Practical Faith Academy Podcast

Practical Faith Academy – Episode 4 – Joyce Zook, the Practical Christian Woman

The Practical Faith Academy Podcast from Cecil Taylor Ministries presents guests who have important things to say about putting your faith into practice. Cecil interviews each guest to understand their life stories and their ideas for living a seven-day practical faith.

This episode introduces you to Joyce Zook, a life and wife coach focused on a practical approach to marriage, to life, and to faith. She has a lot to say about applying faith and Biblical principles in life situations.

Highlights of the podcast:

2:09    What a seven-day practical faith means to Joyce

6:08    How Joyce brought her husband to God

8:00    The role of faith in a marriage

11:32  She provides practical ideas with a background of scriptures and focuses on next steps

14:25  The role of self-care in being an effective Christian on a daily basis

18:41  The hardest part of putting faith into practice

23:39  Joyce’s best tip for living a seven-day practical faith

24:53   More on Joyce’s ministry

You can learn more about Joyce’s ministry at https://www.joycezook.com/. Joyce has two new offerings coming up:

- Any day now, she will introduce “7 Days to Marriage Success,” a series of short videos and more.

- In August, Joyce is reviving her “12 Keys to Marriage Success” live coaching class, which will meet weekly deep into the fall. Participants will also receive study guides, videos, and more.

Cecil Taylor is an author, speaker, podcaster, blogger, and provider of Instant Content to churches and small groups. You can learn more about Cecil and what he offers at https://www.CecilTaylorMinistries.com, at https://www.facebook.com/ceciltaylorministries ,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciltaylor/ , and the Cecil Taylor Ministries YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHP_khu3r77ubl5jvHsf5-w .

By registering for Cecil’s free monthly newsletter on the Cecil Taylor Ministries home page, you’ll receive a free gift, which changes from time to time.

Cecil has a new, free video lesson for small groups, churches, and individual learners, entitled “The With-God Journey: A Powerful Re-Imagining of Holy Relationship.” By registering for the video lesson and monthly newsletter at https://www.CecilTaylorMinistries.com/Request-With-God-Journey, you’ll gain access to the video lesson (streaming, download, or DVD versions), a leader guide, and a sermon guide. It’s a great way to try out Cecil’s Instant Content or just fill a gap in your small group programming.

For more free content from Cecil Taylor Ministries, visit https://www.CecilTaylorMinistries.com/free-content.

Cecil’s books and video studies can be found and purchased through https://www.CecilTaylorMinistries.com. Every video study’s first lesson can be seen for free via the Free Content link above by clicking on “Sample Lessons.”

Cecil’s Instant Content portfolio of books and video studies includes:

- “From Comfort Zone to Trust Zone: How Jesus Urges Us to Take Leaps of Faith for His Kingdom” (book available now; six-week video study and guides available in June 2024). Cecil explores a dozen Bible studies of Jesus inviting people out of their comfort zones into their trust zones and how to apply these stories to our lives today. You’ll uncover your own comfort zones and learn how to deepen your faith by getting uncomfortable for Jesus.This book has won The Bookfest Spring 2024 award (second place, Christianity), 2024 Oasis award (second place, Nonfiction), and 2024 Living Water award (third place, Nonfiction).

- “The Next Thing: A Christian Model for Dealing with Crisis in Personal Life” (book, five-week video study, Leader Guide, and Participant’s Guide). “The Next Thing” supplies a four-part model for dealing with crisis. You’ll find the model to be flexible and applicable to many crises. This book has won the 2024 international Christian Indie Award (third place, Christian Living) and the 2023 Living Water award (second place, Nonfiction).

- “Live Like You’re Loved: Living in the Freedom and Immediacy of God’s Love” (book, five-week video study, Leader Guide, and Participant’s Guide). “Live Like You’re Loved” affirms that God loves you, forgives you, sends you, and walks with you in eternal relationship. I show how to embed each of these scriptural truths into your daily life. This book has won the 2023 Oasis award (first place, Nonfiction).

- NEW: “Unison Parenting: The Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Christian Parenthood with One Voice” (book available now from Store.CecilTaylorMinistries.com and available in Sep. 2024 at booksellers online and in stores; video studies and workbook available in Sep. 2024).

 

Practical Faith Academy - Episode 3 - Gordon Holmes, the Viral Rideshare Servant

The Practical Faith Academy Podcast from Cecil Taylor Ministries presents guests who have important things to say about putting your faith into practice. Cecil interviews each guest to understand their life stories and their ideas for living a seven-day practical faith.

This episode focuses on how an everyday person went viral for picking up a TV personality, and how the event allowed him to share his faith here. Gordon Holmes is known as “My Guy,” a driver who offers a wide range of services. When he gave a ride to Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs fame, and Mike posted about it on Facebook, Gordon’s life changed immediately. Cecil contacted Gordon to share his thoughts on this podcast for putting faith into practice.

Highlights of the podcast:

2:57    How Gordon met TV personality Mike Rowe

4:24    Reaction to Mike’s post and ensuing fallout

8:55    How Gordon almost didn’t accept Mike’s ride

10:30  The pursuit of money interfered with Gordon’s life

12:59  What does a seven-day practical faith mean to Gordon?

15:21  On experiencing depression

17:48  The hardest part of putting faith into practice

20:45  How Gordon loves people by helping them

25:48   Gordon’s best tip for living a seven-day practical faith

If you want to hire “My Guy” Gordon Holmes or otherwise contact him, text him at 214-803-3980. Don’t call him; he won’t answer!

Cecil Taylor is an author, speaker, podcaster, blogger, and provider of Instant Content to churches and small groups. You can learn more about Cecil and what he offers at https://www.CecilTaylorMinistries.com, at https://www.facebook.com/ceciltaylorministries ,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciltaylor/ , and the Cecil Taylor Ministries YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHP_khu3r77ubl5jvHsf5-w .

By registering as a free subscriber on the Cecil Taylor Ministries home page, you’ll receive a free gift, which changes from time to time. You’ll also receive his free monthly newsletter.

 

Practical Faith Academy - Episode 2 - Season Bowers, the Joy Bringer

Practical Faith Academy, Season 4 of Cecil Taylor Ministries podcasts, presents guests who have important things to say about putting your faith into practice. Cecil interviews each guest to understand their life stories and ideas for living a seven-day practical faith.

This episode is about joy, and guest Season Bowers is the Joy Bringer. Her book is called “The Joy Bringer Challenge.” Bowers is a pastor, radio host, author, speaker; her daily Joy Bringer radio feature is heard on radio stations across the country.

Cecil asks Bowers about the importance of joy in our seven-day practical faith, the importance of the present in living with the Holy Spirit, the difficulties of putting faith into practice, her own personal testimony, and more.

Highlights of the podcast:

1:14    What is a seven-day practical faith?

3:56    What amazes God

5:55    Season’s definition of joy

12:10  Joy is for you

14:40  Four components of the Joy Bringer Challenge

17:24  Her transition from acting to ministry

23:53  Cecil and Season talk about God’s preparation and creative power

27:33  Core values of the Joy Bringer Challenge

30:04  Best tip for living a seven-day practical faith

You can learn more about Bowers’s ministry at https://www.seasonbowers.com/ where you can find her Joy Bringer podcast among other items. Her book, “The Joy Bringer Challenge”, is available on all major online bookseller sites.

Cecil Taylor is an author, speaker, podcaster, blogger, and provider of Instant Content to churches and small groups. You can learn more about Cecil and what he offers at https://www.CecilTaylorMinistries.com, at https://www.facebook.com/ceciltaylorministries ,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciltaylor/ , and the Cecil Taylor Ministries YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHP_khu3r77ubl5jvHsf5-w .

By registering as a free subscriber on the Cecil Taylor Ministries home page, you’ll receive a free gift, which changes from time to time. You’ll also receive his free monthly newsletter.

Practical Faith Academy - Episode 1 - Lyvita Brooks, the Intentional Planner

Practical Faith Academy, Season 4 of Cecil Taylor Monthly Podcasts, presents guests who have important things to say about putting your faith into practice. Cecil interviews each guest to understand their life stories and ideas for living a seven-day practical faith.

In this episode, Lyvita Brooks joins the podcast. Brooks is the host of the Hanging Out with Jesus podcast, author of nine books, and the founder of The Me Project Academy. Brooks urges podcast listeners to act with intentionality, prepare a plan, and then implement that plan in order to live a seven-day practical faith.

Cecil asks Brooks questions about her faith development, her faith journey through a divorce, and how she has kept a solid faith through her life struggles.

You can learn more about Lyvita’s ministry at LyvitaBrooks.com.

You can learn more about Cecil at http://www.CecilTaylorMinistries.com, at https://www.facebook.com/ceciltaylorministries ,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciltaylor/ ,   and the Cecil Taylor Ministries YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHP_khu3r77ubl5jvHsf5-w .

By registering as a free subscriber on the Cecil Taylor Ministries home page, you’ll receive a free devotional guide, “30 Minutes Over 30 Days.” You’ll also receive his free monthly newsletter.

Cecil’s books and video studies are:

- “From Comfort Zone to Trust Zone: How Jesus Urges Us to Take Leaps of Faith for His Kingdom” (book available now; six-week video study and guides available in Apr. 2024).

- “The Next Thing: A Christian Model for Dealing with Crisis in Personal Life” (book, five-week video study, Leader Guide, and Participant’s Guide).

- “Live Like You’re Loved: Living in the Freedom and Immediacy of God’s Love” (book, five-week video study, Leader Guide, and Participant’s Guide).

- “Unison Parenting: The Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Christian Parenthood with One Voice” (book available now from Store.CecilTaylorMinistries.com; video studies and workbook available in Aug. 2024)

 

The Top 11 Themes of Jesus - #1 - Prophecy

In his season 3 podcast series, Cecil Taylor identifies and explores the Top 11 themes of Jesus, derived from the number of his mentions in the Gospels. Each month, Cecil will count down the themes toward the #1 theme.

This month’s episode is the finale on the #1 theme, Prophecy. Nearly 100 times, Jesus speaks prophetically, either predicting the future or taking on the role of prophet warning Israel of wayward ways and the consequences.

In the first part of the podcast, Cecil walks through some of the verses related to prophecy, breaking them into four major categories. In the much shorter second part, Cecil recaps the series and shares further insights about the themes.

Scripture read in Cecil’s analysis during the podcast is found at: Luke 9:22; John 2:18-21; Mark 14:27-30; John 16:16-22; Mark 11:1-6; Luke 11:29-32; Luke 11:47-51; Matthew 23:27-28; Matthew 24:1-3; Matthew 24:27-31; Matthew 24:36-44; John 14:16-17; John 14:26; John 16:7-11; Luke 4:16-21; Matthew 13:13-15; Mark 14:48-49; Isaiah 53:7-12.

You can learn more about Cecil at http://www.CecilTaylorMinistries.com, at https://www.facebook.com/ceciltaylorministries ,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciltaylor/ ,   and the Cecil Taylor Ministries YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHP_khu3r77ubl5jvHsf5-w .

By registering as a free subscriber on the Cecil Taylor Ministries home page, you’ll receive a free devotional guide, “30 Minutes Over 30 Days.” You’ll also receive his free monthly newsletter.

Cecil’s books and video studies are:

- “From Comfort Zone to Trust Zone: How Jesus Urges Us to Take Leaps of Faith for His Kingdom” (book available now; six-week video study and guides available in Apr. 2024).

- “The Next Thing: A Christian Model for Dealing with Crisis in Personal Life” (book, five-week video study, Leader Guide, and Participant’s Guide).

- “Live Like You’re Loved: Living in the Freedom and Immediacy of God’s Love” (book, five-week video study, Leader Guide, and Participant’s Guide).

- “Unison Parenting: The Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Christian Parenthood with One Voice” (book available late Mar. 2024)

 

The Top 11 Themes of Jesus - 2 - Jesus' Identity

In his season 3 podcast series, Cecil Taylor identifies and explores the Top 11 themes of Jesus, derived from the number of his mentions in the Gospels. Each month, Cecil will count down the themes toward the #1 theme.

This month’s episode is on the #2 theme, Jesus’s Identity. More than 60 times, Jesus identified or proclaimed who he is, either by direct statements, indirect statements, or by acknowledging what others said about him. It’s a question that is asked throughout the Gospels and is integral to our faith: who is Jesus?

In the first half of the podcast, Cecil walks through the vaguest references Jesus makes, through indirect and direct statements, up to proclamations that drew the ire of the religious authorities of the day. In the second half, Cecil shares portions of a longer interview with a Rabbi expert in Judaism and familiar with Christian scripture.

Rabbi Joseph Kolakowski is an Orthodox Hasidic Rabbi, affectionately known in his community as the Koblentzer Rebbe.  He previously served synagogues in Virginia and upstate New York, and currently serves as an associate Rabbi in a synagogue in upstate New York.  His main ministry work is multifaith chaplaincy.  He is the first Jewish chaplain to serve full-time in the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, serving as Chaplaincy Program Director in a state prison in Pennsylvania.  He also works as a Jewish chaplain in a state mental hospital in upstate New York and has a traveling wedding ministry and is available as a public speaker.  He resides in upstate New York with his wife and 7 children.  His wife is also a chaplain and motivational speaker.

Scripture read in Cecil’s analysis in the first half of the podcast is found at: John 4: 25-26; Matthew 16:13-17; John 6:46; John 5:39-40; John 3:34-36; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 19:28-29; Matthew 25:31; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 24:30; Luke 18:8; Matthew 8:20; Mark 10:45; Luke 19:9-10; John 5:19-23; John 6:40; John 8:51-59; Mark 14:60-64.

You can learn more about Cecil at http://www.CecilTaylorMinistries.com, at https://www.facebook.com/ceciltaylorministries ,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciltaylor/ ,   and the Cecil Taylor Ministries YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHP_khu3r77ubl5jvHsf5-w .

By registering as a free subscriber on the Cecil Taylor Ministries home page, you’ll receive a free devotional guide, “30 Minutes Over 30 Days.” You’ll also receive his free monthly newsletter.

Cecil’s books and video studies are:

- “The Next Thing: A Christian Model for Dealing with Crisis in Personal Life” (book, five-week video study, Leader Guide, and Participant’s Guide).

- “Live Like You’re Loved: Living in the Freedom and Immediacy of God’s Love” (book, five-week video study, Leader Guide, and Participant’s Guide).

- “From Comfort Zone to Trust Zone: How Jesus Urges Us to Take Leaps of Faith for His Kingdom” (available Jan. 2024)

Upcoming books and video studies now in progress:

- “Unison Parenting: The Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Christian Parenthood with One Voice” (available Mar. 2024; now available for pre-sale)

 

The Top 11 Themes of Jesus - #3 - Trust and Obey God and Jesus

In his season 3 podcast series, Cecil Taylor identifies and explores the Top 11 themes of Jesus, derived from the number of his mentions in the Gospels. Each month, Cecil will count down the themes toward the #1 theme.

This month’s episode is on the #3 theme, Trust and Obey God through Jesus Christ. More than 60 times, Jesus described the atmosphere of love and trust that can be established between God and humans, and urged us to find the faith to be obedient to God’s will and God’s commands.

On this podcast, Cecil explores samples of what Jesus said about trust and obedience, breaking it down into the four sub-topics: To love and trust God through Jesus Christ; to obey God’s will; Jesus bemoans humans’ lack of faith; Jesus assures his followers that in obeying, they will lose their fear and achieve peace of mind.

Lynn Austin is the interview guest in the second half of the podcast. Austin has written 32 books. Eight have won Christy awards for Christian fiction, and Austin was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2013. Her new novel, All My Secrets, becomes available on Feb. 6, 2024. You can learn more about Lynn and her work at LynnAustin.org.

Scripture read in Cecil’s analysis in the first half of the podcast is found at: Matthew 22: 36-40; John 15: 4-7; Matthew 7: 7-11; Matthew 11: 28-30; Matthew 12: 46-50; Matthew 7: 24-27; Luke 9: 57-62; Matthew 17: 14-20; Matthew 14: 25-31; Mark 8: 14-21; Matthew 6: 25-34; Luke 12: 32-34; Matthew 8: 23-27.

You can learn more about Cecil at http://www.CecilTaylorMinistries.com, at https://www.facebook.com/ceciltaylorministries ,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciltaylor/ ,   and the Cecil Taylor Ministries YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHP_khu3r77ubl5jvHsf5-w .

By registering as a free subscriber on the Cecil Taylor Ministries home page, you’ll receive a free devotional guide, “30 Minutes Over 30 Days.” You’ll also receive his free monthly newsletter.

Cecil’s books and video studies are:

- “The Next Thing: A Christian Model for Dealing with Crisis in Personal Life” (book, five-week video study, Leader Guide, and Participant’s Guide).

- “Live Like You’re Loved: Living in the Freedom and Immediacy of God’s Love” (book, five-week video study, Leader Guide, and Participant’s Guide).

Upcoming books and video studies now in progress:

- “From Comfort Zone to Trust Zone: How Jesus Urges Us to Take Leaps of Faith for His Kingdom” (available Jan. 2024)

- “Unison Parenting: The Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Christian Parenthood with One Voice” (available Mar. 2024)

 

The Top 11 Themes of Jesus - #4 - The New Creation

In his season 3 podcast series, Cecil Taylor identifies and explores the Top 11 themes of Jesus, derived from the number of his mentions in the Gospels. Each month, Cecil will count down the themes toward the #1 theme.

This month’s episode is on the #4 theme, The New Creation. More than 60 times, Jesus described The New Creation that he brought to earth, usually known as the kingdom of God. But Jesus is partly the “new thing,” as well.

On this podcast, Cecil explores samples of what Jesus said about The New Creation, breaking it down into the four sub-topics: proclamations that The New has come; explanations of The New Creation; statements indicating that Jesus himself is the path to The New Creation; and conviction of the Pharisees and any Jewish traditions that stray from the kingdom.

Dr. Len Wilson is the interview guest in the second half of the podcast. His latest book, Telos: The Hope of Heaven, co-authored with Leonard Sweet, articulates the false narratives we have about the kingdom and defines what the kingdom truly is and how we can participate in it. Cecil and Len also refer to his prior book, Greater Things: The Work of the New Creation.

To learn more about Len and to follow his work, please visit https://www.inviteresources.com/ and https://lenwilson.substack.com/ .

Scripture read in Cecil’s analysis in the first half of the podcast is found at: Luke 5: 36-39; Luke 17: 20-21; Matthew 5: 3-12; Matthew 18: 1-5; Mark 4: 26-32; Matthew 13: 44-50; John 8: 12; John 15: 5; John 6: 48-50; John 8: 23-24; Matthew 23: 13, 23-26.

You can learn more about Cecil at http://www.CecilTaylorMinistries.com, at https://www.facebook.com/ceciltaylorministries ,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciltaylor/ ,   and the Cecil Taylor Ministries YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHP_khu3r77ubl5jvHsf5-w .

By registering as a free subscriber on the Cecil Taylor Ministries home page, you’ll receive a free devotional guide, “30 Minutes Over 30 Days.” You’ll also receive his free monthly newsletter.

Cecil’s books and video studies are:

- “The Next Thing: A Christian Model for Dealing with Crisis in Personal Life” (book, five-week video study, Leader Guide, and Participant’s Guide).

- “Live Like You’re Loved: Living in the Freedom and Immediacy of God’s Love” (book, five-week video study, Leader Guide, and Participant’s Guide).

Upcoming books and video studies now in progress:

- “From Comfort Zone to Trust Zone: How Jesus Urges Us to Take Leaps of Faith for His Kingdom” (available Jan. 2024)

- “Unison Parenting: The Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Christian Parenthood with One Voice” (available Apr. 2024)