Podcasts about asking god

Dr. Troy Spurrill of the Synapse Center for Health and Healing joins Susie to talk about asking God what He has for you. He also answers listener health questions. Dr. Troy's non-profit is State of Grace Foundation. Find out more here.  Check out Susie's podcast God Impressions on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here

Sitting on a porch in Peñuelas, Puerto Rico, a woman shared through a gifted translator that she had been praying for over a year for someone to come and fix her roof. She had never imagined the answer would arrive in the form of a group of people from South Carolina — but that is how God works sometimes, on a different timeline and by a different method than we could have anticipated. For the person listening, who had grown frustrated after only a few weeks of waiting for clarity about a career decision, the Holy Spirit used that moment to do something quietly convicting. Habakkuk 3:16 captures what honest, faithful waiting actually looks like in the body: heart pounding, lips quivering, legs trembling — and yet, still choosing to wait patiently for God to act. Habakkuk cried out to God for relief from the pain and suffering he witnessed, received an answer on God's timeline and for God's purposes, and ultimately chose trust over certainty. Some of his prayers were not answered in his lifetime. Yet in the final verses of his book, he declared that he would rejoice in the Lord regardless. That is not passive resignation. It is one of the most active and courageous postures of faith available to a believer. Waiting well does not mean waiting without feeling — it means choosing, in the middle of uncertainty and the very human desire to take matters into our own hands, to trust the God who is always working all things for our good and His glory. Bible Verse "Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us."— Habakkuk 3:16, NIV Ponder Today God's timeline and method are rarely what we imagined — and they are always right. A year of prayer answered by strangers from another state. A career question that feels urgent to us and unhurried to God. His ways are higher, and His timing is perfect, even when it does not align with our expectations. Waiting well is an active choice made in the middle of trembling. Habakkuk's heart pounded and his legs shook — and he still chose to wait. Faithful waiting does not require the absence of fear or frustration. It requires the decision to trust despite them. The temptation to take matters into our own hands is one of waiting's greatest dangers. When uncertainty persists and answers seem slow, the pull toward control is strong. Asking God for patience specifically in those moments is both honest and wise. Some prayers are not answered this side of eternity — and God is still faithful. Habakkuk's prayer was not resolved in his lifetime. That did not make God unfaithful. Romans 8:28 assures us that He is always working all things for our good and His glory, even when we cannot see how. Remembering God's past faithfulness is one of the most powerful tools for waiting well. When anxiety rises and answers feel absent, turning back to what God has already done reinforces what we believe about who He is — a God who keeps His promises, yesterday, today, and for all eternity. A Prayer for You Today Heavenly Father, You are a God who sees Your people and hears their prayers. You are always present, always listening, and always actively working on my behalf for my good and Your glory. Please help me to wait well. You know Your creation and fully understand that in my humanity I struggle with control, and my lack of knowing can lead me to fear and anxiety. When I am tempted to manipulate or take matters into my own hands, please grant me patience. Help me feel at peace, rid my heart and mind of anxious thoughts, and give me the strength to wait patiently. And if the answer to my prayer does not come during my time on earth, let me remember Your past faithfulness. You are a God who keeps Your promises, yesterday, today, and for all eternity. I love You, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Asking God for signs? Are souls in Purgatory already forgiven? Are we speaking to the convinced? Join us for Called to Communion with Dr. David Anders.

We Kept Asking God… He Kept Answering Part 2 by Ebenezer Endiryas

Why should we seek forgiveness from God? Today, Brett Andrews shares the importance of doing that.Share 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 message!We slow down in Mark 4 and listen for what Jesus is really doing when he teaches in parables and confronts a mixed crowd. We read the sower, the lamp, the growing seed, the mustard seed, and the storm, then ask God to show us what kind of soil our hearts have become. • Mark as a fast-paced Gospel and why we take it slowly • Crowds of marginalized people and religious scrutiny around Jesus • Parables as a way to reveal and filter motives • The Parable of the Sower and what each soil reveals • Worldly cares, wealth, and shallow roots as real spiritual threats • Lamp on a stand and why listening requires responsibility • The kingdom of God growing quietly over time • Mustard seed hope for small beginnings • Jesus calming the storm and the question of his authority • Choosing to lean in when Scripture confuses us • Asking God for wisdom and letting the word cultivate our hearts  At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

Why should we seek forgiveness from God? Today, Brett Andrews shares the importance of doing that.Share 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!

Come Out of Babylon: Awakening Lukewarm Christians Before Judgment | KIB 550 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing DESCRIPTION Welcome to Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Episode #550 with Dr. Michael Lake and Mary Lou Lake. Why are so many Christians comfortable inside a system Scripture tells God's people to leave? In this episode, Dr. Michael Lake examines one of the most urgent calls in the Book of Revelation: "Come out of her, my people." — Revelation 18:4 The warning is significant because God addresses those inside Babylon as "my people." The problem is not simply that Babylon exists. The danger is that God's people can become entangled in its values, practices, loyalties, materialism, entertainment, counterfeit identity, and spiritual compromise. Dr. Lake and Mary Lou explore the picture of a spider's web as an illustration of the enemy's systematic methods. Ephesians 6:11 warns believers about the devil's "schemes" or "wiles." The Greek term methodeia conveys calculated, systematic deception—the kind of strategy designed to entangle people gradually rather than capture them all at once. The message then confronts lukewarm Christianity. Revelation 3 reveals that Laodicea believed it was prosperous and needed nothing, while Christ exposed its true spiritual condition. Material comfort can disguise spiritual poverty, leaving believers satisfied with Babylon while believing they are walking fully in the Kingdom. But this episode is about far more than identifying Babylon. God does not merely call His people OUT. He calls them INTO something greater. Out of darkness—into the Kingdom. Out of compromise—into covenant faithfulness. Out of mixture—into holiness. Out of counterfeit identity—into identity in Christ. Out of slavery—into the freedom of obedience. Out of Babylon—into preparation as the Bride of Christ. The contrast between Daniel and Lot provides a powerful biblical picture. Daniel lived in Babylon without allowing Babylon to live in him. Lot moved progressively from proximity to Sodom, to accommodation, and finally integration. Daniel followed the opposite path: conviction, separation, faithfulness, and ultimately godly influence. This leads to one of the central messages of KIB #550: Babylon falls. The Bride prepares. The King returns. The ultimate message of Revelation is not the greatness of Babylon—it is the supremacy and worthiness of Jesus Christ. In this episode: • Why lukewarm Christianity is fundamentally a problem of divided allegiance • Revelation 18:4 and God's command to come out of Babylon • The spider's web as a picture of systematic spiritual deception • Ephesians 6:11 and the methodeia of the devil • Why Babylon produces counterfeit identity, worship, security, and freedom • The biblical pattern beginning with Nimrod and Babel • Daniel versus Lot: two completely different responses to Babylon • Why separation does not mean abandoning society • The difference between isolation and consecration • Why covenant with God demands exclusive allegiance • The danger of material prosperity masking spiritual poverty • Why repentance must become concrete and practical • The importance of prayer and spiritual warfare for lukewarm believers • Why "come out" must always be followed by "come into" • Preparing the Bride for the returning King • Why Jesus—not Babylon—must remain the center of the end-times message The opening portion also contains Mary Lou's discussion of spiritual warfare, deception, prayer, and the difficulty believers can experience when attempting to help friends or family recognize spiritual compromise. This becomes the foundation for the episode's central question: How do we reach Christians who do not realize they are lukewarm? The introductory declaration captures the larger purpose of this teaching: believers were not called to possess merely "a little light," but to become ablaze for God and give the Kingdom a higher priority in their lives. Subscribe to Biblical Life TV, share this teaching with someone seeking deeper biblical truth, and join us in praying for God to awaken His people. The Remnant must not simply recognize Babylon. We must prepare for the King. TIMELINE 00:00 – Opening: Empowering the Remnant for the Last Days 01:29 – Welcome to KIB Episode #550 01:54 – Mary Lou: Spiritual warfare, prayer, and the fall season 03:47 – The spider web as an illustration of spiritual control 08:00 – Why some people struggle to recognize spiritual deception 11:54 – How do we reach lukewarm Christians? 13:01 – Lukewarmness, divided loyalty, and covenant compromise 14:45 – Revelation 18:4: "Come out of her, My people" 17:00 – Babylon's deception and false security 19:00 – Tradition, compromise, and Babylonian influence 24:19 – Breaking the influence of Babylon over God's people 26:10 – Ephesians 6:11 and the spider web of the devil 27:29 – Methodeia: Satan's systematic methods 29:12 – Counterfeit worship and the golden-calf principle 31:15 – Binding deception and opening spiritual eyes 32:00 – Why lukewarm Christians are valuable to the enemy 34:11 – Intercession for believers caught in Babylon 35:50 – Coming out of Babylon and into the Kingdom 36:30 – Nimrod, Babel, Daniel, and the development of Babylon 38:44 – Is Revelation 18 only about the Tribulation? 39:13 – Abraham: the biblical pattern of crossing out of Babylon 41:00 – Revelation 3 and the danger of lukewarm Christianity 43:23 – Asking God to reveal our true spiritual condition 44:07 – God disciplines those He loves 45:24 – Divided allegiance: God or the world? 47:00 – Who defines your identity, values, and worldview? 48:35 – Personal discipleship versus entertainment Christianity 51:03 – Daniel versus Lot: two responses to Babylon 52:02 – Lot: proximity → accommodation → integration 53:00 – Daniel: conviction → separation → faithfulness → influence 54:36 – Consecration does not mean isolation 55:53 – God's Kingdom versus Babylon's counterfeits 57:31 – Bricks versus living stones: discovering Kingdom identity 59:40 – Revelation 18: participation, accountability, and judgment 1:01:27 – We must preach "come into," not merely "come out" 1:02:00 – Practical areas where believers must examine allegiance 1:04:00 – Jesus—not Babylon—must remain the center 1:06:20 – Babylon falls, the Bride prepares, the King returns 1:07:00 – Revelation 18 to Revelation 19: preparing the Bride 1:08:38 – Covenant faithfulness instead of fear-driven separation 1:09:25 – Praying for the harvest out of Babylon 1:10:00 – "I will have a people, and they will be holy" 1:11:36 – Christ and His Kingdom destroy Babylon's system 1:12:52 – Closing prayer for those caught in Babylon 1:13:36 – Feast of Tabernacles encouragement and closing

NDS Chronicles returns with another collection of listener-submitted paranormal testimonies involving astral projection, succubus encounters, shadow people, alien-style abductions, witchcraft, haunted houses, spiritual warfare, demonic manifestations, addiction, and finding Jesus Christ.David Lee Corbo, aka The Raven, and Matthew Hepner dig into three intense stories from listeners whose experiences blur the line between the paranormal, the occult, and the spiritual realm.First, Seth Kicklighter recounts his years experimenting with meditation, out-of-body experiences, lucid dreaming, and astral projection. One experience takes a disturbing turn when a mysterious woman appears to have a will of her own, leading the guys into a discussion about succubi, spiritual deception, altered states of consciousness, and whether opening yourself to the “astral realm” can invite something unexpected.Next, listener R-III describes working inside apartments where previous tenants had died, discovering upside-down crosses and evidence of occult activity, and then experiencing months of terrifying sleep paralysis and encounters with shadow figures. His dreams escalate into apparent alien-abduction scenarios before his commitment to Christ becomes a turning point. His testimony also covers addiction, mushrooms, family witchcraft, generational patterns, fatherhood, Bible study, and rebuilding his life around Jesus.The final testimony, from Dave's Not Here Man, goes deep into generational occult practices, an allegedly witchcraft-practicing grandmother, unexplained activity inside a haunted childhood home, black-eyed facial manifestations, spells, séances, addiction, military service in Iraq, and his gradual journey toward Christ. He also describes what he believes is a spiritual gift of discernment involving unusual visual distortions and frightening changes in people's faces.The episode ultimately asks what spiritual warfare looks like inside ordinary homes, how Christians should approach supernatural experiences, and why personal testimony can reach people who feel alienated from conventional church culture.What do you think these listeners experienced—psychological phenomena, spiritual warfare, something paranormal, or a combination? Share your thoughts in the comments.► Subscribe for more Biblical analysis, Christian worldview discussions, and conspiracy research through a Biblical lens.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere podcasts are available.00:00 Intro02:33 Fasting, Prayer & Mysterious Headaches08:49 The Paranormal Stories Begin09:13 Seth Kicklighter's Testimony12:37 A New Bible Study Idea15:07 Meditation, Astral Projection & Out-of-Body Experiences20:23 Was Adam With Eve in Genesis 3?27:03 GLP Peptides, Pharmakia & Christian Discernment36:41 Back to Seth's Astral Projection Story42:45 The Succubus Encounter Begins47:15 What Happened After the Encounter49:14 Virtual Reality, Haptic Suits & Artificial Experiences57:59 R-III's Spiritual Attack Testimony59:25 Apartments Where People Had Died61:29 Upside-Down Crosses & Occult Rituals63:30 Car Crashes After the Haunted Job66:54 Shadow People & Sleep Paralysis67:25 Alien-Style Abduction Experiences68:49 Standing With Christ Ends the Nightmares71:07 Addiction Recovery & the NDS Community75:11 R-III's Journey Back to Christ78:33 Generational Witchcraft in the Family81:59 Leaving the Old Life Behind86:40 Dave's Not Here Man Testimony91:30 The Occult Grandmother92:12 Childhood Trauma & Parenting Discussion108:58 Black Eyes & an Evil Manifestation110:08 Witchcraft, Séances & a Haunted Childhood Home113:03 The Neighbor's Terrifying Goodbye114:50 Drugs, Satanic Imagery & an Occult Lifestyle116:09 Asking God for a Sign117:09 Joining the Army & Serving in Iraq119:13 The Long Road to Jesus Christ120:15 A Strange Spiritual Gift of Discernment121:45 Seeing Black Eyes & Demonic Faces125:04 A Demonic Visage Appears on His Wife126:47 Something Slams Into the House129:02 Spiritual Warfare Starts in Your Own Home131:04 Outcasts, Testimony & the Modern Church136:21 Can Spiritual Awakening Come From the Outcasts?138:35 OutroBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/nephilim-death-squad--6389018/support.☠️ Nephilim Death Squad — New episodes 5x/week.Join our Patreon for early access, bonus shows & the private Telegram hive.Subscribe on YouTube & Rumble, follow @NephilimDSquad on X/Instagram, grab merch at toplobsta.com. Questions/bookings: chroniclesnds@gmail.com — Stay dangerous.

Send us Fan MailThe world tells you to chase more, prove yourself, and measure your life by milestones. We felt that pressure too, and Psalm 119 meets it head-on with a different prayer: “Teach me, Lord.” From a lighthearted story about combining two wildly different vacations to a sober reflection on why the Psalms feel so raw, we end up at the same place, gratitude for God's grace and a hunger to be shaped by His Word.We walk through Psalm 119:33–48 and talk about the posture that changes everything when you open the Bible. Not reading Scripture like trivia. Not rushing through a checklist. Asking God for understanding, inviting correction, and letting the Holy Spirit expose selfish gain and “worthless things” that quietly steal our attention. We also dig into the tension between cultural success and God's definition of a life that actually matters, in our money, our marriages, our church, and our daily priorities.Then we flip the common mistake many of us make: obedience doesn't earn salvation, it flows from it. That leads to a grounded, hopeful picture of Christian freedom, not “do whatever you want,” but the wide-open space to grow, heal, and live with purpose because Jesus has set us free. We even revisit a 9/11 memory that shows how faith can bring peace in chaos and a mission that lasts.If you're ready for a reset in your Bible study, your definition of success, and your view of freedom, press play. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.

Sometimes following God makes sense to you before it makes sense to anyone else.Olivia Schaff thought she knew what life after college would look like. She studied finance, considered a career in real estate, and had a path in front of her that felt safe and explainable.But God kept leading her somewhere else.In this conversation, Olivia shares how her faith became something she no longer wanted to keep private, the conviction that led her to start It's Cool to Love Jesus, and the unexpected response when her first 50 hats sold out in two hours. She also shares the decision to step away from the career she thought she would build and into student ministry — and the very specific moment God met her while she was asking for clarity.We talk about caring deeply about what other people think, identity in Christ, showing up to church alone, daily surrender, and what it looks like to hold our plans with open hands.And somewhere in the middle of the conversation, we stop talking and worship together.This one is about learning that obedience doesn't always make sense to everyone around you — and trusting God enough to follow anyway.Built By Faith is a space for honest conversations about how faith is formed in real life.SISU Sauna has given the Built By Faith community a discount: https://vencl.co/sisu00:00 — Cold Open00:22 — Meet Olivia02:51 — The People Who Helped Build Her Faith07:40 — When Faith Became Real12:26 — Saved vs. Surrendered17:00 — Why Keep Jesus Private?21:20 — Choosing the Path That Didn't Make Sense23:53 — Asking God for Clarity28:00 — The Night Everything Became Clear32:41 — Caring What Other People Think36:05 — Surrender Is a Daily Decision38:20 — Building a Life With God42:43 — Knowing God Through His Creation47:28 — Jesus Intercedes for Us48:43 — It's Cool to Love Jesus52:58 — What Are You Trying to Be Famous For?56:19 — Responding to the Call57:15 — An Unplanned Moment of Worship1:03:53 — “He's So Cool”1:08:15 — Why Surrender If We're Already Forgiven?1:11:11 — Who Are We to Say No?1:13:44 — Closing Prayer

Jabez went to God with a simple but bold prayer: “Bless me indeed, enlarge my coast, let Your hand be with me, and keep me from evil.” And God granted him what he asked for. What would your prayer sound like if you brought it all before God?

Israel stood trapped between Pharaoh's army and the Red Sea. Moses told the people to stand still and wait—but God responded, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to move forward.”Through Exodus 14, Pastor Mark Roslund explores the difference between seeking God and delaying obedience, why following God can still lead us into intimidating circumstances, and how He uses what He has already placed in our hands.Sometimes the next step is not another answer.It is obedience.

First off, let me just address the fact that the audio in this podcast is not great because the microphone is not working... technical difficulties happen when I'm the only one working on this pod. Anyway lol...In this episode, we look at John 9–11 and talk about suffering, trusting God when we don't have answers, surrendering outcomes, and how grief and joy can coexist. I also answer questions you have asked me like: How do I trust God's timing when everything feels like it's falling apart? When does grieving become dwelling? How do I find true joy in the Lord during a trial?

09-06-26-Ken Forrest "Asking God Corporately"

If the goal you are pursuing feels far beyond your own ability, take heart—this is often a sign that you are right where God wants you to be. Over the years, I have seen again and again that when we embrace a vision from God and set goals inspired by Him, He meets us with His faithfulness. I want to share with you a simple, Scripture-based approach that I have relied on in my own journey, especially when my vision seemed too big, my confidence was shaken, and my own strength was not enough. God is ready to help you, just as He has helped me.At the heart of our faith is the unshakable truth that God loves you unconditionally and desires to help you in every area of your life. This is not just a general promise—it is rooted in the Word of God. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him, and Jesus Himself invites us to ask, seek, and knock, assuring us that God will respond. In my own walk with the Lord, I have seen these promises come alive in practical ways. Asking God is not just a ritual; it is a vital part of building a close relationship with Him. As you receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit comes and abides in you to empower and equip you for every good work.From this foundation, I encourage you to join faith with practical goal-setting and a God-given vision. The goals God places in our hearts are often beyond what we can accomplish on our own, so we must rely on His strength and trust Him for the results. Over the years, I have learned the importance of connecting every goal with a specific promise from Scripture, such as Deuteronomy 28:8. I have made it a habit to speak God's promises over my circumstances, especially in challenging times. One method that has helped me greatly is to write a verse on a dated card and commit it to memory, so that when doubt, fear, or unbelief try to creep in, I can stand firm on God's Word.If you are seeking guidance, encouragement, and a deeper, more faith-filled way to pray, I invite you to listen now. Share this message with a friend, colleague, or family member who needs hope, and let others know how you are standing on the promises of God today.Send Tony a Texthttps://www.seldicompany.com/

God offers wisdom freely, bringing clarity where confusion once lived and peace where anxiety tried to settle. When you ask Him for guidance, He generously provides the direction your heart needs for every decision, relationship, and responsibility.

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

How much do we miss because we never ask? In this message from Just Ask, Pastor Justin Jenkins teaches from Matthew 7:7-11. Jesus does not just give permission. He gives a promise. Ask, seek, and knock are not three techniques for getting something from God. They are three pictures of dependence. This message will help you: • See why Jesus attaches a promise to a simple ask • Stop treating prayer like a presentation God has to grade • Bring Him what you have been managing Scripture: Matthew 7:7-11 — Ask, seek, knock; your Father gives good gifts Matthew 6:8 — Your Father knows what you need before you ask James 4:2 — You do not have because you do not ask God Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvLqC2SJ69c

Do you ever feel like your week is running you instead of you running your week? I know I do! My friend Heather Brown joins me to talk about simple, practical ways we can care for our minds, bodies, and spirits without adding another overwhelming item to our to-do lists. We talk about creating intentional rhythms, managing chronic stress, protecting what matters most, and letting God help us see where our lives need a reset. Heather also shares some incredibly doable ways to slow down and care for ourselves in the middle of real, busy life. If you're tired of running on empty, this conversation is for you. Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Key Takeaways: 0:02:24 - “Sunday Reset” for Overwhelmed Women 0:08:34 - Start With God’s Vision for Your Week 0:17:18 - Chronic Stress and the Overloaded Nervous System 0:21:19 - Box Breathing as a Daily Reset Tool 0:24:34 - Simple Hydration & Salt Hacks for Energy What We Talk About Why busy women so easily end up running on empty What it means to love your neighbor as yourself Heather's Sunday Reset and how to begin creating one Asking God what your ideal day and week should look like Making your calendar reflect your actual priorities Recognizing where distractions are stealing your time Prioritizing your closest relationships How chronic stress affects the body The importance of sleep and true rest Using box breathing as a quick way to calm your nervous system Simple ways to incorporate prayer, Scripture, and worship into everyday routines Creating small habits that support your physical, mental, relational, and spiritual health Why caring for yourself sets an example for your children and family Heather's Sunday Reset Heather's approach begins with slowing down long enough to intentionally look at your life with God instead of simply reacting to everything coming at you. Start with God. Ask: Lord, what do You want this season, week, or day to look like? Identify what matters most. Consider your relationship with God, your closest relationships, your physical and mental health, and the specific calling God has placed on your life. Look honestly at your calendar. Do the things taking up your time match the things you say are important? Find the gaps and distractions. Ask where you're wasting time, what may need to be removed, and which habits aren't serving you well in this season. Put your priorities on the calendar. Schedule the important things instead of assuming they'll happen once everything else is done. Reset instead of expecting perfect balance. Some weeks will get crazy. The goal isn't perfection; it's recognizing when you've gotten off track and intentionally resetting. A Simple Stress Reset: Box Breathing Heather also shares a practical breathing exercise you can use in just a few moments: Inhale for 4 → Hold for 4 → Exhale for 4 → Hold for 4 Repeat for a few cycles to intentionally slow your breathing and create a moment of calm. Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their faith. Connect with Heather: Heather’s Website: www.healthybyheatherbrown.com Healthy by Heather Brown Podcast: https://mylifewellloved.com/podcast Let’s Connect: Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Join us as Pastor Jake shares an inspiring message on the Priority and Place of Prayer.In this sermon, we explore why prayer shouldn't just be an afterthought, but our first response in every circumstance. Looking at key passages from 1 Thessalonians, James, Isaiah, and Matthew, we will uncover how approaching God with unwavering faith and child-like humility transforms our perspective and aligns our hearts with His high ways. Discover how establishing a dedicated, quiet space to connect with God in private can strengthen your daily walk and deepen your faith.Key Scripture References:- 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 – Praying without ceasing and giving thanks.- James 1:5–8 – Asking God for wisdom with single-minded faith.- Isaiah 55:8–9 – Trusting God's higher ways and thoughts.- Matthew 18:2–4 – Approaching prayer with child-like humility.- Matthew 6:5–6 – The power and reward of private prayer.

Imagine a standing coffee date with a friend who talks at you the entire time, looks at their watch, and then says, “Gotta go! This was great!” You'd walk away feeling pretty unsatisfied. The level of intimacy we can reach is limited when conversation remains one-sided. But, too often, we treat our prayer lives the exact same way. We focus on how well we said our prayers instead of stopping to listen to what God wants to say back. This week, Jonna Schuster, author of Hearing God's Voice, joins me to talk about listening prayer. We dive into its theological foundations, the four primary "languages" God uses to communicate, and how learning to hear His voice shifts our daily mission from a heavy burden into a rest-filled collaboration. Episode Timeline: [00:00] – Introduction [01:21] – Jonna's origin story [08:34] – What inspired Hearing God's Voice [14:00] – The scriptural foundation for listening prayer [18:00] – The 4 languages of God: seeing, hearing, feeling, and thinking [24:41] – Receiving God in the mode of the receiver [27:58] – Physical vs. emotional feelings in prayer [35:01] – Asking God for practical solutions and wisdom [39:33] – Overcoming the biggest obstacles to hearing God [46:56] – How listening prayer complements Catholic devotions [50:50] – Moving from performance anxiety to rest and intimacy [53:02] – What church renewal looks like when prayer becomes the norm [59:01] – Where to begin and how to find Jonna's work Resources Mentioned CatholicRevivalMinistries.com Hearing God's Voice ⭐️ Enjoying the Show? If The EquipCast is helping you navigate the realities of parish leadership, please take 60 seconds to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your review helps other tired ministry leaders find these tools and realize they don't have to walk this path alone! Connect & Take the Next Step: Grab Your Free Tools: Get the playbook that actually changes lives at EverydayEvangelization.org. Bring This to Your Parish: Discover strategic training and accompaniment at Anchor Consulting. Read the Book: Order your copy of A Clear Path: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish. The EquipCast is powered by Everyday Evangelization in conjunction with Anchor Consulting, delivering practical evangelization strategies and parish ministry tools to help you leave your ministry better than you found it. Copyright © 2026 Anchor Consulting. All rights reserved.

What do we do when we pray and God doesn't answer—or doesn't answer in the way or timing we hoped? In Luke 11, Jesus teaches us not only to ask God for what we need, but to let prayer reshape what we want. We learn to pray, “Your kingdom come,” while also bringing God our ordinary, everyday needs.In this message from the How to Pray series, we explore what it means to ask, seek, and knock with persistent trust. Jesus invites us to bring our needs honestly to a loving Father, to pray for others through intercessory prayer, and to trust God even when the answer doesn't come.Prayer isn't simply about getting our desires to God, it's also about allowing God's kingdom and desires to be formed in us. And when we don't understand what God is doing, we can keep knocking because we know the Father on the other side of the door loves us.Scripture: Luke 11:1–13

[audio mp3="https://cpcpca.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2026/08/08-16-2026-Sermon-Only.mp3"][/audio] Bible Text: Psalm 3 | Pastor: Pastor Josh Anderson | Series: Summer in the Psalms

CheckoutThe God Centered Concept Academy Training Community to learn what growth in Christ isTUVU CommunitiesCheck out this link to view Kingdom Cross Roads on TV.https://jesussaid.tv/?affiliate=tswright_gccTo get a copy of our new book "Embracing the Truth" or to have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation.www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.Divorce can leave a person feeling broken, isolated, and uncertain about the future—but it does not have to be the end of the story.In this episode of Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast, TS Wright speaks with author and life coach Karen Kambourian about her book, Wife to Warrior: Reinventing Yourself After Divorce. Karen shares her personal journey from heartbreak and lost identity to spiritual healing, strength, and renewed purpose in Christ.Karen explains how God drew her back into Christian community during one of the most difficult periods of her life. Anchored by the truth that God is close to the brokenhearted, she began rebuilding her life through prayer, gratitude, supportive relationships, church involvement, and service to others.You'll discover:Why God must remain at the center of your identity and relationshipsHow prayer walks can create space for healing and reflectionA simple daily gratitude practice that can shift your mindsetWhy Christian community is essential during divorce, grief, and major life changesHow serving others can help you move beyond isolationWhy healing should come before entering a new relationshipHow an ending can become God's redirection toward a new beginningThe hope behind Karen's message: “The sun will rise”Whether you are experiencing divorce, grieving the loss of a spouse, or rebuilding your life after an unexpected transition, this conversation offers biblical encouragement and practical steps for moving forward.You are not alone. Your present pain is not the end of your story, and God can still bring healing, purpose, and new life from what has been broken.KEY MOMENTS00:00 – Welcome to Kingdom Cross Roads03:06 – Karen's Christian background and divorce journey05:54 – God can resurrect and restore a broken life06:18 – The story behind Wife to Warrior07:30 – Rediscovering your identity with God at the center09:55 – The importance of godly support during a crisis11:25 – Using prayer walks as a tool for healing12:50 – Asking God for strength and practicing gratitude15:37 – Why Christian community is crucial after divorce or loss18:28 – “The Sun Will Rise”: finding hope after heartbreak20:30 – The first step to take when facing divorce22:25 – Healing before returning to dating25:46 – Karen's message for anyone who feels aloneCALL TO ACTIONOrder Karen Kambourian's book, Wife to Warrior: Reinventing Yourself After Divorce, and learn more about her work at KarenKambourian.com.If this episode encouraged you, follow or subscribe to Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who is walking through divorce, grief, or a difficult life transition.KEYWORDSKaren Kambourian, Wife to Warrior, reinventing yourself after divorce, Christian divorce recovery, healing after divorce, Christian women after divorce, faith after divorce, divorce and Christianity, biblical healing after heartbreak, rebuilding life after divorce, finding identity in Christ, Christian life coach, prayer for divorce recovery, Christian encouragement for divorced women, church community after divorce, gratitude and emotional healing, dating after divorce, overcoming grief and loss, God is close to the brokenhearted, Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast, TS Wright, Christian podcast, spiritual healing, hope after heartbreak, Christian discipleship

In this episode, we continue our book study on Friendship in the Lord and reflect on the gift of friendship as a foretaste of heaven and a living image of God's love. We talk about how we are meant to journey through life with each other, how God bonds us together along the way, and how these friendships are meant to last forever. We also discuss the gift of praising God for our friends, what it means to behold and not possess beauty, and how focusing on gratitude allows us to hold joy and sorrow in tension.    Announcement: You can buy your copy of Friendship in the Lord from Ave Maria Press (or Amazon).   Journal Questions: Who has accompanied you through the valleys and mountaintops of your life? When do I show up to my friendships from a place of woundedness, deficiency, or insecurity? How is the Lord inviting me into deeper security? What is the Lord inviting me to delight in? How have I turned my unmet expectations into demands in my friendships?   Discussion Questions: What are you grateful for? Where in your life are you experiencing the Lord's presence in the midst of suffering? When have unmet expectations turned into demands on a relationship?  How do you cultivate delight and gratitude in your life?   Quote to Ponder: "Friends in the Lord always turn one another toward the Lord. They are not forever gazing at each other, but together they look to the Lord and to their brothers and sisters in the Lord." (Friendship in the Lord, Page 101)   Scripture for Lectio: "We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming.  But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,  from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love." (Ephesians 4:14-17)    Sponsor - Word on Fire's new film, Heaven in Stone and Glass, produced in partnership with Spirit Juice Studios: Beauty has the power to draw us beyond ourselves and point us toward something more. One of our favorite places in the United States is the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. When we are there, beauty has a way of speaking to the ache that we can't name. It is as though our soul knows where it belongs. It feels like a homecoming. Word on Fire's Heaven in Stone and Glass is a new film exploring the beauty, meaning, and evangelizing power of sacred architecture. Journey across France with Bishop Barron as he explores five of the world's most iconic Gothic cathedrals: Chartres, Notre-Dame, Reims, Amiens, and Saint-Denis. Through soaring arches, stained glass, sacred imagery, and centuries of history, Bishop Barron reveals the theological meaning embedded within these extraordinary spaces and explores why their beauty continues to stir something deep within the human soul. Heaven in Stone and Glass invites believers and skeptics alike on a cinematic pilgrimage and asks us to consider what these sacred spaces have proclaimed for centuries: that beauty can reveal something about God and awaken us to the transcendent. Word on Fire's Heaven in Stone and Glass, a production of Spirit Juice Studios, is coming to theaters nationwide on September 20th and 23rd. Get tickets for yourself or a group here: https://heaveninstoneandglass.com   Timestamps:  00:00 Heaven in Stone and Glass 01:38 Intro 02:42 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder 05:07 Friendship is Meant to Last Forever 10:13 Faith as the Foundation of Friendship 12:05 Mature Love Gives Deepened Life to Others 13:39 Praising God for Your Friendships 17:20 Beholding Beauty in Others 20:11 Asking God for Gratitude 24:28 Closing Prayer

Unlock the power of consistent prayer and spiritual discipline — this episode reveals how building daily habits can transform your faith and unlock divine breakthroughs. Imagine finishing a project in just 52 days—like Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem's walls—because of unwavering commitment. Now, discover how to replicate that success in your spiritual walk through daily, intentional devotion. Pastor Phil uncovers the secret to longevity in your faith journey: steadfastness in prayer, studying the Word, and trusting God's timing. You'll discover:How daily devotion builds an infrastructure of faith that withstands opposition.Practical steps to cultivate a lifestyle of prayer and spiritual discipline.The importance of fasting, seeking God's kingdom first, and aligning your heart with His purpose.How to transform your mind and heart to reflect the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, and faith—that position you for divine alignment.The power of repeating these disciplines for lasting change—no matter your season or challenges.Why does this matter? Because your covenant with God includes promises of strength, provision, and victory—but they only manifest through your persistent, disciplined walk with Him. When chaos surrounds you, your foundation must be rooted in God's Word and His presence.This episode is a clarion call for believers hungry for more—more peace, more power, more purpose. Soft, inspiring, and packed with practical wisdom, Pastor Phil helps you lay a spiritual foundation that refuses to crumble under pressure.Perfect for anyone wanting a sustained breakthrough, a deepening prayer life, and a closer walk with God. Tune in, commit to consistency, and watch how divine power begins to flow effortlessly through your daily disciplines.Scripture References1 John 1:9 — Confession and fellowshipMatthew 6:33 — Seek first His kingdomGalatians 5:22-23 — Fruits of the SpiritIsaiah 40:31 — Waiting on the LordJames 1:5 — Asking God for wisdom

080226 Ken Forrest "Asking God Privately"

Maybe you have dreams, goals, prayers, and plans you're working hard toward. You're asking God to bless them, open doors, and make them successful... but have you stopped to ask what He is doing? Today, we're talking about what it looks like to surrender our plans (sometimes without giving up on the dreams God has placed in our hearts).  Here's your invitation to pause, reflect, and re-center before taking our next steps. I've been reminded by God to bring every area of my life before God—not just asking Him to bless my desires, but praying: "Lord, if this isn't what You have for me, change my heart. Show me what You want, and I'll follow." If you've been feeling uncertain about what's next, wrestling with unanswered prayers, or simply wanting to make sure you're walking where God is leading, I hope this conversation encourages you to slow down and seek His heart before your own agenda. LINKS: Get 50% OFF Hiya Health: ⁠hiyahealth.com/slp⁠ ESV Study Bible: https://hosannarevival.com/shelivespurposefully  Bible:  __ surrender your plans to God God's will for my life Christian podcast for women how to know God's direction trusting God's timing biblical encouragement following God's plan Christian motherhood and faith seeking God's will purpose-driven Christian living Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

What happens when disappointment, delay, or discouraging voices cause you to stop believing God for His best?Sometimes faith fades slowly. We become comfortable with our current condition, listen to people who reinforce our fear, or grow weary because change is taking longer than expected.In this episode of the She's Made to Flourish Podcast, we're talking about how to believe again even when your faith feels imperfect.In this episode, we'll talk about:• Becoming comfortable with conditions that were never meant to be permanent• Guarding your ears from discouraging voices• Trusting God when the wait feels too long• Asking God to restore your capacity to dream• Using the faith you still haveThrough Acts 3, Luke 8, John 11, and Mark 9, we see that God can meet us in disappointment, delay, and unbelief. The Lord is not asking for perfect faith. He is inviting you to use the measure of faith you have to believe again. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━JOIN THE GARDEN ROOMamandarosshardin.com/the-garden-roomThe Garden Room is our free community for Christian women, featuring monthly Bible study and a weekly podcast worksheet.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━EXPLORE COACHING WITH AMANDAamandarosshardin.com/coaching━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━CONNECT WITH AMANDAWebsite: amandarosshardin.comInstagram: @amandarosshardin━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Subscribe to the She's Made to Flourish Podcast for honest conversations, biblical truth, and practical tools to help you move from surviving to flourishing.Let me know in the comments: What is one area where you are ready to believe God again?Hosted by Amanda Ross-HardinCertified Christian Life Coach and Director of Called Coach Institute

In this episode, James, Sam, Joshua, and Mason sit down for a follow-up on the commitments they made in past episodes (EP 151: Filling the Void of Addiction and EP 193: How Can I Trust God?). They dive open-honestly into what accountability actually looks like in practice—from putting software on phones to actively battling for true brotherhood and moving away from transactional faith to find God directly in the present moment and pain.Make a donation and become an Outsider!Follow us on social media! Instagram, Facebook & TikTokSubscribe to our YouTubeCheck out our recommended resourcesWant to rep the message? Shop our MERCH!  For more inspiration, read our blogDo you have a story you are willing to share? Send us an email! contact@unashamedunafraid.comTimestamps:01:29 – James's update (Revisiting EP 151): Putting Ever Accountable on his phone and achieving over a year of sobriety03:20 – Healthy accountability vs. using tools to bypass inner healing05:10 – Proud of the journey: Overcoming the nonchalance and habit of slip-ups after 13 years06:50 – Sam's update (EP 151): Overcoming father wounds and learning how to cultivate authentic brotherhood09:15 – Battling for your brothers: Second chances, slumber parties, and overcoming codependency11:20 – Joshua's update (EP 151): Moving past checking religious boxes and learning to trust God with hard conversations14:30 – Facing the fear of outcomes: Asking God for direction instead of avoiding conflict15:30 – Mason's update (Revisiting EP 193): Shifting away from black-and-white thinking and learning to feel pain16:15 – Redefining recovery: Finding a true relationship with God beyond just quitting pornography18:15 – Psalm 23: How God prepares a table for us in the presence of difficulty, not just comfort20:20 – Finding God in the "Now": Moving past prayers focused only on the past or future22:15 – Closing commitments: Bringing Jesus into the center of brotherhood23:10 – How to reach out and wrap-up

SummaryRobert Bolden shares insights on fighting the good fight of faith, surrendering to Jesus, and overcoming desires that lead to conflict. This episode encourages listeners to surrender to Jesus, and reflect on their spiritual journey and the importance of asking God with the right motives.Key TopicsFighting the good fight of faithThe importance of surrendering to JesusOvercoming desires that lead to conflictThe role of prayer and asking GodBiblical insights from 1 Timothy and JamesThe process of sanctification and transformation TakeawaysLiving in the world requires a fight of faith.Surrendering to Jesus is a transformative moment.Desires within us can cause conflicts and fights.Asking God with the right motives is essential.Public confession strengthens faith and commitment.True surrender results in transformation.Sound Bites"Faith is a fight, not just a walk.""You do not have because you do not ask God.""Ask with the right motives, for the kingdom."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:29 Spontaneous Nature of the Podcast01:09 Getting into the World Cup and Unity in Humanity01:59 The Verse of the Day: Fight the Good Fight of Faith02:33 Living in the World and Spiritual Fight04:21 The Power of Mindset and Positive Self-Talk05:54 Holding onto Eternal Life and Faith in Christ06:31 Accepting and Confessing Faith Publicly08:16 The True Moment of Surrender to Jesus09:39 Fights and Quarrels Come from Inner Desires11:35 The Role of Asking God and Motives in Prayer13:34 Wrapping Up and Final ThoughtsReady to become part of the community? https://lifetransformed.podia.com/message us and we will give you free access.Merchhttps://www.bonfire.com/store/lifetransformed/Schedule a serve call ⁠https://www.picktime.com/LifeTransformed⁠Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bbolden18?igsh=cnlvdjQ5eGJwZTM%3D&utm_source=qr⁠https://www.instagram.com/bbolden18?igsh=cnlvdjQ5eGJwZTM%3D&utm_source=qrYouTube⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6sszulCUrjodEyThd-rBw⁠Podcasts Join me live from Odd's Cafe here in Asheville…  message me for the exact time.  ⁠https://www.oddscafe.com/⁠Email: robertbolden@thisworldfreedom.com

✅ Join our Thrive Tribe! https://thrivetoday.com/ Learn more about our Thrive Today Membership: https://thrivetoday.com/pages/membership In this encouraging episode of the Thrive Today Podcast, host Natalie Born welcomes author, speaker, and leadership coach Traci Morrow for a deeply personal conversation about navigating unexpected life change with faith and purpose. After learning through a public press release that the company she had faithfully served for years was shutting down its division, Traci found herself facing uncertainty, loss, and a complete shift in identity. Rather than allowing disappointment to define her, she chose to surrender her future to God and trust that He was leading her into something greater. Through biblical examples, personal testimony, and practical wisdom, Traci shares how God can use seasons of disruption to clarify our calling, refine our identity, and redirect us toward His true assignment. This episode is a powerful reminder that while we cannot always control our circumstances, we can choose how we respond—and that response can change everything. [00:00 – 03:52] When Life Changes Overnight Traci shares the shocking moment she learned her company was closing. Processing unexpected loss while standing in a fabric store with her daughter. The emotional impact of uncertainty and sudden change. [03:53 – 07:09] Choosing Your First Response Why our initial response shapes the road ahead. Turning to God before reacting to circumstances. Trusting Him and surrendering fear even when the future feels unclear. [07:10 – 10:55] Releasing What Was Letting go of an identity connected to a career. Asking God what He wanted to do in the next season. Viewing change as an invitation rather than a setback and becoming a faithful steward of every season. [10:56 – 15:10] Finding Identity Beyond Success Building identity in Christ instead of accomplishments. Allowing God to strip away unhealthy attachments. Embracing transformation from the inside out. Discovering renewed purpose through surrender. [15:11 – 19:45] Lessons from Esther Drawing encouragement from Esther's willingness to obey. Showing up in faith even without knowing every outcome. Trusting God's timing and preparation. Courage often begins with simple obedience. [19:46 – 24:15] Joy, Purpose, and New Perspective Rediscovering joy that isn't dependent on circumstances. Learning to see difficult seasons through God's perspective. Finding peace by resting in God's faithfulness. Recognizing that disruption can reveal new direction. [24:16 – End] Staying Focused on God's Assignment Lessons from Nehemiah on avoiding distractions and staying faithful to God's calling. Why obedience in your current season prepares you for what's next. A final encouragement to trust God through every transition and choose faith over fear. Quotes "You don't know how you'll respond until life turns upside down." — Traci Morrow "I am building something the Lord has me on, and I cannot be distracted." — Traci Morrow "Until you've completed the last thing the Lord asked you to do, you can't begin something else." — Traci Morrow About the Guest: Traci Morrow Traci Morrow is a speaker, author, leadership coach, and relationship mentor with a passion for helping people discover God's purpose for their lives and build healthy, thriving relationships. She serves as the Growth Guide for Relationships on John Maxwell's Growth Platform, co-hosts the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, and mentors married couples alongside her husband, KC, at Zeal Church in Colorado. Traci is also the author of the Amazon bestselling book Real-Life Marriage: Navigating Your Beautiful, Messy, One-Of-A-Kind Love Story and equips individuals and couples with practical, Christ-centered tools for lasting relationships. Guest Links

There is power in asking. Think about it in the business world. Selling is asking, isn't it? I remember when training for sales with IBM I was taught to ask for the order and not to be shy about it. To ask again and again. And I was carefully taught how to ask. So, there's no doubt that there is power in asking. So, why are we often shy and reticent to ask for something? Well, for one reason, asking for something is humbling, isn't it? It's admitting a need and acknowledging that you don't have total control in some area. You need something that you don't have and you have to admit it. Also, asking sets you up for rejection. The answer could be “No.” Recently I was in a position of asking for something really significant; it wasn't for myself but for an important project at my church. I knew who to ask, but for weeks I procrastinated about asking because I didn't want to get a negative response. When finally I asked, the reception I received was far more favorable and pleasant than I had imagined. But regardless of the response to my request, as long as I didn't ask there was no way I was going to get it! There was a lot of pride in my attitude toward asking. If the answer was no, I would have to tell everyone involved and I might look foolish. Or I might lose their confidence in me. So, instead of asking, I wasted time worrying about how I would look to others if the answer was no. Not only foolish of me, but prideful as well. In the book of James we read, “You do not have because you do not ask God” (James 4:2b). I wonder how many blessings we've missed for ourselves and others because we simply have not asked God. Please understand, I'm not talking about asking for frivolous things or for selfish reasons. But as Christ-followers we have a Heavenly Father who invites us to ask him for what we truly need, for blessings for ourselves and others. He expects us, as his children, to ask him for help, and yet how often we do not have what he would give us because we do not ask. A few years ago, I was stuck in an airport for two days because of weather-related cancellations, trying to get home, trying to locate my luggage, standing in long lines and hoping to get on a flight soon. As I was standing in one long line with probably fifty other people, a woman who looked like she had some authority walked by, and I just nicely stopped her and asked her a question. She said, “Come to my office,” so I followed her and for about an hour she made phone calls and arrangements, and I walked out of there with a free hotel for the night and a seat on a flight the next day. I asked and got special treatment, not because I deserved it any more than the others in that line, but because I asked. As I said earlier, studies show that women are far more reluctant to ask things for themselves than men are. For example, men are more likely to ask for a raise than women are, and when they do ask, women ask for much less than men do. Women will freely ask for the benefit of others but are reluctant to ask something for themselves. Notice how freely children ask for things. They don't hesitate to ask Mom or Dad for whatever it is they want at the moment. And they keep asking until often we parents give in just because they keep asking. Jesus told a parable about a widow who kept asking an uncaring and unkind judge for justice against her adversary. Finally the judge decides to grant her request, not because he wanted to do the right thing, but because she kept bothering him. Jesus said, “And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly” (Luke 18:7-8a). In other words, we have a kind and loving God to ask, not a wicked judge, and yet often we give up asking him to meet our needs. Jesus taught us to keep on asking; don't quit. What have you given up on asking for? Jesus taught us to be persistent in asking. In all areas of our lives we have to ask for things if we're ever going to get what we need, succeed at our jobs, complete our tasks. . . whatever! But of course we don't always get what we ask for, do we? What are some of the reasons that we don't get what we ask for? In James 4 we are told: When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures (James 4:3). Motives—what are our motives for asking? Receiving what we ask for depends largely on why we are asking for it. So, we have to examine our motives. Asking God—or anyone else, for that matter—for frivolous things, unnecessary things that are simply for our own selfish desires, just doesn't motivate God or people to want to grant our requests. I remember a woman asking me to pray that God would send her a husband. Well, in itself that's not a bad request, but her whole motivation was selfish: I want a husband to take care of me. I don't like being single. God owes me a husband. That was her attitude, and it wouldn't impress God or anyone else, I don't think. Secondly, we sometimes don't get what we ask for because we don't know how to ask. For example, be specific in what you ask for. If you need some money for a very good reason, not because you've been a poor steward of your money, you should be clear about why you need the money, how it will be used, and how much you really need. If you're asking someone to donate money to a good cause, be prepared to give a good explanation of how the money will be used and the good it will do. When you're asking for a change in circumstances, like a better work environment, instead of asking that the boss make the situation better for you, ask for the change because it will benefit the company or organization. Put yourself in the other person's shoes and ask yourself what would motivate that person to want to grant your request. Maybe you're job hunting right now, or looking for a raise or a promotion. If so, you really need to know how to ask, because the way you ask will in large part determine your success. And the way you ask will be controlled by the questions you ask yourself. For example, do you ask yourself, “What's wrong with me? Why am I not able to find a job?” Those kind of questions will simply discourage you. You're telling yourself negatives that affect the way you behave. Are you thinking: I'm too old, or I'm overqualified, or I'm just not aggressive enough? That kind of thinking just provides you with an excuse for why you're not getting the answers you want. Instead, ask What can I do to make a better impression on an interview? Or, How can I show that my age is an asset and not a liability? Now you're asking yourself questions that can lead to positive results. These are constructive questions, not destructive ones. If you want to ask better questions, begin by examining the questions you are asking yourself. And be ready to change the way you've been thinking. Once again I'm reminded that everything begins in our thought lives. If you think wrong, you ask wrong. If you think according to Philippians 4:8—thoughts that are true, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy—that kind of thinking will lead you to positive, constructive questions. And that certainly includes the questions you ask yourself! I find that I must be intentional about choosing good questions to ask myself—questions that will help me rather than discourage me. I have to bring those questions—those thoughts—into captivity and make them obedient to Christ, as we read in 2 Corinthians 10:5. So, today think about the questions you ask yourself. Are they constructive or destructive? Asking right questions begins with right thinking. Ask and keep on asking. That is a principle that we see in scripture. We are to be askers—and persistent askers, at that. Have you learned the power of asking? We have to ask with right motives, we have to be specific when we ask, and we can't give up easily. That is true if we're asking something from God or from our boss—or anyone else for that matter. There's an important biblical teaching when it comes to asking God for something. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him (1 John 5:14-15). The Apostle John gives us a really startling principle—one that almost seems too good to be true. Whatever we ask, we have! Is that what he said? Yes, that's what he said, but there's a qualifier—if we ask according to his will. So, that means our motive has to be for the glory of God, not just for our pleasure. And it also means that we need to know what God's will is so that we can ask in accordance with it. You can't short-change God's Word in your life, because knowing God's will in any particular situation is a function of knowing the Word better and better. God reveals his will through his Word and through his Spirit, who usually reveals his will to us through the Word of God. So, how much time do you spend in God's Word? Romans 12:1 and 2 says that we can know what God's good, pleasing and perfect will is by offering ourselves as living sacrifices and being transformed by the renewing of our minds. That transformation happens more and more as we immerse our life in the truth of God's Word. Do you see the progression here? We need to know God's will in order to ask appropriately and therefore get what we ask for. In order to know God's will, we must know God's Word and be sensitive to the Spirit of God who resides within us, as Christ-followers. Then, as we are more and more confident of what God's will is, the requests we make to God are more and more in line with his will and he will hear and answer. I want to learn the power of asking God for great things that bring him glory and see the great and mighty things he wants to do. Will you join with me in asking God to teach us the power of asking?

SummaryIn this episode, Robert Bolden shares his personal journey of faith, the importance of perseverance, and practical wisdom from the Book of James to navigate life's challenges with faith and integrity.Key TopicsPersonal faith journey and transformationInsights from the Book of James on perseverance and wisdomThe importance of integrity and action in leadershipPractical application of biblical teachings in daily lifeThe role of prayer and divine guidance in decision-makingTakeawaysPerseverance leads to spiritual maturity and completeness.Asking God for wisdom requires Belief, Faith and expectation.Doubting leads to instability, like waves tossed by the sea.Living out faith through actions is essential for true leadership.Biblical teachings provide practical wisdom for everyday challenges.Sound bites"Consider it pure joy when facing trials.""Doubt makes you like a wave tossed by the sea.""Ask God for wisdom, believe it will be given."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Coffee and Christ01:05 The Verse of the Day and Personal Reflection03:18 Exploring the Book of James07:46 Perseverance and Wisdom in Trials11:47 Asking for Wisdom and Living with FaithResourcesBible - James - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1&version=NIVJohn Maxwell - Leadership Books - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=John+Maxwell&ref=nb_sb_noss_2Odd's Cafe Nashville - https://www.oddscafenashville.com

Bob Schwahn  |  Lead Pastor  |  June 28, 2026  Referenced Scripture: Romans 12:9-16, 1 John 4:19-21, Ephesians 4:15-16 Reflection Questions:1. How does God evaluate our worship at our community worship gatherings?  How are we to tangibly love God and love others?  Give examples. 2. Where might God give you a “needs improvement” score? 3. Read Paul's description of how we are to love one another in the family of God…Romans 12:9-16Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited. What grabs your attention?  What sticks out to you?What do you like about this text of Scripture?What do you not like about this text?  (ie. What is challenging or convicting?)Where do you have questions about this text?Where do you personally need to grow or change?  What is a practical way you will apply this to your life this week? 4. How can we as a church learn to meet the needs of others in a way that we all feel known and loved? 5. How does learning to love people that are difficult to love cause us to mature in our faith?  How have you seen this in your own life? Share some examples. 6. What are the barriers we experience in the American church that makes this kind of love difficult?  How can we practically overcome these barriers?  What can you do personally to help break these barriers down? 7. What would a worship gathering be like if everyone came in looking for how they could love and serve others rather than looking to be loved and be served?  (ie. Asking God what they can give to the family and not just what they can get out of the family.) What's your next step? * Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard * Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children * Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students * Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give * Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman * Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app  * Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman  Chapters (00:00:01) - How Does God Evaluate Our Worship?(00:04:07) - Romans 12: Love Must Be Realistic and Tough(00:11:13) - Paul's hospitality for the needy(00:17:31) - Practice hospitality toward enemies and pray for those who persecute(00:24:36) - Paul Calling us to the Family of God(00:33:38) - How to Grow in Community(00:38:04) - Growing Relationships at Journey Church(00:43:36) - Prayers for the Kingdom

Check out what John Eagle has to say about prayer and ASKing God for things.

Marit Welker, certified life coach and podcaster from Boise, Idaho, joins Soul Sense to talk about adult child estrangement, a problem affecting millions of families that almost nobody talks about openly. Marit shares her own story on both sides of estrangement, as a daughter who went low contact with a parent and as a mother who experienced full estrangement from her child. She walks through the difference between low contact and no contact, why estrangement can feel more painful than losing a child to death, how identity rooted in being "a mother" versus being a child of God shapes the healing process, and why concept creep around words like trauma may be making reconciliation harder. The conversation closes with practical guidance for parents hoping to reconnect with an estranged adult child.Timestamps:0:00 Welcome and introducing Marit Welker1:01 How Marit's own estrangement from a parent began2:33 Years of praying for forgiveness that didn't come3:53 The slow process of rebuilding trust4:18 Marit's experience of being estranged by her own child5:01 Low contact versus no contact, the two major forms7:03 What a first coaching session looks like7:50 Estrangement is more painful than death9:39 No closure, no funeral, just unresolved pain11:27 Starting with identity, daughter of God before mother15:04 Your worth is not defined by your child's choices16:23 Blind spots, exhaustion, and the small seeds of breach18:00 When a parent's hidden struggles affect the relationship21:35 The silent epidemic and why moms don't talk about it25:53 The moment a forgotten toy brought her to the floor26:40 Asking God to carry the pain29:02 Identity, grief, surrender, and the path back30:42 Different backgrounds, different reasons children leave32:14 The two million stimuli theory and why memories differ34:46 The trump card, do you want to be right or like God34:47 The silent epidemic by the numbers36:38 The healing zone, finding the right distance39:33 Why a child's pain is real even when the reasons are complex44:32 Closing words and what to say to an estranged adult childOne thing worth flagging: this version cuts out the "concept creep" and trauma definition section entirely compared to the earlier transcript. If that was an intentional edit decision, fine, but if it got dropped accidentally during editing, you'll want to double check the final cut before publishing since that was one of the more clip-worthy (if divisive) segments from before.#estrangement #adultchildren #familyhealing #christianparenting #faithbasedcounseling #parentingadvice #emotionalhealing #familyrelationships #soulsense #lifecoach #christianwomen #mentalhealthawareness #familyestrangement #grief #forgivenessLearn more at https://MaritWelker.comMarit offers a one-on-one challenge called Still Here for mothers of adult children who went "no contact." Marit walks them through a framework that helps them find their footing so they can then move forward, preparing for a successful reunion and avoiding the same mistakes she made.

85 Years Old and Still Asking God for More: The Caleb Spirit At 85 years old, Caleb wasn't asking for comfort, retirement, or an easier assignment. He was asking for a mountain. In this episode, Rob explores one of the most inspiring stories in the Bible and reveals why Caleb's faith remained strong after 45 years of waiting. While others focused on obstacles, giants, and limitations, Caleb learned to see God in every situation. What made Caleb different? Why did he continue dreaming when others had given up? And how can his example help us experience personal revival, renewed purpose, and stronger faith today? If you've ever felt discouraged about the future, uncertain about your next chapter, or tempted to settle spiritually, this episode will challenge you to believe God again. In this episode you'll discover: • Why Caleb's mindset was different from the other spies • The power of seeing "Him who is invisible" • How faith changes the way we view obstacles • Why revival begins with believing God again • Lessons from modern-day examples of faithful perseverance • How to recover dreams you've quietly given up on Join Rob as he prepares for the upcoming Fast for Revival and encourages believers everywhere to trust God for greater things. Visit RobSkinner.com to learn more about the Fast for Revival and join believers around the world in seeking God together. Make this life count.

Why should the wicked fear God's mercy? Because His mercy for us means wrath upon our oppressors.

AI, Spiritual Deception & Learning to Ask God the Right Questions | KIB 533 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Description Are we asking God the wrong questions in this generation? In Episode 533 of the Kingdom Intelligence Briefing, Dr. Michael and Mary Lou Lake examine the growing spiritual deception surrounding AI, data centers, propaganda, counterfeit spirituality, and the coming pressures of Mystery Babylon. This powerful briefing challenges believers to move beyond shallow Christianity and learn how to seek the Kingdom of God with discernment, covenant faithfulness, and spiritual maturity. Dr. Lake explores how believers have often been trained to pursue comfort, prosperity, and escape rather than asking God how to walk in Kingdom purpose, holiness, discernment, and spiritual authority in the last days. Mary Lou shares urgent insights regarding spiritual warfare, mind control technologies, AI systems, occult influences, and the need for believers to trust fully in God's protection and covenant promises. This episode is a wake-up call for the Remnant: • Learn to discern truth in an age of deception • Understand the spiritual dangers behind counterfeit systems • Discover the power of asking God the right questions • Learn how the Holy Spirit develops true Kingdom maturity • Be encouraged that God's power has not diminished The days ahead will require discernment, covenant fidelity, spiritual endurance, and unwavering trust in the Most High God. "Teach me what to ask, Lord." ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Give Us Today Our Daily Bread (Matthew 6:9-11) The Big Idea: Jesus teaches that God isn't just interested in world-changing events; He desires an intimate relationship close enough to walk with you through ordinary, everyday moments. 1. What Is Jesus Telling Us to Pray For? Every Single Daily Need We Have "Daily bread" represents everything necessary for life—physical, emotional, financial, relational, and practical needs. “When we pray for bread we are praying at the same time for ‘everything necessary for the preservation of this life, like food, a healthy body, good weather, house, home...'” — Frederick Dale Bruner (quoting Martin Luther) The Small Things Matter to God We often assume God is too busy for trivial things (traffic, lost keys, stressful meetings). But Jesus transfigured everyday life by inviting us to pray for the small stuff. God welcomes our thousands of trivial matters because He cares about us. 2. What Is Jesus Not Telling Us to Pray For? Our Greeds Rather Than Our Needs Jesus teaches us to pray for bread, not cake. He promises to meet our needs, not fund our greed, comparison, or poor stewardship. “The prayer is for our needs, not our greeds.” — D.A. Carson “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” — James 4:2-3 God's ultimate goal is not merely to make us comfortable, but to make us holy. 3. Six Lessons About Prayer Prayer obtains things for yourself: Asking God for help isn't selfish; it is obedience. Asking is necessary: Not because God is unaware, but because asking develops faith, expresses dependence, and invites God into our lives (James 4:2). God is committed to giving: Jesus doesn't say "if it's not too much trouble." He says, "Give us." We approach a loving Father with audacious confidence, not a reluctant stranger. Pray vaguely or specifically: God doesn't require perfect wording, but specific prayers help us notice specific answers and see His faithfulness. Pray for yourself and others: "Give us" reminds us to carry the community's needs before God. Trust God in unanswered prayer: If God withholds something, we trust His wisdom. As Psalm 23:1 says, "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing." 4. Practical Ways to Pray for Daily Bread Pray the words Jesus gave us: Say "Give us today our daily bread" to place your entire day in His hands. Set today's worries before God: Turn daily anxieties (bills, deadlines, appointments) into daily prayers. Set today's calendar before God: Invite God into every meeting, conversation, and task before rushing in. Be the provision for others: Ask, "God, who needs daily bread from me today?" God often answers someone else's prayer through your ordinary kindness. Discipleship Group Questions What "small" concerns do you hesitate to pray about, and why? How does viewing God as a loving Father change how you approach daily needs? Where does the distinction between "need" and "greed" become difficult in everyday life? Which of the six lessons about prayer challenged or encouraged you the most? Who in your life needs "daily bread" right now, and how can you help provide it this week?

Have you ever asked God, the Universe, or Source for a sign… right when you were on the verge of doubting yourself?In this deeply personal episode, I share a moment that happened immediately after I questioned my path, my purpose, and whether I should keep pursuing the dream placed on my heart.After feeling discouraged by outside opinions and the pressure to “be realistic,” I quietly asked for a sign.The next morning, I received a message from someone I barely knew — and what they said felt like direct confirmation from God.This episode is for anyone who:✨ feels unseen in their calling✨ is questioning their purpose✨ feels emotionally exhausted from chasing a dream nobody understands✨ has been asking for confirmation✨ is trying not to give up on themselvesWe talk about:• what happens when external reality challenges your faith• why purpose often feels lonely before it becomes visible• how God can speak through unexpected people• the danger of abandoning yourself too early• trusting your inner knowing before physical evidence appears• why your impact may already be changing lives without you realizing itSometimes the sign you're asking for arrives through another human being.And sometimes the message that finds you at the perfect moment… is the confirmation.If this episode found you, maybe it was meant to.

Shawn, Cullan, Justin and other Justin argue intensely about the plausibility of Jonah being swallowed by a whale. Also, we discuss what the sign of Jonah is and can we ask God for a sign.

It is remarkably easy to spot what is wrong with someone else. The critical word they said, the choice they made, the pattern we have noticed in them for years — we can see it clearly, name it precisely, and feel entirely justified in pointing it out. What is far more difficult is turning that same clear-eyed attention on ourselves. And yet that is exactly what Jesus asks us to do before we say a single word about the speck in our brother's eye. The image Jesus uses in Matthew 7 is almost comical in its exaggeration — and intentionally so. A large beam of timber in your own eye while you lean in to examine a tiny fleck of sawdust in someone else's. The contrast is meant to stop us cold and make us ask the honest question: what am I not seeing in myself right now? Hypocrisy is rarely felt from the inside — it almost always has a convincing explanation, a reasonable justification, a way of looking like discernment rather than deflection. That is why Jesus calls us to a daily practice of self-examination, asking God to reveal what our own blind spots will not let us see. This is not about becoming so self-absorbed in our own sin that we never speak truth to others — Jesus actually affirms that we should address sin in a fellow believer's life. But we must do the hard, humbling work of honest self-reflection first, so that when we do speak, our words carry the weight of integrity rather than the hollowness of hypocrisy. Today's Bible Verse "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." — Matthew 7:3-5 Ponder Today We are often genuinely blind to our own sin — not always out of dishonesty, but because our own justifications and rationalizations obscure what is right in front of us. The plank-and-speck image is deliberately exaggerated to jolt us into honest self-examination — Jesus wants us to laugh at the absurdity of it and then feel the conviction of its truth. Asking God every morning to reveal any sin in our lives is one of the most spiritually protective habits we can build — it keeps our hearts soft and our eyes clear. Jesus does not forbid us from addressing sin in other believers' lives — He simply insists that we do the honest work of self-examination first, so that we can speak with integrity rather than hypocrisy. No one will receive correction from someone they can see is living with their own unaddressed sin — removing the plank from our own eye is what gives our words weight and our lives credibility. Today's Prayer Dear Jesus, I confess that I have been trying to remove the speck from my brother's eye while struggling with a plank in my own. Forgive me for this hypocrisy. It is easy to call out sin in other people's lives, but terribly difficult to honestly face it in my own. Open my eyes to the sin I have been blind to, and show me the damage it has caused. Help me remove the plank and truly live in obedience to You. And when I do need to address sin in a fellow believer's life, help me do so with kindness, compassion, and humility — not from a place of judgment, but from a heart that has first knelt before You. I give You all the praise and glory, Lord. Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever stood in a grocery store aisle, staring at thirty varieties of pasta sauce, and felt something inside you simply give up? It sounds trivial — but that moment of irrational overwhelm is often the symptom of something much deeper. Every decision we make throughout the day draws from a finite mental reserve, and when that reserve runs dry, even the smallest choice can feel impossibly heavy. We were not designed to carry the weight of endless options alone. Psalm 25:4-5 offers us something far better than a decision-making framework or a productivity strategy. It offers us a God who does not merely hand us a map and wish us well — He walks with us as our personal guide, step by step, through every choice we face. When we ask Him to show us His ways and teach us His paths, we are not admitting defeat. We are making an act of faith that moves the burden from our exhausted shoulders onto His. And here is the relief that changes everything: our hope is not in making the perfect choice. Our hope is in Jesus, who has already secured what matters most. No decision we make — wise or mistaken — can separate us from His love and peace. That truth alone has the power to quiet the noise, clear the fog, and give us just enough light for the very next step. Interested in creating something new with us!? Take Our Newsletter Survey! Bible Verse "Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." — Psalm 25:4-5, NIV Ponder Today Decision fatigue is real — every choice we make draws from a limited mental reserve, and when that reserve is depleted, even small decisions can feel impossibly overwhelming. God does not just give us a map — He walks with us as our personal guide, which means we are never meant to navigate the weight of our choices alone. Asking God to show us His ways is an act of faith that simplifies rather than complicates — it moves the burden from us to Him and frees us from the pressure of calculating every possible outcome. Our hope is not in making the perfect choice — it is in Jesus, who has already secured our future, which means no decision we make can take away what matters most. We don't need to see the end from the beginning — only God can do that, and when we pray "teach me your paths," we are released from the exhausting pressure of trying to know what only He knows. Today's Prayer Dear God, I am tired. My mind feels like a computer with too many tabs open, and the weight of deciding feels like too much to carry. From the big questions about my future to the small details of my daily routine, I am struggling to find the quiet space I need to hear Your voice. Right now, I choose to place my hope in You. Show me Your ways and teach me how to walk each step alongside You. Give me the peace that only You can provide, and help me trust that even when I feel lost, I can ask You for help and You will show me the way. Thank You, God. Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The book of Genesis explains to us that it was God’s plan to create two sexes, male and female, both created equally in his image, both finding the other attractive, both needing each other, and different in many ways from each other. It was a good plan, and it is still good today, one that has brought a great deal of joy, happiness, and fulfillment into our lives, for both women and men. True, the plan has been misused and abused through the ages, and relationships between men and women certainly have caused many problems and heartaches. But that results from our lack of understanding of each other and our unwillingness to allow these relationships to be controlled by God’s principles. Often, we have close working relationships with the opposite sex, spending many hours each day working together, physically near each other, and communicating frequently. And sometimes we are not aware of the dynamics of these male/female relationships; many of us are in unfamiliar territory. I remember when I began my career as a sales representative for IBM. I was the only female sales rep in my office at first, and I can still see that large office, jammed with desks to accommodate about 40 salespeople, and there I was in the middle, surrounded by men on every side. Sounds like a dream come true for a single woman. While I certainly enjoyed the attention that my unique situation afforded me, I discovered quite quickly that I was not prepared to deal with the many diverse complications that arose from the male/female aspect of it. Having made some mistakes in this area of my business life, I think it is important to address this subject very directly and candidly, because many of you are struggling with male/female relationships on the job. Let me begin by talking about the friendships that can develop between male and female coworkers. It’s inevitable we will find some coworkers of the opposite sex with whom we share many experiences, whom we respect and enjoy, and a friendship develops. I can think of several men I’ve worked with whom I consider good friends, even years later. Friendships are good things, and I’m always grateful for a friend, wherever I find them. However, we must put up the caution flag and beware of the pitfalls that we can fall into with any friend of the opposite sex. I was a single woman and most of my male coworker friends were married. That's probably pretty common. That should send up a flag that says it is our responsibility as single women to make certain their wives are comfortable with our friendship with their husbands and understand the nature of our relationships. I made it a practice, as these friendships developed, to become very good friends with their wives and families. They were invited to my home and I to theirs. I made certain they were not concerned in any way about my working relationship with their husbands. Had I sensed it bothered them in any way, I would have backed away from that relationship, even though their concerns would have been totally unfounded. A young man once asked my opinion about having a business luncheon with a woman alone, and he went on to explain that this seemed to bother his new wife. My advice was if it bothered her, regardless of how innocent or how convenient that business lunch might be, he should do everything possible to schedule those meetings in the office rather than at lunch. I think he should do everything he can to allay his wife’s concern, even though they may be unfounded. Some might say we should never have a business lunch alone with someone of the opposite sex, but I honestly don’t see this as a black and white situation. The business lunch has become a way of life, and it can be a convenient way to conduct business. There is nothing immoral or questionable about it. But each situation is different and requires wisdom and insight on our part. I think the rule of thumb should be, if in doubt, don’t. Or if it bothers your conscience, don’t. We know from Romans 14 there are some disputable matters where sincere Christians will have differing convictions; the important thing for us is not to condemn others, but to be certain we follow what we believe is right for us to do. A suggestion is to bring a third party along. That’s usually possible to do, and that solves the question of how it might look to others. Most of my peers while working in corporate America were men, which meant if I went to lunch with my friends, I usually went to lunch with men. But rarely was it alone. Now, let me address another issue with male/female relationships in the workplace, and that is women in management with men reporting to them. This is fairly common now. But it still can present problems for these women managers in knowing just how to relate to their subordinates and for the men who often have to adjust their mindsets and attitudes toward women in authority. I’ve encountered many who are struggling with a very basic question in this regard, and that is: Should a Christian woman hold a position of leadership over men? As I look at Scripture, I can find no directive that would prohibit women from holding management positions in business. To the contrary, I can think of many women within Scripture who did hold leadership positions over men. Deborah was a judge over her nation, and she led an army of men into battle (Judges 3 and 4). The Proverbs Woman (Proverbs 31) had both a manufacturing and a real estate business, which easily could have put her in a position of directing male subordinates. We know she managed her household of many servants, and presumably that would include male servants. Lydia was a seller of purple (Acts 16), which was a most prestigious position. She must have interacted with men and directed them at times. We know she had a large household under her management, and this household would most likely have included men. And Priscilla was one of the two instructors at the first Bible school, as she and her husband taught Apollos about Jesus Christ. I believe a Christian woman is free to hold management positions with male subordinates, if she has the desire and the opportunity. However, we need to be aware of some common pitfalls. In wanting to make it clear that they are qualified for their positions, many female managers overreact by trying to be too assertive and working too hard at establishing their authority. Some women are a little insecure in these roles, and it is easy to overcompensate by being too rigid and demanding. On the other hand, some women bend over too far backward to keep from intimidating male subordinates and to avoid coming on too strong, and this can cause a weak manager who lacks proper control. Our challenge is to find that natural, happy medium that allows us to manage effectively in our own style, treat everyone fairly and equally, and not allow ourselves to be intimidated by the male/female aspects of management. It is true there are sometimes double standards concerning acceptable behavior for women and men in leadership roles. A woman manager who does her job well may be viewed by some as being a “pushy broad,” whereas male managers who demonstrate the same style of leadership and assertiveness are considered “up and coming” and admired. I know how irritating that is, but I want to encourage you, if you’re in that kind of situation, not to react to people’s prejudices. I think the smartest thing we can do, as well as the kindest thing, is to rise above their attitudes, and focus on doing our job well, managing effectively, and trusting the consequences to the Lord. It’s a fine line we walk between not being intimidated by the prejudices of others and not becoming militant or vindictive, but I believe, with God’s help, we can do it. As a female manager, you may encounter male subordinates who resent you. This is certainly an appropriate time to ask for special wisdom from God, as he has promised us in James 1:5. In fact, this is a situation that should cause you to pray a lot more. That’s where you’ll find answers. Any kind of management or leadership position comes with its own set of mine fields, and as Christians, it is only in prayer and seeking God’s wisdom that we can walk through those mine fields without harm. A verse God has again and again brought to my attention in these difficult situations is Proverbs 16:21: sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. Find ways to make your directions and your ideas easy to handle. It won’t diminish your stature, as a female manager, to do your best to ease the tension for the men you manage. And it will increase your persuasiveness. I have found praying specifically for the people who are giving me the most trouble is the smartest thing I can do. Asking God to help me understand them; praying daily that I’ll be able to care about them and do the right thing for them. When I do that, without fail my attitude changes and I find the relationships start to improve. Instead of getting angry at them or vindictive, ask God to give you compassion and tolerance. It is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Difficult relationships are often God’s way of helping us to grow in faith and learn to trust Jesus more. If you will pray daily about those sensitive male/female relationships on your job, I can assure you God will give you guidance and wisdom. And when they see that you do not behave in a defensive, aggressive manner, but rather with patience and gentleness, they will be at a loss to explain it. It may well give you an opportunity to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence, as we read in 1 Peter 3:15.

www.tswrightspeaks.comwww.godcenteredconcept.comwww.jesussaid.tvEpisode SummaryThis episode explores the historical context and authorship of the Book of James while examining 12 biblical parallels between James and the teachings of Jesus. Learn how these connections reveal a powerful message about faith expressed through action, spiritual maturity, and authentic Christian discipleship.The Book of James is one of the most practical and challenging books in the New Testament. Often called the “Proverbs of the New Testament,” James emphasizes living out authentic faith through obedience, wisdom, humility, and compassion.DescriptionIn this episode of Kingdom Cross Roads & God Centered Concept, we explore the historical background of the Epistle of James, its likely early date of authorship, and its message to Jewish believers scattered throughout the Roman world.Most importantly, we uncover 12 remarkable parallels between the teachings of James and the words of Jesus. From enduring trials to caring for the poor, James echoes the powerful message of the Sermon on the Mount and other teachings of Christ.Discover how James reinforces Jesus' call to:• Live a faith that produces action • Pursue spiritual maturity • Seek wisdom from God • Care for the vulnerable • Control the tongue and emotions • Become doers of the Word, not just hearersThis episode will help you see how the teachings of Jesus continue through the practical instruction found in the Book of James, offering powerful guidance for Christian discipleship and daily obedience.If you desire a deeper, more authentic walk with God, this teaching will challenge and encourage you to live out your faith with integrity.Key Topics Covered• Historical context of the Book of James • Authorship and early church setting • The practical nature of James' teachings • 12 parallels between James and Jesus • Faith demonstrated through obedience • Spiritual maturity through trials • Caring for widows, orphans, and the vulnerable • Wisdom and humility in Christian lifeChapters (Timestamp Markers)00:00 Introduction to the Series and Book of James 01:09 Authorship and Historical Context of James 02:04 James' Audience and Early Writing Date 03:01 James as the Proverbs of the New Testament 04:00 12 Parallels Between James and Jesus – Overview 04:57 Joy in Trials (James 1:2 & Matthew 5:11–12) 05:24 Spiritual Maturity and Perfection (James 1:4 & Matthew 5:48) 05:54 Asking God for Wisdom (James 1:5 & Matthew 7:7) 06:53 Faith and Doubt in Prayer (James 1:6 & Mark 11:24) 07:23 Humility and Wealth (James 1:9–10 & Luke 6:20, 24) 07:51 Enduring Persecution (James 1:12 & Matthew 5:10) 08:47 God as the Source of Good Gifts (James 1:17 & Matthew 7:11) 09:17 Listening and Obeying God's Word (James 1:19 & Matthew 7:24) 09:45 Controlling Anger (James 1:20 & Matthew 5:22) 10:14 Being Doers of the Word (James 1:22 & Matthew 7:24) 11:09 Caring for Widows, Orphans, and the Least (James 1:27 & Matthew 25:35–40) 12:10 Applying James' Wisdom Today 13:38 Discipleship and Spiritual Growth 14:08 Invitation to Embrace the TruthCall To ActionIf this teaching encouraged you, be sure to:• Follow Kingdom Cross Roads & God Centered Concept • Share this episode with others seeking deeper biblical understanding • Leave a review to help more believers discover this podcast.KeywordsBook of James teachings of Jesus New Testament Bible study faith and works Christian discipleship biblical wisdom Sermon on the Mount spiritual maturity Christian obedience James Bible study biblical parallels Christian podcast practical Christianity New Testament teaching faith in action