Friday, November 7th: In today’s episode, John and Mariza walk through Acts 19, where Paul arrives in Ephesus — one of the largest, wealthiest, and most spiritually charged cities in the Roman Empire. We explore how the gospel doesn’t just inspire personal change — it can reshape entire cultures, economies, and belief systems. From disciples learning about the Holy Spirit, to unusual miracles, to the seven sons of Sceva getting exposed for counterfeit spirituality, this chapter highlights the difference between authentic faith and imitation performance.
We also witness a full-scale riot led by craftsmen whose livelihood depends on idol worship — reminding us that when the gospel confronts the systems that shape identity, profit, and power, it will cause disruption. The question remains for us today: Do we want Jesus for inspiration or transformation? True faith isn’t borrowed — it’s lived.
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Thursday, November 6th: In this episode of The Daily Grind, John reflects on what it means to live as citizens of God’s kingdom in an age of political division. Drawing from Scripture, cultural insight, and personal reflection, he explores how believers can resist fear-based partisanship and embody the love, grace, and hope of Christ. John challenges listeners to examine their hearts with four key questions—about allegiance, hope, behavior, and love—and to consider confession and repentance as pathways toward kingdom living. Through honest dialogue and prayer, this episode invites listeners to release bitterness, renew relationships, and live out the upside-down values of the gospel—loving neighbors even when the world demands we take sides.
Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you! If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at spencerjd@thedailygrind.website Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes.
Wednesday, November 5th: In this powerful conclusion to the seven churches series, The Daily Grind looks at Jesus’ message to the church in Laodicea from Revelation 3:13–22 — a message that pulls no punches. Though wealthy and self-sufficient, the Laodiceans were spiritually lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — and Jesus found their half-hearted faith nauseating. Through vivid imagery drawn from their own city’s culture of banking, textiles, and medicine, He calls them to true spiritual wealth, purity, and vision. Yet even in His rebuke, Jesus offers hope: He stands at the door and knocks, inviting renewed fellowship. This episode challenges believers today to confront spiritual complacency, reject self-sufficiency, and rekindle a passionate, wholehearted relationship with Christ.
Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you! If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at spencerjd@thedailygrind.website Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes.
Tuesday, November 4th: In this episode of The Daily Grind, we explore Jesus’ message to the church in Philadelphia from Revelation 3:7–13—a church that, though small and seemingly weak, remained steadfast in faith. Jesus commends their endurance, their refusal to deny His name, and their perseverance in the face of opposition. We unpack the meaning of the “key of David” and the “open door” imagery, revealing how Christ alone grants access to His kingdom and opens opportunities for faithful mission. Despite limited worldly power, the believers in Philadelphia held fast to the truth and were promised eternal security, identity, and honor in God’s presence. This episode challenges us to remain faithful, seize the doors God opens, and find our strength not in influence or resources but in steadfast reliance on Jesus.
Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you! If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at spencerjd@thedailygrind.website Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes.
Monday, November 3rd: In Revelation 3:1–6, Jesus delivers a piercing wake-up call to the church in Sardis—a community that had a reputation for being alive but was, in truth, spiritually dead. In this episode of The Daily Grind, we explore how Sardis’s history of complacency mirrors the danger of relying on reputation instead of reality. Jesus calls His followers to wake up, strengthen what remains, and rekindle genuine spiritual vitality. Through historical insight, personal reflection, and practical application, this message challenges believers to stay spiritually alert, repent where they’ve drifted, and walk faithfully with Christ in purity and victory.
Reflection Questions:
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Friday, October 31st: In Episode 630 of The Daily Grind, we step into Acts 18 and walk alongside Paul through Corinth—a city known for commerce, culture, and chaotic morals. It’s here that the apostle plants deep gospel roots in the middle of skepticism, resistance, and weariness. We explore the encouragement Paul receives from Jesus in a vision—“Do not be afraid, keep on speaking, do not be silent”—and how this message still speaks to anyone weary from proclaiming truth in a hostile world. We’ll also see the beautiful partnership with Aquila and Priscilla, the fruit of long-term presence, and the surprising hunger for Scripture from those we least expect. Finally, we’ll ask what it looks like to faithfully stay rooted in our context—trusting that God has “many in this city who are His.” Whether you feel alone in your workplace, school, or neighborhood, today’s passage reminds us: you are not the only one. Keep showing up. Keep speaking truth. God’s not done.Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you! If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at spencerjd@thedailygrind.website Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes.
Thursday, October 30th: Thyatira was a hardworking church full of love, faith, service, and perseverance — and Jesus praises their growth. But they were also a church under intense pressure to fit in with the surrounding culture. Trade guilds demanded participation in pagan feasts, sexualized rituals, and emperor worship — and non-participation could cost a believer their livelihood. Some in the church were giving in, influenced by a false teacher Jesus calls “Jezebel,” claiming compromise was acceptable.
Jesus reminds the church that He alone is the true Son of God — the one with eyes like fire that sees everything, and feet like burnished bronze, unshakeable and pure. He calls them to reject false teaching, repent of compromise, and hold tightly to the truth they already know. For those who remain faithful, Jesus gives two incredible promises: authority to reign with Him, and the Morning Star — Jesus Himself. When the world pulls us in every direction, Jesus’ message remains the same: Don’t let go. Hold fast until He comes.
Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you! If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at spencerjd@thedailygrind.website Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes.
Wednesday, October 29th: The church in Pergamum lived in one of the most spiritually dangerous environments in the ancient world — a city Jesus called “where Satan has his throne.” Temptation, political pressure, and idolatry surrounded believers at every turn. Yet Jesus commends their courageous faithfulness, especially in the face of real persecution like the martyrdom of Antipas.
But not everyone was standing strong. Some had begun to justify compromise — blending into the culture and adopting false teaching that excused sin. Jesus calls the church to repent and return to truth, reminding them that His word — like a sharp two-edged sword — cuts through deception and reveals what is real. And for those who remain faithful? Jesus promises provision (“hidden manna”) and a white stone with a new name — a permanent reminder of belonging in God’s kingdom. Pergamum teaches us the importance of holding firmly to Christ even when culture presses hard against our convictions.
Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you! If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at spencerjd@thedailygrind.website Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes.
Tuesday, October 28th: Smyrna was a wealthy and powerful Roman port city, but following Jesus there came with high cost. In Revelation 2:8–11, Jesus speaks not a word of rebuke to the believers, only encouragement and hope. He reminds them that He is the First and the Last — the One who died and came back to life — a powerful truth for believers facing persecution and even death. The church in Smyrna was materially poor but spiritually rich, demonstrating faith that the world could not measure. Jesus calls them to resist fear, stand firm through testing, and hold on to the promise of eternal life. The “crown of life” He offers is far greater than any earthly reward. This message still applies today: faithfulness matters more than comfort. Our hope isn’t rooted in success or safety but in the One who conquered death. When trials come, we can endure with courage, knowing our victory is secure in Jesus.
Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you! If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at spencerjd@thedailygrind.website Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes.
Monday, October 27th: The ancient city of Ephesus was once a thriving center for Christianity, yet today no active church remains there — a sobering reminder of what can happen when love fades. In Revelation 2:1–7, Jesus praises the Ephesian church for their perseverance, discernment, and commitment to the truth. They stood firm against false teaching in a spiritually hostile culture. But Jesus also confronts them with a painful truth: they had abandoned the love they once had for Him and for others. Their passion for truth had become disconnected from love. Jesus calls them to remember, repent, and return to the works they did at first. Without love, even the strongest church loses its witness. But for those who conquer — those who turn back to love — Jesus promises the right to eat from the tree of life. This message is both a comfort and a warning for us today. We must hold fast to truth, but never forget that love is the beating heart of the gospel.
Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you! If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at spencerjd@thedailygrind.website Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes.
Friday, October 24th: Episode 625 continues the counter-culture of love theme with a solo message from John. He explains that Jesus-shaped love is practical and visible, drawing from Romans 12:9–21 and 1 Corinthians 13. Genuine love hates what harms people and clings to what is good. Biblical love honors others and perseveres through hardship with prayer. John emphasizes responding to hostility with blessing rather than retaliation. He highlights that real love stays even when things get difficult. The “Jesus Rule” returns — if it isn’t something Jesus would say or do, it isn’t Christian love. Listeners are challenged to apply love in relationally specific ways this week. The episode concludes with a charge to embody Christ’s love as a Kingdom witness in a divided world.
Thursday, October 23: In Episode 624 of The Daily Grind, John concludes the Counter-Culture of Love series with Jesus’ declaration, “My kingdom is not of this world.” He paints the scene of Jesus standing before Pilate and reveals how Christ’s Kingdom operates by the logic of love, not the pursuit of power. John contrasts worldly weapons with Kingdom ones — mercy, truth, forgiveness, and peace. He challenges the Church to reject political tribalism and instead embody a counter-culture of love that looks like Jesus. The episode revisits the “Jesus test,” urging listeners to speak only words that could come from Christ’s mouth. John redefines peacemaking as courageous engagement with compassion. He invites believers to reflect on how their lives display allegiance to a heavenly Kingdom. The cross, he reminds us, is not a symbol of retreat but of revolution. The episode closes with a call to live out the Kingdom’s love in every interaction, making visible the reign of Jesus on earth.
Wednesday, October 22: In Episode 623 of The Daily Grind, John unpacks Jesus’ command to love our neighbor through the Parable of the Good Samaritan. He describes how Jesus redefined “neighbor” as anyone in need, dismantling cultural and tribal boundaries. The Samaritan’s compassion challenged religious indifference and racial hostility, showing that love means action, not sentiment. John reminds listeners that the true test of faith isn’t how much we know, but how much we love — especially those who are difficult to love. He revisits the “Jesus filter”: if it doesn’t sound, look, or act like Jesus, it’s not Christian. The episode contrasts love with culture war and challenges the church to teach mercy rather than animosity. John calls believers to be a counter-culture of love, reflecting Jesus’ compassion in a divided world. Through reflection questions, he helps listeners identify their “hardest person to love” and turn conviction into compassion. The message closes with a charge to live as recognizable disciples of Jesus through everyday acts of mercy.
Tuesday, October 21: Episode 622 of The Daily Grind continues the series A Counter-Culture of Love by focusing on Jesus’ command to “Love God with Everything.” John unpacks Matthew 22:37–38, showing how Jesus’ words echo the ancient Shema and invite full allegiance of heart, soul, and mind. He explains that true love for God is more than belief — it’s affection and obedience that shape every part of life. In a divided and distracted world, loving God becomes an act of resistance against fear and idolatry. John introduces a “Jesus filter,” urging listeners to ensure their words and actions sound, look, and act like Jesus. When we love God rightly, he says, everything else — our speech, tone, and mission — follows rightly. He challenges believers to rekindle affection for God through gratitude and worship. Reflection questions help listeners identify what competes with their love and how to reignite devotion. The episode closes with a call to let love for God overflow into every aspect of daily life.
Monday, October 20: Episode 621 of The Daily Grind begins a new four-part series titled A Counter-Culture of Love: Following Jesus in a Divided World. John explores Jesus’ first proclamation in Mark 1:15 that “the time has come” and the Kingdom of God has drawn near. He explains how the word “gospel” originally meant a royal announcement and how Jesus used it to declare a new reign, not advice for better living. Drawing from Romans 1:16, John emphasizes that the gospel is the power of God, not a political agenda. He challenges listeners to apply a “Jesus test” to their speech and actions — if it doesn’t sound like Jesus, look like Jesus, or act like Jesus, it’s not the gospel. The Church, he says, is not a political action committee but a counter-culture of love. Through unity and compassion, believers announce the gospel by how they live. John encourages listeners to reflect on whether they’re confusing culture war with kingdom work. The episode closes with a call to speak and act in ways that reveal Jesus to the watching world.
Friday, October 17th: In this episode of The Daily Grind, John takes us to a wedding in Cana — the scene of Jesus’ first miracle. What begins as an ordinary celebration turns into a powerful revelation of God’s character. Jesus doesn’t just replenish what’s missing; He transforms it. Through the story of water turned into wine, we discover a Savior who meets us in our emptiness, fills us to the brim, and brings joy that never runs out. This episode invites you to consider where you’ve run dry and to trust that Jesus still saves the best for now.
Thursday, October 16th: In Episode 619 of The Daily Grind, John Spencer concludes the “In Christ and Christ in You” series by exploring the exchanged life — the mystery of Christ’s strength made perfect in weakness. Drawing from Philippians 3, 4, and 2 Corinthians 12, he explains that Paul’s view of power turns Roman culture upside down: divine strength shines through surrender. John highlights how the cross embodies the greatest exchange in history — our sin for His righteousness, our weakness for His strength. He shares historical insight into Roman ideals of virtus and contrasts them with the gospel’s humble power. Through vivid illustrations like the weathered violin and Corrie Ten Boom’s story, he reminds listeners that dependence, not performance, is the heart of the Christian life. This episode invites believers to stop hiding their weakness and start experiencing Christ’s sufficiency moment by moment. It’s not about trying harder but trusting deeper — the secret of living the exchanged life.
Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you! If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at spencerjd@thedailygrind.website Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes.
Wednesday, October 15th: In Episode 618 of The Daily Grind, John Spencer explores what it means to live from union with Christ instead of striving for approval. Drawing from Romans 8 and Ephesians 1, he shows that believers are already accepted, chosen, and sealed in Christ — not working toward God’s favor but living from it. Through historical context, John explains how Paul’s message confronted Rome’s identity culture, replacing status-based worth with divine adoption. He uses the Y’all Version to remind listeners this truth applies to the whole community, not just individuals. The episode contrasts the exhausting life of performance with the restful life of grace and uses a powerful adoption story to illustrate the gospel’s security. John offers practical rhythms for daily living from union — gratitude, presence, and resting in God’s finished work. The episode encourages believers to stop performing and start abiding, trusting that their connection to Christ is constant and unbreakable.
Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you! If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at spencerjd@thedailygrind.website Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes.
Tuesday, October 14th: In Episode 617 of The Daily Grind, John Spencer explores the profound truth of Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). He explains how God’s presence moved from temples made by hands to living within His people through the Holy Spirit. Drawing from historical and cultural context, John shows how Paul’s language countered the mystery religions of the ancient world — revealing that the true mystery is already known: the indwelling Christ. He uses the Y’all Version to emphasize the communal nature of this reality, reminding listeners that God’s glory now dwells in y’all together. Through vivid imagery, John compares the believer to a glove animated by the life of Christ. He encourages believers to live from union, not for approval, cultivating awareness, surrender, community, and obedience. The episode closes with practical reflection and the call to embrace the daily miracle of divine indwelling.
Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you! If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at spencerjd@thedailygrind.website Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes.
Monday, October 13th: In this episode of The Daily Grind, John Spencer explores what it really means to be in Christ. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Galatians 2:20, he explains that Paul’s focus isn’t just personal transformation but a whole new way of seeing others who are in Christ. The Greek phrase en Christō speaks of union, participation, and shared life in the Messiah. To be “in Christ” means His death and resurrection become ours — our old life is gone, and His life flows through us. John shows how this identity replaces comparison and judgment with reconciliation and belonging. Using the Y’all Version to highlight plural language, he reminds listeners that Paul’s words are addressed to a community, not just individuals. He then offers practical ways to practice the exchange daily — remembering, seeing others in Christ, and resting in God’s acceptance. Listeners are invited to live from union rather than for approval and to embrace their true identity as new creations in Christ.
Email me your questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd love to hear from you! If y'all wanna talk more 'bout this, I'm all ears. Just give me a holler. You can also help by sending me your favorite trivia or dad joke(s) at spencerjd@thedailygrind.website Or respond below with comments, trivia or jokes.