Feeding My Faith

Everybody Look What's Going Down 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. In This Episode 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. Scripture Referenced Romans 1:22 “Claiming to be wise, they became fools.” This verse frames my challenge to question confident claims, examine what people actually advocate, and consider whether persuasive language reflects wisdom. My Challenge to You 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. About This Episode 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. Support this Podcast Links to Research Items 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? In This Episode 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. Scripture Referenced 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 Stories of Surrender 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. Reflection Question 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? Links & Resources Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it: feedingmyfaith.com Support the show: feedingmyfaith.com/support

We All Trip Over Jealousy 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. All Sorts of Jealousy in the Bible 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? You're Looking at the Wrong Stuff 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! Support The Show If you got value from this episode, please consider giving some value back. Support this Podcast

Can It Get Any Worse? 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 Nothing is Going Right 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. Mentioned in This Episode 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.” It Feels Good to Give Back 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

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Who's to Blame for Your Failures? 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. We Can Do Better 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. Takeaways: 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! Did You Like This Episode? 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.