The Light Network Master Feed

What do you do when God feels distant?In this episode, we begin our study of one of the most haunting and powerful statements ever spoken from the cross:“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46)These words stop us in our tracks. They are raw. Honest. Emotional. And deeply meaningful.But what did Jesus mean?Was He truly abandoned?Was this a cry of despair?Or is there something deeper happening beneath the surface? ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Christy & Kristen meet up again, this time to discuss Jesus' resurrection promises, the various promises made to Abraham (and how we receive parallel promises!), the spiritual blessings we're promised in Ephesians, how we know that God can & will fulfill His promises, the beautiful promise of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee, and several "if/then" promises of God.Episode Resources:Promises of God Scripture Writing Plan: https://www.theruffledmango.com/march-scripture-writing-plan-promises-of-god/Promises of God Kids' Scripture Writing Plans: (scroll down to curriculum section for free downloads)https://the-ruffled-mango-school.teachable.com/p/behold-our-god-scripture-writing-extrasPromises of God acapella playlists:Free on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3oXqm83NCE6S2Zl50Dkqmw?si=02ff6f2797e5419b&nd=1&dlsi=c488ed4bfd184d2aApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/promises-of-god/pl.u-8aAVXLjfPXZLXdBehold Our God Scripture Writing Journal (BACK IN STOCK): https://theruffledmango.etsy.com/listing/4383440254Behold Our God Scripture Writing Extras:https://the-ruffled-mango-school.teachable.com/p/behold-our-god-scripture-writing-extrasOur Etsy shop: https://theruffledmango.etsy.comChristy's favorite local chain restaurants: https://www.tazikis.comKristen's favorite lavender creamer: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Starbucks-Oat-Crmr-Lavender-6x28flozUS-nbsp/13696859371?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0(and favorite Vanilla Lavender ground coffee: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Starbucks-Vanilla-Lavender-Flavored-Ground-Coffee-100-Arabica-11-oz/9666971959?adsRedirect=true) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

A large portion of the religious world believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, has some supernatural powers. They believe that because she was the mother of Jesus, she must be special on her own standing. Well, the guys at Soul Training agree that Mary is special, but our praise and worship need not be directed at her. Listen to this episode as we deal with some of the Myths surrounding Mary, the mother of Jesus. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

On this episode of Wifey Wednesdays, explore what it means to be wholly pure in a world overflowing with impurity. Purity isn’t partial—it’s a heart fully cleansed, fully devoted, and continually refined by God. While sin subtly seeps in and desensitizes us over time, God calls us to something higher: a life set apart, washed, and sustained by the cleansing power of Jesus. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode of Today With Jesus, we continue our study of Jesus’ words from the cross: “Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother” (John 19:26–27).In Part 1, we explored the moment itself—the raw emotion, the setting at the cross, and the relationship between Jesus, Mary, and John. In Part 2, we turn our attention to what this statement reveals about Jesus’ heart and how it reshapes our understanding of family, care, and discipleship today. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Christy & Kristen talk about how God always keeps His promises, starting from the first prophecy in Genesis 3 and continuing to God's covenantal promise signaled by the rainbow that we see even today. They discuss the conditional nature of many of God's promises, how we can experience promised rest & peace even during trials in this life, and the promises that were made to Mary before she became the mother of Jesus.Episode Resources:Promises of God Scripture Writing Plan: https://www.theruffledmango.com/march-scripture-writing-plan-promises-of-god/Promises of God Kids' Scripture Writing Plans: (scroll down to curriculum section for free downloads)https://the-ruffled-mango-school.teachable.com/p/behold-our-god-scripture-writing-extrasPromises of God acapella playlists:Free on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3oXqm83NCE6S2Zl50Dkqmw?si=02ff6f2797e5419b&nd=1&dlsi=c488ed4bfd184d2aApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/promises-of-god/pl.u-8aAVXLjfPXZLXdBehold Our God Scripture Writing Journal (BACK IN STOCK): https://theruffledmango.etsy.com/listing/4383440254Behold Our God Scripture Writing Extras:https://the-ruffled-mango-school.teachable.com/p/behold-our-god-scripture-writing-extrasOur Etsy shop: https://theruffledmango.etsy.comChristy's favorite way to read: Libby - https://libbyapp.com/interview/welcome#doYouHaveACard & Hoopla - https://www.hoopladigital.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode, Wayne challenges men to embrace one of the most powerful and formative disciplines in the Christian life: prayer. More than a private spiritual habit, prayer is something our families—especially our children—need to see and hear from us regularly. When fathers pray, they model dependence on God, humility before Him, and confidence in His care.Wayne acknowledges that prayer does not always come easily. At times, believers struggle with uncertainty, distraction, or even spiritual apathy. Yet those moments are often when prayer is needed most. Rather than allowing discomfort or hesitation to silence us, we must push through those feelings and intentionally speak to God, trusting that He hears and cares.The episode also explores several key dispositions of prayer found in Jesus’ model prayer in Matthew 6:9–13. In this well-known passage, Jesus teaches that prayer should reflect reverence for God’s holiness, submission to His will, trust in His daily provision, humility in seeking forgiveness, and a desire for spiritual protection.Through this discussion, Wayne reminds listeners that prayer shapes both the one who prays and those who are watching. When children grow up seeing their fathers regularly turn to God, they learn that faith is not merely something we talk about—it is something we live.This episode serves as both an encouragement and a challenge for men to lead their families by cultivating a life of sincere, consistent prayer. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode of Wifey Wednesdays, Emily continues the series on what it means to wholly follow God by focusing on being wholly connected to Him. This conversation centers on the reality of struggling with consistency in prayer and finding grace in every season of spiritual growth.Key components of the episode include:Prayer Doesn’t Have to Be a ProductionPrayer is not about long, formal, perfect wordsOvercomplicating prayer can lead to paralysisGod desires connection, not performance“Pray Without Ceasing” Is PracticalConnection can be moment-by-moment awareness of GodQuick, heartfelt prayers matter (“Lord, help me”)We are always one moment away from connecting with HimBoth Short & Extended Prayer MatterQuick prayers sustain us throughout the dayIntentional, longer prayer times help center and align our heartsWe need both types for a healthy spiritual lifeLetting Go of Control Through PrayerPrayer helps shift us from survival mode to surrenderWe are not in control—God isTrying to manage everything is exhausting and not our rolePrayer allows us to hand over burdens and receive God’s restGod’s Grace in Our WeaknessGod is patient, merciful, and understandingHe does not shame us for inconsistent habitsEven the disciples struggled and had to learn to prayGod desires our hearts—not perfection ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode of Today With Jesus, we begin a two-part study of one of the most tender and personal statements Jesus made from the cross:“Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother.” (John 19:26–27)Even in the midst of unimaginable suffering, Jesus pauses to care for His mother. What does this moment reveal about His heart—and what does it teach us about following Him today? ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

What habits, hobbies, or interests did you pick up because of your dad? For most of us, it doesn’t take long to think of something. Maybe it’s the way you follow a particular sports team, the way you approach work, the music you enjoy, or even the way you spend your weekends. Fathers have a unique way of shaping the rhythms and priorities of our lives, often without realizing just how deeply their influence runs.That idea serves as the starting point for this week’s episode.This week, Wayne explores how the influence of a father goes far beyond hobbies or shared interests. Children are constantly watching what their dads value most. They notice what gets their father’s time, attention, and enthusiasm. Those notice if their dad love to worship the Lord or not. . When children see their dads investing in their relationship with God—prioritizing the assembly, engaging in worship, and speaking about spiritual things—it communicates something incredibly important: that faith is not merely a duty but a deeply valued part of life.Ultimately, this episode is a reminder that some of the most important lessons fathers teach are the ones their children see lived out week after week. When dads make worship a priority and demonstrate a genuine love for God, they are shaping the faith of the next generation in ways that may last a lifetime. Join us for a thoughtful discussion about the influence of fathers, the power of example, and why children need to see their dads leading the way in worship. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode of Wifey Wednesdays, we explore what it truly means to wholly trust in the Lord. Proverbs 3 reminds us to trust God with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. But what does that look like when life is stormy, uncertain, or confusing?Looking at examples from Scripture, we see that trusting God doesn’t mean the path will be easy. It means believing that God is present, powerful, and faithful—no matter what the path looks like.Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly made a way where there seemed to be none:The Red Sea opening for Israel (Exodus 14)Provision in the wilderness (Exodus 16–17)Crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 3)The fall of Jericho (Joshua 6)David defeating Goliath (1 Samuel 17)Deliverance from the Assyrians (2 Kings 19)Most importantly, God made a way for salvation through Jesus Christ. God’s history of faithfulness reminds us that no problem we face is greater than His power. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In Luke 23:43, Jesus spoke words of incredible comfort to a dying man:“Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”In the previous episode, we examined what Jesus meant when He spoke these words from the cross. In this episode, we turn our attention to the compassion behind the promise.The statement Jesus made to the thief was not out of character. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently showed deep compassion for sinners, the suffering, and the spiritually lost. The promise of paradise reveals the heart of a Savior who cares deeply for people. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode, Dewayne discusses artifacts that show a Jewish presence in Israel dating back over three thousand years through the first century AD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The Bible tells us that King David was a man after God's own heart, yet David was far from perfect. If David can be this type of man, is it possible that we can become people after "God's own heart"? In this episode, we find that we CAN indeed obtain this and show you the characteristics needed to do so. Part 2 of the podcast tackles a listener question about the importance of varying talents among the brotherhood of Christ.Other show highlights: Someone get Daniel some coffee... ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Transformation is accomplished in smalls steps and single decisions. Sometimes transformation is not about major changes, but about a singular adjustment. Wayne notes this reality by considering the example of Apollos in Acts 18. The primary reason Apollos was transformable is because was teachable. He was willing to receive instruction and accept correction. True masculinity allows us to acknowledge our limitations and to accept the help needed to change. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode of Wifey Wednesdays, Emily Hatfield explores what it truly means to wholly follow the Lord. Looking at the powerful example of Caleb, we’re challenged to consider whether our hearts are fully aligned with God — even when standing alone.What It Means to Wholly Follow the Lord1. Trusting God Over OppositionCaleb believed no obstacle was greater than God’s power — not fortified cities, not giants, not fear. When others saw impossibility, Caleb saw God’s provision.We are reminded:The One who is in us is greater than the one in the world.Jesus has overcome the world.We do not follow in fear — we follow in faith.2. Standing Firm — Even Among God’s PeopleSometimes opposition doesn’t come from the world, but from fellow believers.Caleb stood against the majority report — even when it came from men who should have trusted God.Wholly following may look like:Refusing to join gossip.Questioning unbiblical teaching with humility.Choosing obedience over popularity.Living differently than other families.Saying no when others say yes — and yes when others say no.We follow the Lord — not the crowd.3. Serving Faithfully for a LifetimeIn Joshua 14:6–12, Caleb is 85 years old and still asking for the hill country filled with giants.He declares he is just as strong and ready for battle as he was at 40.Wholly following the Lord means:No spiritual retirement.No “I did my time” mentality.No slowing zeal because of age or experience.Lifelong faithfulness.As long as we have breath, we serve.A Warning Example: SolomonNot everyone finishes well.Solomon is described in 1 Kings 11:6 as one who “did not wholly follow the Lord.” Despite wisdom and blessing, Solomon allowed divided loyalties.In contrast, David — though imperfect — is remembered as one who wholly followed the Lord:He repented when confronted.He fought when called.He waited for God’s timing.He aligned his heart with God’s.Wholly following is not about perfection — it’s about direction.In a culture that:Celebrates following your heartRewards popularityCompetes for your attentionBe a Caleb.Stand firm when it’s hard.Trust God when it’s unpopular.Serve Him when no one else does.There is no such thing as a sideline Christian. The wilderness generation shows us where that leads. But stepping up in faith? That’s a Caleb move. A David move.And that’s the heart God desires. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode, Dewayne discusses the Apiru and whether they were ancient Israelites under another name. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Ashley and Kristen discuss the biblical names Jehovah Sabaoth (Lord of Hosts), Jehovah Rohi (The Lord Our Shepherd), Jehovah M’Kaddesh (Lord Who Sanctifies), El Elyon (Most High), El Roi (God of Seeing), Qanna (Jealous God), Abba (loving Father), and Immanuel (God with us). Join us as we explore the profound meanings behind these names of God and how understanding these facets of His character affects our prayers and worship.Episode Resources:Names of God Scripture Writing Plan & Reference Guide: https://www.theruffledmango.com/february-scripture-writing-plan-names-of-god/Names of God Kids' Scripture Writing Plans: (scroll down to curriculum section for free downloads)https://the-ruffled-mango-school.teachable.com/p/behold-our-god-scripture-writing-extrasNames of God acapella playlists:Free on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1lHOeEadoNfE9Der7hpezWApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/names-of-god/pl.u-KVXBDdGT2vDRvEFind the Prayer Prompts here:Behold Our God Scripture Writing Journal (BACK IN STOCK): https://theruffledmango.etsy.com/listing/4383440254Behold Our God Scripture Writing Extras:https://the-ruffled-mango-school.teachable.com/p/behold-our-god-scripture-writing-extrasOur Etsy shop: https://theruffledmango.etsy.comAshley's favorite Bible study resource: blueletterbible.org (but especially the Blue Letter Bible app)Kristen's favorite resource for creating visual aids for children's Bible classes: chatgpt.comCasandra Martin's study "God, Pass By Me" (about names of God): https://amzn.to/3ODDMpx {affiliate link} ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This episodes seeks to answer thew question of the Lord's Supper's importance in worship and how we as Christians can honor the Supper and Jesus in our taking of it without minimizing the other avenues of worship in the process.Episode Resources:Passages Referenced: Matthew 26:26-29; Acts 2:42, 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:17, 11:18, 11:20, 11:33, 11:34; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 4:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Acts 2:42 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

While studying for a different episode, we found an article that claimed some Biblical people were autistic. Were they? Let us take a few moments to discuss the matter. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Man is created with a drive to accomplish, conquer, and compete. However, when they competitive spirit is expressed our spiritual relationships, the result can spiritually tragic. This week Wayne addresses this reality by noting the teachings of Jesus in Matthew chapter 18. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode of Wifey Wednesdays, Emily Hatfield explores what it truly means to wholly delight in the Lord — not out of obligation, but from a heart bent toward Him in joy, reverence, and deep attentiveness.Drawing from Psalms 111–112, this episode challenges us to examine where our attention, affection, and appetite truly lie — and how our delight in God directly impacts our steadiness in life.Key TakeawaysDelight precedes discipline.Deep study produces steady faith.Reverence for God transforms obedience into joy.Remembering God’s covenant strengthens us to uphold ours.Blessed is the one who wholly delights in Him. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode of The Book Club, Brad reviews a classic work by Dietrich Bonhoeffer!Episode Resources:https://www.amazon.com/Life-Together-Exploration-Christian-Community/dp/0060608528/ref=sr11?crid=14MIK8WB783HX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.N-4tErG2ucnWfjMZy235OI6YEAirOKxNrVC2LQ1mkeOnB85ERTGzVkt4mDl0nG3b2JRNnkU8nMYikbVQ3FDHnvvPx6ceCX9nWgBy6QDcGfBiNmak9Deh0pIky8KwnoVVxFhXmREG-LNnvEimm-DkuJ-M93FXttltq9iz0B4QJwiFD68fgDpIrUMPa1ctn186JSoXwDVX-5SB71gN-EJZvz28566a3bqxk8GVWw.5pAD8Gl4-YFg0gsqoEDFy3vchX6EWhqZhJwIgbc&dibtag=se&keywords=life+together+the+classic+exploration+by+dietrich+bonhoeffer&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1771352624&sprefix=life+together%3A+the+classic++by+dietrich+bonhoeffer%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode of Today With Jesus, Dan Winkler and Robert Hatfield continue their study of the seven sayings of Jesus from the cross. We come to one of the most hope-filled statements ever spoken:“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)Spoken to a dying criminal in the final hours of Jesus’ earthly life, this promise reveals the heart, authority, and assurance of our Savior.In Part 1, we focus carefully on what Jesus meant when He uttered these words. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Politics can feel relentless. Campaign ads. Social media debates. Polarized conversations. Constant outrage. For many Christians, it’s not just frustrating—it’s exhausting.In this episode, the preachers talk honestly about political fatigue—what it is, why it’s so common right now, and how followers of Jesus can navigate politics without losing their peace, unity, or spiritual focus. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Recently, a viral video has made its rounds. A "preacher" from a Texas denomination claimed that congregants should throw their medication in the toilet and apologize to the toilet. Today, Andrew unpacks a few statements from the 52-second clip and points out that no, you should not.Episode Resources:FDA Drug Disposal List: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know/drug-disposal-fdas-flush-list-certain-medicines ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode of Wifey Wednesdays, Emily Hatfield explores the deeply encouraging truth that we are fully and completely known by God. Drawing from Scripture and personal testimony, she reminds listeners that belonging to Jesus means we are never unseen, forgotten, or alone.Emily reflects on how Jesus consistently showed others that He saw them personally—whether it was Peter’s empty fishing nets, Nathanael under the fig tree, or the outcasts and grieving people He welcomed with compassion. That same attentive care is true for us today.The episode centers on the beauty of Psalm 139, where David marvels at the intimate knowledge God has of each individual life: our thoughts, words, paths, and even the days written for us before we were born. God’s knowledge is not distant or impersonal—it is loving, detailed, and constant.Emily also shares her own experience of grief, depression, and losing her mother, offering a powerful reminder that God meets His children in the darkest moments. Through a meaningful “God moment” involving a necklace inscribed with John 14:18 (“I will not leave you as orphans”), she highlights how God’s comfort often comes in deeply personal ways.Ultimately, this episode invites wives to rest in the truth that God knows every part of us—our struggles, our fears, our sins, and our sorrow—and still loves us completely. Being wholly known by God is not something to fear, but a source of strength, comfort, and hope. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week Wayne is joined by his good friend and fellow minister, Logan Summers. The discussion centers around the difficulty of divorce and how we can spiritually and emotionally heal from separation, betrayal, and heartache. In this frank conversation, issues of forgiveness, trauma, and abandonment are considered in light of Scripture. We pray that anyone impacted by such a terrible situation can find peace and strength.Episode Resources:Wayne's email - [email protected]'s email - [email protected] ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode of Today With Jesus, Dan Winkler and Robert Hatfield continue their study of the first of Jesus’ seven sayings from the cross:“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)In Part 1, we examined the statement in its immediate context at Calvary. In Part 2, we step back and ask:How did Jesus live this prayer long before He prayed it?And how can we bring that same spirit into our own hearts? ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode, Ashley and Kristen begin Part 1 of the Names of God series, exploring names like Yahweh, El Shaddai, Jehovah Rapha, Nissi, and Shalom through Scripture, personal stories, and discussion. Listeners are invited to see how God’s names reveal His unchanging presence, power, provision, healing, peace, and faithfulness in both ordinary life and through suffering.Episode Resources:Names of God Scripture Writing Plan & Reference Guide: https://www.theruffledmango.com/february-scripture-writing-plan-names-of-god/Names of God Kids' Scripture Writing Plans: (scroll down to curriculum section for free downloads)https://the-ruffled-mango-school.teachable.com/p/behold-our-god-scripture-writing-extrasNames of God acapella playlists:Free on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1lHOeEadoNfE9Der7hpezWApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/names-of-god/pl.u-KVXBDdGT2vDRvEBehold Our God Scripture Writing Journal (BACK IN STOCK): https://theruffledmango.etsy.com/listing/4383440254Behold Our God Scripture Writing Extras:https://the-ruffled-mango-school.teachable.com/p/behold-our-god-scripture-writing-extrasOur Etsy shop: https://theruffledmango.etsy.comBible Marking with Kathy Pollard: https://www.youtube.com/@markyourbible ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

How do we know the difference between a biblical command and a personal opinion?That’s the question behind this week’s “Can You Help?” episode.A listener writes:“The new congregation I started attending thinks it’s fine to pray to Jesus… but I grew up with that being unacceptable. They have ‘biblical proof,’ but that comes down to interpretation. So where is the line? How do I know what is command and what is opinion?”That’s an honest question — and one many Christians quietly wrestle with.In this episode, the four preachers discuss:What counts as a clear biblical commandThe role of example and necessary inferenceWhere interpretation inevitably enters the pictureHow to tell the difference between authority and applicationWhen disagreement affects fellowship — and when it doesn’tThe danger of binding where God has not boundThe danger of loosening what God has clearly revealed ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In today's episode, we discuss what is commonly called the Cycle of Anxiety or Avoidance. In this, we will discuss what the cycle is and how we can overcome it. We will also speak of some of the spiritual things we avoid and how we can apply our advice concerning the cycle. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In today’s episode, Emily Hatfield explores what it means to be wholly invested in Jesus Christ. We understand investment in everyday life — in books, TV shows, vacations, even motherhood — but what does it look like to be fully committed to the Lord and His work?Using encouragement from 1 Peter 4, this episode challenges believers to rethink suffering, endurance, and wholehearted devotion. True investment in Christ means we don’t quit when following Him becomes uncomfortable — we stay faithful all the way to the end. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

As Jesus hangs on the cross—wounded, mocked, and rejected—His first recorded words are not cries of anger or demands for justice, but a prayer: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”In this episode of Today With Jesus, Dan Winkler and Robert Hatfield begin a new journey through the seven sayings of Jesus from the cross. This season will examine each saying in two movements:understanding the saying in the moment it was spoken, andexploring how Jesus lived that truth throughout His earthly ministry—and how it can take root in our own hearts today.Part 1 of this saying focuses on the context of the cross. What does it mean that Jesus prayed for forgiveness while enduring unimaginable suffering? Who were the “them” Jesus prayed for—and what does this prayer reveal about His heart, His mission, and His relationship with the Father? ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★