Podcasts about ask god

What if the battle you're facing isn't meant to break you, but to build something stronger within you?In this episode of the My Morning Devotional Podcast, Richelle Alessi begins a new journey through the book of James with James 1:1–8. These verses challenge us to look at trials differently, recognizing that the testing of our faith can produce perseverance, maturity, and a deeper trust in God.Richelle encourages us to shift our focus from the difficulty of the trial to what God may be developing through it. Instead of only asking, “Why is this happening?” we can begin asking, “God, what are You building in me?”In this daily devotional, you'll be encouraged to:See trials as opportunities for spiritual growth.Ask God for wisdom when you don't know what to do.Allow perseverance to strengthen your faith.Trust that God is working in you through difficult seasons.The battle may be uncomfortable, but it doesn't have to be wasted. With God, the challenges you face can increase your capacity, strengthen your faith, and develop the maturity you'll need for what comes next.Whatever you're facing today, remember: the trial isn't only about what you're going through. It may also be about who God is building you to become.What is God developing in you through the battle you're facing today?Tap HERE to send us a text! Our podcast family is growing - introducing Men's Morning Devotional! Our dad, Steve Alessi, and all of our husbands are now hosting their own 5 minute devotionals every weekday - for men who want to become better husbands, fathers, and leaders! Listen, follow and subscribe here - MensMorningDevotional.comSupport the showNEW VIDEO EPISODES! You can now watch our video episodes on YouTube, Apple Podcasts AND Spotify! NEW TO MY MORNING DEVOTIONAL? Welcome! We're four sisters - Stephanie, Lauren, Gaby, and Richelle - and our family works together at Metro Life Church in Miami, FL. We're so blessed to produce this daily devotional podcast for you and continue the great work done by the show's founder, Alison Delamota.We pray these devotions will help you to grow in your faith, and that you'll join us every weekday for a morning prayer and some time in God's Word! JOIN THE MMD COMMUNITYSubscribe to the showShare with a friendJoin our newsletter Follow Us on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠⁠Leave a reviewMORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOYEnjoy more podcasts from Metro Life Studios, including:The Family Business with The AlessisMen's Morning DevotionalThe Mary and Martha Show Available on our Metro Life Studios app!Get The Metro Life Studios app 

What happens when God shows you something about yourself you don't want to see?Our instinct is often to defend.Explain.Distract ourselves.Push it away.But what if the uncomfortable truth is actually an invitation to transformation?In this reflection on Psalm 32, John Ortberg explores the relationship between pain, honesty, forgiveness, and genuine change.John begins personally, describing a conversation in which a longtime friend helped him recognize uncomfortable patterns of comparison, envy, and competition in himself.Instead of defending himself, John is learning to say:“Yep. That's me. God, I need Your help.”Psalm 32 describes the blessed person as someone “in whose spirit is no deceit.”Then John tells the extraordinary story of Tom Tarrants, a violent white supremacist and KKK terrorist who was imprisoned in Mississippi.In prison, Tarrants encountered the words of Jesus:“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”His life began to change.The man who once participated in racist terrorism eventually devoted himself to forgiveness, racial reconciliation, and serving the very people he once hated.How far can somebody fall and still be changed by God?Maybe much further than we imagine.So when your conscience shows you something today, don't immediately run.Don't defend.Don't hide.Ask:God, help me see the truth about myself.And then:Would You change me?In this episode:- Psalm 32 and honest confession- What happens when we become defensive- Dallas Willard on pain and reality- Why hiding the truth fragments us internally- David, Psalm 51, and forgiveness- The story of Tom Tarrants- Radical transformation from hatred to reconciliation- What it means to have “no deceit” in your spirit- How to respond to conviction- Why God's grace can change anyoneScriptures: Psalm 32 • Psalm 51 • Psalm 1 • Matthew 16:26 • 2 Samuel 11–12#Psalm32 #JohnOrtberg #Forgiveness #Psalms #Transformation #SpiritualFormation #Confession #ChristianFaith #Grace #BibleStudy

Today's Promse: Ephesians 3:20 God can do more than you ask. In fact, this promise reminds us that He can do far more abundantly than all we can ask or imagine. So why do we often pray such small prayers?   We serve a God whose power has no limits and whose resources never run dry. He is the God of more than enough. Whatever challenge you are facing today, it is not too big for Him.   But there's an even greater part of this promise: God's incredible power is already working in you. Through the Holy Spirit, He is strengthening, transforming, and empowering you to live beyond your own limitations.   Today, don't let fear or limited thinking shape your prayers. Pray big prayers. Ask God for things that stretch your faith and remind you just how great He is. Your God is bigger than your biggest prayer, and He can do far more than you ask.

What if your Bible study time doesn't have to be perfect for God to meet you there? In this powerful conversation, Elizabeth Santelman shares the deeply personal story behind her new Bible study, Gently Tended. After becoming a mother, experiencing health challenges, and entering a season where she simply didn't have the capacity to study Scripture the way she once had, Elizabeth discovered a freeing truth: God isn't waiting for us to climb a mountain to reach Him—He is already with us. Elizabeth and Reagan talk about what it looks like to seek God when life is overwhelming, how prayer can begin with simply bringing our stress and emotions to Him, and why spiritual disciplines are meant to help us remember God's presence, not earn it. They also explore biblical meditation, replacing the negative “scripts” running through our minds with God's truth, practicing gratitude when life doesn't go as planned, and the danger of putting a Bible teacher or study above Jesus Himself. Elizabeth explains why Gently Tended is intentionally designed as a “choose your own adventure” Bible study—one that meets women wherever they are in their current season and capacity. Whether you have time for one verse, a few questions, or a deeper study, the goal is the same: take one small step toward Jesus. In This Episode Why Bible study can feel overwhelming in busy seasons of life The surprising story behind Gently Tended Why God doesn't need us to “get closer” to Him How spiritual disciplines help us remember God Turning overwhelm into prayer The power of gratitude when life doesn't go according to plan What biblical Christian meditation really looks like Replacing negative thought patterns with God's truth Why we should never put a Bible study above Jesus How to study Scripture when you only have a few minutes Why small, faithful steps can transform our relationship with God Find more from Revelations Podcast hosted by Reagan Kramer: Website | Instagram | Apple Podcast | Youtube Find more on Elizabeth: Gently Tended: https://a.co/d/0e1hYXak Website: https://sunshineinmynest.com/ Instagram: https://Instagram.com/sunshineinmynest Become Part of Our Mission! Support The Revelations Podcast: Your support fuels our mission to share transformative messages of hope and faith. Click here to learn how you can contribute and be part of this growing community! This Episode is brought to you by Advanced Medicine Alternatives Get back to the active life you love through natural & regenerative musculoskeletal healing: https://www.georgekramermd.com/ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Elizabeth's Journey as a Bible Study Author07:38 – Why Elizabeth Created Gently Tended08:09 – When Life Leaves You With No Capacity for Bible Study11:07 – God Meets Us in Our Lowest-Capacity Seasons11:52 – What Does It Mean to Be “Gently Tended” by God?13:00 – Spiritual Disciplines Aren't About Getting Closer to God14:04 – How to Turn Overwhelm Into Prayer16:18 – The Spiritual Disciplines in Gently Tended18:16 – When Bible Study Becomes More Important Than Jesus21:17 – How Gratitude Can Transform Your Everyday Life23:00 – Trusting God When Life Doesn't Go According to Plan26:03 – What Is Biblical Christian Meditation?27:05 – The Thoughts You Repeat Are Shaping You29:43 – Replacing the Lies in Your Mind With God's Truth31:02 – How to Ask God for Wisdom and Recognize His Truth31:14 – A Bible Study Designed for Your Season of Life33:00 – Why You Don't Have to Finish the Whole Bible Study34:20 – Small Steps Toward Jesus Still Count35:56 – What's Next for Elizabeth and Gently Tended37:14 – A Prayer Over Elizabeth and Her Ministry

Many mature Christians experience seasons when Jesus feels distant—not through dramatic sin or faith crisis, but a slow, subtle drift into spiritual dryness. Today, Stephanie explores how to recognize, understand, and rekindle true delight in God when faith feels flat.As she has with every episode in our “Awaken Delight” series, Stephanie has invented a fictional character – who might feel eerily familiar! In today's episode, we're introduced to “Claire”—a faithful, seasoned believer admired by others, with a life marked by steady commitment to Christ, church, and family. Yet, despite external faithfulness, she privately mourns the loss of intimacy and vividness in her spiritual life. Claire's story demonstrates how even longstanding believers can slide into a functional, uninspired relationship with Jesus—doing all the “right things,” but missing the joy and depth once present.Our FREE gift to you today! An exclusive, in-depth 30-day FREE recovery plan to rekindle your delight in God when you are going through seasons of flavorless faith: go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast and find the form for Episode 458. Give us your email, and you will receive the full plan in your inbox immediately!Key Symptoms of a “flavorless faith”:Bible reading and prayer become duty-bound, not joy-filled.Worship songs and sermons feel routine, not stirring.Service continues, but the heart feels unengaged and tired.Delight is more than an emotion—it's the warm, relational savoring of God Himself, not just His gifts or outcomes.Distinctions:Happiness: Circumstantial, fleetingContentment: Sufficient, sometimes passiveDelight: Active, relational enjoyment—the “flavor” and “fragrance” of life with GodDelight in God is like savoring real vanilla versus imitation—the fake might have the form, but lacks the richness and depth. When we lose delight, all becomes bland.Distance from Jesus is often gradual. Common causes include:Over-familiarity: The truths of gospel become like a painting you stop noticing.Busyness & Burnout: Life's cares crowd out time to “linger” with Jesus.Duty Replacing Delight: We obey and serve, but lose relational warmth.When delight cools, our spiritual life becomes transactional, our joy fades, and other things gain center stage in our hearts.Psalm 34:8 invites us to “taste and see that the Lord is good”—not just agree intellectually, but experience Him proportionally.Delight in God requires attention; it calls for slowing down, “beholding,” and returning to the gospel as if it's fresh.It's not manufactured by willpower, but reawakened by honesty and pursuit.Prayerfully confess where delight has dimmed and ask Jesus for renewed appetite.Ultimately, delight is about communion—living in God's presence, savoring Him as the ultimate gift.Our delight fuels resilience, combats burnout, and makes our faith not merely correct, but alive and fragrant to those around us.Practical Steps to Awaken DelightSlow Down & Linger: Don't skim Scripture or prayer; bring your full heart, even your boredom and disappointment.See God as Beautiful: Move beyond doctrine; gaze at Jesus' beauty, not just His utility.Cultivate Stillness: Create time to notice God's presence and gifts; fight cultural hurriedness.Receive, Don't Achieve: Delight is a relationship to receive by the Spirit, often through the ordinary or through suffering.Honest Prayer: Admit to God when delight feels absent; let Him rekindle it.If you, like Claire, feel distant from Jesus, don't despair. He hasn't moved; beauty can be rediscovered. Ask God to awaken your delight, to move you beyond belief into joy in His presence. Let your soul savor Him again.“Restore to me the joy of your salvation.” – Psalm 51:12MORE ABOUT THE BOOK “AWAKEN DELIGHT” BY STEPHANIE ROUSSELLE"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."―Psalm 37:4What if you've lost your delight in God? Or you've never really experienced it in the first place? What if a season of suffering has snuffed out your joy, leaving you spiritually discouraged and emotionally numb?Delighting in God changes everything: how you experience your faith, relationships, and circumstances―and even how you see yourself.You can experience Psalm 37:4 as your daily reality. In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle connects scriptural and theological truth to your everyday life so you can experience what delighting in God really means. It's not about checking boxes on a spiritual to-do list or mustering a constant state of positive feelings. Rather, delight is about satisfying your soul's deepest longing through a vibrant relationship with the living God.What you will (re)discover as you journey with God through Awaken Delight:Delight in God is identity-shaping, not emotion-driven. Delight in God is not fleeting emotion but resilient identity.Delight in God is altogether trust, satisfaction in God, relational intimacy with Him.Delight in God is often expressed and grown through resilient joy under suffering.Delight in God is the missing engine behind resilience. It's the antidote to burnout. It's even the foundation for sustainable ministry.God's delight in you is secure, not performance-dependent. God's delight in you frees you from striving! That's the beginning of delight.Jesus is the center of every endeavor to delight in God.You can build a delight-centered spiritual life.Awaken Delight invites you to follow Scriptural truths and spiritual practices that cultivate daily joy in God.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselleshows how delighting in God is crucial for spiritual growth,provides spiritual habits that help you live in delight, andincludes discussion questions and Bible engagement great for book clubs or small groups.By looking to Christ as your model of divine delight, you can discover that no matter what you're experiencing―whether weariness, sorrow, hope, or happiness―you truly can "taste and see that the Lord is good." If you are longing for a revived faith filled with hope, delight, worth, and grace, Awaken Delight invites you to cultivate a worshipful, life-giving delight in God that's rooted in God's delight in you.Purchase here: https://a.co/d/0625K1AZ More details at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightDISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call:  "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

## Episode Summary   When free time finally opens up, where does your heart go by default? In this episode, Ryan Swanson opens Philippians 2 and challenges us to exchange self-serving patterns for the humble, intentional service modeled by Christ. Ask God who you can serve this week, and let the mind of Christ reshape what you reach for first.   ## Topics Discussed   - The default patterns that emerge when no urgent demand controls our time - Ryan's guitar habit as a revealing picture of a personal default - Philippians 2:3–11 and the mind of Christ - Moving from selfish routines to intentional service - Helping an older neighbor carry groceries and praying with her - Serving someone in the next block of free time   ## Key Takeaways   - What we reach for in unguarded moments often reveals what has our heart. - Christ's humility calls believers to look beyond their own interests. - Real change begins by identifying self-serving defaults and yielding them to God. - Intentional service can turn ordinary free time into an opportunity to point someone to Jesus. - Ask God for one person to serve this week, then act on the answer. If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

CheckoutThe God Centered Concept Academy Training Community to learn what growth in Christ isTUVU CommunitiesCheck out this link to view Kingdom Cross Roads on TV.https://jesussaid.tv/?affiliate=tswright_gccTo get a copy of our new book "Embracing the Truth" or to have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation.www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.How should Christians share the Gospel in a world that may not understand—or even agree with—the Christian faith?In this episode of Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast, host T. S. Wright welcomes back Rev. Stu Woods for a message from Colossians 4:2–18 about living as faithful witnesses for Jesus Christ.Rev. Stu begins with Paul's instruction to “devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Prayer is not meant to be an occasional religious exercise. It is regular communication with our Heavenly Father—bringing Him our concerns, hopes, needs, struggles, and thanksgiving.The message then turns to Paul's remarkable perspective while imprisoned. Instead of focusing primarily on his difficult circumstances, Paul asked believers to pray that God would open a door for the Gospel and enable him to proclaim Christ clearly.That same calling remains before believers today.Rev. Stu challenges Christians to examine how they speak and behave toward those outside the faith. Our words and actions can either help someone move toward Christ or become an unnecessary obstacle.Drawing from Colossians 4:5–6, he emphasizes:Be devoted to prayer.Remain watchful and thankful.Pray for God to open doors for the Gospel.Make the most of every opportunity.Treat those outside the faith with wisdom, kindness, and respect.Let your conversations be full of grace and “seasoned with salt.”Listen before answering.Grow in your knowledge of Scripture.Share your personal testimony and connect it to God's Word.Remember that believers plant and water seeds, but God gives the growth.One memorable challenge from the episode is the idea that there are “five Gospels”—Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and you—because for many unbelievers, the life of a Christian may be the first testimony about Jesus they closely examine.Rev. Stu calls this approach “gospel kindness”: speaking truth without abandoning grace, treating people with dignity, and allowing the character of Christ to be visible through our lives.The episode concludes with the reminder that Christians are called to faithfully sow and water the seed of God's Word while trusting the Holy Spirit with the results. Scriptures DiscussedColossians 4:2–18 Matthew 5:43–48 Luke 7:47 1 Corinthians 3:6–7Keywords / TagsKingdom Cross Roads Podcast, Kingdom Crossroads Podcast, Rev Stu Woods, Reverend Stu Woods, TS Wright, T S Wright, Colossians 4, Colossians 4 2-18, sharing the Gospel, share the Gospel, Christian evangelism, Christian witness, Gospel message, Gospel kindness, devoted to prayer, power of prayer, Christian prayer, thankful prayer, Christian gratitude, seasoned with salt, conversation full of grace, witnessing for Jesus, sharing Jesus, spreading the Gospel, Great Commission, Christian discipleship, biblical teaching, Bible study, New Testament teaching, Apostle Paul, Paul in prison, Christian living, Christian encouragement, faith in Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, salvation through Jesus, Holy Spirit, evangelism training, reaching unbelievers, reaching the lost, Christian testimony, biblical evangelism, Kingdom of God, Christian podcast, Bible podcast, Jesus Said TVCall to ActionWho has God placed in your life who needs to experience the grace and truth of Jesus Christ?This week, devote yourself to prayer. Ask God to open a door for the Gospel, give you wisdom to recognize the opportunity, and help your words be full of grace and seasoned with salt.Then be willing to step through that door.If this message encouraged you, follow and subscribe to Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and help us spread the Gospel around the world.

Do you want wisdom beyond human understanding? Ask God for the gift of discernment! Listening to God's voice through His Word reveals what is truly from Him. Discernment is rooted in God's truth and brings the clarity and empowerment you need to navigate life wisely. Join Sheila Walsh, Christine Caine, Stephanie Ike Okafor, Hosanna Wong, and Bianca Juárez to discuss the gift of discernment and how God's wisdom is the ultimate guide to recognizing truth. ------- If you missed last week's conversation, we encourage you to go back and listen to “Discover Intimacy with God.” ------- Do you want more Better Together? We have 1100+ conversations available! Start watching now for free on the TBN+ app!   --------  If you need prayer, join our community on Instagram // Facebook // YouTube // TikTok  and let us know how we can pray for you! ---------  Better Together is TBN's first daily original program made by women for women! We discuss faith, family, friends, and so much more—no topic is off limits. Find out what happens when real friends get together for real conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailIs it okay to ask God for favor—not only His favor, but favor with other people?Maybe you're walking into an important meeting, interviewing for a job, trying to sell a house, having a difficult conversation, launching something new, or waiting for someone else's decision to open a door.Can you actually pray, “God, would You give me favor with this person?”In this episode of Small Beginnings with Sarah Thurman Price, Sarah looks at what Scripture teaches about favor through the lives of Nehemiah, Joseph, Daniel, Esther, and even Jesus.Again and again, we see God working through people to accomplish His purposes. Nehemiah needed the king to say yes. Esther needed the king to extend the scepter. Joseph was granted favor with the prison warden. Daniel received favor and compassion from an official.But there's an important distinction: the person was never the source. God was.We'll talk about what it means to ask God for favor without trying to manipulate an outcome, why God's favor doesn't always look like an open door, and how even a “no” can sometimes be His protection.If you're facing a situation that feels dependent on someone else's response, this episode is an invitation to remember who ultimately holds the outcome.You can ask God to go before you.You can ask Him to prepare hearts.You can ask Him to establish the work of your hands.And yes—you can ask Him to give you favor with people.“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us.” — Psalm 90:17In this episode:Is it biblical to pray for favor with another person?What Nehemiah teaches us about asking God for favorHow God gave Daniel, Joseph, and Esther favor with peopleThe difference between favor and popularityWhy favor doesn't mean every door will openHow to pray for favor while surrendering the outcome to GodRemembering that people may be the vessel—but God is the sourceKey Scriptures:Nehemiah 1:11Daniel 1:9Genesis 39:21Esther 5:1–2Luke 2:52Psalm 90:17A truth to carry with you this week:People may be the vessel through which favor comes—but God is the source.

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Thursday morning, the 20th of August, 2026, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in 1 Samuel 17:45: “Then David said to the Philistine (that's Goliath), “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” Then we go straight to the New Testament, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (fleshly) but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, (verse 5) casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,…”Our battle today is not a physical one. It is a spiritual battle. Maybe this morning you are in a state of fear. You are wondering, how am I going to pay these accounts at the end of the month? Maybe the doctor has told you that your child is sick, very sick, and you are in a panic situation. What must I do? Where must I go? Well, you must do exactly what the young boy, David did - he was only a teenager.He was minding his father, Jesse's sheep on the mountain. What was he doing? He was writing psalms, he was singing to God. He was having a quiet time. Oh, my friend, are you having a regular quiet time with Jesus in the morning? You say, “No”. There is your problem. The weapons of our warfare are not physical. They are spiritual. So when the boy brought food for his big brothers down to the valley, he saw a 9 foot giant by the name of Goliath, mocking the people of God. He did it for 40 days. And he said, “Who is this man?” And his brothers must have told him to leave the food and go back and look after the sheep.“He said, “No ways! No one is going to get away with this, mocking my God!” He stood up. He said, “Let me sort him out.” Remember Goliath said, “Do you think I am a dog, that you come up against me with sticks and stones?” And listen to what he said. He said, “I come against you in the name of the Lord God, The Commander of the armies of Israel.” And with that he killed him and cut his head off.Today, you need to do the same. You need to get into your closet, spend time with God. Ask God to show you what to do, and then go out and take it because God has already given you the victory. Jesus bless you and have a victorious day today.Goodbye.

How our technology habits shape our kids, our marriages, and the culture of our homes Our phones are incredible tools—but they make terrible masters. In this episode, Don and Suzanne Manning take an honest look at something almost every parent struggles with: our relationship with technology. This conversation isn't about creating guilt or giving you another list of rules for your kids. Instead, it's about raising the bar for ourselves as parents and asking an important question: Who—or what—is getting our attention? Our children are watching what we do, and our example is often more powerful than our instruction. When we continually reach for our phones while our kids are talking, we unintentionally communicate that whatever is happening on our screen is more important than they are. Don and Suzanne talk honestly about their own struggles with technology, practical guardrails they've tried, creating phone-free spaces and times, putting devices away during conversations and meals, and protecting connection in marriage. They also challenge parents to stop chasing perfection and instead find boundaries that actually work for their personality and family. Most importantly, this episode is an invitation to take back the ground technology may have taken in your home. Ask God what boundaries He wants you to put in place, then lead your family by example. Your kids don't need perfect parents. They need parents who are willing to join the fight—and choose connection over distraction. Podcast Resources: Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family! Give us a review!

“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” (Psalm 103:12 NLT) Often, people’s reputations precede them. Sometimes that’s a good thing. Sports heroes and other celebrities are welcomed and celebrated in most places. Sometimes, however, it’s not such a good thing. If you’ve ever been in a social setting in which everyone suddenly got quiet when a certain person walked in, you know what I’m talking about. Some people are doomed to be remembered for the lowest point in their lives or for the worst decision they ever made or for the time they didn’t come through for someone else. That can be a tough pill to swallow. What makes it even tougher is when the person doing the remembering is the person whose reputation was ruined. The reality is that many people find it hard to forgive themselves. But that attitude runs counter to the message of Scripture, where forgiveness is found in abundance. The story of the paralyzed man whose friends brought him to Jesus for healing is well-known as an illustration of friendship, determination, and faith. When the friends couldn’t get to Jesus because of the crowd, they cut a hole in the roof and lowered the paralyzed man to Him. Jesus did indeed heal the man’s physical paralysis. But first He did something more amazing and more profoundly important. “Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, ‘Young man, your sins are forgiven’” (Luke 5:20 NLT). The word forgiven, in this context, has the basic meaning of sending or driving something away. “Your sins are driven away from you” is what Jesus essentially said. Genuine confession involves more than simply saying, “Oops, my bad”; it also involves repentance, a turning away from the sin. Likewise, genuine forgiveness involves more than simply saying, “No problem”; it also involves a cleansing, a removal of the sin from our lives. King David wrote, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12 AMPC). You can’t get much farther apart than that. As we saw in an earlier devotion, David had very personal reasons to celebrate God’s complete removal of sin. In Hebrews 8:12, God says, “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins” (NLT). If God wipes our sins from His memory, who are we to hold on to guilt and shame over our wrongdoing? There’s no reason for us to have a longer memory than God when it comes to our failings. If you’re guilty of sin, confess it and repent of it. Turn away from your wrongdoing and ask God to forgive you. Then embrace His gracious forgiveness. Release any grudge you may be holding against yourself. Ask God to help you see yourself as He sees you—covered by the righteousness of Christ, spotless before Him. Reflection question: Where do you need to be reminded that you’ve been forgiven? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Make up your mind about your sin being put to death, work at it and give over your emotions and desires. Ask God to take over your feelings through prayers. Broadcast #7151To help support this podcast, please visit walkwiththeking.org/donate and select "Podcast" from the dropdown menuA transcript of this broadcast is available on our website here. To hear more from Bob Cook, you can find Walk With The King on Facebook or Instagram.

It is easy to say we love people until love becomes inconvenient. What happens when the person in front of us thinks differently, comes from a different culture, has hurt us, or gives us nothing in return? In this message, Pastor Tim Dilena challenges us to take Jesus seriously when He says to love our enemies, pray for those who mistreat us, and become a neighbor to anyone in need. Through the story of Ruby Bridges and Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan, we see that real love moves beyond feelings and becomes action. This is an invitation to live with our eyes open. Love may cost us time, comfort, money, and pride, but Jesus shows us a love with no boundaries. Before asking God to change the world, we may need to ask Him to change the way we see the person standing right in front of us. KEY TAKEAWAYS Jesus calls us to love beyond culture, politics, ethnicity, and personal preference. Real love is revealed in how we respond to people who are difficult to love. The Good Samaritan shows that compassion is not only something we feel, it is something we do. Loving our neighbor will often cost us time, comfort, money, and personal involvement. Jesus is the ultimate picture of love without boundaries, coming to rescue us while we were still far from Him. ABOUT TIMES SQUARE CHURCH NYC Times Square Church is a welcoming, multicultural church in the heart of New York City, founded by David Wilkerson. If you're looking for a church, you'll find a place centered on the Gospel of Jesus, passionate worship, and a real sense of community where you can grow in faith, find purpose, and belong. FOLLOW Instagram: @timessquarechurch If you've just made a decision to be born again, please respond here: https://bit.ly/ConnectwithTSC GIVE https://tsc.nyc/give/ Ask God today to show you one person you can love in a practical way, then go and do the same.

The Lord Bless You and Keep You Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Friday was my birthday, and a great friend of mine sent me this blessing, and I wanted to share it with all of you. There is so much variety in what we find in Scripture. We find stories, parables, wisdom, promises, blessings, and guidance about how God calls us to live. This verse is a blessing. It is a beautiful blessing that I pray over each one of you listening to this episode. When I looked up the meaning of this blessing in the Enduring Word Commentary, it mentions that we often think of blessings as happiness, wealth, or comfort. We think if God is blessing our life, then life will be easy and comfortable. If our life is difficult, we think God is not blessing it. However, this is not the case. God does not promise us an easy life with no complications. He promises that He will be with us in those complications and difficulties. Blessings come from God, and only He knows exactly what blessings we need. We can ask Him for all the things that we think we need, but only He knows the plan of what we actually need. God's plan is for our highest and greatest good. Our plan only considers what we think would be good. But as we know from listening to our children's plans, we may not even be able to imagine the good God has in store for us. We only see our limited abilities; God knows our potential and our true abilities. We might settle for less than God wants to give us. The first line of this verse says, “The Lord bless you and keep you.” I really liked what the Enduring Word Commentary had to say about the “keep you” part. It was something I hadn't really thought of before. It said, “To be kept by the LORD is blessing indeed. Some are kept by their own sin and desire, some are kept by idolatry and greed, and others are kept by their own bitterness and anger. But to be kept by the LORD ensures life, peace, and success.” I love this! I looked up online what it means to be kept. It said, “To be kept generally means to be preserved, guarded, or maintained, often in a context of protection or care.” So, when the quote above says some are kept by their own sin, desires, idolatry, greed, bitterness, or anger, it means those are the things they rely on for protection. I think we have all been there. We have relied on unforgiveness or bitterness to protect us from getting hurt again. We put up walls so that no one can ever hurt us again. We have also been fooled into believing that greed and idolatry can protect. Instead of being kept by God and relying on Him to protect us, we put more and more money away for retirement. We try to rely on our own strength and our own means to protect ourselves. We look to our own sin and our own desires to protect us and help us live the life we want, instead of counting on the Lord to keep us and give us the amazing life we don't deserve but that He wants to give us. The next part of that verse says, “the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.” Imagine the Lord's face shining upon you. How amazing would that be? Again, the Enduring Word Commentary states this, “To have the glorious, pleased face of God shining upon a man is the greatest gift he could have. To know that as God looks upon you, He is well pleased – not because of who you are, or what you have done, but because you are in Jesus Christ – there is no greater source of peace and power in life.” I think many of us have a hard time believing that God is pleased with us. Especially if we think of all the ways we feel we have let Him down. We know our sins, we know our history. We know how unfaithful to the Lord we have been. However, God doesn't love us just when we are faithful. He loves us always, even when we are not. I love where it says that God is not pleased with you because of who you are or what you have done, but because you are in Jesus Christ. Can you believe that God is pleased with you? He is. He may not like every single thing you do, but He is not constantly disappointed with you, as we imagine. We often get disappointed in others because they do things we don't expect. God knows us; He knows the world we live in, and He knows the human condition. There isn't anything that we do that surprises Him. Therefore, we are not constantly letting Him down. He is pleased with our efforts. The last line says, “The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” In the Enduring Word Commentary, they quote David Wenham, a British Bible Scholar. Wenham said, “To lift up one's eyes or face means to pay attention, and to look favorably towards. “When God smiles on his people, they can be sure that he will be gracious to them; that is, he will deliver them from all their troubles. He will answer their prayers and save them from their enemies.” How amazing is that? We can rest assured that God will answer our prayers and save us from our enemies. Hopefully we all knew that God does this, but if we didn't, now we do. If we already knew this, then this verse is further proof to keep in our arsenal, so when the enemy starts in with all his lies, we have this verse to remember. We can remind ourselves that God smiles upon us, delivers us from our troubles, and answers our prayers. The verse ends with peace. Peace is something we could all use. This is probably what people ask me to pray for most. Even if I am praying for healing, I am praying for the Peace of Christ to come over the people so they don't worry. This world is so anxious. Everyone is so full of fear and anxiety. Peace seems to be something that we all struggle to find. Peace is possible, even in difficult situations. I have had peace in situations where people told me I shouldn't have peace. My son was in rehab, and yet I had peace because I knew in my heart that God was taking care of everything. My kids have struggled with a lot over the years, yet I have been able to be full of peace in very chaotic situations because I know that God is in control. I know that no matter what things look like, nothing is impossible for God. It could look like the end is near, and yet if God wants to change it, He can. God has done so many incredible miracles in my life and in my family's life. I don't have to blindly trust that God works miracles, as I have been blessed to witness so many. I bet if you look back at your life, you will see plenty of ways God has been working. You may not consider them miracles, but He has been touching your life and answering your prayers. I guarantee it. That is a great exercise to do regularly. Sit down and look back over your life. Look at all the various times you have called upon God and look at the ways He has come through. If you look for God in your life, I promise you won't come up empty-handed. Ask God to highlight the miracles in your life and He will. Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening to this episode. Lord, we thank you for all the miracles you have done in our lives. We thank you for all the times you have shown up in unexpected ways. We thank you for blessing us and keeping us. You are amazing, and we are truly blessed. Lord, help us to truly believe that you are looking down upon us and that you are pleased with us. We love you so much, and we ask 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 am away camping this week. I plan to keep posting, but if I miss a day, don't worry; all is good. I just didn't have wifi that day. I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day! Today's Word from the Lord was received in February 2026 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, “Come, my children. Come and feel my tender love. Come and know that I will never reject you. I am always welcoming.” 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

What should you do when you discover your own daughter is the one hurting someone else?  No parent wants to receive the phone call, text message, or conversation revealing that their child has been unkind—or worse, has developed a pattern of bullying another girl. While those moments can stir embarrassment, defensiveness, or even shame, they also present a powerful opportunity for discipleship. In this episode, Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose encourage Christian parents to respond with courage, humility, and a heart committed to both truth and restoration.  Continuing the Raising Godly Girls back-to-school series on bullying, Rachael and Natalie discuss the important distinction between isolated unkindness and repeated bullying behavior, why secrecy allows harmful patterns to grow, and how parents can lovingly guide a daughter toward confession, repentance, and reconciliation. Through a thoughtful Raising Godly Girls Minute from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, listeners are reminded that telling the truth isn't an act of betrayal—it's often the very first step toward healing for everyone involved.  The conversation also offers practical, Gospel-centered guidance for parents navigating these difficult situations, including acknowledging the hurt caused, praying for wisdom and discernment, understanding the full scope of the behavior, involving the appropriate adults, and encouraging a daughter to take responsibility for her actions. Rather than minimizing or excusing sinful behavior, Christian parents have the privilege of demonstrating God's mercy by helping their daughters walk the path of genuine repentance and lasting restoration.  If you've ever wondered how to respond when your daughter makes a poor choice, this episode offers hope-filled encouragement that God doesn't waste our parenting challenges. Even difficult conversations can become opportunities to point our girls toward the transforming grace of Jesus Christ.    Three Things to Consider:  Address harmful behavior with honesty and grace. Accountability is an act of love that points your daughter toward lasting heart transformation.  Pray for wisdom before responding. Ask God to help you see the full situation clearly and guide your daughter with both truth and compassion.  Pursue restoration, not simply consequences. Genuine confession, repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation often take time, but they reflect the heart of the Gospel.    Scriptures Referenced:  Genesis 1:27  Ephesians 4:15  Ephesians 4:29–32  Colossians 3:12–14  James 5:16  Proverbs 28:13  Matthew 18:15–17  Galatians 6:1    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.      Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.   

In this deeply comforting episode, Keana explores one of the most common and painful spiritual questions: Why doesn't God answer my prayers? Through Scripture, psychology, and powerful biblical examples, she explains how God's silence is not abandonment, it's alignment, protection, preparation, and divine timing.Listeners will learn why God sometimes seems quiet, what His silence is not, how to stay connected to Him during waiting seasons, and practical ways to hear His voice even when life feels unclear.This week's featured song is “At the Alter” by Unique‑ly Chosen a gentle reminder that God hears every prayer, whisper, and tear. All August releases are now available on Spotify and all streaming platforms.

"Good morning, Mr. Phelps." If you were a fan of the old school classic TV series, "Mission: Impossible," you would know those words always began a riveting adventure. Jim Phelps was the head of all the Mission Impossible Force before all the big movies, you know. He would listen to this tape, outlining this assignment that seemed, well, impossible. Key word–seemed. And even in more modern times when it's not a tape anymore, and when it's Tom Cruise who's doing Mission: Impossible, it's still sort of the same idea. You begin building a team of specialists, you concoct this elaborate, perfectly-timed plan to do what couldn't be done, and every time they get it done. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "No Such Thing as Mission Impossible." That's the conclusion you reached after watching that show for a while. For them, there's just no such thing as mission impossible. That's great fantasy stuff. It's a much greater reality when it comes to rescue missions undertaken by the One of whom the Bible says, "For with God, nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37). That might be important for you to know right now, because there's a person in your life that seems beyond His reach. Well, wait a minute! There's no such person. The living proof of that is our word for today from the Word of God. Saul, the man leading the crusade to eradicate the early Christians. He is on the way from Jerusalem to Damascus to round up more of those hated believers. Acts 9:3 says, "As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' 'Who are You, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting...'" After this dramatic encounter with Jesus, the Bible says, "Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind..." You probably know that this persecutor of Jesus' followers will ultimately become the greatest proclaimer of Jesus in the world; the world-changing Apostle Paul. I cannot imagine anyone in the world of the early Christians whom they would have considered a greater "mission impossible." But there's no such thing when it comes to God, including that person in your life who seems to be so hard, so far from God, so antagonistic, so impossible to get through to. In fact, maybe you've almost stopped believing, stopped seeking opportunities to point them in Jesus' direction. Maybe you've even stopped praying very much for them. Please, don't stop going to God on their behalf. Ask God, "Lord, do whatever it takes within Your will to get through to their heart." That's a powerful prayer...the "whatever it takes" prayer. He may have to knock them off their high horse, as He did Paul. He may have to bring them to a position where they're helpless, as He did with Saul. He may have to show up dramatically in front of them, but Jesus didn't die for them just to give up on them now. As you pray, this very moment, Jesus the ultimate Mission Impossible Man, is moving people, He's moving events to bring someone you love face to face with Him. You may not even be here for the answer to your prayers, but God has this promise for you in Galatians 6:9, "we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Mission Impossible? For Jesus, there's no such thing.

Prayer is more than a simple request—it is an invitation to trust in the power, goodness, and faithfulness of God. In this devotional, Lynette Kittle explores what it means to pray with genuine faith and believe that God is able to answer, provide, and move in ways beyond what we can accomplish on our own. Through the story of the father who cried out, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” in Mark 9:23-24, we are reminded that God does not ask us to rely on our own strength or add our own efforts to make prayer effective. Instead, He invites us to come to Him with confidence, trusting that all things are possible through Him. When we struggle to believe, prayer itself becomes a place where God strengthens our faith and teaches us to depend on Him. Highlights: Discover why prayer is enough when we trust the One we are praying to. Explore the difference between asking God in faith and doubting His ability to work. Learn from the father in Mark 9 who brought both his faith and his doubts to Jesus. See how Scripture reveals God’s power to do what seems impossible. Be encouraged to stop limiting your prayers based on what you think God can do. Reflect on how surrendering your unbelief can deepen your relationship with God. Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Join the Conversation Where do you find yourself struggling to believe that God can answer your prayers? What would it look like to bring your doubts and requests to Him with greater faith? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ 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: Is Prayer Enough on Its Own? By Lynette Kittle Bible Reading: “‘If you can’?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for one who believes.’” - Mark 9:23 How often do we pray, believing it will take more than prayer to receive our answer? By that meaning, do we, or someone else, need to do anything in addition to praying for God to answer us? Do we tend to believe that we have to give money, or volunteer, along with prayer? That it’s not enough in itself for God to answer and move on our behalf? Are we struggling to believe, thinking we can’t just ask and rely on Him to answer our prayers without adding to them in some way through our own efforts? Fox News reports that a study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Department of Family and Community Medicine found that, “Adult patients experienced significant relief from pain and anxiety after just five minutes of in-person prayer,” more than from listening to five minutes of music. Scripture describes how David, as a shepherd boy, played his harp to soothe King Saul, so history documents the popular saying “music soothes the savage beast.” As 1 Samuel 16:23 describes, “Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.” If God gave David’s music the power to bring relief, how much more has He given prayer the power to intervene in our lives? When We Ask, Do We Believe Jesus Can? Mark 9:22 reveals a man who wasn’t sure if Jesus could help his son who was being tormented, explaining and asking, “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” I love how Jesus answers, questioning the father and clarifying to him that it’s not a question of whether He can. It’s a given, because everything is possible with God, it just depends on our belief in Him. It’s not up to Him, but up to us to believe, because how many times before praying do we preface our requests by “Lord, if you can”? God doesn’t want us asking Him if He can; He wants us to believe that He is more than enough, as Jesus taught in John 15:7: “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” He is calling us to believe that all things are possible with Him, as He explained in Matthew 19:26: “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” So if we struggle to believe, lacking in faith when we ask God, we can follow this father’s example as described in Mark 9:24: “Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” Prayer Is More Than Enough A powerful example of prayer being enough is found in the Old Testament book of Joshua. “On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel: ‘Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon’” (Joshua 10:12). Many of us wouldn’t even attempt to pray such an unlikely and seemingly impossible prayer. Yet, Joshua did ask, and when he did, the following happened: “So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day” (Joshua 10:13). Sadly, many of us disqualify our requests to God before even asking Him, deciding that we’re asking too much or more than God can do. We make the decision ahead of time, rather than asking Him and seeing what happens. As James 4:2 explains, “You do not have because you do not ask God. Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you find yourself praying, but believing it’s not enough? Ask God to help your unbelief and to teach you how to believe that He can, and that prayer is more than enough. Further Reading: Does Prayer Really Change Things? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

SummaryThis sermon from Mark chapter 1 focuses on the authority of Jesus Christ and how that authority is demonstrated in three key areas of life. The pastor walks through the account of Jesus teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum, casting out a demon, and healing Peter's mother-in-law, showing that Jesus holds authority over spiritual indifference, demonic forces, and physical sickness. The central message is that the authority of Jesus is not merely proclaimed but proven through action, and that encountering Him should leave people genuinely astonished.Pastor Harv challenges the congregation to examine whether they have grown numb to the power of God's Word through familiarity and routine. He calls believers to renew their passion for Scripture, to recognize that Jesus has complete authority over every demonic force and every disease, and to respond to His authority with gratitude and service. The sermon closes with a pointed question: when was the last time you were truly amazed by who Jesus is?Key Verses- Mark 1:21-22- Mark 1:23-26- Mark 1:30-31- Mark 1:34- Psalm 119:18Life ApplicationThis week, before you open your Bible or come to church, take two to three minutes to pause and pray Psalm 119:18: 'Open my eyes that I might behold the wondrous things out of Your law.' Ask God to remove any familiarity or dullness and to let you encounter His Word with fresh eyes. Then write down one thing that genuinely amazes you about who Jesus is, and share it with someone in your group or a friend before the week is over.

It's question time.Are the hard times in life causing you to question or lose your faith in God?The timing on this episode could not be better. I have been in a season I call the gray. I've talked about it on this podcast before, and I'm still in the middle of an extremely difficult season. So I'm not speaking to you from the outside looking in. I'm speaking to you from the middle of it.Is your faith only full during the good times? Do you only feel the presence of God when things are going your way? Is faith a feeling, or is it a deeply held resolve no matter what the circumstances are around you?Where is faith truly built? On the top of the mountain, or on the path to the peak?Life has seasons. Nothing lasts forever. This life is temporary. That does not make it less valuable, but it does mean whatever you are walking through will not be forever.God has been talking to me about trust. He said, “Quincy, if you can trust Me with eternity — which you have not seen — you can trust Me right now.”You cannot go on what you feel. You must go on what is resolved within you. That is what faith is.When you find yourself in the winter or the gray, that is often when the glory of God shows up more than ever. There is an opportunity in the place you are.Go backwards for a moment. Let your past be your professor. Reminisce about the times God has come through for you. Get into a mindset of gratitude whether you feel like it or not, and remember His faithfulness. It has been there.What is your faith rooted in? An experience? A feeling? Or something deeper?Are your disappointments currently speaking louder than your faith in God? There is an enemy who will drip toxicity in your ear and try to convince you that God has left you alone, that there is no point, that this is all there is. He hates your relationship. He hates your influence on your family. He plays the long game.Strength is not built without duress. Strength is not built without challenge. The same is true in your faith. The you of today needs the challenges in your life for the you of ten years from now.Prioritize your time with God. Praise Him even in the midst of the storm. God inhabits the praises of His people. Build the discipline of showing up until transformation comes.Audit your thoughts. Listen for the quiet dialogue rooted in disappointment. Ask God to search your heart. For years I lived with two lies deeply rooted in my heart that I was unaware of, and they were driving my behavior. Ask Him to show you anything offensive and surrender your ambitions to His good and perfect will.Do not lose heart. God is good. God is faithful. Even in the gray, He is faithful.The episode closes with an original song written from this journey called “In Your Victory”:“It's in the storm where faith is formed. It's in the war where I'm transformed. And it's in the gray where Your glory is shown.”Key Takeaways:Faith is a deeply held resolve, not a feeling reserved for good times.Hard seasons and “the gray” are often where real faith is built.Disappointments can become the doorway the enemy uses to attack your trust in God.If you can trust God with eternity, you can trust Him with right now.Strength (physical and spiritual) is built under pressure.Prioritize proximity with God — He does not love you less, but those who show up receive what He has to give.Ask God to search your heart for hidden lies that drive your behavior.Questionnaire / Reflection:Is my faith currently rooted more in my feelings and circumstances or in the character of God?What disappointment is speaking louder than the Word of God in my life right now?Have I been treating the easiest path as if it is the best path?What is one practical way I can prioritize time with God this week, even in the gray?Is there a lie I have been believing that I need God to expose and uproot?Connect & Prayer: If you want prayer as you walk through a hard season, email me: quincy@mvsmpodcast.comWebsite: https://quincymoran.com X: @quincywmoranFrom the Moran Family Studio — this is Man vs Marriage

Episode Summary:In this episode, we continue the Fruit of the Spirit series by looking at goodness. Most believers do not struggle to believe that God is good, but many struggle to believe that His goodness is truly in them. Through Galatians 5:22-23, Micah 6:8, and Romans 2:4, this message shows that goodness is not something we manufacture; it is the fruit of God's Spirit in us, meant to be seen, tasted, and experienced by others. When we act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, our lives become a living witness to His goodness.Main Scripture:Galatians 5:22-23Micah 6:8Romans 3:12Mark 10:18Psalm 34:8Leviticus 24:22Proverbs 31:9Zechariah 7:102 Corinthians 3:2-3Romans 7:19Matthew 12:35Romans 2:4Big Idea:Only God is good, and His goodness in us is meant to be seen, tasted, and experienced by others.In This Episode:Why the fruit of the Spirit is not something we produce, but something we bear because of what the Spirit has done in us.Why true goodness cannot be separated from God, and why our goodness is really His goodness at work in us.How Micah 6:8 shows goodness through acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.Why goodness is seen in how we treat people, especially those who are different from us, overlooked, powerless, or difficult to love.How the goodness of God leads people to repentance by showing them who God is, not merely telling them what is wrong.Reflection Questions:Do I believe God's goodness is in me, or do I only believe that God is good?What do people see on the outside of me that reveals what God has done on the inside?Where do I need to treat someone fairly who is not like me?Who in my life could use mercy or forgiveness, even if they have not asked for it?Am I trying to prove goodness by what I know or do, instead of bearing the fruit of who God has made me to be?How can I show the goodness of God instead of only pointing out what is wrong?Next Steps:Read Galatians 5:22-23 and Micah 6:8 this week, asking God to help you bear His goodness.Ask God to show you one person who needs mercy from you this week.Look for one practical way to act justly by helping or protecting someone who needs care.When someone asks why you are being good to them, point back to the goodness God has shown you.Stop making your personal convictions everyone else's principles, and let the Holy Spirit do His work.Make it your aim to be a billboard of the goodness of God everywhere you go.Closing Line:Listen in, share this message with someone who needs encouragement, and subscribe so you do not miss the next episode.

Welcome to today's Guided Prayer, where we invite you to find a quiet space to still your mind and body.  Guided Prayers are a daily 5–10 minute, intentionally created moment to slow down and meet with God—through scripture, reflection, and honest prayer.It's not a program you attend.It's a pathway you practice.A guided space where people can stop, breathe, and connect with Jesus—every single day.

Icebreaker  What’s the one of the most memorable meals you’ve ever shared with someone? Who has made you feel especially welcomed or “at home”? What did they do?  Observation: Read John 21:15-19 Put yourself in Peter's shoes, what might be going through his mind? Why do you think Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” before telling him, “Feed my sheep”? What can we learn from this?  Read 3 John 1:1-8 What stands out to you about Gaius? Why does John celebrate his hospitality so highly? Why does hospitality come up so much in the Scriptures? Read 3 John 1:9-10 What attitudes and actions characterize Diotrephes? How do those same attitudes show up in families, workplaces, or churches today? What can we do to mitigate them?  Read 3 John 1:11-15 John says, “Do not imitate what is evil but what is good.” What sorts of things might he be referring to? Who are people in your life that you could imitate?  Application The sermon suggested that hospitality is making room for someone else. Where do you have room to offer hospitality? Which temptation do you identify with more? Wanting to be recognized OR withdrawing and assuming someone else will step in. What might Jesus’ encouragement be surrounding these temptations?  Imagine someone describing you years from now. What would you hope they would say about the way you treated people? Where do you have grow to get to that place?  Prayer Pray for one another by name. Ask God to: Form in you the humble heart of Jesus. Make your home and your welcoming places. Give you eyes to notice those who feel unseen or left out. Make Shepherd of the Valley a church where people encounter the hospitality of Christ.

School is out, the church hallways are quieter, and the rush of the ministry year has finally paused. For many faithful volunteers, summer is when the exhaustion that has been quietly accumulating finally catches up. Staring at the fall calendar fills them not with joyful anticipation but with a heavy, sinking dread. And somewhere in the stillness of the slower season, a whisper grows louder: I don't think I can do this again in September. I think I'm done. Galatians 6:9 offers a picture drawn from the agricultural world that speaks directly to that weary soul. A farmer plows and plants in the spring, toils through the heat of summer, and waits through the uncertainty of heavy rain and scorching sun — with no guarantee that the harvest will come. But for the believer, the promise is different: at the proper time, there will be a harvest, if we do not give up. Summer exhaustion is not always a sign to quit. It can simply be a sign that too much has been poured out and not enough has been replenished. The summer slowdown is not a barren desert — it is a season where God is at work, quietly restoring what the ministry year depleted. The invitation of this episode is tender and clear: bring the exhaustion to God, receive the holy rest this season is offering, and trust that the harvest is His responsibility to bring — not ours. Today's Bible Verse "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."— Galatians 6:9, NIV Ponder Today Summer exhaustion is not always a sign to quit — it may be a sign to rest. When the tank feels empty and the thought of returning to service feels heavy, that is often not a signal to walk away permanently but a call to be genuinely replenished before stepping back in. The harvest is God's responsibility, not ours. Unlike the farmer who cannot guarantee a good yield, the believer is promised that faithful doing of good will reap a harvest. We are responsible for the sowing; God is responsible for the fruit. Service that flows from depletion rather than abundance eventually burns out. God never designed His volunteers to pour out endlessly without being refilled. A soul that is not being nourished cannot sustain long-term faithful service. Use this slower season to discern, not just to rest. The quiet of summer is a gift not only for physical rest but for prayerful reflection. Ask God what He is calling you to carry in the next season — and what He might be inviting you to release. The whisper to walk away deserves honest conversation with God, not shame. Bringing our weariness, our dread, and our desire to step back to the Lord in prayer is not a failure of faith. It is exactly what He invites us to do. A Prayer for You Today Lord God, the sanctuary is quieter this month and the schedules have slowed, but in the quiet of this summer season, the exhaustion in my soul has finally caught up with me. As I look ahead to the fall, my heart feels heavy and the tank feels empty. Today I bring my exhaustion to You, asking You to fill me up again. Let these summer weeks be not just a break from the schedule but a holy rest for my soul. Breathe fresh life into my weary heart. Remind me of the promise in Galatians — that at the proper time, a harvest is coming if I do not give up. Help me to see this summer not as a barren desert but as a season where You are at work. Let my service flow from Your abundance, not my depletion. In Jesus' name, Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer gave your weary heart permission to rest and be refilled, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to sustain and strengthen your faith through every season of service. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

SUMMARY When Jeff's sister lost her engagement ring in a five acre pasture hours before her wedding rehearsal, a rope, a grid, and a prayer turned an impossible search into a three minute miracle. In part four of the DadAwesome Multipliers series, that story becomes a blueprint for intentional fatherhood built on three things: a system that works, partners in the search, and faith in what you cannot yet see. Chad Johnson joins with a segment unpacking his Giant Five framework and why putting career first costs a man everything that matters. KEY TAKEAWAYS Intentional dads need a system. Without one, you chase whatever is loudest instead of the people you love most. The Giant Five framework orders your priorities: faith, marriage, children, health, and work. Most men have that list upside down. You were never meant to search alone. Partners spot what you miss and call you higher when you drift. Love sometimes looks like challenge instead of comfort, especially when your kids are settling into ease. You don't have to search the whole field today. Move the rope a few feet and walk the line again. QUOTES "I really am okay with stirring the pot." (Chad Johnson) "Live like a movie you'd want to watch with your children and grandchildren." (Chad Johnson) "I call it turning success upside down." (Chad Johnson) "Any fruit that anybody ever sees in my life is in spite of me." (Chad Johnson) "Don't get overwhelmed with the entire field. One pass at a time." (Jeff Zaugg) ABOUT CHAD JOHNSON Chad Johnson is a father of eleven, an entrepreneur, and the creator of the Giant Five framework, a simple system for keeping faith, marriage, children, health, and calling in their right order. He is known for pushing his family toward character over comfort, including relocating them to Los Angeles for five months so his kids could work in his business facility. Chad previously joined DadAwesome for episodes 216 and 217. ACTION STEPS REFLECTION Map your fields. Get a piece of paper and map your current life as a dad. Where does connection feel distant? Is there a child where things feel cold? Where could you raise your game in pursuing your wife or your time with God? Be honest about the gap. Name what you are hoping for in each area. Without naming the hope, you cannot see the distance between where you are and where you want to be. Run the Giant Five. Faith, marriage, children, health, work. Pray through which one is currently getting your leftovers. For many men it is work that needs to be turned upside down. For others it is the opposite, and career needs more drive because provision is the real need. Celebrate one win. Look back and name one victory. Do not skip this part. MULTIPLICATION Name your partners. Who are the other dads in this adventure with you? Is there a rhythm of meeting? Is there a text thread already going? The field search never would have worked alone. Get the free small group curriculum. Send a voice message with your name, where you are located, and your idea for a fall small group. You will get the three page PDF back. Send a few texts. Invite two or three dads to listen to episode 446 so you are all working from the same framework. Use the side door. Extend a tangible invitation: the Spartan race in Dallas on October 17, or the fall 100 mile running challenge. ACTIVATION Block the time. Put a block on your calendar this week for deeper work on the Giant Five. Do not just listen and move on. Open Luke 15:3 through 7 with your family. Read the parable of the shepherd who leaves the 99, then tell your kids directly: this is how I feel about you. I will always come looking for you. Pause and pray first. Before stepping into any of these areas, stop and pray, the same way Jeff and his sister did before they started the search. Move the rope. Ask God for one area where you can move the rope seven or eight feet tomorrow. One pass at a time. Keep celebrating. Look at what God has done and mark it. Go deeper. DadAwesome Labs for Chapter 11 is linked below with additional activations and discussion questions. LINKS MENTIONED Spartan Team DadAwesome, Dallas, Texas, October 17 https://givebutter.com/DallasSpartan DadAwesome 100 Mile Fall Running Challenge - https://givebutter.com/dadawesome100 Leave a VOICEMAIL: https://www.speakpipe.com/DadAwesome Join Team Awesomeness (monthly support team) at any level from $7/month to $1000/month... We have 41 families committed to fueling the ministry DadAwesome as we head toward celebrating 9 years of AWESOMENESS this coming winter: https://www.dadawesome.org/give Join the DadAwesome Prayer Team: Text "pray" to (651) 370-8618 Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome Apply to join the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 7-Day Video Series: dadawesome.org/book DadAwesome Podcast: dadawesome.org/podcast Free Chapter + Intro Video Series: dadawesome.org/book Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 DADAWESOME book: dadawesome.org/book DadAwesome Labs, Chapter 11:  Episode 216 with Chad Johnson: https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/216 Episode 217 with Chad Johnson: https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/217  

What if one of God's greatest redemption stories is unfolding in your own motherhood?  Motherhood has a way of exposing both our greatest joys and our deepest weaknesses. From impatience and exhaustion to self-doubt and overwhelm, every season reminds us just how much we need God's grace. But the good news of the Gospel is this: Jesus isn't simply raising our daughters—He's transforming us, too.  In this encouraging episode, Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden continue the week's conversation on God's redeeming work by turning the focus toward the hearts of Christian moms. Together, they explore how the Lord faithfully meets women in their brokenness, reshapes their priorities, and gently transforms them into mothers who reflect His mercy, patience, and love. Rather than striving for perfection, listeners are reminded that the goal is to become women who continually return to Christ and allow His grace to shape every part of their lives.  You'll also hear a timely Raising Godly Girls Minute from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, encouraging parents to build homes marked by redemption rather than shame. As Patti reflects on God's never-ending mercy, Rachael and Melissa offer practical encouragement for mothers to ask for help without guilt, anchor each day in God's Word, and boldly proclaim their identity in Christ when discouragement and the enemy's lies begin to creep in.  Whether you're navigating sleepless nights with little ones, parenting teenagers, or investing in the next generation as a mentor or volunteer, this episode serves as a beautiful reminder that God's mercies truly are new every morning. He is faithfully redeeming your story—even on the days when you feel like you've fallen short.    Three Things to Consider:  Don't carry the weight of motherhood alone. Ask God for strength, and don't be afraid to ask your spouse, trusted friends, or your Christian community for help.  Begin each day anchored in God's Word. His truth provides the wisdom, peace, and perspective needed for every season of motherhood.  When discouragement comes, speak God's truth over your life. Your identity is found in Christ, and His grace is greater than yesterday's failures.    Scriptures Referenced:  Lamentations 3:22–23  Luke 8:2  Mark 16:9  Romans 8:1  2 Corinthians 5:17  Ephesians 2:10  John 15:5    Visit raisinggodlygirls.com for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.      Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org.   

Four years of leading a small group at a local church, watching people grow slowly and beautifully in the Lord through a simple but powerful weekly rhythm: fellowship, discussion, mutual ministry, and fellowship again. The mutual ministry portion is where something remarkable consistently happens. Men and women separate, go deeper than surface-level conversation, and do the vulnerable, necessary work of getting to the root of sin in their hearts. Week after week, confession before trusted brothers and sisters loosens sin's grip and strengthens the bonds of community in ways that nothing else quite does. James 5:16 is direct and practical: confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. Sin wounds the heart and makes us grow callous toward God, choosing our own ways over His. But confession — simply saying what God says about our sin and owning it before Him and others — brings the darkness into the light where it can no longer hold us. The grip loosens. Fellowship with the Father deepens. And the vulnerability required to confess sin among fellow believers does something unexpected: it unites. When we see that none of us is perfect, that we all fall short of God's glory, our relationships move from surface-level to heart-level in the places that actually matter. We are clothed in Christ's righteousness, which means God hears our cries and receives them. And with that confidence, we can approach the throne of grace and ask for the strength to bring what is hidden into the light, where real change and real healing begin. Today's Bible Verse "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."— James 5:16, ESV Ponder Today Confession brings darkness into the light where it can no longer hold us. Sin thrives in hiddenness. When we name it before God and trusted others, the grip it has on our hearts genuinely loosens and healing can begin. Confessing sin to one another is a biblical command, not an optional spiritual extra. James 5:16 is clear and direct. Community accountability is part of how God designed sanctification to work in the life of a believer. Vulnerability in confession unites rather than divides. When we see that none of us is perfect and that we all fall short of God's glory, our relationships deepen beyond surface level into the heart-level conversations that produce real change. The prayer of a righteous person has great power — and that righteousness is Christ's, not ours. We do not have to achieve a certain level of spiritual performance before our prayers are received. In Christ, we are already clothed in His righteousness, and God hears us. Ask God for the strength to be vulnerable. Confession requires courage that we often do not have on our own. He is faithful to give it when we ask, and He is worth the risk of letting others see what we have been trying to hide. A Prayer for You Today Heavenly Father, even though on this side of heaven I will never be sinless, You do want me to flee from sin. When I give in to temptation and rebel against Your ways, I am tempted to run and hide from You, just as Adam and Eve did. I need Your strength to push past that desire to hide. I want any darkness to come to the light. I want to truly repent and see freedom from the grip of sin in my life. Help me to see the gift of accountability and love from my brothers and sisters in Christ, and give me the strength to be vulnerable and honest with You and with those You have placed around me. I long to be an encouragement to others who are struggling and to point them to the cross where Jesus bore our sin. Thank You for conforming me to look more like Christ day by day. In Jesus' name, Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer gave you the courage to bring something hidden into the light, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to strengthen your walk with God and your community of faith every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It’s back-to-school time. Today, I have friends walking their baby into kindergarten for the very first time. And I have other friends helping their baby move into a college dorm. Those two days feel worlds apart… until you’ve lived them. Those of us a little farther down the road know the truth. One day you’re zipping a backpack that’s almost bigger than they are. The next day you’re hugging them goodbye in a parking lot, trying not to cry until they can’t see you anymore. The days are long. The years are unbelievably short. And that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. We aren’t raising children to keep them. We’re raising them to release them. But before that day comes, God gives us something incredibly sacred. Influence. During the school year, our children will spend nearly half of their waking hours at school. Nearly half. Half of their conversations. Half of their friendships. Half of their victories. Half of their disappointments. Half of the voices speaking into their lives. As moms, that realization can make us want to tighten our grip. We want to protect them from every hurt, every bad influence, every disappointment, every temptation. But we can’t. We can’t walk beside them every minute. God can. He’ll be in the classroom before they arrive. He’ll be standing in the hallway when they feel alone. He’ll be at the lunch table when they’re wondering where they belong. He’ll be on the bus ride, at practice, during the test, in the hard conversation, in the moment they need courage, and in the split second when they have to choose right over wrong. There isn’t one place your child will go where God cannot meet them. But here’s the beautiful and really really important thing… We get to invite Him there. We’ll buy the new shoes. We’ll pack the lunches. We’ll label the notebooks. But before we send them out the door… Let’s send them covered in prayer. Our my greatest assignment as a mother was never to control my children. It is to continually talk to God about them. Not lecture them more. Not yell louder. Not worry harder. Prayer is the most powerful thing you will ever do for my children. James 5:16, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” Do we actually believe that? If we do, then let’s pray like it. One of my favorite pictures of bold prayer comes from Joshua and the walls of Jericho. Jericho looked impossible. The walls were too high. Too thick. Too strong. Humanly speaking, there was no way through. But God didn’t hand Joshua a cannon to blast through the walls – He gave him marching orders. “Walk around it.” Once a day for six days. Seven times on the seventh day. After the 7th circle on the 7th day, have the priest blow their horns, let the people shout, and those walls will just fall down. Read the story in Joshua chapter 6. The battle plan from God sounded foolish. Marching doesn’t knock down walls. Trumpets don’t break stone. But obedience invited the power of God. And when God’s people obeyed, the walls that looked impossible suddenly came crashing down. Ever since reading The Circle Maker, I’ve loved the picture of praying circles. Sometimes I literally walk around the thing I’m praying for. Sometimes I simply picture it in my mind. Not because there’s something magical about circles. There’s not. The power isn’t in the walking. The power is in the God we’re walking with. The circle simply reminds me that I’m surrounding something with persistent, believing prayer. Mama… This school year, your Jericho may be the very building your child walks into every morning. So go make a circle. Walk around that school. Pray over every classroom. Pray over every teacher. Pray over every coach. Pray over every bus. Pray over every lunch table. Pray over every child who walks through those doors—including the ones who have no one praying for them. Pray that truth would be louder than lies. Pray that kindness would overcome cruelty. Pray that lonely kids would find friends. Pray that teachers would have wisdom and patience. Pray that they would have JESUS! Pray that your child would have courage to stand for what’s right. Pray that God would place divine appointments in their path. Pray that lives would be changed. Pray that walls would come down. But this isn’t just a call for mom’s with kids in school – this is a call for every single one of us listening. Listen to me – at a school near you, there are children inside those walls who desperately need someone talking to God on their behalf. THEY HAVE NO ONE PRAYING FOR THEM! Someone is carrying burdens no one else knows. Someone is terrified. Someone is lonely. Someone is one encounter away from discovering Jesus. Someone needs heaven to move. And prayer still has the power to move heaven. WHY NOT BE THE ONE WHO PRAYS FOR THEM? So let’s get to marching. Let’s get to praying. Let’s circle our schools until the God who brought down the walls of Jericho does what only He can do. Because while our children may spend nearly half of their waking hours at school, they never have to spend one moment there without the presence of God going before them. Could your prayer really make a difference? Absolutely. Read James 5:16 again: “The prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” Do you know who that righteous person is? You. Not because you’ve done everything right, but because Jesus made you right with God. Through Him, you have been given the incredible privilege of approaching the throne of God with confidence. You don’t have to wonder if you’re worthy enough to pray. Jesus settled that once and for all. Now pray. Pray boldly. Pray specifically. Pray expectantly. Your prayers aren’t empty words floating into the air. They are powerful conversations with the God who moves mountains, breaks chains, opens doors, and brings down walls. So start praying your circles. Circle your children. Circle their school. Circle their teachers. Circle the principal. Circle the coaches. Circle the staff. Circle the lonely kids. Circle the hurting families. Invite the presence of God into every classroom, every hallway, every bus ride, every friendship, and every decision. Because your prayers have great power and God still produces wonderful results. If you don’t know what to pray, you pray scripture! Yes, pray God’s own word, declare his promises over the school. I have a easy guide in the transcript of this devotional at biglifedevotional.com. (Thank you, Darlene!) Prayer Circle: Jeremiah 29:11 – “‘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.'” Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” School Entrance & Main Gates: Welcome and Protection Psalm 121:8 – “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Deuteronomy 28:6 – “You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.” Prayer Focus: Pray for a hedge of protection around the building, safety from violence, and that everyone entering feels welcome Classrooms: Wisdom, Truth, and Learning James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Prayer Focus: Pray for academic integrity, clarity of mind for students struggling to learn, and that truth and wisdom prevail in the curriculum. Teachers: Strength and Patience Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Prayer Focus: Pray against teacher burnout. Ask God to give educators an extra measure of grace, renewed energy, and the tools to reach every unique child. Hallways, Lockers, & Common Areas: Peer Influence and Identity • Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Proverbs 13:20 – “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” 1 Timothy 4:12 – “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” Prayer Focus: Pray against bullying, isolation, and peer pressure. Ask that Christian students find a godly community and have the courage to stand strong in their faith. Cafeteria & Playgrounds: Kindness and Light John 13:35 – “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Matthew 5:14 – “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Prayer Focus: Pray for students who feel lonely or sit by themselves at lunch. Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com

Some decisions feel costly because you cannot yet see what waits on the other side. You may only see the disruption, the uncertainty, and everything you are being asked to leave behind. In this message, Pastor Tim Dilena looks at the different choices made by Ruth and Orpah. One returned to what was familiar. The other stepped into an unknown future, choosing faithfulness even when the road offered no guarantees. Through Ruth's story, this message explores what it means to place your everyday life before God. It is an invitation to move beyond comfort, trust God with what you cannot yet understand, and choose the path that leads toward His greater purpose. KEY TAKEAWAYS Following Jesus often means choosing faithfulness over comfort. Every sincere yes to God will eventually be tested by a real decision. A surrendered life allows God to accomplish more than we can see in the moment. The choices we make today can shape lives and generations beyond our own. God uses ordinary people who are willing to give Him their plans, time, and future. ABOUT TIMES SQUARE CHURCH NYC Times Square Church is a welcoming, multicultural church in the heart of New York City, founded by David Wilkerson. If you're looking for a church, you'll find a place centered on the Gospel of Jesus, passionate worship, and a real sense of community where you can grow in faith, find purpose, and belong. FOLLOW Instagram: @timessquarechurch If you've just made a decision to be born again, please respond here: https://bit.ly/ConnectwithTSC GIVE: https://tsc.nyc/give/ Ask God what you may be holding too tightly, and choose the path of faithfulness even before you can see where it leads.

Maybe it's been months. Maybe it's been years. And in this season, it's taken longer than you thought — and now the negative thoughts are creeping in. In this episode, you'll learn how to break free from the pregnancy announcement comparison trap, the exact question to ask God that will change how you approach your fertility, and why waiting on His timing doesn't mean doing nothing at all. Grab Rise & Source in the show notes and get instant access to the Conception Connection. Full show notes + resources: [link to blog post on fruitfulfertilityco.com] (00:00) Intro — When the Wait Feels Longer Than You Expected (01:07) A 41-Year-Old's Positive Pregnancy Test After 2 Months on Rise & Source (02:15) Why You Need to Ask God for Confirmation Over Your Fertility (The Gideon Story) (05:29) Breaking Free From the Pregnancy Announcement Comparison Trap (07:51) How to Be Your Own Fertility Advocate (What Letrozole Actually Does) (10:16) Why You Can't Miss God's Timing for Your Baby (12:32) Waiting on God Doesn't Mean Doing Nothing — Faith Has Footsteps (14:51) Choosing the Right Fertility Community Over Isolation (17:10) Why Your Baby Can't Become Your Idol (19:33) Recap + Next Steps Top Listener Questions Answered: Can waiting too long to get pregnant mean I missed God's timing? How do I stop comparing my fertility journey to other people getting pregnant? Keywords: Christian fertility, trying to conceive, get pregnant naturally, unexplained fertility struggles, natural fertility support   Unexplained Infertility Breakthrough Masterclass Free masterclass   Grab the Low Progesterone Playbook Get it here   Shop my favorite fertility boosting supplements Rise + Source Let's work together: Work with me    DM me on Instagram: @fruitfulfertilityco

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Today's Gospel reminds us that God's kingdom is not a life free from suffering, but the certainty that God can bring good out of every hardship. Like the merchant who joyfully sold everything for the pearl of great price, we are invited to rediscover the incomparable treasure of Jesus Christ and His Church. Even though the Church is made up of saints and sinners in a broken world, its true worth never diminishes because Christ remains present in the Eucharist, His Word, and the sacraments. This week, reflect on two simple questions: Do I truly recognize Jesus as my greatest treasure? And have I grown so familiar with that gift that I've forgotten its wonder? Ask God for the grace to see the pearl of great price with fresh eyes once again.

If you've ever wrestled with a big decision and wondered, God, what do You want me to do? This conversation is for you. I sit down with podcaster Katrin Hegman to unpack a beautiful story from Genesis that offers practical, biblical wisdom we can use for discerning God's will. We talk about making decisions rooted in faith instead of fear, recognizing God's direction, and learning to trust His timing. If you're facing a crossroads or simply want to grow in hearing God's voice more clearly, this episode will give you both confidence and peace. Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Key Takeaways: 0:03:00 - Making Decisions WITH God, Not Just FOR God 0:08:46 - Don’t Take Shortcuts on the 500-Mile Journey 0:11:42 - Fear-Based Choices Always Backfire 0:15:30 - The $50 Price Tag of Integrity 0:21:23 - From Plan B to God’s Restored Plan A What We Talk About Why discerning God's will can feel difficult The story of Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24 Why shortcuts often lead us away from God's best Making decisions from faith instead of fear Practical questions to evaluate whether you're walking in God's will The importance of integrity and biblical wisdom Why circumstances alone shouldn't determine your decisions Asking God for confirmation in meaningful ways Learning to wait, observe, and trust God's timing Thanking God for His guidance and building a testimony of His faithfulness A Biblical Process for Discerning God's Will Don't Take Shortcuts Choose integrity over convenience. Trust God's timing instead of rushing the process. Don't Make Decisions Out of Fear Examine your motives. Ask whether fear or faith is leading your choice. Make Sure You're Already Walking in God's Will Live with integrity. Practice biblical wisdom. Obey the last thing God asked you to do. Seek God's Direction, Not Just Good Circumstances Pray specifically. Ask God for meaningful confirmation rather than simply looking for open doors. Wait and Confirm Observe. Ask questions. Don't rush to conclusions. Thank God for His Faithfulness Celebrate His guidance. Let His faithfulness become part of your testimony. Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their faith. Connect with Katrin: Love God First Podcast: https://katrinlhagman5.podbean.com/ Let’s Connect: Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Show Notes In this episode, Cher shares a powerful message about stewardship, burden, and the lies that can tempt us to despise the very responsibilities God has given us. Drawing from The Pilgrim's Progress, Scripture, and everyday life, she encourages listeners to reject the culture's pressure to chase ease, aesthetics, and comparison—and instead to remain faithful in the unique calling and season God has placed them in.   Key Takeaways The enemy often tries to make good things feel like burdens. God-given responsibilities are not accidents; they are assignments. Comparison can tempt us to despise our own gifts and calling. Stewarding what God has placed in front of us brings freedom and purpose. Faithfulness in ordinary responsibilities glorifies God. Topics Covered The burden of responsibility in a fallen world Spiritual discernment in a culture that values performance and image Comparing gifts, talents, and callings Stewardship in family life, motherhood, and daily work Resisting the lie that “easy” is always better Choosing faithfulness over cultural pressure Notable Message: You are not meant to be like everyone else. The difference in your life may be exactly what points others to Jesus.   Scripture References and Themes Matthew 11:28–30 :  the burden and rest found in Christ James 1:13–15 : desire, temptation, and sin James 1:5 : asking God for wisdom 1 Corinthians 10:31 : doing all things for the glory of God The Pilgrim's Progress : the temptation to leave the path for an easier way Resources/Affiliate: The Pilgrim's Progress Book In Modern English  The Pilgrim's Progress free movie on YouTube  Quote Highlights “The real burden is being something that you're not.” “Wherever God has placed you right now is where He has you.” “Do what God has called you to do.” “The enemy is a liar and the father of lies.” Listener Action Step: Take a moment today to identify one responsibility you've been tempted to resent. Ask God to help you see it as a gift, not a burden, and to steward it with faithfulness.    Connect with me: styleandstewardship.com  YouTube Channel  Email: hello{at}styleandstewardship[dot]com

Today's episode of Gospel Spice, centered on the launch of "Awaken Delight," is a timely exploration of the Christian experience of suffering. Stephanie combines personal vulnerability—sharing excerpts from her new book about living with chronic pain and deep questions—with biblical wisdom on how hardship fits into our walk with God.In suffering, God does not abandon; he lovingly prunes and allows thorns for our growth. The path to deeper faith, humility, and delight in God runs directly through honest wrestling with pain—and leads to true spiritual fruitfulness.Christians often wonder: If I am serving God, why do I suffer? Is suffering a sign of God's displeasure or my failure? Stephanie shares that Christians who suffer yet trust God often appear as if they're not suffering—because they refuse let suffering have the final word.Our FREE gift to you today! An exclusive, in-depth 10-day FREE recovery plan to rekindle your delight in God when you are going through seasons of deep pruning from God's hand: go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightthepodcast and find the form for Episode 454. Give us your email, and you will receive the full plan in your inbox immediately!Just as fig trees need hard soil to bear fruit, Christians grow most deeply in spiritually tough conditions. Comfort produces "leaves without fruit," but hardship develops true character and delight in God.In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul's incredible spiritual experiences led God to allow him a "thorn"—not as punishment, but to keep him humble and dependent on God. Paul's journey shows that deep suffering is not proof of failure or sin, but God's purposeful investment in our transformation.In John 15, Jesus says that healthy, fruitful branches are the ones pruned by the Gardener (God), so they'll bear even more fruit. Pruning feels like loss or reduction but is God re-focusing our lives on what truly matters.Pruning is when God removes something from our lives. It is the elimination of even good things for us to be more fruitful and focused. By contrast, thorns are when God allows painful weaknesses or situations to remain. These serve a specific, humbling, and formative purpose. Both types invite deeper dependence on God.We misunderstand suffering when we see it as divine punishment. Biblical teaching says it's part of God's commitment to us—not against us, but for us. The goal is not mere improvement, but transformation—making us more like Christ."Faith" is not something we muster by willpower, but a posture rooted in humility: recognizing our need for God and opening ourselves to His work. Humility is both the soil in which faith grows and the fruit that results from faith.Christ was not merely "pruned"—he was "cut off" entirely for our sake, taking on the ultimate suffering so we would never face it alone. Now, even our suffering is transformed by his presence and purpose.Practical ApplicationWhen hardship comes, instead of merely asking "Why me?" or "How can I escape this?", ask "What is God showing me?" and "How can I delight in Him through this?"Choose to see suffering not as a sign of God's absence, but as the attentive hand of the Gardener who loves and invests in us.Remain in Christ—even weak connection is connection, and transformation is always worth the pain.Reflective action: Next time you face loss or pain, remember the lessons of pruning and thorns. Ask God to help you trust His restorative, purposeful hand, and seek delight in Him above all.We are in the middle of our “Awaken Delight” series, based on Stephanie's new book. Each week, we explore a different facet of what makes delight in God difficult and challenging. How can we live the reality of Psalm 37:4 when life is hard? "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth.What you will (re)discover as you journey with God through Awaken Delight:Delight in God is identity-shaping, not emotion-driven. Delight in God is not fleeting emotion but resilient identity.Delight in God is altogether trust, satisfaction in God, relational intimacy with Him.Delight in God is often expressed and grown through resilient joy under suffering.Delight in God is the missing engine behind resilience. It's the antidote to burnout. It's even the foundation for sustainable ministry.God's delight in you is secure, not performance-dependent. God's delight in you frees you from striving! That's the beginning of delight.Jesus is the center of every endeavor to delight in God.You can build a delight-centered spiritual life.Awaken Delight invites you to follow Scriptural truths and spiritual practices that cultivate daily joy in God.DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call:  "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

At Studio, we want to be a place where God and people meet and to be a people known for our love. That kind of love doesn't happen by accident. It grows as we encounter Jesus and become more like Him.One of the greatest things Jesus changes isn't simply what we believe. He changes how we see and engage with people.Our world is quick to categorize, divide, and label. Before we know it, we stop seeing people and start seeing differences.Sin constantly reduces people. God always restores people.When we look at Jesus, we see a different way to live. He walked toward people. He shared meals with them. He listened. He healed. He touched the people everyone else avoided. Jesus was accessible, tender, humble, and He drew near. He crossed cultural and social boundaries because love was always greater than labels.As His followers, He's inviting us to do the same. To live a life of honor, respect and great value for each other. Honor says, “I don't have to agree with everything about someone to recognize the image of God in them.”Every person we meet carries immeasurable value because they were created in the image of God. What if we slowed down enough to really see people? What if we chose curiosity over assumption, honor over judgment, and love over fear?This week, ask the Lord, "Who have I stopped seeing?"Then take one simple step. Ask God what He loves about them. Start a conversation. Listen to someone's story. Encourage someone. Pray for them.For more info, you can go to our website, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. If you would like to support STUDIO financially, you can do so here.Have a great week!

Today's Promise: Romans 10:17 If you want to grow in your faith, there's one habit you can't ignore: spending time in God's Word. Nothing will strengthen your walk with Christ more consistently than reading, studying, and applying the Bible.   In this episode, we'll discover why your faith grows every time you open God's Word with an open heart. The Bible isn't just a book to be read; it's God's living message that transforms your life from the inside out.   As you listen, you'll be challenged to do more than check off your daily Bible reading. Ask God to speak to you through His Word. Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal truth, convict your heart, and show you how to put what you learn into practice. When God's Word moves from your mind to your heart, it doesn't just increase your knowledge; it changes the way you live.

We're back with Rev. Rachel for week three of our Spiritual Rhythms series, and this week we're talking about one of our absolute favorite things — Scripture. But maybe not in the way you're used to engaging it. Here's something worth sitting with: most of us who love the Bible tend to engage it almost entirely through our heads. We study it, analyze it, cross-reference it — and that is genuinely wonderful. But there's a whole other way of being in Scripture that most of us in the evangelical tradition have barely touched, and it's actually one of the oldest Christian practices in existence. It's called lectio divina — divine reading — and it's been around for about 1,700 years. Long before the printing press, long before people could read their own Bibles, Christians were using this practice to actually experience and be formed by Scripture, not just informed by it. And today, Nicole and Rev. Rachel walk you through it live, using Psalm 119:9–16. Here's how it works: the passage is read four times, slowly. The first time, you just listen. The second time, you notice what word or phrase sticks with you. The third time, you ask the Holy Spirit how it connects to your life right now. And the fourth time, you ask God how He's inviting you to respond. What you're looking for at the end isn't more information — it's peace. It's the gentle conviction or comfort of the Spirit meeting you right where you are. We also talk about the digital fast from last week — and why your phone might be revealing more about where you actually place your trust than you'd like to admit. (Pro tip from Rev. Rachel's college students: buy an old school alarm clock. Seriously.) And the core idea we keep coming back to all series long: right pace creates right perspective. When we slow down enough to let Scripture read us — not just the other way around — something shifts. That's the invitation this week. Check out my free download to walk through these practices together:https://nicoleunice.kit.com/spiritualpractices This Week's Practice: Lectio DivinaTry it yourself with Psalm 119:9–16 — read it four times, slowly: Read 1 — Just listen. Let the words wash over you. Read 2 — What word, phrase, or image sticks with you? Read 3 — Ask the Holy Spirit: how does this connect to my life right now? Read 4 — Ask God: how are you inviting me to respond? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Proverbs 18:24 MSGFriends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.In our culture today, people have never been busier and never so isolated. Couple that dynamic with social media and we quickly find that real friendship, true friends of the heart and soul, have become somewhat of a lost art. For those who follow Christ, the opportunity to develop a core circle to go deep together will always be possible.We all know that friends we choose can become closer than some family. The kind of friend Solomon described in today's verse stays steady and true while others move in and out of our lives. We pick up right where we left off, no matter how long ago the last visit has been. You never have to explain yourself because you are forever understood and accepted.Picture in your mind those one or two friends that are there for you, no matter what. What are your favorite things about them? How do they make you feel when you are down? Thank God for them, the gift of true community.Listen again to Proverbs 18:24: Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.For the next few minutes, focus on the best Friend you will ever have, the One who is there during the victories of the day and the heartaches in the night, the One who created you, redeemed you, and brought you into His family forever—Jesus Christ.Ask God to reveal an even deeper level of intimate friendship with Him.Let's pray, friend: “Dear Jesus, thank You for my heart friends, my soul friends, those You have placed in my life that truly do stick by me closer than family. Thank You for Your friendship and allowing me to be Your friend. As above, so below. Amen”

Send us Fan MailPastor Harlo White delivers the message "The Great River Euphrates, Part 4", originally delivered on March 18, 1982.Stand with Pastor Harlo White in supporting the Harlo White Healing Stream Podcast. Your donation helps keep this podcast reaching people all across the Earth. Ask God the Father what he would have you do in giving to this ministry. You can visit our website at www.harlowhitehealingstream.com/giving to make a secure donation online. You can also mail your donation to:HARLO WHITE HEALING STREAMP.O. BOX 4695CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 60680.

You can look spiritually healthy, follow all the right rules, and still feel lifeless inside. In Luke 11:37-54, Cole Ellerbrock explains why Jesus confronts religious performance and shows us a better way. Genuine righteousness is not something we manufacture through appearances or behavior management. God gives us a new heart and produces lasting change from the inside out.• Outside-in performance prioritizes outward actions, personal recognition, and self-interest while neglecting genuine love for God and others.• Through Jesus, God gives us a new heart, a new identity, and His Spirit rather than asking us to earn His approval.• Spiritual fruit grows as we repent, yield control to God, and trust Him to transform our desires, character, and actions.Key Scriptures:Luke 11:37-54Ezekiel 36:25-28John 15:1-5Galatians 5:16-25Psalm 139:23-24Where have you been managing appearances instead of allowing God to transform your heart? Take time this week to repent, yield control to Him, and trust what He says about you. Ask God to deepen your love for Him and produce the kind of fruit that cannot be manufactured from the outside. If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with a friend or family member who may need the reminder that real change begins with God's grace.Bayou City Fellowship Tomball Campus | Cole Ellerbrock | July 26, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

Abraham waited twenty-five years for the fulfillment of God's promise of a son. And then, after that miraculous birth, God asked him to give Isaac back — to take him to Mount Moriah and offer him as a sacrifice. Abraham obeyed. And at the moment the knife was raised, God provided a ram caught in the thicket, sparing Isaac's life and revealing His name: Jehovah Jireh, the Lord Who Provides. It is one of Scripture's most dramatic and tender moments, and it carries a truth that reaches far beyond financial provision into every corner of human need. Jehovah Jireh provides vehicles, homes, spouses, friends, babies, jobs, purpose, and direction. But He also provides peace in the storm, comfort in grief, and sustenance when we have hit rock bottom. The Lord runs short of nothing. And even when what we are asking for is not in His will, He is still providing — just not always in the form we expected or on the timeline we were watching. A wedding toast offered a simple and striking observation: the Lord was not looking at His watch the way everyone else was. There is a time for everything, and His timing is always perfect. Most profoundly of all, before He ever provided anything else, God the Father provided a way back to Himself through Jesus Christ — the ultimate fulfillment of the ram on Mount Moriah, the perfect sacrifice who took our place on that same mountain two thousand years later. Today's Bible Verse "And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, 'In the Mount of The Lord it shall be provided.'"— Genesis 22:14, NKJV Ponder Today Jehovah Jireh provides far more than financial needs. His provision encompasses every dimension of human life — relationships, purpose, direction, peace, comfort, and strength. Whatever you are lacking today, He is able to supply it. When God does not provide what we ask for, He still provides what we need. Peace in the storm, comfort in grief, and sustenance at rock bottom are all forms of His provision. He never leaves a need unmet, even when His answer looks different from what we expected. God is not looking at His watch the way we are. His timing is not late, even when it feels that way to us. Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that there is a time for everything — and the moment God chooses to provide is always the right moment. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of Jehovah Jireh. Just as the ram took Isaac's place on Mount Moriah, Jesus took ours on that same mountain two thousand years later. If God the Father never did anything else for us, sending His Son would have been enough. Ask God to open your eyes to provision you have already received. We often focus on what we are still waiting for and miss what God has already given. Recognizing His past provision builds the trust that carries us through the current season of waiting. A Prayer for You Today Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for who You are — for always being all that we need and always having all that we need. I do not know what each person needs today, but You do. If they are weary, please give them endurance and encouragement. If they are downcast, please lift their head. If they are waiting, please give them joy in the midst of it. If they are grieving, be their comfort. If they are in a storm, please give them Your peace. If they are short on funds, please provide. Please help us to know You and see You as Jehovah Jireh, and open our eyes to see how You have already been providing all along. Thank You for providing salvation to all who confess with their mouth and believe in their hearts that Jesus is Lord. We love You. Help us to trust in You. Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer helped you see God's provision in a fresh and deeper way, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to grow your trust in the God who always provides exactly what you need. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

I want to focus on three key pressure points Daniel faced—and three of his friends did as well—as they were suddenly placed in a culture totally foreign to their faith in the God of Israel, the true God.   Pressure Point #1: A Change of Names and Diet  In Daniel one, we read how he and other Israelites, the brightest and the best, were taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar and brought to Babylon. They were assigned new Babylonian names. Daniel became Belteshazzar. And they were instructed to eat the royal diet, which was contrary to the dietary laws God had given the Israelites.   Nebuchadnezzar's plan was to transform these bright men into pagans, remove their Jewish identity, and get them to conform to the culture they were in. They would be more useful to him that way, he thought; they would do their best work and be more loyal to him if they abandoned their heritage and their faith.  Could a name change achieve that purpose? No, the only way Daniel and his companions would ever forsake their heritage, identity, and faith in the true God, would be a complete change of heart and mind. And a name doesn't affect the heart.  How did Daniel respond to this name change? We see no indication he objected in any way. This is where the phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is true. “Call me what you like,” is Daniel's and his three friends' responses, because it wouldn't change who they were.  But how does Daniel respond to the dietary change? This does affect him, because he does not intend to abandon the dietary laws of his faith. For this he is willing to take a stand.  What do I take from this?   Pick your fights. There are some things worth standing up for and resisting, and some are not. Many times, we bring pressure and stress into our lives by allowing ourselves to be overly concerned about things which have no lasting value and make no real difference.   We must learn to distinguish between issues of integrity and issues of priority. For example, suppose you're facing an assignment which seems ludicrous to you, a waste of time and resources, an exercise in futility. You must pick your fight. You may determine the damage and wastefulness of the assignment is of such magnitude you must confront it. Or you may realize it's not worth the fight—it's too small. This is not an issue of integrity but one of priority.  On the other hand, if an assignment involves a lowering of your own personal standards of integrity, an abuse of company policy, or unfair service to a customer, now you are facing an issue of integrity. This is a fight worth taking on. How you approach it is another issue. But to stay true to biblical principles, fight you must.  Picking your fight doesn't mean you come on in a combative way. Proverbs 16:21 says: The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction. Pleasant words usually get you a lot further than words of confrontation or judgment.   How many times have you seen a good idea blown by the way it was presented? How many times have you watched a situation blow up into a major issue when, with a different approach, it could have been handled without a major conflict?   On the other hand, how many times have you seen someone back off a needed fight because he didn't have the stomach for it? He wimped out rather than stand up for what he knew was right.  In the pressure points of our lives, particularly on our jobs, we are continually faced with situations where we must pick our fights. We need God's wisdom to do this well, and thankfully, he promises to give us wisdom if we ask.   Pressure Point #2: Speaking Truth Under Pressure  In Daniel two, we learn how Nebuchadnezzar had a strange dream none of his astrologers could interpret. He asked his wise men not only to interpret the dream, but also to tell him what the dream was. Talk about mission impossible! And you think you have a tough boss!  In frustration, retribution, and foolishness, Nebuchadnezzar condemns all the wise men to death because they can't interpret his dream. Daniel goes to bat to save the lives of all these people, recognizing how truly foolish and wrong it is to kill them. And then, after soliciting prayer from his friends, God reveals the dream to Daniel. He approaches the king, declaring he can tell the dream and its interpretation, and he does.  Can you put yourself in his shoes? God has revealed the dream to him, and it is very bad news for Nebuchadnezzar. He can save himself and all those wise men by telling the dream, but does he have to give him the interpretation, which Nebuchadnezzar won't like? Couldn't he fudge it a bit, when he describes this large statue and its meaning?   I would imagine he must have thought, “Either way I'm going to be killed. He will kill me if I don't tell him the dream, but when I do tell him the interpretation of this dream, he's going to kill me anyway.”  Yet, despite the pressure he is under, he chooses to tell the truth, as unwelcome as it might be. This really gets to where we live, doesn't it? Do you tell the truth regardless of the consequences? Do you do the right thing when it may not bring you any good—or it may harm you? In our own pressure points, where we must decide to tell it like it is or put some spin on it, are we, like Daniel, true to the truth, regardless of the consequences?  In Ephesians 6:14 we are told to Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…. Do you leave home each day with this belt on? It's invisible but it's obvious. When you wear the belt of truth, when you are committed to truthfulness, no matter what, it sets you apart from most of the people around you, and it takes a lot of stress out of your life. You don't have to worry about being found out or remembering exactly what you said. The truth will, as Jesus said, set you free.   Pressure Point #3: Facing Jealous Coworkers  In chapter six, we read the familiar story of Daniel and the lions' den. By this time Daniel was much older, at least in his 80s, and verse three says, Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.   Do good work and you're bound to generate jealousy. Have you found this to be true? Hopefully your good work will be recognized by those in authority, as was true for Daniel, but likely it will cause some jealousy as well. Is there anything you can do to keep this from happening?   Daniel didn't seem to be able to. His coworkers tried for a time to find grounds for charges against him in the way he did his work, but the Bible says: They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent (Daniel 6:4).   An old preacher I knew used to say, “Do right ‘til the stars fall out.” Just do the right thing, and the right thing is to work with all your heart, do the best work you can, without corruption or negligence. Obviously the way in which we work, the attitude we have toward others, the way we treat people will have some bearing on how others treat us, but there are people who will hate and despise you because you do things right, because you have a good attitude, because you go the extra mile. It is true sometimes the more you do it right, the more some will look for ways to do you harm. Thankfully these people are usually few and far between, but it only takes one to cause you a great deal of grief and indeed, a great deal of potential harm.   How do you deal with jealous coworkers? Proverbs 27:4 says, Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? If you've ever had to face jealousy—people who were jealous of you simply because you did the right thing—then you can relate to this proverb. Who can stand before jealousy? That green-eyed monster is ferocious.  Daniel's peers were so jealous they devised a plan to get him killed, a clever plan that would make them look good to the big boss and get rid of their hated rival.  Don't be surprised at what jealous people will do, and how cleverly they will try to disguise their jealousy. Daniel could not stand before jealousy, as it turns out. He couldn't stop these malicious coworkers who were out to destroy him. They got their decree signed by Darius: anyone who prayed to any other god or man other than King Darius for the next thirty days would be thrown into the lions' den—and it was an irrevocable decree.   So, at this pressure point Daniel is faced with a choice: to compromise his faith and abandon his daily practice of praying to his God three times a day, with his windows open toward Jerusalem for all to see or face those hungry lions. Did you realize the decree simply said you couldn't worship anyone else for this thirty-day period? So, I'm thinking he could have shut the windows and prayed privately, or just figured, hey, thirty days is nothing; God will understand. I'll show these guys they can't catch me in their evil scheme. I just won't pray openly for thirty days. Isn't it interesting that his coworkers must have been certain he would not compromise his commitment to his God. They knew he would choose the lions' den!  Daniel never pleaded his case with Darius. He never bad-mouthed his evil coworkers. He never protested. He simply refused to change his prayer schedule; he refused to compromise.   Most likely you'll never have to face lions or threatened death for standing firm to your faith. But you could face the death of a job, a relationship, or a career plan. And that could be very costly for you. So, if you're facing some pressure points now—some areas where you must decide if you will stand true to your commitment to Jesus as your Lord and Savior—think about Daniel. Ask God to give you Daniel-courage, the courage to refuse to bend to the culture or be intimidated by their many unbiblical ideas and beliefs, regardless of how our culture has embraced their ways and ideas.  A friend of mine is going through a situation where, because she has been wonderfully born again and delivered from the deceit and lies of the culture, she is facing hatred and condemnation from family members and friends because she no longer agrees with those unbiblical ideas. She hasn't become militant or confrontational. She simply states what she believes when they state what they believe, and for that, she is considered unacceptable. She's paying a price for standing true to her faith, but instead of being angry, she's just so thankful God has shown her the truth and now she's praying for those who are still deceived as she was for so long.  I hope you will take time to read again the first six chapters of Daniel and see how he stayed true to his God amid a very secular and pagan society, in the face of very jealous and evil coworkers. We serve the same God, and he can deliver us as well. 

Few things reveal the strength of a couple's unity quite like money. Financial decisions touch nearly every part of married life—from daily spending and long-term planning to generosity, security, and the future. But money does not have to remain a source of tension. When couples approach their finances with transparency, shared purpose, and a biblical understanding of stewardship, money can become a tool that strengthens their marriage and supports what God has called them to do together. Dr. Art Rainer, founder of Christian Money Solutions and the Institute for Christian Financial Health, as well as the author of The Rich Couple: 30 Days of Following God's Design for a Financially Healthy Marriage, joins the show today to share that a “rich couple” has little to do with the size of a bank account. Instead, it means becoming rich in contentment, purpose, unity, and generosity. Redefining What It Means to Be Rich Our culture often defines a rich couple as one with a high income, an impressive home, or a large investment portfolio. But financial wealth can disappear, and continually chasing more often produces comparison rather than contentment. A truly rich couple recognizes that everything they have belongs to God. They understand that they are stewards—not owners—of the resources He has entrusted to them. That conviction changes the purpose of money. Instead of asking only, “How can we accumulate more?” couples can begin asking: How can we faithfully manage what God has provided? How can our finances reflect our shared values? How can we use what we have to serve others? What does contentment look like in this season? When contentment is rooted in Christ and financial decisions are guided by God's purposes, couples can experience a kind of richness that circumstances cannot easily take away. Moving From “Mine” and “Yours” to “Ours” Genesis 2:24 describes marriage as two people becoming one flesh. That oneness includes more than physical or emotional intimacy. It also shapes how couples view their possessions, income, debt, goals, and generosity. Marriage is a covenant, not merely a contract. Rather than guarding separate financial territories, a husband and wife can learn to approach money as teammates. Practically, this requires complete financial transparency. Both spouses should understand what the household earns, owes, owns, spends, saves, and gives. For many couples, this may involve shared accounts and passwords. For others, the account structure may differ, but openness and mutual accountability should remain nonnegotiable. Even language can reinforce unity. Saying “our income,” “our debt,” and “our generosity” reminds both spouses that they are working toward a shared future. A brief monthly financial meeting can also help. Couples can review their progress, discuss upcoming expenses, and make important decisions together. Establishing a spending threshold—an amount neither spouse spends without first consulting the other—can reduce surprises and build trust. Unity rarely happens accidentally. It grows through intentional habits. Remember That Marriage Is a Team Sport Your spouse should be your closest financial teammate. That does not mean you will always agree. Different personalities, experiences, and priorities will inevitably create tension. The goal is not to eliminate every disagreement but to remain committed to reaching decisions together. Couples should be able to discuss differences honestly in private while presenting a united front to outside voices. Advice from parents, friends, or children may be well-intentioned, but those voices should not undermine the marriage. A healthy response to an outside suggestion might simply be, “Thank you. We'll discuss it together and let you know.” That protects the couple's unity and reassures each spouse that decisions will not be reversed or weakened by someone else's opinion. Share Your Money Stories Many financial disagreements are not really about the transaction in front of you. They are rooted in earlier experiences. Perhaps one spouse grew up in a home where money was scarce and now feels anxious without a substantial emergency fund. The other may have grown up in a financially comfortable home and feel little concern about spending. One may naturally save, while the other prefers to spend, invest, or avoid financial decisions altogether. Sharing these stories can replace frustration with empathy. Instead of asking, “Why are you like this?” a spouse may begin to say, “Now I understand why this decision feels so important to you.” Consider asking each other: What is your earliest memory involving money? Discuss how that experience may still influence your attitudes toward spending, debt, saving, generosity, or risk. Listen without interrupting or trying to correct one another. Understanding your spouse's story does not mean every financial habit should remain unchanged. It does, however, create a more compassionate starting point for change. Address the Four Financial Dividers Four common problems can weaken financial unity in marriage: poor communication, selfishness, distrust, and unrealistic expectations. Poor communication can be addressed through regular conversations. Even a weekly 10-minute check-in can prevent small concerns from becoming major conflicts. Selfishness begins to fade when couples stop thinking primarily in terms of “my money” and start celebrating each other's progress. Distrust must be confronted with honesty. Hidden purchases, secret accounts, concealed debt, or missing information will erode intimacy. Financial transparency brings those issues into the light. Unrealistic expectations can be replaced with a shared plan. A realistic budget will not allow every desire to happen immediately, but it can help couples prioritize what matters most. Talk early, tell the truth, and pray often. Start With Your Hearts, Not the Budget When a marriage feels financially divided, opening a spreadsheet may not be the best first step. Begin with prayer. Ask God to help you become one, grow in contentment, understand each other, and steward His resources faithfully. Then spend a few minutes sharing your experiences and concerns without interrupting or judging one another. Finally, choose one small act of unity. You might schedule your first weekly money conversation, disclose an overlooked expense, agree on a giving goal, or deposit a small amount into a joint savings fund. One step will not resolve every financial disagreement. But small acts of faithfulness can create lasting momentum. A rich marriage is not defined by how much a couple possesses. It is marked by two people learning to trust God, care for one another, and manage His resources with unity and purpose. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm retired and have a small IRA and some savings at Schwab. I also expect to inherit assets from an older family member. Since I won't need my IRA for living expenses, is there any advantage to keeping it? I'm struggling with $8,900 in credit card debt at a 23.49% APR and can't afford to pay it off right now. I've contacted my credit card company about hardship options and have looked into consolidation and personal loans, but I'm unsure what's best. Given my situation, what's the wisest way to tackle this debt? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) The Rich Couple: 30 Days of Following God's Design for a Financially Healthy Marriage by Dr. Art Rainer The Money Challenge: 30 Days of Discovering God's Design For You and Your Money by Dr. Art Rainer Christian Money Solutions  Institute for Christian Financial Health Christian Credit Counselors Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You've done everything "right." The protein at every meal, the ovulation strips, the supplements lined up on your counter like a science experiment. And you're still waiting. What if the missing piece isn't another test or another routine — it's something a little weirder than that? In this episode, you'll learn what to actually pray for when you're asking God for confirmation, why your job might be quietly working against your fertility, and why more testing isn't the answer you think it is. Grab Rise & Source in the show notes and get instant access to the Conception Connection. (01:06) Ask God for Confirmation — Praying for a Sign on Your Fertility Journey (05:00) Why Your Job Might Be Blocking Your Fertility (07:59) Ditch Your Fertility Supplements for a Frequency-Tuned Drink (12:00) Vitamin J — Why Joy Matters for Your Nervous System and Fertility (14:30) Why You Need Therapy, Not More Fertility Testing (17:06) Recap: 5 Weird Things That Help You Get Pregnant Naturally Top Listener Questions Answered: Can stress from my job really affect my fertility? What are frequency-tuned supplements, and can they help you get pregnant naturally? Keywords: get pregnant naturally, Christian fertility, fertility supplements, nervous system and fertility, trying to conceive Shop my favorite fertility-boosting supplements Rise + Source Let's work together: Work with me    DM me on Instagram: @fruitfulfertilityco  

Is being a good person enough? In Luke 11:14-28, Jesus confronts the idea that outward morality or self-improvement can make us right with God. Jeremiah Meadows explains why real spiritual security isn't found in trying harder, but in the transforming power of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit.• A moral life without Jesus still leaves us spiritually empty.• Jesus alone has authority over sin, Satan, and every false source of security.• True transformation happens when our lives are filled with God's presence, not just cleaned up on the outside.Key Scriptures:Luke 11:14-28Exodus 8:19John 14:6Colossians 1:13-20Psalm 19:7-11This week, don't settle for looking like you've got it all together. Ask God to search your heart and fill every area of your life with His presence. If this message encouraged you, share it with a friend or family member who's searching for lasting hope and true security.Bayou City Fellowship Cypress | Jeremiah Meadows | July 19, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

Many of us recognize that life is hard, but we often forget there's a spiritual battle happening beneath the surface. In Luke 11:14-28, Dawson Tolley explains how Jesus confronts spiritual opposition, why His victory over sin and Satan gives us confidence, and why following Him is never a neutral decision.• The spiritual battle is real, but Jesus has already won the decisive victory through the cross.• Following Jesus requires a response because neutrality is never an option.• God strengthens His people as they hear His Word, trust His promises, and walk in faithful obedience.Key Scriptures:Luke 11:14-28Ephesians 6:121 Peter 5:6-11Colossians 2:13-151 John 3:8Where are you tempted to drift or remain spiritually passive? Ask God to strengthen your faith, help you stand firm in Christ's victory, and give you a heart that hears His Word and obeys it. If this message encouraged you, share it with a friend or family member who needs the hope and confidence found in Jesus.Bayou City Fellowship Tomball Campus | Dawson Tolley | July 19, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

“When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.” (Proverbs 29:2 NLT) I’ve had opportunities to interact with leaders at the highest levels of the United States government, including former Vice President Mike Pence and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. When I met with those men individually, we had a great time talking about our nation, discussing the needs and challenges facing us. I should mention that when I’m around such people, I’m not there as a political pundit. Neither am I there to give any kind of political advice. I’m there as a pastor to help them, to pray for them, and to perhaps remind them of what Scripture says. In both instances we had wonderful discussions about the Word of God. Both men spoke of their dependence on God to do the job He had called them to do. Those interactions served as valuable reminders that revival in our nation, if and when it comes, will be aided immeasurably by believers in positions of authority. The Bible certainly makes a compelling case for godly leadership. Proverbs 29:2 says, “When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan” (NLT). Proverbs 10:9 says, “People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed” (NLT). James 1:5 says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking” (NLT). And in Mark 10:43–44, Jesus says, “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else” (NLT). Our nation is blessed to have an electoral process by which we can vote for our leaders. As believers, we must make the most of that opportunity by getting to know candidates and supporting those who stand for God-honoring principles. But there’s another responsibility believers must not shirk. We must pray for our leaders. Look at the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 2:1–2: “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity” (NLT). We’ve talked a lot this month about what needs to take place for us to have a spiritual awakening, a revival in America. R. G. Lee put it this way: If all the sleeping folk will wake up,If all the lukewarm folk will fire up,If all the dishonest folk will confess up,If all the disgruntled folk will cheer up,If all the depressed folk will look up,If all the estranged folk will make up,If all the gossipers will shut up,If all true soldiers will stand up,If all the dry bones will shake up,If all the church members will pray up . . .Then we can have a revival! We might also add, “If all the believers will wise up in choosing leaders who yearn for revival.” Reflection question: How can you show wisdom and discernment in selecting and supporting our nation’s leaders? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! Join Greg Laurie for the Annual Jesus Revolution Baptism at Pirate's Cove on July 18. — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Topics:  Taylor Swift, Shock Jock, The Way of Jesus, Revenge, Praying For Enemies, World Cup, Repentance, Media/Trust, Evil/Good, Correcting People, Masterclass BONUS CONTENT: Shock Jock Follow-Up   Quotes: "If you want to follow Jesus, your life will be better." "Not taking revenge is the opposite of weakness." "Ask God to give you wisdom and insight into actual reality." "Correcting people is an exhausting full time job you're not called to." . . . Holy Ghost Mama Pre-Order! Want more of the Oddcast? Check out our website! Watch our YouTube videos here. Connect with us on Facebook!

Topics: NFL, Life Now, Shock Jock, Cozy, 20's Now Cool, Keep Asking Masterclass, Defining Christians, Social Tip, Love Your Neighbor, Forgiveness, Worry     BONUS CONTENT: Grandpa/Cozy     Quotes: "Life is how you spend your days." "Ask God for wisdom. He promises he'll give it if we seek it." "We're the people who pray for our enemies." "People need peace and they need a non-anxious voice in the culture.