It’s been a minute, but we’re back on the Path of Discipleship. This week we read and discuss the Parable of the Weeds in Matthew 13:24-30. How do we see this playing out in the world today? Why is Jesus teaching this lesson? And, ultimately, what is he telling us to do in response?

In this episode we discuss:

“Let both grow together until the harvest.” (Matthew 13:30)

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Books:

"Uncommon Prayers" at Amazon

"Ultra Marriage" at Amazon

On August 2, 2006, putting himself in the direct line of fire to protect his teammates, Marc Alan Lee was the first Navy SEAL killed in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Two and a half weeks earlier, Marc had penned a profound email to his closest friends and family that challenged them to live in such a way that honors the precious gift of life we have been given. Known as “Marc’s Last Letter Home,” Debbie shares her perspective on its powerful message for all of us, and the faith that has allowed her to thrive beyond the tragedy as a mighty warrior for God.

As the founder of @americasmighty Debbie has built a legacy of support for our troops and gold star families.

Listen to this very special episode on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple, and share it with someone you love this Thanksgiving.

Americas Mighty Warriors: http://www.americasmightywarriors.org

Marc’s Last Letter Home: https://americasmightywarriors.org/marcs-last-letter-home/

@debbieleemw

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https://www.mikebellini.com/

Books:

"Uncommon Prayers" at Amazon

"Ultra Marriage" at Amazon

Good friend, author, podcaster, and attitude transformation specialist, Jeff Forrester, joins me to breakdown how to live out Matthew 10:16, being “shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.” There is a tug-of-war in trying to live out these two behaviors. Jeff and I come at this from different angles and attempt to meet somewhere in the middle, where we believe the strength to live this out lies.

Jeff on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jeff4ester/

Jeff’s website: https://www.conqueritconsulting.com/

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https://www.mikebellini.com/

Books:

"Uncommon Prayers" at Amazon

"Ultra Marriage" at Amazon

On the surface, Mandy Mullen is an entrepreneur, small business owner, fitness instructor, and race director for a dozen events in Northern Colorado. But there is much more to her story and who she has become. After witnessing the resilience and loving support of the running community after the Boston Marathon bombing, she has become an incredible leader in and around her community, passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Once a novice runner who found no joy in the sport, she has gone on to complete multiple 100-mile races, started run.Windsor, a locally owned company whose mission is to positively impact the health of Northern Colorado through her passion for running.

In this episode, Mandy shares how the experience of being at the Boston Marathon during the bombing changed her relationship with running, the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur, the resilience to keep going, and the importance of taking care of our health in order to live our best life.

Mandy is running a fundraiser December 1 – January 31, 2025, called Move through the Darkness, a challenge to walk or run through the winter for mental health. It is a tremendous cause with several ways to participate. Check it out here: https://www.movethrough.org/.

Mandy on IG: https://www.instagram.com/mullenmommarunner/

Check out her races at https://www.runwindsorco.com/

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https://www.mikebellini.com/

Books:

"Uncommon Prayers" at Amazon

"Ultra Marriage" at Amazon

Responding to the doubt (or sarcasm) of John the Baptist questioning whether Jesus is the Messiah, the Lord responded with instructions of what to do when in a situation like the one John was in. He told us what to do when we are weary, burdened, and tempted to fall away from the path of discipleship. This episode is about what to do and how to do it.

In this episode we discuss:

1. Do not fall away on account of Jesus. (from Matthew 11:6)

2. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

3. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…” (Matthew 11:29)

https://www.mikebellini.com/

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Books:

"Uncommon Prayers" at Amazon

"Ultra Marriage" at Amazon

Jesus concludes his instructions to the disciples before sending them out two-by-two to share the good news that the kingdom of heaven is near. However, that message comes with a choice to be made: Him or the world. We cannot have peace with Him if we are holding onto this world.

In this episode we discuss:

1. “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth...” (Matthew 10:34)

2. Do not love your father or mother, or son or daughter more than Jesus. (from Matthew 10:37)

3. Take up your cross and follow him. (from Matthew 10:38)

4. Lose your life for his sake in order to find it. (from Matthew 10:39)

https://www.mikebellini.com/

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Books:

"Uncommon Prayers" at Amazon

"Ultra Marriage" at Amazon

About to wrap the instructions to his disciples before sending them out to preach across the land, Jesus tells them to unleash what they have learned and why they shouldn’t be afraid to do so.

In this episode we discuss:

1. “What I tell you I the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.” (Matthew 10:27)

2. “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

3. “…acknowledge me before others (and) I will also acknowledge (you) before my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32)

https://www.mikebellini.com/

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Books:

"Uncommon Prayers" at Amazon

"Ultra Marriage" at Amazon

This week we continue a review of direct instructions Jesus gave his twelve disciples as he prepared to send them out in pairs of two to share the good news. He told them they would be arrested and persecuted. Doesn’t that sound like a fun calling from God! But he also told them, when these things happen, not to worry and not to be afraid. A difficult task, but he also told them “why” not to worry or be afraid.

In this episode we discuss:

1. “When they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time, you will be given what to say....” (Matthew 10:19)

2. “When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another.” (Matthew 10:23)

3. “So do not be afraid of them.” (Matthew 10:26)

https://www.mikebellini.com/

Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/mikebellini_/

https://www.facebook.com/mikebellini0708

Books:

"Uncommon Prayers" at Amazon

"Ultra Marriage" at Amazon