What if God’s will isn’t a mystery to solve but a source of comfort knowing God has a plan for us? In this conclusion to our series, we look at the famous promise of Jeremiah 29:11 in its original context and discover a God who plans with intention, compassion, and foresight. Just as a loving host prepares for a guest, God prepares for our arrival into every new season. If you want to understand His will, begin with His heart. This episode invites you into the comfort of a God who is planning good for you—even when life feels uncertain.
Hebrews 6:3 opens a doorway into one of the most fascinating questions of faith: What does God permit—and why? In this episode, we talk about the surprising goodness in God’s permission. From growth and maturity to daily choices and opportunities, God is constantly allowing things that shape who we become. This is a hopeful, practical look at how God’s “permission” is often His way of saying, “Go ahead. Grow. Step in. Live.”
When life feels stalled and God seems silent, it’s easy to wonder if He’s forgotten you. Hebrews 10:36 reminds us that “you need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” In this episode, we talk about waiting well. Join us as we discuss how to endure when prayers seem unanswered, how to trust that God is at work beneath the surface, and how hidden growth can lead to unexpected fruitfulness.
God never meant for our bodies to sit idle or just be driven by passing desires. In 1 Peter 4:2, we’re called to spend the rest of our earthly lives putting our bodies to work for the will of God. In this episode we unpack a practical theology of the body—how to see your muscles, habits, and even that extra pound or two you are trying to lose as part of God’s mission. We will talk about what it means to let Christ be the boss of your body and to use every day and every breath for what truly matters.
What does it mean to be truly hungry for the things of God? In this episode of The Orchard Podcast, Brian LaMew sits down with Theuno Swart, the South Africa National Director of Orchard: Africa, and Pastor Patrick Mokgosi, Regional Pastor of the Western Cape Impact Center. Together, they unpack Jesus’ striking statement: "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work."Join the conversation as we explore how living out God’s will satisfies a deeper hunger than anything this world can offer.
There’s something you can do today that might be the most loving act you offer all week—and it doesn’t require a platform, a spotlight, or a perfect set of words. In this episode, we explore the quiet power of intercessory prayer. You’ll learn how lifting someone up before God can shape their life, align their heart with God’s will, and bring surprising peace and clarity. Whether you’re praying for a friend, a family member, or even a stranger, this simple act could be the most lasting impact you make today.
What if God’s will wasn’t something to decode or chase, but something we can practice here and now? In this 50th episode of The Orchard Podcast, we will discuss what may be one of the clearest passages in the scriptures about living out God's will. We will talk about three simple phrases that can have a profound impact in your daily life. Join us as we unpack what it means to live with purpose and peace today.
What do you do when your plans fall apart? A job disappears, a door closes, or life just doesn’t go the way you thought it would. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."In this episode, we explore what it looks like to discover and align with God’s plan—especially when our own plans come undone. We talk about the disappointment of detours, the goodness of God’s purposes, and how we can begin to listen for His voice in the middle of the unknown.This episode is an invitation to move from striving to surrender, from confusion to trust. Because when we make space for God’s plan, we find a path that leads to peace, purpose, and a life that really matters.
We all want to know what’s coming next—but what if peace isn’t found in having all the answers? In this episode, we take a closer look at the book of James and explore what it means to trust God when the path ahead is uncertain. Whether you’re making big decisions, facing unexpected changes, or simply navigating a season of unknowns, this conversation offers practical wisdom and spiritual clarity for the year ahead. If uncertainty is your word of the year, you’re not alone—and you just might find that it’s the very place where peace begins.
Have you ever prayed and wondered if your words were just bouncing off the ceiling? Do you ever question whether God hears you—or if He even wants to? In this episode, we take a closer look at one of Jesus’ closest disciples to discover how we can be confident that God is listening. We'll explore the heart of prayer, what draws God's attention, and how Scripture assures us that we are not alone or ignored.Whether you've been following Jesus for years or are simply curious about how prayer works, join us around the table for an honest, hope-filled conversation. Together, we’ll dig deep into the mystery of divine listening—and how knowing that God hears us can reshape the way we pray.
God’s will isn’t just something we try to figure out—it’s something He’s already working in us and through us. Philippians 2:13 reminds us that God is shaping our hearts and moving through our lives for His good purpose. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to recognize His work in you and how to live it out in the world around you. When we trust that He’s already at work, we can step forward with confidence, knowing we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.
Do you know God's will for you this year? Would you like to know? It may be that you already know the answer to that question. The better question may be, do you know how to do God's will? In this episode of the Orchard Podcast, we will discuss the topic of knowing and doing God's will. This is the time of the year when we are looking toward the future and wondering what God may have in store for our lives, families, and ministry. We invite you to join us around the table to pause and think with us as we run into the months ahead.
In this final episode of 2024, with the Christmas season upon us, we discuss the concluding words of Jesus' most famous sermon, while also talking a bit about Clark Griswold, Christmas lights, and the birth of Jesus. We also introduce our new book that just hit Amazon and Barnes and Noble this month called "Repairers of the Breach." Click here to learn more about our new book:https://www.amazon.com/Repairers-Breach-pilgrimage-heart-Kingdom/dp/B0DM9K6K1N
If Jesus had Google Maps, would He take the fastest route—or the one less traveled? In this episode, we dive into Matthew 7:13-23 to explore how following the way of Jesus is about more than directions. It’s about transformation. Discover how walking His path shapes our lives today, leading us to love God and others more deeply.
What does a sandwich, a plank, a window, and gold have to do with each other? In this episode, we will talk about each of these as they relate to Jesus' teaching about loving other people. We are working our way through Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and we will discuss the first few verses of chapter seven in this episode. We would love to hear your thoughts, feedback, or comments related to this episode. Email us at podcast@orchardafrica.org.
In this episode, we dive into Jesus’ powerful teaching on "storing up treasures in heaven" and what it means to manage our earthly resources in a way that aligns with God’s kingdom. Discover how to own and enjoy what you have without letting your possessions take hold of your heart. We’ll explore practical ways to invest in eternal treasures that make an impact both now and for eternity, guiding us to live with purpose, generosity, and freedom in a world driven by materialism. Learn how the work of God's kingdom is actively transforming lives today, and how you can be part of that mission.
If you had 30 seconds to share the most important parts of living in God's kingdom, what would you say? What would you include? What would you leave out? In Matthew 6, Jesus gives us the perfect elevator pitch on the heart of the Christian life. We know those words today as the Lord's Prayer. In this episode we will unpack this prayer and discuss how Jesus intended it to be a guide for daily life.
Jesus said, "let your good works be seen by others that they would glorify God" and then a few minutes later he said, "give in secret." What is Jesus trying to teach us about giving and serving with these two seemingly contradictory statements. In this episode we will look at this giving paradox and talk about how to give in a good way that honors God as well as those in need.
"Go the extra mile" and "Turn the other cheek" are universally known expressions that were first spoken by Jesus himself. Both of these phrases are ancient and yet timeless as they guide us in the daily challenge of loving people around us, especially those who are difficult to love. In this episode, we will talk about Jesus' unorthodox approach to loving others and how that affects the impact we can make in the world as his followers. We also are excited to have Deacon Stanley Jones Jr the Department Head for Missions at First Baptist Church of Glenarden International as our special guest for this conversation as he shares his insights from his life and ministry on the topic of extra-mile living and loving.
Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we delve into one of Jesus' lesser-known teachings found in Matthew 5:31-37, where He explores the significance of oaths and the essence of integrity. While oaths may conjure up images of childhood pinky swears or solemn promises made on a loved one's grave, Jesus challenges us to a deeper understanding—one rooted in trustworthiness, keeping our word, and honoring our relationships.