Good Work: Recent Episodes
Shannon McCord
Encouraging you to live an intentional life by standing firm on your identity in Christ, and actively pursuing his unique call on your life. You ARE his good work, created to DO good work for his glory. May these Biblical truths and perspectives bring you closer to Jesus and inspire you to be a bright light for Him in this world.
These verses from Colossians 3 remind us that whatever we do in this life is ultimately for the Lord. We tend to strive for praise and acknowledgement from other people, but this will always fall short. Even when no one else seems to notice our efforts, God sees.
Let's rest & reflect on this passage and recalibrate our hearts to focus on the Lord and not the praise (or lack of praise) from other people.
For more resources to help you build strength in body and soul, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
We've made it to the final chapter of John's Gospel!
In this chapter, we see Jesus appear to the disciples in a familiar way- instructing them in how to catch a whole bunch of fish! He also restores and commissions Peter after his heartbreaking denial.
For more resources to help you build strength in body and soul, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
What feels heavy today? Worries, decisions, relationship struggles, confusion?
This verse from Psalm 55 reminds us that the Lord is near, waiting for us to hand over our burdens and to trust him wholeheartedly.
Be comforted today as you rest & reflect in this truth from scripture.
For more resources to help you build strength in body and soul, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
This chapter begins with alarm and confusion, but joy and hope break through as Mary and the disciples realize Jesus is alive! Mary becomes the first person to officially share the Gospel, and we learn a lesson about faith from Thomas.
For more resources to help you build strength in body and soul, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
Part of our "Journey Through John" series, this chapter detailing Jesus' crucifixion calls for something different. My opinions and words fall short of the gravity of what happens in this section of scripture.
Let's approach the words recorded in this chapter with somber hearts, open to the weight of what Jesus did for us on the cross.
This is a Rest & Reflect, soaking in the scripture and listening to what the Holy Spirit has to speak to us as we listen.
For more resources to help you in your physical and spiritual health journey, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
In this chapter, we see Jesus betrayed, arrested, and questioned. We also feel the sting of Peter's denial, fulfilled as Jesus predicted. Can we see parts of ourselves in Peter? Yes, we can. But, restoration is coming!
For more resources to help you in your physical and spiritual health journey, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
Foundations are unseen, but critical. Foundations support the structure as it encounters daily stress and opposition. How are foundations important in our spiritual lives?
Rest & reflect on these verses from Matthew that focus on the comparison between the wise and foolish builders. Why did one house stand strong and the other collapse? How can we ensure we are building our lives on strong foundations?
For more resources to strengthen you in your journey of spiritual and physical wellness, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
This week's Journey Through John is a little different - let's meditate on some main points found in these chapters right before Jesus is arrested. He gives some final words to his disciples, and prays for them and all future believers. What can we learn from Jesus' final prayers?
For more resources to strengthen you in your journey of spiritual and physical wellness, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
Does anyone enjoy waiting? Waiting in line, waiting for something hoped for, waiting for responses from others... I don't think any of us could say times of waiting are enjoyable!
Still, there is purpose in times of waiting. These times that seem uneventful and pointless can be times of growth and opportunities to refocus our priorities. How can we wait well? How can we redirect our focus from an outcome we hope for to a person we can hope in? Be encouraged as you rest & reflect on these scriptures about waiting for the Lord.
For more resources to strengthen you in your journey of physical and spiritual wellness, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
How do we "abide" in Christ? In this chapter, Jesus encourages his disciples to remain in him as the key to living a fruitful life. He explains the purpose of "pruning" to make our lives more fruitful, and also warns the disciples about the persecution to come. These truths lovingly spoken to the disciples hold just as much value for us today, be encouraged.
For more resources to help you on your journey of physical and spiritual health, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
What does it mean to be wholehearted? Basically, to bring your whole self to the table in everything you do. How do we live out a wholehearted faith? By loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength. Rest and reflect on this passage today and be encouraged in your pursuit of wholehearted faith.
For more resources to help you grow in physical and spiritual health, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
In this chapter, Jesus comforts his disciples with words of hope and promises to send the Holy Spirit to be with them. It's the last few hours he has with them before his crucifixion, and leaves them with words of peace that we can also find comfort in today.
For more resources to help you along in your physical and spiritual wellness journey, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
We usually consider weaknesses to be disadvantages or faults. Something to overcome and forget about, right? Not always - God can use our weaknesses to draw us closer to him and rely on his strength. Rest and reflect on this passage from 2 Corinthians and be encouraged in whatever you're struggling with today.
For more resources to help you along in your physical and spiritual wellness journey, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
In this chapter, we see Jesus washing his disciples feet at the last supper, and Judas heads out to betray Jesus. What can we learn from Jesus' powerful example in these moments?
For more resources to help you grow in physical and spiritual health, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
Discontentment is a beast. It sneaks in and distracts us from the beauty of what God has given us. How do we practice contentment? Reflect on this passage from Psalm 16 today, and stir up gratitude for what the Lord has given you.
For more resources to help you on your physical and spiritual wellness journey, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
What has it cost you to follow Jesus?
In this chapter, we read about Mary anointing Jesus' feet with perfume- an extravagant act of worship. We also see Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem to begin the last week of his life before his crucifixion, and his last public message to the people.
Listen and reflect on the lessons in this chapter. How can we follow and worship Jesus with our whole lives?
For more resources to help you in your journey of physical and spiritual wellness, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
In this passage, Paul gives Timothy some final instructions, a "to-do list" of sorts. These things also apply to us as believers: exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. Take a few moments to meditate on this scripture and open your heart to what the Holy Spirit wants to teach you today.
For more resources to help you on your physical and spiritual wellness journey, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
Have you struggled with delayed answers to prayer? Maybe you've received a "no" or a "not yet" that you didn't understand.
This is one of my favorite chapters of John so far! In chapter 11, we see Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. He shows deep love and care for his friends, while also faithfully following his father's will. Don't miss the beautiful lessons in this chapter.
For more resources to help you in your physical and spiritual wellness journey, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
Jesus is the good shepherd. What exactly did he mean when he spoke these words to the Jews? Let's discuss it together and also meditate on Psalm 23 in this episode.
For more resources to help you grow in physical and spiritual wellness, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
We all want to be liked by other people, but at what cost? Has our desire to please people become greater than our desire to please God? What motivates our desires and behaviors today - gaining the approval of God, or other people?
For more resources to help you grow in physical and spiritual wellness, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
What do you picture when you hear the word "flourish?" If something is flourishing, it's thriving- not simply surviving. Meditate on Matthew 11:28-30 today and consider how finding rest for our souls with Christ can lead to authentic flourishing for every area of our lives.
More resources for your physical and spiritual wellness journey can be found at https://www.goodworkwellness.com
In this chapter, we see Jesus heal a man who has been blind since birth. There is much to learn from this interaction and how the man, his family, and the Pharisees all respond to the healing. This chapter paints a beautiful picture of how God invites us all to have our spiritual eyes opened.
For more resources to help you grow in physical and spiritual wellness, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
As long as we are alive and breathing, God wants to work in us to make us more and more like Christ. He begins the process the moment we believe, and uses all the things we experience in life to mature us and grow us spiritually. Are you currently in a season of growth, or do you feel more dormant? If God is the one doing the work, what is our role? Take a few minutes to meditate on the truth in Philippians 1:6, and open your heart to what God may be speaking to you today.
For more resources to help you in your physical and spiritual wellness journey, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
Things to consider about chapter 8 as part of our study of John's Gospel. In this chapter, Jesus forgives the woman caught in adultery, and has more strong words for the Pharisees.
For more resources to help you grow in physical and spiritual wellness, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
The commandment to love was not new, but the EXTENT of the command was. Use this rest & reflect to meditate on Jesus' command for his disciples to love one another as he loved them, so that the world would know they were his disciples. How can WE love like Jesus?
For more resources for your physical and spiritual wellness journey, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
Talking through John Chapter 7- Jesus is opposed by his brothers, the crowd, and the religious leaders. We see him using wisdom and being led by his Father's will and timing, and not by the world's expectations of him.
For more resources to help you grow in physical and spiritual wellness, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
It's easy to think our enemy is another person, but Ephesians 6 tells us our battle is not against flesh and blood enemies. Rest, reflect, and meditate on this passage today to expand your spiritual vision to see the true battle going on all around you.
For more resources to help you in your physical and spiritual wellness journey, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
Discussion on the second half of John chapter 6 and the "Bread of Life Discourse." The crowds who experienced the feeding of the 5000 had followed Jesus across the sea, and he teaches about how he is the bread of life. Many turn away from him after this teaching, and only true followers remain.
For more resources to help you grow in physical and spiritual wellness, visit https://www.goodworkwellness.com
Do you need guidance today? Direction in decisions, large or small? There is nothing too small to seek God's help with. Meditate on how he delights in every detail of our lives today and be encouraged.
For more resources to help you in your physical and spiritual wellness journey, visit www.goodworkwellness.com
Continuing our journey through John's gospel with the 4th and 5th "signs" - feeding the 5000 and Jesus walking on water to the disciples. What can we learn and apply from these well-known passages?
For more faith-based wellness resources, including live fitness classes and online workout options, visit www.goodworkwellness.com
What is true sacrifice? What is true generosity? What "worthier" thing could we be missing in our approach to giving?
Be encouraged by this scripture passage about the poor widow, and how she gave out of her poverty. The value of sacrifice is determined by what it costs the giver.
For more resources to help you in your physical and spiritual wellness journey, visit www.goodworkwellness.com
Talking through the main points of John chapter 5 as part of our "Journey Through John" study- Jesus heals the disabled man at the pool of Bethesda and addresses the Jewish leaders.
Find other wellness resources including live faith-based fitness class info and online workouts to get moving at home on my website www.goodworkwellness.com
Do you ever feel under-equipped for the task in front of you?
In this scripture meditation, we focus on how the grace of God given to us in Jesus has enriched us in every way. Because of this grace, we do not lack any spiritual gift needed in our walk with him.
Take a few minutes and be encouraged by this truth today!
For more resources to help you in your physical and spiritual wellness journey, visit www.goodworkwellness.com
Summary / discussion on the 4th chapter of John's Gospel - Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well, teaches his disciples about the harvest, and heals a royal official's son. This episode is longer than most, but is SO RICH in lessons!
Find other wellness resources including live faith-based fitness class info and online workouts to get moving at home on my website www.goodworkwellness.com
The great commission. Every believer in Christ is called to be part of the life-changing work of the gospel on earth. In some of Jesus' last words to his disciples on earth, he charged them with the task of GOING to make disciples of all nations. What is your GO?
We are each given different paths in life, different spheres of influence, different resources, different abilities to be used to build God's kingdom. This is so the gospel can be spread far and wide, to all different people. Have you ever taken time to consider your specific call to go and be part of God's work? What does that look like walked out in your daily life? Take these few minutes to meditate on the great commission and how we can apply this call to our everyday lives and be part of God's work on earth.
Find other wellness resources including live fitness class info and faith-based online workouts to get moving at home on my website www.goodworkwellness.com
Continuing on in our journey through John's Gospel with some thoughts on chapter 3...
Jesus' dialogue with Nicodemus, and John the Baptist having a conversation with his concerned disciples.
Find other wellness resources including live fitness class info and online workouts to get moving at home on my website www.goodworkwellness.com
Are you currently going through something that could be described as an affliction? Distress, grief, heaviness, anxiety, pressure...
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 describe how God is the father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us IN our affliction SO THAT we may then be able to comfort others going through similar struggles.
Be encouraged by this scripture meditation and know that God is the source of the comfort we need, and it doesn't end with us. We are also a way for him to extend that comfort to those around us.
For more resources to help you in your physical and spiritual wellness journey, visit www.goodworkwellness.com.
Join us in this Journey Through John series as we study one chapter of John's Gospel each week!
In this episode about chapter 2, we talk about conversion and cleansing. Jesus' first sign occurs when he changes the water into wine, and then he cleanses the temple in Jerusalem and drives out the money changers and merchants.
Find other wellness resources including live fitness class info and online workouts to get moving at home on my website www.goodworkwellness.com
Good work requires good preparation. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus when he walked the earth, God calls each of us to also prepare the way.
Clear the way. Make straight a highway. Lower the mountains, lift the valleys. Smooth the rough ground. Remove the obstacles that prevent the King from reaching his destination - the hearts of his people.
Take a few minutes to meditate on the truth of Isaiah 40:3-5 and invite the Lord to speak personally to your heart today.
Find more resources to help you in your physical and spiritual wellness journey at www.goodworkwellness.com
Join us in this Journey Through John series as we study one chapter of John's Gospel each week!
There is goodness waiting for you in this book as you learn more about who Jesus is and what he's calling you to do with your life. How can you love others well? How can you best make Jesus known to the world? John is a unique book that boldly tells us who Jesus is and why we should believe in him.
In chapter 1, we talk about Jesus as the Word, the light of the world, John the Baptist, and we see how Jesus calls his first few disciples.
Find other wellness resources including live fitness class info and online workouts to get moving at home on my website www.goodworkwellness.com
Do you ever struggle with feelings of insignificance? Do you feel like the work you do, or your abilities / resources aren't "enough?"
It's easy to look around and compare our work to others around us, or even to past versions of ourselves, and get discouraged.
God rejoices to see the small beginnings, the steps of faith we take in surrendering to his work in our lives. Be encouraged from this scripture passage from Zechariah 4:10. Take a few minutes to slow down, listen, and reflect on this truth today.
Find more resources to help you in your physical and spiritual wellness journey at www.goodworkwellness.com
Introduction to our Journey Through John study! Get in the habit of regular time in God's word and join us this season as we study one chapter of John each week.
Whether you have never read through John's gospel, or you've read it hundreds of times, there is goodness waiting for you as you learn more about who Jesus is and what he's calling you to do with your life. How do we love others well? How can we best make Jesus known in this world? John is a unique book that boldly tells us who Jesus is and why we should believe in him.
To join our online study group, click John's Gospel Reading Group link at https://linktr.ee/goodworkwellness I have a private Facebook group set up where we can share what we're learning each week, and dig in with journaling prompts and discussion questions about each week's chapter. I'd love for you to take part!
Find other wellness resources including live fitness class info and online workouts to get moving at home on my website -www.goodworkwellness.com
Do you make new year's resolutions? Are you a "word of the year" person?
While you may or may not do either of those things, taking some time every so often to reflect about what you have walked through and where you are going can be VERY beneficial.
Maybe 2023 was a year full of joy and answered prayers, or maybe it was a year you'd rather forget. Either way, there are things we can learn from and use as we step into the new chapter God has for us.
Take a few minutes here to meditate on scripture and consider some questions about where you've been over the past year and what God is calling you to in 2024.
Find resources to help you in your physical and spiritual wellness journey at:
https://linktr.ee/goodworkwellness
HOPE is in the air this time of year! Where do you fall on the "hope spectrum?" Confident hope? Tentative hope? Crushed hope? Rest in these biblical truths about who and what we can place our hope in so we are full of confident hope this Christmas season.
What does freedom mean to you? Is it the ability to say whatever you want, or do whatever you want without resistance? What about biblical freedom- is it different from the world's idea of freedom? Consider some truth from scripture about what TRUE freedom is, and how it is actually based on dependence, not independence.
How willing are you to accept advice from someone who has no idea what you're going through? How valuable are words of comfort from someone who hasn't experienced the same struggles? Even if you are feeling completely alone in a difficult season, know that Jesus does understand and fully empathize with your deepest rejections, wounds, and struggles. Seek him for healing of your heart this Advent season.
Are you a worrier? Many of us are prone to worry, especially in hectic seasons of life. Even though we walk through stressful things, peace of our hearts & minds is available because of Jesus and what he has done. Be encouraged with these scriptures, and receive his gift of peace this Advent season.
None of us like to wait. We are inclined to want what we want right now. Are you in a season of waiting? Let's focus our hearts on how Advent is a time of waiting and preparation, and how Jesus' coming can help us wait WELL and trust him, instead of grabbing control and forging our own way.
Hebrews 12:1 tells us to run with patience the race God has set before us. How do we run with patience? Does that seem contradictory to you? Take a few minutes today to meditate on this scripture, and consider the unique race God has set before you.
Life is busy. Time is precious. Are you constantly living in a place of frustration because you don't have the time to do everything the day requires? Let's explore what these verses say about time as a God-given resource, and how we can seek His wisdom in walking out our days with purpose.
We are digging into the difference between thriving and surviving. What is necessary to really thrive in all the areas of life? Do you feel like you are barely making it through each day, constantly in survival mode? This is the introduction for what we will be focusing on in the coming weeks and months. Listen in and explore how staying connected to Jesus is the first step to thriving in all areas of life.
What are you fearful and anxious about today? These intention verses tell us that God does not give us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and a sound mind. Once we hand our worries over to him, his peace will guard our hearts & minds. Take a few moments today to rest in these truths and welcome the peace only God can give.
In this passage, Jesus feeds a crowd of 4,000+ (possibly up to 20k) people with seven loaves of bread and a few fish. He takes what was supplied, even though it seemed completely lacking, and makes it more than enough. He does the same thing in our lives today! Is He calling you to something you feel under-equipped for? If you have a willing heart, he can take what he's given us and turn it into more than enough to accomplish his purposes in our lives.
When two of John's disciples asked Jesus where he was staying, he didn't just reply with the information. He invited them to "come and see." What can we learn by putting ourselves in that place today? Life with Jesus isn't simply an exchange of information- it's abiding with Him and experiencing life together! Take a few moments to get quiet and soak in these verses today.
What can we learn from the passage in Matthew 14 where Peter walks on water? Do you find yourself in the middle of a storm today? So much goodness packed into these verses... Take a few minutes to quiet your mind and focus your heart on these truths.
Welcome to Good Work! Start here to learn a little bit about me and my purpose in creating this podcast. My goal is to motivate others to actively pursue God's unique calling on their lives and to impact the world for His good. I use fitness as a tool to pursue true health & wholeness in Christ.