Limitless Spirit
Feeling stuck in the daily grind? Longing for a spiritually rich and meaningful life? Limitless Spirit with Helen Todd is for those who crave a deeper faith, a greater purpose, and opportunities to serve beyond themselves. Through powerful stories and real conversations, this podcast explores how stepping out in faith—whether through mission trips, discipleship, or simply saying ‘yes’ to God—can change your life from surviving to thriving.
Limitless Spirit
Are you living for a greater purpose?
Join us for a conversation between Helen Todd and Dr. Mike Brown that connects the grand narrative of the Bible with the individual purpose in our lives. Dr, Brown shares insights on how understanding scripture can inspire usto discover and to walk confidently in our calling.
• Discussion on the importance of viewing the Bible as one continuous story
• Insights into feeling adequate in our spiritual journey and responsibilities
• The power of God's Word illustrated through the metaphor of seeds
• Emphasis on relationship over performance in fulfilling our purpose
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Welcome to Limitless Spirit, a weekly podcast with host Helen Todd, where she interviews guests about pursuing spiritual growth, discovering life's purpose through serving others and developing a deeper faith in Christ.
Speaker 2:Welcome to Limit purpose in life. We're going to dive deep into how the grand narrative of the Bible God's story of redemption from Genesis to Revelation inspires us to live out that purpose for which we were created. And, let's be honest, it isn't always easy. Many of us struggle with feeling inadequate and qualified. It's not easy to balance faith with our daily responsibilities. I mean, let's be honest, it's not easy to figure out what is that greater purpose in our lives? My guest today is Pastor Mike Brown. He pastors Faith and Wisdom Church in Branson, missouri, and he knows these challenges firsthand. He is a dynamic speaker. In fact, he will be a speaker at our Greater Purpose Conference April 9th, 10th and 11th in Branson, missouri. And Pastor Mike has truly a passion and a gift for helping people connect with the Bible practically to their everyday lives and inspire them to live out their faith in the daily life. And so in this episode, we will explore how understanding the Bible as one continuous story can help us find this purpose.
Speaker 2:And it's not what you think. This is the greatest thing about this conversation. So, whether you're wrestling with self-doubt, or you are unsure about your role in God's plan, or you're simply looking for inspiration to step out in faith. This episode is for you. Stay tuned as we unpack these truths with Pastor Mike Brown. Let's get started. Good morning, pastor Mike. Welcome to the Limitless Spirit. How are you this morning?
Speaker 3:I'm doing well and say that title again. I love it.
Speaker 2:Well, Limitless Spirit.
Speaker 2:I like that. I like that. We believe that the Holy Spirit is limitless and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are limitless, and so, really, the purpose of this podcast is to connect our listeners with their greater purpose in life and discover these limitless powers that we're endowed with through the Holy Spirit, and so I'm so excited about our conversation. I am looking forward to your message at the upcoming Greater Purpose Conference, with our theme Inspired. It's bound to inspire everyone in attendance, and, having heard you many times, I consider you one of the best communicators out there, and I don't know that we've ever talked about this as long as Chuck and I have known you. But you know you are very gifted, a gifted speaker. But what really inspired you to become a pastor, to go into ministry? You could have used your talents in corporate world and you know many other spheres of life, so what is it that inspired you to become a pastor?
Speaker 3:Well, the call of God, of course, is vital, and being a pastor in any five-fold ministry is not just a career path, and you know that, you're aware of that, that one just chooses on his own and probably if I would have just chosen on my own, I might have gone another way. Not because I disrespect the ministry my mom and dad were pastors and I was born during the week and in church on Sunday. We didn't wait very long and I'm grateful for that. But I think probably, helen, the reason why was my mother and my father instilled in me at a very young age an absolute love for God's Word. In fact they told me later, as I was growing up. They said that while I was in my mom's womb, that they laid hands on mom's stomach.
Speaker 3:Dad, mom did and said father, when this child is born and they didn't know then, you know the way we know now if it was going to be a boy or girl but they said when this child is born, we pray that you would give this child an insatiable hunger for the word of God and an ability to communicate it to others. And so that was prayed over me when I was in my mother's womb and from a very early age I have loved God's word. I have loved God's word and it's not self-aggrandizement at all or arrogance on my part to say this, because I realize it has nothing to do with me or my mental ability, but God gave me an ability early in my life to comprehend the word of God and to memorize large portions of it, eyes, large portions of it and any gift of communication I've had over these last 58 years. In preaching the word of God, I started when I was 15 years old. You all can do the math on that and the gray you know the gray beard is showing up.
Speaker 2:Even though this is audio, you'll see, but by you, when they come you know it's so awesome that you mentioned that, because this year only at our conference, we have this extraordinary exhibit of the history of the Bible through centuries. So sort of you know, when we read the Bible we get the inside, look into the Bible. But this exhibit presents us with the outside history of how the Word of God worked in people's lives through centuries. Amidst the persecution and the attempts to exterminate that and extinguish it, it persevered and through centuries it produced fruit in people's lives, just like it did in yours, like it did in mine, and you know, I think it addresses people's.
Speaker 2:Sometimes people look at especially the Old Testament, but even the New Testament, as this ancient history. You know that, yes, it is the word of God, but it was back then, and how does it practically apply to my life today? And so I think this exhibit gives this perspective, and what you just mentioned today is a great example that if you allow the word of God, if you bring it inside your soul, you know and allow it to do its work, it really shapes and guides your lives in the ways that are beyond imagination and comprehension, and so that is awesome. And thank God for your godly heritage. You know that matters too, and so that's a great testimony.
Speaker 3:And so that's a great testimony. Well, helen, I think you're a theme inspired. That's the difference in the Bible and every other book. I love reading and I read a lot, but the majority of my reading, of course, is in the word of God. But I read other books too, and some recreationally, you know, novels and other things, because I just want the information and the knowledge. But the difference in the Bible and every other book is that one word that is the theme of the conference inspired. It's inspired.
Speaker 3:The Bible said it was not written by the thoughts of men, but holy men spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. It is God breathed Plenary inspiration, just big theological words, but it means it's the breath of God, it's the word of God. 1189 chapters, 66 books, and it's been tried to be extinguished and removed and eradicated from the planet since all of those books in the Word were written, and unsuccessfully. It's still the number one seller today. And the Bible says of itself that when heaven and earth pass away, his word will not pass away.
Speaker 3:Everything God does in your life and my life and in the life of the listeners, he does through his word. And his word is alive, it's active, it's sharper than any two-edged sword and it's more relevant to today than tomorrow will be relevant to tomorrow, and that may sound like a convoluted statement, but it's absolutely true. It knows the end from the beginning and it inspires our faith. It shows us how to relate to one another. It brings purpose into our lives and I love his word.
Speaker 3:I love his word and I know you do too, and that's what WMA does all around the world. You're sowing the seed of the word of God and it's bringing forth harvest, and it doesn't make any difference what culture it's in, what persecution it suffers. I have to laugh about this. Voltaire, the French atheist, made a statement in his home in France when he was alive. He said I will eradicate the Bible from all of Europe before I die. He died, and that house today is owned by the American Bible Society that is printing God's Word in multiple languages all across Europe. So his Word endures.
Speaker 2:That is so true. In Argentina, we partner with the Bible Institute that is being housed in a summer mansion of a Nazi officer that escaped a tribunal in Nazi Germany. You know, such is the power of God that no evil can stand before him, and what the enemy means for evil, god turns for greater glory. He redeems things, you know, and I think that's what the word of God does in our lives. It redeems our past, it redeems our failures, and one of the other gifts that I really so admire in you is your pastoral calling and how.
Speaker 2:You're currently the pastor of Faith and Wisdom Church in Branson, missouri, and I so appreciate how, with your messages, you are trying to impart this very practical application of the Word of God on your congregation, and I believe that you have the same prepared for our listeners, and I want to highlight that for those who haven't met you or haven't heard you before, that they're in for a special treat. They can expect to go away with a lot from this message. So can you give us a sneak preview on what you're going to be talking about?
Speaker 3:Sure, I'd be glad to do that and I believe God's Word. Helen establishes believers, it trains receivers and it produces achievers. You know, we were created to be productive. We were created to be productive. One of the great things I love about you and Chuck and WMA is the trips you take, you know, all around the world and the people that go with you and the purpose of productivity. But I'm going to talk about at the conference and I can't wait, oh, your lineup of speakers is phenomenal the special exhibit you're going to talk about at the conference, and I can't wait. Oh, your lineup of speakers is phenomenal the special exhibit you're going to have. So I'm looking forward to being in attendance as much as I can to every session that I can possibly be there.
Speaker 3:But what the Lord has laid on my heart, I'm going to talk about the power of the Word as a seed. The power of the word as a seed, or I might just say the power of seed. And you can't study the Bible without realizing how into seed God is. Genesis, chapter one he creates everything, and the Bible says he created every tree, every herb, every plant, bearing in itself seed, everything on the earth, most everything that we eat comes from a seed. I'm sitting at a desk in my office and it's made of wood. It came from a seed and I believe everything God does on the earth he does through a seed. God had a son. He made him into a seed. He sowed him on Calvary's cross and you and I are the harvest of the family that he got. God's the greatest sower that ever sowed a seed. When Jesus came, the greatest parable, in my opinion, he ever gave was the parable of the sower. He said a sower went forth to sow seed and, as you know, it fell on four different kinds of soil and the soil determined what the productivity of it would be. But he said he was the sower and the Word was the seed. And that's what WMA is doing all around the world. You're sowing the seed of the Word of God.
Speaker 3:I want to talk when we meet at the conference about the power of the seed that God puts in our lives. And so much of the time some people only see seed as finance or as money. And money is a seed. As we sow into the kingdom of God. It brings forth great harvest for the glory of God, wins people to Christ. But money is not the only seed. Time is a seed Energy, mercy, mentorship, intercessory prayer, a breath meant in close proximity. It can be a seed. Anything that God puts in our hand that, on his instruction, we can sow into somebody else's life, that will bless them, produce a harvest and bring glory to God is a seed, and you might tell that I'm pretty excited about the message of the Lord's land in my heart.
Speaker 3:I'm going to talk about the power in seed, the power in the word, the power in the seed to penetrate, the power of penetration. I saw a study that actually, through high-level technology, traced the germination of a seed that was put under concrete and the seed, the sprig, the little green sprig, began to grow and it hit the bottom of that concrete and literally had and it sounds unbelievable what it's scientifically proven had the power to crack a fissure in that concrete and go back into the sunshine and sprout to life. God's word can penetrate any block that the enemies put in us. So you want a little taste. I'm going to talk about penetration, multiplication, equalization, predestination, transformation, glorification, domination and restoration. Now I may not get on all those, but that's a few of the power of the seeds. Now I may not in on all those.
Speaker 2:but that's a few of the power of the seeds. That's a lot to process and you know I think this is. I really am looking forward to it. I better have my notepad and pen to take notes. But you know you were talking about productivity and the importance of us being productive and not all productivity is equal. You know we a lot of times dedicate our lives to careers and and achievements, you know, and only to find that and at the end of the highest achievement there is still that sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction. And if you've dedicated your entire life to that and you reach the end of your life and you're still not fulfilled and not satisfied, that's tragic, you know.
Speaker 3:Absolutely.
Speaker 2:And so I think that's one of the greatest tragedies of life is realizing by the end of your life that there is something that you might have missed.
Speaker 2:You know, and after applying so much effort and Jesus is very explicit about being productive, you know, when he addresses the fig tree, that looked very lush and green, but it was lacking what Jesus was looking for, and that was the fruit.
Speaker 2:And I think that you know the focus on that productivity and this. We can plant many seeds in life, you know, and we, like I said, we apply our efforts to various things, we apply our gifts to various things, but there is only one particular fruit that Jesus is looking for and in the end, that's the only fruit that is going to count. So I think that this is a very important message and it really applies to the whole idea of Greater Purpose Conference. And you know, and I think, the people that will be present at the conference are people who are looking for that greater purpose in life, you know, and the significance of their lives in the big scheme of God's plan. So what advice do you have for people who are still feel? Maybe they attend church faithfully, you know, and they even read the word of God, but they struggle with connecting their lives with the message.
Speaker 3:Yeah, I think back all the way back to Genesis 1, 28,. And the first words he said to man and woman. I think the first words he said bear as importance, and the Bible said he blessed them Genesis 1, 28. He blessed them. He said be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth. He said be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth, subdue it and take dominion.
Speaker 3:The purpose of all those things, the purpose of productivity, multiplication, filling our environment with fullness, taking control of things ruling on the earth, the way the Lord wants us to, is not about us. It's about the glory of God, and I think people that struggle with understanding the application of the Word of God sometimes are trying to consume it all and understand it all. Don't do that. The purpose God has given us is one purpose and, helen, I don't know if we've ever talked about this, but I think a lot of people are confused between purpose and assignment. They think their purpose on the earth is to be a worshiper. Well, God loves worshipers and we all should worship, but he had worshipers before he created man. If you ask someone in the church, that's a real intercessor that prays for people. What's your purpose? Oh, my purpose is to be an intercessor. Well, but God could sovereignly do that, and I want the people that are listening to grasp this, and I love your question and I want them to grab this as an answer. I think we all have the same purpose, but we have different assignments, and our purpose is simply this to walk with God on a daily basis. When God came in the cool of the evening into the Garden of Eden, he didn't swim with porpoises, he didn't swing in the trees with chimpanzees, he didn't romp over the Serengeti with wildebeest. He walked with man.
Speaker 3:And I think the reason why a lot of people are frustrated, they're trying to do things in the word to please God, rather than just allowing the word to teach us how to walk with him. You know, the old hymn was right he walks with me, he talks with me, he tells me that I'm his own. There's a joy in walking with the Lord, and when you walk with him, led by his word, then your assignments become clear. Then your assignments become clear and I think a lot of people get the cart before the horse, if you will. They're trying to find out their assignments and they're calling them their purpose. Hey, wherever you are in the Word of God, let it get in you, transform you and walk with the Lord in that revelation and He'll reveal what you're supposed to do. He'll reveal your assignments and your gifts and your talents. It almost sounds like I'm saying don't work at it so hard, and I really'm saying don't work at it so hard, and I really am saying don't work at it so hard.
Speaker 2:I like that. I like that. It's very refreshing. I remember I did the series, podcast series, greater Purpose, and I interviewed different people, pastors and just lay Christians, you know, asking them if they feel like they have connected with their greater purpose. And I think that I have to agree with your perspective. I think our life on this earth does not really have a destination. It's a journey, it's a transition, but how you walk through this journey matters. And so, yeah, I like that perspective because it releases burden. You know, there are people that are super achievers, they love to reach goals and mark things off the list, and it can be very discouraging because you know, we can never attain the perfect holiness. Attained the perfect holiness while we're on this. We're given the golden standard in the life of Christ of what we should be, but we always fall short and it can become discouraging.
Speaker 3:Yeah, but.
Speaker 2:I think this is a great perspective and from that perspective, every day of our life matters Absolutely.
Speaker 3:You know sometimes, and I'm one of those guys I mean, if I would be, you know, if a psychologist would look at me, he would call me, whatever an alpha. I am an achiever and I set goals in my life, and so are you and so are Chuck and in your ministry. But I had to learn a long time ago and the Holy Spirit helped me in understanding this that God really is not nearly so interested in my achievements for him as he is in my fellowship with him. Romans 8 doesn't say as many as are driven by the Spirit of God or the sons of God. It says as many as are led by the Spirit of God or the sons of God.
Speaker 3:And I've discovered in my life I can achieve many, many, many more times what God wants me to achieve, simply by walking with him, hearing his voice, through his word and through the Holy Spirit, and simply obeying him and let it be enjoyable. Jesus didn't say I am come that you might have a and I don't want this misunderstood. But he didn't say I'm come that you might have a purpose that would drive you, burden you, frustrate you. He said I am come that you might have life, and that more abundantly, and part of that life is achieving the purpose and the assignments God gives us. But I've learned in my life God's not near the hard taskmaster that we think he is. He's a loving father and he wants us to enjoy him. Enjoy him. The fact of the matter is I know this really hurts all of our egos but he could probably get along well without any of us, absolutely. And when I think of the Great Commission.
Speaker 2:You know, and Chuck and I have devoted three decades of our lives to this. You know, the truth of the matter is because people often look at it as a task. You know that.
Speaker 2:God assigned us with and that he needs our help in that.
Speaker 2:But he doesn't he doesn't really need our help in revealing himself to people, drawing people to himself.
Speaker 2:So I look at it as a privilege that was bestowed on us as sort of a blueprint for life, if you will. Absolutely, it's not limited to us, just, you know, going on service trips to God, performing charity acts. It's more of a blueprint for life and to produce disciples through our daily life, whether it's in Jerusalem or Samaria or Judea or the ends of the earth, you know, and that really is just all we need to know on how to structure our lives. And so that's why we are so passionate about involving people, and I know your church is extremely passionate about the Great Commission and putting the emphasis on that global reach, absolutely. So I just feel that your ministry at this conference is going to be absolutely invaluable and I encourage our listeners not to miss out. You are a rare breed, pastor Mike, in today's church world, and so we're very, very honored to have you and Karen at the conference and are really looking forward to it. So any final words to our listeners what would you like to leave them with the takeaway from today's conversation?
Speaker 3:Here's my takeaway we do what we do because of what we are, and the word of God in us is to create what we are. It's to conform us to the image of Christ. That's why we're called Christians. I know we say we're Christians, but we're not like Chris. We're like Christ and it doesn't make any difference how we pronounce that word. But I'll leave them with this.
Speaker 3:I love horses. I have a beautiful blue-roaned foxtrotting mare. I don't get to ride her as much as I'd like to, but I love her and she does horse things because she is a horse. I don't have to make her like alfalfa. I don't have to make her like sweet grains. She whinnies naturally, she gallops naturally. She does horse things because she's a horse and I can do horse things. I guess I could gallop through the pasture with her and I could maybe choke down some sweet grain, but I would not be a horse.
Speaker 3:What am I saying? Action comes from being and the word of God in us makes us become like Jesus, and when we are like Jesus we will do what Jesus did and it won't be a strain. We'll bear fruit, and I've never seen an apple tree having a nervous breakdown trying to bear an apple and we've missed it. I think we've done it through our own power rather than the power of the word. So I just encourage the listeners that are going to be at the conference center if you're not planning to change your plans, it's going to be dynamite. I think it'll be your greatest conference yet and I'm looking forward to it.
Speaker 2:Absolutely Well, don't miss it. It's April 9th, 10th and 11th at the Thousand Hills Resort in Branson, Missouri. Pastor Mike will be speaking at the very last session, so we saved the dessert for last. It's going to be rich and it's going to be powerful. Thank you so much, Pastor Mike, for joining. It was wonderful to talk to you and we so much look forward to your ministry at the Greater.
Speaker 3:My pleasure, my pleasure, thank you.
Speaker 2:Well, that was an incredible conversation. I hope this episode inspired you today to see the Bible not just as ancient history but as a living, breathing story that invites you to be a part of God's mission. And if you've been feeling hesitant, unqualified or unsure about your calling, remember this God's story is bigger than our fears and doubts and our fears and doubts. And his purpose for you is hidden in the Great Commission and, as Pastor Mike reminded us, we are all part of a greater narrative and our role, no matter how small it seems, is significant in God's kingdom. If you're encouraged by today's episode, you can check out Pastor Mike's website, where he has many resources, including his books. We are posting the link in the show notes, but it is swmbransoncom. It stands for Strength and Wisdom Ministries.
Speaker 2:I also invite you to visit our website for World Missions Alliance. It's rfwmaorg, and this is a resource for you to find opportunities in the Great Commission. You can fulfill the Great Commission through short-term missions it doesn't have to be a lifelong commitment and so we connect you with these opportunities in over 32 nations across the world. Again, the website is rfwmaorg. That's fwmaorg, and please come to the Greater Purpose Conference. This is a time to experience God, perhaps, like you, have never experienced Him before. We have had so many testimonies from our previous attendees how they've heard God's voice, how they have been touched, how they have experienced a breakthrough, and we want this for you. So, again, the conference is April 9th, 10th and 11th in Branson, missouri, at the Thousand Hills Resort, and you can find more information on our website. Thank you for joining us today. Until next time, I'm Helen.
Speaker 1:Tan. Limitless Spirit Podcast is produced by World Missions Alliance. We believe that changed lives change lives. If your life was transformed by Christ, you are equipped to help others experience this transformation. Christ called his followers to make disciples across the world. To make disciples across the world. World Missions Alliance gives you an opportunity to do this through short-term missions in over 32 countries across the globe. If you want to help those who are hurting and hopeless and discover your greater purpose in serving, check out our website, rfwmaorg, and find out how to get involved.