The Adventure Podcast with Host Mike Sizemore: Recent Episodes
Mike Sizemore
How do you look at life? Do you see yours as average, predictable or even mediocre. In John 10:10, The Bible describes life that is both full and abundant. On The Adventure you'll hear us discuss life, work, leisure, faith, family and more.....All in the context of life lived both full and abundant.....Life lived as an adventure!
Just like in a race, the starting line is filled with all kinds of excitement and thrills. But...what about the middle? Those miles where you must negotiate with you mind and body to continue.
Isaiah 41:10 gives us some instruction on how God sustains us...in the middle.
Whenever we have an opportunity to learn at the feet of greatness, there are two possible outcomes...
One is spending time convincing the teacher how great we are...or being grateful for the opportunity we have and taking time to stop, look, listen and learn.
Which one will you and I choose?
Walt Disney offered us a place to go...to leave today behind and enjoy our "Happy Place". But we still must come back to our today.
Paul said in Romans that our days can be filled with tribulation, distress and danger.
So, how do we handle today?
When you prepare for battle...make sure you:
Know your enemy
Clothe yourself for the right fight
And know where the battle takes place
The Apostle Paul describes it well in Ephesians 6.
Prisoners look different. Different clothes, shoes, wristbands, etc. But when they leave prison, they look different.
How about you? Do you look like, feel like and even act like you're still imprisoned to sin? Christ has set you free!
At the age of 9, I began taking guitar lessons. It was hard at first because my fingers needed to toughen up.
For a guitarist, that's great, but in life we don't want our heart to get that way.
In the Book of Ephesians, Paul tells us in Chapter 1 how incredibly important it is for us not just to know God...but to know Him accurately from His Word and the Holy Spirit who lives in each believer.
Ever been here. All is good....until... Well let's take a look at a story from the book of Mark and how even in the storm, Jesus is still in control.
Today we want so much to trust our gut, trust what we read on Social Media, the 24 hour news cycle and even our government.
I have another idea. Trust The Lord...with all your heart!
As we begin 2021, I want to share with you the details about my heart condition and why this will help you understand the "why" behind what we discuss here on the podcast.
Matthew 14 tells the story of Jesus walking on the water, and how Peter left the "safety" of the boat to join Him in the middle of the wind and waves.
Is He calling you and me out of the boat as well? Are we safer in the midst of the storm, that hunkered down in the boat?
There are several ways for us to become peacemakers. First and foremost, make peace with God.
And after that, make sure you make peace with yourself, then with family and finally with those you are around every day.
If we know anything today, it's this...we really don't know what tomorrow may bring. So, as much as it is in your power to do so...be a peacemaker today.
Today I am very grateful for these groups in our nation today. Our US Military, Law Enforcement, EMS, Fire Fighters and the Front Line Healthcare Workers. God Bless You!!!!!!!
Exodus 14 is a great example of two groups of people appearing to see the exact same thing, but the end result of each is very different.
This week in Augusta, the elite of the golfing world are here to play the Masters Golf Tournament. And no matter what anyone says, they are playing against Par. The lower they shoot against par, the better their chances of winning the Green Jacket.
So, what are you running against in life? I hope you'll spend a few minutes with me today and find out.
I have used Jeremiah 33:3 a lot in my life, but lately took some time to understand the context of this verse and the chapter.
God says some pretty amazing things about life and what He desires for us in this chapter.
We've heard from everyone on the planet! For for this one...vote for that one and here's why.
Well I thought I would give you my pick for 2020 in this episode. I hope you'll still like me after you listen.
Every been to a haunted house? Watched a scary movie? They are designed to cause fear and anxiety in your life.
But unlike those things...life, real life can do the same thing and we need some encouragement on defeating those evil twins today!
When running your race, according to Heb. 12:1, we must be aware of two twins so evil, that if we allow them to influence our lives... the weight doesn't come off and sin continues to cling.
Join me on Saturday, October 31st, as we discuss how to eliminate them from our lives.
Hebrews 12:1 Tells you and I, that since we have this great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, we need to lay aside every weight and sin that so easily entangles us. Why? So we may run the race...our race...the one God prepared for us and to do so with endurance!
What seems like a simple, easy weekend project turns in to more than you bargained for...why?? Simple. To bring in the new, you have to get rid of the old. You have to get rid of your stuff.
My PSA for today is simple...your spouse, your kids really don't want most of your old stuff. So junk it, give it away or better yet sell it. Make this the best project of COVID 19...and lay aside the weight of your stuff.
In the days of COVID 19, we're seeing sports venues with little to NO fans in the stands. So how do these athletes get motivated to play?
Well in life, we too look for motivation. We too want a cheerleader to keep us in the game.
So...tucked away, in of all places Zephaniah 3:17, we see clearly who our greatest cheerleader is. And man is it good!!!
In life, there are times when God chooses to place a pause. He's asking us to be still, to consider what He has done and is doing.
You may be in pause mode...but God is not. So we can choose one of two paths. Wait, watch and listen or create our own gods to follow.
That choice is ours. And so are the consequences.
Can we ever describe grief as something good? In our story today we see love, marriage and then death, that leads a young widow and her mother-in-law to return home. And in that grief find redemption.
In the Book of Judges, Chapters 6 and 7, we see how God uses subtraction to do some of His greatest work.
God does not need my help! Yes, He does help me, but really doesn't require my assistance.
In fact, the more I boast in my weakness, the more His power shows up in my life.
In Luke 5:8-9 We see that Simon now understands he has experienced God through His Son Jesus Christ. This catch they have, that is causing both boats to sink, is due to the might and power of God displayed right in front of Simon.
But he still must make a choice. Say thank you and go back to life as usual, or seize this moment for what it really is...and GO with Jesus.
And that's the choice we have as well, when we see God do amazing and extraordinary things in our lives. Do we simply say thanks, or decide to go with Him.
The choice is ours and I pray we choose wisely!
In Luke 5 verse 7, we see that the catch was so big, it took two boats. And even then, they were so full, each began to sink!
There is such a thing as collateral blessing. Obedience brings blessings to others, as well as yourself at times.
In Luke 5:6 We see that obedience, even when a little skeptical or reluctant, can bring a blessing we never saw coming.
In Luke 5:5 we see the conversation between Simon and Jesus about the outcome he believes this effort will bring.
I'm tired boss. I've worked all night and caught nothing. But we'll do it....not really sure why...but we will.
In Luke 5 we read the story of Simon and his first interaction with Jesus.
He is compelled by Christ to launch out into the deep for a catch after fishing all night and catching nothing.
How does he respond and what happens...stay tuned.
How do you go from "nothing can stop me now", to running in fear and hiding in a cave.
Well, Elijah did just that. He allowed the words of one person, Jezebel, to override all that God had spoken into his life.
How often do we do the very same thing? Let the opinions or actions of one person completely discount all God is or has done in and through us.
The last thing we really want is to hear God say to us, "What are you doing here". I Kings 18:20-19:1-21
Go to my Facebook page and look at the picture. I'm about 6 feet over the pool, ready to hit the water. And that's exactly what faith looks like at times.
To find out more take a look at Paul's letter to the church at Philippi, especially chapter 4. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me!
Can and does God actually speak in the middle of a dumpster fire? We most certainly are asking that question in the year 2020. But we can see from Scripture that God was speaking to His prophet Jeremiah in the midst of one.
Chapter 32 tells the story that even in the middle of a siege on Jerusalem and being locked up in prison...God still speaks. He still has commands of obedience for us to follow.
Do you remember this scene from The Karate Kid? Daniel waxing all those cars...wax on...wax off. He despised this very tedious work, until the realization that over time he was now very skilled in the martial art of Karate.
God allows us to experience some very despised small things, until one day we to realize we have learned a great lesson. Take a look at Zechariah 4:10.
The Prophet Jeremiah was pretty clear on the topic of whose opinion really matters. If you only trust in man, you are like a shrub in the desert. If you trust in God, you are like a tree planted by rivers of living water.
So, who do you trust? Whose opinion really matters to you?
Do you ever have trouble staying focused? Especially when faced with news that simply puts you back on your heels.
Well todays episode gives us a great look at someone who stared down adversity, set his gaze forward and got the work done.
And we need to take a page out of Nehemiah's playbook on keeping the main thing...the main thing.
On today's episode I've invited my good friend Fred Aebli on to discuss what every parent or any adult responsible for kids needs to know. Fred is a professor at Penn State University, a retired Marine and Cyber Security expert.
My biggest takeaway from this conversation...."The Internet is designed NOT to forget." Think about that!
Whether you're living your life on the shore of the Red Sea or the River Jordan, it requires faith to put your feet in the water. God does amazing things when we trust Him and move forward.
Thank you so very much to the over 1000 plus who have listened, downloaded and subscribed to the podcast. I am so very humbled by the support.
Looking forward to the days ahead with new episodes, guests and more!
We're taking a quick virtual vacation to "The Happiest Place On Earth" for todays episode as we discuss forced perspective and life as we know it today.
So go ahead and grab that popcorn or a Mickey Bar and join me as we take a stroll down Main Street USA.
How ofter have you or said in the past two months or so, and just like that...
Funny (not really), how life can change on us just that quick.
Join me today for the this intro episode as we discuss how a forced perspective change can lead to a proper life pivot.
Right now so many of us are standing in a debris field or pile of rubble that was once our life, career or business. And we have no idea what to do next.
Well, I believe there is a solution to the dilemma. And together we're going to plant our gaze forward, working toward that great big beautiful tomorrow. Together we'll learn to improvise, adapt and overcome.
Stick with me...let's do this...together!
Retired VP of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Dan Cockerell stops by for a conversation about his favorite memories with cast members and guests at "The Happiest Place On Earth". Enjoy
At times art does imitate life...and todays story does just that. We see a creator....a lost soul....and a friend who helps our lost soul see the truth about his life.
We too have a creator...The Creator God. And though we are like Forky...a lost soul headed for the trash...Jesus came to show us the way. To show us our new life as believers in Him.
It's the most amazing love story ever...and ours for the asking.
Recently Scott Turner, Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council spoke to a group of men at the Warren Baptist Church Man To Man Conference. And anyone will gain insight and motivation from this message.
So sit back, relax and enjoy Mr. Scott Turner as he challenges us to focus and eliminate distractions.
For a transcript of todays show...go to my website http://www.theadventurepodcast.com/blog
Take a trip with me this week down memory lane as we discuss golf, leisure and things to come.
Show notes from todays episode can also be found at www.theadventurepodcast.com/blog Keys to the Kingdom
Enjoy!!
On this bonus episode of The Adventure Podcast, I'm dealing with one simple question. So, if you want to know much of the where and why in these episodes....give this 3 minute podcast a quick listen. As always.....thank you!!
Star Wars Episode 5....The Empire Strikes Back! Luke's great weakness was speed. He was in such a hurry to get back into the fight...he didn't take time to train...to become ready for his next assignment.
We we seek to become Cliff's Notes Christians...wanting God to just hit us with the high points and move on, we risk failure not just being an option, but an absolute guarantee.
Today we look at what Jesus has to say in John 13-16, about waiting on Him and The Spirit, to bring us into all truth.
Today is February 14th, the day of perpetual love. The day we run out to buy special things for our special someone. Well, did you know God did the same thing for you? That He is absolutely relentless in His love for you.
On todays episode we'll discover just how intentional He is about loving you.
I heard a challenge from my Pastor, Dr. David McKinley on Sunday.
"Lord, I don't want my greatest days of obedience to be behind me." And to that I say YES!!!!
In todays podcast we explore what obedience looks like....ahead of us in life.
If you would like to hear David's message go to www.warrenbaptist.org and click on the Media link.
Have you ever been to an orchard, a grove or even a vineyard at peak season? When those fruits are absolutely perfect for picking and enjoying.
Well Ps. 1 tells us that we too can be just like that fruit. God can plant us in places to be His sweet aroma...where we can draw people not to us....but to Him.
Are you ready to be the tree????
In 2020, build a table that represents you around wonder, truth, love and security. Then invite others to join you in that space. Don't worry about fitting into other peoples worlds. Live in the one God designed for you!
While everyone else is focused on 2020, I jumped in the time machine. Way back to the summer of '75 to remember fondly the days of playing ball, listening to FM radio and memories that last a lifetime.
Do you remember what is was like as a kid trying to fit in with "that one special group"? Well guess what.....you're 20, 30. 40 plus years older and things haven't changed. We're still expending all kinds of energy trying to convince people we belong. I have a better idea....STOP! Stop trying to fit in and just be YOU. You are pretty incredible just as you are. Psalm 139 has a lot to say about that...and more, so stay tuned over the next few weeks as we look at the tables and chairs in our life.
I decided to quit! However, quit is a relative term. See what I mean in Episode 11. We'll discuss the 4 P's on today's show: A Problem, A Position, A Promise and A Prayer from the life of King Jehoshaphat in II Chronicles 20.
Hoping the conclusion from today will be a great Thanksgiving gift to you. Enjoy!!
In the movie Forrest Gump, one of the best lines is..."Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get." Well life can be that way too. So, where do you fit and how do you know. In todays episode we'll begin contemplating just what that means as we consider our 500 piece puzzle life and where we fit!
I believe it was ABC's Wide World of Sports that began each broadcast with a video clip and these words. It talked about the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.
And unless you live under a rock in the USA, you know we're in the middle of college football season. There are a few teams with undefeated records, but most have wins and losses.
Over the past couple of weeks, our Boys in Blue have known both the thrill and the agony. And social media has expressed its share of comments on all the woulda, coulda and shoulda.
So I hope you will take just a few minutes and listen to my take on "The Man in the Arena". Enjoy!
Whether you believe The Bible or not, whether you believe in Jesus or not, you've heard these three stories and, I'm sure have an opinion on them. So, I hope you will stop and hear my take on the lives of John Crist, Kanye West and Josh Harris.
If you've ever been to Sunday School or church, most likely the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 has been taught.
But, other than feeding a large group of people can we learn from this lesson.
Jesus was off in a desolate place...and people went searching for Him. A teacher, a healer or an earthly leader, these people wanted something. And whatever it was, they were seeking it from only one person....Jesus.
So who or what are you looking for? No matter the question, the answer is the same. Jesus!
How often have you heard those 4 special words from the back seat of the car? Maybe you uttered them as a kid, or you've heard them from your children or grandkids....."Are we there yet?"
But in life, we ask the same question when faced with a journey. Maybe one we planned for, but most likely we ask it more often in those we did not.
So join me today as we ask they question....."Are We There Yet?"
Do you remember the old time barber shop? I mean clippers, straight razors, hot foam and towels! Well that's the experience you receive at the Evans location of V's Barber Shop. Our conversation with Partner Sam Minter details their dream of opening the shop and his desire for becoming an entrepreneur. So sit back an enjoy our experience at V's in Evans, GA.
You can also find them and like their page on Facebook at V's Barbershop - Mullins Colony Evans, Georgia
This weeks episode is my interview with Lou Mongello. Lou is, among other things, the host of WDW Radio Podcast, a weekly call-in program, business coach, motivational speaker, Disney expert, husband and father...just to name a few!
The courage to follow his dreams launched not only the podcast, but an entire community of loyal followers (which he simply calls friends).
I hope you are inspired and encouraged as you listen to this weeks podcast with Lou Mongello.
Do you find most days your life consists of simply doing what happens to come up next? Don't let that happen!
In this weeks episode we explore the best tips, tricks and hacks for a simpler and stress reducing life.
You hear about ways to plan, as well as how to eliminate those traps that slow you down.
Enjoy!!
In this weeks episode I take a look at prayer and promises found in The Bible. Specifically where God talks about giving me hope...plans that are good and not evil. Those great and maybe hidden things I don't know, but would really love to find out.
My problem seems to be talking, asking, or even complaining...but not doing much listening. So today, we look at the concept of stop....look....and listen.
Some verses to consider are:
Jeremiah 29:11-14
Jeremiah 33:3
I Samuel 3:10
Thanks for joining me today!!
This week we discuss 3 ways to put your past in the rear view mirror and move on toward the future.
In life there are times when small irritations become major issues.
We must evaluate our lives in such a way that allows us to remove and replace habits, distractions, sins and even some relationships that are keeping us from being our best.
On this weeks podcast we take a look at what holds us back and how to make changes that get us back in the game of living life that's both full and abundant.