368. How to Make 2026 Your Best Year So Far

🎙️ The Secret of Contentment What if the peace you're searching for isn't found in getting more—but in realizing you already have enough? In this episode of The Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob Skinner explores one of the most underrated and powerful virtues of the Christian life: contentment. Drawing from 1 Timothy 6:6–8, Rob challenges the cultural narrative that fulfillment comes from accumulation, status, or success—and points instead to the quiet strength of godliness with contentment. Rob shares a personal story from his early years as a Christian, when owning very little didn't feel like lack at all—but freedom. With God, purpose, and meaningful relationships, he discovered that true richness has nothing to do with possessions and everything to do with perspective. This episode will encourage you to slow down, take inventory of what God has already given you, and rediscover joy, peace, and gratitude right where you are. 📖 Key Scripture 1 Timothy 6:6–8 "Godliness with contentment is great gain…" 🎯 In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why contentment has nothing to do with how much you own How comparison and pressure quietly steal joy Why appreciation leads to peace, freedom, and gratitude How realizing "nothing is missing" changes everything What it means to live richly—even with very little 💭 Reflection Question What's missing in your life right now—and is it really missing at all? 🙌 Takeaway Contentment isn't found in accumulation—it's found in appreciation. When you have God, you already have everything that truly matters. If this episode encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who needs a reminder that they already have enough. Thanks for listening to The Rob Skinner Podcast. Have a great day—and make this life count.

Preach the Gospel, Die, and Be Forgotten Scripture: Acts 20:22–24 In this episode of The Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob Skinner challenges us to live with one clear, eternal purpose: making Jesus known. Drawing from the life of the apostle Paul and a powerful quote from missionary leader Count Nikolaus von Zinzendorf, Rob unpacks what it really means to live a no-regrets life focused on the mission of the gospel. This message is a call away from comfort, recognition, and self-promotion—and toward obedience, sacrifice, and finishing the race God has set before us. Episode Highlights The meaning behind the quote: "Preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten" Why Paul's life in Acts 20 shows radical focus and courage The difference between living for comfort vs. living for calling How making Jesus famous creates a legacy that outlives us What it looks like to be a 10X Christian in everyday life Key Scripture Acts 20:22–24 (NIV) "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace." One Big Takeaway When we live for our own name, our impact ends with us. When we live for Jesus' name, our legacy multiplies for eternity. Reflection Question Are you living for comfort—or for calling? For recognition—or for obedience? Call to Action You may not be a preacher or missionary, but you are a messenger. Live the mission. Share your faith. Finish the race. If this episode encouraged you: Share it with a friend Subscribe to the podcast Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter at RobSkinner.com Make this life count.

The Power of Contentment Scripture: Hebrews 13:5 In a world that constantly pushes us to want more, true contentment has become rare—but it's also incredibly powerful. In this episode of The Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob Skinner explores how contentment is not found in possessions, success, or upgrades, but in the unshakable presence of God. Using Hebrews 13:5, Rob reminds us that God's promise—"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you"—means we already have everything we truly need. This episode challenges listeners to shift their focus from what's missing to who is with them. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why chasing "more" often steals our peace instead of giving it The difference between healthy ambition and misplaced desire How the love of money can quietly pull our hearts away from Jesus Why God's presence—not success—is the true source of contentment A simple reflection that can restore peace and clarity Key Scripture: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" — Hebrews 13:5 Main Takeaway: Contentment doesn't come from what you achieve or accumulate—it comes from trusting that Jesus is enough. When we anchor our lives in God's presence, we stop striving for the wrong reasons and start living with peace, joy, and purpose. Reflection Question: What do you believe is missing in your life right now—and how might that answer change if you truly believed that Jesus is enough? Call to Action: If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the podcast. Your support helps spread the message of living a no-regrets life and growing as a 10X Christian. Connect with Rob: Website & Newsletter: robskinner.com Book: The 10X Christian Thanks for listening. Make this life count.

🎙️ How to Make 2026 Your Best Year So Far Episode Summary As a new year begins, Rob Skinner shares the exact process he uses to plan for a fruitful, faith-filled year. Drawing from Scripture, personal experience, and practical wisdom, Rob walks through how to reflect on the past, set meaningful goals, build daily routines, and invite God to establish the work of your hands. This episode is a roadmap for anyone who wants to live a no-regrets life and make 2026 their best year yet. 📖 Key Scriptures Isaiah 43:19 – "See, I am doing a new thing…" Psalm 103:2 – "Forget not all His benefits" Ephesians 5:15–16 – Make the most of every opportunity Psalm 90:17 – "Establish the work of our hands" Hebrews 10:14 – Perfected, yet being made holy 🧭 Episode Highlights 1️⃣ Count Your Blessings Before planning forward, Rob encourages listeners to look back with gratitude. Writing out blessings helps reset your mindset from scarcity to abundance and prepares your heart for growth. 2️⃣ Review the Past Year Honestly Reflect on both wins and shortcomings without self-judgment. Rob shares how he used reflection—and even AI as a tool—to gain clarity on what worked and what needs improvement. 3️⃣ Write Clear Goals for 2026 Goals help redeem time and bring focus. Rob outlines key goal categories, including: Peace of mind & spirituality Health & fitness Relationships (marriage, family, friendships) Fun & adventure Money & stewardship Mission & evangelism Career Learning & skill development 4️⃣ Build Daily Systems That Serve Your Goals Goals without routines don't work. Rob explains why daily habits matter more than motivation and shares examples of systems he's using this year, including prayer, walking, writing, and screen boundaries. 5️⃣ Take a Planning Getaway with Your Spouse Getting away—even briefly—creates unity and clarity. Rob shares how intentional conversations with your spouse can shape the entire year. 6️⃣ Use Faith and Imagination Ask: How do I want to feel at the end of 2026? Let vision guide your decisions today. 7️⃣ Put Priorities on the Calendar What gets scheduled gets done. Rob recommends using a year-long calendar to keep priorities visible. 8️⃣ Ask God to Bless the Work of Your Hands Plans matter—but prayer matters more. Commit your goals to God and trust Him with the results. 💡 Key Takeaway Success isn't perfection—it's progress. As Earl Nightingale said, "Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal." Every step toward Christlikeness counts. 🙌 Final Encouragement God is not finished with you. No matter what last year looked like, 2026 can be marked by faith, peace, growth, and real impact. Walk with God, live on purpose, and let's make this year our best yet. 📬 Connect with Rob Send your goals for prayer: [email protected] Sign up for the weekly newsletter: robskinner.com Read Rob's latest book: The 10X Christian (available on Amazon and robskinner.com) Thanks for listening! Help support the podcast by sharing this episode, subscribing, and leaving a review. Make this life count.

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "be61aa52-6649-4362-8d93-95e472688ff8" data-testid= "conversation-turn-164" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> 🎙️ Three Feet From Gold 📖 Scripture Galatians 6:9 — "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." 📝 Episode Summary In this episode of The Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob shares a powerful story from Think and Grow Rich that illustrates how easy it is to quit just before a breakthrough. A man walks away from a gold mine—only to discover later that he was three feet from striking one of the largest gold veins in history. Using Galatians 6:9 as the foundation, Rob challenges listeners to keep digging, keep trusting, and keep doing good—especially when progress feels slow and prayers seem unanswered. God promises a harvest, but endurance is required. You may be closer than you think. This episode is a reminder to stay faithful, resist discouragement, and trust God's timing—because your breakthrough may be just three feet away. 🔑 Key Takeaways Many people quit right before the breakthrough Faithfulness matters more than fast results God sees every prayer, sacrifice, and act of obedience The harvest comes at God's appointed time Endurance is often the difference between regret and reward 🧭 Reflection Questions Where are you tempted to give up right now? What "good work" has God called you to continue faithfully? What would change if you believed you were closer than you think? 🙌 Challenge Identify one area where you've felt weary or discouraged—and commit to not giving up this week. Keep sowing. Keep praying. Keep showing up. Trust that God is working, even when you can't see it. 📣 Call to Action If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend, subscribe to the podcast, and help spread the message. Together, let's live no-regrets lives, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches. Have a great day—and don't quit now. You might be just three feet from gold.      

🎙️ The God Who Is With You 📖 Key Scripture Matthew 28:20 (NIV) "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." 📘 Episode Summary Fear has a way of convincing us that we're alone—but God's Word says otherwise. In this episode of The Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob shares a personal story from the early days of his faith, when fear nearly overwhelmed him as he stepped out to lead for the first time. Anchored by Jesus' promise in Matthew 28:20, this message reminds us that courage doesn't come from confidence in ourselves—it comes from knowing God is with us. Jesus didn't promise comfort, ease, or certainty. He promised His presence. Whether you're facing fear, stepping into leadership, sharing your faith, or walking into the unknown, this episode will encourage you to move forward with confidence—because the Great I AM goes with you. 🔑 Key Takeaways Courage grows when we remember we're not alone Jesus' promise of presence fuels obedience, not comfort The same "I AM" from the Old Testament walks with believers today God doesn't send us out alone—He stands beside us Fear fades when we trust God's presence over our ability 🎯 Application Challenge What's the thing that scares you right now? Don't avoid it. Don't wait until you feel ready. Step into it knowing this truth: You are not alone. God is with you—always. 🙌 Call to Action If this episode encouraged you: Share it with a friend Subscribe to the podcast Leave a review to help others find the show And remember— You are never alone. The God who called you is still with you. 🌐 Learn More Visit RobSkinner.com for books, resources, and more episodes of The Rob Skinner Podcast. Have a great day—and make this life count.

🎙️ The $50,000 Faith Fail (When I Ignored God's Warning) 📄 Episode Description What happens when you ignore spiritual discernment and follow the crowd? In this episode of The Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob shares one of his most painful and personal faith failures—a financial decision that cost him $50,000. What looked like a "blessing" on the surface turned out to be a hard lesson in discernment, integrity, and wisdom. Through this story, Rob unpacks biblical principles that can help you avoid costly mistakes, especially when spiritual language, peer pressure, and "too good to be true" opportunities collide. If you've ever struggled to trust your gut, felt pressure to go along with others, or wondered how God warns us before a crash—this episode is for you. 📖 Key Scripture Proverbs 27:12 (NIV) "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty." 🔑 Key Takeaways Don't override spiritual discernment just because others are excited Spiritual language does not automatically equal integrity If something feels "too good to be true," it usually is God often gives warnings long before the consequences arrive Wisdom means following God—not the crowd 💡 Faith Fail Lesson Ignoring God-given discernment can be far more costly than waiting or walking away. Faith doesn't mean blind trust—it means wise obedience. 🎯 One-Sentence Takeaway Don't let pressure—spiritual or financial—talk you out of the wisdom God has already placed in your heart. 📣 Call to Action If this episode helped you, please: Share it with someone who needs wisdom right now Subscribe to The Rob Skinner Podcast Leave a review to help others discover the show 📘 Check out Rob's latest book, The 10X Christian, available at RobSkinner.com or on Amazon. 🎯 About the Podcast The Rob Skinner Podcast exists to help you: Live a no-regrets life Make this life count Multiply disciples, leaders, and churches

🎙️ The Rob Skinner Podcast — Featuring Douglas Jacoby In this wide-ranging and deeply thoughtful conversation, Rob Skinner sits down with longtime teacher, author, and global church leader Douglas Jacoby to reflect on nearly five decades of faith, ministry, and leadership across continents. From becoming a Christian at Duke University, to helping plant churches in London and Scandinavia, to pioneering an international teaching ministry, Doug shares lessons learned from decades of evangelism, writing, church leadership, and global travel. This episode explores how faith matures over time, why humility and lifelong learning matter, and what it truly means to make this life count. 🧭 Episode Highlights How Doug became a Christian through campus ministry at Duke University Moving from the U.S. to London, Sweden, and beyond for global church planting The early days of the Boston Church movement and international missions Why theological education and teaching matter deeply for the church Writing over 35 books while serving in full-time ministry Lessons from going independent after 2003 and navigating ministry without institutional support Building resilience, focusing on strengths, and sustaining ministry long-term Reflections on autonomy, unity, and connection within the ICOC Thoughts on leadership, humility, church history, and learning from others Advice for disciples who want to live faithfully and finish well 📚 About Douglas Jacoby Douglas Jacoby is a longtime Bible teacher, author, and speaker who has served churches around the world for over 45 years. He has written more than 35 books, leads teaching tours and conferences globally, and continues to equip disciples through writing, podcasting, and training. 🎯 Key Takeaway Spiritual impact isn't built overnight—it's forged through decades of faithfulness, humility, learning, and relationships. 📢 Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: Share it with a friend Subscribe to The Rob Skinner Podcast Leave a rating or review 📘 Learn more about Rob's book The 10x Christian at RobSkinner.com or on Amazon. Live a no-regrets life. Make this life count. Multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

🎙️ Faith Fail Fridays: Lost in Tokyo 📖 Scripture Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." 📌 Episode Summary In this Faith Fail Fridays episode, Rob Skinner shares a memorable (and slightly terrifying) moment from his time in Japan—when a simple sunrise run before preaching turned into getting completely lost in rural Tokyo just minutes before his sermon. What started as a confident shortcut became a humbling reminder of how easily we can lose our way when we rely on our own understanding instead of God's direction. Through humor, honesty, and Scripture, Rob draws a powerful spiritual lesson about trust, humility, and slowing down long enough to ask God for guidance. 🔑 Key Takeaways Faith fails often happen when confidence replaces dependence on God Being lost spiritually usually starts with assuming we "know the way" God hasn't abandoned us—we've just stopped asking for direction God is always ready to straighten paths when we turn back to Him Even detours can become lessons that strengthen faith and humility 🔥 Faith Fail Story Highlights A sunrise run before preaching in Japan goes wrong A "shortcut" through a golf course leads to being lost for hours Asking for directions at a 7-Eleven—and hearing the word "far" Sprinting back just in time to preach while the church worried A powerful reminder that preparation includes spiritual direction 🎯 10X Takeaway A short detour becomes a long disaster when we stop trusting God's direction. 🙌 Call to Action If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs a reminder to slow down, ask God for direction, and trust Him with their path. Support the podcast by: Subscribing and leaving a review Sharing the episode with others Reading Rob's book The 10X Christian, available at RobSkinner.com or on Amazon 🎧 About the Podcast The Rob Skinner Podcast exists to help you: Live a no-regrets life Make this life count Multiply disciples, leaders, and churches Have a great day—and make this life count.

Episode Title: A Christmas Thank You Host: Rob Skinner Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:7 Episode Description: In this special Christmas message, Rob Skinner pauses to say thank you and wish listeners a very Merry Christmas. Reflecting on the true meaning of the season—Jesus, grace, generosity, and people—Rob shares his deep gratitude for everyone who has supported The Rob Skinner Podcast and the broader Go & Grow Ministry this past year. From moving to Boston to expanding the podcast, writing, teaching, and training leaders, Rob acknowledges how prayer, encouragement, and financial generosity have made it all possible. This episode is a heartfelt expression of appreciation for partners and supporters who are helping people grow closer to God, discover their purpose, and live a no-regrets life. Key Themes: The true meaning of Christmas Gratitude and generosity Cheerful giving and joyful faith Partnership in ministry Reflection on a year of growth and transition Vision and prayer for the year ahead Key Scripture: 📖 2 Corinthians 9:7 — "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Special Thanks: Rob personally thanks supporters who have partnered financially in the ministry over the past year, recognizing named and anonymous donors for their generosity and faithfulness. Closing Encouragement: As the year comes to a close, Rob prays God's blessing over listeners and their families—peace, joy, hope, faith, courage, and lasting impact—and thanks them for helping make this life count. Support the Podcast: Subscribe and share the podcast Learn more about Rob's ministry and resources at RobSkinner.com Check out Rob's book The 10X Christian on Amazon or his website Mission Statement: Live a no-regrets life. Make this life count. Multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.