How do you worship when life looks more like exposed studs and drywall dust than a finished room? In this episode, Josh explores what Scripture teaches about worshiping in the ruins—not pretending they're not real, but not letting them define reality either. From Job's ashes to Jesus's empty tomb, discover how that little word "yet" changes everything about how we approach both Sunday morning and Monday's struggles.
For pastors, volunteers, and anyone living in the messy middle between suffering and resurrection.
What does it actually mean to be a saint? On All Saints' Day, we remember two men named Stephen—one ancient martyr, one a friend—and discover that saints aren't spiritual celebrities. They're ordinary believers who trusted Christ enough to follow him into hard places. Drawing from Psalm 149, Daniel 7, Luke 6, and Ephesians 1, this episode explores how the kingdom of God comes through costly faithfulness, and what that means for those of us navigating Sunday worship and Monday reality.
What does it actually mean to call upon the Lord? Is it just a crisis prayer, or is there something more? Drawing from Jeremiah 14, Psalm 65, Joel 2, Luke 18, 2 Timothy 4, and Psalm 84, Josh explores how calling upon the Lord becomes the fundamental rhythm of Christian worship—from Sunday's confession to Monday's challenges. Learn how the tax collector's prayer becomes a lifelong pattern that transforms not just your circumstances but your desires.
Discover how your Sunday liturgy is forming you to call upon the Lord throughout the week, and why God's answer gives you more than you asked for—it gives you Himself.
Tired of chasing the next spiritual high? What if authentic worship emerges not from consuming religious experiences, but from wrestling with God's Word? In this episode, Josh Cehulik explores how Jacob's all-night wrestling match, the psalmist's day-long meditation, and the persistent widow's refusal to give up reveal a pattern: real worship flows from real encounter, and real encounter often involves struggle. Learn why avoiding difficult passages might be costing you the very thing you're searching for, and discover how Monday morning can become your own Peniel moment when you stop chasing experiences and start wrestling with Scripture.
Why do we approach God's grace on our terms instead of His? In this episode, Josh explores the biblical pattern of cleansing and worship through Naaman's story and Jesus' healing of ten lepers. When God cleanses us, something happens—we can't help but return in worship and tell others what He's done. But what about the nine who were healed but never came back? Discover how Sunday's pattern of the gospel should shape how you live Monday through Saturday.
Ever feel like you're searching for diamonds while standing on a diamond mine? In this episode, Josh explores what it means to be "rich in good works" rather than rich in this world. Drawing from Psalm 91, Amos 6, Jeremiah's foolish field purchase, the parable of Lazarus, and Paul's instructions to Timothy, we'll examine where we're really investing our time, energy, and resources. How does Sunday's call to worship shape Monday's financial decisions? And who is the Lazarus at your gate that you might be overlooking? Real worship wisdom for those wondering where true security is found.
What happens when Sunday's worship meets Monday's uncertainty? Whether you're waiting for test results, job news, or God's justice to show up, the Bible doesn't just tell us to wait—it shows us how to wait. And the way we wait? That's worship too.
Join Josh as he explores how biblical lament, honest questions, and faithful service during unclear seasons can transform the way we understand both worship and waiting. From David's "fret not" to Habakkuk's "what are you thinking?" to Paul's confidence from prison—discover how the liturgy you participate in every Sunday is actually forming you for the seasons when God feels silent.
Real worship wisdom for those on the front lines of life and ministry.
When trust is shattered and healing feels impossible, what does worship have to say to a broken world? Drawing from Lincoln's vision of binding up a nation's wounds and the biblical pattern of failed stewardship, Josh explores how our Sunday liturgy forms us to work for justice and righteousness instead of contributing to bloodshed and distress. Featuring reflections on Psalm 79, Amos, Jeremiah's lament, and 1 Timothy's declaration of "one mediator"—this episode asks how worship shapes us to bear the cost of reconciliation in our own contexts.
Perfect for pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone wondering how ancient rhythms of confession, grace, and hope can transform how we show up in a broken world.
From hidden symbols in Roman catacombs to crosses dominating every church surface—what transformed the most feared symbol in the ancient world into Christianity's most celebrated image? Follow Josh as he walks through the biblical roadmap that explains why the Cross became central to Christian worship, exploring the bronze serpent (Numbers 21), the cycle we can't break (Psalm 78), Jesus's conversation with Nicodemus (John 3), Paul's message to Corinth (1 Corinthians 1), and the new song we can't help singing (Psalm 98).
Discover why understanding our need for the Cross transforms worship from obligation into the joyful response of people who've been rescued from a sinful condition they couldn't escape.
For pastors, volunteers, and anyone who senses that what happens on Sunday matters for the rest of the week.
What makes worship genuine rather than just going through the motions? Josh explores why true worship requires both God's sovereign worthiness and our willing response, using the image of a parent teaching a child to ride a bike. Drawing from Deuteronomy 30, Psalm 1, Psalm 139, Luke 14, and Philemon, this episode shows how God chooses to appeal rather than compel—for love's sake. Essential listening for worship leaders, pastors, and anyone wanting to move beyond liturgical compliance toward genuine spiritual formation.
What's the garment that matters most on Sunday morning? Josh explores the biblical pattern of humility versus pride and how the posture we take in worship should shape the way we live Monday through Saturday. From Jeremiah's broken cisterns to Jesus's teaching about taking the lower place, discover how gospel humility transforms both our worship and our daily relationships.
Real worship wisdom for those on the front lines of life and ministry.
Scripture Readings:
Every worship service tells a story—the ancient narrative of God's work to deliver His people from sin, death, and separation from Him. But are we hearing it? And more importantly, is it shaping how we live as redeemed people Monday through Saturday? Join Josh as he traces the biblical story of deliverance from the psalmist's cry (Psalm 71:1-6) through God's vision of freedom (Isaiah 58:9b-14), His commissioning of change agents (Jeremiah 1:4-10), Christ's decisive victory (Luke 13:10-17), the cosmic transformation complete (Hebrews 12:18-29), and the celebration of the delivered (Psalm 103:1-8). Discover how your liturgy forms you to understand and live in light of the gospel. Real worship wisdom for those on the front lines where Sunday meets Monday morning.
All readings taken from the Revised Common Lectionary, all rights reserved.
Key Themes: Worship as gospel formation, liturgy's role in spiritual transformation, living out our redeemed identity
What happens where Sunday's worship meets Monday morning? In this introductory episode, Josh explains what "Worship in the Trenches" is all about—practical worship theology for pastors, volunteers, and anyone who senses that liturgy is forming them but isn't sure how. Every church has a liturgy, and it's shaping you whether you realize it or not. Time to be intentional about it.