Coffee With Hales

In this Coffee with Hales episode, I chat with my friend Lilie Grace Strickland about her new book, Break Me, Lord, and the story behind writing it during her freshman year at Liberty University. Lily shares how journaling turned into a book, how her dad’s stroke and other trauma led her into both unhealthy and healthy lament, and how naming emotions helped her process pain and pray honestly. We talk about unmet expectations, bitterness toward God, and how suffering can deepen intimacy with Jesus while exposing pride and self-righteousness.
Order Her Book: Break Me, Lord: https://www.amazon.com/Break-Me-Lord-persistent-redemptive/dp/B0GQLD6N8D
 
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:51 Lily’s Background and Book Origin 02:31 From Dad’s Story to Her Own 04:08 Broken Mind and Lament 07:18 Unmet Expectations and Bitterness 10:24 Suffering as Intimacy with Christ 12:54 Surrendering Pain Practically 15:10 Tick Analogy and Self-Righteousness 19:16 Lyme Update and Bee Venom Therapy 21:39 Next Book and Future Plans 22:52 Where to Buy and Final Encouragement

I’m closing out the Preparing a Heart for Easter series on Good Friday by walking through Isaiah 53 and how it prophesies Jesus as the Suffering Servant—written 700–750 years before the gospels. I cover the Messiah’s unlikely beginnings, his rejection and suffering, and how his punishment was substitutionary: pierced for our transgressions so we can have peace, healing, and redemption. I connect Isaiah’s words to New Testament fulfillment in Jesus’ silence before accusation, his unjust death, and his burial with a rich man through Joseph of Arimathea. I also reflect on the meaning of “it pleased the Lord to crush him” as God’s will accomplishing salvation, not delight in pain. I end with three reflection questions on suffering, obedience, and living forgiven.
00:00 Welcome and Series Finale 00:26 Isaiah 53 Overview 01:04 Humble Beginnings 02:03 Despised and Rejected 03:24 Bearing Our Suffering 06:22 Pierced for Our Sin 09:12 Silent Before Accusers 10:05 Death and Burial Prophecy 12:34 It Pleased the Lord 14:55 Redemption and Exaltation 17:09 Living Forgiven 18:52 Three Reflection Points 19:50 Easter Closing Blessing

John 17: Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer (Holy Week) — Glory, Sanctification, and Unity In this Holy Week episode of Coffee with Hales, I continue the Easter series by walking through John 17—the High Priestly Prayer—set just before Jesus goes to Gethsemane and the crucifixion. I unpack how Jesus prays for mutual glorification with the Father, explaining “glory” as revealing what was hidden—God’s plan of salvation through the cross and Jesus as Messiah. I then cover Jesus’ prayer for the disciples: not removal from the world, but protection from the evil one and sanctification in truth, emphasizing that God’s word counters the world’s philosophy. Finally, I focus on Jesus’ prayer for the future church—unity in shared truth (Scripture), shared power drawn from Yahweh rather than culture, and shared spiritual life in Christ—ending with a practical look at biblical love from Philippians 2 and reflection questions for daily dependence on God’s word.
00:00 Welcome and Easter Series00:26 John 17 Context 01:51 Glory and Salvation 03:53 Disciples Keep the Word 05:38 Kingdom Living 06:29 Prayer for Protection 09:40 Prayer for Church Unity 11:56 Truth Over Culture 17:56 Unity in Suffering 21:01 Biblical Love Defined 22:35 Holy Week Reflection 24:05 Closing and Next Episode

Old Testament Prophecies of Jesus’ Death & Resurrection (Preparing Our Hearts for Easter) Today on Coffee with Hales, I continue the “Preparing Our Hearts for Easter” series by looking at Old Testament prophecies and themes that point to Jesus’ death and resurrection. I explain how prophecy shows Yahweh is a promise keeper and that Scripture has one divine author, then connect Exodus 12 (Passover lamb with unbroken bones) with Psalm 34 and Zechariah 12:10, and show how John records Jesus’ bones were not broken and his side was pierced. I also highlight Isaiah 52–53’s suffering servant, describing the Messiah’s disfigurement and suffering, alongside the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ beating and crucifixion. Finally, I trace the “third day” theme (Genesis 22, Exodus 19) and Jesus’ own predictions of rising on the third day, ending with reflection questions for the weekend.
00:00 Welcome and Series Setup 01:02 Why Prophecy Matters 01:52 Passover Lamb Fulfillment 04:06 Crucifixion Details Explained 06:40 Suffering Servant Prophecy 10:35 Cross vs Empty Tomb 12:36 Third Day Pattern 16:41 Resurrection as Turning Point 19:31 Reflection Questions 21:12 Closing and Next Episodes
The Gospel Collation Resources I refer to: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/old-testament-third-day/

Finding Jesus in the Old Testament: Biblical Typology (Types & Antitypes) | Preparing for Easter
In this Coffee with Hales episode, the host continues a “Preparing Our Hearts for Easter” series by explaining biblical typology—real Old Testament events divinely ordained as prophetic pictures fulfilled by Jesus in the New Testament. Using a clip from pastor David Curtis, she defines type vs. antitype as shadow vs. reality and distinguishes typology (identified by the New Testament) from reader-made illustrations (such as Isaac).
She gives key examples tied to Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday: the bronze serpent lifted on a pole (Numbers 21) fulfilled by Jesus being lifted up (John 3), the temple veil limiting access to God fulfilled by the veil tearing at Jesus’ death and believers entering God’s presence through Christ (Matthew 27; Hebrews 10), and Adam as a type fulfilled by Jesus as the last Adam bringing resurrection and life (1 Corinthians 15; Romans 5). She ends with reflection questions and a practical highlighting study method to connect Old and New Testament passages.
00:00 Welcome and Easter Series
00:46 What Is Typology
02:02 Pastor Clip Explained
04:59 Type vs Antitype Shadow
07:10 Types vs Illustrations
09:32 Why Typology Matters
10:42 Bronze Serpent Example
12:33 Temple Veil Torn
15:23 Second Adam Fulfillment
17:49 Reflection and Study Activity
21:02 Final Thoughts and Outro

Preparing for Resurrection Sunday: John the Baptist, Repentance & Baptism In this Coffee with Hales episode, I kick off a short series to prepare our hearts for Resurrection Sunday by reflecting on John the Baptist and his role in setting the stage for Jesus’ ministry. I connect John’s humble witness to Jesus with Old Testament prophecy (Malachi) and Jesus’ own words identifying John as the Elijah-like forerunner, then walk through John’s message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” emphasizing the shift from an earthly expectation to a spiritual, eternal kingdom. I explain repentance as a changed mind that produces a changed life, highlight John’s confrontation of Pharisees and Sadducees about fruit and personal accountability, and explore baptism as a “parting waters” theme tied to Exodus and new covenant renewal. I close with reflection questions on spiritual fruit, personal responsibility, and life priorities.
00:00 Welcome and Series Intro 00:43 Why John Matters 02:05 Prophecy of Elijah 05:27 John the Wilderness Prophet 07:54 Repent Kingdom Near 11:26 What Repentance Means 12:11 Calling Out Pharisees 14:30 Personal Accountability Today 16:25 Baptism and Parted Waters 18:40 Jesus Baptized and Confirmed 22:03 Reflection Questions and Wrap

Be Fruitful and Multiply: A Biblical Perspective for Infertility & Singleness
In this Coffee With Ha episode, I wrestle with the phrase “be fruitful and multiply” and why it can feel haunting in church culture—especially for those facing infertility or singleness. Using Genesis 1:27–28, I explain that this command was given specifically to Adam and Eve to fill the earth and exercise dominion, not as a blanket requirement for all women. I also address the false idea that God withholds children because you haven’t done enough spiritually, noting that Scripture shows no formula for receiving blessings. From the New Testament, I highlight that God uses people without spouses or children (including Paul) and that our purpose is serving the Lord and making disciples (Matthew 28), multiplying God’s word through gifts, relationships, time in Scripture, and the roles we already have. I close with John 15 on abiding in Christ through disappointment.
00:00 Welcome and Topic
00:20 Why This Haunts
01:40 Genesis Context
03:10 Not a Blanket
04:57 No Formula Blessings
06:11 Rethinking Blessings
08:21 New Testament Framework
09:44 Singleness and Purpose
12:48 Make Disciples 15:38 Fruitful in Infertility
19:00 Abide and Closing

Inspiration from Berean Bible Church:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Ml6mrlEeoUXwY1fSIMkKG?si=2e9da57b618548e6
 
Trading Anxiety for Praise: Pride, God’s Sovereignty, and Living One Day at a Time I’m getting back to the basics of Coffee with Hales—starting the day with a biblical perspective—by talking about anxiety and the idea that its root can be pride. I reflect on how constant notifications and a self-focused culture feed worry, but ultimately anxiety is fearing outcomes I can’t control and doubting God’s sovereignty. Using God’s questions to Job, observations from creation (like my chickens and gardening), and Jesus’ command in Matthew to not worry, I’m reminded that I’m not in charge and that’s freeing. I share how “don’t worry about tomorrow” shaped my dad’s outlook during his cancer journey, connect it to Paul’s thorn and God’s sufficient grace, and point to manna as daily dependence. I close with Philippians 4: pray with thanksgiving, dwell on what’s true, and trade anxiety for praise.
00:00 Welcome and Updates
01:04 Why Anxiety Matters
02:05 Anxiety Rooted in Pride
02:32 Gods Sovereignty in Job
03:17 Creation Lessons and Trust
04:16 Jesus Command Do Not Worry
06:45 Living for Today
07:55 Grace in Weakness
09:05 Daily Dependence Like Manna
09:40 Philippians Anxiety to Praise
10:57 Springtime Closing Encouragement
11:38 Final Thanks and Goodbye

In this Coffee with Hales episode, I walk through an “Epstein 101” timeline for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the recent Epstein file releases. I cover Epstein’s early background, his hiring at the Dalton School by Donald Barr, and later connections to William Barr. I trace Epstein’s rise through Bear Stearns, ties to the Towers Financial Ponzi scheme, and his close financial relationship with Les Wexner, plus Wexner’s brands and foundation. I also introduce Ghislaine Maxwell and her father Robert Maxwell, discuss Epstein’s 2008 plea deal and 2019 arrest, questions around Epstein’s death, media suppression claims, Maxwell’s reported prison perks, victim compensation NDAs, Virginia Giuffre’s reported death, and ongoing claims about possible intelligence links and politicized file releases.
00:00 Epstein 101 Overview
01:15 Early Life and Dalton School
02:02 Barr Connections and Emails
10:14 Epstein Career Rise
12:26 Les Wexner Influence
16:33 Wexner Foundation and Power
22:43 Robert Maxwell Spy Claims
29:49 Ghislaine Maxwell and Prison
34:47 2008 Conviction Sweetheart Deal
37:37 Sweetheart Plea Deal 39:01 2019 Arrest Fallout
39:22 Trump Early Warnings
40:55 Epstein Binders Backlash
45:36 Hoax Claim Divides Base
48:00 Patel and Black Book
51:12 Missing Tape and Death 55:22
Victims and NDAs 58:25
Intel Asset Theories 01:03:06
Bondi Interrupted on Spy 01:05:54
Corbett Israel Links 01:08:41 Bigger Picture Wrap Up
https://corbettreport.com/ https://theconsciousresistance.com/?s=Epstein https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viUdnvBhnWM https://x.com/ChristinaNewstv/status/2018625517021470972/photo/1 https://www.facebook.com/PatriotOneNews/posts/-breaking-an-fbi-epstein-case-report-contains-sworn-victim-testimony-alleging-th/915078794368955/ https://www.fbi.gov/video-repository/inside-ntoc-101019.mp4/view https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/19/william-barr-orders-removal-of-prisons-director-after-jeffrey-epstein-death.html https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-59839724 https://www.pulse.co.ke/story/jeffrey-epstein-taught-at-dalton-his-behavior-was-noticed-2024081809574494903#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThere%20was%20a%20real%20clarity,with%20girls%20in%20the%20school. https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=b622e0e69be708e0&sxsrf=ANbL-n698y6Fw8WtFQwgTiodQTb5cCtN5Q:1771792036859&udm=7&fbs=ADc_l-aN0CWEZBOHjofHoaMMDiKpmAsnXCN5UBx17opt8eaTX-iVZ7JibxEA2X7M_ninQtyPvLjOMD8rEbvmEXFkpf-BZ9Ye0DvaGo2VIh3rPCRxJragnb-9eJaaEkLpI3ApzEqtrkBm0K6fWTOfx3azLlfHO7rdzNROTSoE3YbHrmnVygZLmPQE55Tx-C0llcaWI-pdhHMSgWl3F3wDL9J1Hfo8Vc8l7Q&q=short+clip+of+leslie+wexner%27s+lawyer+being+caught+on+a+hot+mic&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiF8uPX9-2SAxXnGVkFHVqXAt8QtKgLegQIFhAB&biw=1179&bih=643&dpr=2.2#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:720a8a54,vid:sI2u91nbyHw,st:0 https://x.com/Holden_Culotta/status/2024615887123153244 https://ia800700.us.archive.org/10/items/les-wexner-dybbuk-demon-article/Les%20Wexner%20dybbuk%20demon%20article_text.pdf https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/aug/22/the-murky-life-and-death-of-robert-maxwell-and-how-it-shaped-his-daughter-ghislaine#:~:text=Throughout%20his%20life%2C%20he%20was,and%20he%20threatened%20to%20retaliate. https://corbettreport.substack.com/p/israeli-spying-after-epstein?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3b57361a-adeb-4d37-a360-8e2c60615f47_1280x720.jpeg&open=false https://vigilantcitizen.com/vigilantreport/the-coded-journals-in-the-epstein-files-that-hide-a-teenage-girls-horrific-story/ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8mn170oYILo https://www.npr.org/2019/07/19/742725946/a-young-jeffrey-epstein-made-an-impression-on-his-high-school-students https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jeffrey-epstein-worked-at-towers-financial-with-stephen-hoffenberg-who-committed-ponzi-scheme-crimes/ https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/936/126/1486934/ https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-jeffrey-epstein-sentencing-aeac127f9cc3811d975ce8e10d171260 https://apnews.com/article/96bc4bdbd240454293888afb1f5bc600 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/jeffrey-epstein-how-make-money-b2473269.html https://www.npr.org/2025/07/25/nx-s1-5478620/jeffrey-epstein-crimes-timeline-legal-case https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/crime/2026/02/17/epstein-files-show-reports-palm-beach-police-before-2005-investigation/88666940007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=false&gca-epti=z118501p119450l115850c119450v118501&gca-ft=31&gca-ds=sophi https://theconsciousresistance.com/bringing-down-jeffrey-epstein-2018-documentary/ https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/statement-attorney-general-william-p-barr-death-jeffrey-epstein#:~:text=%E2%80%9CI%20was%20appalled%20to%20learn,Epstein's%20death.%22 https://www.businessinsider.com/jeffrey-epstein-spy-epstein-files-intelligence-asset-trump-bondi-2025-7#:~:text=Two%20specific%20claims%20that%20are,%2C%22%20Ward%20told%20Business%20Insider.

Revelation Wrap-Up: Babylon, Jesus’ Return & End Times Timelines (Futurist vs Preterist) In this final Coffee with Hales episode on Revelation, I walk through Revelation 17–22 and compare key end-times viewpoints. We read about “Mystery Babylon” and cover major interpretations: a future literal rebuilt Babylon, a symbolic global system, a revived Roman empire, or (in partial preterism) Jerusalem tied to the AD 70 judgment. We then move into Revelation 19’s picture of Jesus’ return on a white horse—Faithful and True, crowned with authority, judging with righteousness, and identified as the Word of God and King of Kings. Next is Revelation 20 and the debate over the thousand years, Satan’s binding and final defeat, and the Great White Throne judgment. I lay out timeline summaries for premillennial dispensationalism (church age → rapture/tribulation → second coming → millennium → judgment → new creation), partial preterism (Pentecost as the start of the millennium, AD 70 as major judgment, still awaiting second coming and final judgment), and full preterism (fulfillment by AD 70 and living in the new heavens and new earth). We close in Revelation 22 with the River/Water of Life theme tied to Jesus as living water, and I discuss the debate over Jesus’ final words “Surely I am coming soon,” including how “soon/quickly” is argued from Greek usage. The takeaway is that Jesus keeps His promises and Revelation presents Him as the conquering King who vindicates His people.
00:00 Welcome Back + Wrapping Up the Revelation Series 00:38 Revelation 17: Who Is “Mystery Babylon”? (Futurist vs. Partial Preterist)04:18 Babylon’s Fall: What Judgment Looks Like in Revelation 1805:10 Revelation 19: The White Horse & Jesus’ Mighty Return08:38 Revelation 20: The Millennium, Satan Bound, and Final Judgment10:50 End-Times Timelines: Premillennial Dispensationalism Explained 12:53 Partial Preterist Timeline + Acts 2/Joel and “The Last Days” 16:06 Full Preterism: “All Fulfilled” and the 70 AD Turning Point 18:02 Revelation 22: River of Life, Living Water, and OT Echoes20:30 “Surely I Am Coming Soon”: What Does “Soon/Quickly” Mean? 23:25 Final Encouragement + Closing Thoughts