On Life & Scripture podcast

43:07

We live in a world consumed by entertainment, where screens dominate our time and attention. While not inherently sinful, entertainment can easily distract us from prayer, Scripture, and spiritual growth. Paul warns, “I will not be dominated by anything” (1Co 6:12). The Bible emphasizes the power of words. God created through speech, sustains through his Word, and saves through the gospel. Yet many neglect reading, even though God chose a book, not a screen, to reveal himself. Instead of mindless consumption, we should pursue wisdom, set limits, and prioritize what truly nourishes our souls—God’s Word and edifying reading. Get full access to On Life & Scripture at jeremysarber.com/subscribe…

On Life & Scripture

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The Spiritual Cost of Mindless Entertainment 31:42

hace 18 días31:42

31:42

We live in a world consumed by entertainment and distraction. Our phones, TVs, and endless digital content shape our desires, often pulling us away from prayer, Scripture, and true worship. Paul warns, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Ro 12:2). Yet many believers unknowingly prioritize screens over Christ. The issue is not just wasted time but misplaced affections. Are we feeding the flesh or the Spirit? True rest is found in Christ, not mindless distraction. Evaluate your habits, guard your heart, and use technology for God’s glory, not your own indulgence. Get full access to On Life & Scripture at jeremysarber.com/subscribe…

On Life & Scripture

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The Unseen Damage of Our Need for Constant Stimulation 39:55

hace 25 días39:55

39:55

We live in a world that refuses to be still. Every moment of boredom is filled with screens, noise, and distractions, leaving us restless and unable to focus. Psalm 46:10 calls us to “be still and know that I am God,” yet we drown out his voice with endless entertainment. Our addiction to stimulation erodes our ability to think deeply, connect with others, and seek God. Instead of filling our souls with living water, we dig broken cisterns of digital distraction. True rest, contentment, and joy are found not in constant entertainment but in quietness before the Lord. Get full access to On Life & Scripture at jeremysarber.com/subscribe…

On Life & Scripture

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What If We’ve Been Thinking About Work All Wrong? 40:52

hace 28 días40:52

40:52

Work is not just about survival—it reflects God’s own creativity and purpose. From the beginning, he called humanity to create, cultivate, and bring value to the world. When we work, we imitate him by shaping raw materials into something new, blessing others through our efforts, and providing for ourselves with dignity. Work is a means of worship, not just a way to earn a living. Even in eternity, we will reign and steward creation. God designed work for flourishing, not futility. When we embrace his purpose, our labor becomes a joyful act of service rather than a meaningless burden. Get full access to On Life & Scripture at jeremysarber.com/subscribe…

On Life & Scripture

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How to Find Joy in a Job You Don’t Love 33:09

hace 4 weeks33:09

33:09

Work was part of God’s design before sin entered the world. He created us to reflect him by cultivating, creating, and stewarding what he has given. But after the fall, work became difficult and frustrating. Even so, Christ redeems not only our souls but our work. Scripture calls us to work wholeheartedly, not merely for a paycheck, but as service to the Lord. Whether we love or struggle with our jobs, we are called to trust God, seek contentment, and honor him in all we do. True joy in work comes not from ideal circumstances, but from working for Christ. Get full access to On Life & Scripture at jeremysarber.com/subscribe…

On Life & Scripture

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The Real Reason Work Feels So Hard (And How God Redeems It) 45:02

hace 5 weeks45:02

45:02

Work was never meant to be a struggle, yet we experience frustration, exhaustion, and even resentment toward our jobs. Why? The Bible reveals that work is part of God’s good design, but sin has corrupted it, turning labor into toil (Ge 3:17–19). Yet, Christ’s redemption renews our work, calling us to labor not for wealth or status, but as service to him (Col 3:23). One day, in the new creation, work will be fully restored—free from frustration, overflowing with joy (Rev 22:3–5). Until then, we work with purpose, knowing that even the most mundane tasks have eternal significance in God’s kingdom. Get full access to On Life & Scripture at jeremysarber.com/subscribe…

On Life & Scripture

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This Single Habit Could Rescue You from an Endless To-Do List 44:08

hace 7 weeks44:08

44:08

Are you drowning in busyness? Scripture urges us to rest in God’s sovereignty (Isa 46:9-10). By rushing from one thing to the next, we risk neglecting prayer and Bible reading. Jesus rested, modeling the value of spiritual renewal (Mk 6:31). Meanwhile, Mary chose the “good portion” by sitting at the Lord’s feet and attentively listening (Lk 10:42). We should likewise prioritize communion with Christ before we rush into our day. Otherwise, our spiritual health suffers. Start each day in his presence for renewed strength and peace. When we commit to this foundation, everything else finds its proper place (Mt 6:33). Get full access to On Life & Scripture at jeremysarber.com/subscribe…

On Life & Scripture

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What the Bible Says About Starting Your Day 39:36

hace 8 weeks39:36

39:36

Mornings are a gift, offering fresh mercies and renewed hope (Lam 3:22–23). They remind us of God’s faithfulness and set the tone for the day ahead. That’s why seeking God first in the morning is crucial. David declared, “O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice” (Ps 5:3). A God-honoring morning begins with intentionality. Proper rest the night before ensures we rise refreshed, ready to glorify God through prayer and Scripture. Prayer allows us to thank, praise, and align ourselves with God’s will. Scripture reminds us of his promises, equips us for the day, and strengthens our faith. This is not about following a rigid formula but cultivating communion with God. Whether you pray before getting out of bed, read Scripture over coffee, or take a quiet walk to reflect, the goal is to start your day in fellowship with your Creator. Your morning routine can be an act of worship, offering your first moments to God, who renews his mercies with every sunrise. As David said, “Earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you” (Ps 63:1). May this be the cry of our hearts each morning. Get full access to On Life & Scripture at jeremysarber.com/subscribe…

On Life & Scripture

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Transform Your Mornings with Small Changes to Glorify God 40:35

hace 10 weeks40:35

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God created us to glorify him and enjoy him forever. This foundational truth shapes every moment of our lives, including how we begin each day. When we acknowledge that our purpose is to savor God’s goodness and reflect his glory, even our mornings—often hurried and mundane—become opportunities for worship. Starting the day with God is essential. King David exemplified this in Psalm 5:3: “O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.” Jesus also modeled this practice by rising early to pray, even amid his busy ministry (Mk 1:35). Beginning with prayer and Scripture allows us to reorient our hearts toward God, setting the tone for a purposeful day. Simple changes can transform your mornings. Begin with a prayer of gratitude as you wake. Thank God for his mercies, which are new every morning (La 3:22). Spend a few minutes reading Scripture or reflecting on a verse. Even mundane tasks like making coffee or showering can become acts of worship when approached with a heart of gratitude. When we start our day focused on God, we align our lives with our ultimate purpose: to glorify and enjoy him in all things, big and small. Get full access to On Life & Scripture at jeremysarber.com/subscribe…

On Life & Scripture

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Could Your Daily Chores Echo in Eternity? 38:48

hace 11 weeks38:48

38:48

Most of our days revolve around ordinary routines such as working, running errands, and caring for our families. Because so much of life happens there, we should ask what Scripture says about these everyday moments. Solomon tells us, “Remember your Creator” (Ecc 12:1). He points to God as the source of all life, intimately involved in every event. We must also keep eternity in view. Our present life is fleeting, yet death does not end our story. “Fear God and keep his commandments” (Ecc 12:13), because he “will bring every deed into judgment” (Ecc 12:14). When we see our ordinary days through the lens of eternity, we find lasting significance in small tasks. Whether we eat, drink, or wash windows, we can do all to God’s glory (1Co 10:31). It is our motivation and mindset that set our work apart as worship. We pause to thank him, reflect on his Word, and remember that we image him as we create, clean, and care for creation. Jesus himself dignified the ordinary by spending most of his earthly life working with his hands and living in daily rhythms. In doing so, he sanctified our routines. Even now, our labor “in the Lord is not in vain” (1Co 15:58). Though we groan in a fallen world, we glimpse heaven as we worship him in the midst of everyday life. The joy we find there points us forward to the new earth, where sin’s curse will be removed but the good work of creation will continue for eternity. Get full access to On Life & Scripture at jeremysarber.com/subscribe…

On Life & Scripture

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Why Does Life Feel So Mundane—And What If the Answer Changes Everything? 46:24

hace 11 weeks46:24

46:24

Before I became a believer, I agonized over life’s meaning. I tried to find purpose in fleeting distractions, yet I felt empty. One night long ago, I sat alone in a cemetery with a gun. I was not depressed, just searching. If life had no meaning, why continue? Yet the thought of my life ending seemed no better than pretending life had meaning. I eventually drove away, not knowing that the Lord spared me and would one day show me true purpose. Solomon wrestled with these questions in Ecclesiastes. In chapter 1, he sees only vanity and weariness, repeating cycles without satisfaction (Ecc 1:2-9). Later, he shows that if we remember our Creator, even the ordinary becomes purposeful (Ecc 3:11). God and eternity change everything. Knowing him brings joy and meaning to everyday routines—washing dishes, working, or even raking leaves. Solomon’s message is evangelistic at its core. He calls us to remember the Creator, just as Paul reminded the Athenians that the true God made and sustains all things, urging them to seek him (Ac 17:24-27). We do not invent meaning. We return to the God who is eternal, sovereign, holy, good, and ever-present. He is not distant. He governs time and seasons. He knows each moment of our lives, transforms ordinary tasks, and works all things for our good (Ro 8:28). We are created in his image (Ge 1:27), designed to work, care for creation, and reflect his character. Although sin’s curse makes work frustrating, it remains a good gift. Even our Savior lived a humble life in Nazareth, showing that the ordinary can be holy when done for the Lord. As Paul says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord” (Col 3:23). How do we remember our Creator and trust him daily? Immerse yourself in his Word, where he reveals himself. Pray continually, acknowledging his presence and help. Cultivate gratitude, recognizing that every good gift comes from him (Jas 1:17). Reflect on the gospel, knowing that Christ redeems and sanctifies even our most mundane moments. Keep eternity in view, for our lives are part of his eternal plan. Solomon concludes, “Fear God and keep his commandments” (Ecc 12:13). This reverent trust leads us to find joy in all we do. We see that each day’s routines and responsibilities are woven into his sovereign tapestry. This understanding frees us from futility. We do not pretend life has meaning. We embrace the truth that the God who created and governs all things gives life meaning. Remember your Creator, trust him, and find purpose and joy—even in the ordinary. Recommended Reading Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work by Timothy Keller Ordinary: Sustainable Faith in a Radical, Restless World by Michael Horton The Doctrine of the Christian Life (A Theology of Lordship) by John M. Frame Get full access to On Life & Scripture at jeremysarber.com/subscribe…

On Life & Scripture

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What If Life’s Routine Is More Than Just Routine? 40:16

hace 12 weeks40:16