Shows
The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 114 "Living In A State Called Love"Have you ever looked at the Sermon on the Mt and tried to actually do the things that Jesus mentions? How did it go for you? Have you given up yet? Have they become your natural response yet? In this episode I want to give you a basic summary of what I think is going on in the Sermon on the Mt and why you might need to change the way you see and approach this text.
2021-06-0121 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 113 "No Mandates, Just Aha Moments"This episode presents a different perspective on the Beatitudes.
2021-05-1130 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 112 "A Challenging Chapter"This episode explores some thoughts about God's perspective, our perspectives, compartmentalism, integration, and a few other nuggets here and there.
Resources:
Jordan Peterson Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rAqVmZwqZM&t=0s
2021-04-2617 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 111 "Look At The Fruit"As we look at Chapter 2 of the Divine Conspiracy, we look at how we have turned the gospel into a system of sin management and why that doesn’t work.
Episode Resources:
https://www.christiantoday.com/article/american.study.reveals.indulgent.lifestyle.christians.no.different/9439.htm
https://www.barna.com/research/faith-has-a-limited-effect-on-most-peoples-behavior/
https://www.barna.com/research/christians-relational-health/
https://www.barna.com/research/resilient-discipleship/
https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2021/february/ravi-zacharias-rzim-investigation-sexual-abuse-sexting-rape.html
www.netgr...2021-04-1215 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 110 "What Might The Kingdom Be?What did Jesus mean by "the kingdom of heaven" and what does this have to do with us?
2021-03-2317 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 109 "How Significant?"Just a few thoughts on why Jesus was so significant and how we reflect that today.
2021-03-1611 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 108 "How's That Working?"The things we consume play a major role in determining who we are becoming. How's That Working for us? The typical ways we try to enact change in our societies only leads to more laws and not true change in character? How's That Working for us? The typical ways we present Jesus and his teachings seems to only lead to more division, laws, dogmas, etc., but no true change in the heart? How's That Working for us?
Additional Resources:
Tristan Harris TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C74amJRp730&t=32s2021-03-0317 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 107 "Living In Reality"So much of how we respond to life is simply based on our perceived reality. Jesus gave us principles that when applied help us to come to "know the truth" of a reality that transcends perspectives. These principles prove to be relevant and practical for us today.
2021-02-2317 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 106 "Relevant and Practical"In this episode we talk about Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy, and seeing Jesus as practical and relevant.
Walking Closer Youtube Channel
2021-01-2724 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 105 "From Misery to Life"In this episode, I explain a little more about my story and why I have the approach I have with Walking Closer.
2021-01-2031 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 104 "Why Walking Closer"For the first episode of 2021, I give an update on a new adventure with the podcast, I revisit the reasons behind this podcast, and tell you a little bit more about my own story.
Walking Closer YouTube Channel
2021-01-1314 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 103 "Change that Sticks"If we want to make changes that stick, we need a process that puts us in a position to actually change. This episode explores such a process.
2020-11-1627 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 102 "What's Holding You Back?"Sometimes, our hearts are like junk drawers. They collect things over time that eventually keep us from being able to open them. You may have things in your heart that are holding you back because you haven't released them.
2020-11-1028 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 101 "Actually Living By Faith"While the term "faith" is at the core of Christianity, there seems to be lots of ideas about what faith actually is. This episode looks at what faith is in light of its usage during the bible times and what it means to actually live by faith.
2020-11-0226 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 100 "Dancing the Dance of Grace" Challenging Perspectives Part 10In the final episode of this series, we bring it all together and show how we respond to the "graces" or "favors" we have been given. I also discuss how we are put into a unique position of being a benefactor of God's grace to others.
2020-10-2640 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 99 "gods, Enemies, & the Chief Benefactor" Challenging Perspectives Part 9There is language in the NT that ties us to the concepts of the Patron system, and yet, the language is used in a context that rises so far above the limitations of what a Patron would be expected to do. As such, it not only compares and contrast God to earthly Patrons, it also put God in stark contrast to the gods of that time.
2020-10-1921 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 98 "Healings, Clients, & Politics" (Challenging Perspectives Part 8)The NT is filled with complex narratives. Narratives where complicated social relationships unfold before our eyes. Today’s episode will continue to unpack some of these complexities.
2020-10-1229 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 97 "Brokers, Benefactors, & Roman Centurions" (Challenging Perspectives Part 7)Understanding social structures can help the biblical text come alive. This episode looks at a biblical narrative in Luke 7 where the social context of Personal and Public Patronage is played out in the biblical text.
2020-10-0522 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 96 Challenging Perspectives Part 6 "The Dance of Grace"Did you realize the terms "grace and faith" were not particularly religious terms, but words which were used to describe a specific relationship between two people? This is where understanding social systems can be beneficial and can challenge our perspectives.
2020-09-2938 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 95 "Challenging Perspectives" Part 5This episode shows how the concepts of "Challenge Riposte" are interwoven into the fabric of the "Honor Shame Society" of the biblical times.
2020-09-2121 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 94 "Challenging Perspectives" Part 42020-09-1622 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 93 "Challenging Perspectives" Part 3This episode touches on reading some of the biblical text through the lens of the "honor shame" culture.
2020-09-0930 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 92 "Challenging Perspectives" Part 2If we are going to better understand the biblical text we first need to acknowledge the challenges we face when it comes to reading and understanding the biblical narrative.
Resources:
http://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/ted_hildebrandt/New_Testament_Greek/Text/Metzger-TranslationProblems03-BS.pdf#:~:text=Problems%20involved%20in%20translating%20the%20Scriptures%20are%20many.,punctuation%20of%20the%20Hebrew%20and%20the%20Greek%20texts.
Further reading on the cultural and social context of the Bible. Non affiliated links.
"Cultural Tools for Interpreting the Good News" John J. Pilch
"...2020-08-2418 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 91 "Challenging Perspectives" Part 1Much of Christian talk is shrouded in highly charged religious phrases which prop up certain theories that most people are unaware of or would struggle to articulate practically. How do we make sense of it all? This is the first of a series of episodes that seeks to challenge our perspectives when it comes to what we believe and why in hopes of better understanding the information we actually have.
2020-08-1719 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 90 "Can I Get A Little Self Help?"Episode Resources:
Wood, D. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2010; vol 99: pp 174-190.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-big-questions/201108/we-see-in-others-what-we-fear-in-ourselves
https://thehabitstacker.com/learning-to-love-yourself-here-are-10-things-you-can-do/
2020-07-2026 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 89 "Why?"It's much easier to adapt when you keep the focus on the "purpose" behind why you do what you do. What keeps us from adapting is when we get stuck on the "how" we do something. This can be clearly seen right now as Churches make decisions during this pandemic.
2020-07-1424 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 88 "Lead The Way"Christians have a tendency to claim lots of things, but the old cliche rings true "actions speak louder than words."
2020-07-0723 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 87 "You Don't Have To"2020-06-2937 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 86 "The Solution"We may not want to hear it. We may not like it. We may disagree, but here is the solution to working through all the tension.
2020-06-2233 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 85 "Be the Bridge"If you want to understand some of the anger people are feeling right now, just stop and listen with the intention of gaining a new perspective. Even if you still end up disagreeing, seeing things from other people's perspective helps us to walk closer.
Resources
https://waterbrookmultnomah.com/books/592177/be-the-bridge-by-latasha-morrison/
https://bethebridge.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BetheBridge/
2020-06-0408 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 84 "Now What?" Part 2In Part 2 we talk about what we think might change as our communities begin to move forward through this pandemic. We also talk about what we hope will result from this time.
2020-05-2648 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 83 "Now What?" Part 1Things are changing as our communities prepare to reopen. In this episode, we discuss some things we have learned about ourselves as we transition to whats next.
2020-05-181h 12The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 82 "Where Are You Now?" Part 22020-04-2731 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 81 "Where Are You Now?" Part 1Crises can change us for better or worse. In this conversation with Mindi, I express some of my concerns and hopes for people's faith.
2020-04-2045 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 80 "What Might NOT Have Been"It's easy to focus on all the things we are missing out on since everything is shut down. Mindi joins me once again to talk about some of the good things that might NOT have happened if we weren't playing it safe at home.
2020-04-1355 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 79 "Into the Unknown"Mindi Comeaux joins me once more to share with you our social distancing experiences. Come along with us into the unknown.
2020-04-0646 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 78 "We Feel Ya!"My wife (Mindi) and I share with you our experiences so far with the Coronavirus and how it has affected us in different ways. We want you to know, we feel ya.
2020-03-3141 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 77 "Love During Covid-19" Part 2The Coronavirus has completely disrupted our lives in almost every way. How are you handling this wild ride?
2020-03-2320 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 76 "Love During Covid-19"It is really hard to see through all the fear and anxiety of the Coronavirus. However, there are stories from around the world that highlight the good that is within each of us. Humanity is being challenged to "love" and many have accepted this challenge. How about you?
2020-03-1620 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 75 "What A Mess!" Part 1This episode begins to explore the disconnect between "religious language" and what we actually understand as Christians. I think we have a mess on our hands. We use religiously charged words that may have lost their meaning, yet we continue to use them without understanding the concepts they represent. How do we make sense of all this talk? Is there a way to make any of it practical?
2020-03-0922 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 74 "Jesus, the Man" Part 4In the final episode of this series we explore a moment with Jesus that was unlike any other moment we see Him go through. In this moment, His humanity is on full display.
Mathew 26:36-46
Mark 14:32-42
Luke 22:39-46
John 18:1-2
2020-03-0123 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 73 "Jesus, the Man" Part 3In the episode we explore what Jesus might have looked like as a man. We explore what historians say, what scripture might paint, and we also discuss the Shroud of Turin. Use the following links to further research the Shroud of Turin.
https://shroud.com/history.htm History timeline of the Shroud starting in 1356.
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5luydh Shroud of Turin Documentary.
https://www.shroud.com Shroud of Turin website for further research.
2020-02-1847 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 72 "Jesus, the Man" Part 2This episode explores a few things that made Jesus unique as a human living in the 1st century. We also explore the relationship between Jesus and his mother.
2020-02-1029 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 71 "Jesus, the Man" Part 1We may generally have a tendency to emphasize the divinity of Jesus, but did you realize the New Testament writers also emphasized his humanity alongside his divinity? So who was Jesus, the man?
2020-02-0330 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 70 "Nothing Less than the Real Thing" Part 3What does your relationship with God look like? It's only when you realize you don't have what you want, that you can begin to go in the direction you need.
2020-01-2821 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 69 "Nothing Less than the Real Thing" Part 2Sometimes the things we do "for God" can take the place of our relationship with God. A relationship with God is not something that can be manufactured. What does your relationship with God look like?
2020-01-2121 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 68 "Nothing Less than the Real Thing"What may be passing for a relationship with God, may actually be something that has replaced that relationship. Listen to this episode to find out more.
2020-01-1619 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 67 "Wrestling with God""Real connections, epiphanies, reconstruction, reordering, comes as we go through things..... as we wrestle with God, and come out on the other side knowing we will never be the same again."
2020-01-0635 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 66 "The Final One"2019-12-1636 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 65 "Where's the Meat?" Part 4This episode concludes by diving into what is "a better way." We explore what this better way looks like and its ability to profoundly transform us and those around us.
2019-12-1034 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 64 "Where's the Meat?" Part 3In part 3 I dive into some things found in Paul's letter to the Corinthians that will help us understand what I view as "the meat" or the deeper things.
2019-12-0225 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 63 "Where's the Meat" Part 2In part 2 we explore what I think "the meat" is and what it does for us.
2019-11-2520 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 62 "Where's the Meat" Part 1What do people mean when they say they want "the meat" of scripture, etc.? In this episode we focus more on what "the meat" is not.
2019-11-2025 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 61 "The Most Important Thing"The landscape of Christianity seems so complex and diverse. Things can easily become foggy and people can easily become disoriented or disinterested. What are we to make of all this?
2019-11-1130 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 60 "Sit In The Tension" Part 22019-11-0535 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 59 "Sit In The Tension"2019-10-291h 03The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 58 "To Him Through Her" with Jill Yarbrough2019-10-221h 03The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 57 "Good, Good Father" Part 2 with Curtis Thornburg2019-10-141h 00The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 56 "Good, Good Father" Part 1 with Curtis Thornburg2019-10-0700 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 55 "False Barriers, Discovery, and God's Love" Part 2 with Nate and Cait Smith2019-09-3045 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 54 "False Barriers, Discovery, and God's Love" Part 1 with Nate and Cait SmithListen as two people from different backgrounds share how their understanding of God evolved and changed their lives.
2019-09-231h 00The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 53 "Feminist God Part 2" with Zach Yarbrough2019-09-1753 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 52 "Feminist God Part 1" with Zach YarbroughThis episode continues my conversations with others concerning their mental image of God. This is the first part of my conversation with Zach Yarbrough.
2019-09-1042 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 51 "Embraced by God" with Amy SmithThis episode features my very first guest on the podcast. I sit down with Amy Smith and we discuss her journey and the evolution of her image of God.
2019-08-2751 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 50 "The Angry Bearded Muscular White Man in the DistanceIn this episode, I explore some of my own past image(s) of God, what supported it, and how it changed.
2019-08-131h 10The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 49 "Waking Up To The Moment"If we are not careful we might live our lives being stuck in the past or always looking for what's coming next and never really live in the moment. Are you ready to wake up to what's already in front of you and to be caught up in the appreciation and joy that it can bring? Thats what this episode is all about.
2019-07-2917 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 48 "Your Image of God"What mental visualization comes to your mind when you think about God? During prayer, is there a specific image of God that comes to your mind? What does God look like to you? This episode explores this concept and I also share some of my own ideas.
2019-07-1525 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 47 "Burn Out Part 3"In this episode, I continue sharing my own personal experiences with burn out and what I learned. This episode also highlights some new updates to Walking Closer.
2019-07-0316 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 46 "Burn Out Part 2"In this episode I relate some of my own personal experiences with burn out and how I started down the road to recovery.
2019-06-1919 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 45 "Burn Out"This episode is all about Burn Out, the signs, how it affects us, and what to do about it.
2019-06-0521 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 44 "Personal Resurrection”While the resurrection of Jesus made a huge impact on the lives of those who experienced it, and while it made a massive impact on the world, this doesn't mean it has had the same impact on you. This episode is all about exploring the impact the resurrection could have on us.
2019-05-2213 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 43 "Pursuit of the Divine"What does it mean to pursue God? What does this look like for you? Do you think pursuing God is limited to reading your Bible? This episode challenges you to consider not only what you are pursuing but also what pursuing God might look like.
2019-05-0813 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 42 "Stop and Wonder"This episode is all about taking time to consider the world outside of your bubble. Take a peak at creation around you. The fingerprint of God is all around. There is something beautiful and amazing that is larger than our schedules or projects. Taking the time to considering this just may be the mental shift you need.
2019-04-2413 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 41 "Final Thoughts On Navigating Emotions"Episode 41 concludes this series on responding and reacting. In this episode I give some final thoughts on navigating our emotions in decision making. I give my takeaways from process like Zero Based Thinking and Emotionless Decision Making Framework.
2019-04-1022 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 40 "Calming the Restless Mind"Episode 40 is focused on engaging a process by which we can cultivate the mind to be focused and calm in responding to stressful situations. The use of prayer is discussed as a means by which this can be done.
2019-03-2713 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 39 "Fight or Flight"This episode is centered around the idea of "fight or flight." We talk about what is going on physically with us during these moments and what might be triggers for you.
2019-03-1315 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 38 "Responding and Reacting"Are you a person who most often finds yourself being more responsive or reactive? Do you know the difference? This episode is all about clarifying the difference and also contains some tips on how to become more responsive.
2019-03-0121 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 37 "Being Attuned"This episode is all about exploring the benefits of being attuned to our emotions and leveraging our understanding of what is going on to help us rise above, or navigate through, the situations in which we find ourselves.
2019-02-1414 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 36 "Emotional Decisions Intro"This episode is the first of a series that will focus on our emotions and feelings and specifically the roles they play in our decision making process.
2019-01-2418 min
The Walking Closer Podcast"Episode 35 "Making Changes"Set any new goals lately? Are you able to accomplish the goals you set? This episode is all about making changes and the crucial step we skip that causes us to fail.
2019-01-1019 min
The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 34 "Year End Check In"This is the final episode for 2018. This episode is just a quick checkin where we talk about some potential updates to Walking Closer and what to look forward to in 2019.
2018-12-1913 min
The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 33 "Time for Change"Do you like change? Are you one of those people who runs from change? Does change make you uncomfortable? Todays episode is all about putting a positive spin on change and may even help you determine whether the change that is happening is good and needed.
2018-11-2817 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 32 "A Work In Progress"This episode is all about being ok with being a work in progress. Sometimes transformation comes faster and other times is come slower. It can be discouraging at times, but remember you are a work in progress.
2018-11-1514 min
The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 31 "Do The Next Right Thing"Transformation is a process whether we like it or not. It can be confusing, exhausting, and daunting at times. How do we cut through all this and continue to make progress?
2018-10-3112 min
The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 30 "Internal Conflict"What we really want, our wills, informs how we respond to everything. It informs what we say and think. It empowers how we feel in the moment. What happens when our wills are splintered, contradictory, divided, corrupted? This episdoe highlights the internal conflict we experience as a result of the condition of our "wills."
2018-10-1715 min
The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 29 "Am I Teachable?"We are so good at acquiring information, but what do we do with it? Information alone does not change us. Just because we know the right answers doesn’t mean they will transform us? Are we teachable?
2018-10-0218 min
The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 28 "Character Change"How do we change our character? Can we just will it into being? Can we force character change through force of habit?
2018-09-1815 min
The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 27 "Character"This episode is all about Character. Good or bad we all have character. So, what is it?
2018-09-0416 min
The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 26 "Now What?"Up to this point we have spent most of our time discussing the mind (thoughts, feelings, images, and ideas that occupy the mind). We have discussed how our minds are formed and shaped through our life experiences and how they regularly impacts us. Now What? This episode will begin a series of episodes where we specifically talk about our hearts and how to align our hearts with God.
2018-08-2315 min
The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 25 "Sacred Rest"Focusing of inner transformation can be exhausting at times. You might feel beat down, drained, tired of facing your failures or character flaws. How do you handle those times? This episode is all about makeing time for rest and renewal. I hope to give you some ideas by recounting my most recent 3 day retreat.
2018-08-1329 min
The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 24 "Cultivating Godly Conditions"This episode addresses how to move forward with replacing those feelings that lead to destructive behaviors. Its all about cultivating within ourselves those godly conditions that embodied the heart of Jesus.
2018-07-3121 min
The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 23 "More Than Manage"Only managing our feelings is like only paying attention to the systems of a disease. Just like symptoms point to underlying sickness, feelings can point to underlying conditions. We must go beyond managing our feelings and address the underlying conditions of our hearts.2018-07-1900 min
The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 22 "Complexity of Feelings"Feelings can be complex, powerful, and tricky. This episdoe presents just a few examples of this reality and further makes the arguement of why we need to focus on the underlying conditions with which these feelings are associated. 2018-07-0300 min
The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 21 "I Got This Feeling"Feelings are so intertwined with the thoughts that occupy our minds, it does us not good to deny them or repress them. They are so intertwined with who we are, we cannot separate ourselves from them. Instead of being mastered by them or denying them, its best if we understand them. 2018-06-2200 min
The Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 20 "Me and Jesus, What?"Do "me and Jesus have our own thing going"? This episode gives you a few things to chew on while you consider the question. 2018-06-0400 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 19 "Putting It All Together"This episdoe takes the concepts we have discussed concerning "changing the mind" and brings them all together. We wrap up by giving a few specific examples of what this looks like. 2018-05-2200 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 18 "Fill It Up"If we want to change our minds we must replace the current ideas and images with the "good stuff." Since it is the case that we have the power to choose what we set our minds upon, we must be proactive in filling our minds with the things that can replace the the junk in our minds. This episode begins to address what we can do in order to change our minds.2018-05-0800 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 17 "Imagine That"Our minds are filled with images and these images not only demonstrate the ideas that govern us, but they are also filled with feelings and emotions. On this episode, we will look at various examples or exercises to demonstrate this reality and the power of the mind.2018-04-2500 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 16 "Thinking About Thinking"Have you ever given much thought to thinking? Our thoughts play such a huge role in how we feel and what we do. This episode is all about becoming more self-aware of our own thoughts which reflect the ideas that govern us. 2018-04-1100 minThe Walking Closer PodcastEpisode 15 "Ruled by Ideas"This is the second of a series of episodes tackling our thoughts and feelings. This episode addresses the reality of how we are governed by Ideas. Our idea system is formed along with us from childhood into adulthood.2018-03-2200 min