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Jesus invites us to live with untroubled hearts in a troubled world by joining his mission of love, peace, and redemption. In John 14, he urges us to ask—ask God for help, strength, and wisdom—not just for our own gain but as part of his greater work. That promise to “ask in my name” comes with both hope and mystery, especially when prayers go unanswered. But Jesus himself, and others like Paul and Joseph, show us that sometimes the answers are “no” or “not yet.” Still, we're called to pray with faith, not as consumers chasing comfort, but as people shaped by love and purpose. So today's simple but bold challenge is this: ask God. He's listening.Join the conversation in our FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.John's new book STEPS is out! Check it out here: https://becomenew.com/steps/Want to work the steps with a friend or small group? Visit: DoTheSteps.com
Send us a textPastor Harlo White delivers the message "Resurrection Power of The Blood, Part 1", originally delivered on March 8, 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 STREAM P.O. BOX 4695CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 60680.
Luke15 has become one of my favorite chapters in the Bible over the years. Thispassage paints a vivid picture of God's heart for the lost. The chapter beginswith tax collectors and sinners, people who are despised and rejected bysociety, are drawing near to Jesus, eager to hear His words. Thisscandalizes the Pharisees and scribes, who see themselves as righteous andabove such “sinners.” Theirgrumbling reveals their lack of love for the lost, but Jesus responds with aparable that unfolds in three stories about a lost sheep, a lost silver coin,and a lost son, all which reveal God's love and heart for sinners. In these storieswe clearly can see the Trinity. Jesus, the Savior seeking the lost sheep in thewilderness, the Holy Spirit lighting the candle, cleaning the house, seekingthe lost silver coin, and God the Father patiently waiting for the lost son tocome back home to fellowship with Him! Inthe first story, a shepherd with a hundred sheep notices one is missing. Thatone sheep matters so much that he leaves the ninety-nine in the wilderness tosearch for it. He doesn't give up until he finds it, and when he does, hedoesn't scold it or drive it back harshly. Instead, he gently lifts it onto hisshoulders, carries it home, and throws a celebration with his friends,shouting, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!” Jesusexplains the punchline: heaven rejoices more over one sinner who repents thanover the ninety-nine who think they need no repentance. Like the shepherd,God seeks out those who are lost, people who've wandered away, whether throughfoolishness, rebellion, or ignorance. No one is too far gone for His pursuit.Second, it reveals the value God places on every single person. The shepherddidn't say, “It's just one sheep; I still have ninety-nine.” Each one isprecious, worth leaving the fold to rescue. Third, it highlights the joy ofsalvation. The shepherd's celebration mirrors heaven's joy when a sinner turnsto God. Angels rejoice, and God Himself delights in the return of His own. Are we like the Pharisees, quickto judge or distance ourselves from those we deem “unworthy”? Or do we reflectJesus, who draws near to the broken and outcast with compassion? The truth is,we're all like that lost sheep at some point, foolishly straying, helpless, andin need of a Savior. (Read Isaiah 53:6). Jesus, the Good Shepherd, came to seekand save us (Luke 19:10), carrying us home on His shoulders. And now, He callsus to join Him in His mission to seek the lost. Thereis a fourfold joy expressed when a lost sinner comes to the Savior. There iscertainly joy in the heart of the person who is found. Both Scripture (Acts3:8; 8:39) and our own personal experience verify the joy of salvation. Butthere is also the joy of the person who does the finding. Whenever you assistin leading a lost soul to faith in Christ, you experience a wonderful joywithin (Psalm 126:5-6). Others join with us in rejoicing as we share the goodnews of a new child of God in the family (v. 6), and there is also joy inheaven (Luke 15:7, 10). ChallengeThisweek, let's live out the heart of the Good Shepherd. Pray for one person inyour life who seems far from God, maybe someone you might naturally overlook orjudge. Ask God to soften their heart and give you an opportunity to show themHis love. Reach out to that person witha small gesture of kindness, a conversation, a meal, or a note ofencouragement. Show them the same grace Jesus showed the tax collectors andsinners. Let'scommit to being people who seek the lost, not because we're perfect, butbecause we've been found by the Shepherd's love. Prayer LordJesus, thank You for seeking us when we were lost. Fill us with Your compassionfor those who are far from You. Give us courage to reach out, wisdom to shareYour love, and joy in seeing others come to You. May our lives reflect thecelebration of heaven. In Your name, Amen.
If you struggle to submit to your husband's will, don't carry that burden alone; pray. Submission isn't always easy, especially when emotions are high or your heart resists. But remember, this lifestyle isn't about perfection but growth. Ask God to soften your heart, clear your mind, and align your spirit with His divine order. Pray for a deeper trust in your husband and for peace to surrender your will. When submission feels hard, lean into faith. Prayer invites strength, humility, and gentle guidance to walk in obedience with love.
In this soul-stirring episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik sits down with mystical pioneer, ordained pastor, and spiritual coach Kristen Wambach to explore how the unseen world isn't just real—it's radically personal. From seeing angels on sand dunes to building spirit-led businesses, Kristen shares her journey of awakening to the presence of God in everyday life. If you've ever felt distant from the divine or questioned your spiritual gifts, this episode is a loving nudge to reawaken your connection. Kristen offers practical wisdom on hearing God's voice, bringing heaven into your workflow, and unlocking the cool, conversational nature of the Holy Spirit. About the Guest:Kristen Wambach is an Oregon-based author, podcaster, entrepreneur, and ordained pastor who helps others live spiritually brave. She's known for demystifying spirituality through storytelling, coaching, and divine dialogue. Her journey from farm girl to faith-led businesswoman is a testament to what happens when heaven meets earth. Key Takeaways: The Spirit is not distant—it's deeply personal, joyful, and always present. Spiritual eyesight can be activated through simple daily conversations with God. Entrepreneurship can be divine—God meets us in our creativity and ideas. Want to connect with God? Start with, “I'm sorry I believed you were distant.” Ask: God, how would you have me ask you to walk through this? It changes everything. Connect with Kristen Wambach:Explore Kristen's books, podcast, coaching, and spiritual tools at https://kristenwambach.com Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?DM on PodMatch:DM Me Here:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avikSubscribe To Newsletter:https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/Join Community:https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.clubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymindLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/ #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #spirituality #divineconnection #holyspirit #faithjourney #wellness
Bill Simmons is President and CEO of American Leprosy Missions (soon to be Hope Rises International), part of his two-decade journey leading national and international organizations. Bill brings deep insight to the intersection of organizational leadership and spiritual formation, and is currently pursuing post-graduate studies in spiritual formation at Gordon Conwell Seminary. Bill holds a BA from the University of Tennessee. Bill and his wife Cindi live in Greenville, SC.BOOK The Way of Interruption: Spiritual Practice for Organizational Life WHY NOW AND WHAT'S THE GOAL? IF YOU WERE A CRITIC: WHAT COULD BE A MISCONCEPTION OF THE BOOK? WHAT MIGHT BE A COMMON CONCERN ABOUT THE PSALTER GUIDE? MAIN CONCEPT? FAIR ASSESSMENT? ORGANIZATIONS MAKE ROOM FOR GOD: INTENTIONAL STRUCTURED TIMES OF MARGIN THROUGHOUT THE DAY TO CORPORATELY INVITE GOD INTO THE SPACE. WHAT WOULD YOU ADD? WHAT VALUE HAVE YOU SEEN?3 PRACTICES FROM BOOK1. Pause: Remove distractions. Breathe—deeply, slowly, and silently (for 30 seconds to 3 minutes). While you pause and breathe, take every thought captive. While you pause and breathe, recollect yourself.2. Psalms: Turn to the Psalm selected for the day in this book's included Psalter guide. Read the Psalm together as a prayer.3. Pray: If you feel led to pray in your own words, choose a word, image, or phrase from the day's Psalm; build your prayer around it, letting it nest in your heart and spill out into your work. Ask God to shape your work and pray for that work that it might be a part of God's Kingdom come.LITURGIES DEFINE EXPLAIN BENEFITS EXPLAIN APPLICATION CHALLENGES FOR IMPLEMENTING THIS MODEL IN AN ORGANIZATION? CATEGORICAL TARGETED PRAYER THAT DIRECTLY ALIGNS WITH A PASSAGE OF SCRIPTURE LITERAL PLUG N PLAY OF BIBLE INTO REAL LIFE SCENARIOS WHAT DOES A WIN LOOK LIKE FOR THIS BOOK?
Send us a textPastor Harlo White delivers the message "How To Have Perfect Faith; The Unrecognized Faith Chapter, Part 2", originally delivered on January 1, 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 STREAM P.O. BOX 4695CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 60680.
“The heart of every problem is a problem with the heart.” Thomas, and sometimes us (when we fall into unbelief) have a heart problem. Ask God to reveal truth so you can move from unbelief to faith. Buy Don't Miss the Power on Amazon
Ask God to search you and forgive any sin in your life
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” – James 1:6 When faced with a health scare, the author Michelle Lazurek found themselves in a place many of us know too well: praying out of desperation, but doubting deep down. Even though the words were spoken, the heart quietly assumed the worst. And yet, God still moved. This powerful reflection reminds us that God welcomes our prayers, even when our faith feels fragile. He wants us to ask—not just for small things, but for everything—and to ask with belief, not hesitation. God is not a genie to grant our wishes, but a loving Father who listens and responds in His perfect timing, for our ultimate good. When we choose to ask boldly and trust deeply, even in uncertain outcomes, our faith grows. And through that faith, we learn to see God not just as a helper in times of crisis, but as our true source of strength, peace, and satisfaction.
In this passageJesus gives us at least three examples of how to silence our critics. First, we should bewilling to confront criticism with bold truth. The Pharisees invited Jesus todinner not to learn but to accuse. They used a suffering man as bait, hoping tocatch Jesus breaking Sabbath laws. Jesus saw through their motives andconfronted them directly, asking, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” Thiswasn't just a question; it was a challenge to their inconsistent beliefs. Theirsilence showed they couldn't answer without exposing their hypocrisy, as theylacked the power to heal, and their rules didn't align with God's heart. Jesussilenced them by speaking truth boldly, rooted in God's priorities. When weface critics, whether at work, home, or in our faith, we can follow Hisexample. Instead of shrinking back, we can answer their questions oraccusations with questions and share the truth that points to God's love andjustice. For example, if someone challenges your generosity, you might calmlyask, “Why should we withhold help when someone's hurting?” Bold truth, spokenwith grace, can shift the conversation and quiet unfair criticism. Second, we can disarm ourcritics with undeniable compassion. The Pharisees thought they had Jesustrapped: heal and break the Sabbath, or ignore the man and seem heartless.Jesus didn't hesitate. He healed the man and sent him safely away, showingcompassion that no one could argue with. Then He pressed further: “Which ofyou, if your ox or son fell into a pit, wouldn't pull them out on the Sabbath?”This exposed their double standard—they'd act for their own interests butcriticized His mercy. Their silence proved His point: compassion reflects God'sheart more than rigid rules. When critics attack us, acts of genuine love canbe our strongest defense. Imagine helping a struggling coworker despite gossipabout your motives. Compassionate actions speak louder than words, makingcriticism look petty. By loving others visibly and selflessly, we can silencedetractors, showing a faith that's impossible to dispute. And third, we can overcometheir criticism with unshakable conviction. Jesus didn't just heal andleave; He justified His actions with logic the Pharisees couldn't refute. Heknew their real issue was His influence, not the Sabbath. By pointing outthey'd save their animals on the Sabbath, He revealed their criticism wasn'tabout principle but envy. Their silence showed they had no comeback. Jesus'conviction in God's truth was unshakable. We face critics who may twist ouractions or question our faith. Like Jesus, we can stand firm, grounded in whatwe know is right. If someone mocks your commitment to prayer or service,respond with confidence in God's call to love and obey. Conviction doesn't needto be loud, especially when it's steady, rooted in faith. When we live withintegrity, critics often run out of arguments, as our lives reflect God's truthmore than their words can counter. Challenge This week, identify asituation where you face criticism, maybe for your faith, choices, or kindness.Instead of arguing or retreating, take one step inspired by Jesus: speak atruthful word with grace, show compassion that can't be ignored, or stand firmin your convictions without wavering. For example, if someone questions yourgenerosity, quietly help someone in need anyway. Ask God for wisdom to respondin a way that honors Him and silences unfair attacks through love and truth. Closing PrayerLord Jesus, thank Youfor showing us how to face critics with truth, compassion, and conviction. Giveus wisdom to respond to opposition with grace and courage. Help us live in away that reflects Your heart, silencing critics through love and faithfulness.Amen. Godbless!
GO DEEPERDay 1 – The Foundation: Christ Alone - Read 1 Cor 3:11Reflect: There is no other foundation strong enough to carry the weight of your soul, your purpose, or your future. Everything else—success, relationships, performance—can shift and shake. But Christ is unchanging.Apply: Spend 5 minutes today asking: “Am I really building my life on Jesus, or just including Him in the blueprint?” Surrender anything you've built on another foundation.Day 2 – The Materials: Truth That Lasts - Read: 2 Tim 3:16–17Reflect: Gold, silver, and costly stones represent the lasting truths of Scripture. Cheap materials like wood and straw may be convenient, but they won't survive testing. God's Word builds lives that endure.Apply: Choose one Scripture to memorize this week. Let it shape how you speak, decide, and respond to life's challenges.Day 3 – The Plans: God's Wisdom Over the World's – Read: James 1:5 & Proverbs 3:5–6Reflect: God invites us to build by His wisdom, not the world's. The world says “be first.” God says “serve.” The world says “protect yourself.” God says “lay down your life.” His plans always lead to lasting fruit.Apply: Before making a decision today—big or small—pause and ask, “God, what's Your wisdom here?”Day 4 – The Motive: For God's Glory - Read: Col 3:23–24Reflect: It's not just what we build—it's why. Even good deeds, if done for applause or control, will not stand. But God sees what's done in love and humility, and He rewards it.Apply: Ask yourself: “Am I doing this to be seen, or to serve?” Let today's work be worship.Day 5 – The Test: What Will Remain? - Read: 1 Cor 3:13-14Reflect: One day, our work will be tested—not for success, but for sincerity and eternal value. This isn't a threat—it's an invitation. God wants us to build something beautiful, something that lasts.Apply: Reflect and journal: What am I building that will matter 100 years from now? Ask God to help you invest your time, energy, and heart into what matters most.
CHRISTIAN LIFE COACH COLLECTIVE- Change Your Life, Start a Coaching Business, Walk in Your Calling
BOUNDARIES BUILT ON FEAR FAIL- In this episode of the Christian Life Coach Collective, we tackle the common belief that setting up strict boundaries before you even begin coaching will protect you from burnout, harm, or difficult clients. While boundaries are essential, many new coaches set limits based on fear—not experience or calling. You'll learn how to discern between protective wisdom and projected fear, and how to build boundaries that serve your purpose, not shrink it. 3 Key Takeaways: Fear-based boundaries can keep you from stepping into what God is calling you to do. Real boundaries are built through experience, not assumptions. Healthy boundaries should grow from your values and purpose—not from projected “what ifs.” Listener Challenge: Take inventory this week: Where have you set boundaries based on fear or imagined scenarios? Ask God to show you what needs to stay, what needs to shift, and what walls can come down so that you can lead and serve in freedom. Grab your FREE list of Coaching Business Resources and a Business Plan Template! Become a Life Coach Figure Out Who to Coach Start Your Online Coaching Business Join the Coaching FB Community —> HERE Find me @coachlauramalone on IG —> HERE Your 5 star review on Apple Podcasts means a ton✨
| Devotional by Kyle Ruud (based on the book “40 Days of Decrease: A Different Kind of Hunger, A Different Kind of Fast” by Alicia Britt Chole) : Day Thirty-one / 40 Days Of Decrease Fast | Today's fast may be a bit of a heavy topic to process. As followers of Christ, we couldn't fathom wanting to intentionally mock our saviour. Because we live in a fallen world, we may not realize that we may be mocking Him without ever realizing it. Ask God to give you discernment and grace as you put this fast into practice.
Send us a textIn uncertain moments, our instinct might be to panic or rush toward an answer. In this episode, April Nicole Scipio explores how pausing in God's presence, praying earnestly, and aligning your heart with His can bring peace in confusion.Main Points:• Be Still: Learn to pause and remember that God is in control (Psalm 46:10).• Pray Before Planning: Bring every worry and request to the Lord for guidance and peace (Philippians 4:6–7).• Renew Your Mind: Align your thoughts with God's will (Romans 12:2).Ask God to highlight any area where you've been rushing ahead. Take a moment each day this week to pause and pray before making decisions.To help you stay accountable to what God is speaking, use the Live Love Lead Journal to write down your prayers, action steps, and reflections. Grab your copy here: https://a.co/d/inhBxwDAre you a Christian woman seeking to integrate your faith with your personal or entrepreneurial journey? Join us for a transformative weekend on a serene property just outside Nashville, TN. Deepen your relationship with God, align your dreams with His divine purpose, and connect with a community of like-minded women. Register for the Dream with God Prophetic Prayer Retreat. You can learn more here: https://www.aprilnicolescipio.com/retreat
Define gaslighting: A psychological tactic used to manipulate someone into doubting their reality, memory, or perception.Why this matters for Christians? God calls us to walk in truth, and deception is a tool of the enemyKey Scripture: John 8:32 – “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”John 8:44 reminds us about the father of lies….You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Questions to think about… Have you ever felt like someone made you question your reality?How did you recognize it?Biblical Examples of Gaslighting The Serpent in the Garden (Genesis 3:1-5)How Satan gaslighted Eve by twisting God's words: “Did God really say…?”Application: Recognizing when someone distorts God's truth to control or deceive. Jacob Deceives his father Isaac to trick him in giving the first born blessing to him (Genesis 27)Application: Manipulation leads to broken trust and division. Pharaoh & the Israelites (Exodus 5:6-9) Pharaoh increases the Israelites' labor but blames them for being lazy. Application: When leaders or people in power gaslight others to maintain control.The Pharisees and Jesus (John 9:24-34) The Pharisees try to gaslight the healed blind man into denying his healing. Application: When religious leaders use authority to suppress truth.Advice - Question to ask in your relationships? Have you ever been pressured to believe a lie despite knowing the truth? How did you respond?How Gaslighting Affects Us Spiritually and Emotionally Creates confusion and doubt (James 1:6-8 – A double-minded person is unstable.) Destroys trust in relationships (Proverbs 12:22 – “The Lord detests lying lips.”)Leads to emotional and spiritual exhaustion (Psalm 55:21 – “His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart.”)Breaks identity and self-worth (Psalm 139:14 – “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”) Reflect: Have you ever felt emotionally or spiritually drained after interactions with a certain person?How to Respond to Gaslighting Biblically Stand firm in God's truth (John 17:17 – “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”) Set boundaries against manipulation (Matthew 7:6 – “Do not give dogs what is sacred.”) Seek wise counsel (Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no guidance, people fall.”) Pray for discernment (1 John 4:1 – “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”) If needed, walk away (Luke 4:28-30 – Jesus left when people rejected the truth.)Challenge - • Identify one situation where you need to stand firm in truth. • Ask God for wisdom to set healthy boundaries.God is a God of truth, not confusion (2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.”) • Share this episode with someone who may need encouragement.https://rocksolidfamilies.orgSupport the show#Rocksolidfamilies, #familytherapy, #marriagecounseling, #parenting, #faithbasedcounseling, #counseling, #Strongdads, #coaching, #lifecoach, #lifecoaching, #marriagecoaching, #marriageandfamily, #control, #security, #respect, #affection, #love, #purpose, #faith, #affairs, #infidelity
Send us a textPastor Harlo White delivers the message "How To Have Perfect Faith; The Unrecognized Faith Chapter, Part 1", originally delivered on January 1, 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 STREAM P.O. BOX 4695CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 60680.
Luke 11:8, where Jesus teaches us about the power of persistent prayer and the importance of approaching God with shameless audacity. Reflecting on personal experiences, we discuss how our early prayer lives can sometimes feel transactional—like using God as a vending machine. As we grow in faith, we learn that God desires a deeper relationship with us, encouraging us to ask not only for our needs but also for the big desires hidden in our hearts. We share a testimony of how boldly asking God for a writing opportunity led to unexpected blessings, illustrating His goodness and generosity. We’ll also touch on the balance between desire and contentment, reminding ourselves that while God wants us to ask for good gifts, we must trust in His sovereign will, even when the answer is no. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What is one thing you want to ask God for but are too afraid to? How can you take a step to increase your faith in asking? Share your thoughts with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s encourage each other as we grow in our prayer lives!
Scripture References: Matthew 4:23-25; Luke 9:1-2; Luke 10:1-9, 17; Matthew 28:18-20Introduction: Welcome to this week's sermon! Today, we hear from guest speaker Scott, who served with his family in North India for over 20 years. Scott shares his personal journey from a background skeptical of supernatural gifts to embracing the power of the Holy Spirit in evangelism. He begins with his own testimony: finding purpose and joy in Christ at 17 after a period of loneliness and depression, sparking a passion to share Jesus. He challenges us: do you have a story?Key Points:Early Encounters: Despite a conservative background, Scott soon experienced God's voice and words of knowledge for strangers, leading to ministry. This sparked his passion for evangelism.Missions & Need for Power: Called to India's unreached, training highlighted "Church Planting Movements" fueled by "signs and wonders." Initially hesitant, Scott saw the need.Power of Demonstration: A key moment: praying for a sick child whose mother had heard the gospel message repeatedly without response. After the child's miraculous healing, the mother declared, "I know your God is powerful," and followed Jesus. Proclamation plus demonstration was key. (80-90% of local conversions involved supernatural encounters).Biblical Mandate for All: Scripture shows this power isn't limited: Jesus proclaimed, healed, delivered (Matt 4).He gave the 12 authority to do the same (Luke 9).He sent the 72 with the same commission (Luke 10) – not just apostles.The Great Commission (Matt 28) gives all disciples authority, empowered by the Spirit, to teach obedience to all Jesus commanded.Stepping Out Everywhere: Scott saw God work through prayer for healing/needs in India, the US, and the UK – proving it's not just for "over there." God works powerfully through willing believers anywhere. The fields are ripe here. Conclusion: Jesus commissions all His followers to both proclaim the gospel message and demonstrate its power through healing, deliverance, and other gifts of the Spirit. This isn't just for missionaries or pastors; it's for you and me, empowered by the Holy Spirit. People in our communities are hurting and waiting for an encounter with God's love and power. God is ready to work through ordinary believers who are willing to step out in faith.Call to Action: Let's respond to this message. Are you feeling stirred towards greater boldness, a call to take risks for the Kingdom? Ask God for compassion that overcomes fear. Pray for eyes to see the needs He wants you to meet and the people He wants you to engage. Ask for discernment. This week, intentionally look for an opportunity to share about Jesus and an opportunity to pray for someone's need, expecting God to move. Trust that He is with you and wants to demonstrate His power through you. Holy Spirit, come upon us with boldness! Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
Feeling Abandoned by God? Here's What to Do.Have you ever felt like God left you hanging? Like you're lost, staring at a gray screen with no directions? In this episode, we get real about what it feels like when God seems absent. We'll dig into scripture, where even Jesus felt abandoned by God on the cross. And we'll explore practical steps for responding to that feeling.When you feel like God is nowhere to be found, here's how to respond:✅ Remember He's still with you.✅ Turn your “Why, God?” into “What, God?”✅ Ask God, “What do you want to do through me?”This conversation is for anyone feeling hurt, lost, or struggling to see God's hand in their life. Because while your pain is real, so is His presence. Let's walk through this together.
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APR. 2, 2025Be real."People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1Sa 16:7 NLTJesus was rough on Pharisees: "People look at you and think you are saints, but beneath... you are total frauds" (Mt 23:28 MSG). They put on a good front but were devoid of grace, mercy, and compassion. And Jesus called them on it! Because we live in an appearance-focused society, Jesus warns us about the dangers that come from dwelling on the outer life at the cost of developing the inner life. So, how do you keep that from happening? (1) Follow Jesus' example. He spent His life ministering to the hurting, the forgotten, the lost, and lonely. (2) Keep in mind that even though you're a Christian, you will still struggle in certain areas, and don't try to act like you "have it all together." (3) Ask God to reveal behavior patterns that are appearance oriented instead of heart oriented. (4) Surround yourself with transparent people who encourage you to be real and correct you when you need it. Marybeth Whalen writes: "The painters painted the wall leading downstairs...A week later I discovered, while the wall had been repainted, the habits hadn't changed. The kids were still dragging their dirty hands behind them, making what was white and clean, grey, and dirty. Like that wall, if I'm not careful I can cover up what's there... wear the Christian tee shirt, carry my Bible, smile like everything's great, and talk a good game about my walk with the Lord. But deep inside the ugly habits are waiting to be revealed the moment life gets messy. I can become a modern-day Pharisee who focuses on the whitewash and ignores the dirty stuff underneath." So, be real.Be realDon't try to act like you "have it all together."Share This DevotionalSend us a textSupport the showChanging Lives | Building Strong Family | Impacting Our Community For Jesus Christ!
Be Bold & Do the Works Jesus Did!John 14:12-13 “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. it is one that I read, and when I heard it, I immediately believed it. Some verses are like this in the Bible. When you read the Bible, some things are easy to take in, and others are difficult. These easy and difficult things are different for everyone. We all have different experiences when we read the Bible because we have all had different experiences throughout our lives. There is a quote by Steven R. Covey that I really like. Steven R. Covey said, “We see the world, not as it is, but as we are.” This is true for the Bible as well. We look at and interpret the things we read in the Bible with our own unique lens. For instance, if we had people letting us down our whole lives, we may read the parts of the Bible that talk about trust and struggle to believe we can trust God because we haven't been able to trust anyone on earth. If we have grown up in a very unloving environment, we may struggle with the parts of the Bible that talk about unconditional love. Other things may come easier to us. For me, I instantly loved this verse. I know the Bible is God's Word and that God chose His words very carefully. Sometimes, when we are reading the Bible, there may be a question in our minds about why they used this word vs. that word. One thing I have learned from doing Bible studies is that there is always a reason why certain words were chosen. Also, if you have done Bible studies, you have had the benefit of hearing all about the original Greek or Hebrew words that were used in the original translation and what those words meant. Sometimes, when translated, we don't have an exact word to mean what they were saying. I find Bible studies fascinating because you gain so much more insight into what the verses are really saying. Anyway, back to the verse. I heard this verse or read this verse, and I believed Jesus' word to us. I have never really been one to struggle with trust. I grew up in a loving family; I had great friends growing up, I am blessed to be able to say I was not let down by those I know and cared about often growing up. Therefore, I trust them pretty easily.But what if you don't trust easily? What if you look at that verse and say there is no way we could perform the works Jesus did? Jesus was God; of course, He performed miracles. Also, the apostles were right there with Him for 3 years during His ministry. Of course, they could do miracles too. We can all usually agree that Jesus did miracles when He walked the earth, and we can also usually agree that the apostles were sent out, and they performed miracles, too. We run into trouble by trying to believe we can do signs and wonders in today's world. Who are we? We are not holy enough; we are not worthy of that power and authority. I agree with both of those statements and yet Jesus still says we will do the works that He did and even greater works than He did. How is this possible?It is possible through the Holy Spirit. Did you ever realize or notice that no single miracle was recorded in the Gospels before Jesus was baptized? Jesus was fully human and fully God the entire time He walked the earth. There was nothing stopping Jesus from performing miracles during the first 30 years of His life. However, He chose to wait until after He was baptized and received the Holy Spirit to start performing miracles. This is something I recently found out and found fascinating. It was unsurprising to me that Jesus did miracles in the Bible; he is God, after all. I didn't know that Jesus didn't use his divinity to perform miracles. He used the Holy Spirit, working through Him to perform the miracles. He chose to put his divinity aside and act from his human nature, with the help of the Holy Spirit, because it would be greater glory for God. St. Lawrence of Brindisi explains it like this:"Christ came into the world to do battle against Satan, to do away with idolatry, and to turn the world to faith and piety and the worship of the true God. He could have accomplished this by using the weapons of his might and coming as he will come to judge, in glory and majesty… But in order that his victory might be the more glorious, he willed to fight Satan in our weak flesh. It is as if an unarmed man, right-hand bound, were to fight with his left hand alone against a powerful enemy; if he emerged victorious, his victory would be regarded as all the more glorious. So Christ conquered Satan with the right hand of his divinity bound, and used against him only the left hand of his weak humanity.”Is this new to you, too? Did you know that God performed these miracles and defeated satan without using his divinity? He relied on the power of the Holy Spirit working through Him. Do you know why this changes everything? It changes everything because Jesus also gave us the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. If you are baptized, then you will have the Holy Spirit living inside of you. If you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you, then you have the power to defeat Satan and to perform works as Jesus did. Another one of my favorite verses is Romans 8:11: “ The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you…” I wish we all knew how much power we actually have inside our frail human bodies.This verse can be scary to many people. Wait, if I can perform works like Jesus did, does that mean I have to travel worldwide and be a missionary like the disciples were? No, you don't have to travel anywhere if you don't feel called to do that. They talked about ministering to your sphere of influence in my class. You can start small. Be an example to your family, your friends, and your co-workers. Let's read the verse again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”If you could believe and adopt this verse as your own personal truth, how much greater would your life be? How great would it be to do works like Jesus did? How great would it be to be able to heal a loved one? Did you know there are people doing this every day? Did you know there are lots of people who have read this verse, decided to believe it, and are now living out a supernatural lifestyle with the power of the Holy Spirit? The last line of the verse says, “If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.” How awesome of a promise is that? God has so much more for us, and we aren't asking for it. We aren't going to God to ask Him what He has for us. Why are we choosing to live a normal life when God is offering us a supernatural one of signs and wonders? You might be thinking, that is great for you, Catherine. I am glad you believe this verse, and you want that life, but I am happy with mine as is. If this is what you are thinking, I challenge you over this next week or so to bring this to prayer. I challenge you to be brave enough to talk to God about it. Tell Him how you feel about this verse and ask Him if He has anything to say to you about it. When we do signs and wonders, we build up people's faith. Don't you think this world needs some faith-building right now? Look at the day of Pentecost; 3,000 were baptized on that day. I know this verse can be scary. I know the thought of us healing or performing miracles is strange to most of us. I know it is way outside of our comfort zone. I also know God is calling us all to it. I also know that this world needs people willing to step outside their comfort zone. God needs people who will step out in faith, knowing they have the Holy Spirit inside them and that He will guide them. If this verse is something that you struggle with, write it down and look at it often over the next month. Bring it to God and ask Him to show you how this applies to your life. Ask God what He wants you to do with this verse. Be brave and bold. If you ask the Holy Spirit for help, He will help you. Just start small. Step out in faith and ask a loved one if they want you to pray for them. If you spend time with God, He will guide you on this journey. He will lead you to where you need to go. We must be brave enough to say three small words, “Use me, Lord.” Can you be brave enough to say those words? Can we be Christ's hands and feet here on earth? Remember, we have a good, good Father. He is going to ease you into this lifestyle. He will meet you where you are and build your faith along the way. Trust Him and give Him permission to work in your life; give Him permission to use you, and He will. Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening to this episode today. Lord, we ask you to send your angels to prepare the way for everyone listening to hear this message today. We pray you give us the courage to believe this verse and to step out in faith, knowing you have given us the power of the Holy Spirit to help us do your work here on earth. Lord, the world needs you more than ever, and if we can bring you to others, please show us how. Show us what you want each of us to do. Reveal to us what this verse means for each of us in our lives. We love you, Lord; you are incredible. We are so grateful you gave us the Holy Spirit. Lord, you are the almighty one, the king of kings and the Lord of Lords. You are the light of the world. We ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name. Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. I look forward to spending time with you again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do I. Have a blessed weekend!Today's Word from the Lord was received in September 2024 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, “When I told you to walk the extra mile with the soldiers, their sacred duty was to only have a person walk a mile. If you walk another mile, they don't know what to do. It throws them off their game. Respond in love, and they will not know what to do, except understand where my word is coming and the special gifts that I have given to you.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace
Welcome to the Grace in Focus podcast. Bob Wilkin and David Renfro are answering a question about God's presence with us. If He has promised to be with us always, and if we have the Holy Spirit permanently indwelling us, why do we sometimes pray for God to be with us? Is it Okay to
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." -John 14:27 1. Ask God for what you want and need. 2. Seek counsel from wise people. 3. Trust in God and take action if needed. 4. Meditate on God's word—day and night! 5. Give thanks in all circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Holistically Healthy Woman: 4 Steps to Move Away from Modern Medicine for Christians www.herholistichealing.com/free Free Community www.facebook.com/groups/herholistichealing Book (Discover God's Health Wisdom: Exposing 8 Common Myths That Keep You Sick) www.herholistichealing.com/book Holistic Health Coaching www.herholistichealing.com/coaching Website www.herholistichealing.com E-mail hello@herholistichealing.com This content is not meant to be personal medical advice.
Mollie joins the podcast to talk about an insight God has been giving her about control vs. being in charge. Mollie, a mother of two boys, and the oldest Manning kid - reflects on a thought-provoking question she received from her church: "Where are you allowing the Holy Spirit to be in charge in your life?" She shares that she loves to be in charge, a trait shaped by being the oldest in the Manning Fam. Mollie is used to taking the lead and often finds comfort in knowing the vision and direction of where she is going. This strong inclination toward control can sometimes clash with the idea of surrendering to God's will. Highlights from the podcast: Questions to ask God when it comes to control vs. being in charge of certain aspects of your life Gifts from God are to be used to His glory/purpose/vision - but how? How do we live "in charge" and aligned with God's plan for your family Releasing it to God.... and then.... ask God what is "just right" Favor and honor of leading with God without all the pressure of knowing where to go/what to do all the time (God is in control, you aren't!) Crazy Cool Challenge: Make a list of things Holy Spirit wants you to release to Him AND what He wants you to own/carry. Ask God what gifts He has given you and to wash them clean, AND to give them back to use for HIS glory!! Proverbs 3:5-6 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Podcast Resources: Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family! Follow us on social media! Join the Daily Email Give us a review!
If you've ever found yourself constantly giving, endlessly fixing, or pouring into others while secretly feeling empty inside… this message is for you. Today, we're uncovering a truth that every codependent heart needs to hear: the path to healing doesn't start with doing more—it begins with learning how to receive. And not just from anyone… but from God Himself. In this episode of Conquering Codependency God's Way, we'll explore why receiving God's comfort is one of the most vital, yet most resisted, steps in the healing journey. You'll learn how to stop reaching for people to soothe your soul—and start letting the Father truly restore you from the inside out. Video Series: Why Grieving Is the Key to Healing from Codependency https://youtu.be/60yG1twbpjk Codependency & Deception: Why Love-Bombing Feels Good but Leaves You Empty https://youtu.be/0qAb8nah7aY Discover God's Strategy to Overcome Codependency https://youtu.be/cXl1cJf8GUc Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment if this episode resonates with you! For more information/resources check out the links below: ⇨ Visit the Treasured Ministries Website: https://treasuredministries.com/ ⇨ Join the Treasured Tribe https://treasuredtribe.com/ ⇨ Sign up for our FREE newsletter and get inspiration for your faith journey https://treasuredministries.activehosted.com/f/21 ⇨ Donate: https://treasuredministries.com/donate/ ⇨ Sign up for our annual retreat at https://treasuredministries.com/retreat/ 00:00 – Why Receiving God's Comfort Matters 00:38 – Welcome to Conquering Codependency God's Way 01:18 – Why It's Hard to Receive God's Comfort 02:02 – Our Old Patterns of Comfort 03:32 – The Guilt That Keeps Us from Receiving 05:00 – Why We Resist the Role of Receiver 06:36 – The World's Love vs. God's Love 07:21 – Why We Must Run to God, Not People 08:01 – Jesus Understands Our Pain 08:45 – Building Confidence Through God's Comfort 09:32 – Why God Must Be Our First Source of Comfort 10:11 – Jacob & Esau: A Biblical Example 12:11 – God's Covenant as Our Comfort 13:27 – Jesus Opens the Door to Receive 14:07 – You Do Need Comfort—And God Has It 15:18 – Understanding God's Promises 16:43 – Earthly Comfort vs. Eternal Satisfaction 18:08 – God Is With You—Always 18:50 – 3 Ways to Practice Receiving God's Comfort 19:30 – #1: Pray and Ask God for Comfort 20:49 – #2: Write a Letter to Process Loss 22:11 – #3: Ask for a Visual Reminder of God's Faithfulness 24:11 – Final Encouragement: Let God Comfort You 24:59 – Support Treasured Ministries _____________________ Treasured Ministries provides discipleship, biblical resources, and community for women so they can exchange codependency for God dependency and thrive. For more information visit https://treasuredministries.com This channel shares my personal journey of overcoming codependency through faith. I'm someone sharing what worked for me. My experiences are not a substitute for professional help. If you're struggling with codependency, please seek guidance from a qualified professional. Conquer Codependency is brought to you by Treasured Ministries. As a 100% listener-supported ministry, we invite you to stand with us to keep this message of hope and healing going to help every woman live in freedom as God intended. Visit TreasuredMinistries.com to learn more, donate and partner with us today! Thanks for your support. ______________________ Aliene Thompson is the president of Treasured Ministries International, the creator of the Nourish Bible Study Method, and the founder of the Treasured Tribe, an online Christian community for women. Her popular series on YouTube, “Conquering Codependency God's Way”, helps women worldwide move from codependency to God dependency so they can live in freedom as God intended. #codependence #codependency #conqueringcodependency #conquercodependency
Grab your Bible, a pencil, and a cup of coffee – Dot and Cara are diving into 1 Peter 4 this week! In this conversation, they discuss the challenge of truly resting in God's love, rather than trying to earn it or even trying to understand it. Tune in for an honest discussion about embracing God's unconditional love, even when it's hard to feel.Got a question about today's episode or something else you'd like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! Episode recap:Start by writing down 1 Peter 4:11-12 (0:13)Pain has a way of blinding us to feeling loved and valued (5:01)Peter understood God's love is not something we earn – it's a gift we receive (12:50)If you trusted God loved you, would you worry so much about outcomes? (18:04)We rob ourselves of God's love when we reduce love to “doing” (24:58)Feeling unworthy doesn't change the truth that God loves us unconditionally (25:25)We reduce God's love to our capacity to understand it (27:21)Love covers a multitude of sins doesn't mean excusing harmful behavior (28:04)God's love is rooted in His character, not our actions (34:40)Ask God, do I really grasp how much you love me? (38:40)Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at hello@dotbowen.com.Watch Write this Down! on YouTubeFind Dot Bowen on Instagram and Facebook Scripture Verse: 1 Peter 4:11-12 (ESV) “whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”
Embracing Emotional Confidence to Manage Emotions Managing emotions is an essential skill. Whether dealing with fear, anxiety, stress, or the everyday ups and downs, understanding how to navigate your emotions is crucial. Learning to build emotional confidence and manage emotions is essential for mental and emotional well-being. Your Emotions Manifesting Physically in Your Body The brain, the mind, body, and spirit are so interwoven. There are physical manifestations of not taking care of yourself that can lead to both acute and chronic illness. Acknowledge: The First Step to Emotional Confidence The journey to managing emotions begins with acknowledgment. It involves understanding why you feel a certain way and accepting those feelings. This step is leaning into God's compassion and recognizing that emotions are a natural response to life's events. By acknowledging emotions, we create space for self-compassion and begin the process of healing and growth. Discern: Separating Fact from Fiction Once you acknowledge your emotions, the next step towards emotional confidence is to discern. You're saying it's true that… but it's not true that… Ask God for clarity in discerning what is reality and what is not. Decide: Taking Action Toward Emotional Mastery The final step is to decide how to proceed. This decision-making process involves determining what action to take once you have clarity. It's about choosing a path aligned with your values and the truth, rather than being driven by emotional reactivity. This step also includes inviting God's courage to help you stay on the path He has laid out for you while focusing on your mindset and not returning to fear and anxiety. Having a strong identity in Christ and leaning on Him as you work to build emotional confidence and manage emotions. Building a Routine for Emotional Resilience Cultivating emotional confidence is an ongoing practice. It requires patience, regularity, and a willingness to act. You must be willing to take action. Being in the right mindset to take action Your body needs to be in the right state to logically process before you can begin the A, D, and D steps. The nervous system has two different phases: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic. When you are in the sympathetic phase, that is, your fight or flight mode, you cannot effectively use your executive functioning or decision-making skills. The Parasympathetic phase is your rest and digest phase, where you want to be to logically process and use the A, D, and D steps. About Alicia Michelle Alicia Michelle is an ICF-Certified Coach (ACC, CPLC) and certified NeuroCoach™, passionate about helping Christian women learn practical, brain-based-and-biblically-accurate tools to confidently manage everyday emotions and overcome toxic patterns like perfectionism, performance, comparison, people-pleasing and more! Website for Alicia Michelle Alicia Michelle's Book: Emotional Confidence: 3 Simple Steps to Manage Emotions with Science and Scripture Additional Resources Download the eBook A guide for alleviating anxiety and developing healthy habits for a healthy mind Access all links and full shownotes
Share with us what you think about UncommonTEEN! I do read your fanmail, but can't message you back! Chat with me at UncommonTEEN.com!“I don't care. I just don't care. It's not that I don't want to care. I just lack any motivation. When it comes to reading the Bible, I want to read it, but I just don't. I can't even tell you the last time I opened my Bible on my own if I have ever read it on my own. When it comes to praying, I tend to forget. I just don't think about it. When it comes to church, I like hanging around my friends. I'd rather talk to them than listen to the pastor.” This is a hypothetical conversation but working with teens for over the past 25 years, this is something I hear and see more often than not. There are teens who I know who have gone to church their whole lives, their parents are in ministry and care nothing about God. It isn't that they are pushing back against God, they just don't care. They serve doing things that seem fun, but when asked if they will help in other areas, they roll their eyes and walk away. They have lost their desire to share the love of Jesus with others. The definition of spiritual apathy is a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern about your relationship with God. You couldn't care less. The definition of complacency is being satisfied with where you currently are in your relationship with God. You don't desire to grow, but you're just okay. I As Christians, we all have to fight apathy and complacency from time to time. I would be lying if I said that I never had to fight it. There are times when other things get my attention, and I have to fight those feelings. Here's how to overcome spiritual apathy and complacency.Change your perspective. Reading your Bible, praying, going to church, serving…those aren't something that you have to do…they are something that we get to do. Push past your feelings. Ask God to help you. Ask Him to give you a desire to want to serve Him. Start small. First 15.Find a friend or a youth leader who will hold you accountable. Become part of something bigger than yourself! Ladies, we have some exciting news! The SOAR Community is now FREE!! All you have to do to see if SOAR is right for you is grab your parents, tell them why you are excited about SOAR, and while you still have them with you, go to uncommonteen.com/coaching and click on the application under SOAR and fill it out! **There are limited spots available. ***At this time, SOAR is only open to teen girls 13-17 in the United States. You are beautiful! You are valuable!Your beauty and your value don't change, Even if someone fails to seeHow incredible God made you!Don't forget to head on over to uncommonTEEN.com/coaching and fill our your SOAR Application today!The UncommonTEEN App is still in review on both the Apple Store and the Google Play Store! It looks like Google is going to take a bit longer, but the Apple App should be coming very soon!To ask questions for an upcoming podcast episode or if you need prayer, go to UncommonTEEN.com.For the Ask Me Anything Questions, click on the RED BUTTON at the top of the screen. These questions may used on a future episode of the UncommonTEEN Podcast!For any prayer requests or more personal questions, click on the YELLOW CHAT TAB at the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. These will not be used on the podcast. Connect with Us!Website: UncommonTEEN.comInstagram: @uncommon.teen
Seasons By the Well: Advent and Lent Reflection and Meditation
Monday, March 31, 2025Episode 27: Follow His FootstepsIntroduction:I invite you to reflect on the intimate connection between service and discipleship with Jesus. Join me as I guide you through a moment of spiritual reflection and growth.Scripture Reading:John 12:26Meditation:Find a quiet space free from distractions and focus on your breathing, inviting the presence of God, centering your hearts to hear God's word.Reflection Prompts:1. Consider the ways in which you are currently serving the Lord in your life. How can you deepen your commitment to Him and His kingdom?2. Reflect on the example of Jesus' servant leadership. How can you emulate His humility and selflessness in your own interactions with others?3. Think about the areas of your life where you may be called to step out in faith and serve in new ways. Ask God to reveal His will to you and give you the courage to obey.I invite you to join me daily in this sacred journey of Lent. I encourage you to embrace the transformative power of God's grace in your life.The best way you can support this podcast is by taking a few moments to RATE & REVIEW on your podcast app. This will ensure this podcast is visible to more listeners.Also, if you desire additional faithful inspiration beyond this podcast, follow me on Instagram @_bythewell. There, we can continue our journey together, sharing reflections, thoughts, and moments of spiritual connection.https://www.instagram.com/_bythewell/Note: Each episode of "Seasons By the Well: Lenten Reflections and Meditations" will follow a similar format, providing daily reflections, guided meditations, and opportunities for personal growth throughout the Lenten season.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:26, 2:1-3, 2:15; Romans 12:2; 1 Timothy 1:12-16; 2 Kings 5; John 15Intro: Welcome! This sermon continues our "Word and Deed" series, exploring identity and purpose. We previously discussed being witnesses with our words; today, we focus on being witnesses at work. Since the average person spends about 90,000 hours—a third of their life—at work, it presents a vast opportunity. Let's reframe work through God's lens, understanding its divine origin and purpose, so our actions and attitudes align with His Word, creating a powerful testimony.Key Points:Work's Divine Origin & Purpose (Gen 1-2): Work existed before the Fall. God Himself worked (Hebrew: malaka - skilled, masterful work) in creation. Work isn't a curse, though sin brought frustration to it. God designed us in His image to work—to cultivate, care, create, and bring order (Gen 1:26, 2:15). This gives inherent dignity to all forms of labor, from the boardroom to the restroom.Reflecting God's Character (1 Tim 1:12-16): Our workplace is a stage where God displays His perfect patience and overflowing grace through us, just as He did through Paul. How we handle failure, admit mistakes, and offer apologies speaks volumes about the God we serve. We live by grace daily.Planting Kingdom Seeds (John 15): Jesus calls us to abide in Him and bear fruit. This fruit contains the "seeds" of the Kingdom. Through our consistent character, integrity, and care at work, we scatter these seeds daily. It's often a long game, subtly influencing the environment and people around us.Moments of Boldness & Transformation (2 Kings 5): Alongside seed-planting, God creates "transplanting" moments—opportunities for dramatic change, like Naaman's healing prompted by the captive Israelite girl. She saw past Naaman's position and illness to his need, showing compassion and courageous boldness rooted in her faith narrative. A renewed mind (Rom 12:2) helps us see people as God does.Humility & Vulnerability (2 Kings 5): Naaman initially resisted healing because the method seemed foolish and required humility. Pride can prevent us from receiving God's help or admitting need. True strength lies in vulnerability, knowing our identity is secure in Christ, not our performance or position.Conclusion: Work is not separate from our faith; it's a primary context for living it out. We have the opportunity to reflect God's character, plant seeds of the Kingdom through consistent faithfulness, and be ready for moments requiring bold compassion. Our security in Christ frees us to work with dignity, humility, and purpose.Call to Action: Reflect on your work life: What kind of "seeds" are you planting through your actions and attitudes? Is pride hindering you from vulnerability or acknowledging need, like Naaman initially? Ask God to renew your mind, give you compassion for coworkers (even difficult ones, like the slave girl had), and empower you to be His witness. Embrace humility; don't despise simple acts of obedience or seeking prayer for healing or help. Be part of God's work in the 170 million-strong US workforce. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
God is good no matter the circumstance. So good He wants you to ask Him for rain in this season we are in. I want to encourage you with His written word: to keep believing, keep trusting and keep contending for all He's declared over your life. It's not about will God do it, but telling God this is what you said you would do. Trust Him in those moments of uncertainties and live by faith in spite of what you can't understand. Just know He loves you, is with you and will not fail to keep you in His perfect will in your life. For more of this encouragement, press play! Meditated scriptures: Zechariah 10:1, Psalm 90:17 & Isaiah 6:9. Suggested scriptures to read and meditate on this weekend and in this season, as we get ready to enter Q2, Matthew 6, Psalm 139, Ephesians 2 , Jeremiah 33. This year we are praying more people would hear such messages, to be stirred to read God's word to live the life He always destined them to live, including having the right spouse and marriage He desired for them to have. If you enjoyed our series, “ Daring & Marriage Prerequisites., you don't want to miss our live session this year, “ Kingdom Relationships 2.0.” We'd love to meet you and exhort you in person. Subscribe to our site for updates!
I know when we're struggling in life sometimes the first thing that comes up is doubts about God or our relationship with him. I get it! Today we're talking to author Niki Hardy–she recently wrote “God Can We Chat” – a conversation about doubts and how that can lead us to grow closer to God. -
Bible Reading: Psalm 107:8-9; Hebrews 5:12-14"Why does Pastor Evans have to preach such long sermons?" grumbled Jasper on the way home from church. "It's always so boring!""I actually wished Pastor Evans hadn't quit so soon," said Dad. "He helped me understand some verses that had been hard for me to grasp before.""Well, my Sunday school class is always really boring too," added Jasper."My class isn't boring," said his sister Karis. "Today we talked about the Israelites in the wilderness and learned a new song. What was your class about?"Jasper shrugged. "I don't know--I wasn't really paying attention."After lunch, Jasper put some scraps in the cat's food dish. "Come here, Mac! Look what I've got for you." The cat walked to the dish, sniffed the food, and walked away with his tail held high. Jasper shook his head. "That cat has no idea what's good," he muttered. Karis was standing at the window, looking out. "Come see the baby birds in their nest! The mother bird brought food for them, and they all have their mouths wide open!"Jasper went to look. "Well, they're way smarter than Mac. He wouldn't even taste the food I offered him.""I guess he's not hungry," said Karis."Grandma always says he's just finicky--choosy about his food. I'm sure he'd like what I gave him if he'd try it, but he won't."Mom walked up behind them. "That's probably why you were bored at church today while the rest of us got a lot out of it.""I was bored because Mac won't eat?" asked Jasper. "What do you mean?""What I mean is that, like the baby birds, we were hungry--we had hungry hearts. They were open and eager to hear from Jesus as we listened to see what spiritual food He was offering through our pastor and Sunday school teachers. But like Mac, you wouldn't even try it. You expected to be bored, so you didn't even bother listening and thinking about what was being said." Mom placed a hand on Jasper's shoulder. "Next time, how about really listening? Think about the lessons and how they apply to your life. Ask God to give you a hungry heart with an appetite for spiritual food."–Mary Rose Pearson How About You?When you read your Bible or go to church, is your heart open to learning what God wants to say to you? Or do you just count the minutes until it's over? Jesus wants to fill your heart with good spiritual food from His Word and remind you of His love and promises. But that can't happen if you close yourself off and refuse to listen. Trust Him to open your heart to His Word so He can nourish your soul.Today's Key Verse:Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. (NKJV) (Matthew 5:6)Today's Key Thought:Open your heart to God's Word
When we invest our hard-earned money, we naturally seek a financial return—but could there be other rewards as well?Faith-based investing offers more than just financial gains. Today, Finny Kuruvilla joins us to explore the deeper impact of aligning our investments with our values.Dr. Finny Kuruvilla serves as a Co-Chief Investment Officer, Senior Portfolio Manager, and founding member of Eventide Asset Management, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. He holds an M.D. from Harvard Medical School, a Ph.D. in Chemistry and Chemical Biology from Harvard University, a master's degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT, and a bachelor's degree from Caltech in Chemistry.Common Objections to Faith-Based InvestingIndeed, Christians might have different views on some of these, but here are three of the most common that Finny hears consistently:Objection 1: “I'm not responsible for the actions of the companies I invest in.”Many investors assume that purchasing stocks or mutual funds does not connect them to a company's actions. However, investing is ownership. When you purchase shares in a company—whether publicly traded or private—you become a partial owner.If you owned a small business and that business engaged in unethical practices, it would reflect on you. The same principle applies to publicly traded companies. As shareholders, we are tied to the actions and values of the companies we invest in.Objection 2: “What difference can I make? These companies are too big.”Some argue that individual investors cannot influence large corporations. However, history shows that even a small percentage of engaged investors can shape corporate values—just like voting in an election, where small margins can determine the outcome.Through shareholder engagement, faith-driven investors can influence corporate decision-making. Large companies respond to shareholder resolutions, and when values-aligned investors unite, they can steer businesses toward ethical practices.Objection 3: “Faith-based investing means I'll underperform financially.”A common concern is that limiting investment choices to faith-aligned companies will lead to lower returns. However, research suggests otherwise.Companies with strong ethical foundations—those that treat employees well, operate with integrity, and provide valuable goods and services—tend to outperform over the long term. Businesses that exploit customers or employees may see short-term gains but often struggle in the long run. Faith-based investing is not just morally sound—it's also financially strategic.The Three Benefits of Faith-Based Investing 1. Integrity: Investing with a Clear ConscienceThe foundation of faith-based investing is the principle of loving our neighbor. Jesus taught us to treat others as we want to be treated (Luke 6:31), and this applies to business and investing as well.Proverbs 1 warns against pursuing “ill-gotten gain,” or wealth that exploits others. Many mainstream funds include companies engaged in tobacco, gambling, and unethical labor practices.Investing with integrity means choosing companies that:Provide valuable goods and servicesTreat employees fairlyOperate with transparency and ethical leadershipBusiness should be about supplying goods and services—not exploiting people. Faith-based investing ensures that we support businesses that contribute to human flourishing.2. Impact: The Power of Faith-Driven InvestorsOne of the most compelling reasons for faith-based investing is the ability to make a real impact. History provides powerful examples of how Christian investors have shaped industries and social policies.A notable case is the role of Christian investors in ending apartheid in South Africa. In the 1970s, a group of faith-driven investors partnered with Reverend Leon Sullivan to pressure corporations like Ford and General Motors to implement anti-apartheid policies within their workplaces. These shareholder resolutions sparked a domino effect, leading other companies to follow suit.This example demonstrates that investors—when united and strategic—can drive significant cultural and ethical change. Today, faith-driven investors have opportunities to:Encourage companies to uphold biblical values in business operationsAvoid investing in industries that profit from addiction, exploitation, or human sufferingPromote corporate social responsibility by engaging in shareholder activism3. Performance: Ethical Investing Can Lead to Strong ReturnsMany assume that avoiding certain industries—such as gambling, pornography, or companies that oppose Christian values—means sacrificing returns. However, data suggests that companies with strong ethical principles actually perform better over time.Most investors define total return as:Share price return + dividend returnHowever, a biblical perspective expands total return to include:Financial return + integrity + impactInvesting in companies that operate with integrity and long-term vision leads to sustainable growth and reduced risk. Ethical companies that treat employees well, focus on quality products, and manage resources wisely often outperform businesses prioritizing short-term profits over long-term stability.How to Get Started with Faith-Based InvestingFor many believers, the idea of faith-aligned investing is a brand-new concept. They strive to honor God in spending, giving, and career choices, but they haven't considered how their investments align with their faith.Here's how to begin:Use screening tools—Many financial platforms provide tools to evaluate how investments align with Christian values. Work with faith-driven investment professionals—Christian financial advisors and fund managers can guide you toward biblically responsible portfolios. You can find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) when you go to FaithFi.com and click "Find a Professional." Explore faith-based funds—Several firms specialize in faith-aligned investments. Eventide is one of many great options available. To find a complete list of faith-based investment funds and companies, visit faithandinvesting.com/faithfi. Pray for wisdom—Ask God to guide your financial decisions, ensuring that your investments honor Him and advance His kingdom.Faith-based investing is more than a financial strategy—it's a movement. As more believers align their financial decisions with their faith, they contribute to a marketplace that reflects God's heart for justice, integrity, and human flourishing.When investors choose integrity, prioritize impact, and trust that God honors ethical investing, they participate in kingdom work that extends beyond their own lifetime.If you're ready to take the next step, learn more at EventideFunds.com. Faith-based investing isn't just about returns—it's about stewardship that glorifies God and blesses others.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My wife and I inherited a house from a family member, and it's out of state. We would like to keep it and use it for friends and family, but we don't want to rent it out. What are your thoughts on this situation?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineEventide Asset ManagementWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.
Believers Voice of Victory Audio Broadcast for 03/25/2025.You in need of some direction? Watch Kenneth Copeland and Professor Greg Stephens on Believer's Voice of Victory as they encourage you to ask God and find out His plan for your life. Discover the clarity that comes from seeking and inquiring of The LORD!
When you say yes to God, He will equip you for the calling. It may feel frightening to say yes to God, but great things can happen when we do. Heather Wilson's journey to build GiveSendGo is a perfect example. What happens when you say yes to God? Heather discovered she could bring hope to many when she said yes to God. Her journey began as a foster parent, taking in children who had faced immense trauma. This act of kindness and courage highlighted the importance of viewing service as more than a one-time act. It's about daily sacrifices that transform lives, including our own. Ask God for Wisdom When Heather embraced God's calling and asked him for wisdom, she received His wisdom. She was led on the path to co-creating a successful crowdfunding platform called GiveSendGo, which is dedicated to serving others. It began without any expertise in technology but with an openness to say yes to God and listen to his plans. Embracing Hope and Sharing It with Others One of the ways GiveSendGo strives to stand apart is to give hope. This platform not only helps with financial fundraising, but it prioritizes giving hope. Everyone who starts a fundraising campaign is called and asked to pray together. Standing Firm for Truth and Justice GiveSendGo's journey hasn't been without controversy. They are deeply committed to truth and justice, particularly when standing up for individuals' rights to legal defense and free speech. Standing up to their principles during those tough moments raised awareness for them and helped their site grow. Expanding Impact Through Nonprofit Ventures In addition to crowdfunding, launching a related nonprofit opened avenues for direct aid in disaster and crisis situations. This branch of GiveSendGo was driven by the desire to extend hope and assistance where it is most needed. With so many people being wary of nonprofits that are taking so much money, GiveSendGo wanted to create something different where people's donations are truly going to where they are needed most. About Heather Wilson Heather Wilson is a wife, mother of 6, and the Co-founder of GiveSendGo. Throughout Heather's life she has found success in many avenues, from building successful children's ministries to growing a professional photography business while her children were young. She is now on the forefront of standing for freedom as the cofounder of GiveSendGo. Give Send Go Website Additional Resources 37 Bible Verses Every Entrepreneur should reflect on and live by Rob Wentz: From Chaos of Comparison to Clarity of Purpose Access full show notes and all links
Believers Voice of Victory Video Broadcast for 03/25/2025. Are you in need of some direction? Watch Kenneth Copeland and Professor Greg Stephens on Believer's Voice of Victory as they encourage you to ask God and find out His plan for your life. Discover the clarity that comes from seeking and inquiring of The LORD!
We invite you to embark on a spiritual decluttering journey. Just as we tidy up our homes in the spring, it’s time to refresh our hearts and minds. We’ll discuss practical steps to let go of emotional baggage, nurture our spiritual health, and invite new growth into our lives. Discover how spiritual renewal can lead to a deeper connection with God and a more vibrant life. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you! What areas of your life are you seeking to refresh this season? Share your spring cleaning tips and insights with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s support one another in creating space for spiritual growth and renewal!
Send us a textPastor Harlo White delivers the message "The Mind Of Christ, Part 2", originally delivered on April 26, 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 STREAM P.O. BOX 4695CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 60680.
Ask God to help you know where He is working—and how you can join Him.
Called to Be Prophets of HopeScripture References: Ephesians 1:18; Psalm 107:2; Luke 1:46-53Sermon Notes:Intro: Welcome to this sermon! Ephesians 1:18 prays for enlightened heart-eyes to know the hope we're called to. This isn't wishful thinking; it's confident assurance based on God's unchanging nature (faithful, good, true to His Word). Because God works all things for good, we ultimately cannot lose. Even death is gain. People desperately need this real hope today, as much hope is misplaced in temporary systems or people. We, the redeemed, must change the narrative.Key Points: Becoming Prophets of HopeChange the Narrator: If you don't like the negative narrative (fear, despair, division), become the narrator of hope. God is raising up voices of hope.We ALL Carry Prophetic Hope: Like evangelism or healing, releasing prophetic hope (God's heart and perspective) isn't just for specialists. The Holy Spirit empowers all believers to speak life and hope.Women as Historical Models: Scripture repeatedly shows women sensing God's next move when others missed it, pouring out radical devotion, and releasing prophetic hope: Mary (Jesus' mother): Said "yes" and sang prophetically (Luke 1), ushering in the Messiah.Anna: Recognized baby Jesus, worshiped, and proclaimed Him."Sinful" Woman (Luke 7): Recognized Jesus amidst doubt, anointed Him with extravagant love.Mary (at Bethany): Sensed Jesus' coming death/resurrection, anointed Him lavishly despite criticism. Her worship lingered even on the cross.Women at the Tomb: First to encounter the risen Christ and proclaim the resurrection.Modern Examples: Ordinary women continue this legacy (Lama Gbowee ending war with prayer, Aja Brown transforming Compton as mayor, Mariana reaching government in Ecuador, Cassandra educating in Congo, Lauren evangelizing through makeup artistry). They used what they had, obeyed God, and saw multiplication.Bring Your "Lunch": Like the boy with fish/loaves, what you have may seem insignificant. But when given to Jesus and acted upon in faith ("walking out" to distribute), He multiplies it. Don't despise small beginnings or wait until you feel "enough."Conclusion: God is looking for women today to rise up as prophets of hope. Stop waiting for others to lead or fix things – become it. Pour out your "alabaster jar" of worship, gifts, and life. God is famous for using the simple and multiplying meager offerings given in faith. He wants to partner with you. This call includes "radical hospitality"—loving the stranger, making space for the outsider—as a key way to release hope.Call to Action: Are you ready to get off the safe road and dive all-in? Ask God how you can be prophetic hope. What's in your hand? Take a step of faith, however small. Start the book, volunteer, invite the neighbor, take the class. Bring your "lunch" to Jesus and watch Him multiply it. Embrace radical hospitality. It's time to get your fight back and release hope! Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.
Being single as a Christian is not a waiting room for marriage—it's a season of purpose, growth, and deepening one's relationship with Christ. Whether someone is content in singleness or open to mingling, the key is to navigate this phase with wisdom, faith, and a Christ-centered mindset. 1. Singleness: A Season of Purpose Embracing God's Timing – 1 Corinthians 7:32-34 highlights the blessings of singleness, emphasizing undivided devotion to the Lord. Instead of seeing it as a lack, recognize it as an opportunity to grow spiritually, serve, and discover purpose. Building Character – This is the time to develop qualities like patience, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) that will prepare you for any future relationship. Fulfilling Kingdom Work – Many great biblical figures, including Paul, thrived in their singleness by focusing on God's mission. 2. Mingling with a Kingdom Mindset Guarding Your Heart – Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to protect our hearts. Casual dating without intention can lead to unnecessary heartbreak. Approach relationships prayerfully and with discernment. Yoked in Faith – 2 Corinthians 6:14 warns against being unequally yoked. If mingling, seek someone who shares your faith and values. Godly Standards Over Worldly Pressure – The world pushes dating based on attraction and emotions, but God calls us to prioritize character, faith, and purpose alignment. 3. Preparing for What's Next (If Marriage Is the Goal) Become Who You're Looking For – Instead of just seeking the "right one," focus on becoming the person God has called you to be. Pray for Guidance – James 1:5 encourages us to seek wisdom. Ask God to lead your steps when considering a relationship. Community & Accountability – Surround yourself with godly counsel, mentors, and Christian friends who will support and guide you in this journey.
Have you ever encountered a salesperson that wouldn't stop pushing you to buy an item because they were on commission? It's obvious in these situations that the salesperson is more interested in reaching their numbers than about meeting the needs of the customer. They have become producers rather than servers. As followers of Christ, we can end up doing the same thing when we focus only on our output at work, rather than caring about the people at work. Philippians 2:4 says, “Let each of us look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Are you a producer? Or are you a server? Ask God how you can serve the people around you today – whether in your work, your home, or your neighborhood. Because you may be the only Jesus they ever meet.
When the Bottom Falls Out in Your Life, Ask God to Get Involved Through Prayer AND Thanks – You will Be Amazed! MESSAGE SUMMARY: Sometimes the bottom falls out in your life, and you wonder where God is in all your stuff. Well, the challenge to you is to “Thank God” by turning your eyes away from all your life's “stuff” and turning your eyes to God and thanking Him! We have no better teacher, of the need to address God with our thanks, than when, in Luke11:2, Jesus responded to His Disciples' request to teach them to pray: “And he said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.'". By taking your situation to God in prayer AND thanks, you will be amazed at what will happen to your situation which, before you asked God through prayer AND thanks, seemed insurmountable. What do you usually do? You worry and fret – you focus on the negative and give the adverse situation so much power, in your life, rather than focusing on God and giving Him thanks. In Mathew 6:34, Jesus tells you not to be anxious about your life situations: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.". Ask God to get involved in your life through prayer and thanks – you will be amazed. TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, may your will, not my will, be done in my life. You know how easy it is to call myself a Christian but then become busy, forgetting about your will and desires. Forgive me for this sin. Help me listen to you, and grant me the courage to faithfully surrender to you. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 25). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, My life is about Christ (Philippians 1:21). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Corinthians 11:25; Colossians 2:2-3; John 10:25-30; Psalms 17:1-15. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Essentials Part 3 – Incomplete Finished Work”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
The Book of James emphasizes seeking divine wisdom during life's struggles, encouraging believers to view challenges as growth opportunities. James 1:5 reassures that anyone lacking wisdom can ask God, who generously provides guidance without judgment. This approach fosters trust, allowing believers to navigate difficulties with God's clarity and support.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 1. Always be thankful. Thank God when you wake up, thank God when you go to sleep, and thank God throughout the day. 2. Ask God to help you not to take anything for granted. He will reveal the beautiful things in your life that you are not seeing. 3. Reduce your time on social media or get rid of it completely. Don't fall into the comparison trap. Don't covet someone else's life. 4. Pray for a change of heart, ears to hear, and eyes to see. God is moving mountains for you. Ask him to help you see what you are not seeing. Holistically Healthy Woman: 4 Steps to Move Away from Modern Medicine for Christians www.herholistichealing.com/free Free Community www.facebook.com/groups/herholistichealing Book (Discover God's Health Wisdom: Exposing 8 Common Myths That Keep You Sick) www.herholistichealing.com/book Holistic Health Coaching www.herholistichealing.com/coaching Website www.herholistichealing.com E-mail hello@herholistichealing.com This content is not meant to be personal medical advice.
Back when I was flying a great deal, people would often ask me where I lived, and I would frequently answer with the name of the airline I flew on the most. Now, when I hear of airplane crashes and disasters, it kind of hits me personally. I think it does anybody who has been a frequent flyer. Whether you're a flyer or not, though, there are images of certain airline tragedies that kind of forever imprint on your memory. One of those for me was the ValuJet crash in the everglades. It's been a number of years now, but the entire plane and all its passengers just vanished in the swamp. But to one man, there's another image related to that crash. According to one news report, he used his I.D. to help his friend purchase his ticket for that flight. That friend didn't have sufficient I.D. with him at the time. And the man who bought the ticket watched his friend and all those other passengers boarding. The man who bought the ticket simply said, "I cannot forget their faces." And then he was quoted as saying, "If only there had been some signs of what was going to happen. If only I had known to warn them." I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Getting Passengers Off the Fatal Flight." Now, if anyone had a warning of what would have happened to that fatal flight, you know they would have done everything possible to keep the passengers from going. But seldom do we have such a warning. When it comes to when the people around us will go into eternity, we have all the signs, all the warning we need. God tells us in 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, "Those who do not obey the gospel of the Lord Jesus will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord." Without the Savior, no one we know is going to be able to get to heaven. That means hell. Now, our word for today from the Word of God, Proverbs 24:11 - "Rescue those being led away to death. Hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, 'But we knew nothing about this,' does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He who guards your life know it? Will He not repay each person according to what he has done?" See, if you know people on a flight that leads to death, your responsibility is obvious. Rescue them! But if you look around at most of Jesus' followers today, we're not in a rescue mode. There's little sense of the life-or-death urgency about introducing those around us to Jesus. We need to ask, "Do we really believe the people we know will be lost forever if they don't know Christ? Do we really believe they're spiritually dying?" Someone suggested to me recently, they called Christians practical Universalists. Now, in theological circles, a Universalist basically is someone who believes that everyone will eventually make it with Christ or not. Practical Universalists probably don't believe that, they believe, as the Bible teaches, that people must have the Savior to go to heaven; they just don't act like it. They act like the people who think that folks are going to make it without Jesus. Yet the Bible says, "There is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." Without the man who died to pay for our sins, we'll have to pay for them. What about the people you live with, you live close to, the people you work with, you go to school with? You see some of those faces? The Bible clearly teaches that sin has an eternal death penalty and that Jesus and only Jesus died to pay that death penalty. And that we will pay that death penalty for our sins if we don't accept the payment Jesus made because of His love for us. The people around you are on a flight that ends in eternal death and you and I have the information that can save them. Pretty clear, our responsibility, huh? "Rescue those who are being led away to death." Begin to pray daily by name with life-or-death passion for the people around you. Ask God for the words and the opportunity to tell them about your Jesus. You know what God's Word says, and He's the final word. You know where the Christ-less flight is headed. You can see their faces. Be the one who gets them off that fatal flight and onto the one that will take them to eternal life.