Podcast Summary: “When Your Faith Goes Cold”
Live Big with Derek Grier, March 16, 2026

Episode Overview

In this spiritually candid and practical episode, Dr. Derek Grier explores how seasons of disappointment and spiritual dryness can cool our faith, drawing on Malachi chapter one. He examines three critical questions God addresses to His people — questions often unspoken but deeply felt when life doesn’t meet our expectations. Blending Old Testament context with modern application, Dr. Grier urges listeners to embrace authentic worship, restore heartfelt devotion, and recognize God’s unwavering love, even when passion fades.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Burden and Blessing of God’s Calling

(00:10–02:45)

• Malachi’s prophecy is introduced as a “burden” — a weighty but valuable message for God’s people.
• Dr. Grier reflects: “Every burden is not ours to carry. But if God gives you the burden, He will give you the strength to bear it.”
• Disciples are encouraged not to pray for a lighter load, but for a stronger back, accepting growth through challenge.

2. The Disappointment of Unmet Expectations

(02:45–05:35)

• After returning from exile and rebuilding, Israel expected God’s glory to swiftly return, but faced stalled promises and spiritual apathy.
• Dr. Grier notes, “They began to settle for a distant and somewhat mechanical relationship with God.”
• The episode draws parallels: we, too, can become spiritually mechanical when life disappoints.

3. God’s Unfailing Love

(05:35–08:55)

• The first “unspoken” question: “In what way have You loved us?” (Malachi 1:2)
• God’s answer is timeless: “I have loved you. I do love you. And I will always love you.”
• Dr. Grier highlights: Even in discipline, God’s purpose is transformation, not punishment. “We seldom appreciate the transformation until the process is over.”

4. Understanding “Hate” and Spiritual Priorities

(08:55–13:45)

• The example of Jacob and Esau illustrates what “love” and “hate” mean biblically — not emotional hatred, but “to love less.”
• “Whatever we put before God becomes our God.”
• Listeners are cautioned: Even good things — relationships, jobs — become “miserable masters” when they take God’s place.
• Notable quote: “Jesus, you are the center of my joy. … Stop putting so much pressure on the people in your lives.” (11:00)

5. Perspective: Things Could Always Be Worse

(13:45–16:00)

• Dr. Grier draws a contrast between Israel and Edom: Both suffered, but only Israel was restored.
• “A lot of times we don’t really realize how bad things could be if God would withdraw His hand.”

6. The Call to Honor God — Not Just Ritual

(16:00–22:30)

• God challenges Israel’s leaders: “If I am the Father, where is My honor?” (Malachi 1:6)
• Comparing earthly respect with spiritual laxity: “When you go to work, it’s about pleasing your boss…and if God’s really the head of your life, why isn’t there a lot of conversation about what makes Me happy?”
• The importance of honoring parents and authority figures is stressed, tying in with spiritual honor.

7. Spiritual Drift Happens Gradually

(22:30–26:00)

• God pinpoints the priests’ (leaders’) gradual slide from excellence and heartfelt worship to going through the motions.
• “If you’re not regularly anchored by teaching like this, you’re gonna drift.”

8. Leftovers vs. True Worship

(26:00–30:30)

• The core issue: Israel offers “defiled food” on God’s altar — giving God what costs them nothing.
• Notable quote: “If God is truly first, if God is truly best, he deserves our first and our best. Anything less than that is not worship—it’s an attempt at manipulation.” (27:45)
• Dr. Grier asks poignantly: “When’s the last time you gave God something that cost you something?”
• True worship involves sacrifice, not just convenience; “Worship really doesn’t begin often until it costs you something.”

9. God’s “Sarcasm” and Honest Self-Examination

(30:30–34:25)

• God, through Malachi, challenges: “If you gave your governor what you give Me, would he accept it?”
• Repentance is not just emotional; “Repentance is when you change your mind so deeply that it starts to change you and your life.”
• Notable quote: “The first part of coming back to God is admitting that you’re straight.”

10. Heartfelt Worship or Nothing at All

(34:25–End)

• God declares: “I have no pleasure in you…nor will I accept an offering from your hands.” (Malachi 1:10)
• Dr. Grier warns: “The prophets start reading you… if you’re not going to do it the way God requires, maybe you shouldn’t do it at all.”
• Despite the temple’s formality and outward worship, God seeks a pleasing, genuine heart.
• The episode ends with hope: “As thunderous as He may roar, He always leaves the light on on the porch. You can always come home.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Burden of Leadership:
  “Every burden is not ours to carry. But if God gives you the burden, He will give you the strength to bear it.” (00:45)

• On Prayer vs. Faith:
  “Prayer is bringing my wishes and my worries to God. But faith is when I leave them there.” (06:00)

• On Genuine Joy:
  “Stop putting so much pressure on the people in your lives. Jesus, you are the center of my joy.” (11:00)

• On Perspective:
  “A lot of times we don’t really realize how bad things could be if God would withdraw His hand.” (14:30)

• On Spiritual Drift:
  “The problem is, if you’re not regularly anchored by teaching like this, you’re gonna drift.” (25:10)

• On Worship and Sacrifice:
  “If God is truly first, if God is truly best, He deserves our first and our best. Anything less than that is not worship—it’s an attempt at manipulation.” (27:45) “Worship really doesn’t begin often until it costs you something.” (28:40)

• On Repentance:
  “Repentance is when you change your mind so deeply that it starts to change you and your life.” (32:45)

• On Hope and God’s Love:
  “As thunderous as He may roar, He always leaves the light on on the porch. You can always come home.” (34:20)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:10 — Introduction & Malachi’s burden as prophecy
• 05:35 — God’s assurance of love through disappointment
• 08:55 — Jacob and Esau: “Hate” as “love less”; spiritual priorities
• 13:45 — Israel’s hardships compared to Edom’s fate
• 16:00 — Honor in family and faith; God’s call for respect
• 22:30 — Gradual spiritual drift; warning for leaders and all believers
• 26:00 — The problem with giving God leftovers
• 27:45 — The true cost of worship & sacrifice
• 30:30 — God’s challenge: “Try giving that to your governor!”
• 32:45 — The meaning of true repentance
• 34:20 — God’s unconditional love and open invitation to return

Conclusion

Dr. Derek Grier delivers a heartfelt, sometimes challenging message urging believers to rekindle their passion and devotion for God — not through empty ritual or mere convenience, but with sacrificial, authentic worship rooted in gratitude and trust. Even when faith goes cold, God’s love remains steadfast, inviting us always to return home.