Shepherd Thoughts Podcast

When another person genuinely offends or hurts you, it is your responsibility to approach that person, mention the offense and seek repentance. But what if that person commits the same offense again? And what if you're not sure they've genuinely repented? Join Pastor Thomas Overmiller to consider some helpful Bible principles regarding forgiveness and revenge in our relationships.

Why do we experience bad results when we make good choices to change in obedience to God's Word? Join Pastor Thomas Overmiller to learn how Galatians 6:7-9 sheds light on this difficult phenomenon.

Are any challenges approaching you? Are you quietly, soberly, perhaps fearfully facing the prospects of tomorrow? No matter what assailant is staked out on the hillside against you, there is hope. Pause briefly with Pastor Thomas Overmiller to discover how Psalm 118:15 encourages you to face your challenges with confidence.

Those who give finances to God and meet the needs of others with the money God gives them, they receive benefits in return. Do you agree? But what are the fruits or benefits of giving money to God and meeting the needs of others? Join Pastor Thomas Overmiller to consider five benefits of giving, followed by one warning about having the proper motive.

Are you ever overwhelmed, feeling that true change in your Christian life is not possible? Take a moment to consider the teaching given to us in Colossians 1:27-29, that Christ is in you. This truth gives confidence that personal change is possible, and that this change is not just personal reform - it is a person, Jesus Christ. Join Pastor Thomas Overmiller to take a closer look at this encouraging truth.

What does it mean to make disciples and to mentor Christians? Have you ever been mentored in your Christian life? Are you effectively mentoring others? Join Pastor Thomas Overmiller as he asks David Bennett important questions like this. The conversation will stir your heart and equip your mind with practical Bible principles for fruitful ministry.

Sometimes we need to pray quickly, minus the regular formalities we often associate with prayer. And we need to pray with the right heart attitude. Join Pastor Thomas Overmiller to learn some quick, important lessons from Psalm 70 for how to pray when we don't have time to be formal, but desperately need to talk with God.

The pursuit of God and the practice of godly living has nothing to do with a self-centered, “what’s in it for me” attitude. Yet David admits his struggle with this very thing. Do you know this struggle? Do you wrestle with this temptation to think that godly living is useless and ungodly living offers an easier, better way? Join Pastor Thomas Overmiller for a fast look at Psalm 73 and helpful thoughts for continuing your pursuit of God.

At the perfect time in history, God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be born of a virgin to save us from our sins (Galatians 4:4). But not everything we say about this crucial moment in history is true. Join Pastor Thomas Overmiller to consider six such fast facts (or “un-facts”) about the birth of Christ.  

Do you enjoy the blessing of laughter and good humor? Or do you mistake spiritual living with being perpetually somber? Join Pastor Thomas Overmiller to see what the Bible says in Proverbs 17:22 about the good medicine of a merry heart.

Buying merchandise is not a sin, and selling merchandise isn’t either. But beware of economic exploitation. What is this and how is it a problem? Join Pastor Thomas Overmiller to consider what Revelation 18 has to say about this worldwide, timeless problem that affects us all.

The New Testament clearly presents the doctrine of the resurrection. But do you know any clear references to the doctrine of resurrection in the Old Testament? Take a quick glance with Pastor Thomas Overmiller at some intriguing references, Feel free to contribute others as a comment! A shout out to Pastor Frank Jones for adding Psalm 2:7 as a comment here, yet another profound reference to the resurrection of Jesus in the Old Testament. He blogs here. Also, another shout out to Levi Schooley, a friend, Shepherd Thoughts podcast listener and International Children's Ministries Assistant for International Partnership Ministries.

If you had a special ability to know in advance how people will respond to your kindness, would this stop you from doing kind things for the people who will respond unfavorably? Join Pastor Thomas Overmiller to consider a special moment from the life of Jesus that teaches us how to show kindness, even when they do not respond well.

This time every year, we all feel the need to be thankful. (In Twitter speak, we feel #grateful and #blessed.) Thankful for freedom. Thankful for family. Thankful for employment. Thankful for home. Thankful for special opportunities. Thankful for so many things. But thankful to whom? Join Pastor Thomas Overmiller to consider the answer to this very important question.

If you are a born again Christian, you should have a ravenous appetite for the Word of God. But sometimes the things God says are not easy to digest. So, how you respond to the Word of God? All of it? Even the difficult parts that are hard to digest? Together with Pastor Thomas Overmiller, take a quick look at Jeremiah 15:16 to learn what the Bible says about eating the Word of God.

What is the history behind Thanksgiving Day? Why is this a special day for born again Christians in the United States, who conscientiously live according to the Bible? Join Pastor Thomas Overmiller for a quick response to these questions.

Are you neglecting this important part of parenting? Join Pastor Thomas Overmiller to discover an important aspect of raising children who are capable and confident in fulfilling their responsibilities in life. It's never too late to begin!

Contrary to popular opinion, the sky is not falling. And even if it was, that would still be no cause for worry or alarm. If you find yourself caught up in the relentless cycle (or cyclone) of news headlines and social opinion, you may easily forget that God is in control. Yes, God continues to work out all things together for the ultimate good, even in a wicked world that appears to be spinning out of control sometimes. Join Pastor Thomas Overmiller to consider some very important and encouraging thoughts from the Old Testament book of Habakkuk for facing confusing and chaotic times.  

Is physical exercise a good thing? Should a Christian abandon physical exercise? Is there a connection between physical and spiritual exercise? Join Pastor Thomas Overmiller to consider these important questions, taking a quick look at 1 Timothy 4:7-8 and 1 Corinthians 9:27.

Join Pastor Thomas Overmiller in the first ever Shepherd Thoughts Conversations episode! This marks the first in a series of upcoming episodes featuring conversations with podcast studio guests. In this episode, listen in on a conversation with pastor and author Tim Richmond as he shares thoughts about his recent Bible study book called Loving: Biblical Principles for Developing & Maintaining Loving Relationships. Want to become more effective and biblical in the relationships of your life? Then this episode is for you! To order the book in print, click here and request your copy by email. To order the book in Kindle format, click here. I highly recommend it!