Advertise on podcast: Connecting Faith & Life with Mister Brown

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by life? Recently, I asked a simple question using connection cards from my mentor Chad Littlefield: "What is one thing life is teaching you right now?" The answer I received hit me deeply: dependency. From sudden home appliance breakdowns to a brave young friend named Aiden fighting brain cancer, life often throws far more at us than we can manage on our own. In 2 Corinthians 1, the apostle Paul writes about being burdened beyond his strength, even despairing of life itself. Why? So that he would rely not on himself, but on God who raises the dead. In this episode of Connecting Faith and Life, I invite you to slow down, show up, and see how our hardest trials can lead us into deeper trust. Discussion & Reflection Questions Where in your life are you currently feeling burdened beyond your own strength? In-Depth Reflection: Mister Brown references Paul's honesty in 2 Corinthians 1:8, where Paul admits to despairing even of life itself. It is easy in church or home settings to pretend everything is fine.  What changes when we drop the pretense and honestly bring our heaviest burdens before God and trusted friends? How does shifting from self-reliance to dependency on God change your response to unexpected trials? In-Depth Reflection: When unexpected challenges hit, whether financial stress or severe illness like young Aiden's diagnosis, our default impulse is often to regain control.  How can admitting that a situation is beyond our control open the door to experiencing God's power and peace? In what ways can prayer transform your heart, even if your circumstances do not immediately change? In-Depth Reflection: Mister Brown points out that while prayer can alter circumstances, its greatest work often happens within us during the struggle.  Think of a time you prayed for relief and the trial continued. How did God sustain and shape your character through that season? What is one task or distraction you need to pause this week to show up and be present with God and others? In-Depth Reflection: Mister Brown stresses the importance of slowing down and focusing on what truly matters.  What is one practical thing on your plate that you can set aside so you can better focus on God's priorities? We’d love to hear from you! "Live for God by connecting faith and life." Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give Follow Proclaim Ministries: https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

A student asked me a question: “Which Bible verses have truly shaped your walk with God?” In this video, I reflect on three key scriptures (Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Psalm 90:12) and share how God uses His Word to continuously teach us in every season of life. Watch now to discover how surrendering control, embracing weakness, and numbering our days can transform your daily faith. What verses have shaped your walk with the Lord? Discussion & Reflection Questions 1. Surrendering Self-Reliance (Galatians 2:20) Mister Brown highlights that we do not have the power to live the Christian life in our own strength.  Where in your life are you still trying to be the pilot instead of letting Christ live through you?  What would total surrender look like for you this week? 2. Embracing Weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) Society tells us to always appear put-together, yet Paul boasted in his weaknesses so Christ's power could rest on him.  Have you ever felt like a failure because God did not remove a specific struggle from your life?  How does knowing His grace is sufficient change how you view your flaws? 3. Numbering Our Days (Psalm 90:12) When Mister Brown paused to play a simple word game with his daughter, he realized that intentional time with family is eternal work.  What daily distractions keep you from prioritizing relationships and God's calling?  What is one practical step you can take today to "number your days" wisely? Proclaim Bible Studies Check out the Rooted and Ready series for 30 more transformative verses! We’d love to hear from you! "Live for God by connecting faith and life." Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give Follow Proclaim Ministries: https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

Growing up, I wanted to be rich and famous. But as I have grown in my walk with God, I've realized that His kingdom is completely upside down. In this episode of Connecting Faith and Life, I reflect on what it truly means to be "poor in spirit" from Matthew 5:3. Looking at the story of the centurion soldier in Matthew 8, we see a powerful picture of someone who recognized Jesus’ authority and knew he wasn't worthy on his own. Join me as I slow down and marinate on how we can live in complete dependency on God rather than chasing worldly recognition. Discussion & Reflection Questions Understanding "Poor in Spirit" vs. Worldly Wealth In Matthew 5:3, Jesus says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit." Society often teaches us to pursue popularity, self-reliance, and wealth.  What is the difference between being financially poor and being poor in spirit?  How can someone who has material success still live with a posture of humility and dependency on God? Recognizing God's Authority Like the Centurion When the centurion asked Jesus to heal his servant, he stated he wasn't even worthy to have Jesus enter his home. Instead, he recognized that Jesus held ultimate authority.  In what areas of your daily routine do you rely on your own strength or skills rather than recognizing Jesus' authority?  What would it look like to surrender those areas to Him completely? Deflecting Glory in a "Look at Me" Culture Mister Brown notes how easy it is to focus on personal recognition when good things happen. Matthew 5:16 reminds us to let our light shine so others see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.  When you experience success or receive praise, how can you intentionally direct that credit back to God while keeping a posture of humility? We’d love to hear from you! "Live for God by connecting faith and life." Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give Follow Proclaim Ministries: https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

In this episode, I respond to a comment from a viewer who feels completely discouraged and ready to give up on faith after 40 years of feeling empty. If you have ever felt exhausted or wondered if following God is worth it, this message is for you. So often we rely on our feelings and our own performance instead of resting in what Jesus has already done on the cross. Join me as we look at scripture and remember where our true hope lies. Watch now, share with a friend, and leave your thoughts in the comments! Discussion & Reflection Questions Have you ever felt spiritually empty or ready to give up on your walk with God? What usually leads to those feelings? In what ways do we accidentally place our trust in our own performance or feelings rather than in the finished work of Christ? Mister Brown asked: "Are you going to believe what you say about you or what God says about you?" How can you practically align your thoughts with God's truth this week? How does the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18 change how we approach God when we feel broken or unworthy? We’d love to hear from you! "Live for God by connecting faith and life." Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give Follow Proclaim Ministries: https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

Life isn't always smooth sailing. Sometimes it hits you hard with unexpected ebbs and flows. In this episode of Connecting Faith and Life, I'm sharing openly from a hotel room on the road about real struggles in marriage, ministry, and daily choices. God brought me to Psalm 79:9 to remind me that I can't do this in my own strength. When we stop trying to be self-sufficient and simply pray, "God, help me," everything changes. Watch now and let's discuss how to connect our faith to real life. Discussion & Reflection Questions When life hits an "ebb" rather than a "flow," what is your natural reaction? Do you try to fix everything yourself, or do you turn to God first? Mister Brown mentioned that it can sometimes be harder to practice what we preach with our own family than with anyone else. Why do you think that is, and how can we address it? Psalm 79:9 asks God for help "for the glory of your name." What is the difference between asking God to fix a situation for our own comfort versus asking for His glory? Are there areas in your life right now where you are trying to be self-sufficient instead of relying on God's help daily? We’d love to hear from you! "Live for God by connecting faith and life." Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give Follow Proclaim Ministries: https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

Have you ever jumped to conclusions after seeing a quick 30-second clip or reading a single post? In this Connecting Faith & Life episode, I reflect on how easily we fall into the trap of believing the first version of a story we hear. In a world full of noise, algorithm-driven outrage, and instant reactions, God’s Word reminds us why wisdom pauses, listens, and waits for the full truth. Taking a grounded look at Proverbs and James 1:19, this conversation challenges us to pump the brakes, ask better questions, and seek God’s wisdom before typing out a response. Watch now to discover how choosing patience over quick reactions can guard your heart and mind. 31 Days of Wisdom series Get Wisdom series Discussion & Reflection Questions How often do you react to a post or news story before knowing all the facts, and what causes that quick reaction? What does it look like in your daily life to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry" on social media? Has there been a time when hearing the other side of a situation completely changed your perspective? What happened? Before you post, comment, or share something online, what is one practical step you can take to make sure you are seeking God's wisdom first? We’d love to hear from you! "Live for God by connecting faith and life." Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give Follow Proclaim Ministries: https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

We live in an age of unlimited information. If we don't know something, we just Google it, ask AI, or pull up a podcast. Yet, so many of us are still making choices that ruin relationships, abuse money, and repeat destructive cycles. I realized recently that my biggest issue isn't a lack of information; it's a lack of wisdom. In this episode of Connecting Faith and Life, I break down why human intelligence will never replace biblical wisdom and how real understanding only begins when we stop leaning on our own logic. I share why King Solomon chose an understanding mind over endless wealth, and how we can practically apply God's truth to our daily lives. Are you seeking God’s guidance or just looking for people to confirm what you already want to do? Let's talk about it. Watch now and share this with someone who needs a wisdom check today! 31 Days of Wisdom series Get Wisdom series Discussion & Reflection Questions Seeking Wisdom vs. Confirmation: When facing a tough choice, do you genuinely ask God for wisdom, or do you search for people who will just tell you what you want to hear? The Solomon Choice: If God offered to give you anything you asked for today, would your first request be wisdom, wealth, or something else? Why? Leaning on Your Understanding: What is one area of your life right now (marriage, parenting, job, finances) where you need to stop leaning on your own logic and start trusting God's direction? Action over Knowledge: Mister Brown mentioned that self-deception is knowing the truth but not doing it. What is one wise principle you already know that you need to start acting on this week? We’d love to hear from you! "Live for God by connecting faith and life." Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give Follow Proclaim Ministries: https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

Ever feel like life is moving too fast or the storms are blowing a little too hard? In this episode of Connecting Faith and Life, I sit down during my morning Prayer, Bible, and Journaling time to share a truth that has been heavy on my heart. We often talk about wanting to be like great heroes of faith, but Psalm 1 shows us the power of simply being like a tree planted by streams of water. When our roots go deep into God’s Word, we won't be moved when life gets chaotic. Join me, as we break down what it really means to grow taller, drink in grace, and stay rooted in truth. Watch now and share this with a student, parent, or leader who needs encouragement today! Questions for personal reflection or discussion: When the unexpected winds of life blow hard, what reveals where your roots are currently planted? How can receiving God's grace change the way you extend grace to your family, students, or peers? What habits or routines (like morning Prayer, Bible, and Journaling) help you stay close to the source of God's Word? Psalm 1 contrasts a firmly planted tree with chaff that the wind drives away. Which image best describes your current spiritual season, and why? We’d love to hear from you! "Live for God by connecting faith and life." Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give Follow Proclaim Ministries: https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

I want to share a story about an older man whose house caught fire. The city condemned the building, yet even after his community built him a brand-new home right next door, he kept going back to live in the condemned house because it felt familiar and comfortable. How many of us do the exact same thing spiritually? In Romans 8:1, God tells us there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Yet so many believers choose to stay trapped in guilt and past mistakes. In this episode of Connecting Faith and Life, I break down why you do not have to live under condemnation anymore. You have a brand-new life in Christ, and freedom is already yours. Questions for personal reflection or discussion: Why do you think the man in the story felt more comfortable staying in a condemned house than moving into his new home? How does this mirror our spiritual lives? According to Romans 8:1, there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. What is the difference between feeling godly conviction to grow versus carrying heavy guilt and condemnation? What are some practical habits you can start this week to remind yourself of your identity in Christ? What is one area of your past or present struggle where you need to accept God's grace and stop living under condemnation? We’d love to hear from you! "Live for God by connecting faith and life." Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give Follow Proclaim Ministries: https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

In a world filled with noisy, divisive opinions about race and culture, it’s easy to forget where our true allegiance lies. Today, I want to talk about putting the kingdom of God over race. The kingdom of God does not erase our earthly distinctions, but it dethrones them. When we place Christ above every category, gender, race, or background, He becomes the lens through which we view everything else. Join me as we look at what scripture says in 2 Corinthians 5 and Galatians 3 about becoming new creations in Him. Questions for personal reflection or discussion: What does it mean for the kingdom of God to dethrone earthly distinctions without erasing them? How does defining our identity in Christ first change the way we interact with people from different backgrounds or ethnic groups? Reconciliation begins vertically with God before it happens horizontally with each other. How does receiving God's forgiveness enable us to seek unity in our daily lives? In what ways can we ensure the Gospel remains our primary lens rather than letting race or culture dictate our faith? We’d love to hear from you! "Live for God by connecting faith and life." Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give Follow Proclaim Ministries: https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

Have you ever given in to temptation and immediately felt that heavy weight of guilt and shame? We’ve all been there, but what happens next is what truly matters. In this video, I open up about my own struggles and share a comforting truth from 1 John 1:9. When we mess up, God doesn't turn His back on us. He actually draws near to restore us. Join me, as we look at what it means to confess, experience real forgiveness, and walk in our true identity as saints saved by grace. Watch now, and share this with someone who needs a reminder of God's incredible grace today!  Questions for personal reflection or discussion: Why do you think our natural reaction after sinning is to hide, and how does confessing bring light into those dark places?  How does changing your mindset about your identity in Christ alter the way you handle failure?  What is the difference between making excuses for a wrong choice and genuinely confessing it to God?  How can we show God's heart of forgiveness to others when they seek restoration, rather than holding past mistakes over their heads? We’d love to hear from you! "Live for God by connecting faith and life." Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give Follow Proclaim Ministries: https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

Have you ever caught yourself saying, "I'm just a sinner saved by grace"? I used to say it too. But what if the way we talk about our identity is actually holding us back from living out who God made us to be? In this Connecting Faith & Life episode, I share why our position in Christ comes before our daily practice. When you trust in Jesus, you aren't just an old person forgiven, you are a brand-new creation! Watch now to discover how shifting your identity from a "sinner" to a "saint who sometimes sins" transforms your daily walk with God.  Ephesians 2:8–10 Memory Verse Questions for personal reflection or discussion: When you make a mistake or fall into sin, do you tend to view yourself as a "sinner" or as a "saint who made a mistake"? How does that choice affect your mindset? Why is it important to remember that stumbling doesn't erase your new nature in Christ? Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. What are some "old" ways of thinking or acting that you need to let go of so you can walk in your "new" identity? How does knowing you are already fully accepted by God change how you serve Him, living from acceptance rather than for acceptance? We’d love to hear from you! "Live for God by connecting faith and life." Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give Follow Proclaim Ministries: https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

Ever feel like life is moving too fast, or stress is catching up with you? In this Connecting Faith & Life episode, I share a personal story about facing overwhelm, struggling to sleep, and trying to handle things on my own before finally turning to God in prayer. Looking at King Jehoshaphat’s story in 2 Chronicles 20, we learn that it is okay to be honest and admit when we do not know what to do. Join me, as we discuss why keeping our eyes on God changes everything when life feels out of control. Watch now, and share this with a friend or family member who needs encouragement today! Questions for personal reflection or discussion: When was the last time you felt completely overwhelmed, and what was your initial reaction? King Jehoshaphat openly admitted he was afraid before seeking God. Why do you think it is often hard for us to admit when we are scared or helpless? What is something in your life that you need to bring directly to God in prayer today? How can keeping your eyes on God change your perspective even if your circumstances do not immediately change? We’d love to hear from you! "Live for God by connecting faith and life." Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give Follow Proclaim Ministries: https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

As a parent, I know how terrifying it can be when your teenager starts pulling away. You look at them and wonder: Did I do enough? Am I doing the right things?  In this episode of Connecting Faith & Life, I am sharing the three essential jobs we have as parents: to love, lead, and launch our kids. The truth is that our teenagers need us more than they know, and they actually want us around more than we realize. Let's talk about how to stop trying to be perfect and instead start being genuine, imperfect role models who point our kids directly to Christ. Download the Proclaim Ministries app for more resources to help you connect faith and life! What is the hardest part of parenting a teenager for you right now? Let me know in the comments, and let's navigate this journey together. Questions for personal reflection or discussion: How can being transparent and "fessing up" when you mess up actually build deeper trust and connection with your teenager?  What is one tough topic you have been avoiding with your teen, and how can you bravely initiate that conversation this week?  Are there areas where you are tempted to give your child what they want (such as early access to cell phones or social media) instead of holding the line on what they need? How can saying "no" be an intentional expression of godly love?  I break down the primary parenting roles into three distinct areas: loving, leading, and launching. Which of these three areas feels the most challenging for you in your current season of parenting, and why? We’d love to hear from you! "Live for God by connecting faith and life." Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give Follow Proclaim Ministries: https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

Have you ever opened your phone just to check one thing, and suddenly found yourself an hour later feeling anxious, frustrated, or completely disconnected from God? I’ve been there. In this Connecting Faith & Life episode, I share a personal look at how modern social media algorithms are subtly shifting our focus away from eternity and trapping us in comparison, materialism, and needless arguments. We look at Colossians 3 to see how we can guard our hearts and minds in a digital age. Watch now and let's choose to live by choice, not by chance! Questions for personal reflection or discussion: What is the very first thing you look at or think about when you wake up in the morning? How does that choice shape your relationship with God throughout the day?  Have you noticed your own mood, gratitude, or attitude changing after spending time online?  What is one practical "rhythm" or boundary you can put in place this week to protect your mind from digital distractions and focus on things above? We’d love to hear from you! "Live for God by connecting faith and life." Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give Follow Proclaim Ministries: https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/