Theodyssey Podcast: Recent Episodes
Theodyssey
We are two guys, David and Eric, devoted to helping others figure out how to follow Jesus and develop a transforming friendship. Together, we guide a Christian spiritual formation ministry called Theodyssey, hence the name of the podcast.
Whether you’re hungry for something more, discontent, turned off, or just plain curious, welcome to the conversation - an authentic exploration of God’s possibilities for our lives. How do we really know God at a deeper level? What steps do we take? We’ll hunt through the pieces together through conversations and stories.
You can explore more at www.theodyssey.org.
This is a bonus episode of our Fall Study: God and me, Actually, which was a 10-week expedition through Zechariah 3:1-7. Our journey barely scratched the surface of some big themes, vital to us living out an authentic relationship with God. In this short episode, Eric shares some next steps coming up in 2025, offerings to help you dive deeper into these spiritual formation concepts. We encourage you to continue having transformative conversations within community! Reach out with any questions!
This is Session 9 of our Fall Study: God and me, Actually, which is a 10-week expedition through Zechariah 3:1-7. In this final episode, Eric, Rachael, and David continue to explore the last two verses of our passage. The vision ends with an If-Then statement, showing us what it looks like to step into this new reality anchored in God as a "Rule-Breaker" and us as "chosen. In this episode, we focus on the “then” statement. If we walk in fidelity with God, privileges, empowerment and accessibility are offered to us. God invites us into the partnership and intimacy found in a transforming friendship. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
This is Session 8 of our Fall Study: God and me, Actually, which is a 10-week expedition through Zechariah 3:1-7. After spending the last two weeks exploring what God is really like, as well as how He views us, Eric, Rachael, and David turn the last two verses of our passage. The vision ends with an If-Then statement, showing us what it looks like to step into this new reality. What does obedience look like when we grasp that God is a "Rule-Breaker" and we are "chosen"? What are the dreams and possibilities awaiting us when learn how to authentically follow Jesus? Hope you enjoy the conversation!
This is Session 7 of our Fall Study: God and me, Actually, which is a 10-week expedition through Zechariah 3:1-7. After spending a week exploring Our True Identity, Eric, Rachael, and David turn to the question of, "What is God really like?" To truly experience an authentic relationship with God, we not only need to grasp how God views us, but also embrace the truth of who God is. We all have views of God rooted in our upbringing, experience, and life circumstances, which are often distorted. We need to let God speak for Himself and for most of us, it will surprise us. What if God is different than what we expected? Our view of God is arguably the most important thing about us. Hope you enjoy the conversation!
This is Session 6 of our Fall Study: God and me, Actually, which is a 10-week expedition through Zechariah 3:1-7. Eric, Rachael, and David start the second half of our Fall Study exploring the the them of Our True Identity. The questions of "Who is God?" and "What does God think about us?" have been percolating in the background throughout all of the conversations and now we start collecting our thoughts. Our true identity is not found in our own experiences or preferences, but in who God says we are. We return to the wardrobe change and discover what these priestly garments say about who we are. Can we embrace it and live it out? Hope you enjoy!
This is Session 5 of our Fall Study: God and me, Actually, which is a 10-week expedition through Zechariah 3:1-7. In this episode, Eric, Rachael, and David explore the concepts of Sin and Forgiveness. Further study of the wardrobe change, and the reason behind it, sheds light on the amazing invitations in front of us. What do filthy garments mean? How do we get to the end of ourselves? What do festive robes say about God, about us, and about forgiveness? A lot to unpack here. Hope you enjoy!
This is Session 4 of our Fall Study: God and me, actually, which is a 10-week expedition through Zechariah 3:1-7. In this episode, Eric, Rachael, and David explore the idea of themes of accusation and vulnerability. Who is the Accuser and what are his tactics? How do we understand our unique vulnerabilities and invite God into those? Choosing the truth of who God is and who we are is the pathway to greater freedom and joy. Hope you enjoy!
This is Session 3 of our Fall Study: God and me, actually, which is a 10-week expedition through Zechariah 3:1-7. In this episode, Eric, Rachael, and David explore the idea of worldview. When we live in a naturalistic, high-tech world with the allusion of control, how do we enter into an ancient text with a firm belief in the supernatural? What do we have let go of in order to be open to what God has for us? Do we believe that encounter is even possible today? Hope you enjoy!
This is Session 2 of our Fall Study: God and me, actually, which is a 10-week expedition through Zechariah 3:1-7. In this episode, Eric, Rachael, and David explore the context surrounding this passage. Why this vision to these people at this time? Knowing the context of Israel, the reality of coming back from exile, and Joshua the high priest allows us to understand the unique questions and assumption they may have. Which then allows us to see the invitations in front of us. How does our own context impact our view of God? Hope you enjoy!
This is Session 1 of our Fall Study: God and me, actually. It is a 10-week expedition through Zechariah 3:1-7. In this episode, Eric, Rachael, and David wrestle through how we are meant to interact with the Bible. Through personal stories, historical insights, and honest dialogue, they bring to light what it looks like to read Scripture for encounter, which is the goal of this Fall Study. How do we approach the Bible with a posture of surrender, an expectation to be met, and a goal of formation? This is a vital conversation before we dive into the passage.
We are launching our new Fall Study: God and me, actually. It is a 10-week expedition through Zechariah 3:1-7. In this episode, Eric shares the profound themes within this passage as well as an overview of how the Fall Study is structured. Hope you will join us!
One of the primary goals of the "Five Misadventures in the Christian Life" study is Awareness. First, awareness of why we may feel stuck or stagnant. Second, awareness of what is possible through Christ. But even if we grasp the concepts, this new way of being can still feel quite elusive. Join as as we conclude this series within an invitation to hope and courage.
This Fall Study podcast series complements a new 6-week study, designed for those looking for a spiritual refresh. It provides both hope and a roadmap for reimagining a transforming friendship with Christ. A chance to explore possibilities, spark desire, and get a taste of what ‘can be’.
- To purchase a book, go to www.theodyssey.org and click on "Store" in the main menu.
- For more resources related to the topics, visit www.theodyssey.org/misadventures If you have any questions, or are looking for a group, email us at info@theodyssey.org
We are inundated with countless information, pressuring us to digest it as efficiently as possible. That approach to reading seeps into our interaction with Scripture. Instead of analysis, what if our goal when reading the Bible is encounter? How do we not just master Scripture, but allow Scripture to master us? Join us as we discuss a posture that opens up possibilities for God to meet us and transform us.
This Fall Study podcast series complements a new 6-week study, designed for those looking for a spiritual refresh. It provides both hope and a roadmap for reimagining a transforming friendship with Christ. A chance to explore possibilities, spark desire, and get a taste of what ‘can be’.
- To purchase a book, go to www.theodyssey.org and click on "Store" in the main menu.
- For more resources related to the topics, visit www.theodyssey.org/misadventures If you have any questions, or are looking for a group, email us at info@theodyssey.org
Once we grasp the purpose of the Christian life, the next question that emerges is: How do we do that? What does it look like to grow spiritually? We all have a default map that has been engrained in us from day one. Join us as we explore how to embrace a new map, a new way of being, in order to be conformed to the image of Jesus for the sake of others.
This Fall Study podcast series complements a new 6-week study, designed for those looking for a spiritual refresh. It provides both hope and a roadmap for reimagining a transforming friendship with Christ. A chance to explore possibilities, spark desire, and get a taste of what ‘can be’.
- To purchase a book, go to www.theodyssey.org and click on "Store" in the main menu.
- For more resources related to the topics, visit www.theodyssey.org/misadventures If you have any questions, or are looking for a group, email us at info@theodyssey.org
What is the purpose of the Christian Life? We would not approach a vacation, a career, etc without an end goal in mind, and yet many Christians are caught up in a flurry of activity without knowing the why behind it. Join us as we discuss the purpose of the Christian Life and how it can help us move forward.
This Fall Study podcast series complements a new 6-week study, designed for those looking for a spiritual refresh. It provides both hope and a roadmap for reimagining a transforming friendship with Christ. A chance to explore possibilities, spark desire, and get a taste of what ‘can be’.
- To purchase a book, go to www.theodyssey.org and click on "Store" in the main menu.
- For more resources related to the topics, visit www.theodyssey.org/misadventures If you have any questions, or are looking for a group, email us at info@theodyssey.org
Where do our distorted views of God come from? In this episode, we explore the second of the five misadventures: Ignoring Our Grid. We all have a unique lens through which we view the world, based on our past experiences. Join us as we discuss how this relates to our faith journey, potentially causing us to feel stuck.
This Fall Study podcast series complements a new 6-week study, designed for those looking for a spiritual refresh. It provides both hope and a roadmap for reimagining a transforming friendship with Christ. A chance to explore possibilities, spark desire, and get a taste of what ‘can be’.
- To purchase a book, go to www.theodyssey.org and click on "Store" in the main menu.
- For more resources related to the topics, visit www.theodyssey.org/misadventures
- If you have any questions, or are looking for a group, email us at info@theodyssey.org
"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us" - A.W. Tozer. In this episode, we explore the first of the five misadventures: Having a Distorted View of God. Our view of God has far-reaching implications. Join us as we dive into the Old Testament to encounter a God vastly different than what many of us may expect.
This Fall Study podcast series complements a new 6-week study, designed for those looking for a spiritual refresh. It provides both hope and a roadmap for reimagining a transforming friendship with Christ. A chance to explore possibilities, spark desire, and get a taste of what ‘can be’.
- To purchase a book, go to www.theodyssey.org and click on "Store" in the main menu.
- For more resources related to the topics, visit www.theodyssey.org/misadventures
- If you have any questions, or are looking for a group, email us at info@theodyssey.org
Do you long for something more in your relationship with God? While our journey with Christ starts out well intentioned, many get lost in spiritual misadventure – beliefs and practices that sound good, but instead lead into a cul-de-sac, leaving us spiritually apathetic, tired, cynical, or even burned out. Is that you?
This Fall Study podcast series complements a new 6-week study, designed for those looking for a spiritual refresh. It provides both hope and a roadmap for reimagining a transforming friendship with Christ. A chance to explore possibilities, spark desire, and get a taste of what ‘can be’.
This episode shares the need we see around us, as well as the opportunity in front of us. We share our passion to reach back and invite people off the sidelines and into the story. We hope you join us!
- To purchase a book, go to www.theodyssey.org and click on "Store" in the main menu.
- For more resources related to the topics, visit www.theodyssey.org/misadventures
- If you have any questions, or are looking for a group, email us at info@theodyssey.org
SNAPSHOTS: Capturing the moments when God intersects our lives in a powerful way.
Tamara had a moment on the beach where she heard a clear invitation from God to join Him on an adventure. Sounds fun, right? But often the things that are best for us are not easy. Hear how Tamara has encountered God in the midst of saying "yes".
We are hosting some guided Zoom conversations this summer around spiritual formation topics related to this current season. We call this platform the "Farmer's Cafe". In this session, David guides us through Phil. 4:6-9, seeing it through the lens of a spiritual director. What questions and invitations emerge? How do we guide others through a passage like this?
This season with a global pandemic has caused many of us to pivot in our plans. We are constantly readjusting to a new reality. As a ministry, we are doing the same thing; continually understanding this new reality. With that, we wanted to share a quick update on how that impacts this podcast.
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted us all. Regardless of circumstances, we are all experiencing some level of grief. We continued our Zoom workshop offerings with Dr. Dean Smith, who has innumerable years of experience as a Marriage and Family Therapist and has played a vital role in training leaders through our Certificate Track. Dr. Dean guided us through a conversation on how to recognize and navigate grief in this season. We pulled out the content of the workshop to offer another special episode here on the Podcast. Enjoy!
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted us all. Regardless of circumstances, we are all experiencing fear and anxiety. Mari Harrower, who has over 30 years experience as a Marriage and Family Therapist, offered to guide a Zoom discussion on navigating this unique season. We had such a great response, we decided to pull out the content of the workshop and turn it into special episode here on the Podcast. Enjoy!
A global pandemic overwhelms us with uncertainty. In the midst of the fear, anxiety, and grief, what opportunities arise? How do we reframe our expectations? How do somehow find joy in the midst of our circumstances? After a quick ministry update, we dive into these questions to navigate this season together.
SNAPSHOTS: Capturing the moments when God intersects our lives in a powerful way.
There was a moment when Shawn finally grasped what it meant to be loved by God. And that moment changed his approach as a pastor, sparking a movement that has spread throughout Daybreak Church and pushed beyond their community.
As we reflected on the Fall Study, we realized one more episode would be beneficial. Through personal conversations, email, and Zoom discussions, some common questions emerged around this process of being Alive to God in Scripture. What does encounter look like? What type of rhythm should we have? Can you provide more tangible steps? Hopefully our responses are helpful in creating hope and traction in moving forward in this approach.
Have an amazing Christmas, and we will be back in 2020!
Every Fall, we sit in a passage of Scripture for two months as an extended community. Our desire is to practice how to be Alive to God in Scripture, where we encounter God and be transformed by Him. This year, we journey through Psalm 1. Our website and phone app have all the resources and details. Hope you join us on the Fall Study!
In this episode, we discuss the final stage of the journey: Respond. This is where we make choices and engage our will. If we skip this step, we have just wasted our time in the first three stages.
Every Fall, we sit in a passage of Scripture for two months as an extended community. Our desire is to practice how to be Alive to God in Scripture, where we encounter God and be transformed by Him. This year, we journey through Psalm 1. Our website and phone app have all the resources and details. Hope you join us on the Fall Study!
SPECIAL EDITION: The first conversation with Kuimeuy was so valuable, we invited her back for a second episode. Kuimeuy joins us again to share more insight about the "Pray" stage, as well as how it interacts with "Respond." The two stages blend together as we encounter God in a personal and tangible way.
Every Fall, we sit in a passage of Scripture for two months as an extended community. Our desire is to practice how to be Alive to God in Scripture, where we encounter God and be transformed by Him. This year, we journey through Psalm 1. Our website and phone app have all the resources and details. Hope you join us on the Fall Study!
SPECIAL EDITION: Since the "Pray" stage is not easy to grasp for many, we asked Kuimeuy Wang to join us on the podcast to share her journey through Psalm 1. What does it mean for her? She shares the struggles, breakthroughs, and everything in between, offering a tangible example of how encounter God in Scripture.
Every Fall, we sit in a passage of Scripture for two months as an extended community. Our desire is to practice how to be Alive to God in Scripture, where we encounter God and be transformed by Him. This year, we journey through Psalm 1. Our website and phone app have all the resources and details. Hope you join us on the Fall Study!
In this episode, we discuss the third stage of the journey: Pray. This is where we are receptive to God's invitations in response to the question, "What does this mean FOR me?" Not easy, but vital in allowing the passage to change us.
Every Fall, we sit in a passage of Scripture for two months as an extended community. Our desire is to practice how to be Alive to God in Scripture, where we encounter God and be transformed by Him. This year, we journey through Psalm 1. Our website and phone app have all the resources and details. Hope you join us on the Fall Study!
In this episode, we continue our discussion around the question, "What does this passage mean?" Using the guardrails, we unearth the main ideas of Psalm 1, which have profound invitations for us moving forward.
- Reading of Psalm 1 in Hebrew: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pSe4xLNMmI
Every Fall, we sit in a passage of Scripture for two months as an extended community. Our desire is to practice how to be Alive to God in Scripture, where we encounter God and be transformed by Him. This year, we journey through Psalm 1. Our website and phone app have all the resources and details. Hope you join us on the Fall Study!
In this episode, we transition to the second step in the process: Think. We discuss four guardrails that are vital as we pursue the question: "What does this passage mean?" This stage can be intimidating, but we hope to show you how accessible it actually is.
Every Fall, we sit in a passage of Scripture for two months as an extended community. Our desire is to practice how to be Alive to God in Scripture, where we encounter God and be transformed by Him. This year, we journey through Psalm 1. Our website and phone app have all the resources and details. Hope you join us on the Fall Study!
In this episode, we explore the first step in the process: Read. Seems straightforward, but might be the most challenging step of the whole journey. What do you desire out of Scripture? Are you ready to release control?
How do we respond to what we sense God is doing in our midst? What do we do as a ministry? As we learn a new map, which is actually the ancient map of the Bible, we need a context to partner with God. In this episode, we describe the opportunities we have created to come alongside of people and connect them to a loving God.
What do we see around us? What do we sense God is doing in our midst? The responses to those questions fuel our vision for how we can partner with God. Why do we do what we do as a ministry? It has something to do with wildflowers.
SNAPSHOTS: Capturing the moments when God intersects our lives in a powerful way.
Bianca knew how she wanted to celebrate her graduation. But it wasn't possible. Or so she thought. As the story unfolded through crazy coincidences, Bianca was convinced of a God who knows her and delights in her.
We continue our journey through Genesis 12:1-10 as we model the process of becoming Alive to God in Scripture. The possibilities are endless when we slow down and encounter God.
In verses 7 through 10, Abraham shows us key concepts on how to follow God in the midst of the "ups and downs" of life. What does this relationship look like? How does the idea of building an altar apply in our current reality?
We continue our journey through Genesis 12:1-10 as we model the process of becoming Alive to God in Scripture. The possibilities are endless when we slow down and encounter God.
What should we expect when we decide to follow Jesus? In verses 6 & 7, Abram arrives at his destination. The "prize" of trusting God. And what Abram encounters exposes our own assumptions of what following God should look like. How does God meet us in the midst of unmet expectations?
We continue our journey through Genesis 12 as we model the process of becoming Alive to God in Scripture. The possibilities are endless when we slow down and encounter God.
Abram is the epitome of faith within the Bible. But as we explore the obstacles he faces, it makes us examine our own definition and expectations when it comes to faith. What does it look like to walk by faith?
We continue our journey through Genesis 12 as we model the process of becoming Alive to God in Scripture. The possibilities are endless when we slow down and encounter God.
This journey of Abram, continuing in vs. 2 & 3, poses some challenging questions about what it looks like to follow God. What is success? What rewards should we expect? It may not be what we desire or assume, but it is clear our reward has very little to do with us.
We continue our journey through Genesis 12 as we model the process of becoming Alive to God in Scripture. The possibilities are endless when we slow down and encounter God.
This story of Abram challenges many of our assumptions and expectations. What does it look like to be fully available to what God wants to do? Do we understand the cost of following Jesus? Are we willing to be dependent? All of that comes out of one verse.
Alive to God in Scripture. What do we mean by that phrase? God desires us to go beyond just reading the Bible and truly encounter Him. Where we become alive to what God wants to do in and through us.
It's not natural. It's not easy. So join us in Genesis 12 as we model the journey of allowing Scripture to master us.
ANNIVERSARY SNAPSHOTS: Capturing the moments when God intersected the story of Theodyssey in a powerful way.
Our curriculum is a gateway to authentic conversations, opening up the possibility for encounter with God. Listen to the story of how it evolved over time, and how each set is sent with prayer.
What is the Bible? Seems like a silly question, but most of our metaphors and descriptions of the Bible do not match the heart of God. Is the Bible meant to be an answer book? Instruction manual? Sometimes we need to question our assumptions to open up a new approach.
One of the primary ways to encounter God is through the pages of Scripture. This is the first episode of many exploring the beauty, truth, and impact of the Bible. We start the conversation by answering a question that can completely change our view of Scripture. What is the voice behind the unfolding story?
Building on the Learnings of a Fire Tender, how do we feed a fire that will last? We explore what it looks like to partner with God and discuss a conversation between Jesus and Peter. A conversation that starts with a question. A question at the heart of encounter.
SNAPSHOTS: Capturing the moments when God intersects our lives in a powerful way.
A 4-car crash turned into an opportunity for courageous and creative love. And it would change the trajectory of a young man's life. Amazing what God can do when we make ourselves available.
What does a 30-ft bonfire have to do with our Christian faith? Besides scorching our eyebrows, it can teach us important lessons about the essence of our faith journey. We talk through three learnings that are vital for transformation and frame our future conversations.
ANNIVERSARY SNAPSHOTS: Capturing the moments when God intersected the story of Theodyssey in a powerful way.
Our financial approach is anything but normal. After two weeks of prayer and fasting, God guided a critical board discussion towards a posture of dependence. And 15 years later, here we are.
To follow Jesus in today's culture, we need to find traction in Scripture, Sabbath, and Soul Friends. This doesn't just transform us, but organically inspires courageous and creative love. Join us as we discuss how to change the world one human heart at a time.
SNAPSHOTS: Capturing the moments when God intersects our lives in a powerful way.
How do you grasp God as a loving Father when every father figure in your life has fallen short? One conversation changed the trajectory of Jessie's life. A moment of redemption.
We are the most connected generation in history, yet many feel alone and not truly known. God created us to be in genuine community. We discuss the third foundation necessary to follow Jesus in today's culture: Soul Friends.
Are you distracted? Always in a hurry? The most difficult task as a Christ-follower in today's culture is creating space to have an authentic relationship with Jesus. The journey is vital and not easy!
What does it look like for Scripture to master us? Join us as we examine 8 verses, bringing to life a passage that can often feel wooden and modeling how to slow down enough for God to transform us.
ANNIVERSARY SNAPSHOTS: Capturing the moments when God intersected the story of Theodyssey in a powerful way.
How did Theodyssey begin? A conversation of frustration turned into a profound invitation. And God showed up in amazing ways as David responded.
God desires to have a dynamic encounter with us through Scripture. Is that your experience? We are trained to read for information. Join us as we discuss how to also read the Bible for formation.
SNAPSHOTS: Capturing the moments when God intersects our lives in a powerful way.
Mari was hurrying through Pikes Place Market with her granddaughter. She heard her favorite hymn above the noise. And a God moment began.
Many Christ-followers are being swept away by today's culture of distraction, hurry, and frenzy. How do we gain traction and have an authentic relationship with Jesus? We share how the Golden Gate Bridge has shaped the daunting task in front of us.
What is prayer? What are we trying to accomplish? Prayer is much more than what most people realize. We share our own journeys of discovering the fuller picture of prayer and what that means for our relationship with God.
Why are things not falling into place? I thought following Jesus would make my life easier! We can become disillusioned with our faith when life does not go as expected. But what does God actually promise? Will we like the answer?
Where is God in the midst of tragedy? Why would a loving God even allow it to happen? Honest questions pointing to one of the biggest barriers to trusting God. An important conversation on God's posture and interaction with the painful circumstances of life.
"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." (A.W. Tozer) What pops into your mind? We explore how to reconcile our experience of God with what Scripture says and bring to life one of Jesus' most famous parables.
Did Jesus die on the cross just to give us a ticket to heaven? Or is there something bigger happening? We explore how God desires to transform our "heart", or whole self, including the grid of how we see life, into the image of Jesus.
How do we grow spiritually? What if we have been given an incomplete map on how to navigate our spiritual journey? We explore the metaphor Factory Worker vs. Farmer, which requires a crucial posture shift.
What is God's desire for us? We explore all of Scripture, Old Testament and New Testament, to paint a picture of God's posture towards us. Understanding God's relentless pursuit and overwhelming love is crucial to our faith journey.
"What do you long for most deeply?" Why is this question important, even foundational, in our spiritual journey? Desire is the engine, the 'why' behind our actions. It is the difference between religious activity and responding to invitations from a loving God.
What is Theodyssey? Who are David and Eric? We introduce ourselves and share the story of Theodyssey, a Christian spiritual formation ministry. This will provide important context for the journey ahead.