Best Mike Novotny Podcasts (2024)

1
Why the Bible Matters: Because It Impacts Lives 28:17

1h ago28:17

28:17

How do we get past life's hurdles? The answer to our shame, sin, and weakness is in the Bible. From the first of three messages from the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., Pastor Mike teaches about the most prolific book ever—the Bible. From Abraham Lincoln to Rosa Parks, people throughout history have found the Bible impactful. And it contin…

1
Behind the Series: Why the Bible Matters 38:37

2h ago38:37

38:37

Get ready for a special, one-of-a-kind series! Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson give a sneak peek at our next sermon series that was shot on location from the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.! In this new three-part series, "Why the Bible Matters," Pastor Mike dives deep into the Bible's impact, its origin, how God speaks to us through th…

1
Mad at God: Because He Saves My Enemies 38:23

4d ago38:23

38:23

Why do we struggle to believe that God's grace is for everyone—even for those who have hurt us? That's the same struggle Jonah had as he wrestled with God for saving Jonah's enemies. It is tempting for us to draw a line, put ourselves on the right side of it, and think we're the only people God should love. But as Pastor Mike wraps up the book of J…

1
Mad at God: Why Should I Repent? 35:00

14d ago35:00

35:00

If God so loved the world that he sent Jesus to die for us, why do we need to repent? What does "repent" even mean? To answer these questions, Pastor Mike takes us through chapter 3 of the book of Jonah and gives us four takeaways about what it means to repent and how we know we are repenting. Get your copy of “Rewrite Your Story: A Guide to the Li…

1
Mad at God: When I'm at Rock Bottom 38:22

22d ago38:22

38:22

When we mess up and feel so far away from God, one of the hardest things to do is to cry out to God. We find ourselves thinking, "Why would God listen to the cry of someone in such a desperate, rock-bottom situation?" However, as Pastor Mike teaches from the book of Jonah, sometimes we need to hit rock bottom to realize our constant need for God an…

1
Vertical Integration: From Mobile Jiu Jitsu to Making Grappl App | Mike Cragholm | USMC 1:04:08

8d ago1:04:08

1:04:08

📢 Q: How do you start a fitness company and scale it? 💡 A: Create an app and service that unites all similar business owners and potential customers. 🤔 When Mike Cragholm told me about it, it sounded a bit crazy. After hearing his explanation, I realized he created a profitable win-win-win scenario for his company, fitness business owners (jiu jits…

1
Mad at God: For Loving "Those People" 38:00

28d ago38:00

38:00

The book of Jonah isn’t about a big fish. In fact, it’s not even about the prophet Jonah. Instead, it’s about God and his insane love for ALL people—even “those people,” those we often regard as being furthest from God and least deserving. Which, Pastor Mike says, actually includes . . . us. This message kicks off a series that takes us through the…

1
Evolution of Faith: To Inexpressible Joy, Part 2 (radio edit) 26:01

30d ago26:01

26:01

It's tempting to think that we just need to wait out this broken world until Jesus comes back, to think that joy only begins with heaven. But the apostle Peter tells us that right now, even during our struggles and challenges, an inexpressible joy is possible. Part 2 of 2. Today's Tough Question: Is Manifestation Compatible With Christianity? ** Pr…

1
Evolution of Faith: To Inexpressible Joy, Part 1 (radio edit) 26:01

1M ago26:01

26:01

It's tempting to think that we just need to wait out this broken world until Jesus comes back, to think that joy only begins with heaven. But the apostle Peter tells us that right now, even during our struggles and challenges, an inexpressible joy is possible. Today's Tough Question: Is it Sinful to Use Preferred Pronouns? ** Program note: This is …

1
Behind the Series: Mad at God 48:56

1M ago48:56

48:56

Spoiler alert: the book of Jonah is NOT about a big fish. Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson talk about what the book of Jonah IS actually about: God's love for his people. In their deep dive discussion, they also found ways to talk about poisonous frogs, how we can avoid falling into political divisions (hang out with Amber!), what God may think …

1
Evolution of Faith: From Fear to Peace, Part 2 (radio edit) 26:01

1M ago26:01

26:01

What happens if something gets in between you and the promise of heaven? At first glance, the Bible's answer may sound contradictory. But as Pastor Mike digs into the apostle Peter's letter that he wrote to friends who were being persecuted, we see why we can turn our fear into peace. Part 2 of 2. Today's Tough Questions: 1. Where is heaven? 2. Why…

1
Program Announcement! 1:14

1M ago1:14

1:14

Amber Albee Swenson, co-host of the "Behind the Series" episodes on this podcasts, shares an announcement regarding podcast programming.By Time of Grace Ministry

1
Evolution of Faith: From Fear to Peace, Part 1 (radio edit) 26:01

1M ago26:01

26:01

What happens if something gets in between you and the promise of heaven? At first glance, the Bible's answer may sound contradictory. But as Pastor Mike digs into the apostle Peter's letter that he wrote to friends who were being persecuted, we see why we can turn our fear into peace. Part 1 of 2. Today's Tough Questions: 1. Anxiety and Depression:…

1
Evolution of Faith: From Apathy to Praise, Part 2 (radio edit) 26:01

1M ago26:01

26:01

Sometimes we feel stuck in our relationship with God. There's pain, suffering, frustration in our lives. Maybe we're just lukewarm about our faith. So how do we get closer to God? Pastor Mike says to start with writing a eulogy—about God. Part 2 of 2. Today's Tough Question: Does God choose everyone but knows which ones will reject him? ** Program …

1
Evolution of Faith: From Apathy to Praise, Part 1 (radio edit) 26:01

1M ago26:01

26:01

Sometimes we feel stuck in our relationship with God. There's pain, suffering, frustration in our lives. Maybe we're just lukewarm about our faith. So how do we get closer to God? Pastor Mike says to start with writing a eulogy—about God. Part 1 of 2. Today's Tough Question: How Do Christians Handle Life in a World That's Hostile? ** Program note: …

1
Some Assembly Required: Assembled With Love, Part 2 (radio edit) 26:01

1M ago26:01

26:01

Paul’s famous words about love come not in the context of a wedding celebration but in the context of a church family who did not appreciate their God-given differences. This message pushes God’s diverse people toward humility, appreciation, and love--the glue that holds the body of Christ together. Part 2 of 2. Today's Tough Questions: 1. How Do Y…

1
Some Assembly Required: Assembled With Love, Part 1 (radio edit) 26:01

1M ago26:01

26:01

Paul’s famous words about love come not in the context of a wedding celebration but in the context of a church family who did not appreciate their God-given differences. This message pushes God’s diverse people toward humility, appreciation, and love--the glue that holds the body of Christ together. Part 1 of 2. Today's Tough Questions: 1. Am I All…

1
Some Assembly Required: You Belong, Part 2 (radio edit) 26:01

1M ago26:01

26:01

Feeling “less than” is one of the devil’s best tricks. We notice what we’re not, what we can’t do, what’s uncomfortable, what’s out of our skill set. But Paul saves us from envy and discouragement by reminding us all that God didn’t design every part of the body to do everything. By his design you can’t do this or that. Let go of the guilt. Give up…

1
Women-Veteran Advocacy & Non-DoD GS Employment | Tab Bartley | USMC 53:53

21d ago53:53

53:53

📢 There are many available jobs in the federal government…look beyond the DoD. 😒 I know. That statement isn’t a surprise, but you may be surprised that the job you want and are qualified for is open in the USDA, DHS, FBI, OPM, Department of the Treasury, etc. AND...they will consider work experience if you don't have a degree. 🧐 AND…it may be avail…

1
Some Assembly Required: You Belong, Part 1 (radio edit) 26:01

1M ago26:01

26:01

Feeling “less than” is one of the devil’s best tricks. We notice what we’re not, what we can’t do, what’s uncomfortable, what’s out of our skill set. But Paul saves us from envy and discouragement by reminding us all that God didn’t design every part of the body to do everything. By his design you can’t do this or that. Let go of the guilt. Give up…

1
Some Assembly Required: United yet Unique, Part 2 (radio edit) 26:01

1M ago26:01

26:01

Scripture and experience teach us that people are different. Like different parts of the body, God intentionally decided to make each of us different from everyone else. That truth has the potential to make us better and stronger . . . or, if we ignore it, to make us frustrated at everyone who is not our mirror image. Part 2 of 2. Today's Tough Que…

1
Some Assembly Required: United yet Unique, Part 1 (radio edit) 26:01

1M ago26:01

26:01

Scripture and experience teach us that people are different. Like different parts of the body, God intentionally decided to make each of us different from everyone else. That truth has the potential to make us better and stronger . . . or, if we ignore it, to make us frustrated at everyone who is not our mirror image. Part 1 of 2. Today's Tough Que…

1
Some Assembly Required: Unique but United, Part 2 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

As Paul begins his discussion of the “body of Christ,” he reminds us of the big picture. Baptism. Spirit. Spiritual thirst quenched by the gospel. What the church has in common is exponentially bigger than our differences. He does the same in Ephesians chapter 4, repeating the unity we have in Jesus—one Lord, one faith, one hope, one God. Therefore…

1
Some Assembly Required: Unique but United, Part 1 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

As Paul begins his discussion of the “body of Christ,” he reminds us of the big picture. Baptism. Spirit. Spiritual thirst quenched by the gospel. What the church has in common is exponentially bigger than our differences. He does the same in Ephesians chapter 4, repeating the unity we have in Jesus—one Lord, one faith, one hope, one God. Therefore…

1
Jesus' Growth Plan for Me: Why Jesus Allows Bad People Among Us, Part 2 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

There's always another awful headline, another hypocrite, another problem we want to fix in our broken world. If only it were as easy as plucking out the bad people from the good. But we know it's not that simple. It's for these moments of frustration that Jesus told this particular story of the weeds and the wheat to give us hope. Part 2 of 2. Tod…

1
Jesus' Growth Plan for Me: Why Jesus Allows Bad People Among Us, Part 1 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

There's always another awful headline, another hypocrite, another problem we want to fix in our broken world. If only it were as easy as plucking out the bad people from the good. But we know it's not that simple. It's for these moments of frustration that Jesus told this particular story of the weeds and the wheat to give us hope. Part 1 of 2. Tod…

1
Jesus' Growth Plan for Me: Why I Must Give Up My Treasures, Part 2 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

It's going to cost us to follow Jesus. He was upfront about us needing to give up the things we treasure. But, Jesus also said, joyfully giving up the things we have is possible when we find a superior treasure. Through two short parables Jesus told, Pastor Mike helps us see what this treasure is. Part 2 of 2. Today's Tough Question: Is Jesus Actua…

1
Jesus' Growth Plan for Me: Why I Must Give Up My Treasures, Part 1 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

It's going to cost us to follow Jesus. He was upfront about us needing to give up the things we treasure. But, Jesus also said, joyfully giving up the things we have is possible when we find a superior treasure. Through two short parables Jesus told, Pastor Mike helps us see what this treasure is. Part 1 of 2. Today's Tough Question: Why Do We Take…

1
Jesus' Growth Plan for Me: When Average Moments Are Okay, Part 2 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

We live in a culture that often says bigger is better, as we easily dismiss the small and mundane as too insignificant to be powerful. But believing this common trope can be spiritually dangerous. Pastor Mike walks us through two of the smallest stories Jesus ever told that give us a really big message for the average moments of our spiritual lives…

1
Generational Differences in Finding Closure and the Military Transition | Corie Weathers | LPC, Author, USA Spouse 1:03:48

1M ago1:03:48

1:03:48

📢 Military transition is also about closure…in the clinical sense. That’s one of many big takeaways our guest, Corie Weathers, provided us on this episode. Corie was the 2015 AFI Military Spouse of the Year and is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Certified Coach, and author of “Military Culture Shift: The Impact of War, Money, and Generatio…

1
Jesus' Growth Plan for Me: When Average Moments Are Okay, Part 1 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

We live in a culture that often says bigger is better, as we easily dismiss the small and mundane as too insignificant to be powerful. But believing this common trope can be spiritually dangerous. Pastor Mike walks us through two of the smallest stories Jesus ever told that give us a really big message for the average moments of our spiritual lives…

1
Jesus' Growth Plan for Me: What Are the Threats to My Faith?, Part 2 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

God’s Word doesn't always seem to work in our lives. We share it, read it, and hear it, but it doesn’t seem to change us spiritually. That's because the Word of God, Jesus said, is like a seed—it's packed with potential, but it is also small and vulnerable. How vulnerable? Pastor Mike identifies these everyday threats to God's Word that can stop us…

1
Jesus' Growth Plan for Me: What Are the Threats to My Faith?, Part 1 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

God’s Word doesn't always seem to work in our lives. We share it, read it, and hear it, but it doesn’t seem to change us spiritually. That's because the Word of God, Jesus said, is like a seed—it's packed with potential, but it is also small and vulnerable. How vulnerable? Pastor Mike identifies these everyday threats to God's Word that can stop us…

1
Behind the Series: Jesus' Growth Plan for Me 57:56

2M ago57:56

57:56

Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson give us a preview of the next TV message series, "Jesus' Growth Plan for Me." While discussing Jesus' parables, which this series is based on, they also tell of the "mustard seed moments" that changed both Mike's and Amber's lives (both involve their moms), what Amber has in common with Dwight Shrute, and that on…

1
How to Deal: With Shame, Part 2 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

Shame is the unshakable feeling that we don’t belong, tempting us to run away from God and his people. Shame can be tied to something done to us, something we have done, or something we have continued to do. As hard as it is to open up about shame, it's even harder to address in the church. Pastor Mike dares us to cross that line and show what can …

1
How to Deal: With Shame, Part 1 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

Shame is the unshakable feeling that we don’t belong, tempting us to run away from God and his people. Shame can be tied to something done to us, something we have done, or something we have continued to do. As hard as it is to open up about shame, it's even harder to address in the church. Pastor Mike dares us to cross that line and show what can …

1
How to Deal: With Anxiety, Part 2 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

One in five adults deals with anxiety, caught in a snowballing avalanche of what-ifs and worst-case scenarios. As we enter another year of uncertainty and alarming headlines, it seems that, more than ever, people are being overcome by anxiety. There isn't a quick solution. But Pastor Mike says actively doing these four things, with the work of the …

1
How to Deal: With Anxiety, Part 1 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

One in five adults deals with anxiety, caught in a snowballing avalanche of what-ifs and worst-case scenarios. As we enter another year of uncertainty and alarming headlines, it seems that, more than ever, people are being overcome by anxiety. There isn't a quick solution. But Pastor Mike says actively doing these four things, with the work of the …

1
Freedom in Forgiveness: You Must Forgive EVERY Day, Part 2 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

Where do you start the journey of forgiveness? Is forgiveness a "one and done"? Or is it a process we need to deal with daily? What the Bible has to say about forgiveness is not only helpful and powerful; it's shockingly offensive. Part 2 of 2. Today's Tough Question: What's a Go-to Spot to Explain Christianity? ** Program note: This is the radio e…

1
Freedom in Forgiveness: You Must Forgive EVERY Day, Part 1 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

Where do you start the journey of forgiveness? Is forgiveness a "one and done"? Or is it a process we need to deal with daily? What the Bible has to say about forgiveness is not only helpful and powerful; it's shockingly offensive. Part 1 of 2. Today's Tough Question: Is pornography considered adultery? What solutions can you offer to fight pornogr…

1
How to Deal: With People, Part 2 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

The people in our lives can lead us in different directions, good and bad. There are fools, the wise, and everyone in between. So how do we deal with people? How do we find our people? How do we know whom to trust? And whom to avoid? With the guidance of the wisest man in the ancient world, Pastor Mike gives us biblical insight on how to deal with …

1
Project Cincinnatus: Giving Back to our Guardians | Ramiro Metztli De Anda (USMC) & Michael Novotny (US Army) 1:11:01

2M ago1:11:01

1:11:01

“A Marine and Soldier walk into a bar…” …and they devised a plan to start a non-profit veteran-scholar initiative focused on the holistic wellness of veterans (and first responders) battling the moral, psychological, and spiritual impacts of war through the thoughtful application of Regenerative Rhetoric. 😳 What? You expected a joke?? 😅 Ramiro Metz…

1
How to Deal: With People, Part 1 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

The people in our lives can lead us in different directions, good and bad. There are fools, the wise, and everyone in between. So how do we deal with people? How do we find our people? How do we know whom to trust? And whom to avoid? With the guidance of the wisest man in the ancient world, Pastor Mike gives us biblical insight on how to deal with …

1
How to Deal: With Yourself, Part 2 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

"Be who you are." "You do you." That's what the world tells us. But what does Jesus say? When you're dealing with all the ups and downs of life, all your strengths and weaknesses, and all the complicating details of your life story, Jesus says the exact opposite: Don't be you. Pastor Mike helps us understand what Jesus means as we learn how to deal…

1
How to Deal: With Yourself, Part 1 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

"Be who you are." "You do you." That's what the world tells us. But what does Jesus say? When you're dealing with all the ups and downs of life, all your strengths and weaknesses, and all the complicating details of your life story, Jesus says the exact opposite: Don't be you. Pastor Mike helps us understand what Jesus means as we learn how to deal…

1
Less Me: Christianity WILL Cost You, Part 2 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

Jesus didn't sugarcoat it: following him comes at a great cost because you have to put him first. So why even follow Jesus? Because the reward, Pastor Mike says, is even greater. Part 2 of 2. Today's Tough Questions: Why Do We Still Feel Guilty After Repenting? ** Program note: This is the radio edit of our program! On April 29, "Time of Grace With…

1
Less Me: Christianity WILL Cost You, Part 1 (radio edit) 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

Jesus didn't sugarcoat it: following him comes at a great cost because you have to put him first. So why even follow Jesus? Because the reward, Pastor Mike says, is even greater. Part 1 of 2. Today's Tough Questions: Why Pray if God Is All-Knowing? ** Program note: This is the radio edit of our program! On April 29, "Time of Grace With Mike Novotny…

1
Less Me: More Me Makes a Mess, Part 2 (radio edit) 26:01

3M ago26:01

26:01

Pride isn't always thinking too much of ourselves; sometimes it's just thinking of ourselves too much. And that self-focus often leads to a mess. So how do we humble ourselves? Where do we start? Part 2 of 2. Today's Tough Questions: How to Talk About Jesus When My Friend's Parents Aren't in Heaven? ** Program note: This is the radio edit of our pr…

1
Less Me: More Me Makes a Mess, Part 1 (radio edit) 26:01

3M ago26:01

26:01

Pride isn't always thinking too much of ourselves; sometimes it's just thinking of ourselves too much. And that self-focus often leads to a mess. So how do we humble ourselves? Where do we start? Part 1 of 2. Today's Tough Questions: How can we express the importance of marriage to the younger generation when our culture doesn’t respect biblical vi…

1
Dirty Bible Words: H-E-L-L, Part 2 (radio edit) 26:01

3M ago26:01

26:01

Hell is a relic from a fear-based, fire-and-brimstone age, a cruel tool used by church authorities to maintain power and control. So why did Jesus himself mention it so much? Why is he the number-one user of the word “hell” in the entire Bible? Why was he unembarrassed to talk about fire, darkness, and eternal death? Modern Christians need to know …

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