The Washington Defender Podcast

A Devotion for your drive into work:  If God’s faithfulness isn’t canceled by our doubts, mistakes, or the instability around us, what boldness and hope should it ignite as we step into the public square today? Paul teaches that the greatest “advantage” of the Jewish people is being entrusted with God’s Word, but their moments of unbelief cannot nullify God's eternal faithfulness. Pastor Brian reminds listeners that from Lamentations to 1 John, scripture screams: God’s compassions are new every morning, His faithfulness is everlasting, and He always keeps His word—even if the world is filled with lies or turmoil. No matter what chaos or temptation confronts you in civic life or at home, God Himself will “strengthen and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3), shield you as a wall of refuge, and supply daily mercies to face every challenge. The devotional challenges believers to walk boldly, stand firm, and model faithfulness for their families and communities—because God remains unchangingly faithful as our hope, shield, and guide. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  Does possessing truth lead you to humble obedience and to be a witness for Jesus or to pride, complacency, and lawlessness, either for Israel or for the Church? Drawing from Romans 3:1–2 and the preceding chapters, the teaching shows that God’s gift to the Jewish people was the entrustment of the oracles—His promises and laws—to bless all nations. Their “advantage” is great, but it comes with the warning not to fall into pride, hypocrisy, or legalism. The message also challenges Christians (grafted into God’s family) to honor Jewish roots, reject antisemitism, and embrace humility, repentance, and witness. The closing call is for personal evaluation: “Are you found in Jesus? Is His humility transforming you—a Jew, Gentile, or anyone—for public witness and life-giving impact today?” We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  Are You shaping culture by faithfully living out God’s word, or do you compromise and imitate popular trends to be "liked"—losing sight of what truly pleases God?? Ezekiel witnessed the leaders of Israel giving evil, self-serving advice and compromising truth for comfort and reputation, yet God still calls His people to walk set apart from surrounding nations and trends. The passage warns against being influenced by cultural pressures, urging believers to seek a "heart of flesh"—open, teachable, and controlled by the Holy Spirit through daily repentance and biblical foundation. The devotional challenges leaders and all believers to evaluate whether their decisions and witness reflect godly wisdom or just worldly acceptance. The prayer: Walk in Spirit-led newness each day and let God defend and advance His biblical values through your life—no matter the context or opposition.. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  Do today’s decisions focus on outward qualifications and appearance, or will an inward foundation—humbly transformed by the Holy Spirit—lead to real praise from God above all others? Pastor Brian teaches that true belonging in God’s family is not by outward ritual or human recognition, but by having a heart marked by repentance, surrender, and authentic devotion. The selection of David over his outwardly impressive brothers (1 Samuel 16) illustrates that God seeks inner change, not external status. The devotional calls believers to prioritize inward transformation over social validation, letting each prayer and decision advance God’s values at work and in the community. The concluding prayer asks for God to cultivate hearts fully surrendered and ready to make an impact for Christ wherever they serve. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  What would public witness and private life look like if Christians always kept a blameless conscience—responding to the Spirit’s conviction with humility and quick obedience? Drawing from Romans 2 and Acts 24, this teaching urges believers to keep their conscience clear before God and people—inviting the Holy Spirit to highlight and cleanse any area of compromise, hidden sin, or divided loyalty. The law is written on every heart, and all will be without excuse before God; true integrity means living out truth, not just believing it. The devotional closes with practical self-examination questions and a prayer for God’s redemptive power to cleanse thoughts, motives, and memories—calling Christians to full-courage witness and heart-level obedience all week, not just on Sundays We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

Can gospel-centered discipleship behind prison walls change not just inmates, but entire families, communities, and nations for generations to come? The conversation introduces Prisoners for Christ, detailing their work in over 34 countries through short-term missions, volunteer training, and the International Bible Institute, which plants Bible colleges and equips inmates in prison ministry, evangelism, church planting, and chaplain training. The narrative underscores the measurable impact: in 2024, over 2.1 million inmates reached and 73,000 first-time decisions for Christ. Brian and Greg stress that policy and culture change begins with heart transformation, whether in the legislature or jail. Prayer and giving to prison ministry can reshape families and society, restoring hope to “the bottom rung” and demonstrating that personal redemption leads to community renewal for Washington and the world. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  When selfishness shapes a heart, self-centered laws and culture follow—but if wisdom and surrender fill the heart, both public and private life become springs of life and witness Drawing from Romans 2 and Proverbs 4, the message highlights that circumcision of the heart—having old habits and selfishness “cut away” by God—leads to diligence, integrity, and practical wisdom in all areas of life. Outward marks or church heritage mean nothing without an inward change that results in loving, wise, and righteous action. Authentic believers both hear and do God’s Word, watching over every decision and conversation to guard integrity and witness. The prayer asks God to circumcise hearts, guide steps along the righteous path, and use those changed lives to transform communities for His glory We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

FPIW ACTION interviews Michael Kelly - Pastor Brian has a 20-minute conversation to meet Candidate Michael Kelly - nothing in this video is an endorsement of the candidate nor the candidate's endorsement of FPIW ACTION

A Devotion for your drive into work:  God doesn't want more religious routines—He wants a heart so changed that actions, words, and civic engagement reflect His justice, love, and public witness every day Tracing circumcision from Abraham (Genesis 17) through Moses (Deuteronomy) and Paul (Romans 2), the message teaches that God's real requirement is a transformed heart—one that submits to His commands, loves justice, cares for the vulnerable, and avoids hypocrisy in public and private spheres. Circumcision originated as a covenant sign but is only meaningful when it leads to genuine obedience and practical service. The closing prayer asks God to cut away everything that distracts from praise, witness, and public integrity—reminding listeners that God's glory is best shown through changed lives, not rituals alone.This devotional emphasizes that true circumcision is a change of heart, not just an outward ritual—God wants humility, obedience, and public integrity that brings Him glory, rather than religious routine or hypocritical behavior. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  Will faith in public life be remembered for authentic love and justice or for the hypocrisy that leads others to reject the truth? Based on Romans 2 and Jeremiah 9, the devotional confronts the dangers of hypocrisy in civic engagement, leadership, and daily relationships. Christians are called to accurate, humble truth-telling about God and to avoid boastful, self-centered living. God delights not in outward reputation, but in loving kindness, justice, and righteousness worked out in daily life. The prayer and application emphasize letting God “circumcise the heart” so public actions and private worship match, inviting the world to see a credible, hope-filled faith rooted in Christ’s truth, mercy, and humility. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  Would others honor God because of observable kindness, patience, and excellence in daily life—or does conduct only glorify self in difficult moments? Drawing from Romans 2, Matthew 5:16, and 1 Peter 2:12, the message calls believers to let their good deeds point others to Christ—to let humility, patience, and integrity be the hallmarks that cause observers to “glorify the Father.” When hearts are truly changed, conduct aligns with confession, and God’s character is honored both in easy circumstances and during conflict. Practical applications include extending kindness, listening well, pursuing excellence, and holding firm to honest, godly responses regardless of others’ behavior. The closing exhortation urges asking the Holy Spirit to renew the mind and will so that all life—private and public—brings genuine glory to God today  We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

Pastor to Pastor Can prayer meetings and Spirit-led services really change an entire region—turning a “least religious” state into a place of revival, bold leadership, and public biblical witness? Is the key to revival—and societal transformation—a return to the church as media hub, educator, advocate, refuge, and source of public truth, as in America’s founding era? Pastors Brian and Matt discuss the urgent need for pastors to provide biblical clarity on public issues, equip the church to influence government, education, and the media, and stand as unashamed voices for the gospel amid widespread social confusion. They point to America’s Christian foundations, the danger of church disengagement, and the historic roles of pastors as culture-shapers. The conversation covers practical steps (school co-ops, media outreach, civic prayer, benevolence), warnings against secular and socialist ideologies, and the call for heart transformation—personally and in government—through bold leadership, truth, and Christlike love We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  Are hearts hardened by cultural rot and compromise, or are believers marked by tears and sorrow for what wounds God—ready to pray, fast, and intercede for a community in need of true revival? Do the public sins and personal struggles in church, city, or nation stir up anger and frustration—or do they produce humble grief, compassionate advocacy, and a longing for God to heal and restore? Echoing God’s marking of the faithful in Ezekiel, this message urges Christians to let sorrow over sin lead to action, not apathy—bearing the seal of authenticity and Holy Spirit compassion in every sphere. The devotional calls for self-examination, genuine lament, and bold public witness: sharing God’s grief, declaring truth with love, and choosing repentance rather than resignation. The closing prayer asks, “Lord, break our hearts for what breaks yours,” inspiring listeners to honor God, intercede for others, and work for transformation in family, church, and society. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  Is hypocrisy blinding your genuine witness—does your heart secretly contradict God’s creed, and what would change if you walked in truth, deed, and love, not just words? Are there areas where hidden pride, lack of compassion, or unloving actions undermine public witness, even as biblical standards are taught verbally in church, workplace, or community? Starting in Deuteronomy 10 and Romans 2, the message exposes Israel’s struggle to balance God’s law and authentic faith—the danger of “stiff necks” and uncircumcised hearts, and the temptation to teach truth but privately break it. The devotional challenges listeners to fear God, pursue justice and compassion, guard against hypocrisy, and love neighbors not just in words but in meaningful deeds. 1 John’s call to “love in deed and truth” offers practical guidance: pray for God to reveal hidden inconsistencies and replace them with authentic love, reverence, and public integrity. The closing prayer asks for the Spirit to root out hypocrisy, comfort self-doubt, and empower tangible obedience and bold biblical witness in every sphere of life We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:   Is “learning” just accumulating information, or does it produce visible change, obedience, and courage in the public square when hard choices must be made? Does regular exposure to biblical teaching result in deeper love for God and neighbor, or does it sometimes create complacency or hypocrisy if not lived out? Pulling from Romans 2:17–21 and 2 Timothy 3, the message warns against being always learning but never coming to the knowledge of the truth—loving pleasure, self, or comfort more than God. Learners must apply, not just retain, truth, letting scripture shape conduct, relationships, and priorities in both public and private life. The challenge: teach only what is being personally practiced, love God above all else, and let each lesson be a catalyst for humility, courage, and biblical witness in a confused world. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  What if correcting foolishness in others starts with a prayer—“Lord, circumcise my heart”—so that every word is shaped by humility, self-reflection, and grace, not pride or frustration? Does correction flow from a spirit of superiority, or from a broken and surrendered heart that seeks God's glory above personal vindication or being right?​ Drawing from Romans 2 and Isaiah 57, this teaching urges believers to look inward before attempting to correct others—seeking a "circumcised" (transformed) heart and lowly spirit that God can use powerfully in the public square. The devotional warns against arrogance, idolatry, and the temptation to place anything above God, promising that God’s peace, healing, and effective witness are reserved for the contrite and humble. When hearts are first surrendered, correction and guidance become instruments of restoration and blessing, not control or contention.   We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:  Light shines brightest in darkness when the guide is first cleansed and renewed by God, not just armed with information or religious habit. Do personal repentance and renewal precede moments of spiritual influence and evangelism, or does self-reliance rob your witness of power and authenticity in the public square? Referencing Romans 2 and Psalm 51, the message emphasizes that a “circumcised heart”—one regularly cleansed and surrendered—enables believers to lead others into truth and light. The process starts with honest prayer for forgiveness, joy, and a steadfast spirit, so that public witness flows from genuine transformation rather than religious duty. This “heart surgery” equips guides to declare God’s praise, model compassion, and share the joy of salvation, thereby advancing biblical values wherever they serve or speak. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:   If “God’s will” is about sanctification, gratitude, prayer, and sharing Christ, what would change if people moved beyond rituals and let these truths transform their actual work, speech, and relationships? Is the knowledge of God’s will staying in the mind, or is it being worked out in actions that set people apart for Christ and for public gospel witness? Drawing from Romans 2, 1 Thessalonians 4, 5, and John 6, the devotional teaches that God’s will centers on being set apart—sanctified—in sexuality, relationships, work, and speech, living in contrast to the world’s standards. Believers are called to continual prayer, thankfulness, and sharing the gospel, letting heart change drive public impact. God’s will is “none should perish,” so everyday tasks and interactions become opportunities to glorify Him, encourage others, and reveal authentic gospel living in public and private spheres. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

Pastor to Pastor Can prayer meetings and Spirit-led services really change an entire region—turning a “least religious” state into a place of revival, bold leadership, and public biblical witness? Are pastors giving congregations biblical context and confidence to address today’s politicized moral issues, or does silence leave faith vulnerable to confusion and compromise? Pastor Brian and Pastor Alec explore forty years of ministry, sharing stories of revival, multigenerational church leadership, and practical approaches to leading Spirit-filled services that prioritize God’s presence over strict schedules. Alec explains how Church Awakening seeks to mobilize public prayer and equip pastors across denominations to address crises such as family integrity and parental authority with clarity and compassion. Both urge pastors and believers to lead prayer efforts, speak out on biblical issues (not just “political” ones), and be a source of fatherly guidance and courageous hope in the church and wider community, especially amid cultural confusion and legislative challenges. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/

A Devotion for your drive into work:   If circumcision started as a mark in private, why did God’s greatest desire always point to a heart made new, not just a body marked by tradition? Is there an area where outward religious practice is masking an unchanged heart—and what would “cutting away the flesh” look like today in public, work, or family life? Tracing from Genesis 12 and 17 to Deuteronomy and Romans 2, this message teaches that God’s covenants and commands (including circumcision) always aimed at a heart response—a “cutting away” of sinful desires so that God’s love, reverence, and obedience flow openly in daily life and the public square. Just as bearing a family name represents a legacy, claiming Christ’s name calls for genuine transformation: changing how believers lead, forgive, relate, and “honor and fear” God at every moment. The invitation is to pray for God to circumcise every part of the heart, removing anything that prevents full devotion and true witness to His mercy and grace in all settings. We are transforming our hearts so we can shape the public square. If you're interested in starting a public square ministry, check out these free resources - https://fpiw.org/public-square-ministry Donate Today - https://fpiw.bndlr.co/