As In Heaven

The Kingdom Principle of Thanksgiving

Podcast Summary:
Imagine driving through life with no gratitude, constantly missing the beauty and joy right in front of you. We've all encountered people like that - perhaps we've even been that person. 
In this episode of As In Heaven, the hosts explore the kingdom principle of thanksgiving, discussing how thankfulness is not just a ritual but a transformative heart posture that changes how we experience life, relationships, and God. 
How can practicing gratitude shift our spiritual lives, health, and mindset, even when circumstances are difficult? How can we cultivate a heart of thanksgiving, especially in the midst of life's challenges, and why is it vital to the kingdom of God? Let’s find out!
Key Takeaways:
Thanksgiving is transformative: It shifts our focus from lack to abundance and ushers us into God's presence, deepening intimacy with Him.
Physiological impact of gratitude: Thanksgiving releases hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, promoting mental and physical health.
Community amplifies gratitude: Surrounding ourselves with thankful people helps us stay grounded in gratitude, even when we’re struggling.
Thankfulness combats entitlement and comparison: Gratitude shifts us away from self-pity and victimhood, helping us embrace contentment and dependence on God.
Thankfulness is tied to humility: True thanksgiving acknowledges God's sovereignty and grace, leading us to humility and deeper trust in His provision.
Pull Quotes:
"Thankfulness literally changes our experience of life, both spiritually and physically. It ushers us into the presence of God and rewires our brains."
"Gratitude is the gateway to joy. When we give thanks, we stop dwelling on what we lack and start recognizing all that we’ve been given."
"Thankfulness leads us to humility, and humility leads to deeper intimacy with God. It’s a beautiful spiral of goodness."
Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Introduction: Setting the tone - how gratitude shapes the kingdom life.
02:14 – Personal Gratitude Stories: Hosts share what they’re thankful for.
03:47 – Scripture Focus: Reading Psalm 100 and its message of thanksgiving.
06:13 – The Science of Gratitude: How thankfulness impacts our physiology.
10:20 – Gratitude in Every Season: Practical ways to practice thanksgiving.
19:43 – Hearing God's Voice: The role of gratitude in listening to the Shepherd.
25:14 – The Power of Gratitude: Why thanksgiving is vital for spiritual health.
33:09 – Community and Gratitude: How others remind us to give thanks.
41:00 – Thankfulness and Humility: How gratitude guards us against entitlement and comparison.
46:09 – Closing Prayer: Asking for the grace to be continually thankful.
 
Check out M46 Ministries: https://m46ministries.com/
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The Greatest Kingdom Principle: The Law of Love

Episode Summary 
Think back to the last wedding you attended. Do you remember witnessing the bride walking down the aisle to meet her groom? This is a moment filled with promises of love that will be tested throughout their lives. 
In this episode of As In Heaven, we dive into the heart of the greatest kingdom principle: love. 
How can we live out true love, the kind that Jesus modeled, in a world where love is often distorted? How do we avoid becoming known for what we are against rather than who we love? 
This episode wrestles with the disconnect many Christians face: while we are called to be known by our love, society often sees us as defined by judgment. 
How can we reclaim the heart of the gospel and demonstrate authentic, Christ-like love?
Key Takeaways:
Love is the defining mark of Christian discipleship – It’s not about agreeing with everyone but showing consistent, unconditional love.
We plant seeds of love even when we don’t see immediate results – Trust that God will nurture what you plant, even when others' responses seem slow or negative.
The kingdom of God is an other-focused kingdom – True love is not self-serving but seeks the good of others, regardless of personal cost.
Engagement doesn’t equal endorsement – We must engage with the world, loving those who live differently without endorsing every lifestyle.
Love involves boundaries – Loving well also includes setting healthy boundaries to protect relationships and honor God.
Pull Quotes:
“No one's ever been drop-kicked into the kingdom. People are always loved into the kingdom.” – Bryn
“We only love because He first loved us. An encounter with God's love changes us forever.” – Bryan
“You don’t add love to what you do; you live from the place of love.” – Chantal
Chapter Markers:
[00:00] – Introduction: The Law of Love
[01:21] – Bryan’s Communion Moment: A Vision of Jesus on the Cross
[03:18] – Bryn’s Life Mission: Loving People into the Kingdom
[05:50] – The Kingdom of God: Love in Action
[12:23] – Bryn’s Story: Loving without Expectation of Return
[16:27] – Planting Seeds: The Long Game of Love
[20:28] – Engaging vs. Endorsing: Jesus’ Model of Love
[27:06] – Kindness that Leads to Repentance: A Jewish Doctor’s Story
[34:53] – Love and Trust: Sacrificial, Other-Focused Love
[41:45] – Daily Practice: Living from a Place of Overflowing Love
[49:24] – Seeing People through God’s Eyes: Loving Beyond Agreement
[54:29] – Conclusion: Love is the Greatest Kingdom Principle
Check out M46 Ministries: https://m46ministries.com/
Buy the book on Amazon US.
Buy the book on Amazon Canada. 
 

Setting the Table: The Kingdom Constitution

Episode Summary:
Our goal should be to live by a constitution that feels too good to be true - a set of rules and principles meant to guide us into a flourishing life. Sadly, this often seems impossible in a world so far from such a system. 
In this installment of the “Setting the Table” series, Bryan and Matt dig deep into The Kingdom Constitution, navigate the tension between our earthly reality and the upside-down, joy-filled kingdom of God. 
The problem is clear: many of us are living in the "empire" of this world, struggling to trust institutions like the church and government, while yearning for the transformative power of God's kingdom. But how do we live out these radical, counter-cultural principles of God's kingdom in a world that feels broken and disillusioned? 
This episode invites listeners into the challenging yet liberating process of learning to live under God's rule - a journey that promises joy, creativity, and intimacy with the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaways:
Trust in Institutions is Declining: The church and government are losing credibility, but God's kingdom offers a trust that transcends human failure.
The Kingdom Constitution is Counter-Cultural: God's kingdom operates on joy, mercy, and humility, flipping the values of worldly power and control.
Holiness is a Relationship, Not a Rulebook: True transformation comes from intimacy with Jesus, allowing His holiness to reshape us from the inside out.
Joy is a Person: Joy isn’t just an emotion, it’s the presence of Jesus within us, a state we live in regardless of our circumstances.
The Kingdom Requires Surrender: Living under God's rule means embracing suffering and letting go of worldly attachments, but it leads to unimaginable joy and freedom.
Pull Quotes:
“Joy is not something you manufacture. The joy of the Lord is our strength - it’s His joy, and it comes to us through union with Jesus.” – Bryan Elliott
“We want the experience of the kingdom without reading the constitution of the kingdom.” – Matt Davis
“Joy allows us to stay in relational connection even in suffering. It’s a mindset that shifts our consciousness into the awareness of Jesus’ presence.” – Bryan Elliott
Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Introduction: The Kingdom Constitution
02:35 – Trust in Institutions vs. God's Kingdom
07:01 – Defining the Kingdom Constitution: God's Perfect Design
11:55 – The Challenge of Engaging with Scripture
16:01 – Biblical Principles Work, Whether We See Them or Not
18:43 – The Sermon on the Mount: The Condensed Kingdom Constitution
22:27 – The Beatitudes: Pathway to Joy
26:23 – Joy as a Person: The Role of Jesus in Joy
33:46 – Laughter and Joy as Hallmarks of the Kingdom
39:23 – Creativity and Joy in the Kingdom
44:20 – Extravagant Love: The Woman with the Alabaster Jar
50:43 – Sacrificial Living: The Story of William Borden
55:22 – Empire vs. Kingdom: The Tension We Live In
01:03:57 – The Invitation to Holiness and Suffering
01:09:14 – Closing Prayer of St. Francis: Living as a Sacrifice
Check out M46 Ministries: https://m46ministries.com/
Buy the book on Amazon US.
Buy the book on Amazon Canada. 

Kingdom Living

Podcast Summary:
Imagine starting your day with the expectation that God will show up in every ordinary moment—whether it's making breakfast for your kids or heading into a long shift at work. 
In this episode of As in Heaven, Bryan Elliott and Matt Davis wrestle with a key question: What does it mean to live out the Kingdom of God in the midst of daily life? 
They highlight how Jesus’ mission is passed on to us and how even small acts of kindness and service can make an eternal impact. 
Through stories of faith, practical insights, and examples from Scripture, they unpack what it means to engage in kingdom living, no matter your context or routine.
Key Takeaways:
Kingdom Living is for Everyone: Whether you're a busy parent or working long hours, every part of your life can be holy and missional when done unto the Lord.
Small Acts with Big Impact: Just as a little yeast permeates a whole loaf, even the smallest acts of love and kindness can have profound, kingdom-shaping results.
Faith in Action: The kingdom of God is about living out love, not just in words but through practical, spirit-led actions that bless others.
No Sacred-Secular Divide: There is no difference between "sacred" and "secular" work when everything is done as worship to God.
Generational Legacy: Kingdom living has the power to impact not just our lives but future generations, creating a ripple effect of spiritual fruit.
Pull Quotes:
“Even the smallest act of kindness is an act of discipling the nations.” — Bryan Elliott
“Jesus’ mission was to make the invisible kingdom visible, and now He’s passed that mission on to us.” — Matt Davis
“It’s not about the size of the act; it’s about the love behind it. The kingdom of God is an inside-out kingdom.” — Bryan Elliott
Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Introduction to Kingdom Living and Jesus' Mission
01:21 – The Great Commission and Discipling the Nations
02:28 – Loving People in Everyday Life: Practical Kingdom Living
07:27 – Kingdom Living for Busy Parents and Workers
10:50 – Living with Expectation: Seeing God in Daily Routines
15:50 – Small Acts, Big Impact: The Kingdom as Leaven
19:25 – Tackling Big Problems Through Simple Acts of Love
24:01 – The Power of "See Something, Do Something" in the Kingdom
26:23 – Building a Spiritual Legacy Through Kingdom Living
31:26 – Trading Earthly Treasures for Eternal Rewards
35:27 – Ending Well: Living for the "Well Done" of Jesus
39:17 – Closing Prayer and Reflection on Kingdom Living
Check out M46 Ministries: https://m46ministries.com/
Buy the book on Amazon US.
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Kingdom Identity

Podcast Summary:
In this episode of the As in Heaven podcast, Bryan explores the profound concept of Kingdom Identity with Matt and Bryn. 
The episode opens with a reflection on how early childhood dress-up games reflect our longing to shape our identity and who we become. However, Bryan and Bryn challenge the notion that a Christian's identity is easily defined by worldly standards, emphasizing the transformation that comes with embracing our true identity as sons and daughters of God. 
Through personal stories, Bryan shares his journey from being a lukewarm Christian to living out a Kingdom worldview, and Bryn recounts how understanding her identity in Christ radically reshaped her life. 
Together, they dive into the implications of moving from an "orphan" mindset to one of spiritual sonship, where true belonging and purpose are found in Jesus. This episode invites listeners to rediscover their Kingdom identity and live out of the abundance that comes from being deeply rooted in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
Kingdom Identity vs. Worldly Identity: True transformation begins when Christians stop living with one foot in the world and fully embrace their Kingdom identity.
The Orphan Spirit: Many Christians live with an orphan mindset, impacting how they view themselves and approach their relationship with God.
Adoption Into Sonship: Being adopted into God's family through Christ changes everything, offering a new lens through which we see ourselves and others.
Prayer and Intimacy: Prayer isn't just about asking for things; it's about engaging deeply with the heart of God and aligning with His will.
Living as Conduits of Heaven: Christians are not containers, but conduits of God's presence, called to let His love and power flow through them to the world.
Pull Quotes:
"You can't have one foot in the world and one foot in the Kingdom; you'll be double-minded and ineffective in all your ways." — Bryan Elliott
"When we move from an orphan mindset to knowing we are sons and daughters of the King, it changes how we live and pray." — Bryn Elliott
"We are not containers that leak; we are conduits of Heaven, meant to overflow with God’s love and power." — Bryan Elliott
Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Introduction: Kingdom Identity and Childhood Dreams
01:38 – Bryan's Journey from Lukewarm Christianity
04:04 – The Power of Generational Kingdom Identity
06:33 – Kingdom Worldview vs. Christian Worldview
09:37 – Moving from Orphan Spirit to Sonship
14:28 – Understanding Adoption and Identity in Christ
18:52 – How Identity Shapes Prayer and Worship
23:55 – Engaging with God's Heart in Prayer
27:23 – Royalty, Identity, and Living as Conduits of Heaven
38:13 – Daily Reminders of Kingdom Identity
44:04 – Closing Thoughts: Living Abundantly in Our Kingdom Identity
Check out M46 Ministries: https://m46ministries.com/
Buy the book on Amazon US.
Buy the book on Amazon Canada. 

Unearthed: A Kingdom Family (feat. Tyler & Heather Cox)

Episode Summary:
Picture yourself being lost in the wilderness, searching for a way out but finding no clear path.
Tyler and Heather Cox found themselves in a prolonged wilderness season that nearly broke their family apart. Financial hardship, emotional distress, and spiritual confusion overwhelmed them.
But in this episode, we explore how God doesn’t abandon us in these wilderness seasons. Through divine appointments, like connecting with Bryan Elliott, they found healing, fatherly love, and restoration in unexpected ways.
This episode discusses how God meets us in our deepest struggles and how spiritual family can be part of our healing process.
Key Takeaways:
Wilderness seasons often feel isolating, but they are part of God's refining process, testing and humbling us.
Spiritual family plays a crucial role in our healing and growth, representing the Father’s heart in practical ways.
God’s provision, even in times of hardship, is undeniable - whether it's through financial help or emotional healing.
Forgiveness, especially for family wounds, is a significant step toward spiritual freedom and transformation.
Being open to God’s direction and building authentic relationships can lead to unexpected blessings and deep healing.
Pull Quotes:
"We don't just forgive the person; we go through the depths of how it made us feel, and then blessing them at the end."
"God sustains us in the wilderness, and we don’t even know the fullness of the fruit that will come from those seasons."
"The spiritual father represents the heart of God, bringing healing and restoration even when we feel abandoned."
Chapter Markers:
[00:00] - Introduction: Meeting Tyler and Heather Cox
[03:14] - Tyler and Heather’s Backstory: Ministry and Marriage
[10:05] - The Wilderness Season: Hardship, Anxiety, and Spiritual Struggles
[14:39] - The Dinner with Bryan: A Spiritual Turning Point
[17:30] - Inner Healing: Forgiveness and Deliverance
[24:55] - Spiritual Fatherhood: Bryan’s Role in Their Healing
[31:51] - Moving Forward: Transformation and Hope in the Wilderness
[34:42] - Closing Thoughts: God’s Provision in the Wilderness
 
Check out M46 Ministries: https://m46ministries.com/
Buy the book on Amazon US.
Buy the book on Amazon Canada. 
 

The Kingdom of God Is At Hand!

Podcast Summary:
In this episode of As In Heaven, Bryan Elliott and host Matt Davis are joined by Bryan’s daughter Bryn, and Chantal Fowler to explore the connection between repentance and the Kingdom of God. 
Through personal stories and spiritual insights, the discussion tackles the critical, often overlooked role repentance plays in accessing the Kingdom of God. By embracing repentance as a lifestyle, believers can experience deeper intimacy with God, break free from strongholds, and align themselves with God’s original design. 
The episode emphasizes the power of turning to God, not just for personal salvation but for living a life that invites others into the Kingdom through discipleship, family restoration, and love.
Key Takeaways:
Repentance as a Gateway: True repentance is essential for entering and experiencing the Kingdom of God. It’s more than just a one-time event - it's a lifestyle that leads to transformation.
Breaking Strongholds: Strongholds are hidden belief systems that work against God’s truth. Through repentance and the renewing of the mind, these strongholds can be broken, allowing freedom.
Family Discipleship: Discipleship begins at home. Restoring broken relationships within the family through repentance and love creates a foundation for generational discipleship.
Reflecting the Father: In challenging relationships, asking “Who are you reflecting?” helps believers align with God rather than reacting to others in hurt or judgment.
The Power of Sonship: Before being effective fathers or mothers, individuals must fully embrace their identity as sons and daughters of God, rooted in His love.
Pull Quotes:
“Repentance is not just a moment - it’s a lifestyle. It’s about constantly turning back to the original design God has for us.” – Bryan Elliott
“Strongholds are belief systems that set themselves up against God’s truth, but the Holy Spirit gives us the power to tear them down.” – Chantal Fowler
“I couldn’t be a good father until I learned to be a son. Being a son of God taught me how to show up for my family.” – Bryan Elliott
Chapter Markers:
[00:00] – Welcome and Introductions
[01:46] – The Connection Between Repentance and the Kingdom of God
[03:17] – Personal Stories of Repentance and Transformation
[06:23] – Childlike Faith: A Superpower in the Kingdom
[08:18] – The Asbury Revival: The Power of Repentance
[11:09] – Living a Life That Leads to Repentance
[13:27] – Breaking Strongholds: Changing the Way We Think
[20:48] – Awareness of God’s Presence in Our Lives
[27:36] – The Heart: Guarding It Diligently
[31:00] – Overcoming Strongholds and Emotional Healing
[45:33] – Restoring Family Relationships Through Repentance
[52:19] – Discipleship: Starting in the Family
[1:06:05] – M46 Ministries: Restoring Father-Child Relationships
Check out M46 Ministries: https://m46ministries.com/
Buy the book on Amazon US.
Buy the book on Amazon Canada. 

Seeking His Kingdom

Podcast Summary:
Remember the game of hide and seek we played as kids? In this episode of As in Heaven, Matt Davis and Bryan Elliott explore a far more profound version of seeking - not just people but the kingdom of God. 
How do we seek God's kingdom and His righteousness in a world full of distractions and struggles? 
Bryan shares his transformational journey of dethroning self, embracing surrender, and discovering the powerful reality of God's kingdom through deep intimacy with Jesus. They discuss how we can lose our lives to gain true life, unpacking the idea that seeking the kingdom changes everything, from how we face anxiety to how we understand trials.
Key Takeaways:
Seeking the kingdom of God begins with surrendering our desires and making Jesus the King of our lives.
God often allows struggles and trials to bring us into deeper trust and intimacy with Him.
The process of "dying to self" brings resurrection life and freedom in every area of life, including relationships and purpose.
Faith is not passive - seeking God's kingdom is an active pursuit of His presence, principles, and power.
True freedom and joy come when we live for something bigger than ourselves, partnering with God to bring kingdom solutions to the world.
Pull Quotes:
"The kingdom of God is all about freedom, and anxiety is the opposite. We’re given all authority, and anxiety stems from powerlessness."
"If we have God, we have everything. We seek Him, and we get it all."
"You don’t have to have earthly wealth to make eternal investments."
Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Story Hook: Hide and Seek – Matt shares a childhood game and transitions to seeking the kingdom of God.
01:34 – Seeking First the Kingdom – Bryan reflects on his journey of dethroning self and enthroning God.
02:59 – Losing Your Life to Find It – The discussion of surrendering personal desires to embrace God’s kingdom.
06:02 – Motivation for Seeking the Kingdom – Adjusting our motives to seek Jesus as the ultimate goal, not the rewards.
08:47 – Jesus as the Key to the Kingdom – How intimacy with Jesus opens the door to experiencing God’s kingdom.
10:14 – Exploring the Kingdom – Bryan explains why many Christians settle for less when a whole kingdom is available.
13:07 – Trusting God Through Trials – How to trust God’s process even when life is unpredictable.
17:25 – The Offensive Kingdom – Bryan emphasizes living from victory in Jesus and going on the offensive for the kingdom.
20:53 – Anxiety and Trusting God – Overcoming anxiety by trusting in God’s kingdom and refocusing on His promises.
23:26 – Living in Kingdom Freedom – How fear and anxiety stem from a lack of trust, and how seeking the kingdom is the antidote.
30:46 – Seeking First the Kingdom and Righteousness – Bryan’s transformation through seeking God and seeing life in a new light.
36:47 – Focusing on God, Not the Enemy – Avoiding the traps of either glorifying Satan or ignoring his presence entirely.
44:47 – The Power of Testimony – How sharing testimonies of God’s work strengthens faith and accelerates others' journeys.
Check out M46 Ministries: https://m46ministries.com/
Buy the book on Amazon US.
Buy the book on Amazon Canada.