Rooted Discipleship

In this episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis and Chad Gott continue their verse-by-verse study through Malachi chapter 3, exploring one of the most well-known passages in the book: God's call for His people to return to Him through tithes and offerings.
Walker and Chad unpack why God declares, "I the Lord do not change," and how that unchanging character answers the question of why evil often seems to prosper unpunished. They dig into the meaning of tithing and giving, explaining that this passage isn't ultimately about money but about trust, obedience, and the condition of the heart, and they discuss what it means for God to invite His people to "test" Him by bringing their full tithe, including the danger of twisting this promise into a prosperity gospel.
The conversation also covers practical, personal reflections on tithing with intentionality rather than on autopilot, and closes with the reminder that God's blessings on His people were never meant to stop with them; they were meant to point the nations toward Him. Ultimately, this episode is a reminder that true generosity flows from a heart fully surrendered to God, trusting Him as provider above all else.
Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at:walker@rooteddiscipleship.comchad@rooteddiscipleship.com

In this episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis and Chad Gott continue their verse-by-verse study through Malachi, picking up the fourth dispute between God and Israel, where the people question God's justice and ask why the wicked seem to prosper.
Walker and Chad explore God's response through the prophecy of a coming messenger, John the Baptist, who prepares the way for Jesus, and the promise that God Himself will suddenly come to His temple. They unpack the powerful imagery of the refiner's fire, explaining how God purifies His people much like a goldsmith refines silver, holding them in the hardest seasons of life just long enough to remove impurities and reflect His image, and connecting this process to Job, Moses, and the personal testimonies of both hosts.
The conversation also tackles the difference between purification and judgment, why God delays judgment out of mercy, and how life's hardest trials are often God's way of drawing His people to depend fully on Him. Ultimately, this episode is a reminder that God is not distant in our suffering; He is present, purposeful, and refining us for His glory and our good.
Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at:walker@rooteddiscipleship.comchad@rooteddiscipleship.com

In this episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis and Chad Gott continue their verse-by-verse study through Malachi chapter 2, picking up the second dispute between God and Israel's priests before moving into a third dispute focused on Israel's unfaithfulness in marriage.
Walker and Chad first unpack God's warning to the priests about corrupted worship and the higher standard placed on spiritual leaders, connecting it to the responsibility of church leadership today. They then turn to the third dispute, where God confronts Israel for intermarrying with foreign gods and for treacherous divorce, explaining marriage as a three-way covenant between husband, wife, and God, and why faithfulness in marriage reflects faithfulness to God Himself.
Throughout the conversation, Walker and Chad share personal stories about marriage, faith journeys, and staying persistent in walking with God even through seasons of doubt or distance from Him. Ultimately, this episode is a reminder that God calls His people to guard their hearts, honor their covenants, and remain faithful to Him in every relationship.
Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at:walker@rooteddiscipleship.comchad@rooteddiscipleship.com

In this episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis and Chad Gott begin their verse-by-verse study through the book of Malachi, the final book of the Old Testament. Written to Israelites who had grown discouraged nearly 80 years after rebuilding the temple, Malachi records a series of disputes between God and His people, and this episode covers the first two: God's love for Israel and Israel's dishonoring of Him through corrupt worship.
Walking through Malachi chapter 1, Walker and Chad explore God's declaration "I have loved you" and Israel's skeptical response, tracing that love back to God's choice of Jacob over Esau and connecting it to the everlasting love described throughout Scripture, including John 3:16. They then turn to God's rebuke of the priests for offering blemished sacrifices, drawing a parallel to modern-day worship, tithing, and giving God our leftovers instead of our best.
Ultimately, this episode is a reminder that God's character and love never change, even when our circumstances make it hard to see, and that true worship, giving, and obedience flow from a heart fully devoted to Him rather than empty religious routine.
Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at:walker@rooteddiscipleship.comchad@rooteddiscipleship.com

In this episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis and Chad Gott gather for another Rooted Reflections episode, sharing personal updates, honoring first responders on the anniversary of September 11th, and discussing the power of structured prayer in building a daily rhythm with God.
The conversation then turns to two listener questions: what does it mean to be a "living sacrifice" as Paul describes in Romans 12:1, and why does the God of the Old Testament seem so different from the God of the New Testament? Walker and Chad trace the meaning of sacrifice from the Old Testament through Christ's death on the cross, and explore God's patience, mercy, and purpose in raising up Israel to bring the Messiah into the world.
The episode closes with a fresh look at Jesus and the woman caught in adultery in John 8, connecting His writing in the dust to a lesser-known ceremonial law in Numbers 5, along with practical tips for reading and understanding the Old Testament within the larger story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration.
Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at:walker@rooteddiscipleship.comchad@rooteddiscipleship.com

In this episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis and Chad Gott begin their study of Malachi, the final book of the Old Testament. Written roughly 400 years before Christ, Malachi speaks to a people who had returned from exile but had grown spiritually apathetic and were simply going through the motions of their faith.
Together, Walker and Chad explore the six disputes between God and His people, examining issues of worship, giving, faithfulness, idolatry, injustice, and the question, "What's the point of serving God?"
Most importantly, they look at where Malachi fits within the larger story of salvation and how its final words point forward to John the Baptist and ultimately to Jesus Christ.
Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at:
walker@rooteddiscipleship.com
chad@rooteddiscipleship.com

In this episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis and Chad Gott continue their conversation about what it means to live with purpose as followers of Christ. Through personal stories, biblical examples, and honest discussion, they explore how God uses difficult seasons, Christian community, and faithful obedience to shape us into the people He has called us to be.
The conversation begins with the difference between happiness and true Christian joy. Walker and Chad discuss how following Christ does not necessarily make life easier, but it gives our lives greater purpose. They reflect on how believers can find joy even in difficult circumstances because their hope is ultimately rooted in Christ and eternity.
They also talk about the importance of having a strong Christian community—people who will pray for you, encourage you, and carry you through difficult seasons. Walker and Chad reflect on the value of small groups and genuine Christian friendships, emphasizing that discipleship is not meant to be lived out alone.
The conversation then turns toward the cost of following Jesus and the reality that Christians are called to live differently from the world around them. They discuss how proclaiming Christ as King means surrendering our lives to Him and recognizing that our time on earth is temporary compared to the eternity we have with God.
Ultimately, this episode serves as a reminder that following Christ gives us both purpose and hope. When we surround ourselves with fellow believers, remain faithful through difficult seasons, and keep our eyes focused on eternity, we can experience the joy that comes from living the life God has called us to live.
Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at:
walker@rooteddiscipleship.com
chad@rooteddiscipleship.com
 
 

In this special episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis goes solo for a sneak peek into Chad Gott’s new book, Discerning the Voice of God: Walking 40 Miles in 40 Days.
Walker reads through the introduction, explains the heart behind the book, and walks through the first two days of the 40-day walking devotional. The book was born out of Chad’s recovery from hip surgery, when what began as a physical walking challenge became a powerful season of spiritual growth and learning to listen for God’s voice.
During the sneak peek, Walker shares how the book combines Scripture, reflection, prayer, journaling, and intentional walking to help believers slow down, quiet the noise of everyday life, and grow in their ability to recognize and follow God’s leading. The book also emphasizes testing everything against Scripture and seeking wise counsel as we discern God’s will.
Walker walks listeners through Day 1, “God Longs to Reveal Himself to You,” and Day 2, “God’s Sheep Recognize His Voice,” including the Scriptures, reflections, prayers, walking goals, and questions designed to help readers reflect during their walks.
Whether you're new to your faith, walking through a difficult season, or simply looking to deepen your relationship with God, this episode offers a glimpse into a practical discipleship journey designed to help you spend intentional time with God while getting active.
If you’re interested in Discerning the Voice of God: Walking 40 Miles in 40 Days, check out the link: 
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HB3XL7JQ/ref=zg_bsnr_g_69980_d_sccl_9/000-0000000-0000000?psc=1
Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at:
walker@rooteddiscipleship.com
chad@rooteddiscipleship.com

In this episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis and Chad Gott gather for another Rooted Reflections episode, answering listener questions and reflecting on spiritual growth, perseverance, and learning to see God at work in everyday life.
The conversation begins with the importance of reading Scripture with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Walker and Chad discuss how believers can move beyond simply reading the Bible and begin digging deeper into God’s Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and help apply it to their lives.
They also discuss why Christians still experience difficult seasons after coming to faith. Walker and Chad reflect on the difference between temporary happiness and lasting joy, the reality of spiritual attacks, and how God can use difficult seasons to strengthen believers and prepare them for the work He has called them to do.
The conversation then turns to spiritual gifts and finding the purpose God has given each believer. Using examples from Scripture and their own experiences, Walker and Chad discuss the importance of discovering how God has uniquely gifted us and using those gifts to serve others rather than simply serving out of obligation.
Throughout the episode, Walker and Chad encourage listeners to stay rooted in Scripture, remain attentive to the Holy Spirit, and trust God through both the valleys and the mountaintops.
Ultimately, this episode serves as a reminder that following Christ is a lifelong journey of growth, surrender, and faithfulness. As we learn to listen to God, use the gifts He has given us, and trust Him through every season, we can experience the purpose and joy He has for our lives.
Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at:
walker@rooteddiscipleship.com
chad@rooteddiscipleship.com

In this episode of the Rooted Discipleship Podcast, Walker Davis and Chad Gott continue their study through 1 Timothy by examining Paul’s instructions for church leaders, the importance of godly character, and how believers should faithfully represent Christ in every area of life. As Paul continues preparing Timothy for leadership, the conversation centers on integrity, accountability, and living out the gospel with humility.
The discussion begins with Paul’s encouragement to honor elders who faithfully lead and teach God’s Word while also recognizing the responsibility that comes with spiritual leadership. Walker and Chad explore why church leaders are held to a higher standard, the importance of pursuing excellence rather than perfection, and how correction within the church should always be handled with wisdom, grace, and biblical discernment.
As they work through the passage, they reflect on the dangers of church hurt, the responsibility believers have to extend grace to one another, and why every Christian should strive to be an authentic reflection of Christ. They also discuss the importance of carefully selecting church leaders and the impact faithful leadership can have on the health of the local church.
The episode concludes with Paul’s instructions regarding servants and masters, highlighting how believers are called to honor God through their work regardless of their circumstances. Walker and Chad encourage listeners to view their workplace as a mission field, faithfully representing Christ through integrity, humility, and a life that reflects the transforming power of the gospel.
Ultimately, this episode serves as a reminder that every believer represents Christ wherever God has placed them. Whether leading in the church, serving in the workplace, or encouraging others in everyday life, faithful discipleship is lived out through humility, integrity, and a commitment to glorifying God in all we do.
Have a question you want us to answer on a future episode? Email us at:
walker@rooteddiscipleship.com
chad@rooteddiscipleship.com