Podcasts about ask god

As a Christian single, struggling with habitual sexual sin can be a heavy burden. The guilt, shame, and frustration can feel overwhelming, especially when you love God and want to live according to His Word. You might wonder if He's even willing to forgive you after falling so many times. Here's the truth: God is always ready to forgive, no matter how many times we fall. His grace is deeper than our failures, and His love is unconditional. But asking […] The post How to Ask God for Forgiveness: A Christian's Journey Through Habitual Sexual Sin appeared first on Christian Singles Advice | Christian Dating Advice Tips. Related posts: How to Forgive Myself as a Christian Single How to Reset Sexual Boundaries as Christian Singles Should Christian Single Dating Couples Who Fall into Sexual Sin Break Up? Should You Confess Past Sexual Sins to Your Christian Dating Partner? Waiting on God for a Spouse: The Rollercoaster Journey of Patience

Jesus says, “Give to the one who asks of you.” Our Lord challenges us to be loving and responsive to our brothers and sisters.   What our brothers and sisters ask of us are not usually material things. What others really ask of us are friendship and spiritual companionship. We owe one another our attention, compassion, forgiveness, respect, and quality time. When we give of ourselves selflessly and sacrificially we give the most special gift of all.  Ask God to transform our hearts and equip us to respond with love to those who need us. And when we give of ourselves to others, our Lord will use what we offer to them in miraculous ways.

Sinful thoughts often begin quietly—an unchecked idea, a hidden fault, or a willful choice. Left unattended, they can grow into habits that enslave us. In Psalm 19:12-14, David prays for God’s forgiveness, protection, and guidance so that his heart and words might be pleasing in God’s sight. In today's prayer and devotional, Jessica Van Roekel reminds us that victory over sin isn’t about willpower alone. It comes from surrendering our hearts and minds to the Lord, allowing Him to be our Rock, Refuge, and Redeemer. God provides a way out of temptation, giving us strength to overcome sinful patterns and live in freedom. Main Takeaways Sin often begins as a thought and progresses if not surrendered to God. Like David, we can pray for forgiveness of hidden faults and strength against willful sins. God is our Rock and Redeemer, rescuing us from spiritual oppression and restoring us. The Holy Spirit always provides an escape from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). Living in victory requires dependence on God and aligning our words and thoughts with His will. Bible Verse References Psalm 19:12-14 – “But who can discern their own error? Forgive my hidden faults…” 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God provides a way out from temptation. Hebrews 4:13 – Nothing is hidden from God’s sight. Calls to Action (CTAs) Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily devotionals rooted in Scripture. Leave us a review to help others discover encouragement through God’s Word. Reflect in prayer: Ask God to reveal hidden faults and give you strength to overcome temptation. Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement in their spiritual walk. Resources and Mentions Related article: 5 Ways to Take Your Thoughts Captive – Crosswalk.com Explore more daily devotionals at Your Daily Prayer SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: The Crosswalk Devotional: https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-devotionalYour Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

this is how you ask God for discernment and actually get it

Every home has a purpose, but in order to live out that purpose, it must be built on the foundation of Jesus Christ. When storms come, our homes can only withstand them if they are anchored to Him. Jesus must be the foundational piece of our homes. To do this, there are four building blocks that we can use in placing in our home so that we can live out what God has for us. The four building blocks include love, serving, forgiveness, and intentionality. What building block are you struggling with the most? Ask God to help you love, serve, forgive, and be intentional with your family. Let Him be the foundation of your home. Listen to this sermon in the third part of our Within The Walls series.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/snVfDJpzw3ISubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Introduction: Why This Episode Matters Have you ever heard a Christian saying that sounds powerful—but left you wondering, is that actually in the Bible? In this episode, we unpack two of the most popular phrases floating around church culture: “God whispers and Satan shouts.” “God helps those who help themselves.” You'll discover what Scripture really says about how God speaks, why these clichés can be misleading, and how to develop biblical discernment in a world full of noise.

Tune Your Spiritual Ears to Hear God in 14 Minutes…For More Information, Visit Pastorvlad.orgChapters0:00 - Intro0:33 - 1. Position Yourself to Listen2:03 - 2. Prioritize God's Word Daily2:51 - 3. Cultivate an Attitude of Expectancy5:00 - 4. Practice Immediate Obedience6:31 - 5. Learn to Recognize His Voice9:09 - 6. Ask God to Speak Clearly10:00 - 7. Remove Spiritual Blockages13:03 - Outro

When life breaks your heart and heaven is silent, it's okay to ask why—just don't stop seeking the One who holds the answer.

Pastor Nate brings the message, "The Practice of Giving."  For the next three weeks we will turn to the Bible to look at healthy practices for a local church.  This week we are looking at the practice of giving; next week is the practice of membership and serving.  The last week we will cover the practice of Biblical discipline. Ask God to use this series in your own life and for His glory in the church.  

The title of my sermon is a play on words. The beginning of this chapter we are told that what comes out of our mouths by way of teaching will incur a stricter judgment; therefore, anything we teach concerning God or His word must fall into the category of sound doctrine. On the other hand, the noise we make with our speech is evidence of what is really in our heart. Words matter. I will take it one step furtherwords matter to God. Proverbs 18:21 puts it this way: Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Words matter. The Bible and Creation begins with words! The first words in our Bible are about the first words responsible for everything beautiful and living: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was a formless and desolate emptiness, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, Let there be light; and there was light (Gen. 1:1-3). I love these verses in Genesis! In the beginning there was nothing but God... until He had something to say about it! His words brought life. Then what follows in Genesis 1 is a series of phrases like: God said... God called... What made all that exists a reality were WORDS! Not just any words from any old mouth, the Words that came from God made everything and all of it was good. On the sixth day, God spoke more words: Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the livestock and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls on the earth. So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them (Gen. 1:26-27). Then, God used Words to bless the first couple by telling them: Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth. Listen to me... WORDS MATTER. Three chapters later, after God used His words to speak beauty and life into existence out of nothing, we are introduced to a serpent. In an effort to tempt Eve to sin against God, he got her to doubt the words of God spoken to Adam: But the Lord God warned him, You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the gardenexcept the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die (Gen 2:16-17; NLT). Listen carefully to what the serpent said to Eve and her husband: Did God really say...? and then proceeded to get Eve to doubt the word of God and His goodness towards her (see Gen. 3:1-5). Not only does God value His words, but He is concerned about the words of people too. Jesus even said, I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgement. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned (Matt. 12:36-37). Our Words Matter Concerning What We Say About God Chapter 3 begins with these sobering words: Do not become teachers in large numbers, my brothers, since you know that we who are teachers will incur a stricter judgment. Here is how the ESV translates this verse: Not many of you should become teachers..., which is the way most of the major English translations translate this verse. What is the point? The point is that what we say about God is serious and God takes what we say about Him seriously. James is warning us not to take on the mantle of teacher in the Church recklessly, for those who speak on Gods behalf will be held to a stricter judgment. Many rightfully apply this verse to the serious call of pastors who are entrusted with preaching the word of God such as myself. The passage Dr. Ed Hardesty selected to deliver at my ordination charge was from 2 Timothy 4:1-2, I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul instructed a young pastor and son in the faith with these words: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. The Bible reserves some of the harshest words for those who use the word of God to lead others from the truth of His word. In the Old Testament, we are told that if anyone claiming to be a prophet speaks claiming to speak on Gods behalf prophetically that God did not command him to speak, was to be put to death (See Deut. 18:20-22). Similar language is used in 2 Peter regarding false prophets who claim to speak for God when they do not: But false prophets also appeared among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their indecent behavior, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. (2 Pet. 2:1-3) There is a stricter judgment that is coming upon those who teach and claim to speak on behalf of God. It doesnt matter what people think or what they want, the mandate is the same: Preach the word. Not just sometimes, not just when it is convenient, not even when you feel ready. Those who have been called to equip the church are to, preach the word and to, be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. Why? Because the authority is not with the one preaching, but the word he has been called to preach! This is why, in my opinion, whatever church you find yourself in, ought to be a church where the regular diet of preaching is expository instead of topical preaching. Permit me to give you three reasons why: Topical preaching is the kind of preaching where the one preaching chooses a subject and builds a sermon around that subject with verses he believes to support that subject. Expository preaching is the kind of preaching where the one preaching choses a scripture passage and builds a sermon around that particular passage, so that the point of the scripture passage becomes the point of the sermon. The difference between topical and expository preaching is that with topical preaching, the one preaching determines the point of the sermon; with expository preaching, the scripture passage determines the point of the sermon. The one who regularly preaches topical sermons will never preach more than what he already knows. The one who regularly preaches expository sermons will have to study a particular passage to understand it in order to preach/teach it, forcing the one preaching to grow beyond what he already knows. Mark Dever, in his book, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, wrote the following helpful observation regarding the strengths of expository preaching: In being committed to preach a passage of Scripture in context, expositionallythat is, taking as the point of the message the point of the passagewe should hear from God things that we didnt intend to hear when we set out to study the passage.... And from your repentance and conversion to the latest thing the Holy Spirit has been teaching you, isnt that what it means to be a Christian? Dont you again and again find God challenging you and convicting you of some things you would never have thought about a year ago, as he brings to unearth the truth of your heart and the truth of his Word? What Dever says next, is so insightful: To charge someone with the spiritual oversight of a church who doesnt in practice show a commitment to hear and to teach Gods word is to hamper the growth of the church, in essence allowing it to grow only to the level of the pastor. The church will slowly be conformed to the pastors mind rather than to Gods mind. And what we want, what as Christians we crave, are Gods words. We want to hear and know in our souls what he has said.[1] James 3:1 is to warn those who wish to or do teach, to do so faithfully to the word of God because this is the best way to serve His people and to protect the church from the wolves who would seek to harm Gods people. However, that warning is not only for pastors and teachers and we know this because of the following verses. Our Words Matter Concerning What We Say to Others James 3:1 is not just for pastors, but for anyone who claims to speak on behalf of God. Think about what we know; the heart of Jesus great commission includes the responsibility every Christian has for teaching: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations... teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matt. 28:19-20). The apostle Peter wrote in epistle, ...always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect (1 Pet. 3:15). And what is it that we are to be ready to testify with words? In the words of the apostle Paul: We proclaim Him, admonishing every person and teaching every person with all wisdom... (Col 1:28). Christ has gifted His church with pastors, teachers, and evangelists to help His people to speak what they have been called to say with clarity and in accordance with what God has actually said (see Eph. 4:11-13). And when we get it wrong, Christ also called men who are able to teach the word of God, to serve as elders whose responsibility includes: holding firmly the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it (Titus 1:9). What we say about God matters, and for those like myself, who have been entrusted with teaching the word of God, we will be held to account for the words we have spoken in His name, so we dare not be reckless with our words. But it is not just what we say about God that matters to Him, it is also what we say to others in general that matters to God. What we say can do so much good for our neighbors, but our words can bring so much harm as well. Verses 2-12 is for all who have been redeemed by Jesus and therefore born again. James continues in verse 2, For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to rein in the whole body as well. It is true that if you are a Christian that you have been born again, however, that does not mean we still do not have a nature that gravitates towards sin. Perfection is coming for the Christian, but not until after death or a resurrection when our sin nature is finally and categorically put to death. It is true that when you placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as savior and Lord over your life, you were born again.When you were born again, you received what was promised in Ezekiel 36:26, in that God, gave you a new heart and put a new spirit within you... and replaced your heart of stone with a spiritual heart of fleshyou received a new nature. However, we still must contend with that part of us that is tethered to our old nature of sin. We still stumble in many ways and because we do, we still say stupid stuff! We can still use our tongues to speak great harm. What Jesus said about the heart is still true of the Christian: The good person out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil person out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart (Luke 6:45). James gives us three illustrations that convey just how powerful the tongue is and why we must exercise great caution over what comes out of our mouths: The tongue is like the bit in a horses mouth. A bit weights about 2 pounds while the average weight of a horse is about 1000 pounds. A bit is used to communicate with the horse, but if used by an unskilled and undisciplined rider, a bit can become the source of stress and anxiety for the horse. An unskilled rider can use the horses bit to injure the horse. An unskilled rider can use the horses bit to cause the horse to become confused. An unskilled rider can use that little 2-pound bit to harm his 1,000-pound horse. The tongue is like the rudder on a large ship. A rudder controls the direction of a ship, it is used to avoid harmful obstacles, it contributes to fuel efficiency by minimizing drag and optimizing water flow, a rudder helps provide stability, and it is critical for the captain of the ship to maintain the right course. However, without a skilled captain maintaining control of the rudder, it can be catastrophic to the rest of the ship. The tongue is like a fire. Instead of using oxygen for life, fire consumes oxygen as fuel. In enclosed spaces, a fire depletes the available oxygen so that it can continue to kill and destroy. The effects of a fire are also harmful, for it irritates the respiratory system, it can exacerbate heart conditions, and it can even cause certain cancers over time. Think about the damage a persons tongue can cause. James points out that we are able to tame wild animals, but no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison (vv. 7-8). The reason why we cannot tame the tongue is because our problems are deeper than what comes out of our mouths. The irony is that there is good that can come out of our mouths, but we will spend a lifetime needing to keep what comes out of our mouths in check.We can train and tame veracious and giant creatures, but not our tongues! James continues: With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing (vv. 9-10a). How can we sing songs of worship about our great and awesome God and at the same time use destructive words against another person who is made in the image of the God we claim to love? In reaction to this, James concludes: My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way (v. 10b). So what do we do? How do we address the problem within for those of us who have been born again? How can we make sure our words are life-giving instead of destructive? How can we have the fruit of our words flow out of our new heart instead of our old nature? Well the good news is that as a Christian, you have been sealed and are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live and speak in a way that is pleasing to the God who redeemed you (Eph. 1:13-14; Acts 1:8). Permit me to leave you with five things to remember and practice that will help : Remember that you are now a child of God. As a child of God, you have been sealed by His Holy Spirit and empowered to life, His way over your ways; you have been given power through the Holy Spirit to live the life God has called you into (Eph. 1:3-14; Acts 1:8). Saturate your heart with Gods word. You cannot know how to live for God if you do not know what God has said about living for Him. We are told, Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh (Gal 5:16). Whatever you are putting into your mind, you are filling your heart with, and whatever you are filling your heart with, will come out through your speech. So, read your Bible. Listen to songs about the things that please God. Consume more of what lines up with the things of God than what dishonors Him. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. You will be less reckless with your words, if you carefully consider your words before you say them (Jas. 1:19) Ask God to guide your speech by asking Him to give you wisdom in what you say (Jas. 1:5-8). When you honestly seek God for wisdom to guide your speech, besides the fact that God honors such prayers, your prayer alone will give you the kind of awareness that assists in being less reckless with your words. Remember the image of God. Remember that you bear the image of the living God not to make much of yourself, but much of God. Be mindful that regardless of a persons performance, that person was carefully created by God to bear the image of God too, so do not curse those who were created in the image of God. [1] Mark Dever, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (Weaton, IL: Crossway; 2021), 47.

[Matthew 6:7] “When you pray, don't babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. The Lord's Prayer is a _____________________ for prayer, not a prayer for us to repeat over and over. Our Father in Heaven. God wants us to approach Him as our ____________. [John 1:12] But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. Hallowed (_________) be Thy name. _____________ should come before _______________. [Psalm 100:4] Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. Being ______________ puts us in the right attitude of prayer. Thy Kingdom Come. Pray for the expansion of the __________. [Matthew 6:33] Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [Luke 10:2] “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. Thy will be done. Invite God's plan to ___________ your plans. Give us this day our daily bread. Ask God to meet the ____________ in our life. [Philippians 4:19 CSB] And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Forgive me _______ ____________ as I'm willing to forgive others. Lead us not into temptation. Give me the _________________ to ______________ the temptations that I face. [1 Corinthians 10:13]  The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. God always provides a way of ______________. Deliver us from evil. God wants us to come to Him for _______. [Psalm 46:1-3 ESV] God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [2] Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, [3] though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. The _____________ place to be is close to God. 555 CHALLENGE (5 minutes each) ___________ – ___________ ___________ – ___________

Welcome back to the podcast, men! In today's episode, we're unpacking God's good design for sex in marriage—and how to protect that intimacy from the enemy's attacks so your marriage can thrive with joy, unity, and blessing.--The PursueGOD Men's podcast helps guys apply God's Word to their lives to become full circle followers of Jesus. Join us for a new men's episode every other Thursday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/men.Learn more about "full circle" Christianity through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources with men and boys at church.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --God's Good Design for IntimacyFrom the very beginning, God created sexual intimacy as a beautiful and life-giving part of marriage. It's not dirty. It's not something God just “puts up with.” It's a gift meant to be celebrated between a husband and wife. Genesis 2:24-25 reminds us that in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were naked and felt no shame. Physical intimacy was God's idea—and He designed it to bring joy, unity, and blessing.Proverbs 5:18-19 paints a beautiful picture of marital love: “Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you… may you always be captivated by her love.” And in 1 Corinthians 7:5, Paul encourages married couples to stay connected physically, only stepping back from intimacy temporarily and mutually for the purpose of prayer. Then, he says, come back together so the enemy doesn't use that gap to tempt you.Beware of the Enemy's TacticsJesus warns us in John 10:10 that the thief's purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. One of the enemy's favorite ways to attack a marriage is by eroding physical intimacy. For decades, experts have said that money and sex are two of the leading causes of divorce. Even if a couple stays married, when intimacy suffers, joy and connection often fade.That's why Philippians 4:6 is so important: pray about everything—including your physical relationship. Ask God to protect your marriage from division in this area. Pray for open and loving communication. Pray for healing if there's been broken trust, sexual sin, or wounds from the past. And if either spouse is carrying shame or guilt, ask God to lift that burden and restore joy.Filling Your Spouse's Love TankEphesians 5:25 calls husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church—sacrificially and selflessly. One of the best ways to build desire for intimacy is by speaking your spouse's love language:Quality TimeWords of AffirmationPhysical TouchActs of ServiceGiftsThe key is loving your spouse in ways that are meaningful to them, not just in ways that are natural to you. That means learning what fills their “love tank” and making it a priority. If her love language is physical touch, make sure there's affectionate touch that isn't just a lead-in to sex. If it's quality time, let her define what that means—unhurried, undistracted time together. When your wife feels loved, seen, and valued, intimacy naturally grows.The Role of Compromise in IntimacyIn most marriages, one spouse will have a higher sex drive than the other. That's normal. 1 Corinthians 7:4 reminds us that in marriage, each spouse gives authority over their body to the other, meaning intimacy is a shared gift, not a personal possession. The healthiest...

AUG. 13, 2025Have you been wounded in church? (1)"I will build my church." Mt 16:18Being hurt by another Christian can be devastating, but the church is filled with imperfect people who do things they shouldn't. As C. S. Lewis said, "God works on us in all sorts of ways...above all he works on us through each other." So before you give up and walk away, consider these suggestions:(1) Admit how much it hurt, and start to cope with it. Running away doesn't achieve this. Humbly approach the person who hurt you, motivated to reconcile. Discuss your pain with the purpose of releasing it and moving on. (2) Ask, "What's my role in this?" If it had nothing to do with you, as in the case of a trusted leader who has fallen morally or legally, ask yourself if you put idealistic expectations on their humanness. Did you think they were perfect? Now that you realize they're not, can you forgive them? (3) Ask God what to do next. He knows the motives in the hearts of the people involved. Give Him time to answer.(4) "Guard your heart...for it determines the course of your life" (Pr 4:23 NLT). Choose to follow God, even when your heart breaks. He alone can decide motives and intents, and He is just and reasonable. But many times, our faithfulness must come first before His blessings flow. (5) If you still feel you must leave, promise yourself and God that you will leave well. Refuse to say anything bad. Don't leave mad, and admit the good, no matter how small. Most important of all, don't quit. God is good, His church is good, and people are flawed. Locate another house of worship, and commit to it with an open heart.Have you been wounded in church?Follow God, even when your heart breaks.Share This DevotionalSend us a textSupport the showChanging Lives | Building Strong Family | Impacting Our Community For Jesus Christ!

In a world where we have so many options to pull from. We often times forget that we should be confident in ourselves. We are capable of making our own decisions. We don't have to get validation from anyone else. Ask God and go with your gut feeling. I know we all have friends that we depend on for certain advice, but I want you to be confident in seeing things your way and taking the risk and going for it.

Pastor John Elmore's sermon on 2 Kings 6, reminded us that following Jesus means asking God first—about the little stuff, when life feels impossible, and before making big moves. Through Elisha's story, he showed that God cares about the small details, fights for us when we feel surrounded, and can flip the script in ways we'd never expect. His challenge? Make prayer your first instinct, not your last resort, so your faith stays bold, real, and completely dependent on Him. Ask God about the smallAsk God when your back's against the wallAsk God before you make the call Life Group Discussion:What's an example of something in your life that feels “too small” to pray about—but might be worth bringing to God?How would your fear level change if you could really see that God's power and presence are greater than what's against you?Can you think of a time God's answer went against what you thought made the most sense—but turned out better?

Pastor John Elmore's sermon on 2 Kings 6, reminded us that following Jesus means asking God first—about the little stuff, when life feels impossible, and before making big moves. Through Elisha's story, he showed that God cares about the small details, fights for us when we feel surrounded, and can flip the script in ways we'd never expect. His challenge? Make prayer your first instinct, not your last resort, so your faith stays bold, real, and completely dependent on Him. Ask God about the smallAsk God when your back's against the wallAsk God before you make the call Life Group Discussion:What's an example of something in your life that feels “too small” to pray about—but might be worth bringing to God?How would your fear level change if you could really see that God's power and presence are greater than what's against you?Can you think of a time God's answer went against what you thought made the most sense—but turned out better?

Crucial conversations are often with people who will continue to be in your life no matter how the conversation turns out, and these conversations may cover a span of time. For example, sometimes we have to approach a family member about an issue, a close friend, or a coworker that we see every day. A friend told me about some crucial conversations she has had with her siblings concerning the care of their aging parents. Despite her many requests for help, they have simply ignored her, and she is left as the principal and really only caregiver for her parents—and at great sacrifice on her part. I questioned her approach, and it surely seems that she has been as clear and assertive as anyone could be. But she cannot force them to do what they are not willing to do. And so, her choices are to leave her parents without the care they need or keep doing what she is doing, which is totally not fair to her. In such cases, the biggest issue you face is bitterness—allowing others to cause you to be bitter. That always backfires on us, doesn't it? So, don't let bitterness get a foothold. Hebrews tells us: See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many (Hebrews 12:15). When you allow those bitter roots to grow, you heap more trouble on yourself because bitterness will eat you alive, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. It will affect your well-being. Then, commit these intransient situations to God in prayer and wait for him to answer. I know that's very hard to do because he never answers on our timetable, but he is a trustworthy God. If you are part of his family through faith in Jesus Christ, he has promised to care for you. Read Psalm 91 and take great comfort in the truth that he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone (Psalm 91:11-12). Just take that promise at face value and be aware that God has sent angels to guard you and keep you from disaster. Even though you can't see them, they are there. You then can rest in the shadow of the Almighty, because God is your refuge and fortress. Now, let's talk about how to react if you're on the receiving end of a crucial conversation, perhaps one that has taken you by surprise. First remember that a good thing to do, if possible, is to buy yourself some time. Guard your mouth and your tongue. You may want to lash out and defend yourself, but if the sparks are flying, you might be well advised to simply buy some time. How? Well, just say something like, “I need some time to think about this; can we come back to it tomorrow?” Or, “I appreciate you bringing this to my attention. Can you please give me a day to think about it?” I remember when, in a non-threatening situation, a woman I spoke to asked for time. I asked her a crucial question having to do with money, and she simply said, “I haven't thought about that. Would you mind if I get back to you in a day or two?” I didn't mind at all, and I appreciated her desire to answer the question from a more informed position. Defending ourselves is the most natural course of action for us as human beings. And once we're in defensive mode, it blocks our ability to take in new information or see two sides to an issue. Even though it's a very normal reaction when some criticism is coming our way in an unexpected crucial conversation, it is the enemy of finding any kind of solution to the problem at hand. So, how do we avoid being defensive? I find that my personality is pretty defensive—in other words, I get to defensive mode quicker than most people do! Not good, so it becomes a matter of prayer for me. You may not be aware of the crucial conversation that is coming your way, but you can be aware of your tendency to be defensive—and that means you can pray about it in advance. Ask God to help you overcome this bad habit.

Are your words positive or negative. Out of the heart the mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 NLT and Genesis 1:11-12. Change the way you speak. Immediately it could be the hinderance and the reason why noting good is happening in your life! You have cursed yourself for years and didn't even know. Reevaluate! Ask God for help. Get copies of my books Change your world with words and Words Carry Power (3 books )

We're re-airing this listener-favorite today! Dot and Cara explore how King David's quickness to recognize and address his sins provides an example for our own walk with God. Though known as shepherd, warrior, and king, David's life was characterized by humility, confession, and repentance. Don't we all want to be like David- a people after God's own heart? Pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee and join us as we revisit what David's story teaches us about our relationship with our heavenly Father.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 Psalm 61:1-4 (0:14)Let's take a look at David's backstory (4:15)We misunderstand true repentance (9:00)There is a difference between confession and repentance (13:10)We aren't really concerned about how our sin separates us from God (16:45)David knew his place, he knew he wasn't The King (26:45)David's heart was what was truly attractive about David (27:28)Sin creates a breech in our intimacy and fellowship with God (31:48)Ask God, is there anything coming between us? (36:02)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: Psalm 61:104Hear my cry, O God;    listen to my prayer.From the ends of the earth I call to you,    I call as my heart grows faint;    lead me to the rock that is higher than I.For you have been my refuge,    a strong tower against the foe.I long to dwell in your tent forever    and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

Sadness often brings physical, emotional, and spiritual fatigue—and many of us don’t know how to handle it. We try to medicate it, ignore it, or compare it away. But Scripture gives us another path: the ancient practice of lament. In this episode of the Lord, Hear My Prayer series, Nicole tackles one of the hardest yet most human emotions. Nicole walks through Psalm 13, demonstrating how lament provides a sacred rhythm for processing pain: from complaint, to calling on God, to choosing trust and praise. She also weaves in powerful modern applications and gentle encouragement for listeners to bring their sadness with God, not away from Him. Main Takeaways Sadness is human—and it’s sacred when brought before God.It's not weak or wrong to be sad; it’s part of life. Unprocessed sadness can even affect your physical health. Lament is the biblical way to navigate sorrow.Psalms show us how to name our pain honestly and turn toward hope in God. Psalm 13 provides a spiritual framework for sadness: Be honest about what you feel. Ask God to show up. Choose to trust and remember His past faithfulness. Don’t minimize your sadness or compare it away.Whether you're grieving small goodbyes or deep losses, bring your full heart to God. Sadness + Hope can coexist.1 Thessalonians 4:13 reminds us: “We do not grieve like those who have no hope.”

I have to be honest with you. I never thought prayer and work had anything to do with each other. I'm guessing I'm not alone. Prayer seemed like the kind of thing you did at church and around a meal at home, but in a business meeting or around the conference table? Not a chance. I never thought prayer would become an active part of my work life. But that's been part of the transformation process in my life. Maybe you're not ready to pray out loud in a meeting, but my challenge to you today is to pray before you go into any meeting or start any formal conversation. Ask God to be a part of it. When you have a busy day with lots to do, ask God to help you concentrate and work with excellence. Involve your heavenly Father in your work. See what happens. 

Ask God to open your heart and your ears. Do you want to hear God speaking?

Confidence… then uncertainty.Ever been there?One moment, you're standing strong in faith … the next, you're wondering if God even hears you.Welcome to Psalm 27.This Sunday, we're walking with David through the emotional highs and lows—bold trust on one hand and honest fear on the other. We'll see how he prays when his faith is strong, and how he clings to God when everything feels uncertain.In doing so, we'll learn how to navigate seasons where both courage and fear are present in our lives - and learn how, in both, our confidence can rest in a faithful God who has promised never to forsake His people.

How do we reach people across cultural and religious divides—without diluting the gospel? In this episode, Pastor Joel Mosier shares lessons from his ministry in Houston, one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the U.S. From wearing cowboy boots during rodeo week to breaking fast at a mosque, Joel offers practical wisdom on relational evangelism that doesn't shy away from hard truths.Whether you're in rural Kansas or international Houston, this conversation will challenge and equip you to enter your own community with the eyes of a missionary and the heart of Christ.Chapter Breakdown00:00 – Cultural Adaptation in EvangelismJoel shares how Grace Life Baptist reflects Houston's ethnic diversity and why adaptation is essential to connecting without compromising truth.04:46 – Understanding Community LayersLearn how to identify cultural, religious, and regional “layers” in your own neighborhood by paying attention to language, attire, calendars, and community events.09:28 – Building Relationships Across CulturesJoel shares the story of how consistent presence and curiosity led to gospel fruit with his Buddhist and atheist neighbors—starting at a bus stop.14:21 – Navigating Religious DifferencesFrom fasting during Ramadan with Muslim friends to showing up at local mosques, Joel explains how curiosity and clarity can open doors to truth.19:00 – Community Involvement and ServiceWe talk about storm cleanups, school engagement, and how showing up builds trust—but why we must never mistake serving for sharing the gospel.23:36 – Safeguarding the Gospel in Good WorksJoel gives practical ways to keep ministries gospel-centered, and how leaders must intentionally steer their people toward eternal conversations.28:07 – Finding Time for Community EngagementBusy? Joel reminds us that gospel fruit comes from slow, faithful, relational presence. He offers creative ways to redeem gyms, sports, and everyday routines for kingdom purposes.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Thank you for joining me today and following us throughout Project 23. If you would like to learn more about this project, click the link to discover more and partner with us. Our text today is Mark 13:14-23: “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that it may not happen in winter. For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!' or ‘Look, there he is!' do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand. — Mark 13:14-23 Jesus gives his disciples another sharp warning. He speaks of an event called the “abomination of desolation”—a moment of ultimate defilement and destruction, spoken of by the prophet Daniel. Historically, this has many layers: it looked ahead to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, and it likely foreshadows an even greater future moment of spiritual deception and tribulation. But either way, the tone is the same. When it happens. Don't delay. Don't linger. Run for your lives. There's no time to grab things. No room for hesitation. No room for divided loyalties. This is ultimate urgency. And Jesus doesn't give these details to stir up fear in his followers but to prompt readiness. God gives warnings like this not to frighten us, but to prepare us. And if Jesus takes time to say, “I have told you all these things beforehand,” then we should take him seriously at his spoken word. The truth is, spiritual deception won't always look demonic. It may look persuasive, polished, even powerful. That's why Jesus says: “Don't be swayed.” “Be on guard.” “Stay alert.” God is not the author of confusion. He's the author of clarity. And while we don't know every detail of the end times, we do know this: God protects His people, even in and through tribulation. So instead of wasting time trying to decode every sign ask yourself: Am I grounded in God's truth? Am I guarded from untruth?  Am I alert and ready for the end?  #SpiritualDiscernment, #Mark13, #BeOnGuard ASK THIS: Why does Jesus speak so urgently in this passage? How should we respond to spiritual deception today? What's the difference between spiritual curiosity and spiritual readiness? Where do you need to grow in discernment? DO THIS: Set aside 10 minutes to read Daniel 9 and Daniel 11 this week. Ask God to grow your spiritual discernment—not to predict dates, but to guard your devotion. PRAY THIS: Father, thank you for being a God who warns and prepares. Help me stay rooted in your Word and unshaken when the world unravels. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death.”

Today, we step into the most misunderstood, most avoided, and yet most powerful prophetic book in the Bible—Revelation. It's not about dragons and doom. It's a revealing of Jesus Christ in His full glory. And it was written for us, not to confuse us.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” — Revelation 1:3 (ESV)This book isn't a puzzle meant to paralyze you. It's a prophecy meant to prepare you. Revelation means “unveiling.” It's the pulling back of the curtain so we can see Jesus—not just as Savior—but as King, Judge, and Victorious Warrior.Yes, there are symbols. Yes, there's mystery. But this isn't a horror novel. It's a divine battle plan. And those who press in—those who read, hear, and obey—are blessed.The dragon, the beast, the scrolls, the bowls—they all point to one central truth: Jesus wins.So why do so many believers ignore this book? Fear. Confusion. Disinterest. But now's not the time to look away. Now's the time to let Revelation build endurance, urgency, and awe in your soul.You don't need a theology degree to understand Revelation. You need humility, the Holy Spirit, and a heart that's willing to listen.Don't let the enemy rob you of this blessing. Read it. Speak it aloud. Let it shape your prayers and sharpen your discernment.Question of the Day:What emotions surface when you read Revelation—and what might God be asking you to do with them?Mini Call to Action:Today, read Revelation chapter 1. Read it slowly. Ask God to speak. Then write down one truth about Jesus you see in that chapter.Let's Pray:Jesus, open my eyes to the power and beauty of Revelation. Help me not to fear the unknown but to embrace the revealing of Your victory. Make me ready. In Your name, amen.Let's Get To Work!The enemy wants to scare you away from Revelation. God wants to show you your role in the end. So open the book. Lean in. Let it change you.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

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

In the powerful conclusion to our Hidden Heroes series, we discover that the final is... you. Join Pastor Landon as he talks about stepping into your God-given confidence and embracing the life He's appointed you to live.   NEXT STEPS: Start declaring God's truth over your life daily, replacing the world's labels with what your Heavenly Father has spoken about you. Step into the spaces God has planted you—your workplace, home, or community—as someone chosen and positioned with purpose. Ask God to show you your "so that I would," and begin living on mission by using your unique gifts to make disciples and bear lasting fruit.

Welcome to Week 5 of our Hidden Gems series at Citizen Church! This week, Pastor Dustin brings a powerful and practical message titled "Fear of God vs. Fear of Man" — a word that speaks to all of us, no matter our age or season of life. We all wrestle with fear. But there's one fear the Bible warns can trap us more than any other — the fear of man. It can rob us of boldness, delay our obedience, and cause us to live for approval instead of purpose. The good news? The fear of the Lord is not fear as the world knows it — it's awe, reverence, and alignment with God… and it leads to life and freedom. Key Scriptures: Proverbs 29:25 | Proverbs 19:23 | Psalm 112:1,7 | Psalm 118:6 | Galatians 1:10 | 1 Samuel 15:24 | Proverbs 14:27 In this message, you'll learn: – How the fear of man traps us into people-pleasing and passivity – Why the fear of God brings peace, perspective, and power – What this tension looks like across different life stages — from teens to senior saints – How to trade insecurity for security by listening to God's voice above all others “The fear of man is living your life in response to people… instead of obedience to God.” “Every time fear wins, something God planned for you gets delayed.” Final Thought / Weekly Challenge: This week, take time to reflect: What has the fear of man kept you from doing that God is calling you to do? Ask God for courage to obey, even when it's uncomfortable — and trust that fearing Him leads to freedom, not bondage. Let this be the week you choose purpose over popularity, truth over approval, and His voice over every other.

Before healing two blind men Christ said, “Let it be done to according to your faith.” We ask God for many things in our lives, but we rarely ask in faith. Instead of rambling a list of demands for God, ask Him to open your eyes to see the blessings He has already given to you.

Have you ever left a church service feeling empty, like a spectator rather than a participant? Join Conrad from Conradrocks.net on "Coffee with Conrad" as we journey back in time to rediscover the vibrant, powerful early church. This episode promises to ignite your spiritual hunger and show you what it truly means to be the "ecclesia."Key Takeaways:The Disconnect: Understanding the "holy dissatisfaction" many feel with modern church experiences compared to the Book of Acts.Tertullian's Eyewitness Account: Learning about the early church through the eyes of a 2nd-century Christian lawyer, Tertullian, and what made their gatherings unique.Participatory Worship: How early church meetings were vibrant, participatory, and open to the Holy Spirit, as described in 1 Corinthians 14:26.Radical Charity: Discovering the merciful financial practices of the early church, where funds supported the vulnerable, embodying James 1:27.Evangelism Through Martyrdom: The powerful testimony of Christians willing to die for their faith, where "the blood of Christians is seed."Supernatural Power: The expectation and demonstration of divine intervention and spiritual authority in the early church, fulfilling 1 Corinthians 2:4-5.Four Practical Steps to Rediscover the Living Church:Pray with dangerous intent: Ask God to connect you with "living stones."Seek the doers of the word: Find those actively living out their faith in service.Find a mentor and be a mentor: Cultivate relational discipleship.Start small: Gather with like-minded believers in homes or coffee shops to live out biblical principles.Call to Action:If this episode stirred something in your heart, please share it on social media and help us get these rocks of revelation out!Subscribe to "Coffee with Conrad" for more insightful discussions on authentic faith.We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Visit our website to connect.Links:Radical Discipleship Podcast: https://youtu.be/Jhd8PNkHmho?si=q6ET7JEhK9rCbeN2**Connect With Me:**- Blog: conradrocks.net  https://www.conradrocks.net/- Social Media:  Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok  https://www.facebook.com/conrad.carriker  https://www.instagram.com/conradcarriker  https://twitter.com/MostRadicalMan  https://www.tiktok.com/@supernaturalchristianity**Free Resources:**- Try Audible Free Trial  https://amzn.to/2MT9aQW- Get Readwise Free Trial  https://readwise.io/i/conrad8- Get Remnote Free Trial  https://www.remnote.com/invite/sRJnqJujEgsGoLuc2  - Start Amazon Prime Free Trial  https://amzn.to/2Jtymte**My Work:**- Books: Open Your Eyes | Night Terror  https://amzn.to/3RJx7by  https://amzn.to/3XRFohl- Shop: Team Jesus T-Shirts  https://teespring.com/stores/team-jesus-4- Support: PayPal  https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ConradRocks- For Creators: Get $10 off StreamYard  https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5663052624035840

How do you develop the attitude of Christ in your marriage? It begins by following Jesus' example of humility and service. Ask God to give you the attitude of Christ so that you can express love for your wife through acts of service.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/lovelanguageminuteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ask God what he wants you to do.

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: “The Sermon on the Amount – Part 1 “Where Your Treasure Is””, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

In today's world, scarcity seems to be everywhere. Not enough money. Not enough time. Not enough security. It's easy to live like we're always behind, always grasping, always worried. But is that the full story?Here at FaithFi, we believe Scripture paints a different picture—one where scarcity isn't the final word. Instead, through Christ, we're invited to live with hope, wisdom, and trust in God's abundant care.The Root of ScarcityThe fear of “not having enough” isn't new. Ever since sin entered the world, our hearts have struggled with distrust. In John 10:10, Jesus describes the enemy as a thief who “comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” And that's what a scarcity mindset does. It steals peace, kills joy, and destroys our trust in God's provision.This mindset urges us to hoard instead of share, grasp instead of give, and stress instead of rest. It traps us in anxiety—a form of slavery where our lives are defined by what we lack instead of who God is.Jesus doesn't leave us in fear. In the second half of John 10:10, He offers a better way: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”This abundance isn't about luxury—it's about the richness of God's care. From the very beginning, God created generously. Genesis 1 shows a God who overflows with creativity and provision, filling the skies, seas, and land with life. He didn't create out of need but out of joy.As Elisabeth Elliot wisely said, “God has promised to supply all our needs. What we don't have now, we don't need now.”Jesus Offers Something BetterJesus lived simply, with no home of His own, yet He never operated from scarcity. He lived generously, turning water into wine, feeding multitudes, and offering forgiveness to all. In Matthew 6:25–34, He urges us not to worry, pointing to the birds and lilies as evidence of the Father's care.“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” Jesus tells us, “and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). This is the antidote to fear: a trust-filled life focused on God's Kingdom.So, how do we break free from the scarcity trap? Here are a few biblical steps:1. Renew Your MindRomans 12:2 calls us to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. Ask God to help you see life through the lens of His abundance, not the world's lack.2. Practice GratitudeThankfulness shifts our focus from what's missing to what God has already provided. It's a simple but powerful habit that reorients our hearts toward trust.3. Embrace StewardshipWe are not owners but stewards. Everything we have is a gift from God. Proverbs 3:9 reminds us to “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.”4. Give in FaithDon't give out of fear—give out of faith. 2 Corinthians 9:8 promises that God will provide all we need so that we can abound in every good work.God Is More Than EnoughLiving in God's abundance doesn't guarantee an easy life. But it does guarantee we never face our challenges alone, and we never need to be enslaved by fear.So when the world says, “There's not enough,” we can respond with confidence: Our God is more than enough. His abundance isn't just material—it's spiritual. It's peace, joy, and confidence that our Father knows exactly what we need.If you're struggling with financial fear or anxiety, we invite you to explore our 21-day devotional, Look at the Sparrows. It's designed to help you shift from fear to faith as you grow in your trust of God's provision. Order a copy or place a bulk order today at FaithFi.com/Sparrows. Let this journey lead you into deeper peace and stronger trust, because your Father really does care for you.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I've been looking into Fisher Investments to help manage my portfolio, but their 1.25% advisory fee seems a bit high. With $1.4 million in assets, is that rate competitive, or should I be considering other options?I'm on a limited income and have had serious health issues in the past. My husband is retired, and I'm struggling to find affordable health insurance. I'm also worried that my health history might lead to penalties or denial. What are my best options?I set up an LLC for a rental property and assumed I could report the income as a pass-through on my personal 1040. But my tax preparer says I now need to make quarterly estimated tax payments. Is that really necessary, and how do I know what to pay?I'm 62 and a half and thinking about retiring early this coming January. My current job no longer aligns with my values. I plan to take Social Security at around $1,835/month, which is about $500 less than my current income. My wife is still working and will cover our health insurance. What key retirement planning considerations might I be overlooking?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)HealthCare.gov | eHealth | HealthMarkets | HealthSherpaIRS.gov | SSA.govWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook 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.

What do you do when you read the Bible? No matter how many times you have read through the Bible or the different stories, you can still learn something new. That is why Tom Pounder encourages us to pray before we read the Bible so God can reveal new insights to us. See how in this devotional.To be part of a Bible reading plan, text "Summer" to 703-454-5900 or you can text "Bible" to 703-454-5990.00:00 - Introduction03:39 - Summer reading plan04:29 - Ephesians 1:1805:09 - Psalm 119:1805:42 - 2 Timothy 3:16-1706:24 - New insightsShare your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

Send us a textPastor Harlo White delivers the message "Blessed Is He Who Is Not Offended, Part 2", originally delivered on November 1, 1986. 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.

Two Overarching 3 Kings Take-Aways God partners with ordinary people (messy) to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Ordinary people are capable of mighty acts when we align our mind, heart and hands with God's. Solomon is Different KingPhysicallyBackground SkillsetWisdomThe Hebrew word for wisdom (hokma) means information + insight. The OT concept of wisdom carries a moral, ethical and an applied skill component. The NT word for wisdom (sophia) points to a practical and spiritual understanding of God's will and applying that knowledge to life. “Knowing the greatest goal in any situation and the best way to achieve it.” Pastor John PiperRemarkable Moment. Ordinary Day.1 Kings 3:16-28 (NIV) 16 Now two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. 17 One of them said, “Pardon me, my lord. This woman and I live in the same house, and I had a baby while she was there with me. 18 The third day after my child was born, this woman also had a baby. We were alone; there was no one in the house but the two of us. 19 “During the night this woman's son died because she lay on him. 20 So she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my side while I your servant was asleep. She put him by her breast and put her dead son by my breast. 21 The next morning, I got up to nurse my son—and he was dead! But when I looked at him closely in the morning light, I saw that it wasn't the son I had borne.” 22 The other woman said, “No! The living one is my son; the dead one is yours.” But the first one insisted, “No! The dead one is yours; the living one is mine.” And so they argued before the king. 23 The king said, “This one says, ‘My son is alive and your son is dead,' while that one says, ‘No! Your son is dead and mine is alive.'” 24 Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So, they brought a sword for the king. 25 He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.” 26 The woman whose son was alive was deeply moved out of love for her son and said to the king, “Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don't kill him!” But the other said, “Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!” 27 Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother.” 28 When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.1 Kings 4:29 (NIV) “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.”Question: What was the genesis of Solomon's wisdom? Answer: Godly advice + a Godly ask.Godly Advice is two-fold. 1 Kings 2:1-4 (NIV) When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. 2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, 3 and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go 4 and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.' 1. Be strong, act like a man (NIV)…“show what you are made of” (Message) David is challenging/imploring Solomon to step up to what he was being called into. 2. Observe what the Lord requires. Align your words, will and ways to that of the Lord. It's not possible to lead at this level if you are out of alignment. Out of alignment places an untenable burden – emotional, intellectual, spiritual and physical on our shoulders. Alignment is a synergistic position that employs God's power to accomplish His/our joint purposes.Godly Ask. 2 Kings 3:3-15 (NIV) 3 Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the instructions given him by his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places. 4 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” 6 Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. 7 “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” 15 Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream. “I am only a child” Solomon's ask can from a place of self-awareness. All good leadership comes from a place of self-awareness. “The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this” Why? Because Solomon's was aligning with the Lord's purpose. He was falling in behind the leadership of YHWY – not asking YWHY to fall in behind his leadership! Is God's wisdom accessible to me? Godly Wisdom is neither secretive or elusive but you can only have it if you go for it! And when you “get it and follow it” there is a reward! 3 essentials to obtaining wisdom. Fear God. Trust God. Ask God. Each step comes with its own sets of rewards.Essential #1 Fear God. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Reverence and Awe are the beginning of wisdom because if we don't hold God in the highest of regard, elevating Him and His counsel above ourselves and others, we won't align our actions with His… simple as that. Proverbs 14:12 (AMP) There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but its end is the way of death. REWARD #1. Proverbs 9:11-12 (NIV) 11 For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. 12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.Essential #2 Trust God. Proverbs 3:1-8 (Charlie Amplified Version) INSTRUCTION 1My son, do not forget my teaching [these aren't secrets], but keep my commands in your heart [keep a tight grip], REWARD 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. INSTRUCTION 3 Let love and faithfulness [hesed] never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart [keep God's hesed front in center of all emotions and decisions]. REWARD 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. INSTRUCTION 5 Trust [rely on, have confidence in] in the Lord with all your heart [emotions] and lean not on your own understanding [what seems]; 6 in all your ways [decisions and movement] submit to him [yield], REWARD and he will make your paths straight. INSTRUCTION 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes [seems]; fear the Lord [be in awe] and shun [turn away/ reject] evil.REWARD 8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Essential #3. Ask God. James 1:2-8 (AMP) 5 If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame… Reward… and it will be given to him. 3 essentails to obtaining wisdom. Fear God. Elevate God over yourself. Trust God. Elevate His path over other's opinion. Ask God. Elevate God to your first and last ask. “Thou, O Christ, who went tempted in all points like we are, yet without sin, make us strong to overcome the desire to be wise and to be reputed wise by others as ignorant as ourselves. We turn from our wisdom as well from our folly and flee to Thee, the wisdom and the power of God. Amen” (AW Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy pg. 59.) “With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack? Surely we are the most favored of all creatures.” (AW Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy pg. 64.)

We began our journey through 2 Corinthians with a message about expectations, suffering, and comfort. Life often hurts when it doesn't go the way we planned—and faith can hurt too when it doesn't deliver what we expected. But Paul opens his letter by reminding us that God is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. He doesn't promise to prevent our pain, but He promises to meet us in it. That comfort is not just for us—it's meant to flow through us to others. Eric shared stories of pain, numbness, and hope, pointing us back to a God who doesn't always give us a lesson, but always gives us His presence. The invitation? Ask God to comfort you—and to use you to comfort others.

We began our journey through 2 Corinthians with a message about expectations, suffering, and comfort. Life often hurts when it doesn't go the way we planned—and faith can hurt too when it doesn't deliver what we expected. But Paul opens his letter by reminding us that God is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. He doesn't promise to prevent our pain, but He promises to meet us in it. That comfort is not just for us—it's meant to flow through us to others. Eric shared stories of pain, numbness, and hope, pointing us back to a God who doesn't always give us a lesson, but always gives us His presence. The invitation? Ask God to comfort you—and to use you to comfort others.

This week our guest is Pastor Knute Larson, who says that no other passage of Scripture helped him with hope as much as Psalm 73. Psalm 73 wrestles with the age-old question of why the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer, ultimately revealing that God's justice is eternal, not always immediate. True hope comes only through Christ, whose death and resurrection secure our present help and eternal future.

In this message, Pastor Emlen Bailey shares on  Jesus' invitation to ask, seek, and knock—a divine call to persistent, expectant prayer and wholehearted pursuit of God.➡️ ASK – God invites us to boldly request what we need. Sometimes, unanswered prayers are actually His mercy protecting us from what we think we want.➡️ SEEK – Like the bleeding woman or Naaman, miracles often follow the ones willing to investigate, press in, and surrender their pride. What are you willing to give up to see breakthrough?➡️ KNOCK – Real faith keeps knocking. With shameless audacity, with wrestling perseverance like Jacob, we knock until doors open.This is more than a formula—it's an invitation into deeper relationship with a good Father who longs to give good gifts to His children.

Your plan seems to be falling apart.Money is tight.You're up at night with questions that won't go away.You say you trust God, but deep down, you're holding on tighter than ever.I get it. I've been there this week. I'm still there.In this episode of the Chasing Happiness Podcast, I share what happened when everything started breaking… and how God used that storm to reveal a bigger purpose.Inside this conversation, we'll talk about:How anxiety shows up when we try to carry it allWhy control never brings peaceWhat surrender actually looks likeAnd the one question I now ask every morning before I touch my phoneIf you feel stuck in the storm, unsure where God is, or afraid nothing will ever change… this episode is for you.Give yourself five minutes of quiet before the world gets loud.Ask God, “What do you want me to trust you with today?”And let that be enough.

“Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—they do no wrong but follow his ways.” (Psalm 119:1–3 NIV) Early in our lives, we learn the importance of walking. It’s fascinating to watch infants make their way to toddlerhood as they become more and more mobile. When an infant first discovers what her limbs are capable of, usually her first instinct is to push herself up. She’s no longer content simply to lie down. She wants to take control of her little life. She will try over and over again to coordinate the pushing up of her arms with the churning of her legs. When she does, she starts to crawl. Next, she’ll attempt to pull herself to a standing position, using whatever furniture is handy. She’ll test the strength of her wobbly little legs. She’ll discover balance. She’ll take a tentative step—and fall. And then she’ll get back up and try again. Soon the steps will start to outnumber the falls, and she’ll be on her way to walking. If you’re a new believer, you might be experiencing a similar pattern as you learn to walk with Christ. Psalm 119:1–3 says, “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—they do no wrong but follow his ways” (NIV). But walking according to the law of the Lord takes time, practice, and patience. If spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word are new to you, it’s only natural that it takes you a while to find your balance in them. Your spiritual legs are still developing. If your lifelong reaction to sin has been to hide it, deny it, or keep it a secret from others, the idea of confessing it and asking for forgiveness may take a little time getting used to. And if you don’t yet have a working knowledge of your own faith, you’re probably not going to be comfortable talking about it with others. But don’t let that immobilize you. Set aside time every day to talk and listen to God, even if it feels awkward. Praise Him for who He is. Thank Him for what He’s done. Ask Him to forgive your sins. Take your requests to Him. Spend time in His Word. Ask God to guide your understanding of it and show you ways to apply it in your life. Find a church where you can worship and fellowship with other believers. Look for ways to include your faith in your conversations. Your first steps as a new believer will likely be a little shaky. You may stumble and fall more than a few times. God understands. His patience will amaze you. He doesn’t look at your outward accomplishments; He looks at what’s going on in your heart. If your intentions are sincere, He will take care of the rest in His time. The number of times you fall is irrelevant as long as it’s equal to the number of times you get back up and try again. Reflection question: In what areas do you stumble in your Christian walk? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Promise: Proverbs 2:6-7 We can all use a little wisdom, right? If you are like me, you look back at some of your past decisions and wonder what you were thinking. If there were a way to make better choices, we could live better lives. God promises wisdom to those who seek Him. Wisdom is the ability to make good choices that bring about success. When you seek wisdom from the Lord, He blesses you in two ways. 1. He gives wisdom to those who seek Him. 2. God's wisdom is a shield around you.

Why You’re Exactly Where God Wants YouIn Acts 17:26–27, Scripture reveals that God has intentionally placed you in this exact time and place in history. Your location, your generation, your circumstances—none of it is random. God designed your life with purpose so you would seek Him, grow in faith, and reflect His love to others. This devotional encourages you to stop wishing you were elsewhere and start recognizing the divine appointments in your everyday life. ✨ Highlights ✅ God’s divine timing is perfect—you were born for this generation. ✅ Your location matters—God placed you exactly where He wants to use you. ✅ Every opportunity and relationship is part of God’s bigger plan to draw you closer. ✅ Spiritual growth happens when we seek God in our current season, not a future one. ✅ You reflect God's light best right where you are.

In this unforgettable episode of What the Prophets Say, Emma Stark is joined by Louise Reid and Caroline Swan in a powerful conversation blending laughter, personal story, and deep prophetic insight. Starting with humorous tales of tractors and Irish banter, they quickly transition into a profound and timely message: the restoration of spiritual encounter in the prophetic. Drawing from personal heavenly experiences, the team challenges the modern prophetic movement to mature beyond shallow discernment and embrace the fullness of interaction with God.Rooted in the Word—especially Hebrews 11–12—they explore what it means to live as “thin people” who are constantly aware of the realms of God. You'll hear about encounters with Jesus, visions of the Tree of Life, and angelic directions in Malta. This episode invites you to go deeper, break the fear of deception, and live aware of heaven's presence, not just occasionally, but daily.Hosts:Emma StarkLouise ReidCaroline SwanEpisode Highlights:Introduction to GPA's new buildingIrish banter and tractor competitionsExposing the dangers of prophetic "people reading" (e.g. jewelry and sock prophecies)The history of the prophetic split over encounter vs. pure proclamationWhat is an “encounter” and how can we discern the source?Caroline's powerful encounter with Jesus in worshipEmma's vision of the Tree of Life in heavenDeep dive into Hebrews 11–12 and the reality of the cloud of witnessesWhat it means to be a “thin person” rather than seeking “thin places”Angelic encounters in daily life—practical yet divineActivation Challenge: Start practicing awareness of your spiritual environment daily. Ask God to increase your alertness and precision in the spirit realm.Resources Mentioned:PowerTV.appIf you would like to give financially to help us continue our mission to reveal the voice of God to the nations, please consider donating at propheticscots.com/give

How do we think about wisdom literature? Today Emma Dotter and Watermark Resident Theologian Garrett Wikle overview wisdom literature and dive into Proverbs 1-6 to discuss what wisdom is, why we need wisdom and how we gain wisdom. Through the book of Proverbs, God is pointing us to Himself. It highlights the greater redemptive story, as wisdom literature assumes we are in a right relationship with God, having been saved by God to abundant life in Christ and the flourishing found as we walk in Him and His design.Ask God to show you if you are drifting toward any of these areas: • Are you losing appetite for spiritual things? • Are you becoming worldly minded? • Are you no longer troubled by sin?Additional Scripture Referenced:Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:26 – God will remove our hearts of stone and give us hearts of flesh. Hebrews 1:1-4 – "In these last days, God has spoken to us by His Son…"1 John 1:8 – "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."To read A Heart Aflame for God by Matthew C. Bingham, check out this link: https://www.crossway.org/books/a-heart-aflame-for-god-hcj/?srsltid=AfmBOoqWYkB2w8aiXEEtLMTm4lUmSQ4nRgvMIS0TAAnrBx9xyjwAmTF7Listen to Garrett's previous episode on Deuteronomy 17-20 here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/s4-046-deuteronomy-17-20/id1600151923?i=1000695013496

Do you ever feel like giving up midday, wishing you could just start over? Whether it’s a work deadline, a tough conversation, or a strained relationship, sometimes the best thing we can do is pause and wait for a fresh start. In this episode, Vivian Bricker reminds us that God’s mercy renews every morning, and that rest isn’t weakness—it's wisdom. A good night’s sleep and a prayerful reset can often be the key to moving forward with grace and clarity.