Persistence Episodes

In Luke 14:16-24, Jesus tells the parable of the great supper. A man prepares a great feast and sends out invitations, but when everything is ready, those who were invited begin making excuses. But notice what happens next. In verse 21, the master becomes angry and tells his servant to go into the streets and bring in the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind. Then, in verse 23, the command becomes even more urgent: “Compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” And then comes the sobering warning of verse 24: “For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” This isn’t simply a story about a dinner invitation. Jesus is revealing the seriousness of God’s invitation—and the danger of treating that invitation casually. God’s invitation is gracious. It is extended. The door is open. But there comes a point when excuses have consequences. Today, we’re going to look closely at verses 21, 23, and 24 and ask ourselves an im…

The healing of the lame man at the temple gate should have been a moment of celebration. Instead, it became the beginning of persecution for Peter and John. In Acts 3, God performs a miraculous healing. In Acts 4, the religious authorities respond with opposition and threats. But when Peter and John return to the believers, the church doesn’t respond with fear. They respond with prayer. Their prayer is remarkable. They don’t ask God to remove every obstacle. They ask Him to give them boldness to continue speaking His Word. And God answers. “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” — Acts 4:31, KJV This is the final part of When Prayer Changes the Story, and it reminds us that sometimes prayer doesn’t change the opposition around us—it changes us in the middle of the opposition.

Fear has a way of making our problems look bigger than our God. In 2 Kings 6, Elisha and his servant find themselves surrounded by the Syrian army. The servant sees horses, chariots, and soldiers—and assumes they are finished. But Elisha sees something his servant cannot yet see. Elisha responds with a powerful prayer: “Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see.” God opens the servant’s eyes, and suddenly he sees the mountain filled with horses and chariots of fire. In Part 4 of When Prayer Changes the Story, we discover that prayer doesn’t always change our circumstances immediately. Sometimes prayer changes our perspective. What looks like defeat may actually be the place where God is preparing to reveal His power.

Sometimes God allows circumstances to reach a point where there is no mistaking who deserves the glory when the answer comes. In Part 3 of When Prayer Changes the Story, we travel through 1 Kings 16:29–18:40 and encounter one of the most dramatic moments in Scripture. King Ahab has led Israel deeper into idolatry, Jezebel has promoted the worship of Baal, and God responds through Elijah with a devastating drought. But the drought was more than a judgment—it became the setting for God to demonstrate His power. On Mount Carmel, Elijah stands virtually alone against the prophets of Baal. The question is simple: Who is really God? And when Elijah prays, God answers with fire. This episode reminds us that prayer isn’t about manipulating God into doing what we want. Prayer places us in a position to witness what God is capable of doing when we trust Him, obey Him, and call upon His name. Sometimes prayer doesn’t just change the situation. Prayer changes the story by reveal…

There are moments when following Jesus is not easy. His teachings may challenge us, the road may become difficult, and the world may offer countless alternatives. Yet in John 6, Peter gives us one of the most powerful declarations of faith in Scripture: “Lord, to whom shall we go?” In this episode, we examine what it means to build our lives on Jesus Christ as the only true foundation. Jesus tells us not to be troubled, but to trust Him. He declares Himself to be the way, the truth, and the life. Paul reminds us that there is no other foundation than Jesus Christ, while Jesus Himself warns us that only those who build on His words will stand when the storms come. The question is simple but profound: Are you building your life on Christ—or on something that cannot withstand the storm?

There are times when following Jesus is easy—when His promises comfort us, His blessings encourage us, and His presence gives us peace. But what happens when Jesus says something we don’t understand? What happens when His teaching challenges our beliefs, our priorities, or our way of life? In John 6:60–69, many of Jesus’ disciples reach a difficult crossroads. They hear His teaching and say, “This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” Some turn away and walk with Him no more. But Jesus turns to the twelve and asks, “Will ye also go away?” Peter’s response gives us one of the most powerful declarations of faith in Scripture: “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” This episode looks at what happens when following Jesus becomes difficult—and why faith means continuing to follow Him even when we don’t understand everything He says. Sometimes the question isn’t whether Jesus’ teaching is difficult. The question is whether we trust the One who is tea…

What do you do when trouble comes? Trouble has a way of showing up without an invitation. It can leave us afraid, overwhelmed, confused, and wondering what we’re going to do next. In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat faced an overwhelming enemy and an impossible situation. But instead of relying on his own strength, he sought the Lord. Instead of focusing on the size of the enemy, he focused on the greatness of God. And instead of rushing ahead, he learned to stand still and wait on God. In this week’s ScriptureLinks Daily Dose of Inspiration, we’ll ask three important questions: 1. When trouble comes, who do you turn to? 2. When trouble comes, what do you focus on? 3. When trouble comes, do you wait on God? The answer to trouble isn’t always another plan, another resource, or another person. Sometimes the answer is simply to remember who God is. When we don’t know what to do, we can still look to the One who does. “For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” — …

In this episode, we continue through 2 Peter and confront a sobering truth—spiritual growth is not optional. Peter challenges believers to examine whether they are increasing in godly character or becoming spiritually blind. We also see a powerful reminder: God knows how to rescue the godly and judge the unrighteous. This episode calls us to intentional growth and unwavering trust in God’s deliverance.

In a world full of opinions, traditions, and religious expectations, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters—Christ. In this episode, we explore the danger of allowing man-made rules to take the place of God’s grace. Through Colossians 2, Romans 14, and Acts 15, we uncover a powerful truth: if Jesus has set you free, no one has the right to bind you again. This message challenges believers to walk in conviction without falling into judgment, and to stand firm in the freedom that Christ has already secured.

Following Jesus isn’t just about starting—it’s about staying. In this episode, we confront the real danger of turning back after walking with God. Through powerful scriptures, we see how some disciples walked away, how Demas deserted the faith, and how Scripture warns us about a drifting heart. This message is a call to stand firm, guard your heart, and remain committed—even when it’s hard. Because going back isn’t just a step—it’s a direction.

The Christian life is not a casual stroll — it is a race that requires endurance, discipline, and focus on Christ. In this episode, we explore what it means to run with purpose, stay spiritually disciplined, and finish well. Drawing from Paul’s words and the encouragement of Scripture, we are reminded that the goal is not just to start strong but to finish faithfully. God has set a race before each of us. The question is: Are we running to win?

Trouble is unavoidable in this world—but living troubled is not. In this episode, we explore the promise of the deep, unshakable peace Jesus gives to His people. While circumstances shift and pressures mount, Christ offers rest for our souls and peace that guards our hearts and minds. If you’re weary, anxious, or carrying burdens you weren’t meant to hold alone, this message will remind you where true peace is found—not in perfect conditions, but in the presence of a victorious Savior.

Life presses us with uncertainty, opposition, and the temptation to rely on our own strength. Scripture reminds us that our times are not random—they are held securely in the hand of God. From Hezekiah spreading his crisis before the Lord, to Moses warning Israel not to forget God in seasons of abundance, to Paul finishing his race with faith intact, this episode calls believers to humble trust, holy remembrance, and steadfast perseverance. Faithfulness is not just how we start—it’s how we finish.

When God looks at our walk, He sees more than our outward behavior—He sees direction, devotion, and dependence. Scripture reminds us that our walk reveals who is leading us, what we’ve been delivered from, and whether His presence truly goes with us. In this episode, we examine what God sees when He watches how we live day by day and how a Spirit-led walk reflects transformation, obedience, and a desire for His presence above all else.

Scripture repeatedly warns that not everything labeled “worship” is accepted by God. From empty rituals to mindless prayers and man-made traditions, God exposes practices that appear spiritual yet are ultimately vain. In this episode, we examine what God Himself calls meaningless—and why sincerity, truth, and obedience matter more than repetition, form, or appearance. True worship is not about outward performance but inward submission to God’s Word.

In John 13:7, Jesus speaks words that echo through every season of waiting and confusion: “What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.” Those words remind us that God’s work is often hidden before it is revealed. In this episode, we explore how God’s purposes are frequently misunderstood in the moment by looking at the lives of Noah, Joseph, and Job. Noah built an ark under clear skies, trusting God without seeing the rain. Joseph endured betrayal, slavery, and prison without knowing a throne awaited him. Job suffered deeply, questioning God’s silence while remaining anchored in faith. None of them understood then—but each would understand later. This episode encourages believers who are struggling to make sense of God’s timing, His methods, or His silence. When understanding is delayed, faith must lead. Join us as we learn to trust the God who sees the whole picture, even when we only see the storm—or no storm at all.

Paul talks about not doing the things he should do, but does do the things he should avoid. It’s a struggle as long as time itself. If you are honest with yourself, you probably do the same thing. There is, however, a way out. Todays episode talks about how to get out of the never ending struggle to do the things God wants us to be doing. Do you feel like a hamster in a wheel?

This is how people like Daniel and Joseph in the Bible kept centered on God. Todays episode takes a hard look at what you and I need to do each day if we want to live the way God expects.

Yesterday, we talked about keeping mercy and truth at the center of your life. Today, we are looking at a couple real life examples of men who did just that, and see how God worked in them. If you are in your darkest hour right now, it is not the time to abandon your faith. Instead, it’s time to keep focused on God, because He may be preparing you for something beyond your wildest dreams.

Why does the world so often resist the truth of God’s Word? From Jesus’ own rejection to the persecution of the early church, Scripture reminds us that truth is rarely welcomed with open arms. In this episode, we explore why people hate the truth, how it exposes hearts, and how we as believers can respond with courage, grace, and unwavering faith.

In this episode, we explore the call to live unashamed of the gospel, even in the face of trials and suffering. The Apostle Paul’s life demonstrates a faith anchored in Christ, not in human wisdom or strength. We’ll learn how to boldly follow Jesus, endure hardship, and model our lives in a way that points others to Him. The Christian life isn’t without challenges—but the power of God’s Word equips us to remain faithful. Whether you’re walking through trials or simply desiring to grow in courage, this episode will encourage you to hold firmly to Christ and lead others by your example.

In this episode, Courage in the Face of Suffering Part 1, we take a deep look at what it means to stand unashamed for Christ even in the midst of trials. Drawing from several Bible verses, we see the courage of Jesus, the call of the believer, and the power of the gospel that cannot be silenced. Suffering is not a sign of defeat—it’s often the stage where God’s glory shines brightest.

In life, fear and uncertainty can surround us like a flood. Yet the Bible reminds us that God is our strength, our shield, and our ever-present help. In this episode, we’ll explore what it truly means to place our trust in the Lord instead of relying on our own understanding. From stories of victory against impossible odds to promises of God’s steadfast presence, we’ll learn how trust transforms fear into faith.

James reminds us that many of life’s struggles and conflicts begin in our own hearts. We chase what we want, we quarrel, and we often seek fulfillment apart from God. But the answer isn’t found in striving—it’s in surrender. In this episode, we’ll look at how humility, repentance, and submission to God lead to true peace. When we resist the devil and turn our hearts toward the Lord, He promises to draw near to us and lift us up in His grace.