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Season Theme Who Is Influencing You? Every day we are influenced by countless voices. But as followers of Jesus, we are also called to become people who influence others toward God's goodness. Big Idea The world's definition of influence is built on status, power, and recognition. Jesus teaches that true influence is built on humility, service, sacrifice, and love. Key Passage Matthew 20:20–28 Jesus reminds His disciples that greatness in God's Kingdom is not measured by authority over people but by serving people. "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant."   Main Teaching Points 1. Everyone Has Influence Whether you recognize it or not, God has placed people in your life whom you influence every day. Your influence may include: Family Friends Coworkers Neighbors Students Coaches Employees Church members The question isn't if you have influence. The question is:  What kind of influence are you becoming? 2. The World Has a Different Definition of Influence Culture tells us influence comes through: Popularity Position Wealth Prestige Status Power Jesus completely overturns this way of thinking. 3. God's Kingdom Measures Greatness Differently According to Jesus: Greatness begins with serving. Leadership begins with humility. Influence grows through sacrifice. Love always comes before recognition. 4. Jesus Is Our Model Jesus never asked people to do what He wasn't willing to do Himself. He served. He humbled Himself. He sacrificed. He ultimately gave His life as a ransom for many. 5. Influence Begins with Everyday Faithfulness Influencing for God's goodness often looks ordinary: Saying thank you. Encouraging someone. Serving quietly. Showing kindness. Forgiving quickly. Celebrating others. Speaking hope. Loving without expecting something in return. These seemingly small acts create eternal impact. Reflection Questions Who has had the greatest spiritual influence in your life? How has culture shaped your understanding of success? Where are you tempted to seek recognition instead of serving? Who has God placed in your life to influence this week? What is one practical act of service you can offer someone today? Weekly Challenge Choose one person this week. Encourage them. Pray for them. Serve them. Celebrate them. Ask God to use your life to point them toward His goodness.

Episode Main Emphasis Discipleship is formed not in certainty, but in waiting. Holy Week reveals that following Jesus means learning to trust God’s will when outcomes are unclear, expectations are disrupted, and obedience comes before understanding. Jesus models a surrendered alignment with the Father, and the disciples are slowly formed—through confusion and loss—into people capable of resurrection faith. Episode Highlights Holy Week is a journey through waiting, not just victory The disciples learn obedience before understanding Jesus models surrendered trust in the Father’s will Submission to God’s authority is supernatural, not instinctive Resurrection life begins now through faith-filled obedience Key Discipleship & Formation Insights 1. Following Jesus Often Means Misunderstanding Him First The disciples enter Holy Week with correct hopes but misplaced expectations. They recognize Jesus as King, yet misunderstand the nature of His kingdom. Discipleship begins not with clarity, but with proximity—staying close to Jesus even when His path disrupts our assumptions. Formation Insight: God often reshapes our will before He clarifies His plans. 2. Waiting Is Not Passive—It Is Formative Between Palm Sunday and Easter morning, the disciples are forced into waiting: watching Jesus suffer, feeling powerless, and sitting with unresolved fear. This waiting exposes their lack of control and invites deeper trust. Formation Insight: Waiting strips away self-reliance and reveals what—or whom—we truly trust. 3. Jesus Models Submission Before Deliverance Jesus’ obedience to the Father is not reactive; it is deliberate and prayerful. In Gethsemane, Jesus shows that submission to God’s authority is not natural—it is supernatural, formed through faith and surrender. Formation Insight: Eternal life begins when our will is aligned to the Father’s will, not when circumstances improve. 4. Faith Must Survive the Silence of Holy Saturday Holy Saturday represents the space where God seems absent, promises appear broken, and hope feels delayed. Yet this silence is not abandonment—it is preparation. Formation Insight: Resurrection faith is born in those who remain faithful when God feels silent. 5. The Resurrection Reframes the Waiting Easter morning does not erase the waiting—it redeems it. The disciples’ confusion and fear become the soil from which deeper faith emerges. What felt like delay was actually formation. Formation Insight: God does not waste seasons of waiting; He uses them to remake us.

🌿 TODAY’S LESSON SUMMARYToday we look at Jacob — a man facing one of the most feared moments of his life. He’s about to meet his brother Esau, whom he once betrayed. Scripture tells us: “Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed.”— Genesis 32:7 He doesn’t know what will happen. He imagines the worst. He fears the future. Sound familiar? Many of our deepest anxieties come from: Not knowing the outcome Fearing consequences Worry about the people we love Situations we can’t control Jacob’s story meets us right there. 💡 What Jacob Teaches Us About Anxiety  1️⃣ His first response is human.He plans, he strategizes, he prepares for the worst. 2️⃣ His turning point is prayer.Jacob cries out: “O Lord… I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness You have shown… Deliver me, for I fear my brother.” He stops trying to control the outcome and surrenders the situation to God. 3️⃣ God meets Jacob in the middle of his fear.God stays with him. God strengthens him. God gives him a new name — Israel. God works in Esau’s heart. The future Jacob feared becomes the future God redeems. ✨ God is already in your tomorrow.Before you arrive, He is preparing the path. Before you face it, He is shaping the outcome. Before you fear it, He is already working. You don’t walk into the future alone. ✨ Reflection for TodayWhat future moment am I most anxious about? What would surrender look like in that exact situation? How might God already be working behind the scenes? 🙏 Closing PrayerLord, thank You for being faithful in every season — past, present, and future. Help me surrender my fears about tomorrow. Give me courage to trust Your plan, even when I can’t see it. Go before me and prepare the way, just as You did for Jacob. In Jesus’ name, amen. 🎁 Vision for Our Digital Discipleship LibraryIf these 3 days have encouraged you, I’d love for you to know more about our future Digital Discipleship Library, where you’ll find Bible studies, devotionals, mini courses, and resources to help you grow spiritually every day. But no matter what — I’m proud of you. And I believe God is going to continue giving you His peace. Thank you for joining me for Peace on Earth. In Christ, Todd

🌿 TODAY’S LESSON SUMMARYPsalm 23 begins with a powerful declaration: “The Lord is my Shepherd.”Not distant. Not passive. Not occasionally helpful. Your Shepherd. Anxiety tries to convince you you’re alone. But Scripture reminds you: you never are. 💬 David was honest with God about his anxiety.“The valley of the shadow of death.” Evil. Enemies. Fear. David didn’t hide his anxiety — he named it. And in naming it, he made space for God to comfort him. 💡 God’s Response to Anxiety in Psalm 23:He makes me lie down — He gives rest when your mind races. He restores my soul — He heals what fear has damaged. He comforts me — He protects what feels fragile. He prepares a table — He provides even in chaos. Goodness and mercy follow me — He writes a hopeful future. God doesn’t just calm the storm around you. He calms the storm inside you. ✨ Reflection for TodayWhat “valley” am I walking through in this season? What fear do I need to express honestly to God today? What promise from Psalm 23 brings me the most comfort? 🙏 Closing PrayerFather, thank You for being my Shepherd. You see my anxiety, and You stay close. Restore my soul today. Help me to feel Your presence, Your comfort, and Your goodness following me. Carry me where I feel weak. In Jesus’ name, amen. You’re doing great. Your willingness to seek God in your anxiety is a sign of spiritual strength — not weakness. Excited to see you tomorrow for our final lesson. In Christ, Todd

Today we look at Proverbs 3, a passage written by King Solomon — one of the youngest and most pressured kings in history. He knew anxiety. He lived with massive responsibility, enormous expectations, and heavy decisions. And under that pressure, God gave him wisdom that still speaks life to us today. 🌿 TODAY’S LESSON SUMMARYAnxiety is one of life’s greatest speed bumps. It interrupts your peace… your clarity… your confidence… and even your spiritual focus. But Proverbs 3 gives us a roadmap: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”God invites you to trust Him even when you don’t understand what’s happening. “…don’t lean on your own understanding…”Anxiety shrinks your vision. God widens it. “…acknowledge Him in all your ways…”This means inviting Him into the exact places where you feel overwhelmed. “…and He will make your paths straight.”Not perfect. Not painless. But straight — steady, guided, and secure. This is God’s promise for you today. ✨ Reflection for TodayTake a moment and ask yourself: What situation in my life feels the most uncertain right now? What would it look like to acknowledge God in that exact place? How might I be leaning on my own understanding rather than His wisdom? 🙏 Closing PrayerLord, thank You for meeting me in my anxiety with compassion and strength. Help me trust You with all my heart today. Teach me to release the need to understand everything, and instead rest in Your presence and Your direction. Make my path straight as I walk with You. In Jesus’ name, amen. If you’re enjoying today’s lesson, I’d love to invite you to explore our plans for our Digital Discipleship Library, where we're planning to include more Bible studies, devotionals, and spiritual growth tools. But for now — I’m proud of you for taking this step toward peace. See you tomorrow for Day 2. In Christ, Todd

This story of Jacob takes place around 1900 BC in Genesis 32 and 33. That tells us that anxiety is NOT a new issue.   The main emphasis of this story is a look into Jacob's very real fear of the future. Insights to Note:  Tells us the story of Jacob's inner conflict with his brother EsauReveals Jacob's great fear and distress with confrontationShows Jacob's human reaction to the fear he facedGives us Jacob's dependence prayer on Yahweh in the face of fear, anxiety, and stressReveals God's desire to stay with Jacob throughout fearful and overwhelming situationsShows how God helped Jacob to reconcile with his brother EsauEpisode Highlights: 00:26 - Understanding Anxiety in a Biblical Context 03:17 - Jacob's Early Life and Family Dynamics 06:15 - Jacob's Encounter with God 19:59 - Transformation from Jacob to Israel 23:54 - Reconciliation with Esau 28:01 - Faith, Trust, and Overcoming Anxiety with God's Help 31:41 - The Importance of Forgiveness

Download our free Psalm 23 Exercise for facing anxiety. Use it to follow along and take your own notes while listening to this episode. 00:31 - Exploring David's Anxieties 02:10 - Understanding Anxiety Through the Lens of Scripture 03:32 - The Nature of Anxiety and Fear 04:46 - Psalm 23: Trust in God's Goodness 05:39 - God as the Shepherd 06:04 - Finding Rest in God 06:36 - Spiritual Nourishment and Fulfillment 07:57 - Engaging Anxiety in Difficult Situations 09:36 - God's Protection and Safety 10:50 - Facing the Dark Valleys 15:44 - Relating to David's Struggles 16:52 - Experiencing Blessings Amidst Challenges 21:09 - Daily Connection with God

1:02 - Understanding Anxiety 8:19 - General Anxiety vs. Panic Attacks 9:28 - Biblical Perspectives on Anxiety 10:13 - Wisdom from Proverbs 3 22:25 - Benefits of Seeking God's Wisdom 29:29 - God's Desire for Our Peace 30:39 - Practical Steps to Overcome Anxiety Download our Psalm 23 Exercise to prepare for life's anxious moments.

Two practical steps frame out this message: How to know that God is walking beside you in your work each dayHow to allow God to continue working inside you so that you are accomplishing His workThe passages in this message are: Romans 12:1-21

Peter had denied Jesus, and then Jesus died on the cross. But through the resurrection and the mercy of God, Jesus still had extremely valuable work for Peter to do. Even when we feel that God couldn't possibly use us, we're reminded that God can redeem anyone who turns to Him. The work God has designed for His people is redeeming and full of eternal purpose. This episode focuses on the following passages: Matthew 19:23-30 and John 21:1-19

The story of David being overlooked by his entire family teaches us that God wants to give His valuable work to people who have His kind of heart. When we are overlooked by others, God always has something to teach us. In spite of how others see you, God sees your heart, and He has unique and meaningful work that He is calling ONLY you to do. The evidence of a heart for God can be seen in a person's understanding and use of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. David didn't always use these gifts of the Spirit in the best ways, but David's heart was consistently humble toward God so that He could use David to do extraordinary work.

True success includes God in your life. Moses was a uniquely gifted leader who learned from God again and again to always put the LORD first. In Deuteronomy 8, Moses encouraged the people of Israel to look to God to prepare them for the success He was giving them. In a similar way, God wants to prepare us for the success He wants to give us... but it takes trust in God and His commands, patience with ourselves, and discipline to daily look to God.

We all want to do important work, but sometimes the path to that important work is not the one we would naturally take. In the story of Joseph in Genesis 41, God took Joseph on a journey: from prison and slavery to become Pharoah's Chief Executive over the entire land of Egypt, one of the three most powerful nations in the ancient world.  Joseph treated others well and with respect in spite of how he was treated by others. Joseph didn't blame God for his trials in life; rather, he trusted that God always had a better plan for him.  We'll also see the trust and faith that Joseph consistently had that God would bring good from seemingly impossible circumstances. Faith and trust in God is what helps believers in Christ to rise above strange and unlikely circumstances to be positioned to do eternally valuable work for Him. We'll see how God gave Joseph a place of vast importance to lead a nation and his own family into a better relationship with God Himself. Learning to have the heart of God in all of your relationships is the quality that you need for God to position you for His kind of eternal work, wherever He places you in life.

The focus of this episode is on two things: 1) how can our work become valuable; and 2) how is valuable work connected to our relationship with God. The work that God has called believers in Him to do begins with humility toward God and a dependence on Him to reveal the way He wants His followers to think about work.  This episode focuses on 1 Kings 3:4-15 and Proverbs 1:1-7 in order to understand how King Solomon operated as the wisest king in all of Israel's history.

This episode focuses on John 17 to help Christians understand how Jesus prayed to God the Father directly. This model prayer shows believers in Christ how Jesus approached the Father with confidence in prayer. Jesus' prayer also gives us a formula for how to pray to God the Father ourselves. An important aspect of this teaching is that Christians can believe with certainty that Jesus is the Son of God and that He came from God to offer Himself as a living sacrifice to create a pathway to end the power of sin. Jesus prayer was to protect His followers as a shepherd protects his sheep. Jesus wanted His disciples to know that God understands the battle between good and evil. God also understands how following Him is directly against the darkness and mission of the world.  The world, being full of sin and evil, wants to crush anyone who believes in God through Jesus; but Jesus prayed that God the Father would extend His supernatural protection to those who do follow and believe in Jesus as their Savior.