As I record this, it's the week of Thanksgiving, so I wanted to take some time to talk about why giving thanks is so important—not just spiritually (it's biblical!), but also physically and mentally. If you're feeling like there’s nothing to be thankful for, maybe you’re just not looking in the right places.

I dive into 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and talk about how giving thanks applies to all circumstances, not just when we feel like it. I discuss how our brains are naturally wired for negativity and how envy, comparison, pride, and resentment can get in the way of gratitude. It takes practice to be grateful!

I reflect on everyday things we overlook, like having the internet at our fingertips, a warm furnace, a roof over our heads, food choices, and even our freedom to worship. I share a nostalgic story about the excitement of getting a new album growing up, and how music has changed with the advent of streaming—it’s so easy to take these things for granted.

There's also a lesson from Luke 17 about the 10 men with leprosy and how only one returned to thank Jesus. It makes me wonder: Are we sometimes taking God for granted because He’s always there?

I also talk about the physical and mental health benefits of gratitude—lower blood pressure, better sleep, fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, and more satisfaction in life. To help you build a habit, I suggest trying a Five Minute Journal or jotting down three things you're grateful for each day.

Tim Tebow John 3:16 Story

I share a story involving Tim Tebow and some remarkable “coincidences” surrounding John 3:16, reminding us that God is always working, even if we don't see it. I also recount a personal experience of almost hitting a deer and realizing that sometimes, the small inconveniences (like filling up tires in the rain) might just be blessings in disguise.

The Benefits of Gratitude

Finally, I discuss how gratitude helped me cope with grief, and how it's hard to feel grateful and bitter at the same time. I encourage you to practice gratitude, especially if you're struggling during the holidays.

Mentioned: The 5 Minute Journal From Intelligent Change (affiliate)

If you find this episode helpful or know someone who could use a lift, point them to feedingmyfaith.com/95. I appreciate everyone who listens and sends feedback. If you're celebrating Thanksgiving, I hope you have a wonderful holiday. If not, enjoy your Thursday!

Thank you for listening!

Hey, it's Dave Jackson, and in this episode, I'm diving deep into something that's affecting all of us—how our brains are wired for quick gratification, and how that plays out in everything from social media scrolling to food, gambling, and more.

I start things off by talking about the science behind our brains—the dopamine “wanting chemical” that's responsible for why we keep endlessly scrolling on apps like Facebook or TikTok, and why we binge on things that give us instant gratification. I share my own struggles with Facebook shorts and set limits on myself to avoid that endless late-night rabbit hole.

We also get into how our choices—especially when it comes to food—are being manipulated. Food companies have learned how to mess with our hunger and satisfaction hormones to keep us eating more, and this has contributed to skyrocketing childhood obesity rates. It’s no wonder it’s hard to stop at just one chip!

Then I walk through how things like TikTok and other gamified experiences are rewiring our brains, leaving us less motivated and unsatisfied with real life because it doesn't offer that “instant fix.” I talk about the dangers facing our kids, especially with early online exposure to things like pornography and addictive social media platforms.

Gambling is everywhere now—I share some jaw-dropping ways companies are targeting young people with new predictive markets and game mechanics that make it super easy to get hooked. I give examples, like apps where kids spend millions gambling with virtual coins, and how companies even lure people back in after they've quit.

Throughout the episode, I tie these modern struggles back to biblical wisdom—like the parable of the talents in Matthew, and Solomon's advice from Proverbs—reminding all of us that there’s a difference between quick gratification and lasting satisfaction. I share how taking pride in small, real-life accomplishments builds character and genuine satisfaction, unlike these surface-level dopamine hits.

I wrap up by encouraging you (and myself) to make better choices—one at a time—and focus on what truly brings satisfaction. Tune in for some real talk about the subtle traps in our culture and how we can use faith to navigate them.

If you found anything in this episode helpful, share it with someone who could use the encouragement, or visit feedingmyfaith.com for more.

Thanks for listeni

Wobbly knees, folks! We’ve all been there, right? In this chat, we dive deep into the ups and downs of life, and let me tell you, life can hit harder than a heavyweight champ! Think about it: just like Ali with his fancy footwork, we’re all dodging punches from life and sometimes we get hit! So, what's the deal when those knees start wobbling? We explore how vulnerability is not just a weakness but a chance to lean into faith when the going gets tough. It’s all about recognizing when the devil’s trying to knock us out and how to stay grounded even when we feel like we’re on shaky ground. Spoiler: prayer is your secret weapon!

Takeaways:

• Sometimes life feels like dogs and cats living together, total chaos, right?
• Wobbly knees are totally normal when you're facing life’s punches, just hang in there!
• The devil's not gonna bother you when you're on top, he waits for your wobbliest days.
• Doubt isn't a sin, it's just your soul wrestling with faith, so don't sweat it!
• When you're feeling down, remember prayer is like a lifeline, grab it tight!
• Isolation is a sneaky trap, so share your struggles with your buddies and lift each other up!