Daily Thunder Podcast

We are to be unlike the world around us—though we live in the world, we are not to be of the world. As Paul concludes his argument in Philippians 4:9, he declares “look at my life and watch how this is put into practice!” In this episode, Nathan exposes Paul’s heart from the passage and exhorts each of us to live lives worthy to be imitated.

This is the eighteenth episode in Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series drawing on the legendary life of Alfred the Great. In this particular episode he brings a woman into the series for the first time —Alfred’s first born, Æthelflæd. The beautiful young Æthelflæd becomes an incredible picture of love, grace, and self-sacrificing care as she is called on to play a very special role as a royal player in the Anglo-Saxon culture. Æthelflæd becomes the “peace-weaver” between two nations at at a time when peace between them was essential to overcoming the Viking onslaught.

While God is the only one who is truly worthy of praise, it is fascinating that the word “praiseworthy” in Philippians 4:8 is used for both God and people. In this study, Nathan Johnson explores the biblical concept of praiseworthy and gives eight practical thoughts for how we can live lives of praise.

This is the seventeenth episode in Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series drawing on the legendary life of Alfred the Great. In this particular episode he zooms in on a particular event in the year 885 when a new wave of Viking evil crashes up against Alfred’s newly built Burh defenses in Rochester.  It’s the ultimate test to determine if all of his effort to fortify the nation of Wessex has paid off. That’s a test that each one of us becomes familiar with as Believers in Christ. At conversion, we kick out the darkness and we are invigorated with the initial victory over sin, but there comes a time when the darkness returns to see if we have grown lax in our faith or if we really have exercised our newfound defenses in Christ. May the Vikings, when they come, find us firmly established in Lord’s power and victory!

Our culture is obsessed with "excellent" things—people, sports ability, careers, etc—but biblically, there is only one thing that is truly "excellent." In this study of Philippians 4:8, Nathan Johnson talks about things culture deems as excellent and shows how the only truly excellent thing is Jesus Himself—and also discusses three ways to fill up your mind with "whatever is excellent."

This is the sixteenth episode in Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series drawing on the legendary life of Alfred the Great. In this special edition Daily Thunder message, he is welcoming the newly arriving students for the summer 2021 Alumni Summit and finding an excuse to share some profound tidbits about Alfred the Great simultaneously.  This particular episode introduces the extraordinary “revival” that comes to Wessex as a result of Alfred’s bold maneuvers as king. It’s a picture of the revival that God wants to bring to each and every one of our lives.

This is the fifteenth episode in Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series drawing on the legendary life of Alfred the Great. In this particular episode he unpacks the unusual way that Alfred handles the season of reprieve from battle that follows his extraordinary victory over the Vikings at Edington.  He doesn’t spend it enjoying the lovely Wessex summer, but he rolls up his sleeves and transforms the Saxon military system. He boldly changes out the age-old Fyrd system out for a new Burh system. This arduous and challenging shift alters the course of the island of Britannia, ultimately proves the undoing of the Viking hordes, and sets the pace for a united England in upcoming generations.

According to Paul, our minds are to have a “good reputation.” While many of us would fear if someone could see our thoughts for 24 hours, a Christian’s mind is to be full of honor and godliness. In this episode, Nathan examines the concept of “commendable” in Philippians 4:8 and four examples the Bible gives for such a thought life.

This is the fourteenth episode in Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series drawing on the legendary life of Alfred the Great. In this particular episode he explores the gift-giving prerogative of a king. The generosity of the Saxon kings of Alfred’s era is a fascinating study in itself, but the generosity of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings is even more astounding.  Christ has given kingly gifts to his Church, but have we received these kingly gifts? Have we responded as recipients of sacred gifts ought to respond? Have we tilled the land He entrusted us? Have we invested the talents of gold He bestowed upon us?  Have we swung the gilded swords that he placed within our grasp? May we honor our Almighty Ring Giver by handling His sacred trust with diligent and loving exercise.

"This study was not at all what I was expecting” was heard from Nathan’s mouth as he dived into what Paul calls “lovely.” As Christians, we often diminish or de-spiritualize anything that is delightful or pleasurable, yet Paul says that such things should be in our minds and filling up our lives. In this study from Philippians 4:8, Nathan explains three key areas that are lovely and why we should find great delight, joy, and pleasure in them.