The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

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#1,477: Fix Your Eyes on Jesus Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

What wind and waves have caught your attention? What storm has caused you to look away from Jesus? Let’s learn what Peter learned. We must keep our eyes on Jesus. As the howl of the wind gets louder, we’ll be tempted to become distracted. As the waves crash higher, we’ll be enticed to look away.

Main Points:
1. Jesus is teaching us here that we are to keep our eyes on Him. No matter how big the storm is, Jesus is sufficient to see us through. The storm did not overwhelm Peter and his fellow disciples. Why? Because Jesus was with them.

2. Let’s hear the words of our savior. “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” In our humanity, we experience doubt when our problems become bigger to us than God. We battle doubt because we don’t always know what God will do. We don’t know how we will face this storm.

3. Don’t forget, you are not facing this storm alone. The one who is greater than the storm is with you. He has promised to never leave you or forsake you. He will get you out of the storm, or he will get you through the storm. Either way, Jesus will be with you.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Matthew 14:26-33 - “When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Hebrews 12:2 - “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…”

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#1,476: The Power of Praising God Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

We can choose to respond to adversity with fear, anxiety, and worry. We can also choose to respond with praise and worship. You might say, “Yes, but Loren, praise doesn’t change my circumstances.” It might not, but it certainly will change what is happening inside of you.

Main Points:
1. As we praise, we confess what we know is true about God. We choose to trust and to believe, rather than to fear and despair.

2. Praise and worship are like nothing else. While God is the object of our praise, He, in turn, fills us with his presence. Praise and worship glorify and honor God, but it also lifts our spirits, give us joy, and remind us that God is present.

3. Fight your battles with praise. As you do, the presence of God will encourage and uplift your soul.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Acts 16:22-24 - “The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.”
Acts 16:25 - “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.”
Romans 12:12 - “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

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#1,475: Christ Alone Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

The Bible clearly teaches salvation comes through Christ alone. There is no other path, no other way, and no other possibility. If you will be saved from your sins and forgiven by God, you will come through Christ, and Christ alone.

Main Points:
1. There are those today who don’t like the fact that the Bible proclaims faith in Jesus as the only way to salvation. The exclusivity of Christ is a problem for them. Why can’t there be many ways to be saved? Don’t all roads lead to God? Why can’t we pick and choose a path of salvation that seems to work best for us?

2. Instead of complaining about the lack of multiple ways to be saved, we should be grateful there is a way at all. If Christ had not come to be our savior, if He had not come to rescue us out of compassion and grace, we would be completely hopeless, with no way of salvation.

3. We should willingly receive the gift of salvation, provided for us by Jesus. He is offering us a way of salvation. It is the only way to salvation. It is through Christ, and Christ alone.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

“There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

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#1,474: On Fire for God Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

When describing a Christian who is passionate about their faith in Jesus, we might say they are “on fire for God.” We are saying they are fervent and zealous about their relationship with Jesus. It’s likely you would agree that this intense and passionate pursuit of Jesus has to be maintained. We have to intentionally stoke the fire to keep it burning hot. If not, the fire will eventually burn out. A fire left alone will burn out. It’s only a matter of time.

Main Points:
1. I want to challenge you today to not let your spiritual fire go out. Be intentional about keeping the flames of your faith burning. Pay attention to your spiritual life. If you ignore it, if you neglect it, the flames will go out.

2. If there was a time in your life when your fire for God burned hotter than it does today, there is still hope. Put another log on your fire. Your fire and passion for God can be reignited.

3. This is a good day for all of us to check our spiritual thermometer. What is the temperature of our relationship with God? Are we burning hot in our passion and zeal for the Lord?

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Leviticus 6:12 - “The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not go out. The priest shall burn wood on it every morning…”

Romans 12:11 - “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
Matthew 22:37 - “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
Revelation 2:5 - “Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.”

2 Timothy 1:6 - “I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you.”

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#1,473: Are You Motivated to Share the Gospel? Apr 09, 2026

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So, what motivates us to speak up, while the culture is trying to silence our voice? What enables us to push past our fear of offending someone to let them know what Jesus has done for us? There is only one answer: it is our love for Jesus. We speak up because we love Jesus.

Main Points:
1. It’s as simple as this: If we love Jesus, we will obey his command to make disciples. If we love Jesus, we will look for opportunities to tell others of His saving grace. We should not feel afraid or intimidated. We have been given the Holy Spirit for this very purpose, to empower us to be a witness.

2. And remember, the gospel is good news. The truth that Jesus died for our sins and rose again is good news. That God would offer us grace, mercy, and forgiveness is good news. The promise of eternal life is good news. Why would we keep this good news from anyone?

3. Our love for Jesus, must overcome our fear of offending people. Why do we assume they will be offended anyway? We don’t know, but perhaps the Holy Spirit has been working in their heart and they are perfectly ready to hear the good news about Jesus.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Romans 10:14 - “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 - “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”

John 14:23 - “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.”

1 Peter 3:15 - “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

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#1,472: Unity is Essential in the Church Apr 08, 2026

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When it comes to the church. I believe unity is our foundation. The whole church stands or falls on the strength of this foundation. As long as there are people, there will be a wide variety of opinions. That’s okay. It’s not essential to have a unity of opinion in every matter. What is crucial is that we have unity around mission, vision, and purpose. It’s necessary that we have a strong biblical and doctrinal foundation.

Main Points:
1. When we have unity, we have bought into the mission and vision of the church. We are willing to forgo some personal preferences for the greater good. We trust God has spoken to our leadership, and we are willing to follow and serve.

2. When a church has strong unity, believers sincerely love one another. They protect each other and support one another.

3. We can sometimes unknowingly fall prey to the enemy’s trap to sow seeds of disunity. When we complain, gossip, and talk behind another believer’s back, we can drive a wedge in the unity of our church without even realizing it.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Romans 14:19 - “Let us, therefore, make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”

Ephesians 4:3 - “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

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#1,471: Do You Love God's Word? Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

As Christians, we’ve been taught the importance of the Word of God. We have been instructed to read the Bible every day. We know the significance of spending time with God every day. So, are there things we can do to develop a fresh love for the Word of God?

Main Points:
1. Start by praying a new prayer. Begin to ask God to give you a love for His Word. It’s a simple prayer you can start praying each day. I believe God loves it when we pray such a prayer, and He will give us the desire of our hearts.

2. When you open your Bible, believe that you will hear from God. The Bible is a living document. God wants to speak to your heart and life from its pages.

3. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your spiritual eyes. Ask Him to illuminate the truth so that it is clearly seen. The Spirit of God is present every time you open your Bible.
4. Look for the application. How can you put the scripture into practice in your daily life? Remember, the goal is not to get through Scripture. The goal is to get the scripture through you.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

John 6:68 - “Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

Psalm 119:97 - “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.”
Psalm 119:167 - “I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly.”
Psalm 119:18 - “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.”

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#1,470: Where are you Investing? Apr 06, 2026

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Our financial health is not the only thing that requires an investment; our spiritual growth requires one too. No, not a financial investment, though God may ask that of us, an investment of time, effort, passion, and heart. God will ask for an investment of sacrifice, faithfulness, and commitment. He will ask us to invest in the lives of others with love, support, and encouragement. God will speak to us about investing deeper into our own discipleship with Christ.

Main Points:
1. Let me ask you, “What investment are you making in your own spiritual growth?” Don’t rush past this question. Take a minute and think about it. What investment are you making in your own spiritual growth? To get a return, you have to make an investment.

2. Growth does not happen automatically. In fact, when something is not healthy, we often say it has “stunted growth,” meaning something is hindering and prohibiting healthy growth.

3. What can you do today to begin investing in your spiritual growth? How can you begin pursuing a closer relationship with Jesus? What steps of faith can you take? Where do you need more investment?

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Mark 10:28-31 - “Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Deuteronomy 4:29 - “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

James 4:8 - “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”

Psalm 37:4 - “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

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#1,469: God Will Welcome You Home Apr 03, 2026

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No matter where you are or how far away from God you have run, you can always come home. Our loving Heavenly Father is waiting with open arms. He is calling once again for you to come home.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Luke 15:20 - “So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” “…Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. (Vs 24)

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#1,468: Letting God Direct Your Steps Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

As children of God, we desire the Lord’s hand of guidance and protection to be upon our lives. Why? Because He can see what we cannot see. He knows what we do not know. He holds our purpose and our future in His hands.

Main Points:

1. I believe each day the Holy Spirit is active in our lives, too. He is speaking, leading, guiding, and directing. Are we listening? Are our ears open to the voice of the Holy Spirit? Are we sensitive to His promptings?

2. Start your day by spending time with God. Then, as you go throughout your day, watch for the direction of the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to lead you. Ask Him to guide your steps. Trust that He is with you, walking step by step.

3. God is not absent, uninvolved, and uninterested in your life. He is an ever-present God.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Psalm 37:23-24 - “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.”

Proverbs 16:9 - “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.”

Proverbs 27:1 - “…you don’t know what the day will bring.”
Romans 8:14 - “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.”

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