The Daily Grind

Tuesday, August 22: In this episode of "The Daily Grind," we embark on a spiritual journey following in the footsteps of Jesus, striving to embody His teachings in our lives. Along the way, we come to realize the importance of remaining present in the moment and being still, despite the chaos and instant gratification of our world. As we learn valuable lessons from the waiting room, we d...

Monday, August 21: In this episode, we explore the prayer of examen , a simple yet powerful way to grow closer to God and ourselves. We'll learn how to use this prayer to reflect on our day, identify areas where we need God's guidance, and grow in our understanding of ourselves and God's love for us. We'll also look at Psalm 139, which provides a beautiful and inspiring backdrop fo...

Friday, 18 August: In this episode, Mariza and I explore Psalm 23, which is often called the "Psalm of Assurance." We discuss the imagery of the shepherd and the sheep, and how this psalm can help us to trust in God's love and care. We also share some personal stories about how we have found comfort and hope in Psalm 23, and we encourage listeners to turn to this psalm when they are...

Thursday, 17 August: In this episode, John explores the connection between the words of Jesus on the cross and the ancient Psalm 22. He shows how both texts speak of hope, trust, and perseverance in the midst of suffering. And encourages listeners to never give up on God, no matter how difficult things may seem. Here are some additional thoughts on the passage: Psalm 22 is a powerful reminder that...

Wednesday, 16 August: In this episode, John explores Psalm 16, which speaks of the assurance of God's presence. He draws on the insights of Henri Nouwen and Tim Keller to show how we can find refuge in God's love, even in the midst of uncertainty. These stories about how Time Keller has experienced God's presence in his own life, encourage us to trust in God's love and care, no mat...

Tuesday, 15 August: In this episode, John explores Psalm 1, which offers a stark contrast between the paths of the righteous and the wicked. He discusses the importance of delighting in God's Word and meditating on it day and night, and he challenges listeners to make a choice about what they will love and desire. John also shares some personal stories about how he has tried to follow the path...

Monday, 14 August, 2023: In this episode, John explores the Psalms as a profound language to engage with God in the full spectrum of our emotions and experiences. He discusses how the Psalms can help us to express our anguish, joy, confusion, and confidence to God, and how they can lead us to a place of hope and renewed joy. John also shares some personal stories about how the Psalms have helped h...

Friday, 11 August: In this episode, John and Mariza explore the Lord's Prayer, looking at what the different aspects of the prayer mean and how it can serve as a template for our own prayers. They discuss how the Lord's Prayer can help us to focus on God's will, to ask for our daily needs, and to forgive others. They also share some of their own personal experiences with using the Lord...

Thursday, 10 August: In this episode, we'll be exploring the importance of using God's words when we pray. We'll look at Colossians 3:16 and 4:2, where Paul encourages the Colossians to "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" and "always keep up the habit of praying." We'll also discuss the pre-modern method of engaging the Bible known as lectio divina, whi...

Wednesday, 9 August: In this episode of The Daily Grind podcast, join John Spencer as he explores the powerful passage of Colossians 2:16-3:5. After exploring the spiritual realm and Christ's impact on believers in the earlier chapters, the focus now shifts to the present moment. The passage challenges us to recognize our identity intricately woven with Christ's deeds and to disregard empt...

Tuesday, 8 August: In this episode of The Daily Grind, we're exploring Colossians 2:6-15 with host John Spencer. Paul's letter to the Colossians is full of rich theology, but in this passage, he focuses on practical advice for how believers can grow in their faith. Spencer unpacks Paul's teaching on faith, works, and gratitude, and shows how these three concepts are all interconnected....

Monday, 7 August: In this episode, we'll be diving into Colossians 1:24-2:5, where Paul reveals the mystery of Christ. This mystery is that Christ not only dwells within the church, but he also dwells within each individual believer through the Holy Spirit. This means that we have direct access to God through Jesus Christ. We'll also explore Paul's heart for the Colossians and his desi...

Friday, August 4th: In this episode of The Daily Grind Podcast, Mariza and John continue their journey through the sermon on the mount as they discuss Matthew 6:1-4. When we give or serve, our motivation should not be to get the attention of people. Grad a mug of your favorite brew and sit in as just talk about what Jesus says about giving. My good friend, Samantha Taylor, shared this definition o...

Thursday, August 3rd: In this episode of The Daily Grind Podcast, John Spencer discusses Colossians 1:21-23, where Paul reminds the Colossians and us that reconciliation with God has profound implications. It grants access to God's presence, allowing believers to embrace the transformative power of the gospel. Through faith and commitment, they can participate in God's ongoing work of rene...

Wednesday, August 2nd: In this episode of The Daily Grind Podcast, John Spencer discusses the Christ Hymn in Colossians 1:15-20, one of the earliest Christian poems ever written. The poem highlights three vital aspects of Jesus Christ and what God has accomplished through Him: Jesus reveals the true nature of God. Jesus bridges the gap between the old world of creation and the new world of redempt...

Tuesday, August 1st: Colossians 1:9-14 In this episode of The Daily Grind Podcast, John Spencer discusses Paul's letter to the Colossians, in which he offers guidance and support to a young church that is facing challenges. Paul emphasizes the importance of relying on God's power and wisdom, and cultivating a spirit of thanksgiving. Here are some additional details that could be included i...

Monday, July 31st: In this episode, we will explore the profound meaning behind Revelation 3:20 and understand its relevance to our lives. We will discuss the true audience of this verse, the significance of Jesus standing outside and knocking, and the three important truths that can be extracted from this passage. We will also consider the question of whether or not the Laodicean church opened th...

Friday, July 28th: Pull up a chair, grab a cup of joe, and join Mariza and me as we continue our informal walk through the sermon on the mount. Today we'll look at Matthew 5:38-48 . We'll talk through living out turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, and more. Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If y'all wanna talk mo...

Thursday, July 27th: In this episode of The Daily Grind, John explores the prevalent anxiety in our culture. He discusses the profound impact of anxiety, likening it to a never-ending talkative toddler. We also delve into the habit of engaging in activities without much thought, like mindlessly consuming news. However, the key to finding true peace lies in focusing on God and expressing gratitude,...

Wednesday, July 26th: In this episode, John answers a listener email about the connection between the world's current state and the messages conveyed in the minor prophets. We’ll explores how these ancient texts, though written for specific historical contexts, hold timeless principles and themes that remain applicable today. Discover the importance of understanding historical context and how...

Tuesday, July 25th: Luke 15. Join host John Spencer on "The Daily Grind" as we go through Jesus’s parables in Luke 15, which reveal the profound love of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Discover how the three stories we know as ‘The Lost Sheep’, ‘The Lost Coin’, and ‘The Prodigal Son’ reflect God's intense love and forgiveness. Discover the joy of being embraced by our h...

Monday, July 24: In this episode, I discuss the difference between merely believing in Jesus and truly following Him. It's a challenging journey that requires a whole change of heart and a willingness to live a selfless life, showing God's love to others. We discuss how American Evangelicalism might have watered down the call to discipleship, instead of emphasizing the importance of counti...

Friday, July 21st: In this episode, we delve into the profound meaning of the Good Samaritan parable told by Jesus, exploring its significance in the context of 1st-century Judaism and how it challenges us today. While the term "Good Samaritan" has come to symbolize compassion and kindness, we uncover how it would have been perceived differently in Jesus' time, offering a fresh persp...

Thursday, July 20th: In this episode, we delve into some of the most powerful questions Jesus asked, “Do you love me?” Questions revealing his vulnerability and heart towards us. We explore moments when Jesus asked his disciples if they wanted to be with him and if they truly loved him. Through these questions, Jesus sought a genuine relationship, not blind obedience, and we learn how they still r...

Wednesday, July 19: In this episode, we explore the questions Jesus asked about life and faith. These questions challenge us to pause, reflect, and examine our priorities. We look into their significance for the people during Jesus' time and their relevance for us today. By examining what we have made most important, we can correct our focus, prioritize what truly matters, and deepen our spiri...