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All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16

This installment of the "Let's Talk About It..." series is an effort to discuss something highly practical for the Christian life: studying God's Word. In terms of how we study, the tools and resources we use are very important. We should be informed when picking out a certain translation of the Bible. We should also be aware of extra reference material that can help us understand what we are reading (commentaries and study and topical Bibles). The plan we decide to use to read Scripture is important as well. It is best to have a guide to follow that will cause us to stay more devoted and on-track. At the end of this episode, Derek shares what his own personal study has looked like for the past few years...it is simply meant as an example for those looking for ideas and plans to use.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Complete Guide to Bible Versions: https://www.biblegateway.com/learn/bible-101/about-the-bible/bible-versions-guide/

NIV JOURNAL THE WORD Bible Review: https://youtu.be/AYAN22gbynA?si=hH4zDsF89gsvcoWc

Enduring Word Commentary: https://enduringword.com/

Chapter-by-Chapter Bible Commentary (Nelson's Quick Reference Series) by Warren W. Wiersbe https://a.co/d/0ef6zSqp

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"If the Lord Jehovah makes us wait, let us do so with our whole hearts; for blessed are all they that wait for Him. He is worth waiting for.” Charles Spurgeon

When considering the timing of God, we must take rest in the fact that He moves and does things according to a plan that is perfect. We may not always see it and we may not always understand. But He is always on time. With the backdrop of 1 Samuel 7 today, we can see how we can trust God as we wait in between the seasons of our lives. We must look back and see the "stones of help," how He has walked with us thus far. We must also finish well in any season or place we currently reside. Finally, we must not let the vision perish. If God has laid something before you, He intends to do it. Do not lose heart. Do not be moved. God will come through.

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Rounding out this latest installment of "Stuff That's Been On My Mind," we take a look at a topic that has been brewing over recent years. The modern worship industry has become a multi-million dollar business, generating massive revenue streams for various churches, pastors, and artists. But behind the curtain of this ministry, are there issues within any of these churches or with the worship itself? Is it time for new voices to rise, is it time for a reset in who/what sets the tone for worship in many of our churches? This podcast answers to the affirmative: that yes worship does need a reset; a renewal of sorts. Songs have gotten overwhelmingly me-focused, theological truth has gotten watered down, and most of our songs come from a small, but centralized group of writers and churches. This episode invites you to enter this discussion with an open mind and leave well-informed with some action steps to take.

Articles mentioned in the episode:

The Centralization Of Modern Worship Music: Why A Few Voices Dominating Worship Is A Danger

Opinion: Church Music Has Become Big Business

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"I have so much to do today that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer". Martin Luther

When we talk about Sabbath rest, it is easy to go down various paths. For some, although Sabbath is an oft-heard term, the idea of how to observe it is foreign. For others, the Sabbath can seem like a legalistic thing and many boundaries can be made around it. This episode seeks to get an understanding from the source: God's word. The Sabbath is instituted right from the start in Genesis 2:2 as God rested or paused from His work. We see that the Sabbath is created for man and for our benefit. Finally, we see that as we observe the Sabbath (a day of rest), we depend upon the Lord more and hear His heart. We invite you to tune into this podcast and by the end, take the challenge to incorporate the Sabbath into your life each week!

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"When all is said and done, the life of faith is nothing if not an unending struggle of the spirit with every available weapon against the flesh." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Picking up on a previous series from 2024 (Stuff That's Been On My Mind), this episode takes a look at conspiracy theories. No it's not a deep dive into the latest and greatest gossip. Rather, it's a look at how to address and deal with these things from a Christian viewpoint. Whenever we hear rumors (true or unfounded), we must practice discernment. We must also see that our faith in Jesus is unshakeable and immovable. Finally, Jesus has the last word on any of this. He will right the wrongs and come what may, He will guide us into eternity. We don't have to get caught up in the latest and greatest sensational conspiracy theory. We must keep our eyes fixed on Him who will lead us through.

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What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. James 4:1,2

In the Book of James, there is much written about Christian conduct and character, especially as it pertains to relationships within the Body of Christ. We all can struggle with selfishness. But we must realize that our desire to look inward and take care of our own interests often comes at the expense of building up the Body. If we have competing desires (following the world or following God), we eventually come to a place which James terms "adulterous and hostile" to the Lord. The remedy is to seek a humble heart, a heart which God blesses and honors. With the backdrop of James 4:1-12 today, we dive into a topic that focuses on Him, not us.

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I always thank my God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:4

As we close out the first month of 2026, one goal we must have for this year is to find community. The church is a great place to start and we should be plugged into the local church. But even further, who are the people who help guide and encourage you and to whom you guide and encourage also? This episode focuses on how God helps us in "finding our tribe," how we must also limit access with certain people, and that we must look for opportunities to pour into the generations that follow us. As we find our tribe, we find those who God will use to continue to shape and mold us. It's an essential part of our walk in the Lord, as there are no "Lone Ranger Christians."

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Regarding resolutions we make at New Year's, the data isn't great. 25% of people default on their plans in the first week. By the end of the first month, 64% percent are no longer keeping their resolutions. And the data is clear: on average resolutions only last about 4 months...it's hard to keep our promises to ourselves.

But as we think about spiritual goals each year, what is the best way to achieve them? Today's "Let's Talk About It..." episode considers the question, "What if we stopped calling them 'resolutions' and made them 'commitments'?" This subtle change in wording helps us to think of anything we do (spiritually-speaking) as something we want to commit to...not just for a season, but for life. Reading the Bible, being in prayer, fasting, going to church...these are all things we don't just do for awhile and then quit. They are things we keep going after. We can modify and tweak as we go. And we need accountability along the way. But we stay committed and that commitment sees us through beyond just a few months!