Seeking Approval Podcast

Send us Fan MailSA Ep97 - Nearer to Thee - Wash ThyselfIn this episode, we begin the series Drawing Nearer to Thee by looking at the first step in drawing closer to Christ: being freshly cleansed. From Ruth 3:3, Naomi told Ruth, “Wash thyself therefore,” before she went to the feet of Boaz, her kinsman redeemer. That simple instruction gives us a powerful picture of the believer’s need for cleansing before enjoying close fellowship with the Lord. We will look at the danger of holding on to sin, the cleansing power of the Word of God, the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, and the honest confession needed for a believer to walk near the Lord again.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep96 - Drawing Nearer to Thee - IntroductionDrawing Nearer to Thee is a 5-episode podcast series built from Ruth 3 and the beautiful picture of Ruth coming to Boaz, her kinsman redeemer. Through this Old Testament scene, we see a spiritual pattern for believers who desire a closer walk with Christ. The series will call Christians to be freshly cleansed, fragrantly consecrated, fitly clothed, fully committed, and faithfully compliant. The heart of the series is simple: Christ has redeemed us, but He also invites us to walk near Him. Drifting brings coldness, confusion, weakness, and spiritual danger. Drawing near brings cleansing, peace, strength, joy, obedience, and deeper fellowship with the Lord. The series ends with the blessed truth that our Redeemer receives, reassures, replenishes, and rests only when the work is finished. In Christ, the work of redemption is already done. Now the redeemed are invited to live near the Redeemer.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep95 - Articles of Faith #18 The Eternal StateIn this episode, we examine the doctrine of the eternal state. The Bible teaches that after death and final judgment, the saved will dwell forever with the Lord in heaven, while the lost will face everlasting punishment separated from God. We will look at the reality of eternity, the hope of heaven, the seriousness of hell, and the certainty of final judgment. This episode is both a comfort to the believer and a warning to the unbeliever. Eternity is not theory. It is reality.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep94 Articles of Faith #17 The Return of ChristIn this episode, we examine the doctrine of the return of Christ. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ will return again just as He promised. We will look at the certainty of His coming, the comfort it brings to believers, the warning it gives to the lost, and the way it should shape our daily lives. This episode also highlights the hope, urgency, and holiness connected to the second coming of Christ. The return of Christ is not speculation for the curious. It is a promise for the church.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep92 - Articles of Faith #15 Evangelism and MissionsIn this episode, we examine the doctrine of evangelism and missions. The Bible teaches that every believer and every church has a responsibility to take the Gospel to the lost. We will look at the Great Commission, the message we are called to preach, and the role of the local church in reaching both the nearby and the far away. This episode also addresses the urgency of the Gospel and the importance of prayer, giving, and going. The Gospel that came to us was meant to go through us.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep93 - May the FourthPeople say this time of year, “May the fourth be with you.” It is said in fun, but there is a truth far greater than the phrase itself. There truly is a Fourth who is with His people. Not in imagination, not in story, but in reality. When the fire is at its hottest, when the pressure is at its greatest, and when the situation feels beyond control, the child of God is never alone. The question is not whether the fire will come. The question is who will be with you in it.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep91 - Articles of Faith #14 Two OrdinancesIn this episode, we examine the ordinances of the church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The Bible teaches that these are acts of obedience given by Christ to His church, serving as public testimony and ongoing remembrance of the Gospel. We will look at what each ordinance represents, what they do and do not accomplish, and why they must remain centered on Christ. These ordinances are not empty rituals. They are powerful pictures of the saving work of Jesus Christ.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep90 - Articles of Faith #13 The ChurchIn this episode, we examine the doctrine of the church. The Bible teaches that the church is a local assembly of baptized believers, gathered for worship, fellowship, discipleship, and service, under the headship of Christ. We will look at what the church is, why it exists, and why it matters to every believer. This episode also addresses the importance of faithfulness, unity, and biblical function within the church. The church is not a side issue in the Christian life. It is central to God’s work in the world.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep89 - Articles of Faith #13 Sanctification

Send us Fan MailSA Ep88 - Articles of Faith #11 JustificationIn this episode, we examine the doctrine of justification. The Bible teaches that justification is the act of God whereby He declares the believing sinner righteous through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. We will look at what justification means, how it differs from sanctification, and why it is central to the Gospel. This episode also explains the great exchange, our sin placed on Christ, and His righteousness credited to us. Justification answers the question: how can a sinner stand right before God?

Send us Fan MailSA Ep87 - Articles of Faith #10 Repentance and FaithIn this episode, we look at repentance and faith, the God ordained response to the Gospel. The Bible teaches that salvation is received when a sinner turns from sin and turns to Christ in faith. We will define repentance, explain what true faith is, and show how the two are inseparably connected. This episode also addresses common misunderstandings, including shallow belief and emotional decisions without true conversion. Repentance and faith are not works that earn salvation, but the response of a heart awakened by grace.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep86 - Articles of Faith #9 GraceIn this episode, we examine the doctrine of salvation by grace. The Bible teaches that salvation is the free gift of God, not something that can be earned by works or deserved by merit. We will look at what grace means, why man cannot save himself, and how the finished work of Christ makes salvation possible. This episode also highlights the difference between religion and redemption, and why grace humbles man while exalting God. Salvation is not about what we do for God. It is about what God has done for us.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep85 - Articles of Faith #8 SinIn this episode, we examine the doctrine of sin. The Bible teaches that sin is not just outward behavior, but inward rebellion against God, and that all men are sinners by nature and by choice. We will look at what sin is, where it comes from, its consequences, and why it separates man from God. This episode also shows why a right understanding of sin is necessary to truly understand the Gospel. Sin is not a small issue. It is the central problem of the human condition.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep84 - Articles of Faith #7 Fall of ManIn this episode, we examine the fall of man. The Bible teaches that man was created upright, but through Adam’s sin fell into a state of corruption and separation from God. We will look at what happened in the garden, the immediate consequences of sin, and how that one act affects all humanity. This episode also shows why man cannot fix his condition and why the promise of redemption is necessary. The fall is not just a past event. It explains the present condition of every human heart. 

Send us Fan MailSA Ep83 - Articles of Faith #6 CreationIn this episode, we examine the doctrine of creation. The Bible teaches that God created all things by His power and for His glory. We will look at what Scripture says about the origin of the universe, the special creation of man, and the purpose behind it all. This episode will also address why creation matters to morality, accountability, and the Gospel itself. Creation is not just about how things began. It is about who is in charge, who we belong to, and why life has meaning.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep82 - Special Edition The Christian Conscience in the Time of WarIn this special edition of Seeking Approval, we step away from the Articles of Faith to inquire what the Word of God says about how a Christian should view political conflict that leads to war. With so much being said by popular, so-called Christian voices demanding that we need to stand against war, what should a real Christian think? Which side should we fall on this chasm created, being "for" or "against" war? We will discuss this from a biblical point of view. 

Send us Fan MailSA Ep81 - Articles of Faith #5 THe Holy SpiritIn this episode, we focus on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is not an influence or force, but God Himself, the third Person of the Trinity. We will look at His role in conviction, regeneration, indwelling, sealing, sanctification, and service. This episode will also address common misunderstandings and show why the Spirit’s work is essential in both salvation and daily Christian living. The Holy Spirit is not an optional subject. He is central to the life of every believer.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep80 - Articles of Faith #4 Jesus ChristIn this episode, we focus on the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible presents Him as the eternal Son of God, fully God and fully man, virgin born, sinless, crucified for our sins, risen again, and now exalted at the right hand of the Father. We will look at who He is, why He came, what He accomplished, and why a right understanding of Christ is essential to salvation. This is not simply a study about a historical figure. This is a look at the only Savior of sinners. 

Send us Fan MailSA Ep79 - The Articles of Faith #3 The Trinity In this episode, we look at the doctrine of the Trinity, the Bible truth that there is one God who eternally exists in three distinct Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. We will examine what the Trinity is, what it is not, and why this doctrine matters so deeply to the Christian faith. This episode shows that the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God, yet there are not three gods, but one God. We will also see how the Trinity is woven into salvation itself, from the Father’s plan, to the Son’s redemption, to the Spirit’s application of grace. This is not an abstract doctrine for scholars alone. It is the glorious truth of who God is. 

Send us Fan MailSA Ep78 - The Articles of Faith #2 The One True GodIn Episode 2, we focus on the doctrine of the one true God. The Bible teaches that there is only one living and true God, not many gods, not rival deities, and not a god shaped by human imagination. He is eternal, holy, sovereign, wise, merciful, and worthy of all worship. This episode shows that everything in life begins with God, and that to misunderstand Him is to misunderstand everything else.We also look at the danger of false gods and modern idolatry, reminding the listener that idols are not limited to carved images, but include anything that takes God’s place in the heart. The episode makes the difference clear between merely knowing about God and truly knowing Him through Jesus Christ. In the end, this is not just a lesson about God’s existence, but a call to bow before the God who is there, trust Him, and know Him as He has revealed Himself in His Word.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep77 - Articles of Faith #1 The Word of GodIn Episode 1, we begin with the foundation of all Bible doctrine, the Holy Scriptures. We look at why every article of faith must begin with the Word of God, because if the Bible is not trustworthy, then nothing else can stand with certainty. This episode explores the inspiration, authority, preservation, sufficiency, and power of Scripture, showing that the Bible is not merely a religious book but the very Word of God. We will also consider why people reject the Bible, the danger of replacing divine truth with human opinion, and how every listener should respond if God has truly spoken. This is a doctrinal and practical look at the Scriptures as our final authority for faith and practice. 

Send us Fan MailSA Ep76 - Becoming a Prayer Warrior (Finale)In this final episode we examine the closing words of the Lord’s Prayer: “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” After bringing every need before God, Jesus teaches believers to end prayer with a declaration of God’s authority, ability, and purpose.This episode emphasizes that God’s kingdom is absolute, His power is unlimited, and His glory is the ultimate goal of all things. Prayer is not about relying on our strength but resting in His. It is not about elevating our desires but aligning with His glory.By ending with praise, believers are reminded that God is in control, no matter the circumstances. This final declaration brings confidence, strengthens faith, and completes the prayer by returning the focus to who God is.The prayer that began with a Father ends with a King, reminding us that the One who loves us is also the One who reigns forever.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep75 - Becoming a Prayer Warrior (Part 8)In this episode we examine the phrase “deliver us from evil,” where Jesus teaches believers to pray for protection and rescue from a real spiritual enemy. This request reminds us that the Christian life is not lived in a neutral environment, but in the presence of active spiritual opposition.The phrase can also be understood as “deliver us from the evil one,” pointing to Satan as a personal adversary who works through deception, distraction, and accusation. While the enemy is real and persistent, he is not equal to God. Scripture reminds us that the power of God is greater, and believers are not left to face this battle alone.This episode emphasizes the need for daily dependence on God’s protection. Prayer becomes an act of surrender and resistance, placing the believer under God’s authority while standing against the schemes of the enemy. It also highlights the importance of spiritual awareness, recognizing that not every battle is visible, but many are deeply spiritual.Ultimately, this episode encourages believers to trust in God’s ability to deliver. While the enemy seeks to weaken and destroy, God is faithful to protect, strengthen, and rescue His people. Prayer is not a response of fear, but a declaration of dependence on the One who is greater than any enemy we face.

Send us Fan MailLead Us Not Into Temptation (The Protection of the Believer)In this episode we examine the phrase “Lead us not into temptation,” where Jesus teaches believers to pray for protection before the battle begins. Rather than only seeking forgiveness after failure, this prayer focuses on prevention and spiritual awareness.This episode clarifies that God does not tempt people to sin, but believers are called to ask for His guidance in avoiding situations where temptation is strong. It highlights the reality of human weakness and the danger of overconfidence, reminding listeners that spiritual victory begins with humility and dependence on God.Drawing from passages like 1 Corinthians 10:13, the episode emphasizes that God always provides a way of escape, but believers must be attentive and willing to follow His leading. It also connects temptation to spiritual warfare, showing how the enemy seeks to exploit areas of weakness.Ultimately, this episode calls believers to live with awareness, to recognize their vulnerabilities, and to seek God’s guidance daily. Victory over temptation is not found in human strength but in reliance on God’s direction and power.

Send us Fan MailForgive Us Our Debts (The Cleansing of the Soul)In this episode we focus on the phrase “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” where Jesus teaches the necessity of ongoing spiritual cleansing in the life of the believer. While salvation secures our standing before God, daily confession restores fellowship when sin disrupts that relationship.This episode emphasizes that sin cannot be ignored without consequence. Unconfessed sin affects the heart, hinders prayer, and weakens spiritual life. Through passages like 1 John 1:9, listeners are reminded that God is faithful to forgive and cleanse when sin is confessed.The episode also highlights the connection between receiving forgiveness and extending it to others. A forgiven heart should be a forgiving heart. Holding onto bitterness creates spiritual blockage and prevents healthy fellowship with God.Ultimately, this episode calls believers to live with humility and honesty before God, regularly dealing with sin and maintaining a clean heart. Forgiveness is not just a request. It is a necessary part of walking closely with the Father.

Send us Fan MailGive Us This Day Our Daily Bread (The Provision of the Father)In this episode we examine the phrase “Give us this day our daily bread,” where Jesus teaches believers to bring their daily needs before God. While prayer is not meant to be reduced to asking for things, this request reminds us that God cares about the practical needs of our lives.This episode addresses the tendency many have to treat God like a transaction, only speaking to Him when something is needed, much like going to a bank. Jesus presents a better picture. God is not a resource to be used but a Father to be known. At the same time, Scripture recognizes the reality of human need. There are moments when physical necessity dominates our thinking, and God understands that. He knows our frame and invites us to bring those needs to Him.Using both biblical examples and observable human behavior, this episode highlights the importance of daily dependence on God. Just as God provided manna one day at a time, believers are called to trust Him for daily provision. This request becomes a declaration of dependence, gratitude, and trust in the faithful care of the Father.

Send us Fan MailSA EP71 - Becoming a Prayer Warrior (Part 5)In this episode, we continue through the Lord’s Prayer by examining the phrase “Thy kingdom come.” After establishing a relationship with God as Father, recognizing His authority in heaven, and prioritizing worship, Jesus now directs believers to align themselves with the program of God.The kingdom of God represents His rule, His authority, and His redemptive plan unfolding in the world. When believers pray “Thy kingdom come,” they are expressing a desire for God’s will to be carried out on earth and for His reign to be recognized in every area of life.This phrase shifts the focus of prayer away from personal desires and toward God’s purposes. Instead of asking God to fit into our plans, we submit ourselves to His greater plan. It is both a present reality, as God works in the hearts of believers, and a future expectation, looking forward to the day when Christ will visibly reign.This episode challenges listeners to examine their prayers and priorities. True prayer is not centered on building our own kingdom but on advancing God’s kingdom. When believers begin to pray this way, their lives become aligned with the purposes of God, and they participate in His work in the world.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep70 - Becoming a Prayer Warrior (Part 4)In this episode we continue through the Lord’s Prayer by focusing on the phrase “Hallowed be thy name.” After establishing relationship with “Our Father” and recognizing God’s authority in “which art in heaven,” Jesus now teaches that worship must be the priority in prayer.The word “hallowed” means to treat as holy, to revere, and to honor. When believers pray these words, they are not making God holy but acknowledging His holiness. God’s name represents His character, His nature, and His authority, and it is worthy of reverence above all else.This episode emphasizes that prayer should begin with worship, not requests. By focusing on who God is before asking for what we need, believers shift their perspective from self to God. This strengthens faith, deepens reverence, and aligns the heart with the purposes of God.Listeners are also reminded that honoring God’s name is not limited to words spoken in prayer but should be reflected in daily life. As believers lift up the name of God, they establish the proper foundation for everything that follows in prayer, recognizing that before anything else, God is worthy of glory, honor, and praise.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep69 - Becoming a Prayr Warrior (Part 3)In this episode we continue walking through the Lord’s Prayer by examining the phrase “which art in heaven.” While the opening words “Our Father” reveal the relationship believers have with God through salvation, this next phrase reminds us of His authority and position.God is not merely a loving Father. He is the sovereign ruler of heaven and earth. The Bible consistently presents heaven as the place of God’s throne, the seat of His authority, and the center of His rule over all creation. From heaven God governs the affairs of the universe, directs the course of history, and accomplishes His purposes on earth.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep68 - Becoming a Prayer Warrior (Part 2)In this episode we begin walking through the Lord’s Prayer by examining its opening words: “Our Father which art in heaven.” Jesus deliberately started the prayer with relationship, reminding believers that prayer is not merely a religious act but a conversation between a child and a Father.The phrase “Our Father” functions like a spiritual paternity test. While God is the Creator of all people, the Bible teaches that becoming a child of God happens through salvation. According to John 1:12, those who receive Jesus Christ are given the right to become the sons of God. Through faith in Christ, believers are adopted into God’s family and gain the incredible privilege of calling the Creator of the universe their Father.This relationship transforms the nature of prayer. Instead of approaching a distant deity, believers speak to a loving Father who cares for His children. Jesus illustrated this truth by asking whether any earthly father would give his child a stone when he asks for bread. If imperfect human fathers know how to give good gifts, how much more will our heavenly Father care for those who come to Him in faith.This episode sets the foundation for the entire prayer by reminding listeners that salvation brings them into God’s family. Those who belong to Christ are not only forgiven but also adopted as heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. Because of that relationship, prayer becomes the privilege of a child speaking to the Father who loves him.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep67 - Becoming a Prayer Warrior Part SummaryIn this opening episode, we begin a powerful series on the Lord’s Prayer by uncovering a truth many believers overlook: prayer is not merely devotion, it is spiritual warfare. Jesus did not give the prayer in Matthew 6:9–13 simply as words to repeat, but as a pattern that prepares believers for the spiritual battles of daily life.The Bible teaches that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces that oppose the work of God. Because of this reality, prayer becomes one of the most important weapons in the believer’s life. Yet many Christians treat prayer as a routine religious habit rather than a deliberate act of engaging the enemy and seeking God’s protection.In this episode we explore the danger of a prayerless life, the spiritual exposure that comes when believers neglect prayer, and why Jesus designed the Lord’s Prayer as a strategic preparation for daily spiritual conflict. We also address a common problem among Christians today: praying words without truly expecting God to work.As this series begins, listeners are challenged to rethink their approach to prayer. Prayer is not simply speaking to God. Prayer is stepping onto the battlefield and depending on the power of God for victory.

Send us Fan MailSA Ep66 - Dialogue with the Devil (Part 5) The final episode turns from deception to victory. Revelation 12:11 reveals how believers overcome the enemy: through the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony, and a life fully surrendered to Christ. Satan’s accusations are defeated through the cleansing power of Christ’s sacrifice. His lies lose their influence when believers boldly confess their faith and stand publicly for the truth. And his threats lose their power when Christians value Christ above comfort or safety. The episode concludes with a clear presentation of the Gospel: God loves humanity, sin separates us from Him, Christ died to provide salvation, and that salvation must be personally received through faith. Through Jesus Christ the lies of the enemy are replaced with the truth that brings freedom and eternal life. 

Send us Fan MailSA Ep65 - Dialogue with the Devil (Part 4) Genesis 3:5 reveals the ultimate temptation presented by Satan when he tells Eve, “Ye shall be as gods.” This promise appeals to humanity’s desire for independence and self authority. Instead of trusting God to define truth and morality, the devil encourages people to determine right and wrong for themselves. This philosophy lies at the heart of modern humanism and cultural rebellion against God. Yet Scripture reminds us that there is only one true God and that humanity was created to reflect His image, not replace His authority. When societies reject the rule of God, the result is not enlightenment but moral decline. This episode exposes the lie of self deification and points back to the rightful greatness of God. 

Send us Fan MailSA Ep64 - Dialogue with the Devil (Part 3) After questioning God’s goodness, Satan moves to the next step in deception by directly contradicting the Word of God. In Genesis 3:4 the serpent boldly declares, “Ye shall not surely die,” openly denying the warning God had given to Adam. This moment marks the first direct contradiction of God’s Word in human history. The same strategy continues today through philosophies that reject absolute truth, including relativism, subjectivism, pragmatism, and postmodernism. When society abandons a fixed standard of truth, moral confusion quickly follows. Yet Scripture stands unshaken, declaring that God’s Word is truth and that it remains forever settled in heaven. This episode explores why the authority of Scripture is essential for both faith and life. 

Send us Fan MailSA Ep63 - Dialogue with the Devil (Part 2)In this episode we examine the first step in Satan’s strategy of deception. In Genesis 3:1 the serpent asks Eve a subtle but dangerous question that reframes God’s generosity as restriction. Although God had given Adam and Eve abundant provision in the garden, Satan shifted their attention to the one command they were told to obey. The goal of this deception was to plant doubt about the goodness of God. When people begin to believe that God is withholding something good, obedience starts to feel like loss rather than blessing. Scripture reveals a very different truth. God “giveth us richly all things to enjoy” and promises that no good thing will be withheld from those who walk uprightly. In this episode we expose the lie that God is a cosmic killjoy and rediscover the truth that sin steals joy while God restores it. 

Send us Fan MailSA Ep62 - Dialogue with the Devil (Part 1)In this opening episode, we step into Genesis chapter three to uncover the strategy Satan has used since the beginning of human history. The fall of mankind did not begin with an action but with a conversation that planted doubt in the mind. Scripture reveals that Satan’s motive is destruction, for Jesus said in John 8:44 that the devil was a murderer from the beginning. His method is deception, using lies that are often mixed with fragments of truth in order to make them believable. The true battlefield of spiritual warfare is therefore the mind, because what a person believes eventually shapes how that person lives. As Proverbs 23:7 teaches, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Understanding the devil’s strategy helps believers recognize deception before it produces disobedience. Genesis three shows us that Satan begins by attacking belief long before behavior changes. 

Send us Fan MailHow to Stand Again Finale SummaryIn this final episode, we arrive at the turning point of Psalm 42: “I shall yet praise him.” The psalmist teaches us that faith can declare future praise even while standing in present pain. Learning to talk back to our soul and place our hope in God does not mean every problem immediately disappears. The Christian life is an ongoing battle between the spirit and the flesh, fought daily and sometimes moment by moment. That is why we must continually repeat the pattern we have learned: speak truth to your soul, anchor your hope in God, and choose to praise Him. Ultimately, our hope is not rooted in positive thinking or emotional strength but in Jesus Christ alone. Because Christ rose from the dead, the believer has a living hope. The valley is not the end of the story. One day, we will yet praise Him. 

Send us Fan MailHow to Stand Again Part 6 SummaryIn this episode, we rediscovered the Bible’s definition of hope. Hope in Scripture is not a wish or positive thinking. It is confident expectation based on the unchanging character of God. Hebrews tells us that hope is “an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast.” It holds the believer steady even when the storms of life rage. Jeremiah reminds us that God’s thoughts toward His people lead to an expected end, and Romans declares that He is the God of hope who fills us with joy and peace in believing. True hope is anchored outside of us, not in our emotions or circumstances, but in the faithfulness of God Himself. And when we understand that, we begin to see the valley differently. It may not be our ending. It may be our refining. 

Send us Fan MailHow to Stand Again Part 5 SummaryIn this episode, we learned that trusting God does not mean always understanding Him. Psalm 42 calls us to “hope thou in God,” even when the valley remains unexplained. Isaiah reminds us that His ways are higher than ours. Job declares, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” Romans assures us that all things work together for good. When life feels disorienting and our emotions misread reality, we must learn to fly by instruments. Feelings fluctuate, but the Word of God is steady. God’s silence is not His absence. His mystery is not His neglect. Faith in the fog means anchoring yourself to His character and His promises rather than demanding explanations. But hope must move beyond being something we say. In the next episode, we will discover what biblical hope truly is — not a wish, not optimism, but an anchor for the soul. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we reached the turning point of Psalm 42. The psalmist stopped merely describing his pain and began addressing it. “Why art thou cast down, O my soul?” He teaches us that there is a difference between listening to ourselves and speaking to ourselves. Our emotions narrate our experience, and if left unchecked, they shape belief. But healthy self examination is not self condemnation. It asks honestly, “What is happening in me?” rather than accusing, “Something is wrong with me.”We learned that heaviness must be identified before it can be surrendered. Sometimes the source is grief. Sometimes it is sin. Sometimes it is broken trust, fatigue, or spiritual attack. Not every valley has the same root, and clarity matters. Scripture calls us to examine ourselves, to recall truth deliberately, and to invite God into the search. You must name it before you can give it to God. But the psalmist does not stay in analysis. He does not circle endlessly around his emotions. He gives direction. And in the next episode, we will follow that direction upward, because analysis alone does not lift you. You must look higher.

Send us Fan MailHow to Stand Again Part 3 SummaryIn this episode, we walked slowly through Psalm 42 and examined the anatomy of spiritual despair. We saw the first layer of spiritual dryness, a thirst for God that feels unanswered. We saw continual weeping, where sorrow becomes routine. We saw public shame, where suffering is turned into accusation. We saw painful memories that make the present feel like exile. And we saw overwhelming circumstances, wave after wave crashing over the soul. Depression is often layered. Spiritual, emotional, social, and circumstantial pressures can stack until the heart feels submerged. But the psalmist does not deny his condition, and he does not glorify it either. He begins to fight back with truth. And in the next episode, we will learn how to do what he did, speak to our own soul instead of letting our soul speak to us.

Send us Fan MailHow to Stand Again Part 2 SummaryIn this episode, we confronted the quiet lie that real believers never struggle. Scripture tells a different story. Moses was overwhelmed by the weight he carried. Elijah collapsed after a great victory. Jonah wrestled with disappointment. David was cast down and disquieted in his soul. Paul admitted he was pressed above strength and despaired even of life. Hannah wept in bitterness of soul. Naomi spoke from deep grief. These were not weak people. These were not shallow believers. These were people who knew God. Their valleys did not mean their faith was fake.We learned that depression is not always sin. Sometimes it is exhaustion, grief, trauma, physical depletion, or spiritual warfare. At times sin may be involved, and the heart must be examined honestly, but we must not assume that every dark season is rebellion. Most importantly, we saw that God did not discard them in their darkness. He sustained them. He fed them. He strengthened them. He restored them. And their valleys became part of their testimony. So if you are walking through a dark valley, remember this: the presence of struggle does not mean the absence of God. If He did not discard them, He will not discard you.

Send us Fan MailHow to Stand Again Part 1 SummaryIn this first episode of How to Stand Again, we begin carefully. Before we diagnose anything, we open the Word of God and listen to Psalm 42, where a faithful worshiper finds himself cast down and disquieted, unable to understand why his soul feels so heavy. We acknowledge that spiritual depression is not imaginary, not always sinful, and not always simple. We walk through clinical and spiritual indicators from mild discouragement to severe crisis, speaking plainly but compassionately. We address trauma and PTSD as real experiences that affect both body and soul, and we show how Scripture recognizes deep emotional anguish without dismissing it. This episode is not about magnifying darkness, but about shining light into it. We are not studying sorrow for its own sake. We are learning to recognize where we are so that we can begin moving toward hope. Like the psalmist, we may not yet understand why we feel cast down, but we can still say, “Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him.” This series is not about how deep the valley is. It is about how faithful the Shepherd is. 

Send us Fan MailJust a Little Further Finale SummaryIn this final episode, we return to the powerful phrase, “It was but a little,” and explore the small distance that made all the difference between searching and finding. We consider how revelation often follows persistence, how joy frequently waits on the other side of endurance, and why faithful seekers must not let weariness determine their stopping point. Grounded in Hebrews 11:6, we are reminded that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. This episode encourages steady pursuit, quiet faithfulness, and the confidence that sometimes the breakthrough is nearer than we imagine.Keep walking. Keep asking. Keep pressing. It may only be a little further.

Send us Fan MailJust a Little Further Part 2 SummaryIn this episode, we focus on the heart of Song of Solomon 3:4 and the powerful phrase, “whom my soul loveth.” We explore the difference between obligation and affection, between routine religion and love driven pursuit. This episode examines how devotion sustains persistence, why affection carries us further than duty ever could, and how true seekers pursue His presence, not just His provision. With practical examples from everyday believers, we are reminded that the soul was created for communion with God. Devotion over routine. Affection over activity. Presence over proximity. When love fuels the search, the pursuit becomes alive. 

Send us Fan MailJust a Little Further Part 1 SummaryIn this episode, we explore the opening movement of Song of Solomon 3:4 and the quiet power of that phrase, “It was but a little.” The bride rises from her bed, walks through the streets, and refuses to stop at the watchmen. Her pursuit teaches us that holy dissatisfaction is not rebellion but hunger for deeper fellowship. We examine the danger of quitting too soon, the temptation to settle for information instead of encounter, and the difference a little persistence can make. This episode challenges us to press past dryness, discouragement, and routine religion, reminding us that sometimes the breakthrough is only a few faithful steps beyond where most people stop. 

Send us Fan MailFINAL EPISODE SUMMARYIn this culminating episode of Meekness or Weakness, we examined the promise of Matthew 5:5 that the meek shall inherit the earth. We saw that this inheritance has both present and future dimensions. Presently, the meek enjoy freedom from grasping, envy, and comparison because they belong to Christ and already possess all things in Him. Ultimately, Scripture points to a literal reign with Christ in the coming Kingdom, as seen in Revelation 11:15 and 20:4. The meek inherit not by force, but by surrender. Their present contentment and future authority flow from a life submitted to Christ, governed by the Word, and empowered by the Spirit.

Send us Fan MailMeekness vs Weakness Part 6 Summary In this episode of Meekness or Weakness, we examined Galatians 5:22–23 and discovered that meekness is fruit of the Spirit, not a product of human effort. We distinguished between fleshly force and Spirit-produced control, and we explored the internal battle described in Galatians 5:17. Meekness grows as believers walk daily in dependence on the Spirit, allowing Him to govern desires and responses. True strength is not self-generated restraint, but Spirit-directed transformation.

Send us Fan MailMeekness vs Weakness Part 5 Summary In this episode of Meekness or Weakness, we examined James 1:21 and the call to “receive with meekness the engrafted word.” We explored the difference between lambano, which can imply grasping knowledge, and dechomai, which means welcoming truth with humility. We saw that hearing the Word is not the same as receiving it, and that knowledge without meekness leads to pride and hardness. The engrafted Word transforms only when it is embraced with surrender. Meekness before Scripture is not weakness — it is the strength to bow before truth and allow it to change us. 

Send us Fan MailMeekness vs Weakness Part 4 SummaryIn this episode of Meekness or Weakness, we explored what it means to be yielded to the Son by examining Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28–30. We learned that a yoke was a tool of partnership and direction, not oppression. Meekness is strength surrendered to Christ’s leadership, walking in alignment with Him rather than resisting Him. We saw that resistance creates friction, but surrender produces rest. True discipleship is not independence from Christ, but joyful partnership with Him under His well-fitted yoke.