Are you serving 4 hidden idols and don't even know it? In this honest episode of Mic Check: Real Life, host Michael Hoskins gets personal about complacency, comfort, and repentance during the Ten Days of Awe between Yom Teruah and Yom Kippur. He walks through the 4 idols of the heart — comfort & pleasure, control, approval, and power — and why obedience to God is the only answer. Michael shares how God confronted him about seeking human approval over God's, chasing achievement for significance, and holding too tight to control. Including the powerful moment he was praying about feeling unworthy of his calling — and his brother Diego texted him Isaiah 50:7-9 word-for-word. If you're feeling worn down, stuck, or distant from God, this is your call to choose this day whom you will serve.

Scriptures in this episode:

Isaiah 50:7-9 | Joshua 24:1-15 | Matthew 6:24 | Luke 9:23-24 | James 4:7-8 | 1 John 5:20-21In this episode:

Why comfort can become an idol at the expense of others

How control steals your peace

Confession of being a people-pleaser and approval-seeker

How achievement and influence become false significance

The feeding program miracle: from almost nothing to 1,100 lunches a week during the pandemic

Which of the 4 idols hit you hardest?

Comment below — let's talk about it.

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⏱️ Timeline / Chapters

00:00 Introduction & podcast reflections

05:00 The Living Word and why you need to read it yourself

09:00 The Season of Repentance - Ten Days of Awe

12:00 What the fear of the Lord really means

16:00 Michael's struggle with complacency and comfort

19:00 The Isaiah 50:7-9 revelation and Diego's text

23:00 Intro to the 4 idols of the heart

24:00 Idol 1: Comfort and Pleasure

29:00 Idol 2: Control

33:00 Idol 3: Approval

37:00 Idol 4: Power, achievement and influence

43:00 No one can serve two masters - Matthew 6:24

46:00 Deny yourself daily - Luke 9:23-24

50:00 Submit, resist, humble yourself - James 4:7-8

53:00 Keep yourselves from idols - 1 John 5:20-21

55:00 Obedience is the only answer

56:00 The power of godly counsel and mentors

1:00:00 The feeding program miracle testimony

1:03:00 Closing prayer and free Bible offer

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Can you actually earn your salvation by attending church, singing songs, or serving the community?

In this episode of Mic Check Real Life, host Mike tackles a common misconception head-on: the difference between trying to work for your salvation versus living a life of true worship because you are already saved. True biblical worship isn't confined to a one-hour service on Sunday or the music sung from a stage. Worship is obedience, sacrifice, caring for the hurting, and offering your entire life in surrender to God.

Whether your calling is leading songs, studying the Word, praying in secret, or serving those in need, scripture shows that God isn't looking for empty religious rituals—He is looking for our hearts.

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Scriptures Referenced in This Study:
John 4:21–24
Matthew 15:1–9
John 14:12–15
1 Samuel 15:22
Romans 12:1–2
Amos 5:21–24

Isaiah 58
James 1:26–27
Psalm 95:6
Revelation 4:11

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Connect & Support:

Partner Ministry: Check out Destin2Shine supporting youth aging out of foster care: https://www.facebook.com/Destin2ShineOrmondBeach

*Special thanks to this week's episode sponsors: Marella Lewis, and Tate & Marissa Davis!

Need a Bible or prayer? Drop a comment below or send us a message—we will gladly ship a Bible directly to your door at no cost.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with someone who needs encouragement today!
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Timeline (Video Chapters)

* 00:00 - Welcome Back & Update
* 01:00 - Sponsor Shoutouts
* 01:46 - The Fall Feasts & Today's Word Study
* 02:50 - Serving the Community (Dixie's Place & Destin2Shine)
* 04:00 - Can You Earn Salvation? The Gospel Foundation
* 05:14 - Diverse Callings: Preachers, Teachers, and Servants
* 05:54 - Is Worship Bigger Than Just Music and Services?
* 09:12 - Why Service Is Worship, Not a Ticket to Heaven
* 10:35 - John 4: Worshiping in Spirit and Truth
* 11:48 - Matthew 15: Empty Rituals vs. The Heart
* 14:02 - 1 Samuel 15: Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice
* 16:21 - Romans 12: Offering Your Entire Life as a Sacrifice
* 19:25 - The Courtroom Analogy: Christ Paid Our Penalty
* 20:46 - Amos 5 & Isaiah 58: True Worship Produces Justice and Mercy
* 23:55 - James 1:27: Pure Religion, Widows, and Foster Youth
* 26:50 - Psalm 95: Praise, Singing, and Reverence
* 28:22 - Revelation 4: Centering Everything on Who God Is
* 30:00 - "None of Us Deserve It": The Gift of Grace
* 32:15 - Spirit and Truth: Avoiding Empty Emotion and Rigid Observance
* 34:10 - Investing Your Talents as an Act of Surrender
* 36:08 - Need a Bible? Let Us Send You One
* 37:25 - Closing Thoughts

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Welcome back to another episode of Mike Check Real Life! In this episode, Mike dives into what it truly means to operate in active faith rather than "throwing down a fleece," sharing an incredible real-life story of how community, local business networks (BNI and What's Happening Cleveland), and everyday faith came together in seconds to meet the desperate need of a community member. If you are feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or wondering how you can make a difference, this message is a reminder to look up, trust God's provision, and step into the purpose He has for you.

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Mike Check Real Life

00:43 – Update: Resolving the Scam & Getting the Refund

01:43 – Sponsor Shout-Out: Todd Corter & Tara Hillixon

02:40 – Operating in Bold Faith vs. Throwing Down a Fleece

04:30 – Upcoming Schedule, Staff Retreat & Guest Testimonies

05:45 – Hearing a Need in the Local Community

06:53 – Bridging the Gap: The Power of Business Networking & Church

09:18 – BNI & "What's Happening Cleveland"

10:45 – Asking for Help: A Need Met in Seconds

12:30 – Restoring Joy & Finding Ways to Serve

14:30 – To Those Who Need Hope: Look Up & Use Your Gifts

17:24 – The Ultimate Hope in Jesus & Closing Thoughts

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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

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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

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Contact Mic Check: Real Life
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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)
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Contact Mic Check: Real Life
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"Comfort wants you dead, and complacency will kill you." Welcome back to another episode of Mic Check Real Life. In this episode, I’m getting real about a few things the Father has been working on my heart lately—specifically, how we evaluate the quality of our faith, the traps of pride in ministry, and the vital importance of godly relationships. This past weekend, my wife and I had the chance to travel and spend time with some of our dearest friends, Mary and Diego. They are the exact people God beautifully used to bring us back to Him after we walked away from the church with a lot of hurt. Seeing them—and getting unexpectedly folded right into their beautiful, massive family reunion (featured in today's thumbnail!)—reminded me what authentic, unconditional, Jesus-level love actually feels like. It forced me to look back at our journey. In 2015, we were coming out of homelessness, living in a cramped, 7-foot-wide 1980s trailer. By 2019, through God's mercy, we were out of debt, owned a home, and were led into a powerful ministry serving struggling veterans. But blessings require good stewardship, not ego. I also share a tough, humbling lesson from my past—a time back in 2014 when my own stubbornness and pride post-surgery completely ruined an outreach opportunity and potentially chased a soul away from the Kingdom. We cannot let pride dictate our ministry. If you are holding onto comfort zones, material things, or empty relationships because you're afraid of what you'll lose... this message is for you. Today, I dropped our new building lease in the box completely on faith, without having the finances fully secured. I can’t tell you to step out into the uncomfortable if I’m not willing to do it myself! I dare you to do something scary and uncomfortable for the Kingdom today. Challenge Him, step out, and watch Him show up. 📖 Scripture & Stories Mentioned:Satan appearing as an angel of light / opportunity The Parable of the Talents (Don't bury what God gave you!) The Faith of Job & The Prodigal Son 📬 Connect With Us & Get Involved!Need a Bible? If you don't own one, reach out to us via the links below—we will get one into your hands free of charge. Share Your Testimony: We are actively looking for guests to sit in the studio or join us remotely. If you want to offer encouragement and hope without self-promotion, reach out
0:01 — Intro + welcome back to the episode
0:37 — Weekend visit with dear friends
1:14 — Story about homelessness and the RV
5:23 — How that season led into ministry and veterans work
6:34 — Church hurt and meeting Mary and Diego
8:17 — Realizing they were the kind of people he wanted to be around
12:56 — Reflecting on meaningful vs empty relationships
17:34 — Father’s advice about choosing friends
20:29 — Warning about getting pulled into the wrong “ministry” opportunities
23:58 — The story of the homeless man after neck surgery
27:25 — His wife praying with the man at the hotel
30:35 — Why public condemnation can do more harm than good
41:36 — Main takeaway: evaluate your relationships and calling
43:06 — Prayer for salvation
48:50 — Dropping off the lease in faith
49:52 — Closing challenge to step out in faith
Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible)
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Happy 250th Independence Day! In this special post-holiday episode of Mike Check Real Life, host Mike steps away from the political noise to talk about a deeper, unchanging reality: the ultimate freedom found only in our Messiah, Jesus (Yeshua Hamashiach).

Drawing powerful connections between the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 and the overwhelming witnesses of truth outlined in John 5, Mike breaks down the undeniable testimonies of God’s power. Despite historical records and personal miracles, so many still refuse the gift of salvation—a rebellion Mike knows all too well from his own past.

Through the lens of personal trials, including his wife Melissa's incredible recovery and faith after shattering her patella, Mike challenges us to shift our perspective on suffering and draw closer to the Father. If you are at the end of your rope, tired of running, and ready to experience a life-changing, redemptive love, join Mike for a special prayer of salvation at the end of this episode.

We aren't here for the algorithms, the views, or the money—we are here for your eternity.

📖 Key Scriptures Covered:
Luke 16:27–31 – The Law, the prophets, and the reality of the resurrection.

John 5:31–47 – The multiple witnesses that testify to the truth of Jesus.

🕒 Time Stamps
00:00 – Welcome & Happy 250th Birthday, America!

01:10 – Defining true freedom and the sacrifice it requires.

03:15 – Moving past politics to a faith-based message of hope.

04:30 – Scriptural Deep Dive: Luke 16 (The Parable of warning and salvation).

06:55 – Connecting Luke to John 5: The three witnesses of the Messiah.

12:40 – Why do we still doubt? Overcoming the blindness to modern miracles.

15:40 – Personal Testimony: Update on Melissa’s surgery and finding strength in trials.

18:00 – Mike's reflection on his own past rebellion and God's overwhelming grace.

21:35 – A direct challenge to the skeptics: "Challenge Him to make Himself known."

23:05 – Finding joy and leaning in during times of suffering (Lessons from Job).

25:00 – A commitment to preaching the Gospel from the rooftops.

26:00 – A Powerful Prayer of Repentance and Salvation.

28:00 – Final thoughts: Reaching the "one" and building the Kingdom.

💬 Did you pray that prayer with us today? Please drop a comment down below and let us know where you are at. No sign-up lists, no spam, and no judgment. If you need a Bible, reach out—we have people standing by who want to get one into your hands.

If this message touched your heart, please consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who needs to hear it today. Go out there, smile at someone, and remember: you might be the only Jesus somebody meets today. God bless!

Support Mic Check: Real Life: (Not Tax Deductible)
paypal.me/MichaelDHoskins
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Mail a check or money order:
PO Box 12
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Contact Mic Check: Real Life
423-740-2293

https://www.instagram.com/miccheckreallife

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