The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

Have you ever felt like no one was listening to you? It can be hurtful when we feel that those around us are not listening to us. Everyone wants to be heard, but what about those times when it feels like God is not listening? Have you ever cried out to God and it seemed he wasn’t there? Did it feel as if God wasn’t listening? Maybe you wondered: "God, where are you?"Main Points:1. Today, I’m going to ask you to grab hold of the promise of God that He does hear our prayers. Our God is listening. Even if it feels as if God doesn’t hear, we can be assured that our great God hears every prayer.2. Sometimes the cry of our heart is not verbal; it’s an inner cry. Many times, we carry this burden and this heaviness. Others see us with a smile not knowing the cry that is on our hearts. But God hears the silent cry. God hears the cry no one else hears.3. Our God is not indifferent and uncaring. Bring your needs to Him. He loves us and listens to the cry of our hearts.Today’s Scripture Verses:Genesis 21:15-19 - “When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. Then she went off and sat down about a bowshot away, for she thought, “I cannot watch the boy die.” And as she sat there, she began to sob.  God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.”  Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.”Psalm 18:6 - ”In my distress, I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears."Psalm 116:1-2 - ”I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live."Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Years ago, I heard a life-changing quote that has stayed with me for years. It said, “Everything you need is on the other side of surrounding your life to God.” I believe this statement is absolutely true. Everything we need, God can provide. I pray you take that truth to heart. Everything you need God can provide. Yet, often the provision doesn’t come until we surrender to God. Main Points:1. As long as we think we can do it without God, he’ll let us try. When we come up empty, it’s then that we realize surrender is a good idea. God wants us to love him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. When we put God first in our lives, when we give him control, we’ll experience the joy of God’s provision in every area of life. 2. God’s plan is not about depriving us of good things. He delights to give his children good gifts. He also desires, above all else, for us to follow him and delight in him. Sometimes God will make us sacrifice something we want to secure our heart for the greatest good: himself. 3. Is there an area of your life in which God is calling you to surrender? Have you been holding on tightly out of fear and uncertainty for the future? Take a step of faith and let go. Surrender. Trust our loving Father with everything that is important to you. He won’t fail.Today’s Scripture Verses:Matthew 26:39 - “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

As followers of Jesus, you and I know that God’s grace is not cheap. It was costly and expensive. It cost Jesus his very life. A great price was paid for you and me to receive and experience the wonderful grace of God.Main Points:1. Receiving God’s grace is the entry point into the Kingdom of God. It’s the starting line of our salvation. No one is forgiven of their sins without receiving the grace of God.  But many have wondered, what comes next? What comes after our salvation? What does God want to do in our lives after we have been born again?2. According to scripture, God's grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions. It teaches us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives as we wait for the return of Christ.3. We see that recipients of God’s grace cannot live as if they have not experienced His grace. No, grace will change us. Grace leads us to repentance. Grace calls us to obedience. Grace asks us to lay down the old life and pick up a new one. Grace instructs us to walk in holiness and righteousness.Today’s Scripture Verses:Ephesians 2:8-9 - “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”Titus 2:11-13 - "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ…” Matthew 16:24 - “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

We have sometimes relegated faith in Christ to something private and personal. It’s between the Lord and I, people say. Yet, Paul is teaching us that if Christ is on the inside, it will show on the outside. Personal faith will become public. Christ on the inside produces a changed life on the outside. Main Points:1. We often talk about the inner Christian life. It’s true God works in our lives from the inside out, but rarely do I hear anyone talk about the outer Christian life. We talk about the personal relationship with Christ, but not much about the public Christian life.2. So, what does this Christian clothing look like? Paul says we are to put on or to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Wow! These are the character traits others should notice in us as we follow Jesus.3. Every day, your outer Christian life is a testimony to others of how Jesus changes lives. No, we are not perfect, but we should daily seek to grow in Christlikeness. Our testimony should be that we are compassionate and kind toward others. We are humble, gentle, and patient. According to Paul, this is what a Christian looks like.Today’s Scripture Verses:Colossians 3:12 - “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”Colossians 3:9-10 - “…since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”1 Samuel 16:7 says “…The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Is baptism really necessary? We know that the physical act of baptism does not save us, so why should we do it? The answer is: that Jesus commanded us to do so. Baptism in water is an act of obedience.Main Points:1. What is Water Baptism? Baptism is a ceremony where a person who has placed their faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins is immersed in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  It is a public declaration of your faith and identity as a follower of Christ. It’s an illustration of what Christ has done in your life.2. In the New Testament, we see that people were baptized immediately after their salvation. New Christians did not wait until they felt ready to be baptized. It is not a matter of readiness; it is a matter of obedience. 3. Baptism is not a mark of spiritual maturity, but rather a statement of personal identification with Jesus Christ.  You don’t have to wait until you feel like you are a spiritually strong person.  It’s an obedience issue, not a maturity issue.Today’s Scripture Verses:Matthew 28:19 - “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”John 14:15 - “If you love me, keep my commandments.”Romans 6:4 - “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”Colossians 2:12 - "For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him, you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

As I reflect on these early lessons about responsibility, I also learned that the growth of my spiritual life was my responsibility. My growth in Christ was not the responsibility of my pastor, my Sunday school teacher, or even my parents. God used each of them to play a role, but my spiritual growth depended on whether or not I accepted the responsibility to grow.Main Points:1. The scripture teaches us that our knowledge of God and our experience with Him are something we must pursue. His presence, power, wisdom, strength, peace, and joy can all be obtained as we grow in our relationship with Him.2. Hear this truth today. You can have more of God in your life. There is more of His presence and power you can receive. You can have more love for others, more Godly wisdom, more discernment, and more knowledge of His Word.3. God makes it all available, but He doesn’t automatically download it into our lives. You and I are personally responsible for our own spiritual growth. In fact, we could say that where you and I are spiritually is directly tied to the level of our pursuit of God.Today’s Scripture Verses:James 4:8 - “ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”  Hebrews 10:22 - “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart…”  Isaiah 55:6 - “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.”John 15:5 - “Apart from me you can do nothing.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Are you preparing for your next season? I believe God has a preferred future for your life. He’s not finished with you and wants to use your life for His purpose. Too many people have settled with a belief that they have reached their potential or that there’s nothing more God wants to do through their lives. Main Points:1. Let me encourage you with this truth: Everyone has a next step to take. No matter how long you have served Christ, He still has a next step for you. It might be a step of faith or a step of obedience, but know that you have another step to take.2. We must prepare ourselves today for what God has for us tomorrow. We can’t wait until opportunities arrive to get prepared. We must prepare now. It’s possible that God will withhold opportunities because we are simply not ready.3. In a spiritual sense, God has a new season for you. His work in our lives is never static. By His Holy Spirit, God is always moving us forward. We must prepare today for what God wants to do in our lives tomorrow.Today’s Scripture Verses:Joshua 3:5 - “Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you." Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

When we think about God’s resources and His ability to provide for us, we must see the abundance of His provision. There is no limit to God’s resources. Just as we can’t calculate the volume of the ocean, we can’t determine the extent of God’s ability to provide.Main Points:1. His power is endless. His resources will never be used up. God will never go bankrupt. He has unlimited resources. God’s supply never runs out. He is truly a God of abundance.2. Our Heavenly Father has infinite resources and unlimited creativity. You can’t usually guess how God is going to work, because He delights to provide in ways we never would expect so that we will revel in His abundant goodness. God provides abundantly, in His timing, in ways we never would expect. 3. Will you stand upon the promise of God’s Word and trust that He will provide for you? Be unmoving in your faith that God will provide from his unlimited supply.Today’s Scripture Verses:Philippians 4:19 - “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”2 Corinthians 9:8 - “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”Psalm 37:25 - “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.”Psalm 34:10 - “…those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Are we available to God? Are we making ourselves available to serve Him? God is not looking for ability.  He is looking for availability.Main Points:1. One of the things that should motivate us is the knowledge that one day we will stand before God and we will give an account of how we used the gifts and talents he has given to us.2. What you and I are going to do for God, we must do it now. We don’t know how much time we have. If God has called us to do something, we must do it now. If we carry a burden or a passion for a certain ministry, we must do it now. We cannot put it off. We cannot wait until a more convenient season. We must do it now.3. So, today, will you make yourself available to God? Will you put His purposes and His priorities over your own? Will you let God use your life to make a difference?Today’s Scripture Verses:Romans 14:12 - “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”Matthew 16:27 - “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.”Ephesians 2:10 - “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

If you and I had been asked what God desires most from our lives, we might have been tempted to say worship. And while God is worthy and deserving of our worship, it’s obedience God desires most. Main Points:1. We cannot rationalize our acts of obedience to God. Our obedience to God and His Word is not something we do if it seems logical.2. God desires obedience. When we surrender our lives in complete obedience, we honor God for who He truly is. We also put ourselves in a place where we can receive the blessings of God. The obedient life is the blessed life.3. Search your heart. Are you offering God partial obedience? Let’s fully surrender our lives to God’s authority. Today’s Scripture Verses:1 Samuel 15:9 - “But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs—everything that was good.”1 Samuel 15:14 - “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?”1 Samuel 15:22 -  “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

We must realize that the goal of the Christian life is not behavior modification. The goal is not to just become a better person. We must be born again. We must know God in a personal way.Main Points:1. Nicodemus was pursuing salvation through his own efforts. He was trying to be a good person. He was trying to do all the right things. But on this night, he learns that salvation can only come when we are born again. You have been born physically, but you can have a spiritual birth when you place your faith in Jesus.2. If you and I had lived in this time, it’s likely we would have thought Nicodemus was a godly man. We would have thought, surely, Nicodemus is going to Heaven, look how religious he is.3. Religion and good behavior isn’t what saves us. Jesus said, “You must be born again.”Today’s Scripture Verses:John 3:2 - “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”John 3:3 - Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

What does it mean to be bold? The dictionary defines the word bold as “a characteristic of confidence and courage.” I believe God is calling for you and me to live our faith out loud with confidence and courage. How else will the world around us know the difference Jesus has made in our lives?Main Points:1. Pastor and Author Craig Groeschel wrote, “Sometimes we function as ‘Christian Atheists.’ We believe in God, we just live as though he does not exist.”2. We’ve been told by our culture that faith is a private matter, it’s in appropriate and rude to share it with anyone else. This, of course, is Satan’s strategy to intimidate believers into silence and ineffectiveness for Christ. If our enemy can cause us to be afraid of what others will think of us, we’ll keep our voices quiet and our influence will be minimized.3. We cannot be ashamed, timid, or afraid. The gospel is the “good news” of Jesus Christ. God intends for us to live out our faith in a public way. We can do this in kind, gentle, and respectful ways and still have a bold testimony for Christ.Today’s Scripture Verses:Proverbs 28:1 - “The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.”Romans 1:16 - “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes…”Luke 9:26 - “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

No matter what we have, we want more. I think you would agree, contentment is hard to find. Have you ever said, “I’ll be happy when… I’ll be content when…” Contentment is elusive. The more we have the more we want. We have an idea that when we arrive at a certain place, we’ll finally be content, only to arrive and to still want more. Main Points:1. Today, you and I think of contentment as comfort, happiness, and satisfaction, but all of these things are based on our circumstances. Sometimes the circumstances of life don’t leave us comfortable, happy, or satisfied.2. I love this definition. Contentment is realizing God has given you in your present circumstances everything you need to endure, grow closer to Him, and remain victorious in your relationship with Christ.  It is the ability to live steadily above changing circumstances through the power of Christ within you.3. The key to contentment is realizing that God has already given you, in your present circumstances, everything you need to have joy and fulfillment.Today’s Scripture Verses:Philippians 4:11-13 - “…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”Luke 12:15 - “A man’s life does not consist of the abundance of things he has.”Matthew 6:33 – “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group