In this episode, I reflect on the importance of personal accountability and how easy it can be to point fingers at others rather than owning up to our actions. I start with the classic Einstein quote about insanity—doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results—and share stories from my own life where accountability (or lack thereof) played a big role, from customers blaming my company for their missed subscriptions to personal habits I’ve needed to change.

I talk about childhood lessons my dad taught me about fairness, and how comparison can steal our joy. I discuss how excuses like “nobody ever told me” or “that’s just how I am” keep us stuck, and I get real about my messy house, bad eating habits, and struggles with weight. I share about moments when I ignored obvious red flags in relationships and recount how ignoring good counsel can lead to costly failures—like filing bankruptcy in my 20s and bombing a tough college class because I didn’t pay attention.

I dive into Scripture, highlighting Galatians 6, Philippians 2, and Ezekiel 18, to remind myself (and listeners) that we reap what we sow, that change is possible, and that we are responsible for our own actions—not our parents, not anyone else.

There’s a story about my ex-wife and how firm consequences helped her kids grow into successful adults—I even witnessed her smash a video game as promised! I’m reminded that real change takes effort, sometimes painful choices, and a willingness to listen, learn, and act.

Finally, I encourage anyone feeling stuck in their current story—whether with their job, family, or faith—to “read the syllabus” (the Bible) and try something different. I share that this episode really speaks to my own need for self-discipline and accountability.

Thank you for listening! If this episode brought you value or made you reflect, please consider sharing it or supporting the show at feedingmyfaith.com/support. Until next time, God bless!

As I record this, it's the week of Thanksgiving, so I wanted to take some time to talk about why giving thanks is so important—not just spiritually (it's biblical!), but also physically and mentally. If you're feeling like there’s nothing to be thankful for, maybe you’re just not looking in the right places.

I dive into 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and talk about how giving thanks applies to all circumstances, not just when we feel like it. I discuss how our brains are naturally wired for negativity and how envy, comparison, pride, and resentment can get in the way of gratitude. It takes practice to be grateful!

I reflect on everyday things we overlook, like having the internet at our fingertips, a warm furnace, a roof over our heads, food choices, and even our freedom to worship. I share a nostalgic story about the excitement of getting a new album growing up, and how music has changed with the advent of streaming—it’s so easy to take these things for granted.

There's also a lesson from Luke 17 about the 10 men with leprosy and how only one returned to thank Jesus. It makes me wonder: Are we sometimes taking God for granted because He’s always there?

I also talk about the physical and mental health benefits of gratitude—lower blood pressure, better sleep, fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, and more satisfaction in life. To help you build a habit, I suggest trying a Five Minute Journal or jotting down three things you're grateful for each day.

Tim Tebow John 3:16 Story

I share a story involving Tim Tebow and some remarkable “coincidences” surrounding John 3:16, reminding us that God is always working, even if we don't see it. I also recount a personal experience of almost hitting a deer and realizing that sometimes, the small inconveniences (like filling up tires in the rain) might just be blessings in disguise.

The Benefits of Gratitude

Finally, I discuss how gratitude helped me cope with grief, and how it's hard to feel grateful and bitter at the same time. I encourage you to practice gratitude, especially if you're struggling during the holidays.

Mentioned: The 5 Minute Journal From Intelligent Change (affiliate)

If you find this episode helpful or know someone who could use a lift, point them to feedingmyfaith.com/95. I appreciate everyone who listens and sends feedback. If you're celebrating Thanksgiving, I hope you have a wonderful holiday. If not, enjoy your Thursday!

Thank you for listening!

Hey, it's Dave Jackson, and in this episode, I'm diving deep into something that's affecting all of us—how our brains are wired for quick gratification, and how that plays out in everything from social media scrolling to food, gambling, and more.

I start things off by talking about the science behind our brains—the dopamine “wanting chemical” that's responsible for why we keep endlessly scrolling on apps like Facebook or TikTok, and why we binge on things that give us instant gratification. I share my own struggles with Facebook shorts and set limits on myself to avoid that endless late-night rabbit hole.

We also get into how our choices—especially when it comes to food—are being manipulated. Food companies have learned how to mess with our hunger and satisfaction hormones to keep us eating more, and this has contributed to skyrocketing childhood obesity rates. It’s no wonder it’s hard to stop at just one chip!

Then I walk through how things like TikTok and other gamified experiences are rewiring our brains, leaving us less motivated and unsatisfied with real life because it doesn't offer that “instant fix.” I talk about the dangers facing our kids, especially with early online exposure to things like pornography and addictive social media platforms.

Gambling is everywhere now—I share some jaw-dropping ways companies are targeting young people with new predictive markets and game mechanics that make it super easy to get hooked. I give examples, like apps where kids spend millions gambling with virtual coins, and how companies even lure people back in after they've quit.

Throughout the episode, I tie these modern struggles back to biblical wisdom—like the parable of the talents in Matthew, and Solomon's advice from Proverbs—reminding all of us that there’s a difference between quick gratification and lasting satisfaction. I share how taking pride in small, real-life accomplishments builds character and genuine satisfaction, unlike these surface-level dopamine hits.

I wrap up by encouraging you (and myself) to make better choices—one at a time—and focus on what truly brings satisfaction. Tune in for some real talk about the subtle traps in our culture and how we can use faith to navigate them.

If you found anything in this episode helpful, share it with someone who could use the encouragement, or visit feedingmyfaith.com for more.

Thanks for listeni

Wobbly knees, folks! We’ve all been there, right? In this chat, we dive deep into the ups and downs of life, and let me tell you, life can hit harder than a heavyweight champ! Think about it: just like Ali with his fancy footwork, we’re all dodging punches from life and sometimes we get hit! So, what's the deal when those knees start wobbling? We explore how vulnerability is not just a weakness but a chance to lean into faith when the going gets tough. It’s all about recognizing when the devil’s trying to knock us out and how to stay grounded even when we feel like we’re on shaky ground. Spoiler: prayer is your secret weapon!

Takeaways:

• Sometimes life feels like dogs and cats living together, total chaos, right?
• Wobbly knees are totally normal when you're facing life’s punches, just hang in there!
• The devil's not gonna bother you when you're on top, he waits for your wobbliest days.
• Doubt isn't a sin, it's just your soul wrestling with faith, so don't sweat it!
• When you're feeling down, remember prayer is like a lifeline, grab it tight!
• Isolation is a sneaky trap, so share your struggles with your buddies and lift each other up!

The podcast episode provides a profound reflection on the challenges of interpersonal relationships, particularly the frustration experienced when others do not conform to our expectations. The speaker draws upon the poignant reality of witnessing the passing of cultural icons, which serves as a catalyst for deeper contemplation about life’s transience. Central to the discussion is the exploration of Mel Robbins' 'Let Them' and 'Let Me' theory, which presents a dualistic approach to navigating human interactions. The 'Let Them' concept urges individuals to accept others without the impetus to change them, while the 'Let Me' aspect emphasizes personal accountability in managing one's own reactions and expectations.

The discourse is enriched with biblical references that underscore the significance of self-reflection and the dangers of judgment. The speaker articulates that in order to foster meaningful relationships, one must first address their own flaws before attempting to influence others. This leads to a compelling argument for the necessity of patience, compassion, and understanding in the face of human imperfections. Ultimately, the episode advocates for a transformative mindset that prioritizes love and acceptance over control, encouraging listeners to embrace the complexities of their relationships while fostering an environment where personal growth can flourish.

The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About

• The Let Them and Let Me theory emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and acceptance of others.
• We often attempt to change those around us, which leads to stress and frustration.
• Biblical principles remind us to refrain from judging others, focusing instead on self-improvement.
• Recognizing our time on Earth is limited can motivate us to cherish relationships and time spent with others.
• Effective communication requires patience and understanding, akin to treating others as one would treat children.
• Ultimately, prayer and acceptance are key when dealing with the inability to change others.
• We can plant the seed. The rest is up to God.

Today, we delve into the poignant theme of feeling like the odd person out, examining how our perceived differences can serve as strengths. The episode presents a compelling exploration of left-handedness as a metaphor for the unique attributes that can set individuals apart.

Through biblical narratives and historical examples, we illustrate that characteristics often viewed as disadvantages—such as dyslexia, mental health struggles, and physical challenges—can ultimately foster extraordinary capabilities and achievements.

We recount the story of Ehud, a left-handed judge, whose unconventional trait enabled him to deliver his people from oppression, demonstrating that what may initially seem like a liability can, in fact, be a vital asset. Join us as we reflect on the notion that our individuality may be the very element that propels us toward fulfilling our divine purpose.

Takeaways:

• In moments of feeling like an outsider, we can find strength in our uniqueness.
• The stories of figures such as Richard Branson illustrate how perceived weaknesses can foster innovation.
• Historical figures like Harriet Tubman and Helen Keller overcame significant challenges to achieve greatness.
• Ehud's left-handedness enabled him to execute a clever strategy that liberated the Israelites from oppression.
• Judges 3 - The story of Ehud

Enjoy the show? Considering buying Dave a coffee (or two) to help offset the cost of production.

The prodigal son is a parable we've all often heard. Today I ask, "Why did Jesus leave this lesson?" Also there are some thing s you may not know like "running is humiliating" and PIGS, yes PIGS (a common animal in the bible).

Takeaways:

• The parable of the prodigal son illustrates the boundless compassion and forgiveness of God.
• Jesus conveyed this parable to demonstrate that redemption is always available for the repentant.
• The father's actions in the story signify that God eagerly awaits the return of sinners.
• It is paramount to recognize that no sin is too great for God's forgiveness and grace.
• The narrative emphasizes that one must not carry the burdens of shame but instead seek divine cleansing.
• The episode reiterates the importance of confessing sins to experience true liberation and acceptance.

TLDR-Reading the bible has benefits - wait until you hear.

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the critical necessity of maintaining a connection with God, likened to a whale's dependence on surfacing for air.

I explore the profound implications of spiritual disconnection, underscoring that just as fish cannot survive outside water, humans cannot thrive spiritually when estranged from their God.

I also emphasize the alarming statistic that a substantial portion of Christians neglect regular Bible reading, which is essential for spiritual growth and transformation. Through the lens of engaging stories and compelling research, I showcase the transformative power of scripture, advocating for a structured approach to foster a consistent Bible reading habit.

Ultimately, I aim to inspire listeners to recognize that nurturing their faith is paramount, as it serves as the lifeblood of their spiritual existence.

Takeaways:

• The necessity of maintaining a connection with God is akin to a whale's need for air, as disconnection leads to spiritual demise.
• The Bible serves as a fundamental source of spiritual nourishment, essential for guidance and moral clarity in life.
• Engaging with the Scriptures regularly significantly reduces detrimental behaviors and enhances positive spiritual practices.
• Consistent Bible reading transforms one's identity, fostering a lifestyle centered around faith and spiritual growth.
• The practice of reflection and response to Scripture invites God into our daily lives and challenges us to act according to His will.
• Incorporating small, manageable habits into our routine can facilitate a deeper relationship with God and increase our understanding of His word.
• The real results happen when you read the bible four or more times a week

Links referenced in this episode:

• schoolofpodcasting.com
• CenterForBibleEngagement.org
• Bible.com
• powerofpodcasting.com
• Say "Thanks Dave"
• Twins in the womb story