Daily Thunder Podcast
The Daily Thunder Podcast is a daily Christian teaching series focused on discipleship, the centrality of Jesus Christ, and the power of the Gospel. Hosted by Eric Ludy, Nathan Johnson, and other guests, it aims to exhort, equip, and encourage Christians to follow the Narrow Way of the Cross. The podcast is produced by Ellerslie Discipleship and offers a blend of biblical teaching and spiritual encouragement.
Episodes
1360: Seven Letters (Revelation 2–3) // To the Seven Churches 02 (Nathan Johnson)
Revelation 2–3 are Jesus’ letters to seven key churches in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). In this study, we examine the seven letters, their structure, their similarities and differences, and what the overarching message of the seven letters are. If you want to understand any of the individual letters, we must first gain an overarching understanding of all seven.------------» Take these studies d
1359: The Jessica Conundrum // Cheerful Meditations About Heaven 01 (Eric Ludy)
How refreshing to turn our gaze heavenward and behold His glory. In this message, Eric lifts our spiritual chins upward to see the beauty, power, and majesty of Jesus Christ—stirring within us the desire to be where He is. ------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more a
1358: A Revelation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1) // To the Seven Churches 01 (Nathan Johnson)
As we begin our series on the Letters to the Seven Churches in the book of Revelation, we need to first understand the big picture view of Revelation and what the whole book is about—a revelation of Jesus Christ. In this study, we explore the background of Revelation, why these seven churches are important, and why we must study the Bible principally.------------» Take these studies deeper and be
1357: The Fringe of His Cloak // Spiritual Lessons from the Apollo Space Program 01 (Eric Ludy)
If you are needing a refresher course on the majesty and awe-striking wonder of the Almighty, this is a message for you. In fact, this may be the series for you. If the hem of His garment can bring healing, what if we pursued even more of this amazing God we serve?------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upc
1356: Ellerslie 2.0 Recap and What's Next for Daily Thunder (Eric Ludy + Nathan Johnson)
In this special episode, Eric and Nathan chat about the recent Ellerslie 2.0 Beta program and what is coming up next for Daily Thunder.------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be-discipled/» Receive our free “Five Keys to Walking Through D
1355: Out of the Burning Wreckage // More Radical 12 (Eric Ludy)
In this final episode Eric shows how God turns even the greatest tragedies into His greatest triumphs.------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be-discipled/» Receive our free “Five Keys to Walking Through Difficulty” PDF by going to: https
1354: Facing Death // More Radical 11 (Eric Ludy)
This is the epic story of how Stanley Dale died in the Wickboon Bowl in 1968. It is truly an invigorating tale, demonstrating how grace works in the believer's life in the most dire and danger-filled moments of life. ------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: htt
1353: The Submission Commission (Eph. 5:21) // Gospel Shaped 10 (Nathan Johnson)
In Ephesians 5:18–21, Paul describes the evidence and reality of being filled with the Holy Spirit with four aspects: worship and praise (internally and corporately), thanksgiving, and submission. In this study, Nathan dives into Ephesians 5:21 and discusses the concept of submission, why it is evidence of being filled with the Spirit, and what it looks like practically in the lives of believers.-
1352: In the Fear of Christ (Eph. 5:21) // Gospel Shaped 09 (Nathan Johnson)
The “fear of the Lord” is absolutely essential to the Christian life. Throughout Scripture, the command to fear God is accompanied by tremendous blessing. Yet for many Christians, we think of fear as something negative and bad rather than how the Bible describes it. In this study, Nathan talks about the amazing and awe-inspiring fear of the Lord, what it is and isn’t, how to cultivate it, and ulti
1351: Plugged Full of Arrows // More Radical 10 (Eric Ludy)
In this episode Eric shares the inspiring story of Stanley Dale’s bewildering and courageous response to being shot through with five man-killing arrows in the heart of the jungle — and surviving. Everyday people absent of the power of Christ Jesus would fall to pieces in such circumstances, but the Christian, the one indwelled by the power of the Almighty, is able to work exploits even in their m
1350: The Stand-In // More Radical 09 (Eric Ludy)
In this episode Eric discusses the idea of the “stand-in” in Scripture—someone who is willing to do the hard work though it ultimately will be credited to someone else. This was the role of John the Baptist who famously stated, “I must decrease, that He would increase.” May this also be the declaration of our souls as Christians.------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by
1349: The Always Thankful Life (Eph. 5:20) // Gospel Shaped 08 (Nathan Johnson)
As Paul gives the practical outflow of a life filled with the Holy Spirit, he not only talks about the “all-consuming melody” of our lives but one that is also always filled with thanksgiving. In this message, Nathan Johnson expounds upon Ephesians 5:20 and the incredible reality that we can, in fact, give thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.------------» Take these studies
1348: Cutting the Lifeboat // More Radical 08 (Eric Ludy)
In this episode Eric discusses the incredible ability of missionaries throughout history to move towards challenges as opposed to running from them. Of course, this ability isn’t derived from the Christian's own human gumption—it's a gift of the Spirit of God.------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming
1347: The All-Consuming Melody (Eph. 5:19) // Gospel Shaped 07 (Nathan Johnson)
As Paul describes what it looks like to be filled with the Spirit, he gives four aspects (outflows) of the indwelling life of Christ. In this study we examine the first two: 1) speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, and 2) singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord. One is external and public, the other is internal and private. Join Nathan in this study of Ephe
1346: Crossing the Foaming Heluk // More Radical 07 (Eric Ludy)
In this episode Eric investigates the astounding courage and boldness of men and women of God throughout these past 100 years.------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be-discipled/» Receive our free “Five Keys to Walking Through Difficulty
1345: The Outflow of the Infilling (Eph. 5:19-21) // Gospel Shaped 06 (Nathan Johnson)
In Ephesians 1:18, Paul sets up a contrast with alcohol, explaining that a Christian is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. But what does it look like when someone’s life is filled with the Spirit? In Ephesians 1:19–21, Paul gives four “outflows” of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. In this message, Nathan gives a broad overview of these four aspects and talks about four observations when you look
1344: The Nest Stirrer // More Radical 06 (Eric Ludy)
In this episode Eric discusses the ethics of foreign missions. Is it our business as Christians to poke our nose into the cultural and religious affairs of others? Should we just mind our own business? Or is our business the actual invading of foreign places where the Gospel has not yet been heard and delivering the Gospel in order to wholly alter that culture?------------» Take these studies deep
1343: Removing Every Distraction (Eph. 5:18) // Gospel Shaped 05 (Nathan Johnson)
In this study from Ephesians 5:18, Nathan dives into Paul's exhortation that we should "not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit."Far more than a command not to be drunk, this study shows that Paul is getting to the heart of every person's life—we must remove EVERY distraction and sin and anything else we might turn to in hopes it will "save" and comfort us.
1342: The Tarop Tim // More Radical 05 (Eric Ludy)
In this episode Eric unpacks the extraordinary providence of God as shown both throughout Biblical history and in Christian missionary history over the past 2,000 years. Using the story of famed missionaries Don and Carol Richardson and their work in the 1960’s with the head-hunting Sawi people as his muse for this message, he showcases the awe-striking way God works to provide light for a people
1341: The Will of God for Your Life (Eph. 5:17) // Gospel Shaped 04 (Nathan Johnson)
In this study from Ephesians 5:17, Nathan freshly contrasts the wise and foolish person and explains that because the time is short that we must know God's will for our lives. But what is His will? More than a list of "do this, don't do that," God's will is actually rather simple to understand.In this message, Nathan will expound on what it means to know God's will for your life and you will ultim
1340: The Pacing Lion // More Radical 04 (Eric Ludy)
In this episode Eric explores the unique enthusiasm and passion that missionaries of the past have had for heading out into the wild and doing difficult life-threatening things—things that cause the modern North-American Christian to shrink back in fear. Is it possible for each of us as believers today to have the same excitement—the same daring—the same readiness in us?------------» Take these st
1339: Time is Running Out (Eph. 5:15–16) // Gospel Shaped 03 (Nathan Johnson)
Time is running out and life is short. In this message from Ephesians 5:15–16, we examine Paul's reason for why we, as Christians, are called to live circumspect ("walk carefully") and be wise (rather than foolish) in how we live. Paul says we are to redeem the time because the days are short. Join Nathan as we talk about the importance of redeeming the time, what that means practical for our live
1338: Laughing at Difficulty // More Radical 03 (Eric Ludy)
In this episode Eric explores the concept of being spiritually readied and toughened by the Spirit of God for the calling that each of us as believers has received. A Christian has been supplied everything necessary to be fully prepared to face all the challenges ahead — the question is, does the Christian know that? ------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Lesli
1337: The Ways of the Wise (Eph. 5:15-16) // Gospel Shaped 02 (Nathan Johnson)
We continue our study in Ephesians 5:15–16 examining the "ways of the wise." Contrasted with the "fool" and "unwise," Paul exhorts us to live in wisdom. In this study, Nathan talks about what Scripture says about wisdom, how we can continually live in wisdom, and how that practically changes our spiritual lives day-to-day.------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Nathan
1336: Stomaching It // More Radical 02 (Eric Ludy)
In this episode Eric dives into the strange and perplexing concept of spiritual taste buds. When we enter the Kingdom of Heaven via faith in Jesus Christ, there is a process of being recalibrated in our desires, our drives, and our determinations. In a sense, God gives us new taste buds to appreciate the exquisite feast He has prepared for us — a feast that we would not appreciate or be able to st
1335: The Features of the Fool (Eph. 5:15-16) // Gospel Shaped 01 (Nathan Johnson)
In Ephesians 5:15–16, Paul delivers a sobering warning to believers: look carefully how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil. But what does it actually mean to live as “unwise” (a fool) according to Scripture?In this study, we examine what the Bible says about foolishness and uncover four key features that mark the life of a fool. If you’re convinced yo
1334: The Preparation of the Heroes // More Radical 01 (Eric Ludy)
This episode lays the foundation for this gritty and soul-stirring series. God providentially builds His men and women for the key swings in history — the key moments in the grand story. However, God doesn’t just build His heroes to share the Gospel Truth—He also prepares the lost to respond to the Gospel Truth. Buckle your seat belt. This is going to be a powerful series!------------» Take these
1333: 10G Ready // Ellerslie 2.0 – Part 9 (Eric Ludy + Nathan Johnson)
What would it look like if we were always ready for the greatest difficulties and trials? What if, as Christians, we handled impossible situations with a smile and readiness to triumph?In this episode, Eric and Nathan talk about being "10G Ready" and how it should be the result of our position in Christ Jesus. Please note: we will be taking a couple weeks off from Daily Thunder as we prep our new
1332: Hobelar Thinking // Ellerslie 2.0 – Part 8 (Eric Ludy + Nathan Johnson)
In this episode, Eric Ludy and Nathan Johnson discuss the ancient concept of a hobelar, why it is so important for the days in which we live, and why Ellerslie 2.0 desires to build a group of men and women who will function as hobelars in their world. If you desire for God to use you to make an impact in this world, this episode will give you a great encouragement and sparks some ideas of how to t
1331: Combating the Trojan Horse // Ellerslie 2.0 – Part 7 (Eric Ludy + Nathan Johnson)
The Trojan Horse is the iconic concept that you can sneak something in that eventually kills and destroys. While he doesn't use the term, the writer Jude talks about men sneaking into the church and causing a distortion of the Gospel and a division of the Body of Christ.In this episode, Eric Ludy and Nathan Johnson discuss the book of Jude, the concept of the Trojan Horse as it relates to the mode
1330: Swallowing God’s Mercy (Jonah 4:5–11) // Swallowed by Mercy 08 (Nathan Johnson)
As the book of Jonah comes to a close, the climax of Jonah’s rebellion against God is confronted by a question and an interactive object lesson. God uses Jonah’s glee and anger over a plant to show why it’s important for Him to have mercy on the city of Nineveh. In this final study of the series, we examine the profundity of the poisonous plant and scarlet worm, why the book ends with the word “ma
1329: Inured for Danger (Eric Ludy) // Encore 2025
Encore: a repeated performance.As we enter the beginning of 2026, we decided to do an encore of eight episodes from the past six years. With a new intro for each episode recorded by Eric Ludy and Nathan Johnson, we hope these encores will stir your soul toward Jesus and introduce you to previous series that you can explore.Inured for Danger (Eric Ludy)Originally recorded in 2021 as a part of his s
1327: The Reason Behind Jonah’s Actions (Jonah 4:1–4) // Swallowed by Mercy 07 (Nathan Johnson)
Everything in the book of Jonah has been swimming toward this end: the reason why Jonah attempted to flee to Tarshish, why he resisted going to Nineveh, and now why he is angry at God. And the reason may surprise you … Jonah is frustrated that God is too good, too merciful, too loving. In this study, we examine Jonah 4:1–4 and Jonah’s anger, the reason behind it, and what it all means for our live
1326: Peaceful Intimacy (Nathan Johnson) // Encore 2025
Encore: a repeated performance.As we approach the end of 2025, we decided to do an encore of eight episodes from the past six years. With a new intro for each episode recorded by Eric Ludy and Nathan Johnson, we hope these encores will stir your soul toward Jesus and introduce you to previous series that you can explore.Peaceful Intimacy (Nathan Johnson)Originally recorded in 2021 as a part of his
1325b: A White Christmas (Eric Ludy)
A bonus Christmas greeting from Eric. Since episode 1325 had a serious audio problem, Eric decided to jump in front of the mic one more time before Christmas and dish out some extra Holiday cheer. May the coming, the working, the dying, the rising, and the ruling of our Lord Jesus be deeply cherished by us all this Christmas season!
1325: A Merry Christmas Reflection (Eric Ludy + Nathan Johnson)
In this special Christmas reflection, Eric and Nathan briefly talk about their plans, how they approach a new year, and what they are most excited for in 2026.Please know that we are taking a couple weeks off to rest with family, and we will resume our Daily Thunder series on January 12, 2026.------------Exciting SpecialsEric and Leslie's A Trip Down Memory LaneSign up for Ellerslie's Weeklong or
1324: Clapham and Cambridge // Ellerslie 2.0 – Part 5 (Eric Ludy + Nathan Johnson)
We love talking about the concepts of Clapham and Cambridge and how the body of Christ can work together.In this special episode, Eric and Nathan talk about these terms, where they come from, and why they are so important to our vision of Ellerslie 2.0.» Discover more about Ellerslie 2.0 and see "behind the scenes" as we build out the information and details in the coming weeks.------------Excitin
1323: The Majesty of God's Mercy (Jonah 4:2) // Swallowed by Mercy 06 (Nathan Johnson)
The entire book of Jonah hinges upon a single concept: God’s mercy. The Hebrew word hesed (chesed) is at the focal point of Jonah, and if we miss the depth and importance of this concept, we will miss why Jonah is so rebellious to preach to Nineveh. In this study, Nathan walks through Scripture discussing the mercy and lovingkindness of God, why this attribute is at the heart of God, and what it m
1322: Going After More (Leslie Ludy) // Encore 2025
Encore: a repeated performance.As we approach the end of 2025, we decided to do an encore of eight episodes from the past six years. With a new intro for each episode recorded by Eric Ludy and Nathan Johnson, we hope these encores will stir your soul toward Jesus and introduce you to previous series that you can explore. Going After More (Leslie Ludy)Originally recorded in 2023 as a part of her se
1321: Denominations and Dogmatism // Ellerslie 2.0 – Part 5 (Eric Ludy + Nathan Johnson)
If you survey the modern church, you will quickly find that we are fractured into our denominations and often dogmatic about secondary issues. Yet we are told that the church is to be one body—unified in Christ Jesus.In this episode, Eric and Nathan discuss the difficulty of denominationalism and the danger of dogmatism … and how they see a way forward where the Church walks in truth, unity, and u
1320: The Greatest Revival in Scripture (Jonah 3:1–10) // Swallowed by Mercy 05 (Nathan Johnson)
The greatest revival recorded in Scripture is found in Jonah 3—the entire city of Nineveh repents and turns to God. In this study, we examine Jonah’s second commission, the response of Nineveh, God’s mercy to Nineveh’s repentance, and conclude with five practical thoughts for what it means for us today. This is the heart and climax of what God wanted Jonah to do, and the outcome was far more than
1319: I Work at Starbucks (Eric Ludy) // Encore 2025
Encore: a repeated performance.As we approach the end of 2025, we decided to do an encore of eight episodes from the past six years. With a new intro for each episode recorded by Eric Ludy and Nathan Johnson, we hope these encores will stir your soul toward Jesus and introduce you to previous series that you can explore. I Work at Starbucks (Eric Ludy)Originally recorded in 2024 as a part of his s
1318: The Art of Orbiting // Ellerslie 2.0 – Part 4 (Eric Ludy + Nathan Johnson)
To use a space analogy, most Christian education programs "orbit" far out into space, exploring the outer reaches of knowledge. But our heart is to keep our orbit tight around a central focus: Jesus Christ.In this episode, Eric and Nathan talk about the basic structure of Ellerslie 2.0 content, why the orbiting language is helpful, and what makes Ellerslie 2.0 different than the typical seminary p
1317: From the Belly of the Beast (Jonah 2:1–10) // Swallowed by Mercy 04 (Nathan Johnson)
Let’s talk about the fish. While this tends to be everyone’s focus in the book of Jonah, the richness of the message is not about the fish but what happens from within the belly of that beast. In this study, we examine Jonah 2:1–10 and specifically talk about what Nathan calls the “positive parenthetical poetry of praise” (i.e., Jonah’s prayer). And while he does (finally) talk about the fish, Nat
1316: Naming Idols (Nathan Johnson) // Encore 2025
Encore: a repeated performance.As we approach the end of 2025, we decided to do an encore of eight episodes from the past six years. With a new intro for each episode recorded by Eric Ludy and Nathan Johnson, we hope these encores will stir your soul toward Jesus and introduce you to previous series that you can explore. Naming Idols (Nathan Johnson)Originally recorded in 2022 as a part of his ser
1315: The Return of Majesty // Ellerslie 2.0 – Part 3 (Eric Ludy + Nathan Johnson)
One of Ellerslie's passions since the beginning is what we call the "return of majesty." We have a longing to see the majesty of Jesus Christ, the Gospel, and God's Word return to the stage of time once again.In this episode, Eric and Nathan talk about the return of majesty, how it applies to the Ellerslie 2.0 program, and announce several new details about the program.» Discover more about Ellers
1314: Expect the Unexpected (Jonah 1:4–17) // Swallowed by Mercy 03 (Nathan Johnson)
Charles Spurgeon is quoted as saying that God does not let His children sin successfully. As Jonah flees from the command and commission of God, we see the pursuit of God’s mercy upon Jonah through difficulty, trial, and hardship. As the storm rages and the sailors are about to die, the unexpected occurs, everything turns upside down, and God’s mercy is seen even on a grander scale. In this study
1313: The Pursuit of Guthrum (Eric Ludy) // Encore 2025
Encore: a repeated performance.As we approach the end of 2025, we decided to do an encore of eight episodes from the past six years. With a new intro for each episode recorded by Eric Ludy and Nathan Johnson, we hope these encores will stir your soul toward Jesus and introduce you to previous series that you can explore. The Pursuit of Guthrum (Eric Ludy)Originally recorded in 2021 as a part of hi
1312: More Radical // Ellerslie 2.0 – Part 2 (Eric Ludy + Nathan Johnson)
Before Brother Andrew died, he made the declaration that if he was going to live his life over again, he would have lived "more radical." This statement has become a stirring summary of what we desire our Ellerslie 2.0 program to look like. In this episode, Eric and Nathan talk about Brother Andrew, what it means to be more radical, and discuss why this concept is helpful as we unpack Ellerslie 2.
1311: Running in Rebellion (Jonah 1:1–3) // Swallowed by Mercy 02 (Nathan Johnson)
God is passionately pursuing the world with the transforming truth of the Gospel. In this study of Jonah 1:1–3, we look at God’s commission to Jonah, his rebellion and attempt to flee, and two key reasons behind why Jonah refused to go to Nineveh.------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Nathan, Eric, Leslie, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming di
1310: El Shaddai – God Almighty (Nathan Johnson) // Encore 2025
Encore: a repeated performance.As we approach the end of 2025, we decided to do an encore of eight episodes from the past six years. With a new intro for each episode recorded by Eric Ludy and Nathan Johnson, we hope these encores will stir your soul toward Jesus and introduce you to previous series that you can explore. El Shaddai – God Almighty (Nathan Johnson)Originally recorded in 2023 as
1309: The Old Journal Entries // Ellerslie 2.0 – Part 1 (Eric Ludy + Nathan Johnson)
Ellerslie is excited to begin to roll out "Ellerslie 2.0" in the coming months (God willing). In the first episode of this special series, Eric and Nathan get together to talk back through the old journal entries of how Ellerslie began, what has transpired over the last sixteen years, and the beginning burden and passion behind 2.0. » Discover more about Ellerslie 2.0 and see "behind the scenes" a
1308: Something's Fishy (Jonah 1:1) // Swallowed by Mercy 01 (Nathan Johnson)
Something's fishy … and it's not the book of Jonah. When most people think of Jonah, they picture a fish. Yet the fish appears in only three verses of this profound prophetic book. So if Jonah isn't really about a fish, what's it about? What many dismiss as a children's story is actually a masterfully crafted account meant to pierce our hearts, expose our prejudices, and radically transform our li
1307: A Bully Buffalo Hunt (Eric Ludy) // Encore 2025
Encore: a repeated performance.As we approach the end of 2025, we decided to do an encore of eight episodes from the past six years. With a new intro for each episode recorded by Eric Ludy and Nathan Johnson, we hope these encores will stir your soul toward Jesus and introduce you to previous series that you can explore. A Bully Buffalo Hunt (Eric Ludy)Originally recorded in 2023 as a part of his
1306: The Next Season of Daily Thunder (Eric Ludy + Nathan Johnson)
We recently finished our summer/fall season of Daily Thunder with two incredible series: Eric focused on Spiritual Lessons from the Wright Brothers and Nathan did a study on the Awful Fear of the Lord. In this special episode, Eric and Nathan quickly debrief the past series and talk about the three series that launch mid-November.Please note: the audio quality was having issues, we apologize for t
1305: The Only Way Forward // The Awful Fear of the Lord 14 (Nathan Johnson)
In this concluding message of our series on the awful fear of the Lord, we bring together the key truths we've explored and discover how holy fear transforms every aspect of Christian life. In this study, Nathan tackles several practical questions like: How can we increase our fear of the Lord? What do we do when we struggle to relate to God with fear? How does holy fear help us overcome persisten
1304: No Bird Soars in a Calm // Spiritual Lessons from the Wright Brothers 29 (Eric Ludy)
This message puts the punctuation on the entire series. As the final episode, it brings the entire storyline in for a beautiful landing (pun intended). We follow Wilbur Wright to New York City and his final public flight. It is there that we are freshly stirred to remember that--since we never know when our last flight is going to be flown--we should fly every flight with all the gusto we possess
1303: The Homecoming // Spiritual Lessons from the Wright Brothers 28 (Eric Ludy)
Throughout Christian history, the greatest longing of the believer has always been to go home to be with Jesus. As the Apostle Paul said, “to live is Christ, but to die is gain.” The world is unable to look at death as gain, but the Christian does. This message parallels the Homecoming welcome of the Wright brothers in Dayton, Ohio in 1909 with our future homecoming in Heaven. It’s a beautiful med
1302: Knowing God’s Ways // The Awful Fear of the Lord 13 (Nathan Johnson)
Throughout Scripture, knowing God’s ways and fearing Him are inseparable. If you do not have a holy fear and live in humility, you will not understand or be able to walk in His ways. And yet, like the Israelites of old, it is possible to be close to God and yet never experience Him. The Psalmist wrote that God “made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel” (Psalm 103:7)—the Israeli
1301: The Tattered Flying Machine // Spiritual Lessons from the Wright Brothers 27 (Eric Ludy)
The Wright Brothers built magnificent flying machines. Many of them were officially retired due to crashes in the early years of flight discovery. But there was one particular flyer that was not magnificent—it was tattered, ripped, re-stitched. It was built differently than all the others. Out of necessity, it was built out of broken and smashed pieces. And yet it was THIS tattered flying machine
1300: Tragedy unto Greater Triumph // Spiritual Lessons from the Wright Brothers 26 (Eric Ludy)
September 17, 1908 tragedy struck. At Ft. Myers, in Washington D.C., Orville Wright had broken seven aeronautical world records over the previous two weeks. He was on top of the world. And then a grief intruded into the Wright Brother’s storyline. But, as in every good story, grief is never the final chapter, it’s merely a difficult stretch along the way which works as a catalyst for even a greate
1299: Orville's Encore // Spiritual Lessons from the Wright Brothers 25 (Eric Ludy)
In September 1908 all the pressure is on Orville Wright. In August, his older brother, Wilbur, amazed the world over in Le Mans, France, demonstrating the abilities of the Wright’s flying machine before a skeptical Europe. But now it’s Orville’s turn to show his stuff in front of skeptical America. On September 3, 1908 the pressure on Orville is nearly crushing. His task seems impossible. How can
1298: Triumph // Spiritual Lessons from the Wright Brothers 24 (Eric Ludy)
After years of put-downs, ridicule, and mockery the day finally arrived for Wilbur and Orville Wright to show the world that they actually were flyers and not liars. In Le Mans, France on August 8, 1908, the stage was set for one of the most extraordinary public breakthroughs in history. There is an August 8, 1908 in every life that lives for Truth—when faith is made sight and the clouds roll back
1297: Discover the Delight of Obedience // The Awful Fear of the Lord 12 (Nathan Johnson)
God has called Christians to a life of holiness, godliness, and righteousness—a life conformed to the image of Jesus Himself. Yet, for many of us, we dislike holiness and find obedience to be difficult. What is the solution to our desire for sin and our passivity toward obeying God? In this study, Nathan proposes that the fear of the Lord is the solution. If you are struggling with sin, succumbing
1296: The Bread and Cheese Moment // Spiritual Lessons from the Wright Brothers 23 (Eric Ludy)
Wilbur and Orville, even after discovering human-controlled flight on December 17, 1903, still traversed difficulty after difficulty in convincing everyone that they did indeed accomplish the feat. From December 1903 to August 1908, the Wrights were accused of being liars instead of flyers. Each of our lives has a segment like this-a stretch of particular difficulties that define us either as fail
1295: A Pair of Shotguns // Spiritual Lessons from the Wright Brothers 22 (Eric Ludy)
The Wright Brothers headed back to Kitty Hawk, NC in 1907 for the expressed purpose of getting alone and remembering afresh how to fly. They hadn’t flown for two and a half years and they had become a bit rusty in the art. How often we need the same thing in our spiritual lives—a return to wilderness, the desert, the solitude in order to rekindle the heavenly fires in the soul. ------------»
1294: Holy Fear Brings Freedom // The Awful Fear of the Lord 11 (Nathan Johnson)
When we have a proper (godly, holy) fear of the Lord, it brings forth freedom and life within the believer. It not only dispels all other fears from our lives, it also enables us to live victorious over sin and live in obedience to God and His Word. In this study, Nathan gives a refined definition of the “awful fear of the Lord” and explores how holy fear frees us in four key ways … which can
1293: Unpurchasable // Spiritual Lessons from the Wright Brothers 21 (Eric Ludy)
Rumor has it that everyone has a price. Supposedly, even the most virtuous man or woman, the most stouthearted, have their breaking point—the price point at which they are willing to compromise. However, those concocting such theories have never met Jesus Christ—a man who had no price and was totally and completely unpurchasable. This chapter in the Wright Brothers’ story tests them on this very
1292: Across the Pond // Spiritual Lessons from the Wright Brothers 20 (Eric Ludy)
By 1905 the Wright Brothers had officially learned to fly. They had a testable and provable flying machine. But, even though human-controlled flight was a reality, less than 1% of Americans believed the accomplishment was real. The Wright Brothers spent the entire year of 1905 attempting to convince the American War Department that they had something important—something that would greatly benefit
1291: The Beginning of Knowledge // The Awful Fear of the Lord 10 (Nathan Johnson)
In Solomon’s introduction to the book of Proverbs, he gives three key purposes for the book but gives a central premise: the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge. In this study, Nathan explores Proverbs 1:1–7 and expounds upon wisdom, discipline, understanding, and how the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (and what that even means). In short, the fear of God is the beginning
1290: The Big Announcement // Spiritual Lessons from the Wright Brothers 19 (Eric Ludy)
The Wright Brother’s achieved flight on December 17, 1903 in Kitty Hawk, NC. The problem was, no one believed them. It wasn’t until nine months later (September 20, 1904), back in Dayton, Ohio that the brothers were able to demonstrate to the world that their Kitty Hawk claims of 1903 were actually true. But, outside their intimate team, there was only one witness there at Huffman Prairie on that
1289: The Second Wind // Spiritual Lessons from the Wright Brothers 18 (Eric Ludy)
In the Wright Brother’s story of flight, wind was an essential ingredient. First it was the natural winds of Kitty Hawk—they learned to master the gusting winds, gain lift, and soar. But, then, in 1904, they needed to figure out how to fly even when there wasn’t any wind. And this challenge proved to be an even greater problem. Like Wilbur and Orville, we, too, must learn to “fly” when the first w
1288: Learning the Fear of Yahweh (Psalm 34) // The Awful Fear of the Lord 09 (Nathan Johnson)
In Psalm 34, David invites his listeners to learn the fear of Yahweh. But far more than an intellectual pursuit, David reminds us that to fear of the Lord, it demands that our lives come into alignment (conformed) with the God that we stand in awe and tremble before. In other words, to fear God means to have His righteousness, holiness, purity, and life demonstrated in and through our own. In this
1287: A short pause and debrief (Eric Ludy + Nathan Johnson)
In this special Daily Thunder, Eric and Nathan reflect upon their current series and mention that we are currently taking a three week break from Daily Thunder. We jump back into Spiritual Lessons from the Wright Brothers and the Awful Fear of the Lord on September 10.
1286: Huffman Prairie // Spiritual Lessons from the Wright Brothers 17 (Eric Ludy)
Huffman Prairie represents a significant chapter in the Wright Brother’s story, but a “Huffman Prairie” chapter is certainly not unique to them. It’s a chapter that each of us must pass through. And how we pass through it defines whether or not we fulfill our high calling and actually fly. ------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the
1285: Overcoming the Three Day Stink // Spiritual Lessons from the Wright Brothers 16 (Eric Ludy)
The Wright Brothers accomplished something on December 17, 1903 that changed the course of history. And yet, no one believed them. Their hometown of Dayton didn’t pull together a big parade to welcome the boys home from Kitty Hawk—no one was in a celebratory mood. In fact, one in every hundred Daytonians believed the brothers had actually accomplished what they said that they had accomplished. Mom
1284: I Stand in Awe of You // The Awful Fear of the Lord 08 (Nathan Johnson)
“Wow!” It’s a word that expresses astonishment or admiration or to excite someone greatly. Yet that state of awe and wonder should be how stand before God and His Word. In this study, we examine what it means to have “holy fear” (reverence marked by awe and a tremble) in light of awe, wonder, and living with a “wow” before who our God is and the authority of His Word. By examining Isaiah 40, we wi
1283: Twelve Seconds // Spiritual Lessons from the Wright Brothers 15 (Eric Ludy)
The Christian life is all about faith. But, what many Christians don’t realize is that it is not just the presence of faith that causes the Christian to triumph. It’s the testing of that faith; the proving of that faith as genuine that showcases the power of heavenly triumph. December 17, 1903 was a day of triumph. It was the first day of human controlled flight. And that triumph only lasted twel
1282: Sculpting the Sand Hills // Spiritual Lessons from the Wright Brothers 14 (Eric Ludy)
When we think of the Wright Brothers, we think of two extraordinary men that pulled off an impossible feat all by their lonesome. And that is correct . . . sort of. There was actually a third person involved in this amazing accomplishment, but he is rarely ever discussed and, still to this day, is relatively unknown. His name was Charlie Taylor. It was Charlie that built the first plane engine. An
1281: Lost in the Wonder of Our God // The Awful Fear of the Lord 07 (Nathan Johnson)
I’ve been defining the “fear of the Lord” as having reverence for God mixed with tremble and awe. Over the past few studies we’ve looked at the idea of “tremble” and defined “reverence,” but what does it mean to stand in awe of God? In this study, we explore the idea of wonder, what it means to be lost in the wonder and greatness of our God, and seven ways we can do so.
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