Episode 8: The Secret to Contentment – A Conversation with Mark Lydecker
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Release Date: 12/02/2024
Episode 56: “The Antidote to Anxiety”
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 56: “The Antidote to Anxiety” In this episode of Growing in Grace, Pastor Brandon and Matt unpack Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:25–34 — one of the most practical teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus shows that anxiety isn’t defeated through effort, planning, or control, but through trusting the heart of a good Father who provides, knows, and cares. Together they explore what it means to rely on God’s provision, rest in His providence, and align with His plan. Whether you struggle with daily stress or deep anxiety, this conversation will help you take your eyes off...
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Episode 55: “Kingdom Over Clutter: What Are You Really Living For?”
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 55: “Kingdom Over Clutter: What Are You Really Living For?” In this episode of Growing in Grace, Pastor Brandon and Matt dive into Matthew 6:19–24, where Jesus asks one of the most revealing questions of all: “What are you really living for?” Together they explore how our hearts follow our treasure, how materialism clouds our spiritual vision, and why a divided heart can’t fully serve God’s kingdom. This episode will challenge you to examine your direction, your devotion, and your definition of treasure — and to start living for what will last forever.
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Episode 54: “The Lord’s Prayer: A Pathway to Pray”
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 54: “The Lord’s Prayer: A Pathway to Pray” In this episode of Growing in Grace, Pastor Brandon and Matt unpack Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:9–15 — The Lord’s Prayer. More than a routine recitation, it’s a pathway that reshapes how we see God, ourselves, and the world around us. Together they discuss what it means to see God as Father, to live dependent on His daily provision, to forgive like we’ve been forgiven, and to trust Him in temptation. Whether your prayer life feels distant, distracted, or dry, this episode will help you rediscover the joy of real communion with...
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Episode 53: “Presence Over Performance”
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 53: “Presence Over Performance” In this episode of Growing in Grace, Pastor Brandon and Matt dive into Jesus’ teaching on prayer and fasting from Matthew 6:5–18. It’s not about performance, public attention, or manipulating God for results — it’s about presence, patience, and private communion with the Father. Together they unpack what it means to pray with authenticity, fast with purpose, and trust God’s heart even when He doesn’t answer the way we expect. Whether you’ve struggled to stay consistent in prayer or you’ve never fasted before, this conversation will...
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Episode 52: “Giving Without the Spotlight”
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 52: “Giving Without the Spotlight” In this episode of Growing in Grace, Matt and Pastor Brandon unpack Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:1–4 on giving, motives, and the secret place. Jesus warns us not to practice righteousness for applause, but to pursue a heart that seeks God's approval above all else. This conversation explores the temptation to perform faith publicly, the difference between hypocrisy and simple imperfection, and how to cultivate generosity that flows from a transformed heart rather than a desire to be seen. If you’ve ever wrestled with comparison, validation,...
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Episode 51: “Grace in the Face of Hate”
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 51: “Grace in the Face of Hate” In this episode of Growing in Grace, Elder Mike Davis joins Matt to close out Matthew chapter 5 and unpack one of Jesus’ hardest teachings — loving your enemies. From “turning the other cheek” to “going the extra mile,” this message challenges the world’s idea of fairness and points us toward a radical, Spirit-empowered love. They talk about real forgiveness, what it means to go beyond retaliation, and how to overcome apathy in your pursuit of God. This episode will push you to evaluate your heart, live counter-culturally, and reflect...
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Episode 50: “Faithfulness Over Feelings”
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 50: “Faithfulness Over Feelings” In this episode of Growing in Grace, Pastor Brandon and Matt talk about what Jesus teaches on marriage, divorce, and keeping your word in Matthew 5:31–37. Jesus shows that marriage is more than a feeling — it’s a lifelong covenant meant to reflect His faithfulness to the Church. Together they discuss God’s original design for marriage, how to walk through brokenness with grace, and why our words and commitments matter deeply in God’s kingdom. Whether you’re single, married, divorced, or remarried, this conversation will challenge and...
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Episode 49: “The Upside-Down Path to Purity”
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 49: “The Upside-Down Path to Purity” In this episode of Growing in Grace, Pastor Brandon and Matt dive into one of Jesus’ most direct and uncomfortable teachings — lust and adultery (Matthew 5:27–30). Jesus doesn’t just deal with external actions; He goes straight to the heart. Together, they unpack how lust promises pleasure but leaves only wreckage, how to confront the lies it tells, and how to walk in purity and freedom through the power of Christ. If you’ve ever struggled with temptation, shame, or broken trust, this episode will remind you that God’s mercy is...
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Episode 48: "Before You Worship, Go Make It Right"
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 48: "Before You Worship, Go Make It Right" In this episode of Growing in Grace, Pastor Brandon and Matt unpack one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings from the Sermon on the Mount — dealing with anger and pursuing reconciliation. Jesus shows us that sin doesn’t start with our hands, it starts in our hearts. Together, they explore what it means to let go of bitterness, why reconciliation matters more than religious performance, and how the upside-down kingdom of God calls us to humility, grace, and forgiveness. If you’ve ever struggled with anger, resentment, or broken...
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Episode 47: "Good Enough? Jesus and the Law"
"Growing In Grace" a Podcast of Gracehills Church
Episode 47: "Good Enough? Jesus and the Law" In this episode of Growing in Grace, Pastor Brandon and Matt unpack Matthew 5:17–20, where Jesus makes the radical claim that He didn’t come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it. Together they talk about why we’ll never be “good enough” on our own, how Jesus perfectly kept the Law we could never fulfill, and why real obedience flows from grace, not guilt. If you’ve ever wrestled with questions like “Am I enough?” or “How do I live out my faith without becoming legalistic?”, this episode will encourage you to rest in Christ’s...
info_outlineEpisode 8: The Secret to Contentment – A Conversation with Mark Lydecker
In this episode of Growing in Grace, Matt sits down with guest speaker Mark Lydecker, former executive pastor and father-in-law of Pastor Brandon Shaffer, to unpack the first message in the new Christmas series, God With Us. Drawing from his decades in ministry and personal experiences, Mark reflects on the theme of contentment, offering insights into living a life of gratitude and trust in God's provision.
They explore biblical examples like Mary’s surrender to God’s will and Paul’s unwavering faith amidst trials, along with practical ways to shift from discontent to deep satisfaction in God’s blessings. Mark also shares how his faith has carried him through life’s joys and challenges, including moments of profound loss, highlighting God’s faithfulness every step of the way.
Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation that will encourage you to embrace God’s plan with gratitude this Christmas season.