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Looking back with gratitude and looking ahead with hope isn’t about pretending life is easy—it’s about trusting God in the middle of the hard parts. This devotional reframes familiar promises by reminding us that God often speaks hope into uncomfortable, uncertain seasons. Real faith isn’t polished or pain-free; it’s forged when we choose trust, gratitude, and hope even when circumstances feel unresolved. Highlights A comfortable life isn’t the norm for God’s people—Scripture consistently shows faith growing through hardship. We often celebrate biblical victories while overlooking the suffering that shaped them. God’s promises are frequently given in seasons of waiting, captivity, or uncertainty—not ease. Hope and faith are spiritual disciplines that require intentional choice, not feelings. Gratitude helps us recognize God’s faithfulness in the present, even when the future feels unclear. Trusting God’s character allows us to move forward with confidence, not fear. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Looking Back with Gratitude, Looking Ahead with HopeBy: Peyton Garland Bible Reading:“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) Christianity is always easier when it’s comfortable, right? When there’s no church drama, your marriage isn’t bumpy, or the children aren’t in a rebellious season. When everyone’s health is clear, the savings account is full, and the boss is flexible. But when are all of these life avenues simultaneously smooth? When is life ever not life—the chaos, the calamity, the confusion? When we read Scripture, did any of God’s people have it easy? Moses didn’t, Esther didn’t, David didn’t, and Jesus certainly didn’t. I believe that our pursuit of a comfortable life is the reason we gravitate towards certain Bible verses and willingly cut out the remaining context. We don’t mind discussing when Moses parted the waters, when Esther was crowned Queen, when David defeated Goliath, and when Jesus resurrected. But we too easily neglect when Moses died in the wilderness, when Esther risked her life for her people, when David’s sin caught up with him, and when Jesus was nailed to a cross to carry the sins of an ungrateful world. Jeremiah 29:11 is another perfect example of our desperate pursuit to polish the Christian experience. Glancing at this isolated verse, you could argue for an easy-going prosperity gospel. But Jeremiah 29:14 reveals that God’s people receive this promise in captivity. They aren’t comfortable but desperate. Their hope is wary, waning. So what do they make of a promise that seems impossible? They choose hope. They choose faith. Hope and faith aren’t easy. They certainly aren’t comfortable because they require us to practice what we don’t want to and to believe in what we don’t feel. Hope and faith are rarely instinctual. That’s what makes them spiritual disciplines. So if your heart is heavy and tumultuous, if your life has been plagued with the worst twists and turns, you are in the perfect position to welcome hope and faith into your new year. God promises us a beautiful future on the other side of hard times, but we will never appreciate, let alone recognize, His blessings if we don’t choose to pursue God’s hope and faith in our challenging circumstances. To cultivate hope and faith is to invite God to change your perspective. It’s a chance to become more like Christ in both His suffering and His glory (Romans 8:17). In my book Tired, Hungry, & Kinda Faithful, I dig into this idea a bit deeper: Allow God to root his purpose in your soul in a land where you once believed growth impossible… Perhaps it is time to pledge allegiance to a God we are still wary of, and in that process—no matter how wild and scary and challenging—we learn to love him in a gentler, surer way. This way grasps the good kind of love that he designed in the first place—even if Love never promises to stop the hard times but invites us to thrive amid them. And from such a purifying journey, perhaps we will genuinely love others, and deep down, we will come to call our desert a well of hope. It’s natural to create barriers to block God out when it seems the Christian life offers little reprieve for our minds, bodies, and souls. However, how can we ever have true hope, faith, and even joy if we shun the very source of these things? How will we appreciate the opportunities that wait for us in the future if we don’t adopt a heart of gratitude for God’s providence, grace, mercy, and sovereignty in the present, no matter our circumstances? Embrace a heart of thankfulness for the God who grants us hope and faith, and surrender your longing for the shallow, smooth-sailing life that offers little sustenance for the soul. Step into this new year confident in the character of a God whose goodness never wavers and whose promises are always sure. Intersecing Faith & Life:Make a list of the relationships or opportunities where you haven’t left room for God to work. Have you boxed God out because of past disappointments or because you think you can handle things on your own? How does this shape (or even manipulate) your definition of hope and faith? Ask God to rid you of any false notions you have regarding hope and faith, and allow Him room to work in your life to cultivate the beautiful future He has in store. Further Reading:Jeremiah 29A Few Modern Thoughts on the Land of Milk and Honey Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Praising Through Hard TimesMatthew 10:29-31 “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.”It is essential to praise God in Hard times. I recall a time when I was going through a particularly challenging period, raising my boys, and in my marriage, and I found solace in praising God. It was a powerful reminder that my problems were not insurmountable and that God was with me. It is important to praise God even when we don't feel we have any reason to. One of the most important reasons to praise God in a difficult situation is that it puts the focus back on God rather than on our problem.One piece of advice I love is: “Instead of focusing on how big our problem is, we should focus on how big our God is.” I have never forgotten this, and it is so true. God is bigger than any problem we might be facing. There isn't anything too big or too hard for Him. When we praise the Lord, we bring our focus back to Him.Also, when we praise God, we are reminded of all the things He has done for us in the past. It reminds us that if He did it for us before, He would do it again. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) If we are in a difficult situation, we can look back to other times when we were struggling, and we can see how God helped us out of or through that situation. Sometimes God helps us out of a problem we are in. Sometimes, He helps us through the situation. What I mean is that he doesn't remove us from the situation; he gives us all we need to get through it. He gives us the strength, perseverance, and peace to get through each day.While studying about praise from my mentoring group, I read an article that mentioned something I hadn't really thought of before. It said that praise reminds us that God is in control. While reading this article, I came across a line that made me laugh. The article said, "As I praise God during the difficult times, I am reminded that God is still in control. God is never surprised by the things that come into my life. God never says, “Wow, I didn't see that coming. I hope Billy makes it through this.” This made me laugh because it is so true, yet we don't really think about it. We can praise God in the difficult times because He knew we would be in this season of waiting. And because He knew we would be in it, He has a plan to get us either out of this season or through it.It is funny to me that we would think we could ever catch the Lord off guard. It's weird to think something could happen that He wouldn't know about. Jesus says in Matthew 10:29-31 “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” God knows everything about you. He knows about your situation and what you are waiting for.Praising the Lord during a hard season is telling Him that we trust Him and know He has a plan for us. Our job is to wait and to keep trusting that God is in control. It is hard for us to let God be in control. We want things done our way and in our time. I saw a video on Facebook the other day of a woman who was showing what it is like when we try to let God be in control. She was all excited and told Jesus to take the wheel. However, she wasn't happy when He didn't take the exit she wanted Him to take. She wasn't pleased when he wasn't driving as fast as she wanted him to. She tried to stop and pull over for a snack, but Jesus wanted to keep moving. Then she finally said, “I just thought that when I said Jesus take the wheel, we would take turns. You know, you would drive a little, I would drive a little. I thought this would be a little more collaborative.”It is hard to let Jesus take the wheel. It is hard to let God be in control, but it is always worth it. Have you ever tried to take the wheel, tried to run things your own way, and then had it not turn out so good? Abraham and Sarah tried to take things into their own hands, and Sarah had Abraham sleep with her handmaid so they could have a baby. It worked, and then Sarah got jealous of her handmaid and sent her away. God told them He would give them a baby, but Sarah got tired of waiting. We get into trouble when we grow weary of waiting and take things into our own hands.This is why praising can be so beneficial. While we are waiting, we praise God for all he has done in the past, all that He has planned for our future, and all that He is in control of, so that we don't have to be. When we praise God, we keep ourselves busy, focused on God, and remind ourselves that God is in control.The article I read had some practical suggestions for praising God in difficult times. Here they are:It may not seem natural, and you may feel uncomfortable, but go ahead and praise God. Don't fake it, be honest. God already knows your heart, so if you don't feel like praising Him, tell Him, but praise Him anyway.Verbalize your praise. Praise is meant to be heard. Don't praise Him silently. Praise Him openly and verbally. There is something powerful about hearing our own voice praise and worship the Lord.Use fear and worry as indicators of when to praise the Lord. When fear and worry raise their ugly heads, use them as reminders to praise the Lord. Counter fear and worry, praise and worship.Allow God to teach you as you walk through the situation. God never wastes any event in our lives; He wants to grow us to be more like Christ through every problem we face. As you praise Him, ask what you can learn from this experience.Review God's work in your life in the past and praise him for it. Part of praise is reviewing God's faithfulness in the past. As you review His goodness and provision in the past, you will find new strength to face the problems of today.Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless each person listening to this episode. Lord, help us praise you. If we are uncomfortable praising you out loud, give us the courage to step outside our comfort zone and do it anyway. Lord, remind us that when we start to be filled with fear and worry, we can use that as an indicator to begin to praise. Teach us how to praise you, Lord. Each one of us can praise you in a different way; put that on our hearts, Lord. Help us to praise you when times are hard, when times are good, all the time. Help us to develop a habit of praise so we are praising you regularly whether we feel, like it or not. Lord, we love you. We are so grateful for all you have done for us, and praising you is one small way we can show our appreciation. We ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name, Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider rating it in whatever app you're listening to and leaving a review. The more ratings a podcast has, the more people will see it. Also, please consider sharing it with a friend or two. Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do I! Have a blessed day!Today's Word from the Lord was received in July 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “If today you hear Me call my children, if today you hear Me whisper your name, open yourselves up like the petals of beautiful flowers. Remember that they, in their beauty, are not arrayed in such beauty as I, your Father, your Savior, and your Spirit can bring to you.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace
Gratitude shifts when attention moves from missing things to present gifts from God. Kelly Balarie frames this reset through Psalm 87:7, highlighting a real-life moment of releasing comparison and anchoring joy in Christ. Strong search phrases like biblical gratitude, contentment over comparison, and Psalm 87 fountains help more hearts find the message quickly—because noticing God’s provision isn’t denial, it’s deliberate focus. Highlights Comparison is loud; gratitude is louder when practiced. Obedience often includes releasing what once mattered. Letting go creates capacity for deeper joy. Christ is the source, not the supplement. Serving others redirects the heart from scarcity to abundance. Worship begins at the fountain—God Himself. Thankfulness starts small, but builds momentum fast. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: Holding on to Joy When the Season Feels Heavy By: Laura Bailey Bible Reading:“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”- Zephaniah 3:17 NIVThe holiday season brings a sense of joy and positivity to many. The constant celebrations are a welcome distraction from their ordinary lives. Yet, for others, the holidays usher in more profound feelings of grief, remorse, or desperation. To the one who recently lost a loved one, putting on a happy face during celebrations is distressing.To the one who received the news that they no longer have a job, having to tell their family that Christmas will look a bit different this year is dispiriting.For those estranged from family members, watching others gather peacefully can be a depressing experience.If you are struggling to hold onto joy this season because you are in an emotionally, mentally, or spiritually heavy season, let me encourage you with these verses. “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”- Zephaniah 3:17 NIVWhen you are in the middle of an extremely difficult season, especially when it seems like the world around you is rejoicing while yours is falling apart, remember that God is with you. It may feel that He is distant, you might even be tempted to think He’s forgotten You, or His lack of removing your pain is evidence He doesn’t care. But, that is not true. God is always with you. He is your Savior and your Sustainer. He rejoices over you with gladness. He is love ( 1 John 4:16), and He created you out of love. He hasn’t forgotten you. She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” - Genesis 16:12 NIV There are seasons in our lives where, though we know in our minds God hasn’t forsaken us, our hearts feel differently. Just like Hagar, our dire circumstances may cause us to question God’s goodness. We may feel that God doesn’t care about our situation, we are in a spiritual desert, and are desperate for something to quench our dry souls. God does care for you. He is grieved when His children are hurting. Jesus, who took on humanity, experienced all the things we experience. He knows what it feels like to be betrayed, to grieve the loss of a friend, to be rejected by the people He loved. God is a good God Who sees, and He sees you. Allow God’s goodness to draw you out of the desert, and find joy in Him.“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” - Isaiah 26:3 It can be difficult to hold on to joy when our thoughts aren’t focused on the Lord. Peace, isn’t that something we all desire? We can experience peace in the hardest of seasons when our thoughts are steadfast, or firmly fixed on the Lord. How can we securely anchor ourselves in God? We firmly believe that even in our darkest moments, God is still at work. God is still faithful, He has a purpose, and nothing can separate us from His love. Friend, if you are in a heavy season, know I am praying for you as you navigate the holidays. May you feel the Lord’s presence and know that He sees you and He loves you. Intersecting Faith & Life:Are you in heavy season? If so, what verse above gives you encouragement? Commit the verse to memory and recite it when you are struggling to hold on to your joy.Further Reading:Isaiah 26 11 Ways to Draw Near to God this New Year Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Confession and Prayer Confess faults to one another and pray for one another for healing. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person has great power. Elijah was a man with similar passions, prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain for three and a half years. He prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit. 1 Kings 18:41 Elijah told Ahab to eat and drink, for there was a sound of abundance of rain. Ahab went to eat and drink, and Elijah went to the top of Carmel. Elijah cast himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees. He told his servant to look toward the sea. The servant looked and said there was nothing. Elijah told him to go again seven times. At the seventh time, the servant said there was a small cloud like a man’s hand rising out of the sea. Elijah told the servant to tell Ahab to prepare his chariot and go down, so the rain would not stop him. The heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. Ahab rode and went to Jezreel. Faith Under Attack The apostle James believed a man could pray like a lion. Faith is under attack in these last days. The devil is trying to cause people to give up their cross. James believed that if people got right with God and each other, they could pray prayers that would have great effect. Looking for God to do something that will turn things upside down. Conditions for Effective Prayer Being right with God: Getting righteous. Turning loose from sin. Letting go of the things of this world. Being right with one another: Forgiving one another. Praying for one another. When in line with God, prayer can accomplish work. Introspection through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God should move one to pray and seek God. Effectual Fervent Prayer Effectual fervent prayer is for those who have sought God and one another, and are in line with both. They don’t have sin or trespasses, and have gotten clean with God and man. There is a place in prayer that becomes effectual fervent. The word “effectual” is one word in the original Greek, “energeo.” It is used 18 times in the King James Version. 12 of those times, it is translated as “work.” The King James translators identified the word by context. Need to be reminded that effectual fervent prayer is work. Need to pray better. God can strip away the blinders and show what one can’t see. Need to open hearts and become earnest before God, and see prayers make a difference. The choir needs reminded that there is more to God than what we think. We get complacent, pray little prayers, check off lists, and think God is satisfied. Until God has looked into the depths of the soul, and one becomes submissive and surrenders to the will of God and yields to the Holy Ghost, one is not praying yet. Energeo: Energized Prayer The Greek word for effectual is “energeo,” from which we get the English words “energy” or “energize.” Engage in energized prayer, built of hard work. Of the 18 times “energeo” is used in the King James Version, 12 times it is translated as “work” (75%). Prayer is not a side deal or something to play around with. Prayer should change you, make you humble and weak before God, make you want to carry a heavier load, love people more, and help sinners get saved and prodigals come home. The basic premise behind “energeo” is hard, passionate work. The flesh is contrary to prayer and will never enjoy it. Tell the flesh it doesn’t matter and focus on getting right with God. Prayer should be hard, passionate work. If we added up the minutes spent in prayer this week, would we be impressed? How many have really gotten into the place where hard, passionate prayer comes from us? Elijah: An Example of Effectual Fervent Prayer Elijah got to see extraordinary things within hours of each other. Don’t give up praying. Get to the hard work, passionate prayer that God is listening for. Consider it a worthy occupation to be a prayer warrior. Make sure to identify and define correctly what kind of prayer we’re trying to pray. Not just “Now I lay me down to sleep” prayer, but more like Peter’s prayer when he was drowning: “Lord, save me.” Be willing to do the hard work prayer, not just any prayer, but a prayer that reaches the portals of God. Hard work prayer is not very enticing to many. On days when you don’t feel like it, put your flesh behind you and try. Hard work prayer gets into the throne room of God. Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane understood hard work praying. His sweat became great drops of blood. He asked if there was any other way, but ultimately submitted to the Father’s will. Years ago, people would pray in barns during the day, giving up their time and flesh. Romans 12:1: Present your bodies as a living sacrifice to God, which is your reasonable service. Need hard work prayer. James gave liberty to pray personally. Elijah’s Humanity and Obedience James said Elijah was a righteous man, but also a man subject to like passions as we are. Elijah went through everything we’re going through and experienced the same temptations. He made a choice to stand for God and do the hard work of praying and staying honest before God. God blessed him for it. God had sustained Elijah for three and a half years. God gave Elijah liberty, and he stepped out of hiding. Elijah lived in Zarephath, Jezebel’s hometown, while she had the whole army hunting for him. Elijah told Obadiah to tell Ahab that he wanted to talk to him. Ahab blamed the drought on Elijah. Elijah told Ahab to gather all the people of Israel, the prophets of Baal, and the prophets of the groves to Mount Carmel. They had a contest to see whose God would answer by fire. God answered Elijah’s simple prayer with fire, consuming the sacrifice, the dust, the stones, and the water in the trenches. God answered by fire with a simple prayer. Elijah was obedient to God. If we’re going to see the power of God through hard work prayer, we’re going to have to be obedient servants. We need to be willing to do what God tells us to do, when he tells us to do it, and how he tells us to do it. Line up when we pray and say, “God, I prayed it. Now here I am. Send me. Use me for this work.” When you pray hard, you’ll find out there’s work for you in it. It’s not all on God; we have to be obedient. The problems they had were Jezebel and the adulterous hearts of the people. They had 850 false prophets corrupting the minds of the people. God dealt with it, and Elijah was obedient. Deliberate Faith and Diligence Elijah was deliberate. After one of the prophets was slain, Elijah told Ahab to get out of there because he heard the sound of abundance of rain. The fire had fallen, and people got right with God. Need some fire first to burn up the chaff and purge the dross from our souls. Need the power of God to come in. Won’t have revival until fire has come in through our soul and hard work praying has made us shine like new before God. The rain is the extra, what produces the fruits, but you won’t have rain until you’ve got fire. In Africa, they burn the old, dead grass to allow new growth to come after the rain. There was nothing growing through that messed up, useless grass that had no fire to it. Need some fire, even though it’s not comfortable. All 850 prophets had to be dealt with. Elijah went to the bottom of Carmel to be obedient to God. When he finished what God had assigned him, he told Ahab to leave. Elijah went back up the mountain because he believed. The same place that Elijah called fire down was where he went back to call for rain. There’s some consistency about where we choose to pray. Deliberately make a place to hard work pray. Hard work prayer becomes a part of our daily life. Elijah was tired after killing 850 people, but he went back up the mountain with faith. He told Ahab he heard rain, even though he didn’t physically hear it. He believed God because the fire had fallen. Elijah was diligent. He fell on his knees, put his face between his knees, and cried out to God. Between verses 42 and 43, there was some serious praying. The first time Elijah looked up, his servant was just standing there. Elijah told him to go look out over the ocean and tell him what he saw. The servant said he didn’t see anything. Been in hard work praying and not seeing anything. God knows when we’re frustrated, down, and the devil’s after us. Get serious about praying and talking with God Almighty. Hard work praying. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. This was the hard work part of the prayer. The first time he prayed, there was nothing. Weary of praying for certain things because you can’t see anything. When you think your prayer didn’t do any good, go back. Try again. Pray harder. Keep working at it. Dig in. Do the hard work praying. Believe God for it. If it’s as a grain of a mustard seed, if we just believe that he can do all things. Go back seven times. Each time, be doing what you’ve got to do, and that’s hard work prayer. Elijah put his face between his knees again and cried out to God. God sent the rain. Hard work praying is about not giving up, not giving in, and not believing the lies of the devil. God can do anything, and hard work prayer gets to his ears. It shocked the little fellow when he went that seven times. It wasn’t his faith that Elijah was dependent on, but that hard work praying and Elijah’s own faith in God. The servant came back and said he saw something about the size of a man’s hand rising up out of the sea. Elijah said that’s all he needed to know. God started to move. Personal Testimony Stripped naked in prayer this morning. Needed a word from God. Justin told a story about a man who had preached and evangelized for all of his life and then got called to be a pastor. He packed everything into his worn-out van and headed to the new pastorate. The transmission went out at the top of a hill, and he coasted to a car dealership at the bottom. Within two hours, men had unpacked his belongings and packed them into a new van that was just like the old one, but eight years newer. God said, “This is my church. I’ll fix it just like a car. Don’t you doubt it.” Asked God to speak to me. Quit worrying about this. It ain’t your church. It’s mine. Them ain’t your children, they’re mine. I’ll fix it. Needed to hear it again. Elijah told the servant to tell Ahab to get off the mountain because it was fixing to rain. The clouds rolled in, the sky turned black, and it rained. Commitment to Prayer We ain’t where we’re supposed to be prayer-wise. There’s another gear to prayer building. You’ve got to be stripped clean of the fire. Hard work praying will set in. It’ll come from your soul like a fountain. Your guts will pour out of you and lay at his feet. You’ll feel it. We can get closer to God with some hard praying. It’s going to take a commitment. You won’t accidentally get to this place. You’re going to have to really want it. When you get low, that’s when your heart gets nearest to it. It feels like ain’t nothing happening. It feels like it ain’t gonna happen. It’s the best time to pray. Allow God to step in and strip aside everything that’s keeping your heart from bursting open with all your care, worry, fear, and requests. Commit to hard work prayer. Effectual, fervent prayer. If Elijah could do it, James said, you can too. If Elijah seen the results of the fire and the rain, God is not a respecter of persons. He’ll bless you just like he blessed Elijah. Both fire and rain. Before we do anything else tonight, I want us to pray. If you ain’t got nobody else to pray for, please pray for me. Time’s running out on us. Our people ain’t saved. I want to get it right. I can’t do it. I ain’t got the power. I’m of little strength and little ability. I need God to help me. We need help tonight. We need revival. We need to see the fruit of rain. That all has to come from God.
Welcome Back to the "I won't keep quiet" series! Crystal Williams opened the Career Prosperity Prayer Call with worship and welcomed attendees to "mic drop Monday, Motivation Monday," acknowledging National Career Development Month and the need to "futureproof your career" by focusing on faith during times of uncertainty, continuing the "I Won't Keep Quiet" series to encourage attendees to declare the goodness of God. Williams shared a personal experience from "The Boy is Mine Tour" to illustrate the importance of putting on "spiritual spectacles" and "spiritual ears" and derived spiritual revelation from song titles to encourage attendees about God's ability to heal and change their status. Williams discussed the concept of being "God's referral," meaning being "positively recommended or endorsed by God" through a life of integrity, diligence, and faithfulness, and referenced Acts 2:1-4 and 1 Corinthians 7:17 to support the idea of career elevation and generational blessings before concluding with a prayer and encouragement to "go forth and conquer." Need accountability and community in your professional career journey?? Click the link https://careerchasersclub.com/ to learn more and join my global professional development community, Career Chasers! Join the #CareerDailyBread text message list by texting the word BREAD to (201) 357-3218 When you join you will receive uplifting messages that will elevate your work week! ***Download the Peculiar Career Chit Chat playlist on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3DoUwHN P.S. If you have any prayer requests simply send them to crystal@theyoubrandacademy.com Need help elevating to the next level in your career journey??? Simply book a complimentary consultation: http://bit.ly/elevatemycareer Additionally, follow Crystal on social media: YouTube:https://youtube.com/@theyoubrandacademy?si=od0A3g5qXyVApVu5, FB-The YOU Brand Academy, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalclearcareercoaching/ ; TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@_dopecareercoach?_r=1&_t=ZT-911A8776ZsE
Send us your feedback — we're listeningJoshua 1:9 (NIV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Secondary Scripture (NIV) Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Recorded live here in London, England with Reverend Ben CooperCourage is one of the most globally searched spiritual needs as people face pressure, hesitation, emotional fatigue, and fear of the unknown. From London to Buenos Aires, from Buenos Aires to Jakarta, from Jakarta to Nairobi, from Nairobi to Vancouver, millions seek strength to keep going when life feels overwhelming. Joshua 1:9 remains one of the world's most highlighted scriptures during seasons of transition, loss, responsibility, and inner weakness. God's command to be strong and courageous is not a demand to perform—it is an invitation to rely on His unbreakable presence. Philippians 4:13 intensifies this truth, reminding believers that true strength does not come from human effort but from Christ who empowers every step. Together these verses form a spiritual backbone for those who feel worn down, hesitant, discouraged, or uncertain about the road ahead. Today we pray for renewed courage, fresh strength, and divine boldness in every circumstance.Prayer Points Prayer for courage to rise within the heart, prayer for renewed strength when weary, prayer for boldness in making hard decisions, prayer for calm during fearful moments, prayer for confidence in the presence of God, prayer for resilience in pressure, prayer for persistence when discouraged, prayer for clarity in uncertain seasons, prayer for emotional strength to continue, prayer for faith to overpower fearLife Application When hesitation or fear appears today, speak Joshua 1:9 and Philippians 4:13 aloud. Allow God's presence to steady your emotions and strengthen your spirit.Declaration I declare that I will be strong and courageous, for the Lord my God is with me and Christ strengthens me.Call to Action Share and subscribe to follow the full daily ARC and visit DailyPrayer.uk for global devotional encouragement. joshua 19, philippians 413, prayer for courage, christian strength prayer, dailyprayer.uk, be strong and courageous, emotional resilience christian, god is with me, faith over fear prayer, boldness in christSupport the showFor more inspiring content, visit RBChristianRadio.net — your home for daily devotionals, global prayer, and biblical encouragement for every season of life. We invite you to connect with our dedicated prayer hub at DailyPrayer.uk — a place where believers from every nation unite in prayer around the clock. If you need prayer, or would like to leave a request, this is the place to come. Our mission is simple: to pray with you, to stand with you, and to keep the power of prayer at the centre of everyday life. Your support through DailyPrayer.uk helps us continue sharing the gospel and covering the nations in prayer. You can also discover our ministry services and life celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net — serving families with faith, dignity, and hope. If this devotional blesses you, please consider supporting our listener-funded mission by buying us a coffee through RBChristianRadio.net. Every prayer, every gift, and every share helps us keep broadcasting God's Word to the world.
In a world that glorifies hurry, pushes us from one demand to the next, and leaves little room to breathe, God is offering something radically different—an invitation to Selah. In this transformative message, Pastor Nana unpacks the biblical meaning of “Selah” as more than a pause in Scripture. It is a divine call to slow down, reflect, and step into the quiet confidence that comes only from God's presence.Drawing from Psalm 46, Psalm 103, Hebrews 4, James 1, Isaiah 30, and more, this sermon confronts the dangers of rushing ahead of God, living in anxiety, and striving in our own strength. With a pastoral yet prophetic tone, we explore how hurry becomes the thief of intimacy, how Egypt often represents false stability, and why true elevation comes only from being led by the Spirit, even into wilderness seasons.You'll hear practical, heart-piercing truth about:– Mixing God's Word with faith– Walking in obedience– Choosing joy in trials– Slowing down long enough to hear God's voice– Escaping the traps and “pits” created by rushed decisions– Entering God's promise of rest– Being quieted by His love instead of driven by fearThis message will lead you into a posture of surrender, reflection, and renewed strength. Whether you've been striving, anxious, overwhelmed, or just spiritually tired, the Holy Spirit is whispering:“Pause. Selah. Let Me lead you.”Take a moment. Breathe. Allow God to speak.May this message guide you into the rest and peace that God has prepared for your life.
Jesus is the radiance of God's glory, the exact representation of His being. Do you want to know God? What God is like? Look at Jesus. In the four gospels in the New Testament, we can read the story of Jesus' life. As Jesus walks through the world and interacts with people, we get a picture of what God is like. In Matthew 3, John the Baptist tells us that Jesus is the One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Fire represents refinement; burning away what is useless or impure. Jesus came to do this in the world and in us. And the first step in this refinement is submission. Just say: God, have your way in my life. Allow God to burn away what shouldn't be there. Always remember there is hope with God. radio.hopewithgod.com
11/02/2025 Putting off the old lifeColossians 3: 1-11Big Idea: New life in Christ means saying goodbye to the old you.As Christ followers, we put off the old life and put on the new life…1. New life means a new focus (vs 1-4). This is an ongoing process (24/7), not just when it's convenient. (Gal 2;20, John 10:28).2. New life means killing old sin (vs 5-9). Get rid of our old, bad habits so that God can form new ones in us. Our lives reflects what we believe. This requires us to surrender. (Gal 5:24).3. New life creates a new identity (vs 10-11). Our faith in Christ is what needs to define who we are.How you can walk in newness of life as a Kingdom person:1. Identify an old “outfit” you've been wearing (…sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed, anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language, gossip, lying…)2. Confess it and put it to death (“Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature” Colossians 3:5.3. Allow God to replace it with new life (Keyword: surrender; it's not about behavior modification, it's about heart transformation. Gratitude is the evidence of new life.4. Live from your new identity. Believe the truth of who you are in Christ.
Romans 12:1–2 Every moment of every day is a window of opportunity to worship God. In this message on Romans 12:1–2, Pastor Chuck Swindoll urges believers to follow Paul's command to offer themselves as living sacrifices to God. What does that mean? How can we find meaning and purpose through obedience to God's will? Let's find out! Consecrate your life to God. Determine to think biblically and act accordingly. Allow God to transform your mind and heart as you follow His commands. You won't ever be the same!
Every moment of every day is a window of opportunity to worship God.In this message on Romans 12:1–2, Pastor Chuck Swindoll urges believers to follow Paul's command to offer themselves as living sacrifices to God. What does that mean? How can we find meaning and purpose through obedience to God's will? Let's find out! Consecrate your life to God. Determine to think biblically and act accordingly. Allow God to transform your mind and heart as you follow His commands. You won't ever be the same!
Every moment of every day is a window of opportunity to worship God.In this message on Romans 12:1–2, Pastor Chuck Swindoll urges believers to follow Paul's command to offer themselves as living sacrifices to God. What does that mean? How can we find meaning and purpose through obedience to God's will? Let's find out! Consecrate your life to God. Determine to think biblically and act accordingly. Allow God to transform your mind and heart as you follow His commands. You won't ever be the same!
Every moment of every day is a window of opportunity to worship God.In this message on Romans 12:1–2, Pastor Chuck Swindoll urges believers to follow Paul's command to offer themselves as living sacrifices to God. What does that mean? How can we find meaning and purpose through obedience to God's will? Let's find out!Consecrate your life to God. Determine to think biblically and act accordingly. Allow God to transform your mind and heart as you follow His commands. You won't ever be the same! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/82/29
Allow God’s prompting to supersede the inconvenient “hows” and “whens” of service.
Romans 12:1–2 Every moment of every day is a window of opportunity to worship God. In this message on Romans 12:1–2, Pastor Chuck Swindoll urges believers to follow Paul's command to offer themselves as living sacrifices to God. What does that mean? How can we find meaning and purpose through obedience to God's will? Let's find out! Consecrate your life to God. Determine to think biblically and act accordingly. Allow God to transform your mind and heart as you follow His commands. You won't ever be the same!
Every moment of every day is a window of opportunity to worship God.In this message on Romans 12:1–2, Pastor Chuck Swindoll urges believers to follow Paul's command to offer themselves as living sacrifices to God. What does that mean? How can we find meaning and purpose through obedience to God's will? Let's find out! Consecrate your life to God. Determine to think biblically and act accordingly. Allow God to transform your mind and heart as you follow His commands. You won't ever be the same!
Every moment of every day is a window of opportunity to worship God.In this message on Romans 12:1–2, Pastor Chuck Swindoll urges believers to follow Paul's command to offer themselves as living sacrifices to God. What does that mean? How can we find meaning and purpose through obedience to God's will? Let's find out! Consecrate your life to God. Determine to think biblically and act accordingly. Allow God to transform your mind and heart as you follow His commands. You won't ever be the same!
Every moment of every day is a window of opportunity to worship God.In this message on Romans 12:1–2, Pastor Chuck Swindoll urges believers to follow Paul's command to offer themselves as living sacrifices to God. What does that mean? How can we find meaning and purpose through obedience to God's will? Let's find out!Consecrate your life to God. Determine to think biblically and act accordingly. Allow God to transform your mind and heart as you follow His commands. You won't ever be the same! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/82/29
Welcome Sisters. Life can get real loud and so does our thoughts. Take time to reset, set quietly, meditate and as my Mom taught me "The Holy Hush" is so effective. Be quiet and silence those noises. Allow God to speak to you in the quiet moments. He wants our full attention. I invite you to take a seat in this conversation. Listen carefully. I want to hear from you at uarebetterthanyesterday@gmail.com The quotes were taken from Upjourney.com. I pray this episode blesses you deeply.
Allow God to keep your heart soft toward the needs of your neighbor.
Allow God to use hard times to produce his character in you.
In this week's episode I share what it truly looks like not to live your life by your emotions. We are meant to live a life where our emotions are stable so we can fully experience the peace of God. When the word of God truly becomes our compass of how we live our life then we stable, secure and not easily swayed by life. Life is going to happen, but we get to choose how we react to it. This podcast is for you if:-you need a reminder of what the word of God says about our emotions and our thoughts. -your need a reset in your thought life. -you need that reminder that God is truly your defender. I have a FREE resource for you!! Click the link below for DREAM BIG series. Daring to Dream Big - Elevate | Christina JollyConnect with me at:Home - Elevate | Christina JollyGet your FREE eBook download here:Elevate Your Faith in 5 Minutes - Elevate | Christina JollyMy 30 Day Faith to Believe devotional:Faith to Believe – 30 Day Devotional eBook - Elevate | Christina Jolly
The Apostles House - Hartford, CT Sr Leader, Founder and Apostolic Leader, Suzanne M Howard
"Allow God to Work in You"Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13Messenger: Evangelist John Booker
Allow God's Word To Stimulate You To Wholesome Thinking And Living 2 Peter 3:1-2 1Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
Trauma isn't just the event—it's the response to what you've gone through. Whether it was abuse, loss, heartbreak, or betrayal, the invisible wounds can sometimes hurt more than the visible ones. But the good news is this: God can heal what's been broken.In this message, Pastor Jason unpacks three steps toward healing from trauma:Process the pain – Acknowledge it instead of ignoring it.Press into God – Take your deepest hurts to Him in prayer.Pursue purpose – Allow God to use your pain to bring comfort to others.Through the story of the Apostle Paul and powerful passages of Scripture, you'll see that while your past may shape you, it does not have to define you. Healing and hope are found in Jesus.
In this episode, David Craig explores the friction that naturally arises when you're taking steps to grow and change. Allow God to turn mishaps into opportunities for you to learn and adapt to challenges. Sign up for the Miracle Channel eNewsletter for a new ebook and Scripture declarations each month, plus updates on the ministry! Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow David Craig: Instagram
Daily Radio Program with Charles Stanley - In Touch Ministries
Allow God to work in your life by asking for His plan and His will to be done in all things.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Daily Radio Program with Charles Stanley - In Touch Ministries
Allow God to work in your life by asking for His plan and His will to be done in all things.
Allow God to work in your life by asking for His plan and His will to be done in all things.
Allow God to work in your life by asking for His plan and His will to be done in all things.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Allow God to work in your life by asking for His plan and His will to be done in all things.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Allow God to work in your life by asking for His plan and His will to be done in all things.
Welcome to the 'I Won't Keep Quiet' series...tune in to find out more... Need accountability and community in your professional career journey?? Click the link https://careerchasersclub.com/ to learn more and join my global professional development community, Career Chasers! Scriptures of the week: Isaiah62:1 (Series Scripture), Romans 12:19 Join the #CareerDailyBread text message list by texting the word BREAD to (201) 357-3218 When you join you will receive uplifting messages that will elevate your work week! ***Download the Peculiar Career Chit Chat playlist on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3DoUwHN P.S. If you have any prayer requests simply send them to hello@theyoubrandacademy.com Need help elevating to the next level in your career journey??? Simply book a complimentary consultation: http://bit.ly/elevatemycareer Additionally, follow Crystal on social media: IG- @career_elev8her, FB-The YOU Brand Academy, https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalclearcareercoaching/
Allow God to speak over you with the words of Jeremiah 33, bringing restoration where your feel broken, wearied and burdened.No matter what kind of day you've had, rest in hope and peace tonight as you draw near to the heart of God. This short, uplifting meditation from His Word will create a space at the end of the day for you to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust your burdens to Him and fill your mind with His promises and faithfulness towards you. Tonight's meditation is read by Andrew. Meet the team at odb.org/meet-the-team.Send us a text message to let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience for you!Support the showYou can now share the Evening Meditations through the updated Our Daily Bread app! If you've not done so already, download it for free from your app store.We hope that you have enjoyed this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: ourdailybread.org/meditation. All our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.
[Luke 18:1-7] One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. [2] “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. [3] A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.' [4] The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don't fear God or care about people, [5] but this woman is driving me crazy. I'm going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!'” [6] Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. [7] Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith? God wants to give us what we ________ ________. [Matthew 7:7-8] Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. God uses persistent prayer as a vehicle for ________________. [James 5:16b] The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Allow God to align our _________ with His _________. [Matthew 6:33] Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [James 4:3] And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. [Psalm 46:10] Be still, and know that I am God! To prepare us for His ____________. [Psalm 51:10] Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. A premature answer might cause us to glory in the ________ and not the ____________ ___________. To ___________ our lives and character. [Philippians 1:6] And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. To be used of God in ___________ warfare. [Ephesians 6:12] For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. [Ephesians 6:18] Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere To bless us with a more intimate ____________________ with God.
If your past—your hardships, pain, or struggles—have felt like weighted chains and have affected your relationship with God, it's time to allow the truth of God's Word to set you free! Allow God's Word to teach you that pain and suffering are not obstacles from being used by God, but opportunities that enrich His greater purpose for our lives.
If your past—your hardships, pain, or struggles—have felt like weighted chains and have affected your relationship with God, it's time to allow the truth of God's Word to set you free! Allow God's Word to teach you that pain and suffering are not obstacles from being used by God, but opportunities that enrich His greater purpose for our lives.
Pastoral Reflections Finding God In Ourselves by Msgr. Don Fischer
Gospel Matthew 22:1-14 Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables saying, “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”' Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then the king said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.' The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?' But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.' Many are invited, but few are chosen.” Reflection What Jesus is trying to awaken us to is, there are two things that are required of us. One, which seems so simple, is to accept the invitation to enter the work of the Kingdom of God. Allow God's love to enter into us and celebrate union, the marriage of humanity and divinity. And some just aren't interested, and some actually work against the whole message. But even though you were invited without any necessarily credentials to get to this wedding, Jesus reminds us that the wedding invitation itself is a transformative invitation, and the person who receives it should be changed. And that's why we have this interesting part of the story, where he throws out somebody who was grabbed from the streets and came in and didn't have a chance to get his wedding garment on, was rejected. Closing Prayer Father, your attentiveness to calling us into an awareness that we do not have on our own and that only you can give us, is a sign of something so deep and so powerful that what we want is to receive the message of invitation and let it change us. Let us not get in the way by trying to become someone or do something ourselves. It's all about a gift, but it has to be received. Open our hearts to receptivity. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
3 Minutes Audio Devotional: Wrapped Up in God's Word is All You Need for Your Change to Come
Allow God to choose for you
July 13, 2025 Have you ever played that game where you have to guess the amount of coins in a jar? The number is always higher than you think! But what about the hairs on your head? Do you now how many you have? God does! Listen in as Pastor Jared Johnson helps see how much God knows and cares about us and how this shouldn't scare us but draw us closer to Him! In this message, you will be encouraged and challenged to: 1. See how intricately you are designed and cared for by God 2. Allow God's knowing of you change how you relate to him with honesty and vulnerability
Yes, Soul-Winning is the primary purpose for believers remaining on Earth after salvation. God has one agenda right now, which is that none would perish, but have everlasting life. Did you know that Soul-Winning is not just to bring the lost to Jesus? A vital part of Soul-Winning is also restoring fellow Christian believers who have fallen away or strayed from their relationship with Jesus. Allow God to use you to bring restoration to the Christian friend in your life that needs to be restored. God is not done with any of us! Aunt DD's site: auntddslakesidekitchen.comJoin our Evangelism On Fire Community: https://evangelismonfire.com/Get Your EOF Merch at our Store - https://thechurch.shop/shop/eof-merch-shopGive financially to our mission of spreading the Gospel message: https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/5727676Subscribe to our podcast today! You can find it on Apple podcast or wherever you get yours.Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@EvangelismOnFireClick the link to join our Evangelism On Fire Facebook community today: www.facebook.com/groups/evangelismonfire
What if Gods waiting on you? Have you been in the waiting room before ? Do you feel like you have been waiting on God? What if Gods waiting on you? He's also waiting with you in the waiting room. This message is about how to wait in the waiting room. God is developing you for the promise.1. God is waiting on you while you're in the waiting room.- He desires us to exercise you faith in Him but taking a step of faith towards Gods vision. - The waiting room is purposeful.- Delay doesn't mean denial it means development.- God is wanting to trust you privately before can trust you publicly.2. God is building you in the waiting room. He is building a strong foundation in your life.- There are layers to building a foundation.- God wants to build a pure strong foundation of faith in you. Thoughts to think about:Do you lack faith? Have you been activating your faith? How are you exercising your faith? - Remember Gods faithfulness and when He met you in His faithfulness.- Hebrews 6:12 - Don't be lazy, imitate those who have inherited their promise.How do we move with faith? 1. Take the first step of faith.- surrender the vision and promise back to God.- If you want new results you have to do something new.2. Go to the dark room.- stay hidden with the Lord and allow God to develop you in the quiet place.- Make and find the time to meet and communion with God.3. Don't make any permanent decisions in a temporary season.- seek wise counsel and be careful of who you share your vision with.- Allow God to lead you and guide you in His timing.Call to action:- Be honest with yourself and ask yourself if you're living fully surrendered to God and His plan and His timing. Examine and check your heart posture. Follow us our IG @she_envisions and subscribe in Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24Mammon is another word for money. Jesus is clear that you must choose to serve either God or money, but not both. A divided heart does not suffice. Saint John of the Cross, in His spiritual classic “Ascent to Mount Carmel,” explains something similar. He says that our desires must become completely purified to the point that all we desire is God and His holy will. Every other desire in life must be purged away so that we are singularly devoted to God. Does this mean that God and God alone should be the object of all of our love? Yes, indeed. But that truth must be properly understood.When we consider the calling we have been given from God to love, it is true that we must love not only God but also many other things in life. We must love family, friends, neighbors, and even our enemies. Hopefully we also love other aspects of our lives, such as our vocation, our job, our home, a certain pastime, etc. So how do we love God with singular devotion when we also have many other things we must love?The answer is quite simple. The love of God is such that when we make God the singular object of our love and devotion, the love we have for God will supernaturally overflow. This is the nature of the love of God. As we love God, we will find that God calls us to love Him by loving other people and even various aspects of our lives. As we love what God wills us to love and as we express our love for all that is contained in the will of God, we are still loving God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength.But back to our Scripture above. Why is it that we cannot love God and money? “Mammon” in this passage must be understood as a love that becomes an unhealthy attachment and desire. Money is such that we can “love” it by allowing our desires for it to become disordered and, thus, exclude the will of God from that “love.” Money is not evil when it is used solely in accord with the will of God. In that case, the money we use will give God great glory. But when money, or any other object of our desire, begins to take on a life of its own, so to speak, then that desire will be at odds with our love of God. To love God and God alone means we love God and all that He wills us to love in life.Reflect, today, upon the necessity of being singularly devoted to God. As you commit yourself to this exclusive love, consider also whom and what God calls you to love in and through Him. Where does His perfect will lead you, and how are you called to show your love of God through the love of others? Consider, also, any ways in which you have allowed an unhealthy attachment to money or anything else in life to distract you from the one and ultimate purpose of your life. Allow God to purge those unhealthy desires and false “loves” from your heart so that you will be free to love as you were made to love.My Lord and God, You are worthy of all of my love. You and You alone must become the single focus of all of my love. As I love You, dear Lord, help me to discover all that Your will directs me to love more and all that Your will calls me to detach from. May I choose only You and that which is contained in Your holy and perfect will. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: James Tissot, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
Tune in because we're declaring bold declarations in this season!! Need accountability and community in your professional career journey?? Click the link https://careerchasersclub.com/ to learn more and join my global professional development community, Career Chasers! Scriptures of the week: Psalm 55:22 and Philippians 4:19 Join the #CareerDailyBread text message list by texting the word BREAD to (201) 357-3218 When you join you will receive uplifting messages that will elevate your work week! ***Download the Peculiar Career Chit Chat playlist on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3DoUwHN P.S. If you have any prayer requests simply send them to hello@theyoubrandacademy.com Need help elevating to the next level in your career journey??? Simply book a complimentary consultation: http://bit.ly/elevatemycareer Additionally, follow Crystal on social media: IG- @career_elev8her, FB-The YOU Brand Academy, https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalclearcareercoaching/
You ever wondered; What else can I do for the kingdom? In this episode you will discover three different ways in which God has already prepared to get in the game. Your life has meaning, it has always had significance. Sometimes getting help in how we can contribute to the Great Commission is just a matter of getting clarity. Casey and Ed help you do just that. By the time you finish with this episode God will have spoken to you as to what part God wants you to be active in. Allow God to speak to you, get into a place of prayer from your heart, God's voice, God's word will confirm it. May the Lord who prepared you for His vineyard bless you, give you the courage to get into the field to Run The Play! To become a Ministry Partner to Casey's church plant and prison ministry you can give in two ways, heres how;Zelle: antiochburbank@gmail.comBy Check: Make payable to Antioch ChurchAddress: 221 N Third Street #390, Burbank, CA 91502
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 1 Kings 13-14; 2 Chronicles 12; Philippians 3 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! On this episode for June 11th, 2025, join your host Hunter as we continue our journey through the Scriptures together. Today, we're exploring the poetic beauty of Song of Solomon, chapters 5 through 8, and diving into the opening words of Paul's letter to the Philippians. As we read, Hunter invites us to encounter Christ—the living Word—who meets us in the midst of our everyday struggles, joys, and questions. Through the passionate dialogue of Song of Solomon and the encouraging message of Philippians Chapter 1, we're reminded of God's enduring love, the transformative power of His presence, and the promise that He is continually at work in our lives. After the readings, Hunter shares inspiring reflections on God meeting us where we are, offering hope and strength, and leads us through a time of heartfelt prayer. Whether you're new to the podcast or a daily listener, you'll find encouragement and connection as we let the Bible point the way to Jesus together. Grab your Bible, settle in, and let's walk this journey of faith side by side. You are loved—no doubt about it! TODAY'S DEVOTION: TODAY'S DEVOTION: God meets us in the midst of our struggle. Life brings with it many trials, sufferings, and disappointments, but the good news is that God is not distant from us in those places—he is right here, present, working within us even now. Paul reminds us in Philippians that “we are in this struggle together.” He writes of his own hardships, his imprisonment, and the difficulties that have come his way, not as marks of defeat, but as evidence that God is at work in all things. God is not done with us—he who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. That's the hope we're given: in the very midst of the chaos and trouble, God is shaping us, completing us, and drawing us close to him. Paul's confidence is that God's presence is active, transforming us from the inside out. Christ in us—the hope and the glory—brings change to our character and fills us with the fruit of salvation. It is here, in our ordinary pains and struggles, that God meets us, not just observing from afar, but walking alongside us and within us. This reality fills Paul with joy, and can fill us with the same joy, no matter what we face. So let us open ourselves to this abiding presence. Allow God's Spirit to meet you right where you are. Let his joy be your strength. Remember, even in the midst of it all, you are not alone—God is in you, working all things toward his good purpose. Let that truth produce joy and hope in you, and give thanks that you are loved and never abandoned by the One who is always with you. That's my prayer for myself. That's my prayer for my family, for my wife and my children, and that's my prayer for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Almighty and ever loving God, you have brought us to the light of a new morning. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit that we may walk this day in peace. Guard our steps from temptation, shield us from the weight of fear and shame, and lead us deeper into the joy of your presence through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. O Christ, light of the nations, Shine in every place where shadows dwell. Call the scattered home, heal the wounds of division and gather all people into the communion of your grace. May the knowledge of the Lord cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. Amen. And our Lord make my hands ready for mercy, make my eyes quick to see the hurting, my ears open to the cry of the lonely, and my feet swift to bring good news. Let me seek to bless, not to be noticed, to serve, not to be praised, to forgive, not to hold back. For in your way is life, in your mercy is healing, and in your love is the peace this world cannot give. Amen. And now, as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Song of Solomon 5-8; Philippians 1 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! On this episode for June 11th, 2025, join your host Hunter as we continue our journey through the Scriptures together. Today, we're exploring the poetic beauty of Song of Solomon, chapters 5 through 8, and diving into the opening words of Paul's letter to the Philippians. As we read, Hunter invites us to encounter Christ—the living Word—who meets us in the midst of our everyday struggles, joys, and questions. Through the passionate dialogue of Song of Solomon and the encouraging message of Philippians Chapter 1, we're reminded of God's enduring love, the transformative power of His presence, and the promise that He is continually at work in our lives. After the readings, Hunter shares inspiring reflections on God meeting us where we are, offering hope and strength, and leads us through a time of heartfelt prayer. Whether you're new to the podcast or a daily listener, you'll find encouragement and connection as we let the Bible point the way to Jesus together. Grab your Bible, settle in, and let's walk this journey of faith side by side. You are loved—no doubt about it! TODAY'S DEVOTION: God meets us in the midst of our struggle. Life brings with it many trials, sufferings, and disappointments, but the good news is that God is not distant from us in those places—he is right here, present, working within us even now. Paul reminds us in Philippians that “we are in this struggle together.” He writes of his own hardships, his imprisonment, and the difficulties that have come his way, not as marks of defeat, but as evidence that God is at work in all things. God is not done with us—he who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. That's the hope we're given: in the very midst of the chaos and trouble, God is shaping us, completing us, and drawing us close to him. Paul's confidence is that God's presence is active, transforming us from the inside out. Christ in us—the hope and the glory—brings change to our character and fills us with the fruit of salvation. It is here, in our ordinary pains and struggles, that God meets us, not just observing from afar, but walking alongside us and within us. This reality fills Paul with joy, and can fill us with the same joy, no matter what we face. So let us open ourselves to this abiding presence. Allow God's Spirit to meet you right where you are. Let his joy be your strength. Remember, even in the midst of it all, you are not alone—God is in you, working all things toward his good purpose. Let that truth produce joy and hope in you, and give thanks that you are loved and never abandoned by the One who is always with you. That's my prayer for myself. That's my prayer for my family, for my wife and my children, and that's my prayer for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Almighty and ever loving God, you have brought us to the light of a new morning. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit that we may walk this day in peace. Guard our steps from temptation, shield us from the weight of fear and shame, and lead us deeper into the joy of your presence through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. O Christ, light of the nations, Shine in every place where shadows dwell. Call the scattered home, heal the wounds of division and gather all people into the communion of your grace. May the knowledge of the Lord cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. Amen. And our Lord make my hands ready for mercy, make my eyes quick to see the hurting, my ears open to the cry of the lonely, and my feet swift to bring good news. Let me seek to bless, not to be noticed, to serve, not to be praised, to forgive, not to hold back. For in your way is life, in your mercy is healing, and in your love is the peace this world cannot give. Amen. And now, as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL