Crusade with Me

We live in a time when believers are tempted to shrink back. But Scripture calls us to stand up, armor up, and fight the good fight. Paul tells Timothy:“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” (1 Timothy 6:12, ESV)This is not about fists or politics — this is about spiritual combat. Let’s learn together how to fight as God’s warriors.

“Revival without the Bible is not revival. Emotion without repentance is not conversion. Church without Christ crucified is not the Church. Be alert, test everything against the Word, and cling to Christ alone.”

God created us for Eden — fellowship with Him.•Sin cast us out of Eden, separating us from life.God began pointing us toward restoration through covenant promises.The Passover showed deliverance through the blood of the lamb.Jesus is the Lamb of God who opens the way back to Eden.The resurrection is the dawn of the new creation — the garden restored.Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works.The means of grace (Word & Sacraments) are Eden’s gifts restored.The Christian life is one of daily repentance — walking the narrow path.We journey together in the Body of Christ.The end is life in the New Eden — the Kingdom to come.

Today’s episode is one that’s been on my heart for a while. We’re going to talk about the story of Israel — a people rescued from bondage, brought through the wilderness, and called to be a nation set apart for God’s purposes. And we’re going to look at how that story mirrors the journey of the United States of America.Yes, our nation — imperfect as it is — was founded on Christian principles. Men and women sought a land where they could worship God freely, where His Word could shape daily life, where liberty was tied not to man’s imagination, but to God’s design. But just as Israel drifted from God after tasting freedom, so has America.This episode is a call — for me, for you, for all of us — to return to the Lord as a nation.

It’s a phrase I’ve used before, but today, I want us to sit in it and wrestle with it. Because it really captures the tension we’re living in right now.On one hand, we have the timeless wisdom of Scripture—commandments, practices, and rhythms God gave to His people not just for holiness, but also for health, strength, and well-being.On the other hand, we have the arrogance of modern man. We believe we’re smarter, stronger, and more advanced than all who came before us. We think we can outdo God’s ways with our inventions and our “progress.”But look around: despite all the breakthroughs, we’re sicker, more anxious, more depressed, and more spiritually lost than perhaps any generation in history.

The title for today says it all: “I’m Mad at Hell, and I Ain’t Going to Take It Anymore!” This episode is a call — not to lawlessness, not to vengeance, but to holy, disciplined, and resolute action. We will stoke the fire of righteous indignation, polish the sword of God’s Word, and issue marching orders for every believer who will stand for the innocent.Before we go any further, let me be plain: what propelled me to speak like this now is a horror we watched together in the news — the assassination of Charlie Kirk while he spoke at a campus event. It was a targeted, political killing that stunned the country, and the shock of it must sober us.

is Part Three of our Truth Series.We’ve asked: How did we get here? in Episode 119. We’ve looked at The Cost of Rebellion in Episode 120.And tonight — we get practical. Because knowing truth is not enough. Even defending truth is not enough. We must walk in truth.This episode is called: Walking in Truth — How to Live Like God’s Word Is Real.”

Part Two of our Truth Series.Last time, we asked: How did we get here? We traced the journey from Eden’s first lie, through the chaos of today, to the world we now see — divided, confused, desperate for answers.Tonight we dig deeper. Because truth is not just a theory. Rejecting truth has a cost. And rebellion against God doesn’t end with freedom — it ends with chains.This episode is called: The Cost of Rebellion.”

Today we begin a brand-new three-part series on Truth.Not the watered-down, feel-good slogans the world throws at you. Not the half-truths of politicians. But the truth of God’s Word — the only truth that holds this world together.This first episode is titled: How Did We Get Here?How did we get from a garden where humanity walked with God, to a world divided by war, deception, and hostility? How did we arrive at a point where truth itself is on trial, and those who dare to speak it are mocked, canceled, or even killed?”

The shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk has shaken us to our core. It was a brutal act meant to silence, meant to instill fear, meant to remind us that we live in a fallen and broken world.But here’s the truth: as believers, as followers of Jesus Christ, we cannot — we must not — turn away from this moment. This is not just politics. This is not just tragedy. This is spiritual warfare.Today, I want to take time to mourn, to pray, and to reflect. But I also want to charge you, my brothers and sisters, with the call of bold faith — faith that works, faith that protects, faith that refuses to bow to darkness.

We’ve seen that purpose is not hidden—it’s already revealed in Christ. We’ve seen that purpose plays out through our vocations, our daily callings, our unique gifts.But now comes the challenge: how do we live this purpose boldly? How do we stand firm in a world that constantly tries to distract, confuse, and redefine us?Let’s dive in.Call or text us at 260-267-0414Follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, X

Last time, we tore down the illusion—that purpose is something we have to chase, like a hidden treasure map. We saw from scripture that God is not a God of confusion, that He created us intentionally and without mistakes, and that our purpose is already revealed in Christ.Today, we’re going deeper. We’re going to talk about how God reveals purpose in our lives—not just in broad strokes, but in the very details of our vocations, our callings, our daily responsibilities.Because God doesn’t just have a general plan for humanity. He has designed you uniquely. And that uniqueness isn’t random—it’s part of His design for the road back to Eden.Call or Text us at 260-267-0414Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X

Maybe you’ve asked that question yourself. Maybe you’ve heard it in the voices of friends, coworkers, or even your own children. Maybe you’ve read book after book, listened to podcast after podcast, all promising to unlock the secret of “finding your true calling.”But here’s the truth we’re going to uncover today: purpose is not something we find. Purpose is something God has already given.Call or text at 260-267-0414Follow us on YouTube; Facebook; Instagram; X

Today’s episode—Episode 114—is deeply personal. My wife is an empath. That means she doesn’t just see people’s emotions, she feels them. She can walk into a room and sense pain, tension, sorrow, or joy, as if it’s her own. For many, that sounds like a superpower—but the truth is, it can be heavy. It can feel like a burden, like carrying the weight of everyone else’s struggles in addition to your own.So, the question we wrestle with today is this: Why did God make her this way? Why does God create certain people so sensitive to the emotions of others? And bigger still—what is the purpose of any of us? Why are we here as Christians?

Warriors of faith, wake up! This is not a calm Sunday reflection. This is your war horn, sounding across the field of battle. The line has been drawn. The enemy advances. Pride, compromise, indifference, and the forces of darkness circle our homes, our schools, our churches.Today, we stand at the edge. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Today. And you must decide—will you fight, or will you kneel in fear?”

This is Episode 112, and today we gather around the appointed readings for the 11th Sunday after Trinity. These Scriptures—Genesis 4, Psalm 50, Ephesians 2, and Luke 18—speak with one voice.They show us what happens when worship is offered without faith. They show us the danger of pride, the futility of works, and the power of God’s mercy. And at the center, they proclaim the heart of the Gospel: it is not our sacrifices, not our boasting, not our efforts, but Christ’s mercy that saves.”

We’re talking about innocence. About children. About the sacred trust God has given us as guardians of purity. And we will tie this into the tragedy that has shaken our Catholic brothers and sisters in Minnesota. A place of learning, a place meant to nurture and shelter children, was pierced by violence.

This ain’t your cozy corner—this is Crusade with Me!, Episode 110, and we’re picking up from Episode 33’s inferno. Today—we scorch complacency, we torch digital sedation, we unleash holy outrage for our children’s minds, their resilience, their souls. Inspired by Steven Bartlett’s seismic truths—from The Diary of a CEO—we’re blending brain science with spiritual transcendence. The fire’s lit—let’s burn!”

Today, we’re drawing swords on a big one: Taoism and Christianity.Both talk about the Way. Both teach wisdom about life, the mind, and even the body. Taoism has its beauty. Its discipline. Its respect for sex and energy. And for a lot of people, it feels like enough.But here’s the hard truth: Taoism never gives you a God. It never gives you a Christ. It never gives you hope beyond the grave.So today, we’ll weigh the Tao against the Cross. We’ll honor the wisdom where it’s real. We’ll admit the places where Christians have dropped the ball. But we’ll also plant the flag where it belongs—at the foot of the Cross, where God Himself bled and rose for us.Brothers and sisters—let’s crusade.

Four Scriptures join together with one call: Jeremiah warns of people who will not rise. The psalm declares that the righteous stand strong and unshaken. Paul exposes zeal without truth as a fatal mistake. And the Lord Himself—our Warrior King—weeps over Jerusalem and then drives corruption out of His temple.The message is simple and hard: rise up when you fall, root yourself in the Lord’s strength, direct your zeal with truth, and let your tears for the broken turn into action. Anything less is surrender.”

Today’s episode is one of those extra-special ones that I will treasure forever. I’m not riding alone today—I have a very dear guest joining me. She’s not only family, she’s one of the brightest lights in my life.That’s right—our oldest granddaughter, Sweetpea, has volunteered—yes, volunteered!—to sit down and share her heart with me here on the podcast. She’s just eleven years old, but as you’ll hear, her faith, her courage, and her cowgirl grit already shine in such a beautiful way.

"This is Crusade with Me! — where we walk the road back to Eden together. Today’s crusade is not about division, but connection. The thread that binds us, every one of us. Because before nations, before religions, before doctrines and schisms — there was the Divine. And that Divine spark lives in each of us.""Think about it: thousands of faiths, thousands of traditions, thousands of languages… and yet, across them all, humanity cannot shake this deep, ancient urge — the urge to believe in God. Have you ever asked yourself why? Why is it universal? Why do we, in every culture, every century, feel the need to reach for something greater than ourselves? Could it be… because it is written into our very being? Could it be… because the same Divine breath formed us all?"

"This is Crusade with Me! — where the road is long, the lessons are deep, and together we journey back to Eden. Today, I want to speak about one of the most difficult — and most sacred — crusades any of us will ever face: parenting."

Traveler… welcome. You have chosen to walk with us on the narrow road. This is Crusade with Me! — not a place of easy answers, but a place of training, reflection, and resolve. We journey together toward Eden — a return to what was lost, a restoration of what was meant to be. The path is long, the distractions are many, but step by step, with discipline and courage, we march. So ready yourself. Quiet your mind. Lift your eyes. The gates of Eden wait for those who endure. Now… let us begin."

Today, we take aim at a silent enemy—the hunger for acceptance from others. It seems harmless at first. We all want to be liked, understood, respected. But when that desire becomes our compass, we lose the map of who we are.We trade our armor for costumes. We hand over our sword for applause. And in the end… we are left empty.Here’s the truth— We were not created for this restless scrambling for approval. We were created for Eden. For the wholeness of walking unashamed, knowing who we are, and needing nothing from the shifting opinions of others.Contact Us at 260-267-0414

We begin by laying the foundation:Acknowledging mortality not as a grim shadow but as a lantern that lights the path.The idea that knowing our time is limited adds weight and beauty to every single breath.Instead of fearing “the end,” we flip the script: if this was our last week, what would shift in how we speak, love, work, rest, and create?Contact us at 260-267-0414

People chase it. They write books about it. They start companies promising it. But here’s the truth — happiness, the real thing, can’t be manufactured, bought, or booked for a weekend getaway.Why? Because real happiness was never meant to be “out there” somewhere. It was meant to be in Eden.Before the point we call “the fall,” humanity had perfect relationship with the Divine. That’s where happiness was born. That’s where it lives. And the whole point of our crusade — your crusade — is to get back there.So let’s unpack this together. And yes, we’re going to talk about “fun,” too — and why we’ve confused it for happiness.

Last time, we hit 100 — A celebration of growth, movement, spirit, and power. But today? Today we go inward. Today, we ask a question that has echoed through every temple, every cave, every forest path, and every quiet morning before sunrise:What is sacred?What does that word even mean anymore? How do we protect it, make space for it, honor it — In our hearts, In our homes, In our relationships?So, take a breath. Get still. Because today, we enter the holy ground of awareness.

Oh, today is different. Because we’re not just talking about growth — We’re growing as we speak. We’re stepping into the mystic. We’re opening ourselves up to the Tao, the Logos, the Pulse of God, and we’re riding it like a wave, like a wind that calls out across the water: Come sail away with me.

This episode is titled “Attention, Empathy, and the Weight of Being Awake.” Because sometimes it feels like the more awake you are, the heavier it gets. The more you notice, the more you feel — and the harder it becomes to stay grounded, kind, and clear.So today, let’s talk about what it means to pay attention in a time where everything around us seems to be demanding we don’t.

Today we’re continuing something we started in Episode 97—talking about masculine and feminine energy, and why balance between them isn’t just some poetic concept... it’s the key to harmony.And today—we’re getting personal. We’re talking about marriage. And yes—we’re talking about sex.Because if you’re married, and you’re struggling to connect… If your intimacy feels flat, or confusing, or simply gone… If you’re both busy, tired, and wondering, “Where did the spark go?”— this episode is for you.It’s not about fixing each other. It’s not about blaming, demanding, or withdrawing. It’s about learning to see each other again, through the lens of energetic flow—the masculine and feminine rhythm between you.

Today we’re wading into a subject that’s been both misunderstood and misrepresented in a whole lot of conversations lately, masculine and feminine energy.Now, before you brace for controversy—take a breath. This episode isn’t about stereotypes. It’s not about one gender being better, stronger, smarter, or more important. And it sure isn’t about labeling anyone.This is about balance. This is about the flow of life. This is about understanding the natural duality baked into everything—from nature to relationships, from the seasons to your own breath.So, whether you’re a man trying to reclaim your strength without shame, a woman tired of doing everything on her own, or someone somewhere in between just trying to find harmony in yourself and your relationships—this one’s for you.

This episode is a full-circle recap of the Jasper County 4-H Fair, right here in Rensselaer, Indiana. And if you think this is just going to be a rundown of who won what ribbon—you’re in for a surprise.This episode is about something much deeper.It’s about what we learn from animals. From young people. From dirt, and wind, and sweat. It’s about what happens when we show up. With love. With discipline. With presence. It’s about how fairgrounds can become classrooms, how horses can become teachers, and how a mother walking a horse beside her son can become a sermon without a single word.

Today’s episode is going to make some people squirm—and that’s good.We’re talking about a social media post that’s been flying around like wildfire:“Why are men’s standards called toxic—but women’s delusions are called self-worth?”Now… whether you agree with it, hate it, or aren’t sure what to make of it—that post hit a nerve. And there’s a reason for that.

This episode is raw, real, and important.Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on the long-running soap opera we call our lives—and asking one piercing question:“Who’s been the one constant character in every single episode?”That’s right. It’s us.Inspired by the words of James Hollis, we’re going to talk about blame, responsibility, self-awareness, and what happens when we finally stop waiting for someone else to change the plot—and we start writing our own damn story.

This episode is dedicated to everyone getting ready for the county fair—especially those of you out there grooming goats, walking pigs, brushing cattle, or getting horses ready for the show ring.Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned hand, this week can be emotional and intense. But underneath all the noise and nerves is something much deeper. Showing animals—working with them, caring for them, being shaped by them—is part of something ancient, powerful, and beautifully ordered.Today we’re going to talk about that quiet strength. The hidden lessons. And why this way of life is one of the best teachers we’ve got.

"Faith in Pieces: What to Do When You’re Not Sure What You Believe Anymore."It’s not a light conversation. But maybe it’s one of the most important ones we’ve had. Because I’m right there too, walking through the fog, asking the hard questions, trying to figure out what it means to be a believer in a world where the very word Christian has become... complicated.

Kat and I are showing up to tell you something loud and clear:If we can do it, so can you.We’re not superhuman. We’re not magic. We’re not perfect. But we made a decision. Not to be done. Not to wait for “someday.”Today we’re going to talk about what it means to choose Day One—and why waiting is the enemy of transformation.

Today we’re going to dig into a hard truth: we might have messed up.Not out of malice. Not out of neglect. But maybe out of too much love. Out of too much rescue. Out of too much solving and not enough standing back and letting our kids—and even ourselves—struggle.

You’ve heard me talk about boundaries before—why we need them, how they protect us, how they define who we are and who we are not. But today... we're going deeper. This is not just about saying no to toxic people. This is about something more fundamental: Choices. Habits. Energy. Evolution.You see, life isn't just happening to you—it's happening through you. Your reality—your peace, your problems, your future—it's all being shaped right now by what you're doing daily, who you're allowing in, and what you're feeding your mind and spirit.

Now listen, this isn’t a PSA packed with stats and slogans. This is a conversation. This is me pulling up a chair across from you, looking you in the eyes, and saying, “Let’s try to understand this thing together—and let’s not be afraid to talk about it.”Whether you’ve lost someone, or you're afraid for someone, or maybe you’re the one walking through that silent tunnel yourself... I want to speak gently and clearly. There is light. Even in the thickest fog.

Buckle in, because today we’re going to talk about something that might feel lost in today’s climate—common ground.Not common sense. Not common goals. Not even common politics or beliefs. I mean the art of seeing what we share in common as human beings. The stuff underneath the noise.This episode is about evolution—not biological, but personal. Social. Psychological. And dare I say, spiritual.

Today, we’re taking a walk—down memory lane. Not just to reminisce, but to reflect. Because this isn’t just about nostalgia... it’s about leadership—how it was, how it is, and where it’s headed.There’s this quote from Patton that hit me like a brick to the heart:"Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way."Now, Patton wasn’t exactly known for being soft-spoken either. But his legacy? Leadership through clarity. Through presence. Through example.Leadership lessons learned over the last four decades!

And whether you’ve been riding with me since episode one… or you accidentally clicked this while trying to play your favorite true crime show — I’m glad you're here.Because this? This is not just another podcast episode. This is the start of something fresh. Something needed. This… is the relaunch of Crusade with Me!

Today’s episode is 83A in our series “The Appointed Hour: Living Like the Clock Is Ticking.”So far, we’ve faced the big question: “What if you knew the exact day you were going to die?” Then we talked about what you’d want to do before that moment — your real bucket list.And now… we’re getting into something trickier.We’re calling this one: 👉🏽 “Eat, Drink, and Be... Wise?”Because if time is short — why not just enjoy every indulgence? Why not feast, play, and coast our way to the end?The Bible says it, doesn’t it? "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die!" — but is that permission, or is it a warning?Let’s take that apart today. Let’s talk joy. Let’s talk self-control. Let’s talk about how to be free without being foolish.And let’s find a way to celebrate life without losing the sacred center.

Today is Episode 82A, and we’re in the thick of a new series called “The Appointed Hour: Living Like the Clock Is Ticking.” If you missed last time, go back and catch Episode 81A — where we asked the big question: What if you knew the date you were going to die?Now we move forward with a natural next question: What would you want to do before then? And that brings us to today’s title: 👉🏽 “Kick the Bucket: The List That Matters.”We’re not just talking about skydiving and eating pasta in Rome. We’re talking about what actually matters. Because not everything worth doing is flashy — but it might just be holy.Let’s talk about how to build your real list. Not the show-off list. Not the “likes” list. But the soul-deep, purpose-driven, last-breath kind of list.

We’re calling this series “The Appointed Hour: Living Like the Clock Is Ticking.”And today’s episode — Episode 81A — asks one simple, terrifying, exhilarating question:What if you knew the exact day and time you were going to die?Would you live any differently?Would you finally rest? Would you finally move? Would you finally say what needs to be said? Would you let go of the fear that’s been clinging to you like a shadow?And what about joy?

Now, if you’ve been with me the last couple rides, you’ll know we’ve talked about more than boots, hats, or horses. We’ve been talking about a way of life. A rhythm. A code.So today, I want to tie it all together.We’re callin’ this final ride in the series: “The Cowboy Way.” And it’s all about how we walk through this life with quiet strength, how we take responsibility, how we enjoy the life we’ve been given, and how we ride through the storms without makin’ ‘em worse.

Because being a cowboy—or a crusader, or a mentor, or just a good person—it ain’t just about doing the job well. It’s about what you leave behind. It’s about how you hand off the reins.What do folks learn by watchin’ you? What are you really passin’ down?Let’s talk about it.

Now, you don’t have to own a pair of spurs or rope a steer to ride with me today. This episode isn’t about rodeos or Western movies—though I’ve enjoyed plenty of both. No, today we’re talking about the spirit of the cowboy… and what it teaches us about how to live in a noisy, fast-moving world that’s forgotten the value of quiet strength, personal responsibility, and respect for other people’s fences.