399. Why I Fasted for 7.5 Days (And What God Taught Me)

What happens when you go 7.5 days without food? In this episode, Rob Skinner shares his personal experience with an extended fast—why he did it, what he learned, and how it impacted his faith, mindset, and daily life. Faced with situations beyond his control—including a loved one returning to God, a high-stakes Bible study, and a close friend recovering from serious illness—Rob turned to fasting as a way to seek God's power and intervention. He opens up about his initial resistance, the physical and mental challenges, and the surprising spiritual clarity that came through the process. Rob also shares practical insights from the fast, including: Why fasting strengthens your dependence on God What hunger really feels like after the first 24 hours The powerful mental aspect of fasting How fasting simplifies and sharpens your prayers The humbling realization that "you're not the center of the story" How fasting can reset your relationship with food and health Drawing from Scripture, including Ezra 8, Matthew 6, and John 15, as well as insights from Seneca, this episode explores fasting as both spiritual discipline and personal training for life's challenges. If you've ever considered fasting but felt intimidated, this episode will encourage you to start small, push past fear, and trust God for deeper growth. Key Takeaways Apart from God, we can do nothing Fasting invites God's power into situations we can't control Fear is often the biggest barrier to fasting Hunger becomes manageable—and often more mental than physical Simplicity in prayer leads to greater clarity and focus Fasting builds discipline, humility, and spiritual readiness Call to Action Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter  Read and review The 10x Christian on Amazon Share this episode with someone exploring spiritual growth

Who Are You Becoming? (Part 3): The Power of Focus That Transforms Your Life What if the most important question in your life isn't what you're doing… but who you're becoming? In this final episode of his 3-part series on the power of focus, Rob Skinner shares a powerful message from a recent sermon in Boston about how your attention shapes your character—and ultimately your life. Most people focus on external things: Career Money Success Future plans But the Bible calls us to ask a deeper question: Who am I becoming? In 2 Corinthians 3, the Apostle Paul teaches that as we contemplate the Lord, we are transformed into His image. That word "contemplate" means to gaze, reflect, and give sustained attention. In other words: You become what you focus on. The Transformation Process When you fix your attention on Jesus, something powerful happens. His character begins to form in you: • Love • Joy • Peace • Patience • Kindness • Goodness • Faithfulness • Gentleness • Self-control (Galatians 5:22–23) This is the goal of the Christian life—not just to believe in Jesus, but to become like Him. The Michelangelo Illustration Rob shares a powerful illustration from Michelangelo. When asked how he created the statue of David, Michelangelo said: "I simply chipped away everything that was not David." That's exactly what Jesus does in our lives. As we focus on Him, He begins to chip away: • Pride • Fear • Selfishness • Sin Until Christ is formed in us. Christ-Focused Reading Rob shares a practical habit to help you grow: Christ-focused reading Spend time slowly reading and reflecting on passages that reveal the character of God and Jesus, such as: • Exodus 34:6–7 – God's compassion and grace • Romans 5 – God's love demonstrated through Christ • Ephesians 1 – Your identity and blessings in Christ • Philippians 2 – The humility of Jesus • Colossians 1 – The supremacy of Christ • Romans 8 – Life in the Spirit Don't rush. Read slowly. Reflect deeply. Repeat often. Because transformation happens through consistent exposure to truth. Your Life Follows Your Focus We live in a world where everything is competing for your attention. But you have a choice: You choose your focus. And when your focus changes, your life begins to change. So today, ask yourself: Where are my eyes going? Then gently bring them back to Jesus. Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: 👉 Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter https://robskinner.com 👉 Read Rob's latest book The 10X Christian Also coming soon: Before You Quit: Letters to a Discouraged Christian Rob's mission is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

Your Life Follows Your Focus (Part 2): Fix Your Eyes on Jesus In a world where everyone is competing for your attention, learning to focus may be one of the most important spiritual disciplines a disciple can develop. In this second episode in his Power of Focus series, Rob Skinner shares a powerful message from a recent sermon in Boston about why disciples of Jesus must intentionally direct their attention toward Christ. Philippians 2 calls believers to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus—a mindset marked by humility, sacrifice, and obedience. But the challenge is that the world constantly pulls our focus in other directions. Comparison. Success. Approval. Pleasure. Entertainment. Just like racehorses wear blinders to keep their eyes fixed on the track, disciples must decide where their attention will go. When racehorses look sideways, they slow down and lose the race. In the same way, when believers constantly compare themselves with others or chase distractions, they lose spiritual focus. The solution is simple but powerful: Fix your attention on Jesus. In this episode, Rob shares a practical spiritual habit called Christ-focused reading—spending intentional time in passages of Scripture that reveal the character and identity of Jesus. Passages like: • Philippians 2 – The humility of Christ • Colossians 1 – The supremacy of Christ • The Sermon on the Mount – The teachings of Christ By slowly reflecting on these passages and asking, "What does this reveal about Jesus?" disciples begin to absorb His character and imitate His example. Transformation doesn't happen by accident. It happens when we intentionally direct our attention toward Christ. Because in the end, your life truly follows your focus. Key Scriptures Philippians 2:5–11 "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…" Colossians 1:15–17 "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation…" Practical Challenge Try this simple practice this week: Spend time reading passages that focus directly on the character of Jesus. Slow down. Reflect on what the passage reveals about Him. Ask yourself: How can I imitate this today? Because discipleship is not about perfection. It's about direction and attention. Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: • Subscribe to Rob's weekly newsletter: https://robskinner.com • Read Rob's latest book: The 10X Christian Available on Amazon or RobSkinner.com. Rob's mission is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

Your Life Follows Your Focus: The Secret to Spiritual Transformation What you focus on shapes the person you become. In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob shares a powerful lesson from Hebrews 12 about the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus. Drawing from a recent sermon in Boston, Rob explains how attention is one of the most important forces shaping our spiritual lives. Your mind, your habits, and even your character are shaped by what consistently captures your attention. In a world where countless voices are competing for your focus—social media, news, comparison, anxiety, and success—the Bible offers a simple but life-changing command: Fix your eyes on Jesus. Rob shares a fascinating story about a friend who learned fluent English simply by watching American television growing up in Venezuela. By listening and imitating what he repeatedly saw and heard, his mind adapted and his speech transformed. The same principle applies spiritually. When our attention stays fixed on Christ—His character, His words, and His example—we begin to absorb His humility, courage, and love. Transformation doesn't happen by accident. It happens when we intentionally direct our attention toward Jesus. Rob also explores a powerful passage from 2 Corinthians 3:18, where Paul describes how believers are transformed into Christ's image as they contemplate the glory of the Lord. In a culture that constantly fights for your attention, learning to focus on Jesus may be one of the most important spiritual disciplines you can develop. If you want to grow spiritually and become more like Christ, it starts with a simple decision: Choose what you focus on. Key Scripture Hebrews 12:2 "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." 2 Corinthians 3:18 "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory." Practical Challenge This week, try a simple exercise: Spend intentional time reading passages that focus directly on Jesus and the character of God. Slow down. Reflect on what those passages reveal about Christ. Let them reshape the way you see God. Because your life truly follows your focus. Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: • Subscribe to Rob's weekly newsletter: https://robskinner.com • Read Rob's latest book: The 10X Christian Available on Amazon or at RobSkinner.com Rob's mission is to inspire you to live a no regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

What Is Your Rock? The Danger of Trusting Wealth Instead of God What is your rock? In a world where investments, real estate, and retirement accounts are rising faster than ever, it's easy for our hearts to slowly shift from trusting God to trusting our wealth. In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob explores the powerful warning from Psalm 62:10: "Though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them." Financial growth isn't the problem. The real danger is when our hearts begin to rest in money instead of God. King David understood this tension well. Though he was incredibly wealthy, his peace and security didn't come from his kingdom, armies, or possessions. His confidence came from God alone. David declared: "Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." (Psalm 62) In today's world of market surges, investment growth, and financial success, this message is more relevant than ever. As wealth increases, faith can sometimes decrease. In this episode, Rob challenges us to examine a critical question: Where is your heart really anchored? Is your confidence in the market—or in the Master? In This Episode You'll Learn • Why wealth can quietly pull our hearts away from God • The difference between using money and trusting money • Why the Bible warns about the deceitfulness of wealth • How King David modeled generosity even in great success • Why retirement should never become spiritual retirement • How to use your blessings to build something that lasts eternally A Powerful Question to Ask Yourself What or who is your rock right now? Are you trusting in markets or in your Maker? God never intended wealth to be the foundation of your life. It's meant to be a tool for eternal impact. Scripture Featured Psalm 62:10 Psalm 62:1–2 Resources Mentioned 📘 The 10X Christian by Rob Skinner Available on Amazon and at RobSkinner.com 📩 Sign up for Rob's Weekly Newsletter Encouragement, practical faith insights, and updates from Rob. 👉 Visit: RobSkinner.com About the Rob Skinner Podcast The Rob Skinner Podcast exists to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches. Each episode provides biblical insight, practical wisdom, and encouragement to help you grow in faith and purpose.

📝 Freedom in Christ — Why Christian Passivity Is So Dangerous What does it really mean to be free in Christ? In Galatians 5:13, Paul writes: "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob explores the powerful truth behind Christian freedom and the danger of drifting into spiritual passivity. While the gospel teaches that we cannot save ourselves through our own efforts, some people mistakenly interpret grace as permission to stop striving, growing, or serving altogether. This mindset can lead to what Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously called "cheap grace." True freedom in Christ is not freedom from obedience, but freedom for obedience—freedom to love, serve, and live for God without fear or guilt. Rob explains how grace should motivate believers to live purposeful lives that multiply what God has entrusted to them, rather than settling into spiritual complacency. If you've ever wondered how grace and obedience work together in the Christian life, this episode will challenge and encourage you to use your freedom for something that truly matters. 🔑 Key Scriptures Galatians 5:13 "But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." 1 Peter 2:24 "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness." 🎯 In This Episode What freedom in Christ really means The difference between cheap grace and costly grace Why Christian passivity can quietly undermine faith Insights from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship Why grace should lead to action, not complacency How to use your freedom to serve and make an eternal impact 🚀 Practical Challenge Take a moment today and ask yourself: Who can I serve today? Who can I encourage or invite today? How can I grow spiritually today? Your freedom in Christ is not a license to coast. It's a gift and a trust—an invitation to live a life that shines the light of Jesus in a dark world. 📬 Stay Connected Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter for encouragement, spiritual insights, and new podcast updates. 👉 https://RobSkinner.com Subscribers also receive a free chapter from Rob's book, The 10X Christian. 📚 Resources Mentioned The 10X Christian — Rob Skinner The Cost of Discipleship — Dietrich Bonhoeffer ⭐ Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: Share it with a friend Leave a review Subscribe so you never miss an episode Rob's mission is simple: To inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

📝 What made Jesus such a powerful communicator and teacher? One simple habit: He asked great questions. In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob explores how Jesus used questions not just to gather information—but to bring revelation. Questions like: "Why are you so afraid?" "Do you want to get well?" "Who do you say that I am?" Each question helped people uncover what was really going on in their hearts. In a world where most people talk about themselves and rarely ask meaningful questions, learning to ask thoughtful questions can transform your relationships, deepen your conversations, and multiply your influence. Drawing from Proverbs 20:5 and real-life experiences, Rob shares practical ways to start asking questions that open hearts and lead to deeper spiritual conversations. If you want to grow as a disciple-maker, leader, or friend, this episode will challenge you to adopt one of Jesus' most powerful habits. 🔑 Key Scripture Proverbs 20:5 "The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but the one who has insight draws them out." 🎯 In This Episode Why Jesus asked so many questions How questions reveal what's really in someone's heart Why most conversations stay superficial The power of curiosity in relationships Practical questions that lead to deeper spiritual conversations The FORD framework for meaningful dialogue: Family Occupation Recreation Dreams 🚀 Practical Challenge This week, try asking one meaningful question in every conversation. Instead of staying at the surface, ask something that helps you understand someone's heart. Examples: What's been happening in your life recently? Where are you on your spiritual journey? What matters most to you right now? You might be surprised how quickly walls come down and hearts open up. That's what 10X Christians do—they don't just talk about Jesus, they ask like Jesus. 📬 Stay Connected Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter for encouragement, practical insights, and new podcast episodes. 👉 https://RobSkinner.com Subscribers also receive a free chapter from Rob's book, The 10X Christian. 📚 Resources Mentioned The 10X Christian — Rob Skinner Proverbs 20:5 ⭐ Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: Share it with a friend Leave a review Subscribe so you never miss an episode Rob's mission is simple: To inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

One Day You Will Stand Before Jesus — Live With the End in Mind What if you lived today knowing that one day you will look Jesus Christ in the eye? Not metaphorically. Not poetically. Literally. In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob explores the powerful truth found in 2 Corinthians 5:10 — that every one of us will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of our lives. This reality isn't meant to paralyze us with fear. It's meant to focus us, sharpen our purpose, and help us live with eternity in mind. Drawing inspiration from Stephen Covey's famous principle "Begin with the end in mind," Rob challenges listeners to think beyond success, retirement, or recognition and consider the true finish line of life: standing before Jesus. When we live with eternity in mind: Our priorities shift Courage increases Trivial distractions lose their power Our mission becomes clear This episode will help you evaluate your life not by temporary wins, but by eternal reward. If you want to live a no-regrets life that truly counts, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. 🔑 Key Scripture 2 Corinthians 5:10 "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." 🎯 In This Episode Why remembering eternity brings clarity to everyday life The spiritual practice of memento mori — remembering our mortality How eternal perspective reshapes priorities The difference between temporary success and eternal reward What it means to live as a 10X Christian 🚀 Practical Challenge Take a quiet moment today and imagine standing before Jesus. Not to fear that day. But to allow it to focus your life today. Ask yourself: Am I multiplying what Jesus entrusted to me? Am I building eternal impact or chasing temporary applause? Will I hear the words: "Well done, good and faithful servant"? 📬 Stay Connected Rob recently launched a weekly newsletter to encourage and equip Christians who want to live a no-regrets life. Sign up here: 👉 https://robskinner.com Subscribers also receive a free chapter of Rob's book, The 10X Christian. 📚 Resources Mentioned The 10X Christian — Rob Skinner The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — Stephen Covey ⭐ Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: Share it with a friend Leave a review Subscribe so you never miss an episode Rob's mission is simple: To inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

Are you living for God's approval… or people's applause? Most of us enjoy recognition. We like being noticed, appreciated, and affirmed. Even when we serve God, there can be a quiet craving underneath — the desire to be seen. But Jesus said something that cuts completely against our natural instincts: "I am not seeking glory for myself." — John 8:50 In this episode, Rob explores the subtle trap of self-glory and the freedom that comes when we seek God's approval alone. Pride often hides behind good works, and even spiritual service can become a stage where we hope someone will notice. True humility isn't self-hatred or insecurity. It's something far healthier: self-forgetfulness. When our focus shifts from human praise to God's approval, our motivation becomes pure and our joy becomes deeper. In this episode you'll learn: Why the desire for recognition can quietly shape our spiritual lives How pride often hides behind religious activity What Jesus meant when He said He wasn't seeking glory for Himself The difference between humility and insecurity How to redirect the craving for praise into gratitude toward God The peace that comes from serving quietly without needing applause Jesus lived completely free from the addiction to human praise. His life invites us into that same freedom — a life where our goal is not applause from people but the simple words from God: "Well done, good and faithful servant." Key Scriptures John 8:50 Matthew 6:1–6 Matthew 25:21 Reflection Questions Who am I really doing this for? Would I still serve the same way if no one noticed? Am I seeking God's approval or human applause? Next Steps If this episode encouraged you, here are a few ways to stay connected: 📬 Join Rob's weekly newsletter: https://www.robskinner.com 📘 Read Rob's latest book — The 10X Christian Available on Amazon and at RobSkinner.com 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. Rob Skinner's goal is simple: to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

Don't Bury Your Gift: The Silent Drift That Kills Your Calling Episode Description: What if the greatest danger to your faith isn't open rebellion… but quiet drift? In this episode, Rob challenges us to examine something subtle but dangerous — spiritual passivity. We don't renounce our faith. We don't walk away from God. We just slowly sideline our calling. We get busy. We get successful. We get comfortable. And before we know it, the gift God gave us is sitting unused. Drawing from 1 Timothy 4 and Jesus' parables about buried talents, Rob reminds us of Paul's clear warning: "Do not neglect your gift." This isn't just advice for Timothy. It's a wake-up call for every Christian. In This Episode, You'll Discover: Why spiritual drift is more dangerous than obvious failure How busyness and comfort can bury your calling The real meaning behind "Don't neglect your gift" Why faithfulness is about multiplication — not maintenance A powerful story about gifted Christians who slowly disengaged Simple, practical ways to get back on mission today Key Scriptures: 1 Timothy 4:12–14 — "Do not neglect your gift." 1 Timothy 2:4 — God wants all people to be saved. Matthew 25 — The Parable of the Talents Luke 19 — The Parable of the Minas The Hard Question: When was the last time you used your gift to help someone grow spiritually? Are you still reaching? Still teaching? Still encouraging? Still on mission? Or has comfort quietly buried what God meant to be multiplied? Practical Next Steps: Stay in the fellowship — don't rush home. Approach the visitor sitting alone. Study the Bible with someone seeking truth. Pray intentionally for one person. Invite someone this week. Dust off your gift — start small. You don't have to be in full-time ministry to be fully engaged in the mission. Your workplace is your field. Your neighborhood is your ministry. Your relationships are your stewardship. Final Challenge: One day the Master will return. And He will ask: What did you do with what I gave you? Let's make sure we haven't buried our talent. Let's keep the main thing the main thing. That's the 10X Christian life. Support the Podcast: Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter at RobSkinner.com Read and review The 10X Christian on Amazon Share this episode with someone who needs a wake-up call Because the goal is simple: Live a no regrets life. Make this life count. Multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.