Tuesday, July 15: Today on The Daily Grind, John unpacks the fiery story of the Iconoclast Controversy — when emperors and bishops battled over sacred images in the Eastern Church. We learn how the Byzantine world loved icons as windows to heaven, but fear of idolatry sparked destruction. Soldiers smashed mosaics, monks hid paintings, and faithful believers risked their lives to preserve what they saw as visual theology. John of Damascus defended icons by pointing to the Incarnation: the invisible God became visible in Christ. The fight tested where worship ends and idolatry begins. In the end, icons were restored, but the tension between image and idol never really left. John asks how our modern eyes and hearts might cling to other substitutes for living faith. How do our symbols point us — or distract us — from Jesus? Listen in for a lesson that’s surprisingly modern.

Monday, July 14: Today on The Daily Grind, John takes you back to 4th-century Cappadocia to meet Basil the Great — a bold defender of the Nicene faith and a pioneer of Eastern monastic life. Basil didn’t just debate heresies in fancy halls; he opened hospitals, fed the poor, and built whole communities of practical love. He stood toe-to-toe with emperors who tried to intimidate him and held firm when the truth of Jesus’ divinity was under fire. Basil’s life reminds us that real faith shapes both the mind and the hands. It calls us to believe rightly and love deeply. He built a legacy that still inspires monks, pastors, and social reformers today. Listen in and discover how courage and compassion still defend the truth.

Friday, July 11: In this conversation, John and Mariza explore the themes of leadership, service, and faithfulness as illustrated in Acts 6, focusing on the character of Stephen. They discuss the challenges faced by the early church, the importance of community, and how ordinary acts of service can lead to significant impacts. The conversation emphasizes the need for joy and integrity in the face of opposition and false accusations, encouraging listeners to embrace their roles in the kingdom of God.