Today we’re reposting a powerful episode from our 2019 archives—one that is just as timely now as when it was first recorded. Lamplighter Guild instructor Pastor Colin Smith immerses students into the world of ancient Persia through the story of Esther, issuing a compelling call to return to femininity and masculinity rooted in God’s design. This is a message worth hearing again. Please note: this podcast was recorded live in 2019 and not in the studio, so the sound quality may vary. The battle continues to rage—moment by moment and day by day. But must we face the enemy blindfolded? To conquer, we must first recognize the real foe. Through this rich allegorical tale, listeners are equipped to identify and slay the Giants that confront them. You can continue this journey by purchasing The Giant Killer at: https://lamplighter.net/product/giant-killer-dramatic-audio-mp3-download/

On this special episode of Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby is joined in the studio by board members Shad Bolen and Lew Sterrett, along with Masters Guild student Lucy Blend and co-host Molly Mayo. Together, they pull back the curtain on life inside The Masters Guild and the Lamplighter community, sharing stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes moments you won’t hear anywhere else. What’s a day really like for a Masters Guild student? How does life at Lamplighter look from the board’s perspective? And what makes the experience so deeply transformative? Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with honest reflections and inside perspectives from the team.

Today on Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby and Molly Mayo welcome Dr. Lew Sterrett for a thoughtful conversation on seeking God first and trusting Him to carry us through every season of life. They reflect on the miraculous way our bodies are designed to heal, while also considering how easily we can become captive to our physical circumstances when the Great Physician offers true and lasting healing. This episode gently challenges a victim mentality and points listeners toward hope, faith, and wholeness found in Christ.

Today on Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby, Molly Mayo, and Dr. Lew Sterrett share their all-time favorite Bible verses, talk about spiritual weight lifting, identify each other's key character traits, and discuss their collective wisdom through life experiences and knowledge of the scriptures! Listen in for an inspiring range of topics extending from the aroma of Christ to the utterings of Wisdom in Proverbs.

We all shrink from circumstances that are out of our control. But what if God has a deeper purpose in trials than we ever imagined?  This week on Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby, Molly Mayo, and Dr. Lew Sterrett explore Psalm 119:75, “in faithfulness you have afflicted me,” and delve into God’s ultimate purpose in affliction - to draw our self-reliant hearts back to Himself. “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.” - 119:67

Open your Bible to Matthew chapter 1 and read the 14 generations of Jesus' lineage. Wait! You can only find 13! Where is this missing generation? Why are they missing in the first place? When you find out who this person is, your expectations of what God can do and how much grace He has will be stretched indefinitely!

Once in a while God does something so unusual that you know only He could have done it. Join Mark Hamby as he interviews two master craftsmen, Tom and Dave, who are living examples of the Biblical characters, Oholiab and Bezalel (Exodus 31, 35-36). Prepare to be inspired as you seek to use the gifts and skills God has placed in your hands to bless those around you. Unsure of what you have to offer? Hear how even a daily carpool routine can be used for the glory of God. The Giant Killer https://lamplighter.net/product/giant-killer-dramatic-audio-mp3-download/ The Masters Guild https://themastersguild.net

Traverse several years ago as Dr. Mark Hamby and the Lamplighter Staff enjoy morning devotions. Reading Joshua 17, we learn that the people of Israel did not completely remove the former nations from the Promised Land. Others wanted additional territory instead of cultivating the land God had assigned them. This podcast will encourage you to take steps of faith, clear the trees in your life, and expand the opportunities God has placed before you. Deep into the Vale of Promise ventures a young knight, Sir Constant, who desires nothing more than to be in service of the Great King. Though unworthy of this high calling, he sets forth on the perilous road that all who desire to serve the King must take - the Splendid Way. His heart, courage, valour, and faith will be tested. His strength and endurance will be challenged. And his allegiance to the one true King will be proven. A richly dramatized allegory wrought with biblical truth. Purchase your copy of Sir Knight of the Splendid Way at: https://lamplighter.net/product/sir-knight-of-the-splendid-way-dramatic-audio-mp3-download/ The views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the beliefs and mission of Lamplighter Ministries. Our standard is the Bible, and we encourage listeners to always test everything heard in this podcast against the truths of Scripture.

Does “sweetness” characterize your speech? In this episode of Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Hamby and Molly Mayo welcome Jake Phillips—voice actor and Lamplighter Theatre legend—to the podcast. Together, they reflect on the wisdom of Proverbs 16:21: “Sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.” Jake also shares personal insights into what God is teaching him through John 13. Tune in for a gentle reminder about the power of responding with “sweetness,” and a heartfelt conversation about trusting God through trials and circumstances we may not yet understand. “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” — John 13:7

“A new commandment I give to you: love one another.” (John 13:34) Do you find it difficult to love those who challenge you? Does the Christian life sometimes feel overwhelming? You are not alone. Many of us assume we must generate love ourselves to obey Christ, yet He promises that if we ask anything in His name, He will provide it. Like branches joined to a vine, we cannot bear fruit apart from Him—but connected to the Vine, we can experience the joy of His love flowing through us. In today’s episode, Dr. Mark Hamby and Molly Mayo welcome Norm Wakefield to explore John 13–15. Together, they examine the profound meaning behind Jesus’s words: “In my Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you,” offering insight and encouragement for living in the love of Christ.   Resource Mentioned on the Show: https://livetolovewithjesus.com

This week on Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby and Dr. Lew Sterrett unpack the world’s rising hostility toward God’s Word—and why we shouldn’t be shaken by it. What if persecution isn’t a setback, but a setup for revival? Just ask Saul, who went from hunting Christians to spreading the gospel. Even the fiercest persecutors can become God’s mightiest instruments! And as history shows, whenever the Church faces pressure, she always answers with greater passion and boldness for Christ. Tune in for a timely reminder that God’s light shines brightest in the dark!

Amidst unimaginable suffering, Radha Manickam heard a whisper: “I have a plan for your life.” On this episode of Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby and Molly Mayo welcome Radha Manickam on the podcast to tell the incredible story of how God brought him through the Khmer Rouge takeover of Cambodia. Evacuated from his home and forced to work on 3 hours of sleep and one spoonful of rice per meal, Radha testifies to suffering, loss, survival…. but most of all, the faithfulness of God. “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD God is an everlasting rock” - Isaiah 26:4 Resources Mentioned on the Show: “Intended for Evil” by Les Sillars

Amidst unimaginable suffering, Radha Manickam heard a whisper: “I have a plan for your life.” On this episode of Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby and Molly Mayo welcome Radha Manickam on the podcast to tell the incredible story of how God brought him through the Khmer Rouge takeover of Cambodia. Evacuated from his home and forced to work on 3 hours of sleep and one spoonful of rice per meal, Radha testifies to suffering, loss, survival…. but most of all, the faithfulness of God. “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD God is an everlasting rock” - Isaiah 26:4 Resources Mentioned on the Show: “Intended for Evil” by Les Sillars

What does it mean to be a friend of God? In this episode of Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby and Molly Mayo dive into Genesis 18-19, highlighting the contrasts between Abraham, Sarah, and Lot, and exploring the importance of patiently and confidently awaiting God's promises. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” - Lamentations 3:22-23

Who do you turn to when you’re in over your head?  We often say we trust God when life is going smoothly, but what about during difficult times? Will we turn to God or rely on others? In today’s world, where self-help books, medical treatments, home remedies, and various distractions abound, it’s easy to seek help from other sources before approaching our loving Heavenly Father. In this episode of Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby examines the reasons behind King Amaziah's failure to remain steadfast in his faith and trust in God when faced with challenges. Drawing from 2 Chronicles 25, this story uncovers the hidden struggles of the human heart and the deep-seated idols we all contend with. Tune in to find encouragement in your faith and learn how to stand firm in God's love.

Life’s journey can be heavy, weary, or marked with sorrow. Yet along the rugged path, there is always a whisper of grace—a gentle light guiding us onward. In this episode, Dr. Mark Hamby reads a treasured passage from one of Lamplighter’s most beloved works, Sir Knight of the Splendid Way. This short but profound reflection offers courage for the weary soul, hope in the midst of turmoil, and light for those walking through shadow. May it linger with you, echoing long after the last word is spoken.

We all dream of mastering our craft. Whether we are painters, surfers, or accountants, the pursuit of excellence is something we’ve all considered. But is it really as unattainable as it sometimes feels? Certainly not! On today’s episode of Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby welcomes two master teachers: Jake Phillips—voice actor and Lamplighter Theatre legend—and Steve Rosen—music designer, composer, and producer. Together, they share personal testimonies of how God has used life’s most difficult experiences to strengthen their faith. Listen in as these two master craftsmen reveal the wisdom and lessons that have guided them in achieving—and continuing to pursue—excellence for God’s glory. Tune in today and discover what it truly takes to follow hard after the Lord and grow in your God-given gifts!

On this episode of Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby reflects on the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, a man whose bold faith and passion for God’s Word shaped a generation. Drawing parallels between Charlie’s life and the martyrdom of Stephen in Acts 7, Mark explores how God often uses tragedy to ignite revival and spread the truth of the Gospel. He challenges listeners to rise up and continue Charlie’s mission—to speak truth with courage, disciple the next generation, and trust that God is in control even when the world rages against His Word. This powerful conversation is both a tribute to a faithful servant and a call to action for all who desire to see God’s Kingdom advance.

We all dream of mastering our craft. Whether we are painters, surfers, or accountants, the pursuit of excellence is something we’ve all considered. But is it really as unattainable as it sometimes feels? Certainly not! On today’s episode of Fastened Like Nails, Dr. Mark Hamby welcomes two master teachers: Jake Phillips—voice actor and Lamplighter Theatre legend—and Steve Rosen—music designer, composer, and producer. Together, they share personal testimonies of how God has used life’s most difficult experiences to strengthen their faith. Listen in as these two master craftsmen reveal the wisdom and lessons that have guided them in achieving—and continuing to pursue—excellence for God’s glory. Tune in today and discover what it truly takes to follow hard after the Lord and grow in your God-given gifts!

Wealth is something we all wrestle with at some point in life. In a culture that constantly urges us to chase after more, how often do we pause to consider what it truly means to be rich? On today’s podcast, Pastor Justin Langley and Dr. Mark Hamby explore these questions through the well-known parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. From Luke 16:19–31, this unusual story offers a fresh perspective on rags, riches, and the secret to everlasting wealth.