Listen to the New Year’s Podcast Episode with Nate Scheer! Thanks brother for teaming up on “What should Christians be aiming for in 2026”. We will continue to parter and spread the word through the fellowship of honest dialogue revealing the God’s fingerprints in our lives and across scripture

What if success isn’t what you think it is?

As we close out the year, many of us quietly take inventory—of wins we didn’t see, goals we didn’t reach, and prayers that still feel unanswered. In this episode, we slow the noise and ask the deeper questions: What does a successful life actually look like? What does faith look like when nothing feels finished?

This conversation isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about intentionality over intent, obedience over optics, and learning how God works through imperfect people who simply show up. Drawing from Scripture, history, and real-life experience, we explore why faith isn’t a checklist of rules—but a relationship built one small step at a time.

If you’ve ever felt behind, unqualified, or unsure whether you’re “doing enough,” this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of who you are, why you matter, and how God can move powerfully through your everyday faithfulness—right where you are.

Sometimes the most meaningful progress isn’t visible.

Sometimes success looks like kneeling before you ever stand.

And sometimes, the next step is simply starting.

Notable Quotes from the Episode

• “You never stand taller than when you’re on your knees.”
• “Potential is energy at rest—we have to move from potential to possibility.”
• “A dream delayed is not a dream denied.”
• “Build a sidewalk where you are.”
• “God doesn’t need something grandiose from you—He needs your obedience.”
• “Successful Christian life looks like following Jesus and looking more like Jesus.”
• “Christianity wasn’t designed to take something away from you—it was designed to give to you.”
• “We are not the growth-makers—we plant the seed, someone else waters, and God creates the growth.”
• “God just wants your heart. He wants you to show up—and then God will show out.”
• “Christianity isn’t about rules; it’s about love.”

Bible Verses and Scripture References Mentioned

• Ephesians 2:10 – We are God’s handiwork / masterpiece, created for good works.
• John 10 – The Good Shephard
• Romans 5:12-21 - Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ
• Matthew 6 – The Lord’s Prayer; how to pray; bringing God’s kingdom to earth.
• Luke 4 – Jesus’ mission to reach those on the margins.
• Exodus 34 – God’s character (compassionate, slow to anger, etc.).
• “Ask, seek, knock” (Matthew 7:7 referenced conceptually).
• Carrying your cross / being yoked with Christ (Gospels, referenced conceptually).
• Paul plants, Apollos waters, God gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6, referenced conceptually).

Tools and Resources Offered by the Speakers (End of Episode)

• RightNow Media
  • Free access for military members and spouses through Air Force Chaplain accounts. https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/join/USAIRFORCECHAPLAINS
  • A large library of Bible studies, devotionals, videos, and teaching resources.
• Daily Prayer Practice
  • Morning prayer starting with gratitude.
  • Quiet, intentional time before the day begins.
• “TACOS” Prayer Framework
  • Thanksgiving
  • Adoration
  • Confession
  • Others (Intercession)
  • Supplication
• Reading the Gospels
  • Bible Recap
• Community & Mentorship
  • Engaging with pastors, mature believers, and trusted mentors.
• Intentional Quiet Time
  • Scheduling devotion and Scripture reading consistently.
• Building Faith Where You Are
  • Living out faith authentically in your current environment, not waiting for a “platform.”

Is the shadow you’re casting full of God's light? We're diving into the thought-provoking parable of "The Three Questions" by Leo Tolstoy, and exploring how its timeless wisdom aligns with biblical principles. Join me as we uncover the importance of living in the present, prioritizing relationships, and doing good to others. Let's get it!"

Biblical References

- Ecclesiastes 3:1, Matthew 6, Psalm 90, James 4, Matthew 22:37-40, Leviticus 19, Deuteronomy 6, Luke 10, Micah 6:8, Galatians 6:2, 1 John 3:17, Proverbs 3

Quotes

- "The best time is now. The importance of living in the present moment."

- "The most necessary person is the one that you are with."

- "The most important affair is to do that person good."

- "How are you spending your 24?"

- "Is your shadow full of God's light?"

- "Love without an agenda is compassion that puts empathy to action."

- "If we can't love the people near us. We can't love the world."

"Those who study the stars have God as a teacher"- Tycho Brahe. We trace a clear line from awe to action—how wonder at creation fuels a faith that serves, how legacy is lived daily, and how excellence looks like worship when it’s grounded in surrender. Sydney Sullivan shares stories from the Air Force, ministry, and family that turn big ideas into simple steps anyone can start today.

Points of Discussion • nature and design as entry points to faith • science and theology as complementary lenses • asking hard questions and building biblical depth • suffering, presence, and the power of community • legacy as daily seed planting for others • raising strong kids with values and grit • ruthless prioritization over work‑life clichés • career, humility and value‑driven promotions • feedback that empowers, not embarrasses • rooting the clouds: making vision walk If today’s episode stirred something in you, please leave a review, share it with a friend, or let us know your favorite takeaway. https://maximizethemoment.podbean.com/ https://mindforcepodcast.buzzsprout.com