Starting Right

Some mornings start empty, like nets dragged through dark water. Then a familiar voice from the shore changes everything. We walk with Peter from the sting of denial to the warmth of a charcoal fire, where Jesus serves breakfast and asks the one question that can heal a fractured heart: do you love me?Across this short, focused conversation, we trace why imperfect people like Moses, David, and Peter are central to the story of faith. Their failures are real—anger, adultery, denial—but they are not the final word. We revisit the post-resurrection scene in John's Gospel: the fruitless night, the cast to the right side, the net straining with fish, and John's quiet certainty, It is the Lord. Peter's leap into the water becomes a picture of how love outruns shame. On the beach, Jesus replaces interrogation with invitation and turns regret into a renewed mission: feed my sheep.I share why relationship beats rule-keeping when your heart is bruised, and how restoration is more than a pat on the back—it's a recommissioning to care for people with courage and tenderness. If you're carrying guilt, fear, or the weight of a hard night, this reflection offers practical hope: you are not your worst moment, and grace is already making breakfast on the shore. Come as you are, receive forgiveness, and step into the day with purpose.If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with someone who needs a fresh start, and leave a quick review so others can find hope too.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Some mornings demand more than coffee. They ask for courage tall enough to face long delays, honest enough to name doubt, and steady enough to keep praying anyway. We lean into a simple but disruptive idea: faith grows stronger when hope turns into expectation. Not wishful thinking, but a clear-eyed trust that God is present, powerful, and already at work even when results lag behind our timelines.We start with a short encouragement drawn from Mark 11: have faith in God. Then we open a small-town scene where weeks without rain push people to a prayer meeting. Everyone arrives with need; one eleven-year-old arrives with a bright umbrella. That vivid picture reframes the whole conversation about belief. It's the difference between asking and preparing, between maybe and yet. From there, we unpack Hebrews 11:1 and give it everyday language: faith makes real what we expect and becomes evidence before evidence shows up.If you've been wondering where God is or why the answer seems slow, this short, focused episode is for you. You'll leave with a fresh picture of what it looks like to bring an umbrella to your own prayer meeting and a few next steps to match your prayers with preparation. If this encourages you, share it with a friend who's in a long wait, subscribe for weekday boosts, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

When the morning feels foggy and your next step isn't obvious, a single line can reset your footing: “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” That image frames a fast, five-minute journey through ten surprising Bible facts that turn abstract faith into practical guidance for the day ahead.We start with context many overlook: Psalm 119 as wisdom passed from David to Solomon, pointing to a life shaped by Scripture's steady light. From there we dig into essentials that boost confidence in the text—how English word counts range from 600,000 to 800,000 across translations, why Jeremiah is the longest single book and 3 John the shortest, and how books like Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles were originally single works divided by scroll limits. We trace the Bible's sweep across three languages—Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek—written by more than forty authors over 1,500 years on three continents. Kings and farmers, a doctor and a tentmaker, prophets and musicians: a mosaic of voices forming one resilient throughline.We also explore the Bible's songs and dreams—at least 185 songs and 21 dreams—showing how guidance arrives as melody, image, and story, not just instruction. And we take on a favorite puzzle: the word “Trinity” never appears, yet the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are repeatedly presented together in divine terms. Rather than weakening trust, these details reveal a library that is historically grounded and thematically coherent, built to steady ordinary steps through uncertain days.We close where we began, holding Psalm 119:105 like a lamp in the dark. The darkness isn't always evil; it's the unknown. Scripture offers enough light for the next step—a calm confidence that God is near and leading you forward. If this brief reflection gave you clarity for today, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a lift, and leave a quick review to help others find their footing too.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

A single photograph can carry the weight of a nation's heart. On Remembrance Day, we revisit the moment a five-year-old boy reached for his father marching to war in New Westminster, a split-second captured by photographer Claude Detloff that became “Wait for Me, Daddy.” We share the story behind the frame, the road that led Jack Bernard from training to Juno Beach and through France, and the unexpected path that turned his son, Whitey, into a face of Canada's victory bond efforts. Then we bring the narrative full circle with the long-awaited reunion, a second image that transforms separation into joy and reminds us that ache does not get the final word.Along the way, we talk about what these paired images teach us now—how fear and uncertainty can harden into a false “new normal,” and how faith interrupts that drift. We reflect on the limits of our perspective, the pitfalls of placing hope in shifting headlines or political soundbites, and the steadier ground found in God's goodness. The conversation moves from public memory and military history to the interior life: how to carry gratitude for those who serve, how to honor sacrifice without romanticizing war, and how to live with open hands when the future blurs at the edges.If you're feeling the weight of the unknown, this story offers a different posture—clear-eyed about pain, anchored in hope, and ready for the frame that comes after the hard moment. Join us for a focused, heartfelt reflection that blends Canadian history, family courage, and spiritual grounding. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a quick review to help others find these five-minute mornings.Here is the link to the photo.  I encourage you to check it out. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wait_for_Me,_Daddy#/media/File:British_Columbia_Regiment_1940.jpgWe would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Some mornings start with a thud: the email you're dreading, the bill on the counter, the ache you can't quite name. We open the day with a five-minute reset built around one idea with real teeth—belonging changes everything—and a track that helps it stick: Bethel Music's “I Belong to Jesus.”We walk through the scriptures that ground identity when life feels loud. First John 4:4 reminds us we belong to God and that the Spirit in us is greater than the pressure around us.  From there, we unpack the lyrics that move truth from head to heart: God as shepherd, keeper, provider, protector; the promise that he surrounds every step; the bold line that fear will not conquer because we are not on our own. This isn't theory for a quiet weekend. It's a working faith for a Monday grind.In this five-minute start helps you breathe easier and move with purpose, subscribe for weekday boosts, share the episode with a friend who needs a lift, and leave a quick review so others can find their footing too.Here is the youtube link to "I belong to Jesus".                  https://youtu.be/hgRxjHLRfw0 We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Start your morning with five minutes of calm, courage, and clarity as we explore the 23rd Psalm through the lived story of David—an overlooked shepherd who learned trust in the pasture, on the battlefield, and under pressure on the run. We revisit his path from youngest brother to king to uncover why his words still carry weight: they're not idealized poetry, they're a field-tested testimony. By hearing the Psalm in a fresh translation, we slow down and notice what we often miss—friendship with God, steady guidance, and protection that holds even when enemies are near.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

A world-class yacht can carry the finest electronics and still fail if the hidden ballast slips away. That image shaped our whole conversation as we explored how unseen character keeps a life upright when pressure hits, criticism lands, or success tempts us to drift. We revisit the Vendée Globe and the tragic loss of sailor Michael Plant to draw a clear, practical lesson: the part no one sees determines everything everyone sees.1We reflect on how values, motives, and daily inputs form the “good treasure” that Matthew 12:35 describes. Rather than chasing surface fixes, we walk through a simple pathway for inside-out growth: curating what fills the heart, testing motives before methods, and practicing small acts of truth, patience, and courage. Along the way, we talk about resilience as a righting moment, not a personality trait, and why spiritual alignment gives weight and direction to our choices. When love for God and people anchors us, our reactions slow, our words land softer, and our decisions carry strength without fear.You'll leave with a five-minute heart check you can use today: examine what's going in, name the desire steering you, choose one concrete act that reflects the person you aim to become, and end the day noting where unseen ballast held you steady. If you're ready to build the inside first so the outside can stand—at work, at home, and in hard weather—this conversation offers a compass and a keel. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a quick review to help others find us.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

A scene from Yellowstone stops us in our tracks: rangers walk a burned forest and find a mother bird, turned to ash at the base of a tree. When they gently move her, three chicks run out from under her wings. That picture of fierce protection sets the tone for a grounded, hope-filled morning as we explore what real refuge looks like when life gets hot and fear grows loud.We turn to Psalm 91 and let its language become a place to stand: shelter of the Most High, shadow of the Almighty, refuge and fortress, feathers and wings, shield and rampart. These aren't abstract metaphors; they're everyday anchors for nights of worry, breaking news, and moments when our plans fall apart. Trust here isn't denial; it's the decision to rest under a covering that doesn't abandon us when the flames rise.If this reflection helped you breathe a little deeper, share it with someone who needs a quiet place to rest today. Subscribe for weekday encouragement, leave a quick review to help others find the show, and tell us: which line from Psalm 91 will you carry with you this week?We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Smoke rises. Your plans are ashes. And just when anger peaks, a ship appears on the horizon. We share a tight, story-driven reflection about a shipwrecked preacher who spends months pleading for rescue, only to watch his hut burn—then learns the fire became the very signal that saved him. It's a vivid picture of how setbacks, silence, and frustration can hide the beginnings of help.From the first cup of coffee to the final takeaway, we walk through the emotions of waiting: asking where God is, wondering why prayers seem unanswered, and wrestling with disappointment when our best efforts go up in flames. Then we pivot to a fresh, grounded look at Romans 8:26–28. Instead of treating “all things work together for good” like a cliché, we trace it back to the Spirit's intercession—how God meets us in weakness, translates our wordless groans, and aligns our lives with a will we often can't see in the moment. The message is not to celebrate pain, but to recognize the quiet work beneath it. you've felt stranded, if the horizon looks empty, or if your “hut” is burning right now, this conversation offers clarity, comfort, and a nudge to keep watching the waterline.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Looking for a cleaner, calmer start to the day? We share a five-minute reset that shifts the heart from constant requests to humble gratitude, using Brandon Lake's “Gratitude” as a lens for honest worship. Instead of trying to impress God, we explore the freedom of offering what we truly have—our hallelujah, our breath, our attention—and why that simple gift can change the tone of an entire morning. We reflect on how prayer often leans toward asking and how a small, deliberate pivot toward thanks restores balance and peace. God isn't asking for perfection, just presence. One small act of praise can reframe worry, invite peace, and remind you who holds the day. Listen for the clip of “Gratitude,” check the link in the notes to hear the full track, and try this practice tomorrow morning: name three specific gifts, lift your voice, and let your soul catch up to your hope. If this resonates, subscribe, share with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review to help others find the show.Here is the youtube link to Gratitude.                  https://youtu.be/dQdfs5S6jyA   We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Ever feel like you're gripping the safety bar of life and still bracing for the next drop? We take a honest look at control—why we chase it, why it slips through our fingers, and how surrender to God's faithfulness brings a steadier peace than perfect plans ever could. Using vivid, everyday moments and short passages from Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Jeremiah, Psalms, Isaiah, and Romans, we map a path from anxiety to anchored hope.We start with the roller coaster we all know: sudden diagnoses, job shifts, and family upheavals that reveal how fragile our strategies can be. From there, we explore a better foundation—God's sovereign purpose and the seasons He leads us through. You'll hear how trust moves from theory to practice, with simple reflection questions that expose over‑control, and a daily rhythm of committing your way to the Lord. Rather than promising a problem‑free path, we lean into Isaiah's assurance of presence, strength, and help when fear rises, and we witness how Romans 15:13 turns trust into joy that overflows.Along the way, we reclaim a tired phrase—let go and let God—and uncover its deeper meaning: releasing our white‑knuckle grip can make space for blessings we never expected. When we loosen our hold on outcomes, we become more attentive to grace, more resilient in uncertainty, and more ready for the surprising good works God wants to do in us, for us, and through us. If you're ready to trade frantic control for grounded confidence, this five‑minute boost will meet you right where you are and lift your eyes to where hope lives.If this conversation encouraged you, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs a steady word today, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. What's one place you're choosing to loosen your grip and trust God this week?We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Five minutes can change the way you face the day. We start with a surprising command—“remember Lot's wife”—and uncover why the pull to look back can quietly derail growth, trust, and courage. Instead of chasing “back to normal,” we open Scripture and real life to show how faith looks forward: trusting God's better future, even when the past feels safer and more familiar.We get practical with four steps that help you move from a what if mindset to an even if faith. You'll hear why even if dismantles fear, how to walk as a new creation with confidence, and what it looks like to choose forward habits that match a forward hope. Along the way, you'll find language you can use tomorrow morning, when the pull of yesterday shows up again. This short, focused episode offers clarity, courage, and a path to move ahead without flinching.Originally Broadcast July 21, 2021We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Start your day with a thought you can actually use: a renewed mind beats a noisy world. We open with a few laugh‑out‑loud warning labels—please don't eat toner—and use that absurdity to spotlight something more serious: how easily our thinking gets tossed by headlines, hot takes, and the urge to fit God into whatever the culture is saying. Instead, we walk through a simple, solid shift drawn from Romans 12:2 and James 1—let Scripture shape your view, not the other way around.By the end, you'll have a five‑minute framework to move from panic to prayer, from sarcasm to discernment, and from cynicism to courage. Laugh at the labels, but don't live by them. Choose clarity over confusion, Scripture over spin, and steady hope over restless doubt. If this short reset helps you start strong, tap follow, share it with a friend who needs a lift, and leave a quick rating so more people can find a centered start to their day.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

A church that drifted through floodwaters, turned at two intersections, and came to rest on the very lot it was denied sounds like folklore—until you read the records and stare at the plaque that says moved here by the hand of God. We open our morning with Ephesians 3:20 and then watch that promise breathe through a true story from Swan Quarter, North Carolina, where timing, current, and courage converged into a landmark of hope.Beyond the drama, this story offers a practical way to carry hope. Setbacks are not always verdicts, and delays can disguise direction. Faith does not ask you to shut off your mind; it invites you to test the story, honor the facts, and remain open to outcomes that exceed your plans. If you're waiting on a door to open, let this five-minute journey remind you that answers can arrive by routes you would never choose, at a pace that feels late and turns out perfect. Hold your goals with open hands, build well where you are, and stay ready for the current that moves you toward what you asked for—and beyond what you imagined.If this story lifted your day, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a nudge of hope, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Your notes and shares encourage us to keep bringing five minutes of courage to your mornings.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

What if the patience you're praying for is already yours? We open with Ephesians 1:3 and a bold promise: every spiritual blessing has been lavished on us in Christ. From there, we trace a clear path to the Fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—and show how these qualities move from theology to practice in the middle of your busiest moments.Along the way we highlight why the Fruit of the Spirit is not a personality test or a reward for the ultra-disciplined. It is the Spirit's produce within you, meant to be limitless and present right where life feels noisy or thin.  If you're ready to move from striving to abiding, from scarcity to sufficiency, this short, focused episode will help you take the next step.If this encouraged you, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs peace today, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

What if the calm you need is closer than the storm that scares you? We take a five-minute journey across the Sea of Galilee, where seasoned fishermen met a furious squall and Jesus slept through the spray. When they finally woke him, one command quieted the chaos and one question pierced their fear: Why are you so afraid?We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

What if the driest place you can imagine is sitting on a secret ocean of supply? We open the morning with a startling fact: space shuttle radar mapped ancient lakes and riverbeds beneath the Sahara, revealing reservoirs of freshwater just a few feet below the sand. That image becomes our framework for understanding spiritual thirst—how life at the surface can feel parched while a deeper source waits to be tapped.From there, we step into the scene at a well in Samaria, where Jesus speaks about living water that satisfies at the core of who we are. The contrast is striking: bucket water quenches for a moment; living water becomes a spring within, steady and renewing. We talk about the pressure of daily demands, how urgency pretends to be essential, and why the most important resources often hide beneath routine, hurry, and noise.If your day feels like a desert, bring a shovel, not a shrug. Tune in for a short, focused reset that blends surprising science, timeless scripture, and real-life practices to help you find the spring beneath your steps. If this encouraged you, share it with a friend, subscribe for weekday starts, and leave a review to help others find the show. Where will you dig deeper today?We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Your head hits the pillow and your brain slams the gas—sound familiar? We dig into a practical, faith-rooted way to slow runaway thoughts and finally find real rest at night. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 10:5, we talk about what it truly means to take every thought captive, not as a lofty ideal but as a simple, repeatable practice you can use the moment worry starts to sprint. Think of it like calf roping for the mind: you lasso the thought, halt its momentum, and turn it around toward truth.By the end, you'll have a few simple steps you can try tonight, and a hopeful reminder that rest is both a promise from God and a practice we grow into. We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

A child's squeal over a seashell can reset an entire morning. We head to the shoreline, where two kids on a treasure hunt turn colored glass and broken shells into priceless finds—and their delight becomes a mirror for the way we handle stress, routine, and the weight of daily life. Living by the ocean should make awe easy, yet familiarity can numb our senses. This short, reflective journey explores how reclaiming wonder clears mental clutter and restores peace.You'll come away with simple practices for noticing the good where you are: short walks before screens, naming three sensory details, keeping a “treasure list,” pairing scripture with a view. These small rituals train attention, anchor faith, and help us carry peace into hard days. If you've been feeling crowded by noise, deadlines, and low-grade anxiety, this five-minute reset will help you start right—eyes open, heart steady, and soul ready to meet the day..We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

When life feels fast and the furious, what if you're not behind but exactly on time? We take five focused minutes to slow the noise and strengthen the soul, drawing on Scripture and Jeremy Camp's “These Days” to anchor a simple claim: you were made for right now.This short, practical reflection is for anyone feeling hurried, overwhelmed, or unsure about their purpose. You'll walk away with a clear, usable mindset for the day: stay when it's hard, love with open arms, and shine where you stand. Here is the YouTube link to These Days                          https://youtu.be/Llk74D3FWzs?si=dktsqp-yMesmKuwI We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Ever feel like life's hardest moments arrive with a pop quiz you didn't study for? We flip that script. Tests aren't teachers—they're revealers. They surface what's already in you and uncover whether your daily choices align with what you say you believe. Drawing on a candid school-days story and two grounding passages—Paul's open door in the middle of opposition and James's call to count trials as joy—we explore how resistance and opportunity often travel together and how endurance grows when faith is practiced, not just preached.By the end, you'll have language and tools to face trials without flinching: affirm God's unchanging goodness, look for the work that resistance is revealing, and lean your full weight on the truth you already carry. If you're navigating setbacks, uncertainty, or pushback, this conversation will help you stand firm and grow stronger where it matters most.If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs hope today, and leave a quick review so more people can find these messages. Your support helps open more doors for good work amid the opposition.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

We share a simple farm story to show how we always follow what we're tied to, then point to the deeper truth of adoption in Christ and the daily habit of trust. Scripture reframes stress and offers a clear next step for handing over today's burden and starting with peace.Join me Monday to Friday right here on Starting Right with Danny MackWe would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

A light classroom story about “five apples” opens into a deeper look at how missing facts change our certainty, why we rush to judgment, and how humility and patience protect our relationships. We share honest family moments, ground the lesson in Ephesians 4:2, and end with encouragement to slow down and build others up.Be blessed, my friends. Have a great day. We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

A stolen watermelon, a knock at the door, and a seven-year-old's conscience tugging at a question he can't shake—if it's fine, why are we crawling? Today we share the Great Watermelon Caper of 1938, a true family story that starts with sticky summer joy and ends with a lesson strong enough to reset your day: the difference between guilt that weighs you down and grace that lifts you up.We walk through Don's childhood memory with color and care: older brothers and pastor's kids urging a stealthy raid, bellies pressed to warm soil, the sweet crack of melon by the tracks, and the uneasy feeling that sneaking tells the truth better than words do. The next day the farmer arrives with generosity and a plea—please ask, don't take—and the whole moment reframes. That's where so many of us live as adults: realizing after the fact that we crossed a line, then letting shame narrate our worth. We name that cycle and bring it to a promise that doesn't flinch: 1 John 1:9 says God is faithful and just to forgive and to purify, not only clearing the debt but washing the residue that clings to our minds and moods.Along the way, we talk about the signals we ignore when group momentum pushes us to crawl instead of walk, why asking builds relationship while taking breaks it, and how confession is not groveling but alignment with a God who actually wants to restore. If you've been hauling around regret like contraband fruit, this short, story-driven reflection offers practical hope: speak the truth, receive forgiveness, and trust that purification means you don't have to rehearse the failure to prove you're sorry. Press play for a five-minute reset that blends storytelling, scripture, and soul-level encouragement. If it helps, share it with a friend who's ready to put the guilt down. And if you haven't yet, follow the show, leave a quick review, and tell us: what verse anchors you when regret tries to stick?We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Today is Thanksgiving Day, here in Canada so I bring you this very fitting song for our Music Monday.  "I Thank God" has been recorded by many artists since its 2021 release by Maverick City Music but this is my favourite version.Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! If this encouraged you today, , share it with a friend who needs a lift, and leave a quick review so more people can find a five-minute start that sticks.Here is the Youtube Link to 'I Thank God'https://youtu.be/LM1qrx0Huds?si=a72NF1-pknHhZ1-dWe would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

A packed sanctuary, a barefoot student, and an elder with a cane—sometimes the quietest moments speak the loudest. We share the unforgettable story of Bill, a new believer who can't find a seat and settles on the floor, and Mr. Edwards, an older church elder who lowers himself beside him so the young man doesn't have to worship alone. The message that follows is simple and searing: people may forget a sermon, but they won't forget embodied love.We unpack why this scene hits so hard: how comfort can crowd out welcome, how small acts can reset a room, and how humility travels farther than eloquence.  If you've ever wondered what your life preaches before you speak, this story will stay with you and shape your next move. If it resonates, subscribe, share with a friend who needs this reminder, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. What's one small step you'll take to let your light shine today?We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

What if the prayer you've recited for years still has untapped power to steady your mind and reorder your day? We take a slow, honest walk through the Lord's Prayer and uncover how its structure—worship first, surrender next, then provision, mercy, and protection—reframes the way we approach God and the world around us. It's a short, focused journey that trades hurry for clarity and turns a familiar passage into a living pattern you can carry into every conversation, decision, and challenge.If you've ever felt stuck repeating words without engagement, this reflection offers a fresh lens: simple, grounded, and ready for your next morning. Listen, reflect, and let these ancient lines become your daily map. If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs hope today, and leave a quick review to help others find Starting Right.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Five minutes can change the tone of your whole day. We share a small farm story with a big truth: an eight-year-old's impulsive shot, a hidden duck, and a sister's quiet leverage that turns daily life into penance—until a brave confession meets unexpected grace. That simple moment opens a window into how guilt lingers, how secrets exhaust us, and how real forgiveness breaks the cycle and returns us to joy.We walk through the emotional mechanics of hiding—why fear makes us easy to control, why doing more never feels like “enough,” and how shame negotiates terrible deals we keep accepting. Then we ground the shift in two anchor texts: Psalm 139, which reminds us that God knows our thoughts, our sitting and rising, our paths and rest; and 1 John 1:9, which promises faithful, just forgiveness and cleansing. Together, they paint a clear picture: confession doesn't update God; it liberates us. Love arrived before your words. Grace is not a loophole; it's the way home.From there, we offer practical steps to move from burden to freedom: name what happened without hedging, make honest amends where you can, stop paying shame with busyness, and adopt small daily practices that shrink the gap between impulse and action. The goal isn't to ignore the damage; it's to end the endless dishes and get back to the “fishing”—the ordinary moments that feel light again. If you're starting the morning with a knot in your chest, let this story breathe room into your soul and reset your pace with courage, clarity, and peace.If this helped you start right today, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a fresh start, and leave a quick review so more people can find these five-minute resets.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Mornings feel different when you remember you're not carrying the day alone. We take five focused minutes to reset with Scripture, a clear view of trust, and the uplifting punch of Katie Nicole's “My God Can.” This isn't about pretending life is easy; it's about anchoring yourself to promises that hold when plans fall apart and emotions run hot.The heartbeat of the episode is simple and freeing: I can't, but my God can. We connect that theme to Romans 8:28, showing how real hope does not deny hardship; it declares that nothing is wasted in God's hands. The lyrics from “My God Can” become a daily mantra for courage, helping you face storms, giants, and unknowns with a calm that makes sense only if you're not standing alone. Whether you need a nudge to pray bigger, breathe slower, or just take the next right step, this five-minute reset offers clarity, comfort, and a reason to keep going.Here is the Youtube link to "My God Can."https://youtu.be/UnsdMC8gipU?si=_giFLJSYH6mLeMtOWe would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Five minutes can reset a day. We open with a simple question—why are there so many critics and so few encouragers?—and follow it to a windswept pier in the Bahamas where a young sailor's dream meets a chorus of doubt. As warnings pile up, one voice cuts through: Bon voyage, we're with you. That moment becomes a compass for how we speak to each other, online and off, when the stakes feel high and the path looks rough.By the end, you'll have a short list of phrases that lift others without sugarcoating reality, a reminder to notice the person mid-journey, and a clear challenge to be the one at the end of the pier waving both arms. If this five-minute boost helps you start right, subscribe for weekday mornings, share it with a friend who needs courage today, and leave a quick review to help more people find the show.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

A Model A Ford crossed America and back without shutting off the engine—and did it in reverse. That jaw-dropping 1930 road trip is more than a curiosity; it's a mirror for how we handle detours, dead ends, and the quiet tug to turn around. We unpack the stunt in vivid detail and draw a straight line to a deeper truth: sometimes the only way forward is a 180.You'll leave today's episode with a story you'll retell and some encouragement, especially If you're feeling stuck, cynical, or stretched thin.  Consider this your gentle nudge to check your direction, shift into reverse where needed, and chart a truer path forward. If this resonates, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Where do you sense it's time to turn back so you can move ahead?We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Start your day with a clear mind and a grounded heart. We explore what it means to be led, not driven—drawing on the Good Shepherd picture from Scripture and a vivid story of two horses, one blind and one wearing a bell. Together, they show how steady guidance outperforms constant striving, and how small, consistent cues can bring us back to safety, nourishment, and peace when life feels loud.We break down the power of recognition—“My sheep hear my voice”—and offer practical ways to build that habit in real time: short, focused moments in scripture, honest prayer that calms the nervous system, and everyday pauses that help you tell the difference between urgency and wisdom. You'll hear how protection isn't just about escaping danger but also about being led toward green pastures and still waters—inputs that actually feed your soul. The two-horses story anchors it all in a memorable image: you don't need perfect vision to take the next right step; you need a trustworthy sound to follow.If you're navigating decisions, facing subtle pressures, or simply craving a gentler start to the morning, this five-minute reflection offers practical guidance and spiritual encouragement you can use today. We keep it simple, sincere, and actionable, so you leave with a clear question to carry: what voice am I following right now? We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Ever felt completely drained - spiritually, emotionally, and physically? That moment when you're simply tired of the stress of being you? You're in good company. Today we dive into the fascinating story of the prophet Elijah, who, fresh off a spectacular victory against the prophets of Baal, found himself running for his life and collapsing in exhaustion under a desert tree.What strikes me most about this biblical account isn't just Elijah's vulnerability, but God's response to it. There's no rebuke for his fear or lack of faith after witnessing such divine power. Instead, God sends an angel with the most practical gifts: food, water, and permission to rest. The spiritual prescription for Elijah's burnout wasn't more ministry or greater faith—it was simple nourishment and restoration.Take a moment today to assess your own spiritual and emotional reserves. Are you running on empty? Perhaps the most spiritual thing you can do right now is rest. I'd love to hear how God has met you in your moments of exhaustion. Subscribe to Starting Right for more daily encouragement, and join me again tomorrow as we continue exploring practical wisdom for living with purpose and peace.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Have you ever wondered what extraordinary faith really looks like? Today's episode explores the difference between intellectual assent and true powerful faith.To illustrate this difference, I share the fascinating story of Charles Blondin, the legendary tightrope walker who crossed Niagara Falls multiple times in 1859. After pushing a wheelbarrow across the tightrope, Blondin asked the cheering crowd if they believed he could carry a person across. They enthusiastically affirmed their belief – but when he asked for a volunteer to climb into the wheelbarrow, no one stepped forward. Their belief didn't translate to personal trust.This perfectly captures our spiritual dilemma. Many of us have "sideline faith" – we believe God can work miracles, but hesitate to place ourselves completely in his hands. The Roman officer, however, demonstrated wheelbarrow-climbing faith. He didn't just believe Jesus could heal; he trusted Jesus would heal, and acted accordingly.What kind of faith will you choose today? Will you remain a spectator, or will you climb into the wheelbarrow and let Jesus carry you through life's most challenging moments? Join me for this five-minute devotional that might transform your understanding of what it means to truly trust God.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Have you ever noticed how quickly your outlook can change based on who you're listening to? Today's powerful parable about a roadside hot dog vendor reveals this truth in vivid detail.The story follows an elderly man with poor hearing and eyesight who builds a thriving hot dog business through simple, enthusiastic promotion. Without access to news or social media, he focuses solely on making excellent hot dogs and his business flourishes. Everything changes when his college-educated son returns home warning of recession, job losses, and financial disaster. Despite seeing no evidence of these problems in his own business, the vendor cuts back on inventory and advertising. Predictably, his sales plummet – not because of external economic conditions, but because he allowed negative influences to change his behavior.Today's episode reminds us to be mindful of our influences and to ground ourselves in God's unchanging promises rather than alarming headlines. Join us every weekday morning for a powerful start to your day that will help you maintain perspective and find peace amid life's challenges.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

What drives our fascination with hidden treasure? From childhood pirate stories to television shows about underwater discoveries, there's something compelling about the search for valuable things lost to time. Today's reflection bridges my personal connection to maritime history—a piece of silver from the legendary Atocha shipwreck—with the far greater treasure described in Matthew 13:44. The Atocha's story is remarkable: a Spanish galleon laden with New World riches, sunk by a hurricane off Key West in 1622, its treasures scattered by a second storm and seemingly lost forever. Yet treasure hunter Mel Fisher persevered through 14 years of searching and profound personal tragedy before finally discovering the motherlode in 1985.While finding sunken treasure captivates our imagination, Jesus points us toward something infinitely more valuable—the kingdom of heaven. Like the man who sold everything to buy a field containing hidden treasure, we're invited to recognize what truly matters. God's kingdom isn't about material wealth but offers what money can't buy: genuine joy, lasting peace, clear purpose, and freedom from fear. In a world pushing us toward anxiety and conformity, this spiritual treasure provides stability and meaning. Whatever storms you're facing today, remember the tremendous value of the treasure God has placed within you—His presence that guides, strengthens, and remains with you through every challenge.Subscribe to Starting Right for more daily reflections that help you begin each day with purpose and perspective. Let's discover together how God's Word illuminates our path and transforms our ordinary moments into extraordinary opportunities for growth.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Have you noticed how increasingly difficult it's become to carve out meaningful time with God? You're not alone. The modern landscape of constant notifications, endless responsibilities, and perpetual entertainment options creates the perfect breeding ground for spiritual disconnection.Today's episode uncovers a thought-provoking fictional account of Satan's convention—where he reveals his master strategy isn't keeping believers from church or Bible reading. Rather, it's keeping Christians so thoroughly distracted they can't form an intimate, abiding relationship with Jesus. The enemy understands a profound truth: when believers maintain that vital connection with Christ, his power over them is broken.Are we creating space to hear God's still, small voice? Are we prioritizing our relationship with Jesus amid competing demands? The battle for our attention is real, but standing firm against these tactics allows us to experience the power and wisdom that only comes through genuine connection with God. We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Have you ever wondered what it really means to "live by faith, not by sight"? This morning, I dive into this challenging concept from 2 Corinthians 5:7 through two powerful stories that illuminate this spiritual principle in vivid, practical ways.First, I share the tragic story of John Kennedy Jr.'s fatal flight to Martha's Vineyard in 1999. Kennedy, who held only a Visual Flight Rating, experienced spatial disorientation when visibility deteriorated. Unable to trust instruments over his senses, he crashed into the ocean. The biblical parallel comes from 2 Kings 6, where Elisha and his servant were surrounded by enemy forces. While the servant panicked at what he saw, Elisha prayed for spiritual eyes to be opened, revealing the hillside filled with God's fiery army of protection. What looked like certain defeat from human perspective was actually divine protection from God's perspective.My challenge to you today: Get into God's Word, learn His promises, and choose to trust what He says over what you see or feel. Nothing is beyond His control. Join me again tomorrow as we continue starting our days by starting right.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Have you ever considered that sometimes our most profound spiritual insights come from the most unexpected sources? In this episode of Starting Right, we explore a touching story of a young father and his four-year-old son at bedtime prayers. When the little boy accidentally reversed the traditional bedtime prayer to say "If I should wake before I die," what seemed like a mistake revealed a powerful truth: God's desire isn't merely for us to make it to heaven someday—it's for us to truly live before we die.This simple mix-up illuminates the vast difference between merely surviving and genuinely living the abundant life Christ offers. As Jesus declared, "I have come that you might have life and have it to the full." We explore what it means to be "children of light" in a world often dominated by darkness and fear. When others are consumed by anxiety, our peaceful presence becomes a powerful testimony to God's reality.The childlike wisdom from this bedtime prayer mistake might just transform how you approach each day of your journey with God. Join me tomorrow as we continue discovering how to start our days by starting right.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

What happens when ordinary people choose extraordinary compassion? Today's episode tells the deeply moving story of Billy, a six-year-old boy with terminal leukemia whose simple wish to become a fireman triggered an unexpected chain of events.When a heartbroken mother in Phoenix approached her local fire department asking if her dying son could simply ride around the block in a fire engine, Fireman Bob's response changed everything: "We can do better than that." What followed wasn't just the fulfillment of a child's dream but a profound demonstration of humanity at its finest.  Proverbs 3:27 tells us: "Never walk away from someone who deserves help. Your hand is God's hand for that person." This story challenges us all to recognize opportunities where we can say, "We can do better than that" in a world filled with fear and turmoil.Join me every Monday through Friday for more stories and insights that will help you start your day by Starting Right. Your five minutes with me might just change how you approach your entire day—and the people who need your compassion most.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Kay Arthur's powerful story from the streets of Jerusalem introduces us to a beggar who deliberately maintained his infected leg wound to receive charity from tourists. Despite having access to medical care, he chose to remain unwell because he had built his entire livelihood around his injury. This modern parallel to the biblical account in John 5 – where Jesus encounters a man who had been ill for 38 years – raises a profound question for all of us.Jesus asked the man beside the pool of Bethesda if he wanted to be made well, he presented him with a choice: continue in familiar suffering or embrace healing that would require life transformation. Today, that same question echoes in our lives. Have we, perhaps unconsciously, chosen to remain unwell in certain areas because wellness would demand significant change? Have we built identities around our limitations, wounds, or struggles because they've become comfortable? God promises to walk alongside us through every change, creating something new within us that surpasses what we leave behind. But the choice remains ours – do we truly want to be well? Are we ready to embrace healing in every area of our lives—emotional, physical, and spiritual—even if it means releasing what has become normal?We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Have you ever wondered what happens when a powerful Mexican fighting bull meets a stubborn South Dakota buffalo? The answer holds a surprising spiritual lesson that might just transform how you face today's challenges.Danny Mac brings us a fascinating historical account from 1907, when cattle rancher Scotty Phillip bet that his buffalo could defeat the supposedly unbeatable fighting bulls of Juarez, Mexico. The story of eight-year-old buffalo Pierre's showdown in the arena unfolds with unexpected turns and comic moments that captivate the imagination. But beneath this entertaining tale lies a profound spiritual truth about standing firm when life charges at you full force.As you begin your day, this five-minute devotional offers more than just an amusing historical anecdote—it provides practical spiritual encouragement for whatever you might face this week. Whether challenges come from unexpected directions or familiar sources, God's armor prepares you to stand firm, just like old Pierre. Grab your coffee, take a moment to reflect, and join Danny Mac every weekday morning to start your day by Starting Right.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Have you ever made a mistake so embarrassing you wanted to hide forever? The story of Roy Regals might just give you the courage to face your second half.During the 1929 Rose Bowl, Roy Regals became infamous for scooping up a fumble and running the wrong way down the field. Stopped just shy of scoring for the opposing team, he was devastated. At halftime, overcome with shame, he told his coach he couldn't possibly return to the field. "I've ruined you, I've ruined myself, I've ruined the University of California," he lamented. His coach's response changed everything: "Roy, get up and go back out there. The game is only half over."Whatever wrong-way run you might be recovering from today, remember that your game is only half over. God is your helper, your strength, and He's with you every step of the way. Take courage from Roy Regals, who returned to play the best half of football in his life. Your best moments might still be ahead. Listen each weekday morning for more encouragement as we start right together.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

What happens when a simple thank-you note travels far beyond its intended recipient? Today's episode explores the remarkable ripple effect of gratitude through the story of Emerson Weber, a young letter writer who changed hundreds of lives with a single note of appreciation to her mail carrier. I share how Emerson's thank-you letter to her postal worker Doug sparked an unexpected chain reaction. After being published in the USPS internal newsletter, her message resonated so deeply that over 200 postal workers from across the western United States sent heartfelt responses. These weren't just polite acknowledgments—they were deeply human exchanges filled with stories about families, pets, hobbies, and an overwhelming sense of kindness. Rural postal workers operating in isolation, parents separated from distant children, and even secret Taylor Swift fans within the postal service found connection through these letters. Emerson's story demonstrates that authentic human connection doesn't require grand gestures, just willingness to share ourselves and acknowledge others.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Do you ever feel like your life lacks significance? Like you're just a small note in a grand symphony that no one would notice if it went missing? Today's episode challenges that notion with a powerful story about a piccolo player in Michael Costa's London Philharmonic Orchestra who thought his contribution didn't matter—until the moment he stopped playing and the renowned conductor immediately halted everything, asking "Where's the piccolo?"This compelling story perfectly illustrates the biblical truth found in 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul explains how every part of the body has essential significance, regardless of its size or visibility. Just as a body needs each unique part to function properly, God's plan requires each one of us playing our distinct roles.  Your life matters enormously, even when you can't see its impact. God has strategically positioned you to influence others in ways only you can. Whether you're feeling overlooked or questioning your purpose, remember: the Conductor notices when your unique note is missing from the symphony. Join me every weekday morning to start your day with encouragement and perspective that helps you recognize your true significance in God's orchestra.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Have you ever wondered if the Bible's historical accounts are actually true? Today's episode examines compelling archaeological evidence that validates Scripture's accuracy through an unexpected source.The discovery of a tiny clay seal in 1986 near Jerusalem's ancient temple site revealed something remarkable. This seal, belonging to a man named Elishama who served as a secretary in the king's palace around 600 BC, perfectly matches the biblical record found in Jeremiah 36. Though Elishama appears just once in Scripture, this archaeological find confirms both his existence and his exact role, demonstrating the Bible's historical precision even in its smallest details.The seal of Elishama reminds us that Scripture isn't merely inspirational stories or moral guidance—it's grounded in historical reality involving real people in real places. Archaeological discoveries continue to confirm biblical accounts that skeptics once dismissed as myth, from King David's palace to evidence of the Hittite civilization. God's Word is powerful, true, and life-changing when we allow it to guide us fully. I invite you to investigate these archaeological findings for yourself and discover how they might strengthen your trust in Scripture's complete truthfulness.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Have you ever found yourself on your knees, completely out of options, crying out to heaven? Today's episode explores the raw power of desperate prayer through Jamie McDonald's moving song "Desperate."The lyrics of "Desperate" emerged from another valley in Jamie's life—returning to Nashville after caring for her sick father, carrying immense grief and heartache. "Oh God, I'm desperate, down on my knees. Send help from heaven, because that's what I need," she sings, capturing the universal experience of reaching the end of ourselves. Jamie's powerful testimony reminds us that we can approach God boldly with our needs, not just interceding for others but honestly expressing our own desperate situations.Listen to the full episode for a clip of Jamie's powerful song "Desperate" and discover why the most honest prayers often come when we have nowhere else to turn. Check the show notes for a YouTube link to experience the entire song that's helping so many find hope in their darkest hours.Here is the YOUTUBE link for Desperatehttps://youtu.be/G2zI1GbWqeg?si=DQiz1kIUOTAKm6LiWe would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

What happens when we faithfully plant seeds of God's truth in the hearts of our children? The answer might surprise and delight you.The wisdom of Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to "train up a child in the way he should go," promising that these early teachings create lasting foundations. Many of us can still recall Bible verses and church songs from our childhood years, testimonies to the enduring power of early spiritual formation. These seeds of truth often remain dormant during seasons of wandering but can spring to life when most needed.The highlight of today's episode comes through an extraordinary demonstration of this principle in action. My niece Fawn homeschools her two young children, five-year-old Jonah and four-year-old Tira. In just three months, little Tira has memorized the entirety of Psalm 100—a remarkable achievement that I'm privileged to share with you. Her sweet voice proclaiming ancient words of praise serves as powerful evidence that even the youngest among us can internalize and express profound spiritual truths.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

Have you ever experienced a moment where divine timing seemed too perfect to be coincidence? This episode tells the trie story of two Florida teens who experienced exactly that kind of extraordinary intervention.Tyler Smith and Heather Brown, high school students from Christ Church Academy, found themselves in a life-threatening situation when strong currents pulled them away from shore during an attempted swim to a nearby island. As they drifted further into the Atlantic, their situation grew increasingly desperate. Linking arms in the water, they turned to prayer as their final hope. This powerful story serves as the backdrop for a deeper exploration of prayer's role in our daily lives." True prayer transcends one-sided requests; it's an ongoing conversation where listening becomes as important as speaking. As one young mother facing pandemic-related hardships shared, prayer means "knowing that He hears, trusting His timing, letting go and letting God while balancing not just sitting around." It's active faith paired with patient trust.Join us today for this episode, which was originally broadcast on January 18, 2022. We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show

What if a blueprint for dismantling democracy had been hiding in plain sight since 1954? Judge Keith Elber's discovery of exactly that in his college political science textbook forms the centerpiece of today's compelling episode.When Judge Elber first read about the nine steps to overthrow democracy as a law student at Napa College, he dismissed it as an impossible nightmare scenario. Yet nearly seven decades later, he felt compelled to sound the alarm when he recognized these same patterns unfolding in America. This isn't conspiracy theory—Snopes verified the judge's account, making his warning all the more sobering.The episode draws a powerful connection between this historical warning and biblical wisdom from Isaiah about societies that "call good things bad and bad things good." Despite the unsettling parallels, Today we offer a message of hope rather than despair. Even as we navigate confusing times where moral values seem increasingly inverted, we're reminded that awareness doesn't have to lead to anxiety. Tune in for this thought-provoking episode that balances clear-eyed awareness with spiritual perspective. Subscribe now to continue receiving these daily five-minute reflections that help you start your day right.We would love to hear your comments. Send us a Text MessageSupport the show