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Daniel 1:8, Ezra 7:10, Hebrews 13:8, Lamentations 3:22-24, Psalm 119:11, Psalm 139:14
Episode Handout
Main Points
The podcast episode explores the challenge of living out the belief in God’s goodness, especially during difficult times. The hosts, Will and Marie, frame the conversation around moving from intellectual knowledge to behavioral reality. The message is built on the following key points:
- The Disconnect Between Belief and Behavior:
- The central question is not if God is good, but whether believers truly live and act as if they believe it.
- The hosts acknowledge that Christians are well-versed in the “jargon” of faith (e.g., singing songs about God’s goodness) but question if their lifestyles and reactions reflect this core truth.
- The discussion distinguishes between three levels of knowing: intellectually (in the mind), experientially (through past events), and behaviorally (in present actions and responses).
- The True Test of Faith: Responding in Trials:
- The hosts emphasize that a person’s true belief in God’s goodness is revealed not during “mountaintop” experiences but in the midst of tests and trials.
- Our responses to hardship—whether they are characterized by faith or despair—betray what we genuinely believe in our hearts.
- The key challenge is to maintain the same conviction of God’s goodness during difficult situations as we do during times of blessing.
- The Solution: Intentional Engagement with Scripture:
- The podcast proposes that the way to bridge the gap between belief and behavior is through the conscious, deliberate, and intentional effort of internalizing God’s Word.
- They cite biblical figures like David, Daniel, and Ezra as examples of individuals who purposed in their hearts to study, meditate on, and live by God’s law.
- By “hiding the word in our heart,” believers can build a reservoir of truth to draw upon, helping them remember God’s unchanging nature and faithfulness when circumstances are challenging.
Scriptures Referenced
The following scriptures were cited or alluded to during the message:
| Scripture Reference | Timestamp | Context in Message |
|---|---|---|
| Psalm 139:14 | 00:02:12 | Alluded to (“I am fearfully and wonderfully made”) as a foundational truth about God’s good work that believers know. |
| Lamentations 3:22-24 | 00:02:42 | Quoted directly to affirm God’s unfailing mercies, compassion, and faithfulness, which are “new every morning.” |
| Psalm 119:11 | 00:03:42 | Referenced (“I have hidden thy word in my heart”) as the key to living a life that honors God and remembers His goodness. |
| Daniel 1:8 | 00:03:57 | Alluded to (“purposed in my heart not to defile myself”) as an example of making a conscious decision to live according to God’s standards. |
| Ezra 7:10 | 00:04:10 | Referenced (“he made up his mind he purposed to study the law of the Lord and to live it”) as another example of intentional devotion to Scripture. |
| Hebrews 13:8 | 00:04:58 | Alluded to in the closing prayer (“you are the same today tomorrow, and forevermore”) to affirm God’s unchanging nature. |
Overall Message
The core message of this podcast episode is a call for believers to move beyond a superficial, intellectual acknowledgment of God’s goodness and cultivate a deep, behavioral conviction that shapes their daily lives. The hosts argue that while it is easy to profess faith during good times, the true measure of belief is found in one’s response to trials. The practical solution offered is a disciplined and intentional commitment to internalizing Scripture, so that the truth of God’s unchanging character and faithfulness becomes the foundation for one’s actions and reactions, regardless of external circumstances.