Friday, December 27th: In this episode of The Daily Grind, John explores what it means to live as an ambassador for Christ in today’s hurting and divided world. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 5:20, John unpacks the powerful truth that God makes His appeal to the world through us, His followers. Using the historical context of Roman ambassadors, he challenges listeners to embrace their role in representing Jesus, carrying His message of reconciliation, and offering hope to a world desperately in need.

John provides practical steps for living out this calling, including praying for others, building bridges of relationship, and sharing personal stories of faith. This episode encourages believers to live intentionally, reflecting Christ's love in everyday interactions. Tune in and discover how you can share the Good News and bring the hope of Jesus to those around you. ⁠⁠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, December 26th: This episode of The Daily Grind dives into lessons from Acts 6:1-7, a passage that highlights the early church's dedication to serving those in need. John reflects on the ministry of presence and how the first deacons were chosen to meet the needs of the overlooked. The Christmas season, John reminds us that the holiday season can be especially difficult for those grieving or feeling alone. Drawing from personal experiences and the wisdom of theologian Howard Thurman, he challenges listeners to embody Christ's love by being a light to those in darkness. He concludes with a heartfelt prayer for those who are hurting and provides resources for anyone struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts. Let’s commit to being present for those who need hope this season.

🔗 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

🔗 Website: suicidepreventionlifeline.org

⁠⁠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, December 25th: In this special Christmas episode of The Daily Grind, we revisit the familiar yet awe-inspiring story of Jesus' birth. From the decree of Caesar Augustus to the humble stable in Bethlehem, we walk alongside Mary and Joseph on their journey of faith, obedience, and trust. Despite daunting challenges—traveling while pregnant, finding no suitable lodging, and giving birth in a cave-stable—they welcomed the Savior into the world.

We also join the shepherds, the least likely recipients of history’s greatest announcement. Their encounter with an angelic choir filled the night with glorious news of a Messiah born for all people. In the humblest of settings, surrounded by animals and strangers, the newborn Jesus drew His first breath, signaling the start of God’s redemption story. Through their willing cooperation with God’s plan, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds remind us that God accomplishes extraordinary things through ordinary people. May this Christmas story inspire you to align your story with God’s epic adventure of hope and love. ⁠⁠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, December 24th: In this episode of The Daily Grind, we dive deep into the Christmas story, reflecting on the scandal of the incarnation. Host John Spencer explores the cultural and historical nuances of Jesus' birth, painting a vivid picture of the messy, unsanitary scene in Bethlehem and the feeding trough where the newborn Savior lay. But the true scandal isn’t just about where Jesus was born—it’s that God chose to enter our broken, imperfect world to dwell in our hearts. Through personal anecdotes about parenthood and the timeless question, “What will you do when God places the baby in your arms?”, John challenges us to consider our response to the gift of Jesus. Will we embrace Him, or let the moment pass by? Join us as we unpack this powerful truth and reflect on the Father’s choice to offer us salvation through His Son. ⁠⁠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, December 23rd: In this episode of The Daily Grind, John reflects on the incredible contrast between the cost of creation and the cost of redemption. Creation, with all its vastness and beauty, cost God nothing but a word. But when sin marred His perfect work, redeeming humanity required a price beyond comprehension: the life of His only Son. John explores the enormity of God’s love, which motivated Him to send Jesus into the world, not just to live among us but to die for us. As Christmas approaches, John invites listeners to pause and marvel at the depths of God’s sacrifice. Through this reflection, we’re reminded that we are deeply loved and called to respond with gratitude and worship. Tune in to be inspired by the story of redemption and its personal significance for your life today. ⁠⁠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, December 20th: In this Christmas-themed episode of The Daily Grind, John Spencer takes a closer look at the most beloved carol of all time, "Silent Night." Why does this simple song resonate so deeply? It invites us to reflect on the miraculous birth of Jesus, particularly the virgin birth—a cornerstone of the Christmas story. John unpacks common misconceptions about the virgin birth, emphasizing its meaning as a supernatural act of God ushering in a new beginning for humanity. By exploring both historical and theological perspectives, he encourages listeners to embrace the wonder and mystery of that holy night. As we sing "Silent Night" this season, John invites us to pause, reflect, and consider what new beginning God might be creating in our lives today. ⁠⁠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, December 19th: Join us on The Daily Grind as we dive into the intriguing origins and evolution of the nativity scene. Ever wondered why it's called "the nativity" or where it all began? Explore how St. Francis of Assisi played a pivotal role in popularizing nativity scenes across Europe, and discover the surprising fact that the nativity scene isn't explicitly mentioned in scripture. From the first enactment in a humble town to the widespread adoption in churches, we unravel the rich history that led to the cherished creches in our homes today. Plus, learn a unique way to use the nativity scene as a prayer guide in your own spiritual journey. ⁠⁠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, December 18: In this episode of The Daily Grind, we explore the fascinating history behind some of our most cherished Christmas traditions. From the ancient Viking celebration of Yule to the fusion of pagan and Christian customs, we uncover the roots of practices like the Yule log, Christmas trees, and even the image of Santa Claus. You'll learn how figures like King Haakon the Good helped align these celebrations with the birth of Christ, creating a holiday that bridges cultures and beliefs. But what does this history mean for us as Christians today? Drawing from 1 Corinthians 10:25-28, we’ll discuss how to approach these traditions in a way that honors Jesus while respecting their origins. Join us as we reflect on how to keep Christ at the center of Christmas, ensuring our celebrations display His love and truth to our families and neighbors. ⁠⁠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.