Resilient Fire Podcast

Dave SH

Welcome to the Resilient Fire podcast! Using over 25 years of experience, Dave takes principles of survival, balances them with scripture and the Gospel, and talks through ways to apply them to our daily lives. The podcast is aimed at people who want to deepen their relationship with Jesus so that they can be a blessing to their families, church, and community. Be resilient...be fire, because we need to continually be reminded that the light shines in the darkness...and where there is fire, there is light.

  1. FEB 10

    James Series 1: The Formation of Faith

    Episode Summary Welcome to the premiere of our deep dive into the Book of James. In this episode, Dave explores the "paradox of joy" found in James 1. We often view trials as interruptions or signs of God’s absence, but James argues they are the primary curriculum for our spiritual formation. From the history of James—the skeptic-turned-servant—to the imagery of the blacksmith’s forge, Dave discusses how pressure doesn't destroy faith; it reveals what kind of faith we actually have. Key Scripture James 1:2-4: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness..."James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach..."James 1:22: "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."Main Takeaways Trials are a "When," not an "If": Suffering isn't a sign that you've taken a wrong turn; it is a guaranteed part of the Christian life intended for your growth.The Blacksmith’s Fire: God is the Master Artisan. He applies heat not to consume us, but to burn away the "dross" (impurities) so that our faith becomes pure, resilient, and valuable.Wisdom vs. Relief: When under pressure, our instinct is to pray for the trial to end. James encourages us to pray for wisdom instead—the divine perspective needed to endure rightly.The Danger of Spiritual Self-Deception: Knowledge without action produces fragility. Resilience is only formed when we move from merely "hearing" the Word to "doing" what it says.Reflection Questions Are you interpreting your current pressure as God’s abandonment or as His formation?In what area of your life are you reacting with fear or anger instead of asking for Godly wisdom?Where have you been "listening" to God’s Word but delaying the actual "doing"?Connect with Resilient Fire Facebook: Resilient Fire MinistryInstagram: @resilient_fire_daveNext Episode: We move into James Chapter 2 to discuss Living Faith—why genuine faith can never stay hidden or silent. Stay in the process. Ask for wisdom. Keep your fires burning.

    14 min
  2. FEB 2

    The Tire Around Your Neck

    In this episode of the Resilient Fire Podcast, I unpack a true and unusual story from Colorado involving a bull elk that carried a tire around its neck for more than two years. What begins as a strange wildlife story becomes a powerful illustration of the spiritual, emotional, and relational burdens many of us carry far longer than God ever intended. Through Scripture, personal reflection, and vivid imagery, this episode explores how burdens grow with us, how survival is not the same as freedom, and how true healing often requires surrender. Ultimately, this is a Gospel-centered reminder that freedom is not something we earn or fix ourselves — it’s something Christ provides when we allow Him to step in. 🎯 Key Themes & Takeaways Burdens Grow If Left Untouched Like the elk, many of us carry weights that increase over time — sin, shame, trauma, pride, or fear.Looking Strong Doesn’t Mean Being Free You can function, succeed, and appear solid while still suffocating spiritually.Normalization Is Not Healing Adapting to pain is not the same as being restored.Freedom Often Costs Something Just as the elk lost its antlers to lose the tire, God may remove things we value to save us from what’s destroying us.We Are Designed for Dependence Freedom comes through Christ, community, confession, discipleship, and accountability.The Gospel Is the Ultimate Rescue We don’t free ourselves — Christ intervenes, removes the burden, and restores our identity and purpose.📖 Scripture References Hebrews 12:1Psalm 55:22Matthew 11:28Matthew 5:30Galatians 6:2John 8:362 Corinthians 5:17, 20🛠️ Practical Reflection Questions What “tire” are you carrying right now? What burden, sin, habit, wound, or fear have you learned to live with instead of surrendering?Whose burden can you help remove? Who in your life might need someone to notice, step in, pray, confess, and fight alongside them?🎥 Recommended Resource “God’s Chisel” – A powerful short video illustration about God’s refining work in our lives https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QCkBL2DfVg🤝 Connect & Share If this episode encouraged you or stirred something in your heart, Dave would love to hear from you. 📧 Email: resilientfireministry@gmail.com📘 Facebook: Resilient Fire Ministry📸 Instagram: @resilient_fire_daveIf you know someone who might be carrying a hidden burden, consider sharing this episode with them. 🎵 Music Intro / Outro Music: Campfire by Scandinavianz | https://soundcloud.com/scandinavianz Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

    14 min
  3. JAN 19

    SERE Series #8: Code of Conduct

    In this episode of the Resilient Fire Podcast, I conclude the SERE and Faith Series by exploring the idea of a Code of Conduct — not just as a military concept, but as a deeply spiritual one. Drawing from SERE principles, biblical wisdom, and everyday life under pressure, this episode examines how character is revealed when comfort is stripped away and control is lost. Rather than focusing on rules or performance, this conversation centers on identity under pressure — who we become when stress, fear, exhaustion, and uncertainty narrow our world. Through Scripture, reflection, and practical insight, I invite you to examine the formation of your inner life and the kind of resilience that leads not just to survival, but to wholeness. Key Themes & Takeaways: A Code of Conduct is not about restriction, but about preserving identity under pressureStress doesn’t create character — it reveals what has already been formedSpiritual resilience is built long before hardship arrivesIntegrity, kindness, and humility stabilize the soul in high-pressure environmentsFormation happens intentionally or drift happens passively — there is no neutral groundGod is deeply invested not just in what we do, but in who we are becoming Scripture Focus (ESV): Micah 6:8 — Doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with GodRomans 12:1–2 — Transformation through the renewing of the mindPsalm 15:1–2 — Walking with integrity and speaking truth in the heartThese passages together form a spiritual Code of Conduct — not a checklist, but a framework for faithfulness when life applies heat. Reflection Questions: Where am I most tempted to drift when I’m tired, stressed, or discouraged?Where has fatigue begun to erode integrity or clarity?Where has cynicism tried to replace kindness in my life?What would it look like to invite God to renew my mind in this season?How is my inner life being formed — intentionally or by default? Closing Encouragement: Resilience is not just about enduring hardship — it’s about emerging from it whole, grounded, and faithful. A spiritual Code of Conduct protects identity, preserves integrity, and anchors the soul when circumstances are unstable. God does not ask us to form this character alone; He works in us, walks with us, and patiently shapes us over time. Music: Campfire by Scandinavianz | https://soundcloud.com/scandinavianz Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

    15 min
  4. JAN 12

    SERE Series #7: Recovery and Restoration

    Freedom is not the finish line—restoration is the work that follows. In this episode of the Resilient Fire Podcast, we move beyond escape and into what comes next. Drawing from SERE recovery principles and anchored in Psalm 40:2, Dave explores how God not only delivers us from captivity, but patiently restores our strength, stability, and confidence. Recovery is often quieter than escape. It is slower. It feels vulnerable. But it is where lasting freedom is formed. God does not rush the healing process—He establishes our footing so we can stand firm when pressure returns. Whether you’ve recently experienced deliverance or you’re still finding your balance after a hard season, this episode speaks to the sacred work of restoration and the faith required to trust God’s pace. 📖 Scripture Focus Psalm 40:2 “He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the miry clay. He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” 🧭 Episode Themes Why escape is only the beginning—not the endThe difference between freedom and wholenessRecovery as a necessary, God-ordained processWhat Psalm 40 teaches us about healing and stabilityWhy restoration takes time—and why that’s goodHow God rebuilds trust, identity, and strength after captivityThe role of patience, waiting, and dependence in recoveryWhy restored people become steady people🪓 Key Takeaway God did not rescue you just to leave you unsteady. Restoration is not weakness—it is preparation. The same God who lifts you out of the pit is faithful to establish your steps. Music: Campfire by Scandinavianz | https://soundcloud.com/scandinavianz  Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com  Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

    14 min
  5. JAN 5

    SERE Series #6: Escape and Freedom

    🎧 EPISODE SUMMARY In survival training, escape is not panic—it is purposeful movement toward freedom. It requires patience, discipline, and a clear understanding of who you are and where you’re going. In this episode of the Resilient Fire Podcast, I explore Luke 4:18, where Jesus publicly declares His mission: to proclaim freedom to the captives and release the oppressed. Many people aren’t physically imprisoned, but they are spiritually confined—by sin patterns, shame, fear, exhaustion, or performance-based faith. Jesus does not come to manage captivity. He comes to end it. “Escape and Freedom” challenges all people to recognize hidden forms of bondage and follow Christ—not just out of captivity, but into lasting transformation. 🔥 KEY THEMES & TAKEAWAYS Escape is deliberate, not desperateCaptivity often looks respectable and familiarThe enemy’s goal is compliance, not chaosFreedom is usually a process, not a momentJesus doesn’t just open the door—He walks us outCaptivity distorts vision; freedom restores sightWilderness seasons often come between bondage and promise📖 SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Luke 4:18 — Jesus proclaims freedom to the captivesIsaiah 61:1 — The prophecy Jesus fulfillsRomans 12:2 — Renewal of the mindJohn 8:36 — “If the Son sets you free…”Exodus 13–14 — Leaving Egypt, learning freedom🪵 PRACTICAL APPLICATION Identify areas of captivity you’ve accepted as “normal”Refuse to confuse comfort with freedomTake small, intentional steps toward obedienceRenew your thinking with truth, not shameExpect a wilderness season—and don’t turn back 🔔 CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK Where do you need to stop managing captivity and start responding to Christ’s call to freedom? Jesus still proclaims release. The question is whether you’ll follow Him out. Music: Campfire by Scandinavianz | https://soundcloud.com/scandinavianz  Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com  Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

    13 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Resilient Fire podcast! Using over 25 years of experience, Dave takes principles of survival, balances them with scripture and the Gospel, and talks through ways to apply them to our daily lives. The podcast is aimed at people who want to deepen their relationship with Jesus so that they can be a blessing to their families, church, and community. Be resilient...be fire, because we need to continually be reminded that the light shines in the darkness...and where there is fire, there is light.