Ron Oltmanns - Podcast Details

Shows

First Fifteen Give Us a King! (1 Samuel 8)Israel was unique in the ancient world, but they often struggled with their God who made them unique, and that power struggle is a feature of every person's story. The central question is: Who will be king? 1 Samuel 8 is more than a story about how Israel gets a king. It's about how they displace the King they already had. Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible narratives. In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it into prayer.We started season five in 1 Samuel 1-3 before going ba...

2022-12-1016 min

First Fifteen In Our Own Eyes (Judges)The eyes are a window to the heart. Unless we're striving to do what is right in God's eyes, things are not going to go well for us! That's the message in the book of Judges as part of our series on praying Bible stories. Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible narratives. In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it into prayer.We listen to part of Judges 2 in today's episode. It reveals a pattern that repeats over and over in Israel's early history of l...

2022-09-1916 min

DISCy Chicks Guest Ron Oltmanns Shares His Expertise On Emotional IntelligenceThe DISCy Chicks welcome Ron Oltmanns to our podcast. He is president of his own business LeadSkill that helps leaders grow their self-awareness which enables them in turn to grow their teams. Ron has a keen focus on EQ in the development of leaders and more specifically in how to help them clearly identify what emotions they experience throughout their day. Ron has expanded Plutchik's Wheel of Eight Key Emotions, adding specific words to enable others to best identify what they are feeling. Research has taught us when we can identify what we are feeling, we can fi...

2022-05-2543 min

First Fifteen Into the Promised Land (Joshua)What is the secret to standing strong in faith? We see a specific truth about that in the book of Joshua. Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible stories or narratives. In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it into prayer.We look at four readings from the book of Joshua that tell the story of Israel entering into the land God promised them. First there is a new leader before Israel. With Moses' death, Joshua and chosen to lead the people into the n...

2022-05-0929 min

First Fifteen The Law, Again (Deuteronomy)God gave the Law to Moses at Mount Sinai. So why did Moses repeat the law again to the children of Israel in Moab 40 years later? We find out in today's episode.Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible stories or narratives. In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it into prayer.We aren't looking at any specific laws in this episode. Instead we consider the story of why Moses gave the law again and the final events before Israel entered Canaan. We listen to Deuteronomy 1 a...

2022-04-0428 min

First Fifteen In the Wilderness (Numbers 14)In the wilderness is where God leads, provides, judges and forgives. God gives the Law and tests his people in the wilderness. After Genesis (actually Exodus 13) all of the the action in the next four books of the Torah/Pentateuch happens in the wilderness. Today’s episode is one story from the wilderness that shows God's nature, the people's failure and how to pray in the midst of this. Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible stories or narratives. In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it into pray...

2022-01-3118 min

First Fifteen Out of Egypt (Genesis 37-Exodus 18)Jesus spent time in Africa as a baby, and when the time was full scripture says, "Out of Egypt I called my son." The meaning of that phrase has a deep resonance that reaches back to the prophets (especially Hosea) and then further back to the prophet Moses. One of the great stories of the Bible is how God's people came to live in Egypt, slide into slavery and oppression, then see a mighty deliverance from Egypt by God. Today’s episode is about the story of God bringing Israel out of Egypt. Season five is focused on lis...

2021-12-1928 min

First Fifteen How Jacob Became Israel (Genesis 32-33)How do you deal with someone who is slippery? You're not sure you are getting the full story from them or they seem to have other motives or intentions. Some people are pretty good at plotting and planning and getting the better side of a bargain. This might even describe you! One of those people in the Bible is a man named Jacob. Today’s episode is How Jacob became Israel. Season five is focused on listening to and praying Bible stories or narratives. In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word and turn it in...

2021-11-2226 min

First Fifteen The God Who Sees Me (Genesis 16)The Bible is full of surprises. There is an overarching story that God is directing, and yet he chooses to write it with human characters. Even when they go “off-script”, God’s story will get told, with extra twists and turns included. In season five we're learning to listen to and pray Bible stories or narratives. In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day. Abram and Sarai were promised great bles...

2021-10-2627 min

First Fifteen Abram's Big Blessing - (Gen 11:27-12:20)When things are going well people sometimes say “I have been so blessed!” Before the blessing comes, though, how do you act, how do you talk, how do you behave? How we act before we receive the blessing shows something revealing about our character. In season five we're learning to listen to and pray Bible stories or narratives. In our podcast we take time to listen to God's word, reflect on it and then pray it back to God as well as carry that word with us through the rest of the day. Abraham's faith is famou...

2021-09-2025 min

First Fifteen The Big Story of the BibleStories draw us in. It's hard to resist listening to a good story that is well told. Stories hold our interest. What's less obvious is that stories shape us, inspire us and teach us important truths. There is great untapped power in the stories of the Bible. As we learn to pray them we can grow closer to God and experience a growing faith too. In season five we're learning to listen to and pray Bible stories or narratives. We plunged into the beginning of the story of Samuel first then turned back to Genesis to the begi...

2021-08-2017 min

First Fifteen Towering Pride (Genesis 11)What's the tallest building you've ever seen up close? In Genesis 11 there was a city and a people who decided to build a tower to heaven. Why they did it and what it meant has a deeper meaning than just a story with a moral about towering pride. In season five we're learning to listen to and pray Bible stories or narratives. We started in the middle of the story at 1 Samuel 1-3 before turning to beginnings in Genesis. In all the plot twists and different settings, with the growing list of characters we've seen that God is cr...

2021-08-0314 min

First Fifteen It All Comes Flooding Back (Genesis 6:9-9:29)The Great Flood and Noah’s Ark is a universal story, a familiar tale to many people regardless of their background or religion. In the story of the Bible it is a prominent marker on the path that shows us what God is up to in the world. It also tells us a lot about humans. In season five we're learning to listen to and pray Bible stories or narratives. In Genesis 1-2 we heart about God creating the world in an orderly way and calling it good. He meant for humans to rule over creation according to his...

2021-07-2029 min

First Fifteen Live Long and Prosper! (Gen 5:4-6:8)“Live long and prosper.” The line from Star Trek’s character Spock is a sentiment common to all human cultures. Most people who enjoy any kind of quality of life desire to have a long life. What the Bible says about that challenges our common assumptions.In season five we're listening to Bible stories and learning to pray them. We started in the middle of things with the beginnings of the story of Samuel before turning back to the very start with creation and how the first couple chose to go their own way, to know good and evil o...

2021-07-0631 min

First Fifteen The Plot Thickens (Genesis 4)Murder. Intrigue. Outrageous behavior. Those sound like elements of a crime story. It’s actually part of the story in the first book of the Bible, Genesis 4. In season five we're listening to Bible stories and learning to pray them. We started in the middle of things with the beginnings of the story of Samuel before turning back to the very start with creation and how the first couple chose to go their own way, to know good and evil on their own apart from God's clear teaching.In our podcast we take time to listen...

2021-06-0625 min

First Fifteen Picture This! (Conversation on Narrative 2)Most good stories have a strong visual component, and the stories of creation and beginnings in Genesis 1-3 are no different. In this conversation we explore how the first couple is portrayed imaginatively in art as an extended meditation on the imagery of creation and the fall. In season five we're learning to pray the most common type of scripture: narrative or stories. They make up almost half of the Bible so it's important we learn how to read and pray this very common type of Scripture. In our regular episodes we take time to liste...

2021-05-2839 min

First Fifteen The Fall (Genesis 3)The goodness of creation and the close relationship that man and woman shared with God gets severely tested and ultimately changed because of a series of decisions. Genesis 3 takes us from the ideal state of "everything was good" to a serious rupture in the relationship. What happened? Is there any hope? In season five we're listening to Bible stories and learning to pray them. Our focus today is the very human story of how the first couple on earth used their freedom and choices to go their own way, to know good and evil on their own.

2021-05-1721 min

First Fifteen In the Garden (Genesis 2)If "In the beginning" is the perfect way to start a story of creation, why not have a flashback and tell the story again but with a close-up camera angle? That's what Genesis 2 does, touching on some of the common themes already introduced, but advancing the plot and conflict further by zooming in on the human scale of things in a garden. In season five we're listening to Bible stories and learning to pray them. They make up almost half of the Bible so it's important we learn how to read and pray this very common type of S...

2021-05-1127 min

First Fifteen In the Beginning (Genesis 1)"In the beginning" seems like the perfect way to start a story, even better than "once upon a time". This is especially so if we're telling a true story about things that really happened that answers some of our deepest, most basic questions about where we came from and our place in the world. In today's episode we are reading Genesis 1 together and going back to the beginning. In season five we're learning to pray the most common type of scripture: narrative or stories. They make up almost half of the Bible so it's important we learn how...

2021-04-3030 min

First Fifteen Stories that Shape Us (Conversation on Narrative 1)Do you live a storybook life? Most of us don't. In fact, our daily routines and happenings often seem so ordinary to us that we seek excitement, adventure or escape through songs, movies or stories of other people that attract us (or at least distract us). But the truth is, you are living out a story whether or not you are aware of it, and the things that happen in your life become elements of your own personal story. In season five we're learning to pray the most common type of scripture: narrative or stories. They make up alm...

2021-04-2343 min

First Fifteen Speak, Lord (1 Samuel 3)The story of your life can be told with a few words. Your story is really about who you are, where you've come from, what you're overcoming, and where it's all headed. We get the story of Samuel's life in summary form in 1 Samuel 3 as he first hears the word of the Lord and has to decide how to respond to it. In season five we're learning to pray the most common type of scripture: narrative or stories. They make up almost half of the Bible so it's important we learn how to read and pray this very...

2021-04-1724 min

First Fifteen Prayer and Prophecy for Parents (1 Samuel 2)What comes next?! A good story pulls us in and makes us look forward to where we're going next. In the Bible book of 1 Samuel we start with a sad wife who is ridiculed and she becomes a grateful mother through God's goodness. What comes next is what we cover today in 1 Samuel 2. We began season five with a focus on praying the most common type of scripture: narrative or stories. In this season we will learn to read and pray the half of the Bible filled with narrative or stories and also grasp the overall storyline of t...

2021-04-0920 min

First Fifteen Reading and Praying through Bible Narrative (1 Samuel 1)It began with a story. When we were young we listened to stories being told or read to us and it's one of those human activities we never outgrow. Whether in gatherings with family or meetups with friends, at work or afterwards, at school and in our movies we tell and listen to stories throughout our entire lives. The Bible is a book filled with stories (almost half of it is narrative), and what's more it tells one coherent over-arching story from beginning to end.We begin season five with a focus on praying the most common typ...

2021-04-0231 min

First Fifteen Mary's Prayer - Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)"My soul magnifies the Lord." Who said those words? What do they mean?In this special bonus episode we take a deeper look at Mary's prayer in Luke 1 and how we can pray them ourselves led by co-hosts Ron and Angela Oltmanns.If you are trying to have a quiet time, getting started in a relationship with God or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.In this podcast you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as...

2020-12-1429 min

Good News from Good Sam INTERVIEW: Pastor Scott talks to Ron Oltmanns about his musical career and experiencesRon Oltmanns has sung at Good Samaritan Church in Las Vegas for over a decade. Prior to coming to Las Vegas, Ron was part of the United States Air Force Singing Sergeants, a church choir director and so much more. While many people at our Christian church in Southwest Las Vegas, NV has loved to hear Ron sing, this is the first time for many to hear his spoken experiences as he related them to Pastor Scott Hove. For more information about Good Samaritan check out our website at: http://www.goodsamlv.com

2020-10-3031 min

First Fifteen Done Deal (Psalm 119:121-136)How do we take ancient words from another language and culture and use them to pray today? That’s the challenge of praying the Psalms and especially Psalm 119. Psalm 119:121-136 (Ayin-Pe) focus on God's word as a "done deal" and the wondrous effect his word has on us. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and lear...

2020-08-1913 min

First Fifteen Teach Me (Psalm 119:97-112)Everyone wants to do the smart thing, to show some wisdom (and not act stupid). Every day we see marketing trying to tell us what the smart thing is. Psalm 119:97-112 (Mem-Nun) teaches us to embrace and love God's word and to walk daily in his ways. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This pod...

2020-08-1612 min

First Fifteen Forever (Psalm 119:89-96)Forever is a long time. Never is also a long time. God’s Word never fails. Never. Psalm 119:89-96 (Lamedh) expresses a great faith in God, that he will remain faithful and his word will come through just as it always has, even in the midst of trials. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This pod...

2020-08-1208 min

First Fifteen Even If (Psalm 119:81-88)What do we do when we have faith in God and confidence he will come through for us, but we have to wait? What if we fail or our life runs out before then? That’s the question posed by our section today. Psalm 119:81-88 (Kaph) is like a lament that keeps asking heart-wrenching questions while running to God in faith, not rebelling against him. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend yo...

2020-08-0912 min

First Fifteen Let it Be (Psalm 119:73-80)“Let it Be.” If you hear that phrase, as most of us do, meaning “Don’t rock the boat; let things rest as they are,” then I think we owe it to the Beatles for their 1970 song and one of their last hits. Psalm 119 teaches us a completely different way to think about and say “Let it Be” that will challenge and build your faith. Psalm 119:73-80 retraces the drama of faith centered in God's name and helps us declare, "Let it be as you have spoken." If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a...

2020-08-0514 min

First Fifteen God is Good (Psalm 119:65-72)“No one is good except God alone.” That sounds so absolute, and human reason rushes to take exception to it. But Jesus is the one who said it, and he spoke truly (Mark 10:18, Luke 18:19). If you want to look for goodness, you’re only going to find it in God and whatever reflects his nature. Psalm 119:65-72 prompts us to affirm God is good and does good, and we need him to teach us about true goodness. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point i...

2020-08-0212 min

First Fifteen Psalm 119: A Special Conversation (bonus episode)Psalm 119 is the longest psalm (and chapter) of the Bible: 176 verses long. We pause in our mini-series on Psalm 119 to reflect on the why and the how of praying this part of Scripture. Ron is joined by special guest Angela Oltmanns, a regular listener to First Fifteen, who has some questions about this podcast and the current season. If you are listening to the podcast for the first time, this episode is unlike any that we've done, but more like a traditional podcast with a conversational format. First Fifteen is s devotional podcast to help peop...

2020-07-3020 min

First Fifteen Remember and Comfort (Psalm 119:49-56)Memory is a tricky thing. We don’t remember things very well or for long. It’s because we forget that we need to go back to God’s word, to learn it again, to recall its principles and lessons. Psalm 119:49-56 prompts us to remember God's word and receive the comfort he will give us. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and...

2020-07-2611 min

First Fifteen Learning to Love (Psalm 119:33-48)One lesson you can’t learn fully on your own is how to love. Love is an inclusive activity; it involves you AND someone else. It’s simply impossible to love yourself enough to learn what true love is. Psalm 119:33-48 stresses God as the primary cause and power behind our prayers as well as the inclusive "and": me and you, us and them, God and me. It ends with an emphasis on God's love as our primary motive in studying his word. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a qui...

2020-07-2211 min

First Fifteen Running Wild and Free (Psalms 119:25-32)The alphabet is a wonderful invention. It simplifies our written language, gives us a way to handle the complexity of communication. In Psalm 119 we’re learning the alphabet of God’s Word. Are you ready for the next lesson? Psalm 119:25-32 stresses our choice of the way or path we will walk, and the psalmist encourages us to choose God's way and run wild and free in it.If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the rig...

2020-07-1913 min

First Fifteen Open My Eyes (Psalm 119:17-24)To come before God’s word and learn anything, you first have to admit you are empty, blind, broken. If you feel full, enlightened and comfortable, what can God possibly teach you? Psalm 119 is long and tedious and plain for the full. For the hungry, it only increases your appetite for more real food. Psalm 119:17-24 teaches us that before we can see God's truth, we need to confess our difficulties, acknowledge our blindness and ask God to open our eyes to see his truth.If you are getting started in a relationship with God, try...

2020-07-1510 min

First Fifteen Delight in God's Word (Psalm 119:1-16)What brings you delight in life? God wants to speak to you and fill you with his delights. He invites you to come and feast on his rich food and grow strong on his truth. You are in for a treat!If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and te...

2020-07-1219 min

First Fifteen God is for Me (Psalm 118)Life is tough and we will get knocked down. The truth that God is for you should encourage you daily. The reality that God in Jesus came for you gives you your whole reason for living. Psalm 118 is full of truth that will transform your life.If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will...

2020-07-0715 min

First Fifteen Not to Us (Psalm 115)When we start praying, God meets us where we are. But he doesn’t leave us there. The Psalms have been guiding us to put our attention, trust and praise in God, which is where it belongs. Psalm 115 begins with the plea: Not to us, Yahweh, not to us... If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. ...

2020-07-0312 min

First Fifteen Jesus is Messiah (Psalm 110)Psalm 110 is one of two psalms about the Messiah that is widely quoted in the New Testament by Jesus himself and his early followers. At the same time, it is cryptic and mysterious in some of its details. How do we pray it? If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how a...

2020-07-0110 min

First Fifteen ABC's of Praise (Psalms 111 & 112)What is the most basic but essential thing about praise, the abc's? Not only does Psalm 111 tell us what that is, it teaches us how to practice it. Psalm 112 continues the theme that Psalm 111 ends on and shows us the blessings of praising and worshiping God. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will...

2020-06-2613 min

First Fifteen God's Love Delivers Us (Psalm 107)God’s salvation seems cheap to those not lost, God’s redemption isn’t sweet to those not bound or imprisoned. God’s love isn’t especially meaningful to those who haven’t been cheated, robbed or forgotten. In other words, if you haven’t cried out to God in desperation, you probably won’t seek his deliverance. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God a...

2020-06-2414 min

First Fifteen Remember and Repent (Psalms 105 & 106)Is God concerned with the past or with wrongs our ancestors committed in the past? Do we in fact need to give any thought to history? The Psalms answer these questions and show us how to engage with history and the past in God’s way. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show...

2020-06-2316 min

First Fifteen Bless Yahweh (Psalm 103)When was the last time you gave much thought to God’s benefits for you? God’s blessings are rich and complete and when you wake up to them, you are compelled to bless God for all his benefits. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy...

2020-06-1913 min

First Fifteen Holy Holy Holy (Psalm 99)To call God holy is to speak truly about him as wholly good. If we’re honest, it also involves us confessing that we are NOT holy or good, not like he is. Any goodness we have is a very dim reflection of his dazzling brilliance. Psalm 99 repeats three times: He is holy!If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and respo...

2020-06-1709 min

First Fifteen Sing a New Song (Psalm 98)Singing is a natural response when our emotions are aroused. Psalm 98 shows us what singing a new song includes and reminds us we have plenty to sing about. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.In fifteen minutes (or l...

2020-06-1510 min

First Fifteen Yahweh Reigns (Psalm 93)Who (or what) is in control? That is a question we have to ask today. Psalm 93 gives us an emphatic answer: Yahweh reigns. He is in control. And he is not like any other god you might have encountered. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you in an ea...

2020-06-1111 min

First Fifteen Shadow of Shaddai (Psalm 91)If there was ever a psalm for our day, it has to be Psalm 91. So many people have turned to it for protection, comfort and reassurance. God gave it to us in order to grow our faith and help us put confidence in him. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you...

2020-06-1014 min

First Fifteen Wisdom (Psalm 90)Some psalms grow on you and become such a part of you over time that they are a touchstone, an anchor for your soul through the changing seasons of faith. Psalm 90 is that psalm for me. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to...

2020-06-0914 min

First Fifteen Blessed-3X (Psalm 84)Do you seek the blessing of being in God's presence? Those who have spent any time there know the joy and the comfort that God brings. But the blessing isn't limited just to spending time in God's presence. Psalm 84 shows us that the blessing extends to other times including when we set out hearts toward God and place our trust in him. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fift...

2020-06-0812 min

First Fifteen God of Justice (Psalm 82)God is just and is concerned with justice. The Psalms affirm this repeatedly. Rulers who act like they are above the law or they *are* the law, like they are gods somehow, are in for a rude awakening. God judges them and finds them lacking. He will step in to restore justice when they don't. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God...

2020-06-0512 min

First Fifteen Wicked Envy (Psalm 73)Why do the wicked prosper and get away with doing wrong? Aren't the righteous supposed to be blessed and the wicked be judged? But the wicked are partying like they own the place! It's enough to make you question God. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you i...

2020-06-0414 min

First Fifteen A Lifelong Faith (Psalm 71)There is fierce opposition to faith today, both from opposing voices and sometimes from our own wayward doubts and thoughts. The challenge is to listen to the truth, to develop a lifelong faith like Psalm 71 demonstrates. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to f...

2020-06-0213 min

First Fifteen In God Alone (Psalm 62)What do you do when you feel shaken? Psalm 11:3 asks "When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" Our prayer today is meant to take our focus off of the place that is shaken and to put it on the only place that is unshakeable-the rock and fortress that our God is.If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to Go...

2020-06-0114 min

First Fifteen Why am I Depressed? (Psalms 42-43)The Psalms give us language for our heart's longings and for our own prayers. There is a tremendous difference, though, between saying the right words and living fully the power of those words. God isn't interested in giving us a quick fix. He wants to restore us completely.If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. Thi...

2020-05-2915 min

First Fifteen Mercy (Psalm 41)Jesus emphasized mercy and said it's what God desires from us. We certainly need mercy. So why do we hold back from showing more mercy to others? It's a heart issue, and Psalm 41 today shows us both the blessing of mercy and the ugliness when no mercy is given. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way...

2020-05-2711 min

First Fifteen Confidence (Psalm 27)Is this a tough time in your life? Maybe you struggle with doubt or discouragement, sickness, enemies or opponents, feeling abandoned, or being falsely accused. Do any of these describe your situation? Psalm 27 is a powerful weapon we pick up to deal with these.If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you h...

2020-05-2609 min

First Fifteen Blessing of Forgiveness (Psalm 32)You’ve done wrong and you don’t want to admit it. How long do you keep quiet about it? Psalm 32 talks about that situation and then trains us in the best way to handle it. When we delay or defend ourselves, we're just prolonging a long slow death. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a perso...

2020-05-2212 min

First Fifteen Waiting (Psalm 25)Waiting. It's hardly my favorite activity. For most people waiting is a waste of time, a tedious postponement of our life. But waiting is precious to God. Psalm 25 teaches us what to do while we're waiting.If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to fo...

2020-05-2016 min

First Fifteen Worship Ready (Psalm 24)Are you ready to worship? If it has been a while since you worshiped with God's people, Psalm 24 may be just the thing to get you ready for worship. It helps us answer the question: How do we enter God's presence?If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teac...

2020-05-1912 min

First Fifteen Where is God? (Psalm 14)Is it foolish to pray to a god we can't see, who might not even be there? Some think so, and just about everyone has questioned our belief in God at some time. But Psalm 14 says the real folly is to see the evil around us and to persist in the belief that there is no god. No one wants to live in a world dominated by sin. We long for something better. God planted that longing in our heart. Those seeking God will find him.If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to hav...

2020-05-1810 min

First Fifteen Nothing Better (Psalm 16)Think of a time when you felt fantastic. How long did it last? Do you know what caused it? You can actually learn to delight yourself in God. Psalm 16 trains us in using our emotions in a positive way to grow in our relationship with God. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will...

2020-05-1509 min

First Fifteen Heal Me, Forgive Me (Psalm 6)Where do you need healing or forgiveness? What part of you needs healing? What do you need to be forgiven? Those might seem like different things, but what we will see today in Psalm 6 is they are pretty closely related. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you i...

2020-05-1410 min

First Fifteen Sleep Well (Psalm 4)Having any trouble sleeping? The Psalms show us how to pray at night before we go to bed. If you have any hesitation about God hearing you, you need to listen to this episode and Psalm 4 and let it guide you to make your request, your tephillah or prayer known before God. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a...

2020-05-1310 min

First Fifteen God's Son the King (Psalm 2)Royalty may not mean much to you but it's important to God. The Psalms have a lot to say about kings of the world and God's kingdom. Who will you bow to? Whose authority matters in your life? Psalm 2 pushes those questions to the center of our prayers. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This...

2020-05-1215 min

First Fifteen Praying the Psalms - Part 2 (Psalm 3)The Psalms show us--and teach us--how to pray honestly, from the heart. That doesn't mean that all the words come out sounding pretty and poetic. Sometimes, they are ragged and raspy like the psalm we will pray today. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you in an e...

2020-05-0807 min

First Fifteen Praying the Psalms - Part 1 (Psalm 13)The Psalms are a favorite for praying, singing and meditation. You probably have several favorite verses from the Psalms. How well do you read the entire book--all 150 psalms, all ~2500 verses? We want to explore how to go further and deeper in the psalms in this season. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will s...

2020-05-0716 min

First Fifteen How to Pray a Gospel - Part 2How do you read and pray a gospel? How are they like (and unlike) other books about famous people? On today's program we talk about some key aspects of the gospels that are often overlooked. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to foll...

2020-04-2208 min

First Fifteen How to Pray a Gospel - Part 1What is it like to have a relationship with God? How does that work in the day to day? Jesus showed us what it looks like to live a fully human life and to also be in a full, deep relationship with God. We get a front row seat to witness that when we read/listen to one of the gospels in the Bible.If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend yo...

2020-04-1509 min

First Fifteen Go with God (Matthew 28)Jesus' final words to his followers carry special weight. He has risen from the dead and speaks with God's full authority. He receives the worship of his disciples and remains Lord even when some doubt, as all disciples do at one time or another. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you...

2020-04-1409 min

First Fifteen They Will See (Matthew 28)The Easter story is too big to be limited to one day a year. There are many things in it that we can learn, so today's episode is like Easter, part 2. We hear the rest of the angel's message and Jesus himself. We also learn of a conspiracy launched to counter what really happened at the tomb.If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day li...

2020-04-1309 min

First Fifteen He is Risen (Matthew 28)The ground shakes again as it did on the day Jesus died, but the reason for it is completely different! Additionally, an angel from God delivers an astonishing message today.If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.In fi...

2020-04-1207 min

First Fifteen The Tomb (Matthew 27)Aftermath. Fallout. Cleanup. We have a number of words for what comes after a life-changing, world-changing event. In our journey with Jesus, that’s where we are. Jesus was condemned. He has died. Jerusalem is quiet on the Sabbath as everyone rests from any work. We need a breather to catch our breath, to think about what has happened. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day lis...

2020-04-1109 min

First Fifteen The Earth Shook (Matthew 27)The journey stops--it feels like we have fallen off a cliff. Everything has changed, and yet exactly how that change would look isn’t yet clear. We've crossed a threshold. Things are never going to be the same again. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you in an ea...

2020-04-1007 min

First Fifteen Forsaken (Matthew 27)We’re in the last gasp and things have gotten desperate. The physical, emotional and spiritual suffering has taken its toll and is breaking down a man hanging on a cross. The real contradiction we will see today goes far beyond the physical pain and suffering, though. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast...

2020-04-0907 min

First Fifteen Curses (Matthew 27)We haven’t reached the peak yet. It means we haven’t seen the worst of it. What we're going to hear today is going to be tough and grim. But you can make it through. God has been here before. He has something he really wants to speak to you if you're listening. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and res...

2020-04-0811 min

First Fifteen Crucify (Matthew 27)What's the crux of the matter? Crux is Latin for "cross", and Jesus passes a crossroads, a "point of no return" in today's story. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God...

2020-04-0709 min

First Fifteen Ruler (Matthew 27)Who's in charge around here? Look around today and you might wonder who’s in charge. Who makes the rules…and enforces them? Are they legitimate? We’re going to listen to a part of Matthew’s gospel that speaks to these questions. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you in an...

2020-04-0609 min

First Fifteen Regret (Matthew 27)What's your biggest regret? It’s a heavy question, especially in difficult times. But the Bible was written especially for difficult times. We’re going to see what regret might drive a person to do, and I want to show you another way. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you...

2020-04-0209 min

First Fifteen After the ShockWe’re living in times of uncertainty. This isn’t completely unprecedented in history, but it’s unprecedented for those of us living now. Our system has been shocked. Shut down. Enforced distancing. What do we do? How to navigate this?As we are taking a pause from our journey with Jesus through Matthew's gospel, it's important to pull closer to God. Pray and breathe and get a little perspective as you can. We're in the days of sacrifice, of doing without. In the historical Christian tradition, the days of Lent precede Easter and in this time of r...

2020-04-0204 min

First Fifteen A Personal MessageTo our followers: We're taking a break for the next few days to catch our breath but the journey continues on Friday with Episode 41. In the meantime, consider reading or re-reading some portions or all of Matthew 21-26 the next few days. Use our four step-process to read, meditate and pray God's message back to him. If you're new to the podcast, there are other earlier episodes you can listen to for your first fifteen minutes of the day.Send us an email and let us know what you think of the podcast: guide@word-of-prayer.comP...

2020-03-3007 min

First Fifteen Denied (Matthew 26)It’s a terrible thing to deny what you know is true. Why would you ever do that? Fear? Pressure? Torture? These are not pleasant things to think about at the start of the day, or really any time. But we need to look deeper so we do not deny the truth when we need to stand strong. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day list...

2020-03-2706 min

First Fifteen Condemned (Matthew 26)We hear stories often about a miscarriage of justice, of how the authorities charged to protect us and faithfully serve the law fall down on the job. Of course it doesn’t happen always or even as often as the stories might make us believe. But humans can be seriously wrong even when they fervently believe they are upholding the law. Like in today’s story. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place....

2020-03-2609 min

First Fifteen Seized (Matthew 26)Have you ever been seized by something that felt bigger than you, that seemed to carry you along without any effort on your part? There are times we feel small in the light of larger events, when we do irrational things to try to get a handle on the situation. Today’s reading speaks to that feeling and gives us a handle to grab on to in Matthew 26. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the rig...

2020-03-2507 min

First Fifteen Sleeper (Matthew 26)It can be deeply embarrassing when you are caught doing something you aren't supposed to be doing. Jesus asks his disciples to stand watch, guard him, and pray with him while he faces the ultimate test. Instead they fall asleep. Three times. Soldiers stationed for sentry duty who fall asleep can be court martialed. Something worse is going to happen here. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes...

2020-03-2407 min

First Fifteen Real Prayer (Matthew 26)We are learning to pray each episode of First Fifteen. We’ve learned that prayer is conversation with God, a back and forth listening and response to him. We make requests sometimes, and other times God makes requests of us. What do we do when what God wants doesn’t line up with what we want? If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day liste...

2020-03-2309 min

First Fifteen Bethany (Matthew 26)Can you recall the last time you tried to do a kind deed and it was totally misunderstood? There is some sting in that. In today’s reading someone is going to get stung, and we get to see their true character revealed before the end of the story. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a per...

2020-03-2008 min

First Fifteen Talents (Matthew 25)What would you do if you won the lottery? What if someone rich gave you a large sum of money and asked you to manage it for them? Jesus gives us that kind of a challenge question so we can see what importance God places on finishing what we started. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in...

2020-03-1908 min

First Fifteen My Words (Matthew 24)Who wouldn’t like to know the future? What is going to happen to bring distressing times to an end? Is there anything we can really count on in uncertain times? If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.In fif...

2020-03-1807 min

First Fifteen Listen and Obey (Matthew 23)What could possibly be more important than listening to God? There is something, and Jesus tells us what it is today in Matthew 23. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.In fifteen minutes (or less) you will l...

2020-03-1707 min

First Fifteen Love (Matthew 22)What is the greatest teaching of God? Which one matters more than any other? That’s a great question, and we’re going to get Jesus’ answer today in Matthew 22. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.In fifteen min...

2020-03-1607 min

First Fifteen Two Sons (Matthew 21)What does obedience look like to God? In our podcast we emphasize listening to God's word, reflecting on it and praying to God in the first fifteen minutes, and then equally important to obey or apply the word to the rest of our day. Jesus' teaching today emphasizes that last step especially.The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 21:28-32. The leaders in Jerusalem are opposing Jesus and questioning his authority to teach, heal and to act like a prophet even though they lack the courage to answer his questions. Jesus tells a parable about obedience to e...

2020-03-1308 min

First Fifteen Prayer Prevails (Matthew 21)If you want to see what’s important to a person, watch what they will guard and protect. If something is worth fighting for, it’s probably important to you. Jesus takes action to guard the holiness of the temple and it's original purpose as a house of prayer devoted to worship of God. In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day. What a perfect way to get started!Th...

2020-03-1211 min

First Fifteen Blind (Matthew 20)Matthew continually emphasized Jesus’ royal identity along with his unexpected behavior. He doesn’t act like the despot Herod or the other kings of earth. He is humble yet powerful, he heals and yet does not seek the spotlight, he teaches with authority but he is not boring or pompous. He sees the least important people, but the powerful and well-connected fail to see who Jesus really is. We get to see more in Matthew 20. In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well...

2020-03-1107 min

First Fifteen Doing Good (Matthew 19)What do you have to do to go to heaven? Do you know what the Bible says in answer that question? Jesus is asked what good thing will gain a person eternal life. That’s the question we’re asking today in Matthew 19. In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day. What a perfect way to get started!The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 19:16-30. A rich you...

2020-03-1009 min

First Fifteen Forgiveness (Matt 18)What do you do when someone has wronged you? Not a minor offense, but they have sinned against you? That’s the question we’re asking today in Matthew 18. In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day. What a perfect way to get started!The featured scripture in this episode is Matt 18:21-35. Peter asks Jesus about forgiveness and ventures a generous amount of forgiveness. Is it enough, Je...

2020-03-0910 min

First Fifteen Transformation (Matthew 17)Catch a glimpse of who Jesus really is and how the Father sees him in today's reading. God gives a special vision of his son and also two of Israel's greatest prophets on a high mountain. The enormity of what Jesus reveals overwhelms his closest disciples.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and lea...

2020-03-0613 min

First Fifteen Who is Jesus? (Matthew 16)It is a basic but crucial question: Who is Jesus? Jesus himself asked it of his disciples in order to stretch them to step out and commit to what they saw in Jesus' life and work. It is not an academic question; it's one we have to answer as well.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, refl...

2020-03-0511 min

First Fifteen Feeding 4000 (Matthew 15)Are you hungry for God? Is it hard to hear God when you're full? Jesus takes the initiative to not just heal and teach but also to feed a large crowd near Lake Galilee. He gives them more than enough and reminds us--we will always be hungry until we let God feed us.Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. This podcast will show you how and teach you in an easy to follow process.In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word...

2020-03-0407 min

First Fifteen Embracing God's Truth (Psalm 19)Spend your first fifteen minutes of the day listening to God and responding in a personal way. If you are getting started in a relationship with God, trying to have a quiet time or seeking guidance at this point in your life, you're in the right place.In fifteen minutes (or less) you will listen to God's word for you, reflect on it and learn to pray to God as well as carry that word with you through the rest of your day. For details on the process listen to episode 1.* Featured scripture in...

2020-01-1610 min