The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#965: Guarding our Hearts from the Sin of Envy Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

What is envy? A feeling of discontentment or resentment over the opportunities, possessions, or blessings of another. I once heard envy described as the combination of a desire for something, with the resentment that another is enjoying it and you are not.

Main Points:
1. It’s been my experience that envy is not a sin we readily confess. There is a deception that accompanies envy. We can be envious and not realize it. We can feel envy towards someone and not identify the feelings as sin.

2. Envy invites comparison of relationships, success, status, or image. Envy is consuming, and it doesn’t take long before you lose yourself in the constant and relentless comparisons, all while cultivating bitterness and hatred toward people in your life, sometimes the very people you once loved and appreciated.

3. So, how can we protect our hearts from this sin? First and foremost, we must cultivate gratitude. When we focus on the blessings in our own lives rather than fixating on what others have, we develop a spirit of thankfulness.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Proverbs 4:23 - “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Galatians 5:26 - “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."

Proverbs 14:30 - “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#964: The Comfort of the Holy Spirit Feb 22, 2024

Show notes

Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit will be our comforter. The term “Comforter” comes from a Greek word that means “one called alongside to help.” The Holy Spirit is an advocate, counselor, and helper.

Main Points:
1. The Holy Spirit is not merely a force or an abstract concept; He is a Person who comes to dwell within believers.

2. The Holy Spirit is our constant companion, our guide, and our source of comfort. When we face trials, loneliness, or confusion, we can turn to the Comforter. He whispers peace to our souls, reminds us of God’s love, and empowers us to live victoriously.

3. What a wonderful assurance it is to know that we are never alone! The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, abides with us always. He is not a temporary visitor but a permanent resident in the lives of Christians. He walks with us through every trial, every hardship, and every moment of uncertainty, offering His peace that surpasses all understanding.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

John 14:16 - “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.”

In John 14:18 - “I will not leave you comfortless…”

Acts 9:31 - “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost…”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#963: How Does God Feel About Sinners? Feb 19, 2024

Show notes

Some think God hates sinners. You’ve seen people hold up those signs on street corners, right? Some think God rejects sinners and wants nothing to do with them, or maybe he wants to strike them with lightning. But let me share with you a powerful truth. God loves sinners.

Main Points:
1. In the greatest demonstration of love the world has ever seen, Jesus, the Son of God, willingly lays down His life a sacrifice for sinners. Christ died for us, so that we won’t have to die. Motivated by love, Jesus takes our place on the cross. He becomes our substitute. He satisfied the justices of a holy God, by taking our penalty.

2. However, God’s love for everyone does not mean that everyone will be saved. God will not ignore sin, for He is a God of justice, and sin cannot go unpunished forever. The Bible teaches us that today is the day of salvation. Because of His great love for us, God has created a way for our sins to be forgiven. If we believe in Him, confess our sins, and trust Jesus’ death and resurrection for our salvation, we will be forgiven of our sins.

3. As we interact with people, may we never forget that God loves all people and desires that they be saved. May you and I love all people with the love of God.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Romans 5:8 - “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Luke 5:31-32 - “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#962: The Lord Goes Before Us Feb 16, 2024

Show notes

What’s next? Isn’t that the question many of us are asking? As humans, we are forward-looking. What does tomorrow hold? Many feel that God has a next season for their lives. We acknowledge that as long as we are living, God has a next step for our spiritual growth and purpose.

Main Points:
1. It’s vital that we learn a great truth: God’s next season for your life will require you to step out in faith. It always does. Your next opportunity, your next ministry, and your next season will necessitate that you take a step of faith to trust God. Why? God loves it when we trust Him. He wants His children to place their full faith in confidence in Him, believing that He is leading their lives.

2. I’ve seen a lot of Christians get stuck and become stagnant. The thing holding them back is the fear of taking a step of faith. So, in a spiritual sense, they plateau. They are not moving forward. They are not experiencing the joy and excitement of living a journey of faith.

3. God is not asking us to step into a future without Him. God is not giving us a pep talk to say, “go ahead, you’ll be alright.” No, God is walking ahead of us. He is leading the way. God goes before us. We follow.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Deuteronomy 31:8 - “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Isaiah 52:12 - “For the LORD will go ahead of you; yes, the God of Israel will protect you from behind.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#961: Until the Lost are Found Feb 15, 2024

Show notes

God’s heart beats with compassion for the lost, and He passionately seeks them out. As followers of Christ, we are invited into this search. We become part of the process by sharing the message of the Gospel with those around us. What is important to God, must be important to us.

Main Points:
1. Jesus’ very purpose in coming to earth and dying for our sins was to seek and save the lost. Nothing matters more to God.

2. Let me remind you of this truth: The Gospel message is urgent. Every day people are dying and going into eternity lost in their sins. The only way of salvation is through faith in Jesus, yet many have never heard a clear and simple message of salvation.

3. We have a message far more valuable than a cure for cancer, it is a cure for our sins. Only through Jesus there is salvation and forgiveness of our sins, which not only impacts our lives here and now, but also for eternity.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Luke 15:8-10 — “what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Luke 19:10 - “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#960: The Lord will Fight for You Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

God’s promise echoes through time: He fights for us. When life’s battles rage, we do not need to panic or despair. We stand on His promise. We trust in His greatness and His love for us. God fights for His children.

Main Points:
1. Life is filled with storms. We will all face circumstances that seem insurmountable. We will endure hardships that threaten to overwhelm us. Just like the Israelites, we find ourselves caught in the crossfire of trouble. But remember, storms are not evidence of God’s absence; they are opportunities for Him to reveal His power.

2. Sometimes we are so immersed in the battle that we forget about God’s presence. We have a sense of spiritual amnesia. Not only do we forget about His promises, we forget all the battles God has already won in our lives. One of the keys to increasing our faith is to remember God’s past faithfulness.

3. Without hesitation, let’s be quick and ready to give God our yes.So, what battle are you fighting today? Where in your life is the conflict raging? Is it at work, at school, or at home? Are you engaged in a fight over your physical, mental, or emotional health? Perhaps you are fighting a spiritual battle. Stand confident in the promise that your Heavenly Father will fight for you. By faith, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Exodus 14:14 - “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Deuteronomy 20:4 - “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”

Proverbs 21:31 - “…victory belongs to the Lord.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#959: Giving God Your Yes Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

Unequivocally, I can say that God is looking for us to say “yes” to Him. Have you given God your yes? Have you surrendered your will and your life to God? Have you said “God, I’m yours. Take my life and use it for your glory?” Have you said, “God, I’ll say what you want me to say, go where you want me to go, and do what you want me to do?”

Main Points:
1. Some of our greatest internal battles are with God. There is an internal wrestling over whether we will say yes to God or not. Will we obey His Word? Will we submit to God’s authority? Will we let the Bible guide and direct our lives?

2. This simple response, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening," is a profound declaration of openness and obedience to God's will. We see Samuel's readiness to hear and obey whatever God may command. And it is through this willingness to say yes to God that Samuel's life is forever changed.

3. Without hesitation, let’s be quick and ready to give God our yes.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

1 Samuel 3:4 - ““Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”

1 Samuel 3:10 - "The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#958: What are your Priorities? Feb 09, 2024

Show notes

Let me ask you, “What are your priorities? What is most important in your life? Do your actions demonstrate that your priorities are more than good intentions? Are you really living out your priorities? These are good questions for all of us to reflect upon.

Main Points:
1. In the hustle and bustle of life, it's so easy to get swept away by the demands of the world. From career ambitions to personal goals, our attention is constantly pulled in multiple directions, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and spiritually depleted. However, amidst the chaos, Jesus offers us this timeless reminder of where our true priorities should lie.

2. I believe the way to get on track with our spiritual priorities starts with surrender. We surrender our desires, ambitions, and plans to God, inviting Him to lead and direct our steps. We decide to trust that His ways are higher than our ways and that He will fulfill His promises to provide for us as we seek His kingdom first.

3. Have you identified your spiritual priorities? What matters most to you? Choose today to make your priorities more than good intentions.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Matthew 6:33 - “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Matthew 22:37 - “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
Psalm 37:23 - “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#957: Willing to be Sent by God Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

The Holy Spirit is speaking to every believer in Jesus and He’s asking the question, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” God wants to send every one of us into His Kingdom work. When we say “Here am I, Send me,” God will use our lives for His glory.

Main Points:
1. I’ve noticed over the years, that the thing that keeps many Christians from stepping out in faith and allowing God to use their lives is that they disqualify themselves. Some feel unusable because of their past, their failures, and their mistakes. Others think God is looking for people who are more spiritual or more gifted.

2. Notice in the verse with Isaiah, there are no qualifications listed. God was looking for one thing: availability. The old saying is still true: God is not looking for ability. He is looking for availability.

3. God is still searching for men and women who will say yes. He’s looking for individuals who are willing to be sent and to be used by the Holy Spirit.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Isaiah 6:8 - “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

#956: Loving God With All Your Soul Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

The Bible teaches us we are to love God with our soul. This refers to the inner man. We are to love God with our emotions, feelings, intellect, and will.

Main Points:
1. To love God with all your soul is to love God with your entire inner life. This means everything your inner life experiences - everything you feel, decide, believe, think, choose, want, dwell on, turn to, and pursue – is about your soul.

2. The soul is about what makes you happy, what fills you with joy, where your sorrow and sadness is, and what gives you peace. All of these things you experience in your soul are to be related to your love for God. God wants a kind of love that “saturates” us.

3. When you love God with all of your soul, you love Him with all that you are.

Today’s Scripture Verses:

Matthew 16:26 – “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Matthew 10:28 – “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Psalm 62:5-6 - “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Psalm 63:1 - “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”

Quick Links:

Connect on Social

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected