The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

Loren Hicks

Daily episodes are hosted by Pastor Loren Hicks. This podcast will challenge you to go deeper into your Christian faith. The goal is to inspire you to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Episodes have been downloaded over 700,000 times.

  1. 6H AGO

    #1,437: God Will Never Leave You or Forsake You

    Maybe today you feel alone. Perhaps due to your mistakes and failures you have isolated yourself from others. Maybe you are struggling and you wonder where God is. Possibly, you feel as if you are on the far side of the wilderness. Stand on this truth from God’s Word: He will never leave you or forsake you. Main Points: 1. This morning as I was reading my Bible, I found myself in Exodus chapter three. It’s the story where Moses meets God at the burning bush. Six words leaped off the page as I read the familiar story. It says Moses was on “the far side of the wilderness.” Moses wasn’t just in the wilderness, he was on the far side of the wilderness. What is the wilderness? The dictionary defines it as “an uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region.” In other words, Moses was as isolated as a person could get. 2. Yet, on the far side of the wilderness, with not another person in sight, Moses was not alone. It’s here Moses has a life-changing encounter with God. He is reminded he is not alone, he is not forgotten, and God’s purpose for his life has not changed. 3. Moses never forgot about the day he encountered God at the burning bush. It was a revelation of God’s continued purpose and plan for his life, but the greater lesson for Moses was the necessity of God’s presence.  Today’s Scripture Verses: Exodus 3:1 - "Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness..." Psalm 139:7-10 - “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” Exodus 33:15-16 - “Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” Quick Links: Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on Social Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

    6 min
  2. 1D AGO

    #1,436: We Have Been Chosen By God

    Did you know you have been chosen by God? There is a place for all of us on God’s team. God has a place for you. It’s the right fit, the right opportunity, and the right assignment. God has place for you where you will thrive, a place that fits your gifting, your passions, and your calling. You have been chosen. Main Points: 1. In the sovereignty of God, he prepared us for this moment in our lives. Not only has He given us opportunity, but he has equipped us through our various kinds of training. He has given us experiences that would give us the necessary knowledge and understanding. He has place mentors in our lives that will help shape our character. He has placed within you spiritual gifts. He has given you aptitudes, talents, and skills. You are right where God wants you to be. Why? Because He has chosen and appoint you. 2. Why did God select us? We feel so unworthy. We often feel unqualified. Surely, God could have found someone else who is more capable and more proficient. 3. Yet, God is not looking for the most talented, the most qualified, the most educated. He does not select on the criteria that men do. God is looking at the heart. Do you have a heart after me? Will you follow me? Will you serve for my glory? Will your ambition be the glory of God? Today’s Scripture Verses: John 15:16 - “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” John 15:4 - “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”  John 15:5 - “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Quick Links: Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on Social Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

    5 min
  3. 2D AGO

    #1,435: How Much Do You Love the Word of God?

    I sat and thought for a moment. How much do I love the Word of God? Having access to the Bible my entire life, has it become common place? Do I take it for granted? I began to pray and ask God for a renewed love for His Word. I prayed for a fresh hunger to know God more through the pages of Scripture. Main Points: 1. You and I are to be people of the Word. The Bibles we possess are the very words of God. The chapters and verses are not simply the thoughts and insights of man, nor are they just historical stories of ancient peoples.  2. Because God has revealed His Word through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and because it is infallible and without error, the Bible is authoritative rule of faith and conduct. We accept the Bible as the final and unchanging authority for what we believe and how we are to live. 3. Since this is true, the Bible must become our daily spiritual food. We must become people of the Word. We must allow scripture to shape our worldview. Through the pages of the Bible we come to know God in a personal way. We discover His will for our lives and we learn how to please Him. Today’s Scripture Verses: 2 Peter 1:20-21 - “Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.” Psalm 119:105 - “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:47-48 - “…for I delight in your commands because I love them. I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.” Quick Links: Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on Social Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

    6 min
  4. 5D AGO

    #1,434: The Gift We Are Meant to Share

    As we have journeyed through life, you and I have experienced the comfort God can give. We know what it is like to feel his presence. We know the comfort God can give to a weary soul. The Bible also teaches us that we should use the comfort God has given us, and comfort others.  Main Points: 1. As we study the scripture, we begin to realize God wants to use us as His agents of comfort to others. Since we have experience in facing life’s challenges, but have also received God’s comfort, we should be ready, willing, and available to express this comfort to others. 2. One of my convictions is that in the body of Christ, no one should struggle alone. We are to be there for one another. Sometimes comfort is not found in the words we say. Have ever thought, “I don’t even know what to say?” Comfort is often not received in our words, but more so by our presence. I call this the ministry of presence. It’s a ministry to just sit and be with those who are suffering or grieving. The simple act of holding someone’s hand, a hug, and a prayer for God’s peace can comfort a heart that is hurting. 3. We bring comfort by sharing how God has sustained us through our hard times. Remind them of God’s presence. Encourage them to know God will never leave them or forsake them. Comfort them with the comfort you have received from God.  Today’s Scripture Verses: Psalm 34:18  - “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 - “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ." Romans 12:15 - “…mourn with those who mourn.”  Quick Links: Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on Social Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

    5 min
  5. 6D AGO

    #1,433: Jesus Prayed that We Would be United

    Jesus prayed His followers would be united in heart and purpose. Unity is the oneness or harmony of believers in Jesus Christ. It is our relationship with Christ that unites us with each other. We are to be united in essential doctrine, mission and purpose, and love for one another. Main Points: 1. Jesus prayed for the unity of His disciples. He knew if they would work together in unity, a unity that comes from the love of Christ, they would be effective in their mission. But if they allow division to come into their midst, if they began to fracture their relationships, they would be ineffective.  2. Though we are different in many ways, Jesus calls us together in unity of purpose and mission. We love one another and live in harmony with each other. In a broken and divided world, this unity will be so compelling and so contagious that the world around us will see that Jesus is the source of our unity. 3. How do we maintain this kind of unity? Each of us must search our hearts and ask sincere questions. How can I support the purpose and mission of God’s church? What small differences should I let go of? Which personal preferences should I relinquish in light of God’s greater plan for His church?  How can I show more love to my brothers and sisters in Christ?  Today’s Scripture Verses: John 17:20-21 - “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10) Quick Links: Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on Social Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

    5 min
  6. FEB 11

    #1,432: Seeing Life the Way God Sees It

    Why is it important to have a biblical or godly perspective?  Our perspective should be the same as the God we serve. We want to see and interpret things the way God does. This will only happen as we make the Bible the lens through which we see the world. You’ll never see things the way God does until you see things through the lens of scripture. Main Points: 1. It’s common to hear people, in a moment of disagreement say, “I don’t see it that way.” As Christ-followers, we need to ask the question, “How does God see it?” We then reframe our perspective to match how God sees things. 2. Our perspective matters because it influences our beliefs, values, our lifestyle, our mindset, and our attitude. 3. Determine that the Bible will be the lens through which you see and interpret the World. As you do, you’ll begin to see things the way God does. Today’s Scripture Verses: 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 - “ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Quick Links: Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on Social Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

    6 min
  7. FEB 10

    #1,431: The Voices that Shape Your Faith

    Which voices are you listening to? As Christians, we have to guard our hearts. We cannot listen to just any voice. We can’t give all voices the same credence and acceptance. We must decipher through the voices to determine what is true, what is right, and what is godly. All other voices must be rejected. Main Points: 1. The Word of God is our filter. If the Scripture is the final authority for faith, belief, and practice, it must become the lens by which we see and interpret the world. 2. The enemy of our soul will bombard us with words of fear, discouragement, and despair. We’ll be provided with counsel and guidance that can lead us astray. He will lie to us and tell us God is not good and that He is not faithful. He’ll use the words of others to distract us and keep us so preoccupied with busyness that we cannot hear the voice of God. Our adversary will bring people into our lives that will offer deception and cause us to deviate from the truth we know. 3. You and I cannot listen to every voice. We must be discerning. We must choose to listen to Godly voices and shut every other voice out. The Word of God must be our gauge by which we determine the validity and the acceptance of each voice.  Today’s Scripture Verses: Proverbs 10:11 - “The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.” Proverbs 10: 20-21 - “The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless.” The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense." Proverbs 10:31- 32 - “The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off. The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.” Quick Links: Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on Social Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

    5 min
  8. FEB 9

    #1,430: What Does God Know?

    One of the amazing characteristics of God is that He is omniscient. This means God sees and knows all things. Nothing is hidden from Him. Main Points: 1. The omniscience of God is not meant to cause us to fear. The book of Hebrews reveals that God knows even the thoughts and intents of our hearts. The omniscience of God is a good thing. 2. The knowledge of God assures us that God will meet our needs. The Bible tells us He knows our needs even before we ask Him. While God desires and delights in our prayer, His full knowledge of our lives provides him with the necessary information to meet our needs. 3. The knowledge of God provides us with confidence that our future is in God’s hands. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but God does. The God who protects us, sustains us, and guides us today will be faithful tomorrow. I can sleep tonight in peace knowing He has tomorrow in his hands.  Today’s Scripture Verses: Proverbs 15:3 - “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” Isaiah 40:28 - “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.” Job 28:24 - “For he looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.” Hebrews 55:8-9 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Quick Links: Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on Social Join The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

    5 min
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out of 5
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About

Daily episodes are hosted by Pastor Loren Hicks. This podcast will challenge you to go deeper into your Christian faith. The goal is to inspire you to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Episodes have been downloaded over 700,000 times.

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