The 2nd Mile Podcast

The 10th commandment warns against coveting. While this sin may be last on the list, it is one of the most prevalent in our hearts. In fact, our casual acceptance of it reveals that we don’t take it that seriously. Deep down, this is as serious of a sin as they come. It’s time to go the 2nd mile on controlling comparison.

The 9th commandment warns against lying. You can tell our culture doesn’t see lying as that big of a sin when we always categorize our deceit as just “a little white lie.” Bearing false witness speaks clearly about our character and teaches others that we are untrustworthy. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in highlighting honesty.

The 8th commandment warns against stealing. Most of us think of theft as something that only criminals and children struggle doing. We almost feel impervious to such temptation. But are we? How frequently do we justify our subtle possession of things that do not belong to us? It’s time to go the 2nd mile in redefining robbery.

The 7th commandment warns against adultery. The marital union is so unique, so precious, that nothing or no one should ever interfere. A marriage cannot work with three people in it. Whether you have been guilty, considered it, or believe yourself to be immune to the temptation, it’s time to go the 2nd mile in avoiding adultery.

The 6th commandment warns against murder. While we all agree about the serious nature of this sin, not many see it as a real temptation. When Jesus came, he explained that the real danger was in the heart before it was in the hands. You might be more guilty than you realize. It’s time go the 2nd mile in addressing anger.

The 5th commandment is to honor your father and mother. We often see this commandment for those 18 and under, but are adults supposed to obey this as well? Just realize that God gave this word first to an 80-year-old man who he expected to obey it. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in prizing parents.

The 4th of the commandments is about keeping the Sabbath day holy. In most circles, that just meant you better go to a church rather than the ball game when Sunday rolled around. While that is an accurate way to apply it, it is so much more than that. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in reclaiming rhythms.

The 3rd of the commandments is about not taking God’s name in vain. When I was a kid, it just meant by grandmother would correct me if I ever used the word, “gosh.” While that might be a concern, it is really about using God’s name in any empty way. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in fading flippancy.

The 2nd of the commandments is forbidding idolatry. Now, here is a commandment that doesn’t condemn you, right? Wrong. This command is more than just ignoring the worship of statues. In fact, we are guilty of it more than we realize. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in waiving worship.

The 1st of the 10 commandments is all about having no other gods. It seems pretty simple in theory, but we are not so apt to keeping it. If you have reduced this rule to associating with only one religion, it is much more than that. We need to evaluate. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in removing rivals.

The 10 Commandments. Should Christians see them as archaic and useless, fulfilled and pointless, or timely and necessary? The 10 rules that provided direction for the nation of Israel still maintain a worldwide impact. How should we respond? It’s time to go the 2nd mile in championing commandments.

As our world tries to discover the rhythms of the new normal, whatever that is, you have a summer ahead of you. Regardless of your stage in life, you will probably have more margin than you typically have. What do you want to do with it? It’s time to go the 2nd mile in making the most of your summer.

There are 153 million orphans in the world. Every single day, another 5,700 more children become orphans. Those numbers are staggering, and you may feel defeated because you can’t help all of them. But what if you could help one? It’s time to go the 2nd mile in helping the orphan crisis.

When the unexpected happens, we all have a choice to make. Two options lie before us. We will each choose to draw closer to God or further away from him. In your discouragements, distresses, and disappointments, which way are you headed? It’s time to go the 2nd mile in drawing close to Jesus.

The current state of the world has changed all of our plans.  No graduation. No trip. Change in job. Expectations unmet. Disappointments abound. You wonder why a door that was supposed to be open has now been slammed shut. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in respecting closed doors.

Your schedule has probably simplified in recent weeks. In fact, you probably have more margin now than ever to be able to read the Bible, but have you taken advantage of it? If you are not careful, you can waste this present opportunity and let the time slip away. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in developing a reasonable Bible study goal.

As you develop your budget and try to live financially responsible, it can be overwhelming at all the areas you need to address. How do you know what should be your priority? How do you know what you should tackle next? Maybe you need some practical guidance to start. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in developing money milestones.

You know that budgeting is important, so what is keeping you from working on one? Maybe you don’t want to face reality, but if you don’t address your financial situation, reality will interrupt you at the most inconvenient time. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in developing a budget.

A financial crisis has a way of waking us up to reality. Whether it is a national recession on the horizon or a personal consequence based on a decision, we each know how money can affect us in numerous ways. The way we handle our money says a lot about us. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in financial budgeting.

As we each grasp with learning how to function during an international pandemic, we have to innovate among restrictions. We all have stuff we still have to do, and we want to be used in a purposeful way, but everything is different now. If you want to faithfully productive, we must go the 2nd mile while working at home.

Last Sunday, people all over the world had to rethink church gatherings due to the COVID-19. Whether you watched online, had a drive-in at your church parking lot, or some other option, worship felt a little bit different. As we adapt to our circumstances, it’s time to go the 2nd mile in being the scattered church.

Life as we know it as changed just a wee bit. With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, our lives are being changed. If you aren’t quarantined, you are at least limited. So, what should you do when your schedule has changed and the world is in fear? It’s time to go the 2nd mile in quarantined discipleship.

If you are like me, you often feel overwhelmed. The standard answer to someone asking, “How are you doing?” Is apparently supposed to be “busy.” We all say we are busy, but are we effective? Are you satisfied with the progress you are making in life? It’s time to go the 2nd mile in evaluating your progress.

Sometimes, finding God’s will is easy. The righteous decision is always preferred over the sinful leaning. God never wants us to go against His design. But what about discerning among good options? How do you know what to do when either option seems OK? It’s time to go the 2nd mile in finding God’s will.

Each of us struggles with some level of anxiety. Certain triggers seem to exasperate it at times, and yet many of us don’t know what to do when the onslaught begins. The issue is not if you will be anxious but what to do when you become anxious. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in answering anxiety.