One Single Story

Welcome to today's edition of One Single Story. Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark and Pastor Alyssa Bream dig into Psalm 59, a prayer of David written while Saul's soldiers surrounded his house waiting to kill him. Today's conversation wrestles with anxiousness, righteous anger, and how the weapons and reach we hold today — a phone, a platform, a microphone — carry a very different weight than a sword or a slingshot ever did. Scripture Focus: Psalm 59:1-17 - David's cry for deliverance while under siege in his own home, and his declaration of trust in God's power and unfailing love despite being surrounded by enemies. In This Episode: Why David distinguishes between punishing hostile nations and showing no mercy to "wicked traitors" How David's prayer for his enemies to be a lasting lesson, rather than simply destroyed, reveals his focus beyond himself Whether the questions we ask of Scripture have changed with culture, even as the truth of Scripture stays the same The ethical weight of modern power - how a phone or a platform can do more damage today than an army could in David's time What spiritual leadership looks like when you feel surrounded by opposition or overwhelmed by anxiety Why emotions are useful gauges but poor navigators for decision-making The importance of a daily, not just weekly, commitment to worship and trusting God as our refuge Key Quote: "Emotions are great gauges but terrible navigators. They should give us some idea of the temperature of the situation, but they can't be the decision maker." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday podcast where hosts read through the One Year Bible together and have honest, unscripted conversations about how Scripture applies to modern life. Each episode offers a brief, thoughtful lesson designed to help listeners connect ancient truth to the questions and challenges of today. Join us at Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina, and explore more at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily conversation around the Word of God. New episodes release every weekday to walk alongside you in your One Year Bible reading plan. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue moving through the One Year Bible, exploring more Psalms and the daily disciplines of trusting God through anxiety, conflict, and the pressures of modern life. Grab your Bible, a pen, and paper, and follow along with us each weekday. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Psalm59 #Anxiety #SpiritualLeadership #TrustInGod #DavidAndSaul #ChristianLeadership

Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, along with Pastor Jay Rivenbark and Pastor Alyssa Bream, for today's edition of One Single Story as they dig into Psalm 58 and wrestle with what it means to trust God's justice in a world that often feels corrupt and unfair. Scripture Focus: Psalm 58:1-11 - David's imprecatory psalm confronting corrupt rulers and unjust judges, calling on God to bring judgment on wickedness while affirming that there truly is a reward for the righteous and a God who judges the earth. In This Episode: Understanding the difference between human rulers and "silent gods" in Psalm 58 How believers should biblically respond to corrupt cultural and political systems Wrestling with the appropriateness of praying imprecatory prayers for justice Keeping personal integrity while directing righteous anger at the right target Practical wisdom for pastoring people trapped with stubborn, unrepentant individuals The role of healthy boundaries and separation when dealing with harmful relationships Why remembering God's final judgment shapes a worldview of hope instead of fear Key Quote: "When we realize that in the end, he's going to make all things right, we can rest because we don't have to fix it now." One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast where pastors from Open Door Church walk through the One Year Bible reading plan together, offering honest, conversational insight into Scripture one passage at a time. Each episode is designed to help you engage the Bible more deeply, ask better questions of the text, and apply God's Word to everyday life. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com. Subscribe so you never miss a weekday devotional, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to trust God's justice today. Coming This Week: The team continues walking through the Book of Psalms in the One Year Bible reading plan, exploring more of David's honest conversations with God about injustice, trust, and hope. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Psalms #Psalm58 #ImprecatoryPrayer #GodsJustice #BiblicalWisdom

Welcome to today's edition of One Single Story! Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark and Pastor Wendy Korbusieski as they dig into the September 11th reading from the One Year Bible, exploring Paul's thorn in the flesh, unanswered prayer, and how God's power is made perfect in our weakness. Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 - Paul recounts a heavenly vision he received fourteen years earlier and the thorn in the flesh God gave him to keep him humble. Despite asking three times for it to be removed, Paul receives a different answer: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." In This Episode: Why Paul's thorn may be directly connected to the extraordinary revelation he received years before How unanswered prayer isn't always a "no" - sometimes it's God saying "what you need is my presence" Grieving pain honestly while still trusting God's greater purpose in it What the "thorn" or "stake" likely meant historically and why its ambiguity in Scripture matters How God values our spiritual maturity more than our comfort The difference between godly endurance and unhealthy attachment to suffering What it practically looks like for a leader to delight in weakness rather than deny or celebrate the pain itself Why true Christian leadership often looks like the opposite of worldly success Key Quote: "It's okay for a leader to say this is hard, but God is still faithful. That's how you delight in it. I don't have enough strength for this, but God does." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a daily weekday podcast that offers a brief, thoughtful conversation around each day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina, the show helps listeners connect Scripture to everyday life through honest, Spirit-led discussion. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily reading and conversation around God's Word. New episodes release every weekday to help you stay grounded in Scripture. Coming This Week: Keep following along with One Single Story as the team continues through the One Year Bible reading plan, unpacking Scripture verse by verse and offering fresh encouragement for your daily walk with Christ. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #2Corinthians #ThornInTheFlesh #GodsGrace #StrengthInWeakness #ChristianLeadership #UnansweredPrayer

Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Wendy Korbusieski for today's edition of One Single Story as they dig into 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 and unpack what it really means to build a "kingdom resume" instead of a cultural one. The hosts discuss Paul's unusual boasting, the daily pressure of caring for others, and the surprising story of Paul's escape in a basket—all pointing to a bigger truth about humility, endurance, and trusting God with the burdens we carry. Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 - In this passage, Paul reluctantly defends his apostleship by listing his sufferings rather than his accomplishments: beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, and constant danger, followed by his "daily pressure" of concern for the churches. The chapter closes with the vivid image of Paul being lowered from the city wall in a basket to escape arrest. In This Episode: Comparing Paul's list of sufferings to a modern-day cultural or ministry resume Why kingdom leadership is marked by sacrifice and authenticity rather than comfort and status The danger of pastors and leaders adopting a "savior mentality" instead of trusting Jesus as the true Savior Practical ways to guard against burnout: Sabbath rest, trusted relationships, delegation, and boundaries Learning to carry burdens for a season without internalizing them permanently What the basket-and-wall story reveals about humility, transparency, and the real cost of following Christ The difference between building a "resume" and building a "family photo album" of ministry Key Quote: "Boast in your weaknesses and let the endurance of Christ be your true credential." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a daily podcast where hosts walk through a portion of that day's reading in the One Year Bible, offering brief, practical lessons to help listeners connect with God's Word every day of the week. Open Door Church, Edenton, North Carolina visitopendoor.com | onesinglestory.com Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily lesson from God's Word. New episodes release each weekday to help you stay grounded in Scripture. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue moving through the One Year Bible reading plan, exploring new passages and practical lessons each weekday on One Single Story. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #2Corinthians #PaulTheApostle #KingdomLeadership #PastoralBurnout #ChristianLeadership

Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Wendy Korbusieski as they dig into 2 Corinthians 11 and explore how believers can be led astray from sincere devotion to Christ, how deception rarely announces itself, and how to spot spiritual counterfeits before they take root. Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 11:1 - 15 - Paul expresses his godly jealousy for the church at Corinth, warning them not to be deceived by false apostles who disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, just as Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Paul also explains why he preached the gospel to them free of charge, refusing payment even as his critics used that refusal against him. In This Episode: Why deception never announces itself as deception, but disguises itself as something attractive or even spiritual How undivided devotion to Jesus protects against spiritual corruption, and how good things can become idols when they crowd out that devotion Practical discernment filters for evaluating leaders: fruit and character, response to correction, consistency, humility, and accountability How the shift away from Christ is usually subtle, not sudden, like the slow drift Andy Stanley describes in relationships and leadership Why watching how a leader treats people who can't benefit them (waitstaff, assistants) reveals true character The contextual reasons Paul refused a salary in Corinth, and why ministry leaders should ask "what do I need to do to serve these people" rather than "what am I entitled to" A story about John D. Rockefeller's dinner-table leadership test and what it reveals about hiring for humility Key Quote: "When you guard your heart against spiritual counterfeits, your single-minded devotion to Jesus becomes an imprint you'll see shield." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast walking through the One Year Bible reading plan, offering brief, practical lessons rooted in Scripture. Each episode features honest conversation between the hosts as they wrestle with the text and apply it to everyday life and leadership. Church Info: One Single Story is a ministry of Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or explore more episodes at onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily devotional. New episodes release every weekday to help you stay grounded in God's Word. Coming This Week: Continue following along in 2 Corinthians as the hosts keep unpacking Paul's letter to the Corinthian church, exploring themes of humility, suffering, and what it means to boast only in the Lord. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #2Corinthians #SpiritualDiscernment #ChristianLeadership

Welcome back to One Single Story! Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Wendy Korbusieski for a conversation about spiritual warfare, strongholds, and the battle for our thoughts. Together they unpack the difference between fleshly weapons and divine weapons, and what it really means to take every thought captive to Christ. Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 10:1-18 - Paul defends his ministry against accusations that he is bold in his letters but weak in person. He explains that believers don't fight with worldly weapons but with divine power that demolishes strongholds, takes every thought captive to obey Christ, and warns against measuring ourselves by comparing ourselves with others. In This Episode: The difference between fleshly weapons (manipulation, intimidation, gossip, blame-shifting, passive aggression) and divine weapons (truth, prayer, integrity, forgiveness, trusting God to defend us) Why Paul says believers fight against ideas and arguments, not people How social media and "keyboard warrior" behavior can become a modern fleshly weapon Practical steps for taking toxic and anxious thoughts captive, including filter questions like "Is this real? Is it consistent with Scripture?" Why daily disciplines like Scripture reading, prayer, community, and accountability act as filters against destructive thinking Why preventative spiritual habits matter more than trying to fix a stronghold after it forms The danger of horizontal comparison and why measuring yourself against others distorts your identity and calling How comparison leads to either pride or discouragement, and why neither reflects a healthy sense of worth Key Quote: "Fleeting thoughts left alone become strongholds." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast that walks through the One Year Bible reading plan, offering short, practical lessons rooted in Scripture. Each episode features honest conversation between the hosts as they explore how God's Word applies to everyday life and faith. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or explore more episodes at onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily devotional, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to take their thoughts captive today. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue our journey through 2 Corinthians, uncovering more truths about strength in weakness, godly leadership, and living a life surrendered to Christ. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #2Corinthians #StrongholdsBroken #TakeThoughtsCaptive #SpiritualWarfare #ComparisonTrap

Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark and Pastor Wendy Korbusieski for today's edition of One Single Story. As part of their week in Second Corinthians, the team digs into what it really means to give with a cheerful heart, how to avoid manipulation in giving, and why God's provision is meant to flow through us to bless others. Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 - Paul writes to the church in Corinth about the collection being gathered for believers in Jerusalem, encouraging generous, voluntary giving that flows from a willing heart rather than obligation or pressure, and highlighting how such generosity produces a harvest of thanksgiving to God. In This Episode: Why Paul never mentions the amount given, but instead focuses on the heart behind the gift How one act of generosity creates a ripple effect that leads others to worship The difference between planned, intentional generosity and empty "spur of the moment" promises What it means to be a "cheerful" giver, rooted in the Greek word hilaros How church leaders can cast vision for giving without guilt, pressure, or manipulation Shifting from a mindset of accumulation to becoming a "conduit" of God's blessing Wrestling with hard questions about surplus, lifestyle, and when enough is enough How gratitude, like generosity, multiplies and spreads to others A real-life story of a restaurant "chain of generosity" ten people deep Key Quote: "It's not to create abundance in my life, accumulation. It becomes a tool that God gets to use. He's just placed it in my hands." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday podcast from Open Door Church that offers a brief, honest conversation around each day's reading in the One Year Bible. Pastor Stephen Mizell and rotating co-hosts break down Scripture in a practical, relatable way, helping listeners connect the Bible's one continuous story to everyday life and faith. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily episode, and join the conversation as we walk through Scripture together, one story at a time. Coming This Week: This week the One Single Story team continues their study in Second Corinthians, exploring Paul's teaching on generosity, stewardship, and what it looks like to live with an open hand toward God and others. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #2Corinthians #CheerfulGiver #ChristianGenerosity #Stewardship #BibleTeaching

Welcome back to One Single Story! Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Sheryl Daughety for a candid conversation about adversity, wisdom, and the sobering reality of death. Today's discussion digs into why Solomon says facing hardship can be more valuable than chasing comfort, and how a true understanding of our mortality can free us to live with urgency and joy. Scripture Focus: Ecclesiastes 7:1 – 9:18 - Solomon's reflections on wisdom versus wealth, the danger of romanticizing "the good old days," why a house of mourning teaches us more than a house of feasting, and his call to enjoy life fully while embracing the certainty of death. In This Episode: Why wisdom paired with resources outlasts resources alone How swift justice (or the lack of it) shapes a culture's behavior, tying into Ecclesiastes 9:11 Why adversity brings clarity that comfort and abundance often can't The danger of nostalgia and romanticizing the past as "the good old days" Why people cling to familiar struggles (even slavery or bad habits) over the uncertainty of change Living with urgency and freedom once you accept that physical death is certain Finishing well: what it means to complete the assignment God has given you Key Quote: "When you accept the sobering reality of your mortality, you stop wasting time on petty offenses and start living each day with urgent, holy joy." One Single Story is a weekday podcast from Open Door Church where hosts walk through a portion of the One Year Bible reading plan, offering brief, honest conversation around Scripture to help you grow in your daily walk with God. Open Door Church | Edenton, North Carolina visitopendoor.com | onesinglestory.com Subscribe so you never miss a daily edition of One Single Story, and join us each weekday as we open God's Word together. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue through the One Year Bible reading plan, moving from Ecclesiastes into new sections of Scripture with fresh conversations on wisdom, faith, and everyday application for your walk with Christ. #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Ecclesiastes #Wisdom #Mortality #LivingWithPurpose

Welcome back to One Single Story! Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Sheryl Daughety for a candid conversation through Ecclesiastes 4-6. The hosts dig into what Solomon has to say about work, wealth, envy, and isolation — and why the busiest, most "successful" lives can still end up empty if relationships get sacrificed along the way. Scripture Focus: Ecclesiastes 4:1 – 6:12 - Solomon reflects on social injustice, competitive envy, the loneliness of hoarding wealth, and the tension between chasing career success and preserving what matters most — relationships, health, and a quiet heart before God. In This Episode: Why Ecclesiastes 5:12 says the hardworking sleep well but the rich often don't The difference between working "in" a business versus working "on" it How short-term goals can blind us to the long-term cost to our relationships Why intentionality — not balance — is the key to protecting what matters How career success can quietly become someone's whole identity Guarding your steps and cultivating holy silence in worship (Ecclesiastes 5:1) Practical thoughts on the value of prayer, quiet, and the current 21 Days of Prayer Key Quote: "Just because you are successful in one area of your life... doesn't mean you are leading a successful life. It just means you're trying really hard and concentrating on that one area where your view might need to be broader." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast that walks through the One Year Bible reading plan, offering a brief but meaningful conversation around God's Word. Hosted by the pastors of Open Door Church, each episode is designed to help you slow down, open your Bible, and reflect on Scripture in community. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily reading — new episodes drop every weekday to help you stay grounded in God's Word. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue through the Old Testament wisdom literature this week, unpacking more of Solomon's reflections on life, work, and worship — and how they apply to our modern, distraction-filled world. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Ecclesiastes #WisdomLiterature #WorkLifeBalance #Prayer

Welcome back to One Single Story! Join Pastor Stephen Mizell along with Pastor Jay Rivenbark and Pastor Sheryl Daughety as they dig into the book of Ecclesiastes, exploring King Solomon's honest and sometimes startling reflections on the brevity of life, the futility of chasing worldly achievement, and how everyday blessings are actually gifts straight from the hand of God. Scripture Focus: Ecclesiastes 1:1 – 3:22 - Written by Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest king of Israel, these opening chapters lay out his search for meaning through pleasure, labor, and accomplishment, only to conclude that life "under the sun" is fleeting, like vapor or mist, unless it is grounded in God. In This Episode: Why Solomon, despite having "it all," calls life a vapor and warns against chasing fulfillment through achievement How the thrill of the pursuit often outweighs the satisfaction of actually reaching a goal Recognizing the brevity and fragility of life and how that awareness should reorder daily priorities The danger of turning temporary things into idols, and how fasting can reveal hidden attachments God's design of eternity in the human heart and why nothing on earth can fully satisfy that longing The difference between ownership and stewardship, and how that shift changes our ability to enjoy life's blessings Embracing simple, everyday pleasures like food, laughter, and community as gifts from God Key Quote: "When you stop demanding that this temporary world fill your eternal heart, you will finally be free to enjoy the daily gifts God placed in your hands." One Single Story is a daily podcast where Open Door Church walks through the One Year Bible reading plan, offering practical, conversational teaching designed to help you grow in your walk with Christ, one story at a time. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or onesinglestory.com. Subscribe now so you never miss a daily episode of One Single Story, and be sure to like and share this video to help others discover the beauty of God's Word. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue through Ecclesiastes, uncovering more of Solomon's wisdom on wealth, wisdom, and the true meaning of a life well lived under God. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Ecclesiastes #Solomon #WisdomLiterature #Contentment #Stewardship

Welcome to today's edition of One Single Story! Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Sheryl Daughety as they dive into Job 40-42 for a powerful conversation about what happens when we move from hearing about God to truly encountering Him — and how that encounter changes the way we live, speak, and forgive. Scripture Focus: Job 40:1 –42:17 - In these closing chapters, God finally responds to Job out of the whirlwind, Job repents in humility after seeing God for himself, God rebukes Job's friends for misrepresenting Him, and Job's fortunes are restored only after he prays for the very friends who wounded him. In This Episode: The difference between "hearing about" God and truly experiencing Him firsthand Why experiential encounters with God can transform theology in ways debate never can The danger of offering simplistic or formulaic answers to people in pain Why "showing up and shutting up" is often the most faithful response to grief How misguided comforting phrases can unintentionally misrepresent God The spiritual significance of Job praying for the friends who hurt him How forgiveness positioned Job to receive restoration from God Job's role as intercessor and what it reveals about the oldest book in the Bible Key Quote: "A man with experience is never at the mercy of a man with an argument." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a daily weekday devotional podcast where hosts walk through a portion of that day's reading in the One Year Bible, offering brief, honest, and practical conversations around Scripture. Each episode is designed to help listeners engage more deeply with God's Word, one story at a time. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or explore the full podcast library at onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily devotional. New episodes release every weekday to help you stay grounded in God's Word. Coming This Week: Keep following along in the One Year Bible reading plan as the hosts continue walking through Scripture together, offering fresh insight and honest conversation each weekday. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #BookOfJob #Forgiveness #Suffering #Restoration #Repentance

Join Pastor Stephen Mizell along with co-hosts Pastor Jay Rivenbark and Pastor Sheryl Daughety for today's edition of One Single Story, a daily devotional podcast walking through the One Year Bible. In this episode, the team dives into Job 37-39, exploring how God responds to Job's suffering not with an explanation, but with a revelation of His creative power and majesty. Scripture Focus: Job 37:1 –39:30 - God finally breaks His silence and answers Job's pain, not with reasons for his suffering, but with a series of questions about the vastness of creation, from the stars and constellations to His care for wild animals like the donkey and the ostrich. In This Episode: Why God answers Job's suffering with a display of creation rather than a direct explanation The connection between the constellations mentioned in Job 38 and the seven stars Jesus holds in Revelation How focusing too much on our problems can make them feel like the center of the universe Finding comfort in recognizing our small place within the vastness of God's creation God's delight in creatures like the donkey and the ostrich, even when they serve no human utility How encountering God's revelation, rather than seeking intellectual explanations, brings true healing Key Quote: "We want intellectual explanations for our problems that we can't understand, but if we were given them, they would not heal us. What we really need is a revelation." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a daily devotional podcast from Open Door Church that walks through the One Year Bible reading plan, offering brief, thoughtful conversations designed to help listeners see how every part of Scripture connects to the one single story of God's redemptive plan. Open Door Church, Edenton, North Carolina visitopendoor.com | onesinglestory.com Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily reading and reflection from the One Year Bible. New episodes release each weekday to help you stay grounded in God's Word. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue through Job and Ecclesiastes this week, uncovering fresh insights into suffering, wisdom, and what it means to trust God's sovereignty over every part of life. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #BookOfJob #Ecclesiastes #GodsCreation #TrustGod

Welcome back to One Single Story! Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Alyssa Bream for a candid conversation about debt—how it shapes our decisions, restricts our freedom, and can quietly compromise our walk with God. Whether it's personal, institutional, or church debt, this episode digs into what Scripture really says about borrowing and lending. Scripture Focus: Proverbs 22:7 - "Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender." Solomon's blunt wisdom sets the stage for a deeper look at how debt can restrict a believer's—and a church's—ability to obey God freely. In This Episode: How carrying heavy personal or institutional debt can limit a leader's freedom and opportunities The difference between debt used as leverage versus debt that becomes a burden Why churches and organizations like the Association of Related Churches avoid consumer debt when planting new churches How debt can even become a national security liability, illustrated through a personal family story Balancing "necessary" growth and building expansion against the wisdom warning of this verse Practical, biblical steps for breaking free from consumer debt—budgeting, generosity, and realigning trust from money to God Why financial struggles are often a "practice problem, not an income problem" Key Quote: "Poor people borrow money to survive. Middle class people borrow money to impress. Rich people borrow money to make money—to leverage." One Single Story is a daily devotional podcast from Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina, walking through the One Year Bible reading plan. Each weekday, Pastor Stephen Mizell and rotating co-hosts unpack a passage from that day's reading, offering practical, Scripture-rooted insight for everyday faith and life. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily devotional, and join us Monday through Friday as we walk through God's Word together, one story at a time. Coming This Week: Join us for more daily conversations from the One Year Bible reading plan, as we continue exploring practical wisdom and biblical truth for everyday life—one passage, one story at a time. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Proverbs #BiblicalStewardship #DebtFreeLiving #FinancialWisdom #ChristianFinance

Welcome to today's edition of One Single Story! Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark and Pastor Alyssa Bream as they dig into Proverbs 22:5-6, exploring the hidden thorns and traps that snare unsuspecting people, and how intentional, wise parenting can change the trajectory of a child's entire life. Scripture Focus: Proverbs 22:5-6 - Verse five warns that thorns and traps lie on the path of the crooked, while the soul who guards himself will stay far from them. Verse six, one of the most quoted verses in Proverbs, instructs parents to train up a child in the way he should go, so that when he is old he will not depart from it. In This Episode: How the "see something, say something" principle applies to spiritual accountability Why proximity matters when speaking truth into someone's life, too close or too distant can both fail The danger of becoming enamored with "bait," whether it's relationships, alcohol, drugs, or money Understanding Proverbs 22:6 as a principle of trajectory rather than an ironclad promise A fresh look at training a child "in the way he should go," recognizing each child's unique God given wiring rather than a one size fits all approach Why parents are responsible for the input they give their children, not the outcome How modeling repentance and restoration teaches children to respond after they stray Key Quote: "Stop trying to force a one size fits all model on those that you lead, discern their desire and train their heart and trust God with their trajectory." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast that walks through the One Year Bible reading plan, offering practical, conversational insight into Scripture. Each episode brings together pastors and leaders from Open Door Church to unpack a passage from that day's reading and connect it to real life. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily devotional. New episodes release every weekday to help you stay grounded in God's Word. Coming This Week: Stay tuned as the One Single Story team continues working through the One Year Bible reading plan, bringing fresh perspective and practical wisdom to Scripture each weekday. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Proverbs #ChristianParenting #RaisingKidsInFaith #BiblicalWisdom

Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Alyssa Bream dig into Proverbs 22:2-4, wrestling with why God allows both rich and poor, how the church can avoid favoritism, and the warning signs that trouble is creeping into our lives or leadership. Scripture Focus: Proverbs 22:2-4 - the rich and poor share one Maker, the prudent see danger coming, and humility with the fear of the Lord leads to true riches and honor. In This Episode: Does God cause wealth and poverty, or is Proverbs about our response to it? Guarding the church against status and favoritism Warning signs of spiritual and organizational danger Self-promotion versus surrender before God Key Quote: "When you walk in genuine humility before your Creator, you gain the eyes to spot danger early and a heart that can receive true honor." Open Door Church, Edenton, North Carolina visitopendoor.com | onesinglestory.com Subscribe for daily Bible study, weekdays. #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Proverbs #Humility

Welcome back to One Single Story! Today, Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Alyssa Bream to dig into Proverbs 22:1, exploring why a good reputation is worth more than silver or gold, and why guarding our character matters far more than the world often admits. Scripture Focus: Proverbs 22:1 - "Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold." This verse challenges the cultural assumption that net worth and metrics define success, calling believers instead to value integrity and character above financial gain. In This Episode: Why a broken reputation takes far longer to rebuild than lost finances The danger of measuring leadership success by metrics and net worth alone Practical guardrails leaders can put in place to protect against temptation and financial mismanagement How personal reputation and organizational reputation become inseparable The connection between Romans and how our conduct affects how outsiders view the gospel Why the world looks for reasons to invalidate the cross, and how our character can serve as a shield Key Quote: "When you value your character more than your capital, you can build a Kingdom legacy that outlasts any balance sheet." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast walking through the One Year Bible, offering short, practical lessons drawn straight from the day's reading. Each episode is designed to help you engage Scripture, spark meaningful conversation, and apply God's Word to everyday life. Open Door Church, Edenton, North Carolina visitopendoor.com | onesinglestory.com If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily devotional. Join us every weekday as we walk through Scripture together, one story at a time. Coming This Week: Stay tuned as we continue our journey through the book of Proverbs, uncovering more wisdom for daily living, leadership, and walking faithfully with Christ. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Proverbs #Wisdom #Reputation #ChristianLeadership

Welcome back to One Single Story. Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Alyssa Bream from Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Today we're closing out Proverbs 21 — verses 30 and 31 — where Solomon reminds us that no wisdom, no plan, no strategy can override the will of God. The horse is prepared for battle, but victory belongs to the Lord. We talk about where good planning turns into self-reliance, what Gideon's army teaches us about trusting God over numbers, and how easy it is to let past success — or today's tools, whether that's AI, technology, or social media — quietly become our modern-day warhorse. Here's the line that sums it up: when you stop treating your preparation as your Savior, you free God to demonstrate his unfiltered sovereignty in all of your battles. Subscribe so you don't miss a daily lesson from God's Word, and we'll see you tomorrow as we keep moving through Proverbs.

Welcome back to One Single Story, the daily devotional podcast walking through the One Year Bible. Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Wendy Korbusieski for a conversation about confidence, integrity, and the steady hand of God in the midst of life's stumbles. Scripture Focus: Psalm 37:12-29 - David contrasts the schemes of the wicked with the security of the righteous, reminding us that the Lord laughs at those who oppose His people because He already sees their day of judgment coming. The passage promises daily provision, a lasting inheritance, and the assurance that even when the righteous stumble, they will not fall because the Lord holds them by the hand. In This Episode: Why the Lord's laughter at human opposition should change how we respond to intimidation and fear The difference between measuring success by size versus measuring it by integrity and spiritual health Why sustainable growth, personal or corporate, is a slow process built on small daily disciplines Unpacking the promise that the righteous may stumble but will never utterly fall A missionary story from India illustrating the difference between holding onto God and being held by Him Pastor Jay's story of a literal fall in a hole, and the practical lessons behind it Key Quote: "God's grip, no matter what slip I have... his grip is tighter than any failure, weakness that I have. And he's not going to allow me to get lost." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday Bible study podcast offering brief, honest lessons from each day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, each episode is designed to help listeners grab their Bible, open a conversation around God's Word, and grow in daily relationship with Him. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or explore the full podcast library at onesinglestory.com. Subscribe so you never miss a daily episode, and share this podcast with someone who needs encouragement from God's Word today. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue walking through the One Year Bible together, exploring more of God's Word one story at a time and unpacking practical, honest applications for everyday faith and leadership. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Psalm37 #TrustInGod #ChristianLeadership #DevotionalPodcast #GodsProm

Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark and Pastor Wendy Korbusieski for today's edition of One Single Story as they dig into Psalm 37:1-11, tackling why we're so easily fooled by the surface-level success of the wicked, and what it really means to trust, delight in, commit to, and rest in the Lord during seasons of resistance. Scripture Focus: Psalm 37:1-11 - An acrostic psalm of David reflecting on a lifetime of watching the wicked prosper, this passage calls believers away from envy and worry and toward trust, delight, commitment, and stillness in God's character, closing with the promise that the humble will inherit the land. In This Episode: Why the prosperity of the wicked can feel like such a personal irritant, even for someone like David How comparison quietly shifts our baseline from faithfulness to volume, platform, and popularity The "cut flowers" picture of ungodly success: pretty for a moment, but rootless and destined to wilt Unpacking the four disciplines of Psalm 37: trust, delight, commit, and be still Why "being still" so often feels passive but is actually a call to active trust What kingdom humility looks like in practice when everyone else is self-promoting How an ego deflated by grace changes the way we handle credit and recognition Key Quote: "We need to just remember that God never has asked us to be impressive. He's just asked us to be faithful. And I think that's what needs to be measured." One Single Story is a daily podcast walking through the One Year Bible, offering a brief, honest conversation around each day's reading. Every weekday, hosts from Open Door Church break open a short passage of Scripture to help listeners grow in faith, apply God's Word to everyday life, and stay grounded in a single story worth telling. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or explore the full podcast archive at onesinglestory.com. Subscribe so you never miss a day of One Single Story, and hit the bell to get notified when new episodes drop each weekday morning. Coming This Week: The conversation continues tomorrow as the hosts return to Psalm 37 for more on freeing ourselves from envy and pursuing a life rooted in God's faithfulness rather than fleeting success. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Psalm37 #Psalms #TrustGod #BeStill #Humility #ChristianEncouragement

Welcome back to One Single Story! Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Wendy Korbusieski for a conversation about how sin quietly whispers to us, why self-awareness matters, and how God's love can be pictured as something unmovable and unshakable. Scripture Focus: Psalm 36:1-12 - David contrasts the self-deceiving whispers of sin in the wicked heart with the vast, unshakable, and covenant-keeping love of God, pictured through the imagery of mountains, oceans, and the shelter of His wings. In This Episode: How sin whispers to the wicked and gradually blinds them to their own faults Staying teachable, staying in community, and guarding against the dangers of isolation Why self-reliance and isolation often lead to self-delusion Comparing God's unfailing love to the towering mountains and the fathomless depths of the ocean The covenant imagery behind "shelter in the shadow of your wings" and its connection to Ruth and Boaz Living with an interpretive "baseline" of truth through daily intimacy with God A lighthearted detour into lie detector tests and using them as a picture of spiritual baseline truth Key Quote: "Self-delusion starts when we self-rely, which comes from isolation." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast walking through the One Year Bible, offering a brief lesson and honest conversation from each day's reading. Hosted by the pastors of Open Door Church, the show is designed to help listeners grow in daily Scripture engagement, spiritual accountability, and practical faith. Join us at Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina, or online at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a daily episode as we walk through the One Year Bible together, one single story at a time. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue our journey through the Psalms and head into the Book of Proverbs, unpacking daily wisdom for walking closely with God. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Psalm36 #Psalms #GodsLove #SpiritualAccountability

Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark and Pastor Wendy Korbusieski for today's edition of One Single Story, a daily walk through the One Year Bible. In this episode, the team wrestles with what it means to wait on God when He seems silent, how a leader's public failure impacts the wider community, and why celebrating one another's breakthroughs matters for the whole church family. Scripture Focus: Psalm 35:17-28 - David's cry for vindication as he waits on God to act against his enemies, closing with a call for the community to rejoice together when God brings deliverance. In This Episode: Learning to trust God's character during seasons of waiting, silence, and unanswered prayer Biblical examples of waiting well: Joseph, Esther, and Ruth How David modeled both private prayer and public praise The tension of asking, "Have you heard me, God?" and choosing to trust anyway How a leader's public stumble can affect the reputation of the gospel in a community The difference between humble repentance (David) and hardened refusal (Belshazzar) Why celebrating someone else's victory unifies the church and combats comparison Redirecting the glory of every breakthrough back to God Key Quote: "We need to focus on his character, not his speed." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast offering brief, conversational lessons drawn from each day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, the show brings Scripture to life through honest, practical discussion meant to encourage believers in their daily walk with God. This episode is brought to you by Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily lesson from God's Word. New episodes release every weekday to help you stay grounded in Scripture, one story at a time. Coming This Week: Stay tuned as the team continues walking through the Psalms in the One Year Bible reading plan, unpacking more lessons on faith, waiting on God, and living in community with other believers. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Psalms #WaitingOnGod #Vindication #ChristianLeadership #Repentance #Celebration #BibleReadingPlan

This week on One Single Story, Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Wendy Korbusieski dig into Psalm 35:1-16, David's raw cry to God as his defender. The team talks honestly about betrayal, letting God fight our battles, and protecting our hearts from bitterness when people we've helped turn on us. Scripture Focus: Psalm 35:1-16 - David asks God to take up shield and armor and fight for him against those who betrayed his trust. In This Episode: Why betrayal from someone close cuts deeper than ordinary conflict Trusting God as defender instead of taking matters into your own hands Guarding against bitterness when people you've served turn against you Weighing gossip against constructive criticism without letting it ruminate Key Quote: "The shepherd has to get bloody to help the sheep. It's hard to experience betrayal and still exercise restraint - but hurt people hurt people, so trusting God as your defender takes real maturity." About One Single Story: A brief weekday conversation around that day's reading in the One Year Bible, hosted by the pastors of Open Door Church. Find us at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com. Subscribe so you never miss a daily episode. Coming This Week: We continue in Psalm 35, exploring betrayal, God's protection, and guarding our hearts from bitterness. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Psalms #Psalm35 #Betrayal #TrustGod

Welcome to today's edition of One Single Story! Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Sheryl Daughety for a candid conversation about 1 Corinthians 9, exploring what it means to lay aside our personal rights for the sake of the gospel and how ministry leaders can guard against turning a calling into a mere career. Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 9:1-16 - In this passage, Paul defends his authority as an apostle while explaining why he chose not to exercise his right to financial support from the churches he planted. Instead, he supported himself so that nothing would hinder the message of Christ, offering a powerful model of sacrificial leadership. In This Episode: Why Paul built a biblical case for ministers receiving financial provision from their congregations The difference between being "by vocation" out of necessity versus by choice How churches can properly honor and sustain their leadership teams The danger of pastors compromising conviction to keep major givers happy Choosing to yield personal rights for the sake of a greater gospel impact How to maintain a holy sense of calling instead of treating ministry as just a job Recognizing the signs of someone pursuing ministry for status rather than purpose Key Quote: "When your motivation shifts from what you can collect from your calling, rather than what you can surrender for the gospel, your ministry moves from a secular career to a supernatural force." One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast offering a brief, honest lesson from that day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, each episode is a real conversation around the Word of God, designed to help you grow in your daily walk with Christ. Join us at Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily dose of biblical encouragement. New episodes release every weekday to help you stay grounded in Scripture. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue walking through the One Year Bible reading plan, digging into fresh passages each weekday and unpacking practical, faith-building truths for everyday life. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #FirstCorinthians #PastoralMinistry #ChristianLeadership #MinistryLife #GospelFirst

Welcome back to One Single Story! Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Sheryl Daughety for a candid conversation on 1 Corinthians 8:1-13. This passage tackles a real flashpoint in the Corinthian church - eating meat sacrificed to idols - and uses it to unpack a truth that still challenges believers today: knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 - Paul addresses a cultural and theological controversy in Corinth over eating meat previously offered to idols. He teaches that while personal knowledge and freedom may be technically correct, love for others - especially those with a "weaker conscience" - must govern how believers exercise their liberty. In This Episode: Why "anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn't really know very much" (v. 2) How knowledge without love becomes harsh, arrogant, and offensive Real-world examples of being textually correct but relationally harsh, from hot-button issues to church hiring decisions Why a teachable spirit matters more than being theologically "right" Modern-day liberties Christians may need to lay down out of love - money, alcohol, social media, entertainment choices, politics, and more The difference between what we have a right to do and what we should do Why greater influence means greater responsibility, not greater freedom How wounding a brother or sister's conscience is ultimately a sin against Christ Key Quote: "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday podcast offering a brief, focused conversation on a passage from the day's One Year Bible reading. Hosted by the pastors of Open Door Church, each episode is designed to help you dig into Scripture with your Bible, a pen, and paper in hand - encouraging honest, practical conversation around the Word of God. Open Door Church, Edenton, North Carolina visitopendoor.com | onesinglestory.com Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a weekday episode, and join us as we walk through Scripture together, one story at a time. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue through the One Year Bible reading plan, exploring more of God's Word together each weekday with fresh conversation and practical application for everyday faith. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #1Corinthians #ChristianLiberty #LoveOverKnowledge #WalkInLove

Welcome back to One Single Story! Today, Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Sheryl Daughety for a candid conversation through 1 Corinthians 7:25-40, digging into Paul's teaching on marriage, singleness, contentment, and what it really means to build a life and a relationship around devotion to Christ. Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40 - In this passage, Paul addresses the unmarried, betrothed, and widows in the early church, offering guidance shaped by a "present crisis." He calls believers to contentment in their current circumstances, warns against becoming overly attached to the things of this passing world, and counsels widows to remarry only within the faith. In This Episode: Why Paul urges believers to "remain as you are" in the middle of present crisis and distress How marriage naturally divides time and attention, and why intentionality matters more as blessings increase Using the things of this world without becoming attached to them A personal conversation about what it would mean to lose everything but your family Why a shared, growing commitment to Christ is the non-negotiable foundation for any marriage The real-life cost of entering a relationship without a shared spiritual baseline The value of premarital counseling in surfacing misalignment before marriage Key Quote: "When you realize how fast the present world is passing away, you stop trying to hoard its temporary security and you start maximizing your focus for eternity." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday podcast offering a brief, conversational look at that day's reading from the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, each episode invites listeners to open their Bible, grab a pen and paper, and engage in real conversation around the Word of God. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily conversation through Scripture. New episodes release every weekday, walking through the One Year Bible reading plan one passage at a time. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue through the One Year Bible reading plan, exploring more of Scripture's guidance on faith, relationships, and living with eternity in view. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you can study along with us each day. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #1Corinthians #ChristianMarriage #Contentment #BibleReading #Devotional

Welcome to today's edition of One Single Story. Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Sheryl Daughety for an honest conversation about contentment, calling, and the seasons of life God assigns us — whether married, single, or navigating a spiritually mismatched marriage. Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 7:1-24 - Paul answers the Corinthian church's questions about marriage and singleness, addressing spiritual gifting, believers married to unbelievers, and his repeated call to remain content in the situation God has placed you in. In This Episode: Whether singleness is a spiritual gift and how Paul describes both its freedoms and its challenges Why the church should honor singleness as a season of purpose rather than a deficiency to be fixed Practical ways congregations can include and minister to single adults How a believer's godly influence can shape an unequally yoked marriage over time Real-life stories of perseverance, sacrifice, and faith within difficult marriages Why chasing "something better on the horizon" robs us of gratitude in the present How contentment protects us from rash, short-term decisions with long-term consequences Why a restless heart leaves us distracted and vulnerable Key Quote: "Stop treating your current life season like it's an isolation ward. It is a gift from God. Honor your assignment and walk closely with your God today." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday podcast offering a brief, honest conversation around each day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, the show helps listeners connect Scripture to everyday life, one story at a time. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily episode, and join us each weekday as we open God's Word together. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue walking through the One Year Bible reading plan, unpacking more of Paul's letters and discovering fresh insight for daily faith and living. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #FirstCorinthians #Contentment #Singleness #ChristianMarriage #SpiritualGifts

Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Sheryl Daughety dig into 1 Corinthians 6:1 -20, where Paul rebukes believers for taking each other to court and reminds us our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit. In This Episode: Why suing a fellow believer is shameful, and how the church should handle conflict internally The link between influence and giving up personal liberties Recognizing when a legitimate freedom starts to control you Treating your body as sacred, God-owned property Key Quote: "Freedom means we can say yes, and we can say no. When we can't say no, we're in trouble." One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast from Open Door Church, Edenton, NC, walking through the One Year Bible. visitopendoor.com | onesinglestory.com #OneYearBible #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #FirstCorinthians #TempleOfTheHolySpirit #Faith

Welcome to today's edition of One Single Story. Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Alyssa Bream for a conversation from the book of Ezra, exploring how a stalled building project was reignited by the power of preaching, how God can turn opposition into a launching pad for His purposes, and why public celebration matters after a long season of resistance. Scripture Focus: Ezra 4:24-6:22 - After the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem is halted by royal decree and years of opposition, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah call the people to restart the work. What follows is a picture of restoration through prophetic preaching, an investigation that backfires into royal funding for the temple, and a joyful, community-wide dedication once the work is finished. In This Episode: How different spiritual gifts and personalities work together to accomplish a shared vision Why restarting a stalled effort is often harder than starting it in the first place The power of praying and speaking God's Word out loud to break discouragement and stagnation How an official investigation meant to shut the temple down ended up funding its completion Personal stories of obstacles God repurposed for good, from imprisonment to painful life transitions Why public celebration and gratitude are essential after completing a difficult, resistance-filled assignment The healing that comes from pausing to acknowledge and give thanks for what God has done Key Quote: "When you stand firm in your calling, God will ensure that the very hands that tried to hold you back are the ones that have to watch you succeed." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday podcast from Open Door Church offering a brief, conversational lesson from that day's reading in the One Year Bible. Each episode brings together pastors and voices from the Open Door community to dig into Scripture and apply it to everyday life and faith. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily devotional conversation grounded in God's Word. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue moving through the One Year Bible reading plan, uncovering fresh insight and practical encouragement from Scripture each weekday with the One Single Story team. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #BookOfEzra #TempleRebuilding #PowerOfPrayer #Perseverance

Welcome back to One Single Story! Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Alyssa Bream for a conversation on Ezra chapters 3 and 4, exploring what it means to lay a spiritual foundation before anything else can be rightly built - in our churches, our families, and our own hearts. Scripture Focus: Ezra 3:1 –4:23  - The remnant of Israel returns to Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua. Before rebuilding the temple walls, they rebuild the altar and restore worship, even in the face of fear and local opposition. When the foundation is laid, the younger generation shouts for joy while the older generation weeps over memories of what once was. In chapter 4, surrounding enemies offer to help with construction, and Zerubbabel must discern between true partnership and a dangerous compromise. In This Episode: Why the returning exiles rebuilt the altar before the temple walls, and why our vertical alignment with God must come before we try to fix external structures or security How misalignment in our relationship with God shows up as cracks in every other area of life - marriage, finances, and beyond Navigating the tension between honoring the past and embracing what God is doing next Learning to distinguish mission from method as leaders and churches grow and change How to discern the difference between kingdom-minded collaboration and compromising partnerships Personal stories of when to say yes to working with others, and when to say no Key Quote: "When you have the courage to say no to a false partnership, you clear the way for God to demonstrate His unfiltered power through your willingness to follow Him." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast that walks through the One Year Bible reading plan, offering a brief, honest conversation around God's Word. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, each episode connects a short passage of Scripture to real, practical life so you can grow in your walk with God one day at a time. Open Door Church, Edenton, North Carolina Visit us: visitopendoor.com | onesinglestory.com Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily conversation around the Word of God. New episodes release every weekday - hit subscribe and turn on notifications to follow along with the One Year Bible reading plan all season long. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue through the book of Ezra this week, following the returning exiles as they navigate opposition, rebuild what was broken, and learn to walk in faithful obedience to God even when the road isn't easy. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #BookOfEzra #Zerubbabel #SpiritualFoundation #Worship #ChristianLeadership

Welcome to the August 5th edition of One Single Story. Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Alyssa Bream to open the book of Ezra, exploring what it means to trust God's sovereignty over volatile political landscapes and what kind of faith is required to leave comfort behind and rebuild what has been broken. Scripture Focus: Ezra 1:1 –2:70 - Seventy years after the fall of Jerusalem, the Persian king Cyrus issues a decree allowing the exiles to return home. Ezra opens by linking directly to the close of 2 Chronicles, and chapter two records the detailed registry of families who answered the call to leave Babylon and rebuild the temple and the city. In This Episode: How the Lord stirring the heart of Cyrus reveals God's control over every earthly leader and government Why comfort and convenience can keep believers from stepping into God's will The disruptive faith required to leave a settled, comfortable life for a hard rebuilding project Parallels between the returning exiles and modern-day missionaries who leave home for the sake of ministry Why Ezra 2's long list of names and numbers matters - authenticating heritage, honoring pioneers, and recognizing ordinary people who made restoration possible The connection between "deconstruction of faith" and the deeper rebuilding God calls his people to Key Quote: "We just have to be ready to follow him, and it wouldn't be faith and trust if it was an easy path that you just walked in. It has to require some courage." One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast walking through the One Year Bible reading plan one section at a time. Each episode offers a brief, conversational lesson designed to help listeners connect Scripture to everyday life and grow in their walk with God. Join us at Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com. If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily lesson from God's Word, and share it with someone who needs encouragement in their faith today. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue through the book of Ezra, tracing the story of the returning exiles as they lay the foundation for rebuilding the temple and face the challenges of restoration in Jerusalem. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Ezra #BookOfEzra #ReturnFromExile #GodsSovereignty #Rebuilding

div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3 standard-markdown"> Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Alyssa Bream to explore the final chapters of Judah's story - a hardened heart, missed Sabbaths, and God's surprising use of an unlikely king to move history forward. Scripture Focus: 2 Chronicles 35-36 traces Judah's rapid decline through its last kings, ending in exile - but closes with the decree of Cyrus of Persia, pointing toward restoration. In This Episode: What it means for a heart to reach "no remedy" Why rest is a matter of trust, not a reward How God used a pagan king, Cyrus, to fulfill his purposes The difference between being used by God and being godly Key Quote: "The problem is not that God runs out of mercy - I think the human heart runs out of its capacity to receive it." Join us at Open Door Church, Edenton, NC. visitopendoor.com | onesinglestory.com Subscribe for daily conversations through the One Year Bible. #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #2Chronicles #Sabbath #Rest  

Welcome back to One Single Story. Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Alyssa Bream for a conversation on how the authority of Scripture can quietly get lost inside our ministries and our personal lives, and what it looks like when a heart finally responds to God's Word with real conviction instead of casual familiarity. Scripture Focus: 2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33 - This passage covers the collapse and restoration of the southern kingdom, from Manasseh's idolatry to young King Josiah's discovery of the lost Book of the Law and the last great revival before the exile. In This Episode: How the Book of the Law was physically lost inside the temple meant to protect it, and what that says about how Scripture gets buried in churches today The difference between casually reading the Bible out of habit or obligation and reading it with intentionality, asking the Holy Spirit to bring real change Why emotional response alone, like "collective effervescence," isn't the same as true conviction unless it leads to actual life change Josiah's grief and public covenant renewal as a model for repentance, described as the one legal move believers have in the courts of Heaven The tension between individual mercy and corporate accountability, and how one tender heart can delay judgment even when it can't erase it How pastors' personal preferences, cultural pressure, and congregational comfort can each cause parts of Scripture to be avoided or ignored Key Quote: "There is that collective effervescence that can happen in secular areas, all of this, but if it doesn't lead to change... it's just emotion that lands nowhere." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast walking through the One Year Bible reading plan. Each episode offers a short, conversational lesson connected to that day's Scripture reading, helping listeners move from simply reading the Bible to truly understanding and applying it. Join us at Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a daily episode of One Single Story. Join thousands of believers building a consistent Bible reading habit, one weekday conversation at a time. Coming This Week: We continue in 2 Chronicles this week, following the story of collapse and restoration in the southern kingdom. Stay with us all week as we dig into the reforms of Josiah and what they mean for us today. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #2Chronicles #Josiah #Repentance #Revival #BibleReadingPlan

Welcome back to One Single Story! Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Wendy Korbusieski for a candid conversation about our eyes and ears as God-given gates to the heart and mind. As they close out this section of Proverbs, the team unpacks what it means to steward our senses well in a media-saturated world, and how to move from merely seeing and hearing to truly perceiving with spiritual clarity. Scripture Focus: Proverbs 20:12 - Solomon closes this section of Proverbs by pointing to the hearing ear and the seeing eye as things the Lord has made, reminding us that our senses are not accidental but purposefully designed instruments meant to be used for His glory. In This Episode: Why our eyes and ears are intentional gifts from God, not accidental features to be taken for granted How church "property use" guidelines offer a helpful picture for the personal stewardship of our senses The difference between quality and quantity when evaluating media intake, and why even "wholesome" content can become harmful in excess How information overload affects sleep, anxiety, and spiritual sensitivity Practical filtering questions to evaluate what we watch and listen to, including the classic "What would Jesus do?" The connection between physical senses and spiritual discernment, and how believers can become spiritually dull without realizing it A sound bar analogy for what it feels like when spiritual clarity finally comes into focus Key Quote: "When you realize that your capacity to perceive is a direct gift from God, you stop wasting your vision on the temporary and you fix your gaze on things that are eternal." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast offering brief, practical lessons drawn from each day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, each episode invites listeners to grab their Bible, a pen, and paper, and join a conversation centered on the Word of God. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a weekday devotional, and join us as we walk through the One Year Bible together, one single story at a time. Coming This Week: Join us for more daily devotionals from the One Year Bible as we continue through Proverbs and beyond, exploring practical wisdom for everyday faith and life. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Proverbs #Wisdom #SpiritualDiscernment #ChristianMedia

Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Wendy Korbusieski for today's edition of One Single Story as they dig into Proverbs 20:11 and explore why our actions, not our words or potential, are the truest indicator of who we really are. Scripture Focus: Proverbs 20:11 - Solomon teaches that even children are known by their actions, whether their conduct is pure and right. This verse challenges us to evaluate character not by charisma or potential, but by consistent, observable behavior. In This Episode: Why behavior is a more reliable metric than potential, personality, or charisma How to shift focus from charisma and passion to a track record of daily conduct when evaluating interns, leaders, and staff The danger of overlooking red flags in dating and hiring because of surface-level charm Distinguishing authentic transformation of character from short-lived, well-rehearsed behavior modification How consistency and pressure reveal a person's true heart over time Practical questions for assessing faithfulness: Do they keep commitments? Are they teachable? Do they serve without recognition? Key Quote: "You can write a beautiful description of your life, but your conduct is the only script the world reads." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast offering a brief, practical lesson from each day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, this podcast helps listeners connect Scripture to everyday life through honest, conversational Bible study. This episode is brought to you by Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily devotional. New episodes release every weekday to help you stay grounded in God's Word. Coming This Week: Continue walking through the One Year Bible with us as we move deeper into Proverbs, uncovering practical wisdom for daily living, relationships, and character. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Proverbs #Wisdom #Character #Integrity

Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Wendy Korbusieski to unpack Proverbs 20:8-10 and its warning against self-righteousness and double standards. Scripture Focus: Proverbs 20:8-10 - A king who scatters evil with his eyes, and the piercing question, "Who can say, I have made my heart clean?" In This Episode: Why no one can honestly claim a fully cleansed heart How bias shapes judges, juries, and everyday decisions Why we excuse ourselves by intentions but judge others by actions How self-awareness and humility lead to fairer judgment and greater grace Key Quote: "I think self-righteousness causes us to be willing to sink everything to pretend that we're right when we're wrong. Wisdom says, I'm right until you realize you're not, and then you've got to own it." One Single Story is a daily podcast from Open Door Church pastors, walking through the One Year Bible reading plan with practical, Scripture-rooted encouragement. Open Door Church, Edenton, NC | visitopendoor.com | onesinglestory.com Subscribe for daily biblical encouragement, weekdays. Coming This Week: More conversations through the One Year Bible plan on living out faith with humility and grace. #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #Faith #Proverbs #Humility

Welcome back to One Single Story! Today Pastor Stephen Mizell and Jay Rivenbark are joined by Wendy Korbusieski for a candid conversation about integrity, legacy, and what it really means to live a whole life in a culture obsessed with image and online personas. This episode digs into why what we build in private always finds its way into public, and why that matters for every parent, leader, and follower of Christ. Scripture Focus: Proverbs 20:7 - This standalone proverb declares that the righteous walk in integrity, and blessed are their children after them. The hosts unpack this legacy-defining verse and what it means to leave behind more than material wealth. In This Episode: The difference between leaving children a material inheritance versus a spiritual legacy of integrity Why character, not cash, is the true marker of a life well-lived What hidden, consistent integrity looks like for leaders in an age of online personas and public branding The critical difference between authenticity and transparency How private compromises can quietly shape the spiritual future of your children and grandchildren A powerful illustration comparing internal toxicity to a chemical leak, and how unresolved issues eventually affect the people around us Personal, honest reflections on owning past mistakes with grown children Key Quote: "It's what's out of the spotlight that really defines who you are... it is my private life that enables me to have a public life of ministry." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast offering brief, thoughtful lessons drawn from that day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, each episode brings scripture into conversation with real life, real questions, and real faith. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or explore the full podcast library at onesinglestory.com. If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily lesson from God's word. Share it with a friend who needs to hear this message today. Coming This Week: Join us for more daily devotionals from this week's readings in the One Year Bible, as we continue exploring practical wisdom from Proverbs and beyond for everyday faith and leadership. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Proverbs #Integrity #ChristianLeadership #Legacy #Authenticity #DailyDevotion

Welcome back to One Single Story. This week, Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Wendy Korbusieski for a study in Proverbs 20:4-6 - three verses that diagnose laziness, hidden motives, and loud loyalty. The team talks about why problems we discover "at harvest" were actually planted, or neglected, much earlier - in marriage, parenting, friendships, finances, and ministry. They dig into how genuine curiosity, not manipulation, is what draws real wisdom out of people. And they close on the difference between loud, self-promoting loyalty and the quiet faithfulness that only time can prove. Key quote: "When you stop trying to market your own name and start executing the hidden seasonal obedience, you step out of the crowd of talkers into a rare company of faithful people." One Single Story is a weekday devotional from Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina, walking through the One Year Bible. Learn more at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com. Subscribe so you don't miss the rest of the week in Proverbs. #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #Proverbs #Faith

Welcome to today's edition of One Single Story. Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Sheryl Daughety to close out their study of Psalm 18, wrestling with what it means to win with humility, keep our hearts guarded when God gives us victory over our enemies, and rest in the truth that our lives are part of a much bigger, generational story than our current circumstances. Scripture Focus: Psalm 18:37-50 - The closing verses of David's psalm of deliverance, celebrating his triumph over his enemies and crediting every bit of his strength and success to God, before anchoring the entire song in God's unfailing love toward him and his descendants forever. In This Episode: Understanding David's bold language about pursuing and overtaking his enemies, and the difference between righteous confidence and prideful gloating Why some seasons of life call us to move from simply being rescued to actively taking the offensive How to maintain private humility so it never becomes a public pride problem The connection between ongoing challenges and staying spiritually dependent on God Why seasons of difficulty can actually protect us from complacency and decline How God's covenant love across generations gives us rest and perspective in chaotic seasons Seeing our lives as one chapter in a much larger story God is writing for the generations behind us Key Quote: "When you realize that your victory is backed by an eternal covenant, your shout of praise becomes an anchor for the generation that's coming behind you." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast that walks through the One Year Bible reading plan, offering honest, conversational teaching that connects scripture to everyday life. Each episode brings together pastors in real dialogue around God's Word, making Bible study approachable, practical, and rooted in community. This episode comes from Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a day of walking through God's Word together. New episodes release every weekday to help you stay grounded in scripture no matter how busy life gets. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue moving through the One Year Bible reading plan, digging into new passages each weekday and unpacking how they speak to real challenges in our walk with God. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Psalm18 #Humility #GenerationalBlessing #KingDavid #BibleDevotionalf

Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Sheryl Daughety for a heartfelt conversation on Psalm 18:16-36, exploring what it means to be rescued by God not out of obligation, but because He genuinely delights in us. This episode digs into the difference between obedience born from fear and obedience born from love, and what it looks like to stand firm when life gets unstable. Scripture Focus: Psalm 18:16-36 - David shifts from recounting his physical rescue from deep waters to a personal declaration of integrity, righteousness, and trust in God. This section highlights God making David's feet "as sure as the feet of a deer" even in high, treacherous places. In This Episode: Why David's declarations of blamelessness reflect a heart postured toward God, not sinless perfection The difference between fearing punishment and being motivated by knowing God delights in you How childhood teaching about conditional love can create insecurity in our relationship with God Untangling the tension between "God loves you no matter what" and the reality that intimacy with Him requires repentance What spiritual stability looks like when leading through volatile or uncertain seasons Practical convictions that keep our feet steady on slippery spiritual ground Key Quote: "You should stop trying to hold yourself up through your own grit and rest in the hand that is currently supporting your weight, and that is the Almighty God." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast offering a brief, practical lesson from that day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, each episode is designed to help listeners connect Scripture to everyday life through honest, conversational Bible study. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com and explore more episodes at onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a weekday devotional. Hit the notification bell to join us for daily conversations around the Word of God. Coming This Week: Stay tuned as we continue walking through the One Year Bible reading plan, with fresh daily conversations on Scripture, faith, and how to live it out in real life. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Psalms #PsalmOfDavid #GodDelightsInYou #SpiritualStability #TrustInGod

Welcome to One Single Story! Today, host Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Sheryl Daughety for a powerful conversation through Psalm 18:1-15, exploring the many names David gives to God, the intensity of crying out in crisis, and what it means to know God as multi-dimensional rather than distant. Scripture Focus: Psalm 18:1-15 - A psalm of David, written after his deliverance from Saul and all his adversaries. David responds to God's rescue not with a quick thank you, but with an overwhelming, intentional outpouring of praise, worship, and adoration. In This Episode: Why David's gratitude and worship after deliverance challenges us to praise God as much as we petition Him The meaning behind God's many names in this psalm - rock, fortress, savior, shield, stronghold A word study on the Hebrew terms behind "rock" and "cliff," and their surprising connection to California's Big Sur Why David describes his rescue in such cosmic, cinematic imagery, even though it was a series of localized escapes How to remember that God hears our prayers even when our voices feel small, desperate, or drowned out The spiritual warfare present in David's long, protracted season of running and waiting to become king Key Quote: "The volume of your faith matters infinitely more than the volume of your voice." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday podcast offering a brief, honest conversation around a section of that day's reading in the One Year Bible. Each episode brings together pastors and hosts digging into Scripture together, making God's Word approachable, personal, and applicable to everyday life. One Single Story is a ministry of Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com | onesinglestory.com Subscribe so you never miss a daily edition of One Single Story, and join us as we walk through the One Year Bible together, one single story at a time. Coming This Week: Stay with us as we continue moving through the Psalms this week, uncovering more of David's honest, unfiltered relationship with God through prayer, praise, and the trials that shaped his faith. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Psalm18 #PsalmsOfDavid #KingDavid #PrayerLife #FaithOverFear

Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Sheryl Daughety for today's edition of One Single Story as they dig into Psalm 17:1-15, David's urgent prayer for vindication in the face of ruthless enemies. The conversation explores what it means to invite God to examine our hearts, why integrity requires ongoing internal scrutiny, and how believers can guard against chasing worldly wealth instead of resting in God's presence. Scripture Focus: Psalm 17:1-15 - A high-tension petition from David, written while he feels surrounded by prideful and ruthless people. David asks God to test his heart, protect him "as the apple of your eye," and hide him "in the shadow of your wings," ultimately contrasting worldly satisfaction in wealth with true satisfaction found in God's presence. In This Episode: Why David opens his prayer by insisting it doesn't come "from deceitful lips," and how our own prayers can be shaped by hidden motives The importance of inviting God to test our thoughts and examine our hearts, even when the process feels uncomfortable or exposing Unpacking the imagery of being kept as "the apple of God's eye" and hidden "in the shadow of His wings" How to respond to criticism, gossip, and attacks from both inside and outside the church A candid conversation about wealth, contentment, and the difference between having resources and pursuing them Practical ways to guard your heart, including being intentional about who you allow to influence you Why an ongoing internal audit of our motivations is essential to a satisfied, integrity-filled life Key Quote: "Let the world have its temporary treasures, but set your heart on the only thing that satisfies, and that is Christ." One Single Story is a weekday podcast from Open Door Church that walks through the One Year Bible reading plan, offering brief, honest conversations around Scripture to help you grow in your walk with God one day at a time. Each episode is designed to be a quick but meaningful stop in your day, connecting the day's reading to real life. This episode comes to you from Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more about the church at visitopendoor.com or explore the full podcast library at onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily conversation around God's Word. New episodes release every weekday, walking through Scripture one step at a time. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue through the One Year Bible reading plan, exploring more of the Psalms and uncovering fresh insight for daily life and faith. Grab your Bible, a pen, and paper, and walk through God's Word with us each weekday. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Psalm17 #Psalms #AppleOfHisEye #Contentment #WalkingWithGod

Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Sheryl Daughety for a conversation about the "little gods" that quietly compete for first place in our hearts, and what it means to find true contentment in the Lord. Scripture Focus: Psalm 16:1-11 - David's psalm of satisfaction and security in God, rejecting other gods and resting in the Lord's constant presence. In This Episode: How everyday things, even good ones, can become "little g" gods Why healthy boundaries protect our relationship with God Living in daily awareness of God's presence, not just belief in it Breaking the comparison-discontentment cycle Key Quote: "Contentment only comes when we are able to see what God has provided, instead of what somebody else possesses." One Single Story offers brief weekday lessons from the One Year Bible. Subscribe to walk through Scripture with us, one story at a time. #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #Psalms #Contentment #Faith

Welcome to today's edition of One Single Story! Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Alyssa Bream for a rich conversation in Romans 4:1-12, exploring the difference between wages and gifts, and what it means to be justified by faith rather than works. Scripture Focus: Romans 4:1-12 - Paul defends the doctrine of justification by faith, using Abraham as his central example. He shows that Abraham was credited righteousness through faith before he was circumcised, proving that God's grace has never depended on religious ritual or performance, for Jew or Gentile alike. In This Episode: How our cultural "bootstraps" work ethic distorts our understanding of grace Why viewing God as an employer instead of a Father leads us astray The shocking truth that God "justifies the ungodly" and what that phrase means across Bible translations Wrestling honestly with which sins we struggle to believe are truly forgivable What justification really means: "just as if you had never done it" Why Abraham's circumcision timeline matters for both Jews and Gentiles How faith always comes before outward signs, in the Old Testament and the New Key Quote: "Justification means just as if you had never done it. You have been made right, or righteous. And whether it is pride or greed or lying or adultery... the same act of forgiveness and justification happens." One Single Story is a daily devotional podcast walking through the One Year Bible reading plan, offering brief, honest, and thought-provoking conversations around God's Word. Each weekday, our hosts break down a passage from the current reading to help you grow in faith, one story at a time. Join us at Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com. Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss a new episode of One Single Story, and share it with a friend who could use some daily encouragement in the Word. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Romans #Justification #GraceNotWorks #Abraham #BibleTranslations

Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Alyssa Bream for today's conversation through Romans 3:9-31, one of the most pivotal passages in all of Scripture. As Romans turns from exposing human sinfulness to declaring the way of justification, this episode unpacks what it means that righteousness comes not through the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ. Scripture Focus: Romans 3:9-31 - Paul builds his case that all people, Jew and Gentile alike, stand guilty before God, then reveals the solution: justification by faith apart from the works of the law. This passage is the theological hinge of Romans, moving from the diagnosis of universal sin to the good news of grace freely given through Christ's sacrifice. In This Episode: Why the law was never meant to save us, but to reveal our need for a Savior Understanding total depravity - we're not just sick, we're spiritually dead A Leonard Ravenhill quote on why Jesus came to raise the dead, not improve the bad How the cross allows God to be both "just and the justifier" of those who believe Why justification by faith erases every cultural, racial, and social divide Stories from the mission field in India and Argentina on the unifying power of shared faith in Christ What it means that salvation is a gift, not a performance-based achievement Key Quote: "When human performance stands bankrupt before the court of heaven, the righteousness of God stands in to write a check we could never clear." About One Single Story One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast offering brief, thoughtful lessons from each day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastors of Open Door Church, this show helps listeners dig into Scripture with clarity, honesty, and practical application for everyday faith. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily lesson. New episodes release every weekday to help you stay grounded in God's Word one story at a time. Coming This Week: We continue our journey through Romans, exploring how Paul builds on the foundation of justification by faith to unpack what it means to live in the freedom and assurance of God's grace. Grab your Bible and join us for the next edition of One Single Story. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #BookOfRomans #Justification #Grace #Salvation

Welcome back to One Single Story! Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Alyssa Bream as they dig into Romans 2:25 through 3:8, wrestling with what it really means to belong to God — is it about outward religious markers, or a genuine transformation of the heart? This episode tackles heart transformation versus behavior modification, the assurance of our relationship with God, and the philosophical puzzle of whether our sin somehow gives God more glory. Scripture Focus: Romans 2:25-3:8 - Paul confronts the Jewish reliance on circumcision as a badge of identity, arguing that true belonging to God is a matter of the heart, not an external ritual. He then turns to address whether human unfaithfulness can cancel out God's faithfulness, and closes by dismantling the twisted logic that sin might actually benefit God by showcasing His righteousness. In This Episode: Why circumcision became a "badge" for the Jewish people, and why outward compliance alone falls short The danger of measuring spiritual growth only by attendance, giving, or visible behavior How the Holy Spirit produces a genuine change of heart rather than mere rule-following Wrestling with doubt: does personal failure cancel God's faithfulness? A powerful sharecropper illustration about assurance being God's grip on us, not our grip on Him Breaking down the "cheap grace" argument that sinning glorifies God Understanding that God redeems evil in spite of it, never because of it Key Quote: "I tripped a couple more times, but I never failed because the tether was dependent on his holding, not my holding... the assurance we have is not based on our behavior, because that's useless. The assurance we have is based on his ability to hold us." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast offering brief, conversational lessons from each day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, this podcast helps Christians dive deeper into Scripture, one story at a time, with practical application for everyday faith. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or explore the full podcast library at onesinglestory.com. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a daily episode of One Single Story — join us Monday through Friday for fresh insight into God's Word. Coming This Week: We continue our journey through Romans, exploring Paul's teaching on righteousness, faith, and the law as he builds the theological foundation for the Gospel. Be sure to follow along in your One Year Bible reading plan and join us for tomorrow's episode. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Romans #BookOfRomans #HeartTransformation #GodsGrace #ChristianAssurance #ApostlePaul

Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Alyssa Bream open Romans 2, exploring why we judge others' sins to excuse our own, how God's patience is meant to lead us to repentance, and how our hypocrisy shapes the world's view of God. Scripture Focus: Romans 2:1-24 - Paul confronts the self-righteous, warning that knowing the law doesn't exempt anyone from its standard. In This Episode: Why we deflect from our own sin by pointing at others "Big rock" sins vs. quieter internal sins like pride and envy Mistaking God's patience for approval How hypocrisy in leaders damages God's reputation Key Quote: "The kindness is meant to draw us into God... we don't think of God's kindness as something to become comfortable with." One Single Story is a weekday devotional walking through the One Year Bible, connecting scripture to everyday life in short, honest conversations. Find us at Open Door Church, Edenton, NC, or online at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com. Subscribe so you never miss a daily episode. Coming This Week: We continue in Romans, unpacking what true righteousness looks like from the inside out. #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #Romans #Repentance #Faith

Welcome to another episode of One Single Story! Host Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Alyssa Bream for a thought-provoking discussion on Romans 1:18-32, exploring what it means to suppress the truth of God and the subtle ways we trade the Creator's glory for idols of our own making. Scripture Focus: Romans 1:18-32 - Paul lays the theological foundation for the book of Romans with a sobering indictment of human sin. In this passage, he explains how people willfully suppress the truth about God despite creation making His existence obvious, and describes the downward spiral that occurs when God "gives people over" to their own desires. In This Episode: Understanding the difference between willful sin and actively encouraging others to sin How suppressing truth (like the tobacco industry hiding cigarette dangers) mirrors spiritual deception Why "entrapment evangelism" and pure apologetics often fail to lead people to genuine faith Modern-day idolatry: elevating personalities, denominations, family, and political movements above God The warning sign that "if God never contradicts you, you have an idol" Unpacking the three-fold repetition of "God abandoned them" and what it reveals about divine judgment Why God allowing us to experience the full consequences of sin can actually be an act of mercy Key Quote: "The safest place to live is fully surrendered to a God that you cannot escape." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday podcast offering brief, conversational lessons drawn from each day's reading in the One Year Bible. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, this podcast is designed to help listeners engage more deeply with Scripture through honest, real-world conversation and practical application. Open Door Church, Edenton, North Carolina visitopendoor.com | onesinglestory.com Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily conversation around God's Word. New episodes drop every weekday to help you stay grounded in Scripture, one story at a time. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue working through the book of Romans in the One Year Bible reading plan, digging deeper into Paul's letter and uncovering fresh insight for daily faith and life application. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Romans #BookOfRomans #Idolatry #Evangelism #DivineJudgment #ChristianApologetics

Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Wendy Korbusieski as they close out this week's conversation on 1 Chronicles 9 and 10. Together they unpack the quiet, unseen work of gatekeepers and doorkeepers in God's house, the tragic downfall of King Saul, and how God uses painful leadership transitions to make room for what He wants to do next. Scripture Focus:  1 Chronicles 9:1 – 10:14 - This passage closes out the genealogical prologue of Chronicles, highlighting the temple gatekeepers who guarded access to God's house and the various servants who supported temple worship, before recounting Saul's death on Mount Gilboa after he sought guidance from a medium instead of the Lord. In This Episode: Why the temple gatekeepers and behind-the-scenes servants in 1 Chronicles 9 matter to God's kingdom How faithfulness, not visibility, determines true significance in ministry Practical ways Open Door Church honors unseen volunteers, from baptism teams to cleaning crews What it means that the gatekeepers were armed Levites entrusted with guarding access points Saul's death in 1 Chronicles 10 and his fatal choice to consult a medium rather than seek the Lord Modern-day "mediums" leaders turn to instead of God, including culture, politics, and artificial intelligence How to use AI as a tool without letting it replace discernment and hard work Navigating painful leadership transitions and successions, from Saul and David to the church today Key Quote: "Significance in God's kingdom is really determined by faithfulness and not visibility." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a daily weekday devotional podcast that walks through the One Year Bible reading plan, offering a brief, conversational lesson from Scripture to help you grow in your walk with God one day at a time. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily edition, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement in God's Word today. Coming This Week: Join us next time as we continue through the One Year Bible, exploring new passages and fresh conversations around Scripture, faithful service, and following God's Word together. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #1Chronicles #KingSaul #Gatekeepers #ChristianLeadership

Join Pastor Stephen Mizell, Pastor Jay Rivenbark, and Pastor Wendy Korbusieski for today's edition of One Single Story as they walk through 1 Chronicles 7-8. In this raw and honest conversation, the hosts explore grief and mourning, the complexity of family dynamics, God's covenant faithfulness in the middle of human brokenness, and how different gifts and strengths work together to build up the local church. Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 7:1 – 8:40 - These chapters trace the genealogies of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher, pausing to record Ephraim's grief over his slain sons before turning to a detailed focus on the tribe of Benjamin, including the line that leads to King Saul. In This Episode: Why God pauses a genealogical record to include Ephraim's raw grief over his sons The complexity of family dynamics when children from the same home turn out very differently A personal, present-day story of grief and the tension of showing up for a grieving friend Why grieving the loss of a child or grandchild is uniquely heavy for parents How God's meticulous preservation of Benjamin's line, despite Saul's failure, reveals His grace toward broken legacies The difference between God's commitment to us and our commitment to Him How the distinct strengths of the tribes picture the way spiritual gifts should work together in the local church The call to identify, empower, and release people into their God-given gifts Key Quote: "Let God handle the broken pieces of your legacy. His grace is busy working in your future while you're busy processing your past." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday podcast offering a brief, honest conversation around a section of that day's reading in the One Year Bible. Each episode invites listeners to open their Bible, grab a pen and paper, and dig into the Word of God together, one single story at a time. This episode is brought to you by Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more and connect with the church at visitopendoor.com, and find more episodes and resources at onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily conversation around God's Word. New episodes release each weekday to walk alongside your One Year Bible reading plan. Coming This Week: Stay tuned as the hosts continue through the Old Testament narrative, uncovering more raw, real, and redemptive stories tucked inside Scripture's genealogies and history books. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #1Chronicles #GriefAndGrace #SpiritualGifts #BibleGenealogy #ChristianCommunity

Welcome to today's edition of One Single Story. Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Wendy Korbusieski for a conversation about short-term faithfulness, why worship must be the centerpiece of church culture, and why the Levites never received a plot of land of their own. Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81 - This passage covers the military victories of the eastern tribes before pivoting to their eventual exile due to spiritual adultery, then shifts into a detailed account of the tribe of Levi, mapping out the priests, temple musicians, and cities allocated to them throughout Israel. In This Episode: Why continued obedience matters more than past victories, and why we're often most vulnerable right after a win The contrast between God answering Israel's prayers in battle and their later exile for unfaithfulness How true faith is a daily, lifelong endeavor rather than a single moment of crisis-driven decision Why worship and spiritual leadership must be prioritized over administrative structure and programming in the church The tension between spiritual passion and godly structure, and how both are needed to protect against abuse and manipulation The strategic reason the Levites were scattered among the other tribes instead of given their own territory How dependence on the obedience of others shaped the Levites' ministry and kept them from self-reliance Key Quote: "We cry out in crisis, but we compromise in comfort." About One Single Story: One Single Story is a weekday devotional podcast that walks through the One Year Bible reading plan, offering brief, practical lessons drawn from each day's Scripture reading. Hosted by the pastoral team at Open Door Church, each episode brings together different voices for an honest, conversational look at how God's Word applies to everyday life and faith. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com or onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily devotional. Join us every weekday as we dig into Scripture together, one story at a time. Coming This Week: Join us as we continue journeying through First Chronicles this week, uncovering more of the genealogies, worship structures, and spiritual lessons woven throughout Israel's history that still speak to the church today. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #FirstChronicles #Levites #Worship #ChristianLeadership #BibleDevotional