Rediscovering Faith

Rev. Evan Ryder
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Join us as we dive into Scripture and faith through a fresh lens, offering thought-provoking discussions and new perspectives on God’s Word. This podcast invites you to rethink, rediscover, and deepen your spiritual journey, with every episode designed to spark reflection and transformation.

  1. 1D AGO

    Joy in Giving

    Send us your questions and reflections! Conclude your journey through service with this uplifting episode of Start Small. Based on Hebrews 13:16, we discover that giving to others doesn't just please God—it transforms us and brings deep, lasting joy. After learning to serve through small acts, encouragement, humility, and looking for needs, we now explore why service becomes increasingly joyful as we become more like Jesus. What You'll Learn: Why giving and sharing are described as sacrifices that please GodHow becoming more like Jesus transforms giving from duty to joyThe paradox of giving: when you give, you receiveHow small, consistent giving cultivates lasting joyWhy reflecting on the joy of giving matters for transformationGiving Pleases God: Hebrews calls doing good and sharing "sacrifices." In the Old Testament, sacrifices were offerings to God—acts of worship. Now our sacrifices look different: acts of kindness, generosity, service. When you do good and share, you're offering a sacrifice to God, worshiping Him through generosity, saying "Everything I have is Yours, and I want to use it to bless others and bring You glory." It pleases Him because your giving reflects His character—God is a giver, generous, who gave His Son and gives grace, mercy, love, and provision. Becoming More Like Jesus: At first, giving might feel hard, sacrificial in a painful way—costing time, money, comfort, convenience. But as you grow in relationship with Jesus, something shifts. Giving feels less like sacrifice and more like worship, less like loss and more like gain. Why? Because you're becoming like Jesus, who "for the joy set before him endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus gave everything with joy. As you become more like Him, you experience deep satisfaction from living generously, understanding that when you give, you're not losing—you're gaining purpose, meaning, connection, and joy. The Paradox of Giving: Jesus said "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). There's something uniquely satisfying about giving—a joy you can't get any other way. When you give time, you receive the joy of making a difference. When you give resources, you receive the joy of being part of God's provision. When you give presence, you receive the joy of being a conduit of God's love. This isn't transactional; joy is the natural result of living as God designed you. Cultivating Joy Through Practice: Give in small, consistent ways, and over time your heart changes. The more you serve, the more natural it becomes. You start seeing impact, looking for opportunities, feeling excited about blessing others. This transformation happens through small, consistent acts over time. This Week's Small Step: Reflect on the joy of giving in small, consistent ways. Think back over this week's service. Journal or pray through: When did I experience joy in giving? What did serving feel like? How has it changed me? Where do I still resist? How can I make giving a consistent, joyful part of life? Then commit to continuing—make giving a regular practice and pay attention to how it shapes you over time. Perfect for anyone wanting to experience joy in service, move from duty-driven to joy-filled giving, understand God's heart for generosity, or become more like Jesus through serving. Scripture Focus: Hebrews 13:16 Series: Start Small: Small Steps. Big Results. Week Theme: Service

    12 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Look for Needs

    Send us your questions and reflections! Develop a servant's heart by learning to see needs around you in this challenging episode of Start Small. Based on Philippians 2:3-4, we explore how thinking about others is countercultural yet essential for Christ-like service. Moving from acts of service to the mindset behind them, we discover why intentionally considering others' interests prepares us to serve well and reflects Jesus' heart. What You'll Learn: Why thinking about others is essential for practical serviceHow our "it's all about me" culture conflicts with Christ-like livingWhat Paul means by looking to the "interests of others"How to train yourself to notice needs you're currently missingWhy being interruptible and observant matters for serviceHow to invite God to reveal who needs your helpThe Cultural Dilemma: We live in a culture screaming "It's all about me!" Everything reinforces this: follow your dreams, do what makes you happy, put yourself first, you deserve it, look out for number one. The result? A society of deeply self-focused people thinking about their needs, rights, preferences, comfort, and success. But if we're going to be like Jesus, it can't be all about us—it needs to be all about Him, and we show this by considering others. Why This Is Hard: Thinking about others doesn't come naturally. Our brains are wired to prioritize our own needs—a survival mechanism. Plus, we live in a world constantly demanding our attention: notifications, to-do lists, deadlines, problems, people wanting things. It's easy to get so caught up in our own lives that we completely miss what's happening around us. Paul's Instruction: "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Notice: not "ignore your own interests" but "not ONLY your own interests." You still care for responsibilities, family, health, work—but don't stop there. Also consider what others are going through and how you can help. What Considering Others Looks Like: Paying attention—really listening, not just waiting for your turn to speak. Asking questions: "How are you really doing? What's been hard? Need help with anything?" Observing—noticing if people are stressed, tired, overwhelmed, struggling. Thinking ahead—asking your neighbor if they need groceries before you go, checking if a coworker needs help, making extra dinner for someone going through a hard time. Being interruptible—willing to pause your plans when someone needs you. Inviting God to Open Your Eyes: God can help you see needs you'd otherwise miss. When you ask Him to show you who needs help, He will—bringing people to mind, creating opportunities, giving divine appointments. But you must ask, invite Him into the process, and be ready to respond when He prompts you. This Week's Small Step: Ask God to reveal someone who needs your help today. Pray: "God, who needs me today? Who can I serve? Open my eyes to see needs around me." Then pay attention—who comes to mind? Who do you encounter? What opportunities present themselves? When someone comes to mind, reach out. When you see a need, step in. Make this a daily practice. Perfect for anyone struggling with self-focus, wanting to develop servant-mindedness, learning to notice needs, or seeking to be more like Jesus in daily life. Scripture Focus: Philippians 2:3-4 Series: Start Small: Small Steps. Big Results. Week Theme: Service

    13 min

  3. 3D AGO

    Serve Humbly

    Send us your questions and reflections! Discover the heart attitude behind Christ-like service in this convicting episode of Start Small. Based on John 13:14-15, we explore Jesus' example of washing His disciples' feet and learn why humility is essential for serving as Christ serves. Moving beyond small acts and encouragement, we now examine what motivates our service and whether we're seeking recognition or genuinely loving others. Imagine accomplishing something significant at work—staying late, solving a major problem, going above and beyond—and then... nothing. No recognition, no thank you, no one notices. How does that feel? Most of us want acknowledgment when we do good. But what happens to your motivation when no one will notice, when there's no audience, when you won't get credit? That's where humility is tested—exactly what Jesus modeled when He washed His disciples' feet. What You'll Learn: Why humility is essential, not optional, for Christ-like serviceThe shocking scandal of Jesus washing His disciples' feetWhy we struggle with serving without recognitionHow to serve when no one will know or thank youThe freedom that comes from humble servicePractical ways to practice humility in everyday lifeThe Scandal of Foot Washing: At the Passover meal, someone needed to wash everyone's feet—a job for the lowest servant. But there was no servant, just Jesus and twelve disciples. None volunteered because it was beneath them, humiliating work nobody wanted. Then Jesus—their Teacher and Lord—stood up, wrapped a towel around His waist, and started washing their feet. Peter tried to stop Him because it was backwards: teachers don't wash students' feet, masters don't serve slaves. But Jesus chose the lowest position, then said "I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done." Why We Struggle: We live in a culture obsessed with recognition—likes, shares, applause, acknowledgment. When we serve, that desire creeps in. We keep score: "Did they notice? Appreciate it? Say thank you?" We compare: "I'm doing more than they are." We seek visibility, gravitating toward service that gets noticed while avoiding behind-the-scenes work. This is pride disguised as service—doing good things for wrong reasons. Humble service doesn't keep score, need credit, or require applause. The Test of Humble Service: Are you willing to serve when no one will know? Clean up a mess when no one sees? Help someone who won't realize you helped? Pray for someone who'll never know? Give anonymously? That's humility—serving like Jesus, who washed feet not for applause but because His disciples needed it and He loved them. The Freedom of Humility: When you don't need recognition, you're free from anxiety about whether people noticed, disappointment when they don't thank you, and bitterness when you feel unappreciated. You serve with joy because you're not serving to get something back—you're serving because it's right and you're following Jesus' example. This Week's Small Step: Practice humility by helping without expecting recognition. Think of something small and unglamorous that needs doing—then do it without telling anyone, posting about it, or looking for thanks. Pick up neighborhood trash, do a household chore that's not your responsibility, help someone at work without mentioning it, pay for someone's meal anonymously, or pray for someone without telling them. Perfect for anyone struggling with people-pleasing, seeking validation through service, learning to serve like Jesus, or developing genuine humility. Scripture Focus: John 13:14-15 Series: Start Small: Small Steps. Big Results. Week Theme: Service

    13 min

  4. 4D AGO

    Encourage Someone Today

    Send us your questions and reflections! Discover the powerful connection between simplicity and service in this transformative episode of Start Small. Based on Matthew 25:35, we explore how living with less creates capacity to physically and emotionally provide for others in need. After practicing simplicity last week, we now see why it matters: simplicity creates the space needed to notice and serve those around us. Think about a time when you were really struggling and someone showed up for you. They didn't fix your problem or have all the answers, but they were there. They listened. They encouraged you. That moment probably meant more than they knew. Here's the reality: someone in your life needs that today. They need encouragement, support, and someone to notice they're struggling and say "I see you. You're not alone." What You'll Learn: The vital connection between simplicity and serviceWhy people live with less to provide more for othersHow simplicity creates capacity to notice and meet needsWhat encouragement looks like in practical termsHow to identify the "hungry, thirsty, and strangers" in your lifeWhy emotional and spiritual needs are as important as physical onesSimplicity Enables Service: When your life is overcrowded, you don't have capacity to serve. Cluttered homes can't host those needing a place to stay. Overbooked schedules can't accommodate someone needing you. Divided, anxious hearts can't be fully present to listen. Constantly chasing more leaves no resources—time, energy, money, presence—to help others. But when you live with less and create margin, you have capacity, space, and resources to serve. Simplicity isn't just about personal peace—it's about creating availability to meet needs around you. Jesus and the Needs He Saw: In Matthew 25:35, Jesus lists specific needs: hunger, thirst, being a stranger, needing clothes, sickness, imprisonment. These are tangible needs, but also emotional and relational. "I was a stranger and you welcomed me" is about belonging and being seen. "I was sick and you visited me" is about presence and not being alone. You might not solve someone's physical problem, but you can almost always offer emotional and spiritual support through encouragement. What Encouragement Looks Like: Noticing when someone struggles and reaching out. Listening without trying to fix. Speaking truth when someone drowns in lies. Showing up physically when someone needs you. Celebrating with people in good times. Offering practical help with kindness—bringing a meal, watching kids, taking a burden off shoulders. All communicate "You are not alone. You are seen. You are cared for." This Week's Small Step: Offer encouragement or support to someone in need. Think about who's struggling or going through a hard season. Take action—send a text, make a call, offer practical help, or simply tell them they're not alone. If they're celebrating something good, celebrate with them. Perfect for anyone seeking to connect faith with action, wanting to serve others meaningfully, or learning to use the margin created by simplicity for kingdom purposes. Scripture Focus: Matthew 25:35 Series: Start Small: Small Steps. Big Results. Week Theme: Service Learn how simplicity creates the capacity to notice needs and how encouragement becomes a powerful form of service that reflects Christ's love.

    12 min

  5. 5D AGO

    Small Acts, Big Impact

    Send us your questions and reflections! Begin your journey into service with this inspiring episode of Start Small. Based on Galatians 5:13, we discover that serving others doesn't require grand gestures—just a simple mindset shift to notice needs and respond with love. After a week focused on simplicity, we now turn outward, asking how to use the freedom and margin we've created to serve others well. Picture this: you're rushing through your day when you see someone struggling. You have a choice—keep moving or pause to help. Most of us want to be the kind of person who stops, but we usually keep going. Not because we're bad people, but because we're distracted and busy. What if serving wasn't about finding big opportunities, but training yourself to notice small moments and actually doing something about them? What You'll Learn: Why serving others doesn't need to be something hugeHow service is a mindset of thinking about others firstWhat Paul means by being "called to freedom" for serviceHow to recognize what people actually need through attention and observationExamples of small acts that create big impactService as a Mindset Shift: We overcomplicate service, thinking it needs to be significant, organized, or official. So we wait for the right opportunity while missing small chances right in front of us—the neighbor who needs help with groceries, the overwhelmed coworker who needs someone to listen, the friend who'd be encouraged by a simple text. Service is a shift from thinking about yourself first to thinking about others first, paying attention to people God has placed in your path. Called to Freedom for Service: Galatians 5:13 redefines freedom. Our culture says freedom is autonomy—doing what you want without anyone telling you otherwise. But Paul says we've been freed from sin and the law not to live for ourselves, but to serve others. Freedom isn't the absence of responsibility; it's the ability to love without strings attached, serve without expecting return, and give generously because you've been given much. When your identity and worth are anchored in Christ, you're free to serve without earning approval. Recognizing What Is Needful: Service starts with paying attention. Sometimes people tell you directly ("I'm exhausted"), but usually you notice cues: a coworker mentions skipping lunch, a neighbor works in their yard every evening, a friend hasn't responded to texts lately. When you start looking for these opportunities, you'll find them everywhere—they've always been there; you just weren't paying attention. Small Acts, Big Impact: Hold the door for someone whose hands are full. Text someone who's been on your mind. Offer to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor. Bring coffee to a struggling coworker. Help carry something heavy. Offer your seat. Compliment genuinely. Listen without checking your phone. These aren't grand gestures that change the world, but they might change someone's day—and sometimes that's exactly what's needed. This Week's Small Step: Do ONE small act of service for a neighbor, friend, or coworker. Pick one person, think about what they might need, and do something small to help. Don't wait for the perfect opportunity or more time—just do something today that says "I see you, and I care." Perfect for anyone wanting to live more intentionally, develop a servant's heart, notice needs around them, or reflect Christ's love through everyday actions.

    12 min

  6. FEB 6

    Practice Gratitude

    Send us your questions and reflections! Conclude your journey through simplicity with this powerful episode of Start Small. Based on Philippians 4:11-13, we discover the secret to contentment in any circumstance and why gratitude is the practice that keeps us anchored whether we have much or little.  Paul writes, "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need." The secret? Christ is enough. We must learn how to appropriately handle both lack and abundance with contentment, because we have Jesus.  What You'll Learn: Why contentment doesn't depend on how much you haveHow to handle both abundance and lack with equal contentmentWhy Paul says contentment is learned, not automaticWhat "I can do all things through Christ" actually means in contextThe secret Paul discovered: Christ is enoughHow gratitude anchors us in every season and circumstanceThe Challenge of Both Abundance and Lack: Paul doesn't just say lack is hard—he says abundance is too. When you have little, the temptation is despair, doubting God's provision, feeling forgotten. When you have much, the temptation is self-sufficiency, forgetting your dependence on God, trusting resources instead of Him. Both are dangerous. Both can lead away from contentment. Both require strength that only Christ provides. Contentment Is Learned: Paul learned to be content through experience—walking with God in different seasons, seeing His faithfulness with little, seeing His provision with much, realizing repeatedly that Christ is enough regardless of circumstances. Every season—abundance or lack—is an opportunity to learn contentment, practice trusting God, and grow in dependence on Christ. The Secret Revealed: When you have Christ, you have everything you need. In seasons of lack, Christ is your provider, sustenance, and strength—you don't have much in the bank, but you have Him, and that's enough. In seasons of abundance, Christ is still enough—your purpose, satisfaction, and the reason your abundance matters. Your resources aren't your source; He is. This keeps you steady: not devastated by lack, not intoxicated by abundance. Gratitude: The Anchoring Practice: Gratitude keeps you grounded in both abundance and lack. When you have little, gratitude prevents despair by helping you notice what you do have. When you have much, gratitude prevents pride by reminding you everything is a gift. Gratitude shifts focus from circumstances to your Savior, from what you have or don't have to the One who sustains you either way. The most important gratitude? For Jesus Himself—not just what He gives, but Him. The fact that He is yours and you are His. This Week's Small Step: Give God thanks for all you do have, and most importantly, for Jesus—because He is yours and you are His. Make a list of everything you're grateful for: health, home, family, friends, job, breakfast, yesterday's sunset, waking up today. Then write prominently: "Jesus. I am His, and He is mine." That's the foundation, the source of contentment, the reason you can face abundance or lack with peace. Pray through your list, thanking God for each thing, letting gratitude fill your heart. Perfect for anyone facing financial struggle, navigating seasons of abundance, struggling with discontentment, seeking peace in uncertainty, or learning to anchor their joy in Christ rather than circumstances. Scripture Focus: Philippians 4:11-13 Series: Start Small: Small Steps. Big Results. Week Theme: Simplicity Discover how Christ makes contentment possible in any circumstance and why gratitude

    12 min

  7. FEB 5

    Contentment

    Send us your questions and reflections! Discover the foundation of simplicity in this episode of Start Small. Based on 1 Timothy 6:6-7, we explore why contentment is essential to living simply and how learning to distinguish between needs and wants frees us from the endless cycle of chasing more. Paul writes, "Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world." This isn't just about finances—it applies to our entire approach to life. The spiritual discipline of simplicity requires understanding the difference between needs and wants, and contentment means embracing what God provides that we need. What You'll Learn: Why contentment is the foundation of simplicityThe difference between biblical contentment and apathy or settlingHow to distinguish between genuine needs and wantsWhy we came with nothing and leave with nothing—and what that meansThe trap of endless upgrading and how to escape itHow contentment brings peace that circumstances can't shakeThe Root of All Clutter: Why do we accumulate so much stuff? We want more than we need. Why overcommit our schedules? We want more recognition and approval than we need. Why do our hearts become divided? We want more security and control than we need. The inability to distinguish needs from wants drives it all, resulting in lives overflowing with things that don't satisfy and commitments that don't fulfill. What Contentment Really Is: Contentment isn't apathy, giving up on growth, or settling for mediocrity. It's peace in the present—the ability to say "Right now, I have enough. I am enough. God is enough." It's the opposite of restlessness, of always looking ahead, always wanting more, always feeling like something's missing. When you have godliness combined with contentment, you have everything needed for a deeply satisfying life. Needs Versus Wants: A need is essential for survival and basic well-being: food, water, shelter, clothing, safety, relationships, purpose. A want is beyond that—extra, an upgrade, a preference. Our culture has convinced us that most wants are actually needs. "I need a bigger house" (you want it; you need shelter). "I need a new car" (you want it; you need transportation). "I need this promotion" (you want it; you need purposeful work and provision, which you already have). The Trap of Upgrading: When we can't distinguish needs from wants, we're trapped in endless upgrading. Your phone works fine, but a new model makes it feel inadequate. Your house meets your needs, but someone else's is bigger. Your job provides, but someone makes more. There's always something newer, bigger, better. If satisfaction is tied to having the best, you'll never be content. But when you distinguish needs from wants, you step off that treadmill: "This meets my needs. I'm grateful. I don't need the upgrade." This Week's Small Step: Reflect on the difference between needs and wants. Take 10-15 minutes to think about your life. Ask: What do I genuinely need? What am I pursuing that's actually a want? Where am I calling wants "needs"? What would change if I embraced what God has already given? Write down your answers honestly, then bring it to God in prayer. Thank Him for providing what you need and ask Him to help you grow in contentment. Perfect for anyone trapped in the cycle of wanting more, struggling with comparison and dissatisfaction, feeling restless despite having enough, or seeking peace and freedom through simplicity. Scripture Focus: 1 Timothy 6:6-7 Series: Start Small: Small Steps. Big Results. Week Theme: Simplicity Learn how contentment with what God provides brings the peace, freedom, and satisfaction that

    12 min

  8. FEB 4

    Declutter Your Mind and Heart

    Send us your questions and reflections! Go deeper than physical clutter and busy schedules in this transformative episode of Start Small. Based on Psalm 37:4, we explore the most important kind of simplicity: a unified, undivided heart that seeks God single-mindedly. After clearing our homes and calendars, we now tackle the clutter in our minds and hearts—the competing desires that leave us torn, exhausted, and double-minded. Psalm 37:4 is one of the most misunderstood verses in Scripture: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." We read it like a transaction—if I delight in God, He'll give me what I want (new job, healing, money, success). But that's not what it's saying. It's declaring something far more profound: God will give you NEW desires when you delight in Him. What You'll Learn: Why Psalm 37:4 is about God transforming your desires, not granting your wish listThe difference between simplicity and duplicity of heartWhat it means to be "double-minded" (James 1:8) and why it creates chaosHow divided desires create mental and emotional clutterWhat true delight in the Lord actually looks likeHow to move from a duplicitous heart to a simple, unified oneMental and Emotional Clutter: When your heart is divided, your mind is chaotic. Should you take the job for money or calling? Say yes for status or no for margin? Keep chasing what you've always wanted or surrender it to God? These internal battles create noise, mental clutter, and emotional exhaustion. You can't think clearly because competing desires fight for attention inside your head. What Delight Actually Means: Delighting in the Lord means finding your joy in Him—not just believing or obeying out of duty, but actually enjoying Him, being satisfied by Him, treasuring Him above everything else. When you truly delight in Him, other things start to fade. Not through force, but because they don't satisfy like they used to. Career success feels empty without God. Relationships don't complete you like He does. Security, comfort, recognition—none of it fills your deepest need the way God does. As this happens, your desires shift. God gives you new desires that align with His will. Simplicity of Heart: Simplicity isn't having no desires—it's having one primary desire that orders all others. When you desire God above all else, every other desire finds its proper place. You can want things without being enslaved, pursue goals without being controlled, enjoy blessings without worshiping them. Your heart becomes unified, single-focused, simple. And when your heart is simple, your mind clears. This Week's Small Step: Simplify your mental clutter through prayer and journaling. Set aside 15 minutes today. Ask God to reveal where your desires are divided. Then write honestly: What do I really want? Why? Am I willing to surrender this to God? What would delighting in the Lord look like? Don't rush—let God speak as you write. Then pray again, asking Him to change your desires and give you a heart that delights in Him above all else. Perfect for anyone struggling with competing desires, feeling mentally or emotionally cluttered, wrestling with divided loyalties, or seeking to love God wholeheartedly instead of double-mindedly. Scripture Focus: Psalm 37:4 Series: Start Small: Small Steps. Big Results. Week Theme: Simplicity Discover how God transforms your desires when you delight in Him, bringing simplicity to your heart and clarity to your mind.

    13 min
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About

Join us as we dive into Scripture and faith through a fresh lens, offering thought-provoking discussions and new perspectives on God’s Word. This podcast invites you to rethink, rediscover, and deepen your spiritual journey, with every episode designed to spark reflection and transformation.

Information

  • Creator
    Rev. Evan Ryder
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    116
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rediscovering Faith
  • Show Website
    Rediscovering Faith