296. Backpacking with Jesus and Friends on the Arizona Trail

🎙️ Rob Skinner Podcast Faith Fails Friday  "Don't Ever Lead Songs Again" Series: Faith Fails Friday Host: Rob Skinner 📖 Episode Summary In this episode of Faith Fails Friday, Rob Skinner shares one of his most personal and painful faith fails — a moment that nearly ended his engagement to his future wife, Pam. While serving in San Jose at a park service with no song leader, Rob stepped in to lead the singing and preach. Afterward, he asked Pam what she thought, expecting encouragement. Instead, her honest response — "I think you shouldn't ever lead songs again" — cut deeply and became a crossroads moment in their relationship. Through this vulnerable story, Rob reflects on the power of words, the difference between honesty and wisdom, and how careless speech can wound deeply — especially those we love most. Drawing from Proverbs 12:18, Rob challenges listeners to examine how they speak to their spouses, family members, and closest relationships, reminding us that words can either pierce like swords or bring healing. This episode is a reminder that faith fails don't have to define us — they can shape us, mature us, and teach us how to build rather than tear down. 📌 Key Moments & Talking Points Serving at a park service in San Jose with no song leader Stepping in to lead songs and preach The honest comment that nearly ended an engagement Insecurity, immaturity, and learning to handle words wisely The lasting impact words can have on relationships How God used this moment to teach humility and growth Why we often speak more carefully to strangers than to those we love 📖 Scripture Highlight Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." 💡 Main Takeaway Your words matter — especially with the people closest to you. Honesty without wisdom can wound deeply. God calls us to speak in ways that heal, encourage, and build up, not tear down. Faith fails often reveal areas where God wants to mature us — in humility, communication, and love. 🧭 Application & Reflection Pay close attention to how you speak to your spouse or closest relationships Ask yourself: Would I say this the same way to someone I'm helping spiritually? Choose words that heal instead of words that pierce Let God refine your speech so it reflects grace, wisdom, and love 🙌 Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: Share the podcast with a friend Read and review Rob's book "The 10X Christian" Available at RobSkinner.com or on Amazon 🎯 Rob's Mission To inspire you to: Live a no-regrets life Make this life count Multiply disciples, leaders, and churches Have a great day — and make this life count.

🎄 Why You Need a Christmas Plan 📖 Episode Summary What if one simple habit could make your Christmas less stressful—and a lot more joyful? In this episode of The Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob shares a surprisingly spiritual and practical idea that transformed his family's Christmas experience: having a plan. What started as a moment of desperation became a powerful way to reduce anxiety, increase peace, and protect joy during the holidays. Rob explains why planning doesn't kill joy—it actually creates space for it—and how a simple Christmas plan can help your family relax, connect, and truly enjoy the season together. 🔑 Key Takeaways Why "What's the plan?" is often an anxiety issue, not curiosity How a simple Christmas plan brought peace to Rob's family Why planning actually protects joy instead of ruining it Biblical wisdom on planning and order (1 Corinthians 14:40; Proverbs 16:3) How forethought and preparation communicate love Practical ideas for building margin, flexibility, and meaning into your holidays Why you don't need a perfect plan—just a helpful one 📖 Scriptures Referenced 1 Corinthians 14:40 – "Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." Proverbs 16:3 – "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans." 🎄 Practical Challenge You don't need an elaborate schedule—just a plan that serves people instead of stressing them out. This Christmas, create a simple plan that includes: Time for people Time for rest Time for service Time for joy And when someone asks, "What's the plan?" — you'll be ready. 📬 Want Rob's Christmas Plan Template? If you'd like a copy of Rob's family Christmas plan to spark ideas for your own, email him at: [email protected] 📚 Support the Podcast If you enjoyed this episode: Subscribe and share it with a friend Check out Rob's latest book, The 10X Christian, available at RobSkinner.com or Amazon 🎯 About the Podcast The Rob Skinner Podcast exists to inspire you to: Live a no-regrets life Make this life count Multiply disciples, leaders, and churches Have a great day—and make this life count.

🎙️ Episode: What Makes You Come Alive? Scripture: Romans 15:17–20 Podcast: The Rob Skinner Podcast  📌 Episode Summary In this episode, Rob Skinner explores what it means to come alive in the calling God has placed on your life. Too many people ask, "What does the world need from me?" when the better question is, "What has God ignited inside me?" Drawing inspiration from John Eldredge's famous quote and the passion-filled ministry of the apostle Paul, Rob challenges listeners to identify and pursue their God-given ambition—not for comfort, not for approval, but for purpose. If you're feeling stuck, hesitant, or unsure of your next step, this episode will help you listen to the Spirit's prompting and step boldly into the calling God has prepared for you. 🔥 What You'll Learn Why coming alive spiritually is essential for making a kingdom impact How Paul's ambition in Romans 15 shapes our understanding of calling The difference between playing it safe and following the Spirit How to identify what God has uniquely placed in your heart Why obedience to your calling leads to joy, courage, and fulfillment Practical steps to begin pursuing your God-given purpose today 📖 Key Scripture Romans 15:17–20 — Paul's declaration of his mission and ambition to preach Christ where He was not known. 💡 Key Quote "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." — John Eldredge, Wild at Heart 🧭 Application / Challenge This week, ask yourself: What has God placed in my heart that I've been ignoring? What makes me come alive spiritually, creatively, or missionally? What step of faith can I take—today—to pursue my calling? Give yourself permission to follow the Holy Spirit's prompting, even if the path isn't perfect or fully clear. God brings life to those who obey His call. 🙌 Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: ✔️ Share it with a friend ✔️ Subscribe for your 5-minute daily faith boost ✔️ Leave a review to help others find the podcast 🎯 About Rob Skinner Rob's mission is to help you: Live a no-regrets life Make this life count Multiply disciples, leaders, and churches

Nick Kaplan:  Mission Update Hungary Guest: Nick Kaplan Keywords: mission, Hungary, faith, discipleship, Revive Eastern Europe, cultural adaptation, church, spiritual growth, God, community Episode Summary In this inspiring episode, Rob sits down with Nick Kaplan, a recent college graduate who stepped out in faith and moved across the world to serve as a missionary in Hungary. Nick shares how God placed this calling on his heart, the unexpected affirmations that confirmed his decision, and the powerful ways he has seen God working through the Revive Eastern Europe program. Nick opens up about the challenges of crossing cultures, the beauty of Hungarian hospitality, and the spiritual growth he's witnessed among the local church. He also offers practical encouragement for anyone feeling drawn toward mission work—reminding us all that God does extraordinary things when we simply decide to go in faith. Key Takeaways Calling Confirmed: Nick sensed a clear call from God to serve in Hungary—and received multiple confirmations along the way. Revive Eastern Europe: The program partners with existing churches to strengthen, support, and revive the region spiritually. Spiritual Growth: Nick has witnessed inspiring growth among Hungarian disciples and has seen God answer his prayers specifically and powerfully. Cultural Adaptation: Moving to a new country hasn't been easy, but it has been deeply grounding and transformative. Hungarian Hospitality: Hungarians are warm, welcoming, and open to spiritual conversations. Youthful Church Culture: The church in Hungary has a strong, vibrant group of young disciples. Mission's Impact: Nick believes stepping away to serve—even temporarily—can transform your faith and life. Final Encouragement: "Go in faith and trust God's plan." Sound Bites "I want to become this thing." "It's just been so inspiring." "Go in faith." Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Nick Kaplan's Mission Journey 04:41 — The Call to Mission in Hungary 10:25 — Experiencing God's Work in Hungary 14:15 — Challenges of Adapting to a New Culture 18:04 — Life in the Hungarian Church 21:55 — Reflections on the Mission Experience 24:39 — Advice for Aspiring Missionaries 💬 Connect and Grow For books, blogs, podcasts, and resources to help you make this life count, visit 👉 RobSkinner.com If you'd like to support this program and help Rob continue his mission to multiply disciples, leaders, and churches, please consider buying him a coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner— Support the Rob Skinner Podcast If you are interested in learning more about Revive Eastern Europe, contact Shawn at Shawn Revivee linkfly      

Friday Fail Series: Locked Out of Church Episode Title: Friday Fail Series: Locked Out of Church Host: Rob Skinner Podcast: The Rob Skinner Podcast 🎙️ Episode Summary In today's episode of the Friday Fail Series, Rob Skinner cracks open the vault once again and shares one of his most unforgettable ministry mishaps — the day he got locked out of his own church on Neighbor Day. Freshly appointed as an evangelist, visitors driving in from miles away, rain pouring down, and a Korean memorial service happening inside… what could possibly go wrong? Well — everything. Rob walks through the chaos, the embarrassment, the steam literally rising from Pam, and the leadership lesson this moment taught him: Don't freak out — it will get better. 🔑 Key Moments & Lessons • Newly appointed as an evangelist Rob sets the stage with enthusiasm, vision, and… an unlocked building that should be open. • Neighbor Day gone sideways Guests traveled from as far as Eugene — only to be greeted by locked doors and rain. • The Korean memorial conflict A perfectly timed (or mistimed) ceremony inside the building meant Rob and the mission team were stuck outside for five long minutes. • Pam's reaction Let's just say: if steam could measure frustration, the gauge was redlining. • Public apology Rob shares how he apologized to the mission team and what he learned as a young leader. • Scripture insight — Ecclesiastes 10:4 "If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest." (NIV) "If your boss is angry at you, don't quit! A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes." (NLT) This verse became a grounding reminder: calmness, not panic, leads to better leadership — even in the middle of a fail. 💡 Episode Takeaway Every leader has moments they wish they could erase. But faith, maturity, and resilience grow the most through embarrassment, mistakes, and unexpected challenges. Don't freak out. Stay calm. It will get better. 📚 Resources Mentioned The 10x Christian — Get your copy at RobSkinner.com or on Amazon. 🙌 How You Can Support the Podcast If today's episode encouraged or entertained you: Share it with a friend Leave a review Pick up a copy of The 10x Christian Your support helps inspire more people to: ✔ Make this life count ✔ Live a no-regrets life ✔ Multiply disciples, leaders, and churches 🚀 Final Encouragement Thanks for listening today. Have a great day — and make this life count!

The Great I AM Is With You Scripture: Matthew 28:20 The Rob Skinner Podcast | The 10X Christian In today's episode, Rob Skinner shares an encouraging message about courage, calling, and the powerful promise Jesus gave His disciples: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." — Matthew 28:20 If you've ever felt nervous, inadequate, or afraid while stepping out in faith, this episode will strengthen your confidence and remind you that you never walk alone. 🎙️ In This Episode Rob discusses: His first time leading a Bible discussion—and the fear that came with it Why Matthew 28:20 was the anchor that steadied him The connection between Jesus' words and God's name in Exodus 3 — "I AM WHO I AM" How the presence of the Great I AM empowers ordinary believers to do extraordinary things Why God's presence—not comfort or ease—is His greatest gift to us A practical challenge to step boldly into whatever scares you right now 📖 Key Scripture Matthew 28:19–20 — The Great Commission Exodus 3:13–14 — God reveals His name: I AM ✨ Big Idea God doesn't just send you— He goes with you. The same God who stood with Moses and empowered the first disciples stands with you in every challenge, calling, and step of obedience. 🔥 Highlights "I AM with you always" is more than comfort—it's power. Fear fades when you realize who is standing beside you. You don't do the heavy lifting—God does. Courage grows when you trust the presence of the Great I AM. 🧭 Challenge for This Week Identify one thing in your life that scares you: ✔️ Sharing your faith ✔️ Leading a group ✔️ Starting something new ✔️ Having a hard conversation Then step into it—knowing you are not alone. 🙌 Support the Mission If this episode encouraged you, you can help by: ⭐ Subscribing to the podcast 📤 Sharing this episode with a friend 📝 Leaving a review 📚 Reading Rob's new book The 10X Christian ❤️ Supporting the ministry  🎯 About Rob Skinner Rob's mission is to inspire you to: Live a no-regrets life Make this life count Multiply disciples, leaders, and churches

Make Yourself Available to God The Rob Skinner Podcast Episode Summary In today's episode, Rob Skinner explores one powerful question that can transform your spiritual life: Are you available to God? Just like a phone line that's busy or a message that goes unanswered, our lives can become so packed and distracted that God can't reach us. Rob shares why availability—not talent—is often the key to being used by God. With biblical examples, practical insights, and a relatable message, this episode will help you slow down, create margin, and open your life to the opportunities God has already prepared for you. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why God values availability more than ability How busyness and distraction can block God's work in your life What Ephesians 2:10 reveals about your purpose How biblical figures like Isaiah, Mary, and the disciples made themselves available Practical ways to create margin for God to speak and move Daily steps to become more responsive to God's calling Key Scriptures Ephesians 2:10 – "For we are God's workmanship… prepared in advance for us to do." Isaiah 6:8 – "Here am I. Send me." Luke 1:38 – "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Practical Takeaways Build intentional margin into your schedule Say "no" to some good things so you can say "yes" to God's things Slow down enough to notice the people and opportunities around you Disconnect from digital distractions to reconnect with God Pray daily: "Lord, I'm available. Show me where to go." This Week's Challenge Create space in your schedule and your heart. Listen for God's voice. When He calls—don't be too busy to pick up. Say with Isaiah: "Here I am, Lord. Send me." Support the Rob Skinner Podcast If this episode helped you grow, you can support the mission by: Sharing this episode with a friend Leaving a review on your podcast platform Sign up for Rob's newsletter on his website scroll down About Rob Skinner Rob's mission is to inspire you to: Live a no-regrets life Make this life count Multiply disciples, leaders, and churches

Episode Summary In this first installment of Faith Fails Friday, Rob shares one of his most unforgettable—and cringe-worthy—moments from early ministry life. During a special visitor day in the summer of 1991, something completely unexpected happened in the middle of Rob's sermon… and the result was a story he's never forgotten. Rob opens up about the moment, the chaos that followed, what people thought was happening, and the surprising backstory behind it all. It's an honest look at one of his biggest "faith fails" and a reminder that even in our most awkward or imperfect moments, God is still working. What You'll Hear in This Episode Rob's introduction to the new Faith Fails Friday series The unforgettable moment when a man stood up mid-sermon during a special visitor day Why some people thought the incident was staged Pam's reaction (including the "No smoking!" moment) Why Rob's friend Paul was mortified watching it unfold The full, unexpected backstory behind the incident How this experience reminded Rob of 2 Timothy 4:5 and the call to "keep your head in all situations" Why faith fails can become powerful spiritual lessons Key Scripture 2 Timothy 4:5 — "But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." Support the Rob Skinner Podcast If this episode encouraged you, here are three ways you can help support the mission: Share the podcast with a friend who wants to grow in their faith and leadership. Read and review Rob's book The 10X Christian on Amazon—it helps spread the message. Support the podcast with a gift using this link. Rob's Mission Rob's goal is to inspire you to: Make this life count. Live a no-regrets life. Multiply disciples, leaders, and churches. Thanks for listening! Have a great day—and make this life count!

Episode Summary In today's episode, Rob explores one of Jesus' most powerful teachings on prayer: believing that God has already answered before you see the results. Too often we pray and instantly doubt, treating our prayers like hopeful wishes rather than declarations of faith. But Jesus shows us a different way. When you pray with belief—real belief—you align your heart with God's will and invite Him to move powerfully in your life. Rob breaks down how to shift from hesitant, uncertain prayers to bold, confident faith that lives as if God's answer is already on the way. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why doubt often creeps in immediately after prayer What Jesus meant when He said, "Believe that you have received it" How faith acts before the evidence arrives A practical picture of faith using the "online order" analogy How to start praying with confidence, boldness, and expectation Key Insight Faith doesn't wait for proof—faith prepares for the promise. When you pray and believe God has already responded, you create space in your life for Him to deliver. Today's Challenge Ask yourself: What am I believing God for right now? Pray about it—and then: Speak with confidence Act in faith Thank God before you see the outcome Live today as if God's answer is already in motion. Scripture of the Day Mark 11:24 — "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Call to Action If today's message encouraged you, share it with a friend and subscribe for your daily 5-minute dose of faith. For more resources—including books, blogs, and additional podcast episodes—visit RobSkinner.com. Live bold. Pray big. Be a 10X Christian.

  💡 Episode Summary In this episode of The Rob Skinner Podcast, Don and Mie Lee share their inspiring journey of faith, love, and service. They talk about their conversions, cross-cultural marriage, and experiences as missionaries in Hong Kong and Japan. After retirement, Don and Mie felt called to return to mission work—this time in Eastern Europe, where they now serve in Bulgaria alongside younger disciples. Their reflections on aging, the desire to stay useful in God's kingdom, and the joy of serving others offer timeless wisdom for Christians seeking to make their lives count. "We want to be useful again." — Don and Mie Lee 🔑 Key Takeaways Don was baptized in 1976 and has been a Christian for nearly 50 years. Mie became a disciple while working as a Japanese diplomat in Jamaica. The couple met through mutual friends who "arranged" their meeting. Don's time in the Boston church during its explosive growth deeply shaped his faith. The Hong Kong mission team grew from 17 members to over 2,000 in just ten years. Mie faced early cultural and spiritual challenges while serving in Japan. After retirement, they felt a renewed call to serve in Eastern Europe. Their work in Bulgaria focuses on mentoring younger disciples and strengthening local churches. They emphasize that no matter your age or stage of life, you can still be useful in God's kingdom. 🕰️ Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Don and Mie Lee 03:02 — Don's Journey to Faith 04:24 — Mie's Conversion in Jamaica 07:21 — Meeting and Marriage: A Cross-Cultural Love Story 11:37 — Mission to Hong Kong: Growth and Challenges 19:07 — Serving in Japan: Cultural Insights 28:45 — Life After Marriage: Seattle and Beyond 31:37 — Answering the Call to Return to Mission Work 35:28 — Why Eastern Europe? 38:25 — Life and Ministry in Bulgaria 47:30 — Encouragement for Future Missionaries 55:27 — Finishing Strong and Making Life Count 🗣️ Sound Bites "I want to make my life count." "We can be useful again." "It's never too late to make a difference." 🧭 Keywords missionaries, faith journey, cross-cultural marriage, church growth, retirement, Eastern Europe, Bulgaria, discipleship, service, personal growth, spiritual purpose 💬 Connect and Grow For books, blogs, podcasts, and resources to help you make this life count, visit 👉 RobSkinner.com If you'd like to support this program and help Rob continue his mission to multiply disciples, leaders, and churches, please consider buying him a coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner— Support the Rob Skinner Podcast If you are interested in contacting Don or Mie about missionary work or anything related to the discussion, please email Don at [email protected] 📲 Tags #FaithJourney #Missionaries #Inspiration #RetirementWithPurpose #Discipleship #EasternEurope #Bulgaria #ChristianLife #RobSkinnerPodcast #MakeYourLifeCount