying the content and would like to support this show, consider giving me a tip. It's not required or expected, but certainly appreciated Buy me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/myminmission] Credits: Cover Image & Music from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/]

When Faith Meets the Diagnosis With Sheldon Lee Stovall (Ep 172)

In this episode, I sit down with Pastor Sheldon Lee Stovall, a pastor, licensed counselor, and author who has built his ministry at the crossroads of scripture and mental health. Sheldon opens up about losing his brother and the grief and depression that followed, and what that season taught him about God's care for our emotional lives. We talk about why Christians shouldn't hide their pain, how faith and professional help can work together, and why the church needs to take mental health seriously. The conversation also goes somewhere unexpected, into the Holy Spirit being sidelined in today's church, Matthew 24 and the times we're living in, and how Ephesians 1:13 reminds us who we belong to. Whether you're walking through grief, anxiety, or a season that feels too heavy to carry, this one is for you. Guest Links: References to Bible Verses: Psalm 23:1; Matthew 24:6–11; Acts 1–2; Ephesians 1:13; Lamentations 3:22–23; Romans 12:2 My Ministry Mission Information 1. Website: https://myministrymission.com/ [https://myministrymission.com/] 2. Become a Guest: https://myministrymission.com/guest [https://myministrymission.com/guest] 3. Support the Show: https://myministrymission.com/support [https://myministrymission.com/support] 4. Contact Me: https://myministrymission.com/contact [https://myministrymission.com/contact] 5. Free Christian Resources: https://myministrymission.com/resources/free-resources/ [https://myministrymission.com/resources/free-resources/] My Ministry Mission Social Media 1. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myministrymission [https://www.facebook.com/myministrymission] 2. Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyMinMission [https://twitter.com/MyMinMission] (or @MyMinMission) 3. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myminmission [https://www.instagram.com/myminmission] (or @MyMinMission) 4. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@myministrymission [https://www.youtube.com/@myministrymission] Support The Show If you are enjoying the content and would like to support this show, consider giving me a tip. It's not required or expected, but certainly appreciated Buy me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/myminmission] Credits: Cover Image & Music from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/]

With Cancer, Not Without Hope with Kim Harms (Ep 171)

In this episode, I sit down with Kim Harms, a two-time breast cancer survivor, speaker, and author of Carried Through Cancer: 70 Days of Spiritual Strength from Cancer Fighters, Survivors and Caregivers. Kim was first diagnosed in 2016 and again in 2023, and rather than letting that story stay in silence, she has spent the last decade turning her pain into something that points others to Christ. We talk about what it really looks like to trust God when He doesn't take the hard thing away, how the Psalms of Lament helped her find an honest relationship with God, and why her anchor verse, 1 Peter 5:10, carried her through two rounds of chemotherapy. Kim also shares the heart behind her book and why she believes hope is not the absence of suffering, but what you find right in the middle of it. This one will stay with you. Guest Links: * Kim Harms | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kimharmsauthor/] * Kim Harms | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/kimharmsauthor] * Carried Through Cancer: 70 Days of Spiritual Strength from Cancer Fighters, Survivors, and Caregivers [https://www.amazon.com/Carried-Through-Cancer-Spiritual-Caregivers/dp/B0DT8XRFQ7/] * With Cancer, Not Without Hope [https://kimharms.net/] References to Bible Verses: 1 Peter 5:10; Lamentations 3:22–23; Isaiah 41:10; 1 Kings 19:11–12; Romans 5:3–4 My Ministry Mission Information 1. Website: https://myministrymission.com/ [https://myministrymission.com/] 2. Become a Guest: https://myministrymission.com/guest [https://myministrymission.com/guest] 3. Support the Show: https://myministrymission.com/support [https://myministrymission.com/support] 4. Contact Me: https://myministrymission.com/contact [https://myministrymission.com/contact] 5. Free Christian Resources: https://myministrymission.com/resources/free-resources/ [https://myministrymission.com/resources/free-resources/] My Ministry Mission Social Media 1. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myministrymission [https://www.facebook.com/myministrymission] 2. Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyMinMission [https://twitter.com/MyMinMission] (or @MyMinMission) 3. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myminmission [https://www.instagram.com/myminmission] (or @MyMinMission) 4. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@myministrymission [https://www.youtube.com/@myministrymission] Support The Show If you are enjoying the content and would like to support this show, consider giving me a tip. It's not required or expected, but certainly appreciated Buy me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/myminmission] Credits: Cover Image & Music from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/]

Why Don't I Feel Different After Becoming a Christian (Ep 170)

In this episode, I want to talk to anyone who said yes to Jesus and then woke up the next morning wondering if anything really changed. That quiet question (why don't I feel different?) is one of the most common things new believers wrestle with, and I think the church has done a poor job of answering it. So I walk through what actually happened at salvation, why feelings are not a reliable measuring stick for your relationship with God, and what spiritual growth really looks like when it shows up in ordinary life. We spend time in 2 Corinthians 5, Philippians 1, and 1 Peter 2, along with some honest, practical steps for growing when you cannot feel a thing. If you are new in your faith, or walking with someone who is, this one is for you. Interesting Links: * 26,000 Baptized Across U.S. In Largest Mass Baptism Event In American History - Worthy Christian News [https://www.worthynews.com/105901-26000-baptized-across-u-s-in-largest-mass-baptism-event-in-american-history] * Well Versed - Asbury Revival 2023 [https://wellversedworld.org/asbury-revival-2023] * Soul Shepherding. Spiritual growth survey. [https://www.soulshepherding.org/spiritual-growth-survey/] * Peterson, E. (1980). A long obedience in the same direction. InterVarsity Press. [https://www.ivpress.com/a-long-obedience-in-the-same-direction] * Packer, J. I. (1973). Knowing God. InterVarsity Press. [https://www.ivpress.com/knowing-god] * Lloyd-Jones, M. (1965). Spiritual depression: Its causes and cures. Eerdmans. [https://www.eerdmans.com/Products/0849/spiritual-depression.aspx] * Grudem, W. (1994). Systematic theology. Zondervan. [https://www.zondervan.com/p/systematic-theology/] * Bleidorn, W., et al. (2024). Psychological change before and after religious conversion and deconversion. Journal of Personality. [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jopy.12881] * Barna Group. (2025). The declining importance of faith: New Barna findings. [https://www.barna.com/trends/faiths-shrinking-influence/] * Barna Group. (2025). New research: Belief in Jesus rises, fueled by younger adults. [https://www.barna.com/research/belief-in-jesus-rises/] * New Survey Shows Areas of Spiritual Life People Feel Most Confident About – and Those They Want Help With the Most - Barna Group [https://www.barna.com/research/new-survey-shows-areas-of-spiritual-life-people-feel-most-confident-about-and-those-they-want-help-with-the-most/] * New Research on the State of Discipleship - Barna Group [https://www.barna.com/research/new-research-on-the-state-of-discipleship/] * Asbury University. (2023). The outpouring story of revival. [https://www.asbury.edu/about/revival-history/outpouring/] * Anderson, N. T. (1990). The bondage breaker. Harvest House Publishers. [https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com] References to Bible Verses: Romans 5:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:1; Lamentations 3:21–23; Hebrews 12:1; Romans 12:2; Philippians 2:12–13; Ephesians 1:13–14; 1 John 5:11–12; Romans 8:1; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 2:2; Colossians 2:6–7 My Ministry Mission Information 1. Website: https://myministrymission.com/ [https://myministrymission.com/] 2. Become a Guest: https://myministrymission.com/guest [https://myministrymission.com/guest] 3. Support the Show: https://myministrymission.com/support [https://myministrymission.com/support] 4. Contact Me: https://myministrymission.com/contact [https://myministrymission.com/contact] 5. Free Christian Resources: https://myministrymission.com/resources/free-resources/ [https://myministrymission.com/resources/free-resources/] My Ministry Mission Social Media 1. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myministrymission [https://www.facebook.com/myministrymission] 2. Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyMinMission [https://twitter.com/MyMinMission] (or @MyMinMission) 3. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myminmission [https://www.instagram.com/myminmission] (or @MyMinMission) 4. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@myministrymission [https://www.youtube.com/@myministrymission] Support The Show If you are enjoying the content and would like to support this show, consider giving me a tip. It's not required or expected, but certainly appreciated Buy me a Coffee [https://buymeacoffee.com/myminmission] Credits: Cover Image & Music from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/]