It's one thing to follow Christ. It's another thing to surrender to Him. In this episode, Dave digs into Matthew 26 and the Last Supper, where every disciple (including Judas) asks Jesus, "Surely you don't mean me?" Dave unpacks how Judas could sit at the table, hear Jesus teach, and still walk away unsurrendered, then traces that same tension into modern stories of costly surrender: Mel Gibson betting $45 million on The Passion of the Christ with no distributor lined up, Jonathan Roumie's rock-bottom testimony before landing the role of Jesus in The Chosen, Alice Cooper risking his career to go public about his faith, and Sylvester Stallone turning down a fortune to protect his vision for Rocky. The question underneath it all: what are you still holding back from God?

• Why proximity to Jesus isn't the same as discipleship - Judas sat at the table, heard the teaching, and still pursued his own agenda.
• How Judas's objection to Mary's expensive perfume (John 12) exposed what he was really protecting: money, not principle.
• The chilling detail behind the 30 pieces of silver - it was the Old Testament price for a slave gored by an ox (Exodus 21:32).
• What we refuse to surrender in private eventually shapes what we do in public.
• Common things people quietly withhold from God: relationships, private habits, financial control, bitterness, unforgiveness, ambition, reputation, schedule, and self-made plans.
• Four real-life stories of costly, public surrender — and what happened after.
• A challenge to stop asking "what's in it for me" and start asking God to show you His plan.

• Matthew 26:20–25 — Jesus predicts His betrayal at the Last Supper
• Matthew 26:14–16 — Judas negotiates with the chief priests for 30 pieces of silver
• John 12:4–6 — Judas objects to Mary anointing Jesus with expensive perfume
• Exodus 21:32 — the price set for a slave killed by an ox

Mel Gibson — The Passion of the Christ (2004) Gibson self-funded the film through his own company, Icon Productions, spending roughly $30 million on production and another $15 million on marketing — about $45 million total — without a distribution deal secured. Early accusations of antisemitism made it hard to find a U.S. distributor. He found one anyway: the film grossed $612 million worldwide, became the fifth highest-grossing film of 2004 internationally, the highest-grossing Christian film of all time (inflation-adjusted), the highest-grossing independent film of all time, and the highest-grossing R-rated film in the U.S. at $370 million — a record that stood for 20 years. It earned three nominations at the 77th Academy Awards (Best Makeup, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score). Two sequels, The Resurrection of the Christ, Part One and Part Two, are slated for 2027 and 2028.

Jonathan Roumie — the actor who plays Jesus in The Chosen Before landing the role, Roumie woke up one Saturday in 2018 roughly $100 overdrawn, deep in debt, and out of work. He got on his knees and surrendered — quoting Matthew 11:28 out loud: "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." That afternoon, four checks arrived in the mail totaling $1,100. A week later, another check equal to all four combined arrived. Three months later, he got the call asking him to audition for The Chosen.

Alice Cooper The rock musician known for his shock-rock stage persona began following Jesus and decided to go public about it, despite his manager warning it could end his career. Instead, he experienced a career resurgence, selling out concerts at a level he hadn't seen in years.

Sylvester Stallone — Rocky (1976) While nearly broke, Stallone was offered $360,000 for the script to Rocky. He turned it down, believing so strongly in the project that he insisted on starring in it himself for a fraction of the money — around $35,000 — rather than let go of his vision.

What's one thing you're still holding on to instead of handing it over to God — and what would it look like to surrender it today?

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Jealousy can be a real buzzkill, right? I mean, who hasn't scrolled through social media and thought, 'Why can't I have that fancy car or that perfect vacation?' Well, in this episode, we dive into the topic of jealousy and how it can mess with our heads. Our buddy Dave shares some personal stories, from his childhood where he learned the value of hard work, to moments in the Bible where jealousy led to some pretty wild outcomes.

We're talking Cain and Abel, Joseph and his brothers, and even the whole Saul vs. David drama. It's like a soap opera, but the lessons are real! The main takeaway?

Focusing on the wrong things, like who has more likes or who's sitting at the cool kids' table, can really steer us off course. Instead, let’s flip the script and look at what truly matters.

That is the love and grace that’s already ours. So grab your headphones and let’s get into some fun, light-hearted banter about how to ditch the jealousy blues and keep our eyes on the prize!

If you got value from this episode, please consider giving some value back.

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Have you ever been in a situation where it just seems like things are getting worse and worse and worse, and there's just no hope that anything is going to get better? I found myself, thanks to our good friends at YouTube, being shown depressing video after depressing video that just led me to believe that the world was going to hell in a hand-basket. It got to the point where I just physically felt different.

When things aren't going right, instead of letting it pull you down, look at it as a new adventure. Look at it as an opportunity to learn.

When God wanted to make David a king, He didn't give him a crown; He gave him a Goliath.

When God wanted to raise Joseph to the palace, He didn't give him a shortcut; He gave him prison.

When God wanted to make Esther a queen, He didn't give her comfort; He gave her a crisis.

When God wanted to make Moses a leader, He didn't give him a stage; He gave him wilderness.

A lot of times, when you feel like God's breaking you; He's actually building you. And what you have to understand is that God doesn't give us what you expect in life.

Geri Carlson's Hope Blvd Podcast.

Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Psalm 46:10 - Be still and know that I am God.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

If you feel you've received value from this episode, please consider giving some of that back. This can be a one time gift, or a monthly subscription to keep the show going. Go to

feedingmyfaith.com/thanks

Have you ever looked back at something that went wrong and realized, "Yeah... that one's on me"? That's what I'm talking about in this episode: personal responsibility.

It's not always a fun topic because it's a whole lot easier to blame someone else. But the truth is, we really do reap what we sow. If we plant bad habits, poor decisions, or excuses, we shouldn't be shocked when those things grow into bigger problems later.

I take a look at why so many of us are quick to dodge responsibility and point the finger somewhere else. We dig into parenting, schools, and the role society plays in raising the next generation. Along the way, I share a few laughs, but I also ask some questions that might make you stop and think.

This episode isn't about beating ourselves up. It's about recognizing the choices we make, taking ownership when we get it wrong, and doing a better job of planting the kinds of seeds that lead to a better future.

• Taking personal responsibility means looking in the mirror when things go wrong, folks!
• Kids without fathers are at a higher risk of dropping out and living in poverty, no joke!
• We need to train our children properly or they might end up as total mayhem machines!
• When parents and schools fail to teach discipline, we create a generation without consequences!
• The media often sugarcoats teen riots, but we need to call it what it really is: chaos!
• If we don't raise smart kids, we're basically doomed, and that's not a fun thought!

If you enjoyed this episode please reach out, or tell a friend. If you feel so moved, chip in and help offset the cost of producing the podcast. Thanks so much for listening.

When I was eleven, America was celebrating its 200th birthday, and everywhere I looked, people were beaming with pride, donning flag T-shirts and embracing the spirit of unity. Fast forward fifty years, and it feels like a growing number of Americans are more eager to criticize the country than celebrate it. The conversation focused on why this shift has happened, how outside perceptions often clash with realities, and what it means to live in a nation with so much freedom—despite its flaws.

In this episode, I’ll reflect on generational changes in national pride, the role politics and media play in shaping our views, and the surprising disconnect between America’s critics and the challenges found in other countries. We’ll explore stories that reveal both our progress and our shortcomings, and look to scripture for perspective on gratitude, prayer for leaders, and the responsibility that comes with freedom. As we mark another milestone in America’s history, let’s take an honest look at where we’ve been, where we are, and the faith that sustains us through it all.

The Last 50 Years

• Higher incomes
• Larger homes
• Better technology
• More entertainment choices
• Lower infant mortality (more on that later)
• Women can obtain credit independently
• Women now serve on the Supreme Court 1976 0. 2026 4.
• More women serve in Congress 19 in 1976, 150 now, about 28%
• Cleaner air (fewer smog days)
• Removal of lead from gasoline
• Reduced asbestos exposure
• Greater awareness of drunk driving dangers
• Safer automobiles No more Pintos blowing up, but we are ignoring electric cars.
• We don’t smoke on planes
• We elected a black president twice
• We elected a ticket with a female vice president

54th in the world in infant mortality, behind Cuba.

19th in literacy, behind Russia.

72nd in female representation in government, behind Iraq

EPI reports CEO pay was up 1,322% since 1978, while typical worker compensation rose just 18% (source)

Bill Maher talked a lot about this on his show

Today we're diving headfirst into the wild world of self-esteem and identity, and let me tell you, you are NOT your mistakes! That’s the big takeaway, folks—our blunders and fumbles don’t define us, but instead, we’re all cherished children of God, brimming with purpose and potential.

I mean, how cool is that?

We often let those pesky negative memories weigh us down, but we’ve got the power to flip the script! So, if you're feeling low or stuck in the past, this episode is for you. We’ll sprinkle in some laughs, share a few personal stories, and remind each other just how awesome we truly are!

We’ve all been there—tripping over our past mistakes and feeling like they’re tattooed on our foreheads, right?

• We often let our mistakes define us, but we are more than our failures.
• Remember, you are not your mistakes; you are a child of God, loved and cherished.
• Confidence comes from knowing our identity in Christ, not from the world's opinions.
• When we embrace our identity as God's children, we can live boldly and purposefully.

feedingmyfaith.com

akronpodcast.com

schoolofpodcasting.com

Say "Thanks Dave"

Today, we’re diving deep into the delightful chaos of sharing our faith—yes, that’s right, we’re putting on our brave faces and getting real! You see, many of us struggle to openly express our beliefs, often because we fear we’ll look silly. But let’s be honest: if we can do the chicken dance at weddings without batting an eyelash, why can’t we share what we believe with the same enthusiasm?

We kick things off with some light-hearted banter about our own cringe-worthy moments, like that first awkward kiss or singing in front of a crowd. These experiences remind us that everyone has been there, feeling out of their depth—just like Moses did when he was called to lead! We explore the nuts and bolts of why it’s normal to feel hesitant. After all, even the most well-known figures in the Bible had their doubts!

But we also talk about how the need to serve others can outweigh our fear of looking foolish. It’s about building confidence in our faith and knowing that every small conversation can create a spark of change. We encourage listeners to take baby steps—like simply asking a friend about their thoughts on faith or sharing a quick personal story. And guess what? You don’t have to be a theologian to do this; it’s about being real and relatable.

Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of being prepared to share our hope and joy with gentleness and respect. Sharing isn’t about proving a point; it’s about connecting and caring for others.

So, let’s take inspiration from our favorite awkward moments and turn that into a reason to step out of our comfort zones. The world needs your story, and who knows? You might just change a life forever! So let’s celebrate the fun of sharing faith and embrace the journey together—awkward moments and all!

If you feel so moved, feel free to buy Dave a coffee and keep the lights on for this ministry

• Sharing your faith can feel intimidating, but everyone has been there at some point.
• It’s important to let your need to serve others outweigh your fear of looking silly.
• Confidence in sharing faith comes from trusting God, not just from being outgoing.
• Learning to share your faith starts with small conversations and honest questions.
• We often think we need to know everything about the Bible to share our faith, which isn’t true.
• Sharing faith can change lives, and the best thing that could happen is leading someone to Christ!

Ever find yourself scrolling through social media and thinking, 'What in the world are these kids doing?' Well, buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the wild world of influencers and the phrase that seems to echo through the halls of TikTok and Instagram: 'I don’t care. I do what I want!' It’s not just a catchphrase; it’s practically a lifestyle for many youngsters today. We chat about how this rejection of accountability and truth is packaged as freedom but might actually lead to some pretty dark places.

Influencers boasting about money, fame, and casual relationships are in the spotlight, and we explore how this impacts the younger generation's view of self-worth and morality. Spoiler alert: it’s not all sunshine and rainbows! We discuss the alarming trend of valuing appearance over character and how chasing the next big thing can leave folks feeling emptier than a soda can after a party. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the good, the bad, and the downright bizarre of the influencer culture. And hey, maybe we’ll even throw in a few dad jokes for good measure!

• We live in a world where the phrase 'I don't care' is a badge of honor, but that can be dangerous.
• Chasing fame and money often leads to poor choices and a lack of accountability in our lives.
• The idea of freedom often gets twisted; true freedom is found in aligning our desires with goodness.
• Young influencers promote harmful mindsets that can lead to emptiness and a loss of moral values.

Links referenced in this episode:

• feedingmyfaith.com