On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, author Donna Snow joins host Elizabeth Pittman to discuss her newest Bible Study, Strong and Courageous: Studying God's Promises in Joshua. Donna discusses why she chose to write about Joshua and what we can learn from his story.

Get Donna’s newest Bible Study at cph.org/joshua.

Show Notes
Joshua was called into what is arguably one of the most intimidating leadership roles in the history of God’s people. As he stood at the Jordan River looking into the land that God had promised, Joshua knew what awaited him—but he was strong and courageous, having faith that God was with him.

In her new Bible Study, Donna Snow looks at the life of Joshua in in an eight-session, verse-by-verse format. During the episode, Donna reflects on why she chose Joshua, how we can relate to his study today, the connects she made to the Armor of God, how we can be strong and courageous in our everyday lives, and more.

About the Guest
A soul-stirring, engaging speaker, author, Bible teacher, and worship leader, Donna Snow has a passion for studying and teaching God’s Word. Her clear, down-to-earth style encourages women of all ages to wholeheartedly love, serve, and live for Jesus Christ. Since launching Artesian Ministries in 2007, Donna has scratched out over 20 Bible studies and enjoys the incredible privilege of traveling throughout the U.S. and internationally to speak and teach where the Lord opens doors. Donna writes regularly on her blog, Hydrated Living, as she seeks to find beauty in the quiet and sacred in the chaos, treasuring that this path is a holy experience planned by God before the beginning of time. A native, life-long Texan, Donna fuels her incredible journey with the Word, coffee, chocolate, family, friends, and worship.

Rev. David A. Shadday joins host Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to talk about his new book, Reclaiming the Heart of Marriage.

Get Shadday’s book on the CPH website today.

Show Notes

Why did God give us marriage? Companionship or procreation might be answers that come to mind, but marriage also serves as something even bigger—it is a reflection of Christ and His bride, the church. Listen to the episode to hear author David A. Shadday discuss his book that includes an eight-week journey “to understand the love God has for you, your response to His love, and the meaning that love brings to your life and your home” (p. 7). David also talks about why God gives us the gift of marriage, common misconceptions about marriage, how single or engaged Christians can prepare for marriage, and advice he’d give to those starting the book with their spouse.

Questions

• What inspired you to write this Bible study?
• Why did God give us marriage?
• How would you respond to someone who thinks that the applications you share in the study are idealistic or theoretical?
• What are some common misconceptions about marriage?
• How does understanding marriage as a covenant deepen our appreciation of marriage and salvation?
• Explain what you mean by describing Song of Solomon as the Ephesians 5 of the Old Testament.
• What does this mean? How should love be defined? How should authority be defined?
• Talk about the biblical images used to describe God’s relationship with His people and how they relate to marriage.
• How can single/engaged Christians prepare for a biblical understanding of marriage?
• What advice do you have for couples/groups who are beginning this study?

About the Guest

David A. Shadday is the pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Indianapolis. He has devoted much of his 40 years as a pastor to the subject of marriage and family. He has been married to his wife Sherry (Heierman) for 44 years, and they have four children and seven grandchildren. Pastor Shadday’s main hobby is writing songs.

On this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, Rev. Michael Newman joins host Elizabeth Pittman as the guest to talk about his recently released book with CPH, Faith Notes: A Christ-Centered Survival Kit for Young Men. Mike talks with Elizabeth about the struggles young men face today, from isolation to peer pressure and bullying. He tells listeners how his new book (the companion to Faith Notes: A Christ-Centered Survival Kit for Young Womenby Cassie Moore) contains devotions that point young men to the hope that can only be found in Jesus.

Learn more and get the book at cph.org/faith-notes.

Show Notes
Anxiety. Isolation. Bullying. Faced with issues like these, where can teen boys turn? They can turn to God. During the episode, author Mike Newman tells listeners how his book, Faith Notes: A Christ-Centered Survival Kit for Young Men, features nearly 100 devotions on topics like these, pointing youth to God's truth, showing them God's forgiveness and hope, and steering them toward Christ. Devotional topics include anxiety, mistakes, family and home life, purity, relationships, and more.

Mike also delves into his experiences as a pastor and father and how these shaped his insight in the book, advice he has for young men who feel disconnected from God, why he chose the format he did for the book, and more.

Questions

• How did your experiences as a pastor and parent shape the topics covered in the book?
• What are some of the biggest struggles you see young men facing today?
• The book covers difficult topics like anxiety and pornography—how do you approach these issues with grace and biblical guidance?
• Why did you choose the format of short reflections with space to write or sketch?
• How do you hope young men will engage with this book—individually, in small groups, or with mentors?
• What advice would you give to a young man who feels disconnected from God and struggles to trust in Him?
• The title calls this a “survival kit”—how does this devotional equip young men to navigate today’s world?
• What feedback have you received from young men, parents, or youth leaders about this book?

About the Guest
When not teaching and writing, Michael W. Newman enjoys running the Texas roads, reading a good book, and spending time with his family. He is husband to Cindy, father to two beautiful daughters, and grandpa to a brood of wonderful grandchildren.