In this episode, I explore how to respond when painful or deceptive thoughts show up. We may not be able to choose every thought that knocks on the door, but we can choose whether to agree with it.

I walk through four practical steps:

• Recognize the lie by separating what happened from what you’ve concluded about yourself.
• Renounce your agreement with it rather than letting it define your identity or future.
• Replace it with a truthful, faithful response—not just a positive-sounding one.
• Resist when the thought returns by standing on what’s true and taking the next faithful step.

I also discuss why having an unwanted thought doesn’t mean you’ve failed, and how prayer, honest conversations, and asking trusted people for support can help us respond with faith.

The framework was inspired by an idea from Pastor Jimmy Pruitt of Bridge Church in Fredericksburg, Tennessee.

• Genesis 3:1–5 — The serpent questions God’s words and character.
• Romans 12:2 — Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
• Romans 8:1 — There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
• Philippians 4:8 — Think about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
• Luke 4:13 — The devil leaves Jesus until an opportune time.
• James 4:7 - Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

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How well do you know the people asking for your vote—and the ideas shaping the next generation? In this departure from my usual Feeding My Faith episode, I challenge you to look beyond headlines, campaign promises, and social media talking points. Beginning with Romans 1:22, I share my concerns about political ideology, religious extremism, and America’s future—and explore what it means to exercise discernment when faith and politics collide.

I share my perspective on:

• The Democratic Socialists of America and why I believe voters should examine candidates’ policy proposals more closely.
• Social media, influencers, and the role belonging can play in shaping young people’s political beliefs.
• The distinction I draw between peaceful Muslim believers and radical Islamist movements.
• Immigration, assimilation, religious liberty, and the relationship between religious beliefs and constitutional government.
• Reports of child exploitation in the United Kingdom and my concerns about institutional accountability.
• How political figures use Scripture—and why we should examine the conclusions attached to biblical language.
• The importance of researching local, state, and national candidates rather than relying on party labels.

This verse frames my challenge to question confident claims, examine what people actually advocate, and consider whether persuasive language reflects wisdom.

Know who represents you. Read candidates’ platforms, examine their public statements, and investigate the policies they support. I close this episode by encouraging you to take personal responsibility for understanding your government and making informed voting decisions.

This episode contains my political commentary and discussion of terrorism, war, and child sexual exploitation. I reference statistics, quotations, and accounts from several commentators and videos. These show notes summarize my views; they do not independently verify the claims discussed in the episode.

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• The immigration Crisis Nick Freitas
• (31) Britain Is Gone, and America Is Next w/ Tommy Robinson - YouTube
• (31) GREATEST SPEECH EVER ON ISLAM By Tommy Robinson - Share This NOW - YouTube
• (31) New Rule: Commie By Your Name | Real Time with Bill Maher
• Riots in France

It's one thing to follow Christ. It's another thing to surrender to Him. In this episode, Dave digs into Matthew 26 and the Last Supper, where every disciple (including Judas) asks Jesus, "Surely you don't mean me?" Dave unpacks how Judas could sit at the table, hear Jesus teach, and still walk away unsurrendered, then traces that same tension into modern stories of costly surrender: Mel Gibson betting $45 million on The Passion of the Christ with no distributor lined up, Jonathan Roumie's rock-bottom testimony before landing the role of Jesus in The Chosen, Alice Cooper risking his career to go public about his faith, and Sylvester Stallone turning down a fortune to protect his vision for Rocky. The question underneath it all: what are you still holding back from God?

• Why proximity to Jesus isn't the same as discipleship - Judas sat at the table, heard the teaching, and still pursued his own agenda.
• How Judas's objection to Mary's expensive perfume (John 12) exposed what he was really protecting: money, not principle.
• The chilling detail behind the 30 pieces of silver - it was the Old Testament price for a slave gored by an ox (Exodus 21:32).
• What we refuse to surrender in private eventually shapes what we do in public.
• Common things people quietly withhold from God: relationships, private habits, financial control, bitterness, unforgiveness, ambition, reputation, schedule, and self-made plans.
• Four real-life stories of costly, public surrender — and what happened after.
• A challenge to stop asking "what's in it for me" and start asking God to show you His plan.

• Matthew 26:20–25 — Jesus predicts His betrayal at the Last Supper
• Matthew 26:14–16 — Judas negotiates with the chief priests for 30 pieces of silver
• John 12:4–6 — Judas objects to Mary anointing Jesus with expensive perfume
• Exodus 21:32 — the price set for a slave killed by an ox

Mel Gibson — The Passion of the Christ (2004) Gibson self-funded the film through his own company, Icon Productions, spending roughly $30 million on production and another $15 million on marketing — about $45 million total — without a distribution deal secured. Early accusations of antisemitism made it hard to find a U.S. distributor. He found one anyway: the film grossed $612 million worldwide, became the fifth highest-grossing film of 2004 internationally, the highest-grossing Christian film of all time (inflation-adjusted), the highest-grossing independent film of all time, and the highest-grossing R-rated film in the U.S. at $370 million — a record that stood for 20 years. It earned three nominations at the 77th Academy Awards (Best Makeup, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score). Two sequels, The Resurrection of the Christ, Part One and Part Two, are slated for 2027 and 2028.

Jonathan Roumie — the actor who plays Jesus in The Chosen Before landing the role, Roumie woke up one Saturday in 2018 roughly $100 overdrawn, deep in debt, and out of work. He got on his knees and surrendered — quoting Matthew 11:28 out loud: "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." That afternoon, four checks arrived in the mail totaling $1,100. A week later, another check equal to all four combined arrived. Three months later, he got the call asking him to audition for The Chosen.

Alice Cooper The rock musician known for his shock-rock stage persona began following Jesus and decided to go public about it, despite his manager warning it could end his career. Instead, he experienced a career resurgence, selling out concerts at a level he hadn't seen in years.

Sylvester Stallone — Rocky (1976) While nearly broke, Stallone was offered $360,000 for the script to Rocky. He turned it down, believing so strongly in the project that he insisted on starring in it himself for a fraction of the money — around $35,000 — rather than let go of his vision.

What's one thing you're still holding on to instead of handing it over to God — and what would it look like to surrender it today?

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Jealousy can be a real buzzkill, right? I mean, who hasn't scrolled through social media and thought, 'Why can't I have that fancy car or that perfect vacation?' Well, in this episode, we dive into the topic of jealousy and how it can mess with our heads. Our buddy Dave shares some personal stories, from his childhood where he learned the value of hard work, to moments in the Bible where jealousy led to some pretty wild outcomes.

We're talking Cain and Abel, Joseph and his brothers, and even the whole Saul vs. David drama. It's like a soap opera, but the lessons are real! The main takeaway?

Focusing on the wrong things, like who has more likes or who's sitting at the cool kids' table, can really steer us off course. Instead, let’s flip the script and look at what truly matters.

That is the love and grace that’s already ours. So grab your headphones and let’s get into some fun, light-hearted banter about how to ditch the jealousy blues and keep our eyes on the prize!

If you got value from this episode, please consider giving some value back.

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Have you ever been in a situation where it just seems like things are getting worse and worse and worse, and there's just no hope that anything is going to get better? I found myself, thanks to our good friends at YouTube, being shown depressing video after depressing video that just led me to believe that the world was going to hell in a hand-basket. It got to the point where I just physically felt different.

When things aren't going right, instead of letting it pull you down, look at it as a new adventure. Look at it as an opportunity to learn.

When God wanted to make David a king, He didn't give him a crown; He gave him a Goliath.

When God wanted to raise Joseph to the palace, He didn't give him a shortcut; He gave him prison.

When God wanted to make Esther a queen, He didn't give her comfort; He gave her a crisis.

When God wanted to make Moses a leader, He didn't give him a stage; He gave him wilderness.

A lot of times, when you feel like God's breaking you; He's actually building you. And what you have to understand is that God doesn't give us what you expect in life.

Geri Carlson's Hope Blvd Podcast.

Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Psalm 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

If you feel you've received value from this episode, please consider giving some of that back. This can be a one time gift, or a monthly subscription to keep the show going. Go to

feedingmyfaith.com/thanks

Have you ever looked back at something that went wrong and realized, "Yeah... that one's on me"? That's what I'm talking about in this episode: personal responsibility.

It's not always a fun topic because it's a whole lot easier to blame someone else. But the truth is, we really do reap what we sow. If we plant bad habits, poor decisions, or excuses, we shouldn't be shocked when those things grow into bigger problems later.

I take a look at why so many of us are quick to dodge responsibility and point the finger somewhere else. We dig into parenting, schools, and the role society plays in raising the next generation. Along the way, I share a few laughs, but I also ask some questions that might make you stop and think.

This episode isn't about beating ourselves up. It's about recognizing the choices we make, taking ownership when we get it wrong, and doing a better job of planting the kinds of seeds that lead to a better future.

• Taking personal responsibility means looking in the mirror when things go wrong, folks!
• Kids without fathers are at a higher risk of dropping out and living in poverty, no joke!
• We need to train our children properly or they might end up as total mayhem machines!
• When parents and schools fail to teach discipline, we create a generation without consequences!
• The media often sugarcoats teen riots, but we need to call it what it really is: chaos!
• If we don't raise smart kids, we're basically doomed, and that's not a fun thought!

If you enjoyed this episode please reach out, or tell a friend. If you feel so moved, chip in and help offset the cost of producing the podcast. Thanks so much for listening.

When I was eleven, America was celebrating its 200th birthday, and everywhere I looked, people were beaming with pride, donning flag T-shirts and embracing the spirit of unity. Fast forward fifty years, and it feels like a growing number of Americans are more eager to criticize the country than celebrate it. The conversation focused on why this shift has happened, how outside perceptions often clash with realities, and what it means to live in a nation with so much freedom—despite its flaws.

In this episode, I’ll reflect on generational changes in national pride, the role politics and media play in shaping our views, and the surprising disconnect between America’s critics and the challenges found in other countries. We’ll explore stories that reveal both our progress and our shortcomings, and look to scripture for perspective on gratitude, prayer for leaders, and the responsibility that comes with freedom. As we mark another milestone in America’s history, let’s take an honest look at where we’ve been, where we are, and the faith that sustains us through it all.

The Last 50 Years

• Higher incomes
• Larger homes
• Better technology
• More entertainment choices
• Lower infant mortality (more on that later)
• Women can obtain credit independently
• Women now serve on the Supreme Court 1976 0. 2026 4.
• More women serve in Congress 19 in 1976, 150 now, about 28%
• Cleaner air (fewer smog days)
• Removal of lead from gasoline
• Reduced asbestos exposure
• Greater awareness of drunk driving dangers
• Safer automobiles No more Pintos blowing up, but we are ignoring electric cars.
• We don’t smoke on planes
• We elected a black president twice
• We elected a ticket with a female vice president

54th in the world in infant mortality, behind Cuba.

19th in literacy, behind Russia.

72nd in female representation in government, behind Iraq

EPI reports CEO pay was up 1,322% since 1978, while typical worker compensation rose just 18% (source)

Bill Maher talked a lot about this on his show

Today we're diving headfirst into the wild world of self-esteem and identity, and let me tell you, you are NOT your mistakes! That’s the big takeaway, folks—our blunders and fumbles don’t define us, but instead, we’re all cherished children of God, brimming with purpose and potential.

I mean, how cool is that?

We often let those pesky negative memories weigh us down, but we’ve got the power to flip the script! So, if you're feeling low or stuck in the past, this episode is for you. We’ll sprinkle in some laughs, share a few personal stories, and remind each other just how awesome we truly are!

We’ve all been there—tripping over our past mistakes and feeling like they’re tattooed on our foreheads, right?

• We often let our mistakes define us, but we are more than our failures.
• Remember, you are not your mistakes; you are a child of God, loved and cherished.
• Confidence comes from knowing our identity in Christ, not from the world's opinions.
• When we embrace our identity as God's children, we can live boldly and purposefully.

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