In this episode of Mic Check Real Life, host Mike Hoskins shares a recent experience falling victim to an elaborate new fraud scheme involving eBay, PayPal, and UPS tracking numbers. He breaks down how this new scam works, how to protect yourself and your loved ones, and the spiritual and personal lessons he learned regarding handling frustration, repentance, and empathetic growth. Additionally, Mike reviews this week's global listener analytics, featuring new listeners from Qatar, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, and highlights a respectful cross-cultural dialogue.
Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
01:10 – Purpose of Today's Warning on Fraud and Scams
02:37 – Buying Machinery on eBay: The Setup
04:45 – The Red Flag: Impossible Delivery Times and Fake Signatures 06:58 – How the Loophole Works: Fighting PayPal, eBay, and UPS
11:32 – Warning the Audience: Protecting Loved Ones from Online Fraud
14:02 – Personal Reflection: Struggling with Anger, AI Barriers, and Self-Control
18:08 – Kingdom Purpose: Finding Perspective, Repentance, and Empathy
24:35 – Global Community Update: New Listeners in Qatar, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
25:40 – The Power of AI Translation: Respectful Conversations Across Beliefs
29:40 – Closing Gratitude and Final Message

Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible)
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PO Box 12
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In this episode of Mic Check Real Life, host Mike Hoskins reflects on what it truly means to step out in faith—even when faced with financial strain, physical injury, or the unknown.

Mike shares how trusting God led to unexpected breakthroughs, including securing the podcast studio lease at the 11th hour, seeing supernatural financial turnarounds, finding a new team member, and starting a new service-based business. Plus, he shares an exciting update on how the podcast is expanding across the globe to reach listeners in countries like Iraq, Turkey, Malaysia, and beyond.

If you are facing a trial or trying to decide whether to take a step of faith, be encouraged to keep your eyes on Him and step out!

**Key Scriptures Mentioned/Referenced:**

* Proverbs 3:5–6


* Matthew 14:28–31 (Walking on Water)



Chapter Markers

* 00:00 – Welcome to Mike Check Real Life / Podcast Intro


* 00:46 – Facing the Risk of Losing the Studio Lease


* 01:50 – The Sole Purpose of the Show: Sharing the Gospel


* 03:20 – Throwing Out a "Fleece" & Overcoming Conviction


* 05:40 – Deciding to Step Out in Faith and Sign the New Lease


* 07:08 – God Delivers at the 11th Hour!


* 08:12 – Gratitude & Shoutouts to Podcast Supporters


* 09:30 – Reaching the World: 7% of Listeners in Iraq!


* 11:20 – Encouragement for International Believers Facing Risk


* 13:50 – Testimony: Overcoming Injury & Financial Loss in Small Business


* 17:15 – Finding the Right Employee & Turning a Loss into a Blessing


* 20:45 – Launching a New Business to Serve & Pray for Others


* 25:20 – Sowing into the Community & Providing for Families


* 27:40 – Challenge: Don't Look at the Storm, Keep Walking in Faith


* 30:00 – Closing Prayer


* 31:10 – International Audience Breakdown & Final Blessings

Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible)
paypal.me/MichaelDHoskins
CashAPP $MichaelDHoskins
venmo/@MichaelDHoskins

Mail a check or money order:
PO Box 12
Delano, TN 37325
Contact Mic Check: Real Life
423-740-2293

In this episode of Mic Check, host Mike Hoskins tackles a common point of contention among believers and seekers: Should non-believers challenge or test God to make Himself known?

After a comment quoted Matthew 4:7 ("Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God") to attack an encouragement given to spiritual seekers, Mike breaks down the critical difference between taking scripture out of context versus understanding true biblical exegesis. By walking through Matthew 4, Deuteronomy 6, and Exodus 17, he explains the historical context of what took place at Massah and why crying out for hope as a non-believer is vastly different from mocking God after witnessing His miracles.

Mike also addresses how infighting and legalism can become stumbling blocks for those searching for hope, shares an update on his wife Melissa’s recovery, and celebrates the podcast's international reach into countries around the globe.

If you enjoy the content, please consider liking, commenting, and sharing to help reach more people!

Chapters
00:00 – Welcome to Mike Check

00:30 – Addressing the Comment: Is Encouraging Hope "Testing" God?

02:00 – Why Religious Infighting Chases People Away

03:00 – Don't Use Verses to Beat People Up

05:15 – Focusing on Hope vs. Keyboard Warriors

07:30 – Responding to "Potato Crusher 9000" & Matthew 4:7

09:15 – Reading Matthew 4 in Context: The Temptation of Jesus

11:20 – Connecting to Deuteronomy 6: What Happened at Massah?

13:30 – Unpacking Exodus 17: Mocking God vs. Crying Out in Need

16:30 – Why Non-Believers Can Ask God to Make Himself Real

19:00 – The Stumbling Blocks We Put in Front of Others

22:00 – Encouraging Believers to Show Love and Grace

24:30 – God Isn't a Stalker, But He's Waiting for You

26:25 – Rebutting Proof-Texting with Contextual Exegesis

27:40 – Family Update: Melissa’s Knee Recovery

28:30 – How You Can Support the Channel & Algorithm Tips

32:25 – Global Reach Analytics: Spreading the Message Worldwide

34:40 – Final Encouragement & Challenge

Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible)
paypal.me/MichaelDHoskins
CashAPP $MichaelDHoskins
venmo/@MichaelDHoskins

Mail a check or money order:
PO Box 12
Delano, TN 37325
Contact Mic Check: Real Life
423-740-2293

https://www.instagram.com/miccheckreallife

https://www.tiktok.com/@miccheckreallife