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But He would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you. Psalm 81:16

With this first episode of 2025, we are looking at this concept of honey from the rock: an idea which comes to us from Psalm 81. We see that honey signifies God's abundant blessings upon our lives. From the Psalm we also see that in order to truly taste of these blessings, God desires obedience from us. Finally, the phrase "honey from the rock" truly points us to Jesus; that He is the Rock and honey is the grace and salvation imparted to us by Him. This entire concept is eye-opening and something that can and should transform our faith. It's a great place to start out the New Year: considering how we can taste the honey that God has for us this year and ultimately pursue Him more deeply.

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This episode is a bit of retrospection...looking back at 2024 and highlighting a few words that encompass the year. This year had its moments where we didn't know what was coming next; especially in terms of political events. It was also a time of growth, especially within the church (locally and on a national/global scale). And it was a year that showed promise: God was faithful and remains faithful even through what 2025 will bring. Take a moment to listen and reflect back upon the year that was. Through this, allow yourself to see how God was there each step along the way. Let that guide you into what the next year will bring!

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This episode is a "Christmas Edition" episode that is part of the Hymns That I Love series and also accompanies the Songs Of The Season series (from 2021). Join me as we again dive into the background, context, and timeless truths of a beloved hymn.

LO, HOW A ROSE E'ER BLOOMING (HYMNS THAT I LOVE)

Watch Derek's recording here: https://youtu.be/6HVbnazk_Ek

Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
Author unknown (German origins), translated by Theodore Baker with harmonization melody by Michael Praetorius.

Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming
From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse's lineage coming
As men of old have sung.
It came, a flower bright,
Amid the cold of winter
When half-gone was the night.

Isaiah 'twas foretold it,
The Rose I have in mind:
With Mary we behold it,
The virgin mother kind.
To show God's love aright
She bore to men a Savior
When half-gone was the night.

This Flower, whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God,
From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load
From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load

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Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13

If we have had recent victories in our nation, in our churches, our homes, etc, we must still realize this: we are in a spiritual battle. The enemy is prowling, regrouping, and readying an attack -- on those who profess and claim Christ. Today's episode centers much upon spiritual warfare and the realization that as believers, we cannot stop pressing in and moving forward. We must put on the armor everyday. We must plead the blood over our homes. And we must stand in Christ's victory. Are you suited up? Are you getting into the secret place everyday?

Check out my podcast series on The Full Armor of God: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-bold-as-lions-podcast/id1551824939?i=1000593099440

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“To recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” George Washington

What are the origins of the holiday we celebrate known as Thanksgiving? The day was set aside by a proclamation by President George Washington in 1789. This proclamation has much to benefit our understanding of this day and what it means to our nation. Namely, this day is a day of thanksgiving and prayer to Almighty God. This podcast episode walks through this proclamation and the implications therein...things that still apply to us now some 200+ years later.

Read the proclamation here: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-04-02-0091

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When examine the familiar story of David and Goliath, we see in David a man who is motivated in faith by the fear of his God. David could not have taken the steps of obedience that he took had he not lived in a fearful surrender. The armies of Israel were bound in fear; David stepped forward when no one else did. He also knows God has delivered him from big foes before (lions and bears) and the giant Goliath would be no different. Lastly, he gives all credit to the Lord. The victory is for His glory and His alone. Join Derek for this podcast episode which takes a fresh look at this famous battle. In this, let your own faith be moved forward to trust that God still is the God who takes down giants!

For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? 1 Samuel 17:26

Watch the David and Goliath clip mentioned in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtCm-8qf1fU&t=44s

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Today's podcast is a single episode (i.e. "one-off") which is based on 1 Timothy 1:1-11. In this passage, we read Paul's words to Timothy. His words are full of encouragement. His words are directive (as a mentor to a mentee). His words bring warning against falsehoods and false gospels. These short eleven verses point the believer to find accountability, to be discerning, and to preach the Gospel with our lives on display each day. May this episode be an encouragement for you to live out your faith...boldly!

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Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Joshua 1:2

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

This episode is a call to action. We know the world is in chaos around us. But that should not keep us from entering into the promise God has called us to. What dreams has He laid before you? What things are unachievable unless He steps in? With the backdrop of Joshua 3, this episode looks at the Jordan River crossing by Ancient Israel. In that event, the generation that had been with Moses (the ones who crossed the Red Sea) had all died out. This new generation had to step into the water to see it part. They were also called to memorialize and remember what took place. This story is a reminder to us: God is still calling us to cross Jordan Rivers. What water is He calling you to step into today?