Send us a Text Message.

Diligence, defined as constant and earnest effort, is increasingly rare today. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar talk about how past generations exhibited more diligence due to fewer distractions; news came from stagnant newspapers rather than incessant digital media. Modern distractions are leading us into a state of spiritual oblivion, making it crucial to prioritize goals and establish systems to achieve them. Proverbs warns against laziness, underscoring the connection between diligence and fruitfulness. Achieving anything requires hard work, persistence, and common sense.

A disciplined life involves intentionally creating time and space for fellowship with God, not as a checklist but as a way to fulfill our roles meaningfully. Understanding your role, knowing your limits, and planning ahead are vital. Drafting a vision statement based on scripture helps set up effective routines. Our minds are shaped by what we fill them with, and much of our attention is stolen by distractions. Living to glorify God requires diligent attention to our spiritual lives.

The importance of rising early and dedicating the first part of the day to the Lord is emphasized by the guys. While sleep is a gift from God, habits must be examined and adjusted to prioritize time with Him. Deep fellowship with the Lord is essential for a meaningful life, and waking up with purpose can help avoid laziness. Proverbs also warns against slothfulness, noting that our habits shape our hearts. If Christ isn't at the center of our habits, we will stray. Lack of joy and fullness in life often indicates the need for spiritual realignment.

Reading the Bible daily and exploring John Wesley’s journal, which showcases his time-maximizing diligence, can inspire steadfastness. Wesley's eternal mindset and efficient use of his day highlight the preciousness of time. Remaining diligent and steadfast, practicing spiritual disciplines, and focusing on God’s kingdom are crucial for impactful Christian living. Worldly diligence, if redirected towards Christ, could greatly benefit the church. Jesus valued energetic action and generosity, favoring peacemakers over peacekeepers.

Living Waters ministry exemplifies diligence born out of devotion. Christians should be the most diligent people, recognizing the greatness of their work and the shortness of time. Working diligently for the Lord is fulfilling. Those who have been lazy should repent and reduce their consumption of worldly things, redirecting their focus towards serving God with dedication.

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Send us a Text Message.

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar are talking about Samuel, the last judge and first prophet of Israel, who stands as a figure of profound significance in biblical history. Born to Hannah, who had fervently prayed for a child due to her infertility, Samuel's very existence was a testament to the power of prayer and God's faithfulness in answering it. Dedicated to temple service from infancy as a result of his mother's vow.

One of the most recognizable stories from Samuel's life is his initial encounter with God's calling, where he mistook God’s voice for that of Eli, the high priest. This moment carries profound spiritual symbolism, suggesting the necessity of discernment and repentance before fully embracing one's identity as a child of God. This theme resonates with the personal testimonies shared among the guys, particularly Oscar's journey from ignorance of the Bible to a profound embrace of its teachings.

Samuel's early prophetic message, condemning Eli's failure in parental guidance and the subsequent corruption of his sons, underscores the importance of discipline rooted in love and grounded in the law. The guys emphasize the critical role of parents in instilling moral and spiritual values in their children, ensuring their steadfastness in the face of temptation and sin. Despite witnessing the consequences of Eli's shortcomings firsthand, Samuel unwittingly repeats similar errors by appointing his own corrupt sons as judges. This narrative highlights the insidious nature of sin and the imperative of heeding God’s instruction.

Israel did not trust in God to lead them, so they demanded a king. Samuel anointing David, a shepherd boy, as king is symbolic of God's sovereignty in choosing the seemingly insignificant to fulfill His purposes. This underscores a recurring motif in biblical narratives, where God looks at the heart of a man instead of the outward appearance. Israel's demand for a king shows how, yet again, they did not trust in the Lord to lead them. Saul's subsequent disobedience and downfall serve as a warning against the dangers of pride and self-reliance, illustrating the devastating effects of sin.

In Samuel's roles as priest and prophet one can discern foreshadowings of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the stories of Samuel and other Old Testament figures are not merely historical anecdotes or moral allegories but integral components of God's grand narrative of redemption and reconciliation. Samuel's life serves as a poignant reminder of God's faithfulness, human frailty, and the enduring hope of salvation offered through Christ.

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro

Send us a Text Message.

Developing godly discernment is essential in navigating the complexities of truth and falsehood, particularly amidst the plethora of false teachings in modern times. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar bring up Psalm 119:66, and how it beautifully compares discernment to tasting, implying a gradual refinement of perception. Just as one's palate adjusts to appreciate the nuances of coffee beyond its initial bitterness, believers are encouraged to allow Scripture to shape their worldview, enabling them to distinguish what is good and true from what is deceitful or harmful.

Discernment encompasses both the use of senses and intellect, allowing people to perceive and judge rightly. In today's culture, where moral relativism often blurs the lines between good and evil, the need for discernment is incredibly important. This underscores the importance of humility before God, as pride can obstruct growth and hinder one's ability to receive correction or repentance. Humility fosters an openness to learning and a willingness to acknowledge one's blind spots, essential for spiritual growth.

Moreover, cultivating discernment is not a solitary endeavor but thrives within the context of community, particularly within the framework of a local church. A supportive community provides accountability and encouragement, aiding believers in their journey of discernment. The guys encourage believers to invest in relationships with fellow believers allowing for the sharpening of discernment through dialogue and mutual edification.

Love for others is deeply intertwined with discernment, as it enables believers to serve one another and strive for blamelessness before God. Effective evangelism also hinges on discernment, particularly in using the law to reveal sin, as exemplified by Jesus. By meditating on Scripture and seeking to understand God's will, believers deepen their discernment and align themselves more closely with His purposes.

Wisdom, often synonymous with discernment, often isn’t pursued with the same fervor that people often use to pursue material gain. Wisdom guides leadership and influences decision-making, helping individuals avoid folly and harm. Learning from the mistakes of others and seeking wise counsel are crucial aspects of cultivating discernment and avoiding pitfalls.

In conclusion, in an age marked by information overload but a scarcity of wisdom, prioritizing godly discernment is imperative for believers. By anchoring themselves in Scripture, humbling themselves before God, and fostering relationships within the body of Christ, believers can navigate the complexities of life with clarity and integrity.

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro