JesusSmartX

Brian Del Turco converses with Keith Payne to explore how lessons from his earthly father shaped his understanding of God’s Father heart. From a tough, charismatic union leader to a redeemed man of faith, Keith reflects on the wisdom, protection, and love he received and how it points to the perfect love of our heavenly Father. Together, they discuss fatherhood, redemption, and the multi-generational impact of God’s favor and guidance. This conversation is full of practical lessons, inspiring stories, and a reminder that God can redeem any situation. ---------- See the full episode transcript below. 👉 Support the podcast (use the Smart Edit BMAC page): buymeacoffee.com/SmartEdit 👉 Enhanced show notes: JesusSmart.com/357 👉 Explore more episodes: JesusSmart.com/podcast If this episode gave you a fresh perspective on Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs encouragement. Be sure to follow the podcast—each episode is designed to help you think more clearly and pursue the kind of life only Jesus makes possible. Stay current via The Smart Edit newsletter—Elevate your faith. Live smart. Make an impact. Free. Weekly. 5 minutes to grow. Unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at JesusSmart.com. ---------- KEITH PAYNE Get your copy of 'Stuff I Got from Dad' on Amazon or Barnes & Noble Facebook -- Keith Payne Carmia’s Window Charitable Fund website Carmia's Window Facebook page ---------- EPISODE TRANSCRIPT - Stuff I Got from Dad with Keith Payne See complete and enhanced show notes at jesussmart.com/357 Welcome to Jesus Smart X, episode 357. This is Brian Del Turco, and today we're stepping into a conversation that hits home for every single one of us because all of us have a father story. The gospel music bed you're hearing is from the Payne Family Group, a gospel group that Keith was part of along with his brothers. I saw Keith Payne on Facebook talking about his new upcoming release, Stuff I Got From Dad, exploring how he relates his experiences with his earthly father to things about our heavenly Father—things he learned that transformed his understanding of God's fatherhood. He's on the podcast today talking about his new book by that title. It's a great conversation with an inspiring person, and I think you're going to enjoy it and benefit from it. Understanding Fatherhood: Perfect and Imperfect Maybe you had an amazing dad, or maybe your father was present but imperfect. Perhaps your experience with your earthly father was painful or even absent. No matter what your story looks like, your Father in heaven is not a reflection of your earthly dad. He is the perfection your earthly dad was only meant to...

Spiritual attacks and temptation are inevitable—but domination isn’t. Walking in the light, staying aligned with Christ, and cleansing our hearts gives the enemy nothing to grab onto. We uncover practical steps to remove footholds of sin and operate in Christ's authority in everyday life. ---------- See the full episode transcript below. 👉 Support the podcast (use the Smart Edit BMAC page): buymeacoffee.com/SmartEdit 👉 Enhanced show notes: on the way! 👉 Explore more episodes: JesusSmart.com/podcast If this episode gave you a fresh perspective on Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs encouragement. Be sure to follow the podcast—each episode is designed to help you think more clearly and pursue the kind of life only Jesus makes possible. Stay current via The Smart Edit newsletter—Elevate your faith. Live smart. Make an impact. Free. Weekly. 5 minutes to grow. Unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at JesusSmart.com. ---------- EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Transcript is on the way shortly!

What if you could see the New Testament not just as history, but as a living story that’s still unfolding? In Part 2 of this conversation, Brian Del Turco continues with Frank Viola, bestselling author of The Untold Story of the New Testament Church. Building on Part 1, this episode dives even deeper into the context, relationships, and divine drama behind the letters of the apostles. You’ll gain a clearer view of how the early church moved with Christ—and how your own life fits into that same advancing Kingdom narrative today. ---------- See the full episode transcript below. 👉 Enhanced show notes: JesusSmart.com/355 👉 Explore more episodes: JesusSmart.com/podcast If this episode gave you a fresh perspective on Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs encouragement. Be sure to follow the podcast—each episode is designed to help you think more clearly and pursue the kind of life only Jesus makes possible. Stay current via The Smart Edit newsletter—Elevate your faith. Live smart. Make an impact. Free. Weekly. 5 minutes to grow. Unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at JesusSmart.com. ---------- (Full transcript is coming)

What if walking with God is about moving in rhythm with the Holy Spirit — like a jazz musician improvising in the moment? We explore what it means to live in a Heaven and Earth Jazz Jam session. Listening, responding, and co-creating with God. Drawing on Scripture, spiritual insight, and the creative lessons of jazz, we explore how to sharpen spiritual intuition and flow in unexpected moments in every area of life and work. ---------- See the full episode transcript below. 👉 Explore more episodes: JesusSmart.com/podcast If this episode gave you a fresh perspective on Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs encouragement. Be sure to follow the podcast—each episode is designed to help you think more clearly and pursue the kind of life only Jesus makes possible. Stay current via The Smart Edit newsletter—Elevate your faith. Live smart. Make an impact. Free. Weekly. 5 minutes to grow. Unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at JesusSmart.com. ---------- EPISOSDE TRANSCRIPT -- Life in the Groove — Improvising with the Holy Spirit (EP 354) In this episode of Jesus Smart X Podcast, Brian Del Turco explores the idea of moving in rhythm with the Holy Spirit — like a jazz musician improvising in the moment. Drawing on Scripture, spiritual insight, and the creative lessons of jazz, we explore how to sharpen spiritual intuition, respond in unexpected moments, and co-create with God in every area of life and work. Between Episodes: Continuing the Conversation with Frank Viola Before diving in, Brian mentions the ongoing two-part series with Frank Viola. Episode 353, The New Testament Like You've Never Seen It, explores reading the New Testament as a single, unfolding narrative, discovering the heartbeat of the early church, and seeing how our personal life story fits into Jesus’ larger story. Don’t forget to check out the Smart Edit newsletter at jesussmart.com. Elevate your faith. Live smart. Make an impact. Free. Weekly, each Thursday. 5 minutes to grow. Unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at JesusSmart.com. Jazz and the Brain: A Spiritual Parallel Listening to jazz activates nearly every part of the brain, enhancing focus, emotional depth, flexibility, and anticipation. Jazz requires us to listen actively, adapt to shifting harmonies, and respond creatively. This is an excellent metaphor for walking with the Holy Spirit. Our relationship with God isn’t meant to be rigid or scripted. Scripture is our key signature — steady, unchanging, and true — while the Spirit invites us to improvise within that framework. As Galatians 5:25 reminds us, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Walking with the Spirit is not marching in lockstep; it’s keeping time in a living rhythm, a cadence flowing from the Father through the Holy Spirit. The Improvisational Life: Flowing with the Spirit Jazz and the Spirit share a key principle: tension and release, anticipation, and responsiveness. Life with the Holy Spirit requires mental and spiritual flexibility — a readiness to pivot, adapt, and respond in a Christlike way. As Dallas Willard taught, true discipleship is Christ in you, living through your life circumstances. This requires alertness, creativity, and continual renewal — exactly what Romans 12:2 calls the “renewing of your mind.” Classical music offers structure, discipline, and symmetry, while jazz develops intuition, sensitivity, and improvisation. Life in the Spirit demands both: grounded truth and openness to surprise, ready to follow God’s lead in the...

What if you could read the New Testament as a single, unfolding story—seeing the books in their real-life context and discovering the heartbeat of the early church? Brian Del Turco talks with Frank Viola, bestselling author of The Untold Story of the New Testament Church. You’ll see how the New Testament connects to your own storyline in Christ, as His Kingdom continues to advance today. This fresh perspective will help you unlock Scripture and your place in God’s epic narrative. See the complete transcript below. If this episode helped you to think in a new way about Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs it. Make sure to follow the show. Every episode is built to help you think clearer and chase the kind of life that Jesus can unlock. Discover more episodes > JesusSmart.com/podcast The Smart Edit newsletter ... Quest with us to elevate our walk with Christ, discern the times, and deeply influence circles of influence. Practical insights and encouragement to live at a higher level. Sign-up form > JesusSmart.com. ---------- EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Brian: Welcome to the podcast! Today, I’m thrilled to have Frank Viola with us to discuss his new project—a book every follower of Jesus will want to explore. Frank, how are you today? Frank Viola: I’m doing well, Brian. I always enjoy being on your show, and I’m excited to talk about the book. Introducing the Book Brian: I have my copy right here, and I’ve been using it… literally curling it for reps! Listeners, this is a hefty book—over 600 pages—but it’s surprisingly accessible. Frank Viola: That’s right. Despite its size, many readers find it easy to read. The goal was never just a history lesson—it’s to unlock the New Testament, especially the epistles, in a fresh way. Brian: So, what inspired you to take on this massive project? Frank Viola: It goes back to when I became a believer at 16. I stumbled upon a small book that linked the Book of Acts with Paul’s letters. That exposure shaped everything. Over time, I studied New Testament chronology, influenced heavily by F.F. Bruce, and by 1998, I began constructing a full chronological account of the New Testament, filling in historical and cultural details. Solving a Common Problem for Christians Frank Viola: The problem many Christians face is not fully understanding the New Testament. The books aren’t arranged chronologically, and Luke’s account in Acts is highly condensed. Add the 16th-century chapter and verse divisions, and it’s easy to misinterpret. My book reconstructs the story from Pentecost to Patmos, blending Acts with the epistles to provide context that has been missing for centuries. Brian: That’s incredible. It’s vital for Christians to see the full storyline of the kingdom, from the early church to today. Frank Viola: Exactly. And this approach has been endorsed by 20 preeminent New Testament scholars. It’s the first book to combine the entire narrative chronologically with full citations, based on up-to-date scholarship. Challenges and Approach Brian: Scholars will disagree on some chronological details. Can you give an example? Frank Viola: Sure. The dating of James’ epistle is debated. Some scholars place it before Galatians, others after. Either way, it doesn’t affect the overall narrative, which is what matters. Brian: So, it’s about scoping and sequencing—seeing the narrative as a whole. Frank Viola: Yes. The book organizes the 27 New Testament books, focusing on Acts to Revelation, and even includes Jesus’ story and eternity past, giving readers the full picture of God’s kingdom from beginning to...

A township board said a couple might have to leave their home over a permit dispute. Instead of giving in to fear, the husband turned to a small Micro-Ekklesia prayer gathering. The board voted 4–1 in their favor. We look at how Micro-Ekklesia—small, Spirit-led communities—carry real Kingdom authority. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 6, we’ll see why even the smallest gatherings of believers can judge matters and shift outcomes. If this episode helped you to think in a new way about Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs it. Make sure to follow the show. Every episode is built to help you think clearer and chase the kind of life that Jesus can unlock. Discover more episodes > JesusSmart.com/podcast The Smart Edit newsletter ... Quest with us to elevate our walk with Christ, discern the times, and deeply influence circles of influence. Practical insights and encouragement to live at a higher level. Sign-up form > JesusSmart.com.

Faith unlocks understanding. In this episode, we explore how to access Jesus’ intelligence in daily life — from navigating challenges to making smart decisions. Discover why trusting in wisdom from above surpasses human reasoning. Real knowledge of the Holy One is the ultimate source of insight and understanding for life. If this episode helped you to think in a new way about Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs it. Make sure to follow the show. Every episode is built to help you think clearer and chase the kind of life that Jesus can unlock. Discover more episodes > JesusSmart.com/podcast The Smart Edit newsletter ... Quest with us to elevate our walk with Christ, discern the times, and deeply influence circles of influence. Practical insights and encouragement to live at a higher level. Sign-up form > JesusSmart.com.

Jericho was more than a military victory—it was a prophetic gateway into the Promised Land. Today, the same God who caused the walls to fall is calling you to silence doubt, lift a faith-filled shout, and step into new territory. The blueprint at Jericho can guide you in overcoming obstacles, align with covenant promises, and step boldly into the story He’s writing through your life. If this episode helped you to think in a new way about Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs it. Make sure to follow the show. Every episode is built to help you think clearer and chase the kind of life that Jesus can unlock. Discover more episodes > JesusSmart.com/podcast The Smart Edit newsletter ... Quest with us to elevate our walk with Christ, discern the times, and deeply influence circles of influence. Practical insights and encouragement to live at a higher level. Sign-up form > JesusSmart.com.

What does it really take to succeed God’s way? In this episode of JesusSmartX, we highlight biblical success principles that move you beyond theory into real results. True success isn’t about hustle alone — it’s about aligning with a Kingdom mindset and living Spirit-led. We’ll break down the pattern of Principles → Push → Tact: When these three elements align, you unlock faith and success in your life, relationships, and calling. If you’re ready to break through resistance and live with purpose, this conversation will equip you with biblical keys to good success. If this episode helped you to think in a new way about Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs it. Make sure to follow the show. Every episode is built to help you think clearer and chase the kind of life that Jesus can unlock. Discover more episodes > JesusSmart.com/podcast The Smart Edit newsletter > Quest with us to elevate our walk with Christ, discern the times, and deeply influence circles of influence. Practical insights and encouragement to live at a higher level > https://thesmartedit.beehiiv.com/.

We explore the staggering potential you have in prayer—accessing the Father with Christ’s perfection, legal standing, and firstborn rights as a co-heir. Plus, in our Smart Wellness segment, discover why a simple ½ cup of cottage cheese before bed can protect muscle, fuel metabolism, and support fat loss. All while you sleep. A Kingdom key for your spirit … and a small habit that strengthens your body. If this episode helped you to think in a new way about Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs it. Make sure to follow the show. Every episode is built to help you think clearer and chase the kind of life that Jesus can unlock. Discover more episodes > JesusSmart.com/podcast The Smart Edit newsletter > Quest with us to elevate our walk with Christ, discern the times, and deeply influence circles of influence. Practical insights and encouragement to live at a higher level > https://thesmartedit.beehiiv.com/.

What does it mean to live Kingdom Forward? In this short, high-impact episode of JesusSmartX, discover how to align every decision, relationship, and prayer with the King’s agenda. Drawing from John 3 and Matthew 6:33, we explore how to seek first God’s Kingdom, live ahead, and advance His reign in real life — flourishing, now and forever. If this episode helped you to think in a new way about Kingdom Living, share it with someone who needs it. Make sure to follow the show. Every episode is built to help you think clearer and chase the kind of life that Jesus can unlock. Discover more episodes > JesusSmart.com/podcast The Smart Edit newsletter > Quest with us to elevate our walk with Christ, discern the times, and deeply influence circles of influence. Practical insights and encouragement to live at a higher level > https://thesmartedit.beehiiv.com/.

Just like muscles need resistance to grow, your faith needs tests to develop. In this short episode, discover how challenges are God’s signals to develop your spirit and advance you to the next level in Christ. Don’t just survive the pressure—train through it. God is preparing you for greater things. If this episode helped you to think in a new way about training in Jesus, share it with someone who needs it. Make sure to follow the show. Every episode is built to help you think clearer and chase the kind of life that Jesus can unlock. Discover more episodes > JesusSmart.com/podcast The Smart Edit newsletter > Quest with us to elevate our walk with Christ, discern the times, and deeply influence circles of influence. Practical insights and encouragement to live at a higher level > https://thesmartedit.beehiiv.com/.

Is the future of the Church small and powerful? In this episode, we unpack the rise of the Micro Ekklesia and why it may be Heaven’s disruptive blueprint for cultural transformation. Could the Holy Spirit be breathing on a grassroots model of spiritual governance—relational, agile, and infused with Kingdom power? Jesus co-opted a secular term, “ekklesia,” and filled it with Heaven’s DNA and authority. Now, that ancient design may be reemerging as a city-on-a-hill movement built to shape culture. If this episode stirred something for you, share it with someone who’s done settling for surface-level living. Make sure to follow the show. Every episode is built to help you think clearer, fight smarter, and chase the kind of life the Kingdom was always meant to unlock. Discover more episodes > JesusSmart.com/podcast The Smart Edit newsletter > Quest with us to elevate our walk with Christ, discern the times, and deeply influence circles of influence. Practical insights and encouragement to live at a higher level > https://thesmartedit.beehiiv.com/.

Your brain is a masterpiece — the most complex organ in the universe, using up to 25% of your body’s energy. But by day’s end, it’s cluttered with waste. Sleep isn’t just rest. It’s divine design for deep renewal. In this episode, discover why sleep is your secret weapon for brain health and spiritual clarity. We’ll explore the power of the glymphatic system (your brain’s “night crew”) and why consistent sleep is more vital than even diet and exercise. Focus points include: If this episode woke something up in you (pun intended 😄), share it with someone who’s ready to live clearer, healthier, and more aligned with God’s best. And don’t forget to follow the show. Each episode is designed to help you think sharper, live freer, and pursue a Kingdom-optimized life. Discover more episodes > JesusSmart.com/podcast The Smart Edit newsletter > Quest with us to elevate our walk with Christ, discern the times, and deeply influence circles of influence. Practical insights and encouragement to live at a higher level > https://thesmartedit.beehiiv.com/.

Iranian Christian women, imprisoned for their faith, were urged by some American churches and publishers: “Please don’t speak about the Holy Spirit.” But for them, the Holy Spirit wasn’t a side note. He was central. He sustained them through persecution and gave them supernatural strength, guidance, and peace. Why is much of the American Church hesitant, even resistant, to embrace the full-spectrum, present-day ministry of the Holy Spirit we see in the New Testament? Has a theological cognitive bias dulled our spiritual edge? In this episode, we press into the tension between charismatic Christianity and the often rational, stripped-down theology of the West. And we ask: What can the persecuted church teach us about walking in the power of the Holy Spirit? If this episode stirred something in you, share it with someone who’s sensing the shift and hungry for more. And be sure to follow the show—each conversation is crafted to help you live sharper, freer, and more Kingdom-centered. Discover more episodes > JesusSmart.com/podcast The Smart Edit newsletter -- Quest with us to elevate our walk with Christ, discern the times, and deeply influence circles of influence. Practical insights and encouragement to live at a higher level > https://thesmartedit.beehiiv.com/.

The journey to mental freedom continues. In Part 2, author and coach Bruce Colbert unpacks the six-step process to overcome negative thought patterns for good. We also explore the often-overlooked connection between your physical health and your thought life. Heart Intelligence isn’t just theory. It’s a practical, biblical pathway to renewed thinking and the abundant life Jesus offers. 👉 If this episode stirred something in you, share it with someone who’s sensing the shift and hungry for more. And be sure to follow the show—each conversation is crafted to help you live sharper, freer, and more Kingdom-centered. Discover more episodes > JesusSmart.com/podcast The Smart Edit newsletter -- Quest with us to elevate our walk with Christ, discern the times, and deeply influence circles of influence. Practical insights and encouragement to live at a higher level > https://thesmartedit.beehiiv.com/.

Negative thought patterns can trap us in anxiety, frustration, and spiritual stagnation. In this episode, author and coach Bruce Colbert shares a step-by-step, biblical strategy to heal your mind and break free. Discover how Heart Intelligence—a scriptural key—can transform your thinking and unlock the life Jesus promises. 👉 If this episode stirred something in you, share it with someone who’s sensing the shift and hungry for more. And be sure to follow the show—each conversation is crafted to help you live sharper, freer, and more Kingdom-centered. Discover more episodes > JesusSmart.com/podcast The Smart Edit newsletter -- Quest with us to elevate our walk with Christ, discern the times, and deeply influence circles of influence. Practical insights and encouragement to live at a higher level > https://thesmartedit.beehiiv.com/.

Pulled from the Smart Edit newsletter, this episode flows with a prophetic edge. We’re spotlighting a Kingdom Dynamic from John 2: the first miracle of Jesus—turning water into wine at a wedding. But it’s more than a party trick. It’s a revelation. Jesus doesn’t just top off what’s lacking. He introduces something radically better—a new era, new wine, and a call for new wineskins. 👉 If this episode stirred something in you, share it with someone who’s sensing the shift and hungry for more. And be sure to follow the show—each conversation is crafted to help you live sharper, freer, and more Kingdom-centered. Discover more episodes > JesusSmart.com/podcast The Smart Edit newsletter -- Quest with us to elevate our walk with Christ, discern the times, and deeply influence circles of influence. Practical insights and encouragement to live at a higher level > https://thesmartedit.beehiiv.com/.

Your mind wasn’t designed to live in overdrive. The pace, the pressure, the nonstop noise—no wonder we’re anxious, foggy, and missing the moment we’re in. But what if your mind could become a place of peace? In this rich conversation, Dr. Charles Stone (pastor + neuroscience guy) unpacks “holy noticing”—a practice that helps you tune in and actually live the abundant life that Jesus offers. 👉 If this episode spoke to you, pass it along to someone who could use a little more peace and clarity. And don’t forget to follow the show—each conversation is here to help you live sharper, calmer, and more Kingdom-centered. Discover more episodes > JesusSmart.com/podcast The Smart Edit newsletter -- Quest with us to elevate our walk with Christ, discern the times, and deeply influence circles of influence. Practical insights and encouragement to live at a higher level. (https://thesmartedit.beehiiv.com/)

What if the real reason you're feeling stuck isn’t a lack of talent or opportunity—but a lack of awareness about what’s already yours in Christ? In this episode, we highlight 6 cutting-edge advantages that every Christ-follower can activate: Isaiah 41:15—“I will make you into a new, sharp threshing sledge... you will pulverize mountains.” This isn’t poetry. It’s your potential. This isn’t hype. This could be our new normal. I’m sharing this because I’m waking up to these truths myself—and I want you to experience the shift too. You’re not at a disadvantage. You’ve been regenerated in Christ. 👉 If this episode hits home, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And be sure to follow the show for more content designed to help you live sharp, bold, and Kingdom-focused. Discover more episodes > JesusSmart.com/podcast The Smart Edit newsletter -- Quest with us to elevate our walk with Christ, discern the times, and deeply influence circles of influence. Practical insights and encouragement to live at a higher level. (https://thesmartedit.beehiiv.com/)