Food For Your Soul

Why You're Not Growing (And How to Start Again) | Overcoming Spiritual Stagnation Feeling stuck in your faith? Have you tried to change a bad habit or grow in love, patience, or self-control, but nothing seems to stick? In this powerful sermon based on 2 Peter 1:8-9, we dive into why spiritual growth stalls and how to break free from stagnation. Discover the two surprising reasons—spiritual blindness and forgetfulness—that hold you back, and learn practical steps to see God clearly and grow in grace. If you've ever wondered, "Why am I not changing?" this message will inspire and equip you to move forward in your walk with God.

Weighed down with guilt and shame? Self-justification won't help. Freedom comes through repentance. Learn the six components of real repentance, why Jesus emphasized it, and how it helps us not only receive forgiveness but also draw near to God. Timestamps: 0:00 - The agony of lingering shame 0:36 - Why Jesus majored on repentance 2:25 - The best way to get grace from God 5:08 - What Is Repentance? 6:02 - Six Ingredients of True Repentance 12:10 - Why the call to repentance is unpopular but vital. 13:38 - Power of Expository Preaching For the blog post on the Seven Best Websites for Sermons, go to https://drichardferguson.com/best-sermon-websites If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. My sermons are the fruit of nearly 30 years of pastoral ministry, biblical counseling, formal seminary training, and a lifelong passion for God's Word. Since childhood, I've been drawn to the beauty and power of expository preaching

If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. Certified biblical counselor Dr. D. Richard Ferguson draws on 25 years of pastoral ministry and counseling to provide practical application of the principles in God's Word on the topic of anxiety. To get your copy of the book Anxiety and the Peace of God, which has all the material in these podcasts and much more, go to https://drichardferguson.com/books/anxiety-the-peace-of-god-six-biblical-cures-for-worry-stress-and-inner-turmoil/ For more content from D. Richard Ferguson, visit TreasuringGod.com. And follow on social: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrellFerguson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrell.r.ferguson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.DRichardFerguson/

If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. This session dives deep into the Bible's surprising guide to happiness, showing you how to embrace seven God-given blessings—eating, drinking, work, wealth, family, youth, and more—even when troubles like loss, anxiety, or unpredictability strike. What You'll Learn: * Why life feels like "chasing the wind" and how to stop * The seven blessings Ecclesiastes calls us to enjoy * How to find joy in God's gifts, not just the gifts themselves * Practical steps to shift from anxiety to contentment * Why humility and wisdom are key to a joyful life Certified biblical counselor Dr. D. Richard Ferguson draws on 25 years of pastoral ministry and counseling to provide practical application of the principles in God's Word on the topic of anxiety. To get your copy of the book Anxiety and the Peace of God, which has all the material in these podcasts and much more, go to https://drichardfe

How would you define an impactful, productive life? Peter gives a definition that wouldn't even occur to most people. But it's a definition that gives hope to everyone, regardless of your age, health, skills, or any other factor. A powerful, effective life is within your reach! If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast.

If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. God's Word provides numerous solutions to runaway anxiety. Some are obvious, like trusting God. Others most people would never guess. In this session, we explore how pride causes anxiety, and how to learn the secret of contentment through humility. Certified biblical counselor Dr. D. Richard Ferguson draws on 25 years of pastoral ministry and counseling to provide practical application of the principles in God's Word on the topic of anxiety. To get your copy of the book Anxiety and the Peace of God, which has all the material in these podcasts and much more, go to https://drichardferguson.com/books/anxiety-the-peace-of-god-six-biblical-cures-for-worry-stress-and-inner-turmoil/ For more content from D. Richard Ferguson, visit TreasuringGod.com. And follow on social: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrellFerguson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrell.r.ferguson/ Face

If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. Are you struggling with nagging unhappiness or anxiety over unmet desires—like a better body, financial stability, or a longed-for relationship? This video explores how greed, often misunderstood as just a financial craving, can attach to any desire and rob you of peace. Drawing from Philippians 4:10-13, we unpack Apostle Paul's journey from greed-induced anxiety to a state of unshakable contentment, no matter the circumstances. Key Topics Covered: * What is greed, and how does it fuel anxiety? * The biblical meaning of contentment (Philippians 4:11-13 explained) * How to rejoice in God amidst unfulfilled desires * Why wealth doesn't guarantee peace—and poverty doesn't steal it * Actionable exercises to train your heart for godliness and contentment Certified biblical counselor Dr. D. Richard Ferguson draws on 25 years of pastoral ministry and counseling to provide practical

In this episode, D. Richard Ferguson debunks Richard Dawkins' claims about faith, exposing the flaws in his definition. Learn how biblical faith rests on solid evidence—trustworthy testimony and historical facts. Discover why miracles, eyewitness accounts, and the gospel message are powerful reasons to believe. And be encouraged by the same God who empowered the Apostles empowers you today! If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. 0:00 Introduction: Stephen Hawking's definition of faith 01:13 Christian faith is evidence-based 02:16 Scientific evidence isn't the only kind of evidence 06:20 The Apostles were given miraculous power to prove they were speaking God's Word 16:35 Jesus empowers his people 19:03 Conclusion and application My sermons are the fruit of nearly 30 years of pastoral ministry, biblical counseling, formal seminary training, and a lifelong passion for God's Word. Since childhood, I've been drawn to

If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. Philippians 4:8 says if you want the peace of God, think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. But if you had enough control over your thoughts to do that, you wouldn't have an anxiety problem in the first place. How is Philippians 4:8 practical in times of runaway, out-of-control thoughts? Certified biblical counselor Dr. D. Richard Ferguson draws on 25 years of pastoral ministry and counseling to provide practical application of the principles in God's Word on the topic of anxiety. IN THIS EPISODE: * 0:23 - Obsessive thoughts * 6:56 - Where do spontaneous thoughts come from? * 11:06 - Be Suspicious of your thoughts * 14:51 - Think like God * 21:12 - Are your thoughts true? * 34:01 - Correct wrong thoughts * 41:03 - Correcting your memories * 49:54 - Your mind house * 52:56 - Godliness Training Exercises To get your copy

If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. The greatest command in the Bible is also the one that brings you the most joy in life: love. But that command is also the most difficult. How do you change what and whom you love? And how do you start loving someone you don't currently love Certified biblical counselor Dr. D. Richard Ferguson draws on 25 years of pastoral ministry and counseling to provide practical application of the principles in God's Word on the

If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. Every Christian longs to be close to God. It's our greatest desire. But what if you discovered something in your soul is pushing him away—holding his blessings at arm's length so you don't experience his love? One of the keys to increased blessing on your life is to stop rejecting them when they come. Certified biblical counselor Dr. D. Richard Ferguson draws on 25 years of pastoral ministry and counseling to provide practical application of the principles in God's Word on the topic of anxiety. IN THIS EPISODE: * 1:21 - Repelling God's love * 4:19 - Self-Pity * 7:20 - Anger and entitlement * 12:03 - Pessimism is a lie * 14:27 - Godliness Training Exercises To get your copy of the book Anxiety and the Peace of God, which has all the material in these podcasts and much more, go to https://drichardferguson.com/books/anxiety-the-peace-of-god-six-biblical-cures-for-worry-stress-

If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. How strong is your character under pressure? In this sermon, discover why perseverance is the key to unshakable faith. Explore how to build lasting virtues like self-control, joy, and love that hold up when life squeezes you. Learn practical, Bible-based steps to strengthen your perseverance muscle, using Jesus' example and God's promises to keep you steadfast. Perfect for Christians seeking to grow in spiritual resilience and live out God's divine nature. Certified biblical counselor Dr. D. Richard Ferguson draws on 25 years of pastoral ministry and counseling to provide practical application of the principles in God's Word on the

If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. Much of our anxiety comes from fear of future trouble. How does gratitude help with worry? Is it possible to be genuinely thankful for what hasn't happened yet when you don't know what it will be? Certified biblical counselor Dr. D. Richard Ferguson draws on 25 years of pastoral ministry and counseling to provide practical application of the principles in God's Word on the topic of anxiety. IN THIS EPISODE: * 0:59 - Failure to notice God's gifts increases anxiety * 3:46 - It's impossible to feel anxiety and gratitude at the same time * 9:44 - How to inject bursts of joy into your heart all through the day 12:40 - The gift of the ability to enjoy 14:55 - Be specific with your gratitude 18:58 - When you can't stop thinking about a problem 23:51 - When you suffer loss 30:31 - Godliness training exercises To get your copy of the book Anxiety and the Peace of God, which has all t

If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. God showers us with thousands of blessings every day. So why are we so prone to miss those and fixate on the handful of hardships? This chapter will reintroduce you to a thousand gestures of God's love coming from every direction. Certified biblical counselor Dr. D. Richard Ferguson draws on 25 years of pastoral ministry and counseling to provide practical application of the principles in God's Word on the topic of anxiety. IN THIS EPISODE: * 0:59 - Failure to notice God's gifts increases anxiety * 3:46 - It's impossible to feel anxiety and gratitude at the same time * 9:44 - How to inject bursts of joy into your heart all through the day 12:40 - The gift of the ability to enjoy 14:55 - Be specific with your gratitude 18:58 - When you can't stop thinking about a problem 23:51 - When you suffer loss 30:31 - Godliness training exercises To get your copy of the book Anxiety and

If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. How did the psalmists maintain their hope and joy even while being honest and realistic about their troubles? Certified biblical counselor Dr. D. Richard Ferguson draws on 25 years of pastoral ministry and counseling to provide practical application of the principles in God's Word on the topic of anxiety. IN THIS EPISODE: * 1:50 - When you can't seem to give your troubles to God * 5:46 - The importance of self-talk * 9:20 - The role of negative thinking * 15:36 - Talk to God about your troubles * 17:50 - Talk to yourself about God * 25:20 - Your problems are not the whole story * 33:30 - Example of how to apply the principles * 40:58 - Godliness training exercises To get your copy of the book Anxiety and the Peace of God, which has all the material in these podcasts and much more, go to https://drichardferguson.com/books/anxiety-the-peace-of-god-six-biblical-cures-for-worry-

You may be surprised to discover how much of your anxiety is caused by ingratitude. But the solution isn't as simplistic as it sounds. Can you define gratitude?

If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. Left to themselves, anxious feelings and thoughts will rage out of control. But God has given us a secret weapon to rein them in. Certified biblical counselor Dr. D. Richard Ferguson draws on 25 years of pastoral ministry and counseling to provide practical application of the principles in God's Word on the topic of anxiety. IN THIS EPISODE: * 0:48 - How prayer activates executive function * 5:54 - How Jesus despised his shame * 11:05 - How prayer accomplishes "grounding" * 17:24 - How prayer accomplishes "chunking" * 20:53 - How prayer accomplishes "labeling" * 29:28 - How prayer accomplishes "cognitive restructuring" * 30:48 - How prayer accomplishes "behavioral activation" * 31:55 - More ways prayer reduces anxiety * 34:08 - How Hannah's prayer took away her anxiety * 37:15 - Godliness training exercises To get your copy of the book Anxiety and the Peace of God, which h

Imagine how much better your life would be with more self-control. Why is it so hard? Elite athletes who are unbelievers often outshine most Christians in this area—how can that be, if it's a fruit of the Spirit? This study explores what sets Christian self-control apart and how to strengthen this virtue in your life.

If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. Studies of the human brain and nervous system have mapped the physical components of the body's anxiety response. But the physical aspect isn't even half the story. This chapter will introduce the basics of what the latest research reveals about the physical aspect of anxiety. Certified biblical counselor Dr. D. Richard Ferguson draws on 25 years of pastoral ministry and counseling to provide practical application of the principles in God's Word on the topic of anxiety. IN THIS EPISODE: * Prayer and the executive function of the brain - 0:42 * How to Retrain Your Amygdala - 2:45 * The Difference between Biblical Prayer & other Prayers - 6:01 * Why Anxiety Keeps Coming Back when You Only Address Physical & Mental Anxiety without Addressing Spiritual Causes - 6:35 * How God Designed Imagination to Help You Control Your Emotions - 9:01 To get your copy of the book Anxiety and th