How are you influenced? Also, do you disregard influence and purpose based on circumstances, or do you remain undeterred by struggle?

In this episode, Bill and Scott share personal stories of how God has influenced and interrupted their lives in unexpected ways. They also reflect on the difference between blessing and success, and how true blessing always leads to purpose—sometimes through suffering. Together, they remind us that trusting God’s interruptions is the path to discovering our destiny and learning to influence others with humility and authenticity.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode:

(00:03) How blessing is often mistaken for success and shows how true purpose involves suffering.

(03:41) God is always the initiator and introduces the idea of divine interruption.

(06:51) Why God values humility more than excellence.

(09:56) How Bill’s brothers were first influenced through a boys’ club.

(11:13) Bill’s salvation at 17 after being asked, “What are you going to do with Jesus?”

(13:31) Scott contrasts his Lutheran roots with how his wife and stepmother’s influence deepened his faith.

(17:57) Trusting God when He interrupts and redirects life.

(19:43) Obedience means trusting God and surrendering the results to Him.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

What possibilities open when you embrace God’s purposes for your life?

In this episode, Bill and Scott unpack what it means to live in freedom rather than in the bondage of shame. Drawing from Scripture and their own experiences, they highlight how trust in God’s truth reshapes identity, relationships, and daily choices. Together with guest Waldemar, they invite listeners to step out of the cage of familiarity and embrace the endless purposes of God.

Topics Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and Waldemar Kohl discuss in this episode:

(00:03) Freedom in Christ

(01:43) Experiencing Bondage vs. Freedom

(03:56) Possibilities and Purpose in Freedom

(07:48) Saying Yes to God’s Purposes

(12:20) Living Out Freedom Daily

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Does God declare who we are, or are we on a continuous improvement plan?

In this episode, Bill, Scott, and Waldemar explore how theology directly shapes our experience of either bondage to shame or freedom in Christ. They unpack the difference between reading Scripture as a list of “shoulds” versus embracing it as a declaration of who God says we are. The conversation highlights the life-changing reality of grace, the gift of a new heart, and the freedom to live without condemnation.

Topics Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and Waldemar Kohl discuss in this episode:

(00:03) Theology, shame, and living in freedom through Ephesians 4.

(01:27) How theology can keep believers trapped in shame or free them to live without condemnation.

(03:01) The shift from “I ought to” toward “I can” as the language of grace.

(06:06) Waldemar’s personal story of moving from self-punishment to freedom in prayer and grace.

(08:09) Scott reframes repentance and forgiveness as gifts of grace rather than commands to keep God happy.

(09:33) The feeling of “not enough.”

(11:07) Focusing on the harder work of love—loving neighbors and enemies—rather than just avoiding sin.

(12:34) Gifts, strengths, weaknesses, and the pitfalls of “sin management” theology.

(15:01) How a theology of a deceitful heart keeps believers trapped, while a new heart in Christ brings lasting freedom.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/