Balancing the Christian Life

Yeah, it's been a minute. This time we talk about the "rules of engagement" and how we fight in a loving way. Support the show

What does it mean God is running to you...or running after you. Keith Stonehart is a good friend, and he helped me see how God reaches out to us, even when we are not easy to reach. Support the show

Yes, this is a very short episode and a conversation about having empty spaces in your life. Hopefully this is helpful to you. Support the show

What does it mean to raise boys and how is that different than raising girls. In this conversation, I talk to two fathers of sons and what they've learned about raising sons which help their children grow, and themselves. Support the show

What is gratitude and why should we be a grateful people? In this conversation with Don Truex and Scott Beyer, we talk about what gratitude is, how to become more grateful, and if we are even good judges of our own graciousness. Support the show

This is a reading of the Gospel of Mark. The translation is the World English Bible. Support the show

Picture this - your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, shaking you to your core. Much like our lives, right? Join us as we explore this comparison and help you understand the promise of God's unending grace that keeps us going, even when our lives seem to be breaking down. In a compelling conversation with Craig Peane, a steadfast believer in Christ, we uncover the strength of placing our trust in God and the incredible power of hope. Through times of uncertainty, remember this: while a broken car can be replaced, your worth in God's eyes is exceptional and irreplaceable. Tap into this episode, and let's journey together towards understanding faith, devotion, and the infinite love God has for us. Support the show

What if being vulnerable isn't a weakness, but a profound strength? Jonathan Banning and I plunge into this question in an enlightening conversation about the complexities of vulnerability within the realm of Christianity. We look at the courage it takes to be exposed, potentially risking hurt, for the sake of authenticity in our faith walk. Drawing from Jesus' exemplary life, we challenge modern-day advice that promotes following whims and desires, and instead invite you to join us as we explore the profound depths of authenticity and self-judgment. Beyond the personal, however, we also delve into the implications of vulnerability within our Christian community. We underline the paradox that while being vulnerable may feel uncomfortable and risky, it can actually help us to grow. By acknowledging our weaknesses and embracing an authentic life, we find that most people respond not with judgment, but with mercy and forgiveness. We offer practical advice on fostering relationships through vulnerability, and turn to Jesus' model of vulnerability as an inspirational source of strength. Striking a balance between expressing our struggles authentically and descending into complaint is no easy feat, and we navigate this delicate path in our conversation. By comparing our relationship with God to the relationship we have with our children, we seek to better understand our own vulnerability and the strength that comes with it. This conversation will inspire, challenge, and encourage you to live a life of authentic vulnerability, aligned with God’s teachings, offering a fresh perspective on your faith journey. Join us, and let's journey together towards embracing vulnerability in our Christian life. Support the show

Prepare to embark on an inspiring journey as Mark McCrary, Wyatt Taylor, and I weave tales of our life-altering missionary trip to the Philippines. Our tales are a testament to the power of faith, the richness of diverse cultures, and the deep bonds formed when you step outside your comfort zones. Our discussion takes you from the planning stages, through unforeseen hurdles and fascinating cultural experiences, to the profound impact this expedition had on our Christian walk. Our conversation delves into the poignant moments that left an indelible mark on our hearts, such as witnessing baptisms influenced by cultural practices, encountering language barriers, and navigating foreign terrains. Hear us recount the invaluable lessons we learned, the power of encouragement, and the crucial role of community as we reminisce about our time in Palau. We pay homage to our wives who bravely served the people of the Philippines, illustrating the significant role of personal relationships in missionary work and highlighting the essence of faith when journeying overseas. As we reflect upon our experiences, we express our gratitude towards our supporters and share updates about our progress, including exciting book announcements. Through our stories, we hope to inspire listeners to embrace the transformative power of missionary work and the profound impact it can have on your life. Journey with us as we navigate the captivating narratives of our trip to the Philippines, illustrating how God's work in a foreign land can transform your perspective and deepen your faith. Support the show

Dreaming big can be risky business. That's why we're delving into the dangers of dreams and the potential pitfalls of turning them into idols. The first half of our journey guides you through the labyrinth of identity, ambition, and personal values. We challenge you to scrutinize your dreams with a magnifying glass, bring into focus the boundaries that can make or break your spiritual relationship with God. Let's embark on a journey of introspection and self-discovery, where personal goals and dreams are weighed against our fundamental values and beliefs. As the night falls, we find ourselves contemplating the power of a good sleep. Inspired by the wisdom of Keith Stoneheart, we bring light to the often-ignored significance of rest in our lives. Get ready to decode the science behind sleep and how it can impact your clarity of thought, overall well-being, and - yes - even your dreams. Hang tight for a small teaser on our next episode, where we share our transformative journey to the exquisite island of Palawan in the Philippines. This episode is a wake-up call to re-center our lives around God and value the restorative power of rest. Let's sleep on it. Support the show

Can you imagine the power that setting goals can bring to your Christian life? Well, Benjamin Lee helps us unpack this potent tool in our latest episode. We confront the cruciality of acting on our dreams whilst debating the dangers of dreaming too much or too little. With Benjamin’s insights, we delve into the balancing act between motivation and commitment to our goals. We also address the role of time and other realities in shaping what's truly feasible, concluding that it's absolutely okay to have grand visions and to take steps towards realizing them. Have you ever wondered how faith and trust in God can bolster us through our struggles? On this transformative journey with Benjamin Lee, we unearth the need for authentic answers, not just the right ones, and how knowing the truth about ourselves holds immense significance. We also investigate the role of taking action on our goals and its potential to chart our path to success. Together, we identify and define our goals, creating a system to work backwards towards them, undeniably emphasizing the importance of action. As we gear up for a new school year, we take a moment to reflect on how this period can be a beacon of inspiration and hope. We stress the importance of remembering the value of trades and maintaining our focus on what truly matters. We announce our plans for reading more from the Bible and remind ourselves to be good and do good. In our candid conversation, we explore the necessity of understanding what God wants from us, how it aids us to surmount life's struggles and the role of Jesus' habits and customs as a blueprint for us. Join us in this pursuit of balance in our Christian lives with the aid of goal setting and action. Support the show

Ever found yourself locked in a heated disagreement, leaving you feeling exasperated and distanced from a loved one? We tackle questions such as when is it right to fight for a belief, how to measure your motives, and what guidance can be found in our faith. We even navigate the sometimes tricky terrain of speaking the truth while maintaining humility and patience, all through the relatable analogy of a car ride disagreement. Deepening the dialogue, we plunge into the heart of love and unity during disagreements. We talk about how remembering your affection for the person on the other end of the argument can shape the conversation, and how to weigh your knowledge before entering a debate. Using insights from 1 Peter 3:8, we also discuss dealing with deadlocks. Regardless if you're wrestling with a personal or spiritual family difference, we'll equip you with the tools to handle the situation gracefully, leaving relationships stronger than ever. Support the show

Have you ever discovered profound insights from the most unexpected places? Take a ride with me, Dr. Kenny Embry, as I unfold compelling life lessons unearthed during a family trip to an amusement park. As we traverse through the roller-coaster adventure, we'll unravel the beauty of witnessing life from our children's viewpoint, the courage they muster while trying new rides, and the clarity they find in their evolving interests. More than the rides and shows, I'll shed light on the importance of focusing on the people you're with, embracing their experiences, and the unparalleled joy it brings. Reflecting upon the recent Balancing the Christian Life conference, I found myself immersed in the transformative power of community and shared learning. Listen as we discuss the enriching conversations, exchange of ideas, and the impactful teachings that transpired at the event. You'll also discover the transformative power of gratitude and how it can shape us into better individuals. We'll also ponder over the potential of digital tools in instigating good and fostering meaningful conversations. Join us in this insightful episode as we journey together to perceive everyday experiences in a whole new light. Support the show

www.balancingthechristianlife.com/conference Ever wondered what constitutes good character from a Christian perspective? Buckle up as Mark McCrary and I, Dr. Kenny Embry, unpack the good character track of the Balancing the Christian Life conference, using Galatians 5 as our guide. We delve into the nine aspects of the fruit of the spirit, spotlighting love as the cornerstone of Christianity. Prepare to have your perspectives challenged as we stress on love as an action, not an emotion, and the significance of epitomizing love, irrespective of our feelings. In this enlightening conversation, Mark and I continue our exploration by untangling how God personifies goodness and its real-world applications. Expect to gain fresh insights as we dissect the nuances between kindness and niceness, and shed light on the importance of exemplifying faithfulness and gentleness. A deep dive into the phrase “the fruit of the Spirit” might change the way you perceive this biblical expression. We reflect on how these virtues naturally manifest when we submit to God and the Holy Spirit's counsel. Join us as we reiterate that in God's eyes, virtue and morality outweigh fame and recognition, and that goodness should be pursued even when unacknowledged. Support the show

Are you ready to unlock the transformative power of self-control? Today, we're embarking on a journey with our esteemed guests, Scott Beyer and Luther Pratt, as we unearth the profound connections between self-control, joy, and happiness. Hear firsthand from Luther as he shares an inspiring tale of redemption from addiction, testifying to the divine intervention and the might of self-control. We'll also be exploring the critical role self-control plays in cultivating healthy relationships, making good life choices, and maintaining accountability. In a world that often demands instant gratification, we’ll discuss how commitment is instrumental in fostering self-control in our lives, using real-life examples from parenting and an evocative account from Luther about overcoming addiction. And as we delve into the stories of King Saul and David, we unravel how their divergent paths underscore the significance of self-control in navigating life's challenges. However, self-control isn't without its pitfalls. Drawing lessons from the lives of Nelson Mandela and Joseph, we'll examine how self-control, when wielded without humility can lead to self-righteousness. We'll reshuffle the narrative to emphasize the importance of pairing self-control with grace, love, and mercy. As we wrap up our enlightening discussion, listen as Scott and Luther share their personal insights and experiences with self-control, and how it can serve as a tool for joy and happiness. So, join us as we navigate the path of self-control, and explore how it can enrich our lives. Support the show

In this episode we talk about the value of rest and how it can help us to stop doing for a bit. If you are interested in attending the Balancing the Christian Life Conference, please go to www.balancingthechristianlife.com and click on the conference link. Support the show

In this episode, we talk about developing Christian character with my friend Dr. Stephen Okey. If you are interested in participating in the Balancing the Christian Life Conference, please go to www.balancingthechristianlife.com and click the BtCL conference link to sign up. Support the show

This is a complete reading of the gospel of John. If you would like more information about the World English translation here. Support the show

This week I've been working on university-related stuff and that got me thinking about what i wish I could tell students as they graduate, or anybody starting something new. Support the show