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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.
The tune for this song is the Scottish air ‘Ae Fonde Kiss,' and the Psalm acts as a benediction prayer. Asking God's gracious blessing on all people and all nations, it also recalls God's kindness and sustaining presence and asks for God's face to shine on us all.Continue your reflections with the accompanying journal, which includes further questions for reflection and some invitations to prayer and practice.Paid subscribers receive a free journal PDF, or you can purchase a paperback versionVisit the Celtic Psalms website for scores/books, mp3s, CDs, and videos for May God Be GraciousFind out more about the Habits for the Spirit course: an 8-week online course exploring habits and daily spiritual practices to promote wellbeing in body, mind, and spiritFollow Kiran's monthly reflections on Bless My FeetPsalms for the Spirit is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit psalmsforthespirit.substack.com/subscribe
1. Of the Devil 2. Of the World 3. Of the Flesh Scripture: Isaiah 37 Psalters: 146B, 119W, 64A, 46B, 150F
In this deep dive into the book of Acts, Pastor Joseph Davis explores the crucial, often overlooked period of waiting that precedes a major move of God. Before the disciples experienced the power of Pentecost, they had to navigate a time of transition, realignment, and obedience. This message challenges us to stop treating God like He is on a negotiation table and start trusting Him in the middle of our unanswered questions. -- Alignment is everything. If you are out of alignment, you will never understand where you are supposed to be, who you are supposed to be connected to, or when it is time for you to shift seasons. -- Asking God for clarity is biblical, but we must be careful that our constant questioning does not reveal a lack of belief or hidden anxiety. Sometimes we hold God hostage by telling Him we will only move once He does, but true faith requires us to act while things are still uncertain. -- Jesus often redirects us for purpose when we are focused on the wrong things. Just as He redirected the disciples from focusing on the restoration of an earthly kingdom to the power of the Holy Spirit, He wants to move our focus from our current circumstances to our heavenly assignment. -- Obedience is the true demonstration of belief. You can talk about it being your time, but you prove it by your actions. Taking a "timeout" to get away, pray, and clear the clutter is not a sign of weakness; it is a vital step in positioning yourself for the promise. -- Before you reach your "suddenly," you must reach your "stand up" season. Like Peter, you must be healed from your past to maintain your voice. Your testimony belongs to you, and when you are redeemed, you do not have to let your history define or silence you. Scriptures for Further Study -- Jeremiah 30:3 -- Ezekiel 37:21-22 -- Isaiah 9:7 -- Jeremiah 23:5-6 +++++++ Pastors Joseph and Robbin Davis Follow Us https://www.facebook.com/truthgatherers/ Ways to Give Cash App: $truthgatherers www.easytithe.com/TGDC Text to Give - Text the amount to (850) 898-9848
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?
1. Seeking It 2. Believing It 3. Practicing It
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.
by Aubrey Botha https://cpcchurchimages.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/13224917/May-10-Sermon.mp3 Luke 11:5-10 5 Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend's house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, 6 ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.' 7 And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don't bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can't help you.' 8 But I tell you this—though he won't do it for friendship's sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.[a] 9 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Isaiah 65:24 I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! John 14:13-14 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! Transcript (Transcribed by TurboScribe) Good morning. What an amazing church this is. I had to go for some tests this morning here at the hospital, and I wasn’t sure that I was gonna make it back, and sure what the tests were gonna do. So late night, I text my brother Jimmy, and I said, Jim, I know this is late night. I’m not feeling all that great, and I don’t know about tomorrow. Would you stand in and just be on call if maybe I need you to get up there and preach, and Jimmy said, not a problem. I’ll be there. He made a mistake, though. He said, if you want to, I can take your notes, and I said, Jim, you don’t read hieroglyphics. You won’t be able to read that, and Alexander, I just said, Alexander, maybe Jim’s gonna be there and take care of this and take care of that, and this morning I said to Scott, Scotty, if I can sit for a little longer, it will be really neat. Can you just do the prayer song, and Scott just did the prayer song, and what an amazing place this is, where people give and give freely of themselves. Thank you, Central. You’ve been like that. I’ve been here 25 years. You’ve been like that for 25 years. Our prayers go to David DeVisser’s family. David passed away. It’s in the bulletin. The funeral is Friday at 11 o’clock, Thursday evening, 6 to 8. We’ll have a visitation here at the church. Please continue to pray for David’s family. We’re gonna miss him. He was much loved in this place. As we, in these moments, prepare, Lord, to be in your word and to listen for your word. Thank you that you prepare our hearts. Thank you, Holy Spirit of God. Not only are you the one who inspired these words, but you are the one who takes them and puts them in our hearts, and then you guide us as we live the word. And this morning again, as we pray, it’s always that we want to see Jesus and only Jesus. In your precious name, we pray, Lord. Amen. The phone rings, and on the other end, you just hear this distraught voice of a friend or a loved one. And as they continue talking, and you hear the fear and the hurt and the struggle, and you hear the tears, you sit on the other end, and you wonder, what can I do when the challenge that comes to me from someone else is greater than I am? What I want to help but I feel so helpless, so hopeless. Where do I turn? What do I do with this? This is a problem that Dr. Helen Rosevere faced in her fourth year of 20 years that she would work in the Congo, way back, days before cell phones and all these great things. She was a missionary doctor from England working in the Congo at a small orphanage, a little bit of a hospital there as well. And on this day, in that fourth year of working there, Helen was helping a mother who was giving birth, but it was premature birth, and the mother died during giving birth. She left behind a little prematurely born baby and a two-year-old little girl. She sent one of the teacher midwives to go fetch a warm water bottle, fill it with water, and bring that because they had no incubators. There’s no electricity, none of this stuff to help this little baby. The nurse comes back, and she’s crying. She says, doctor, you won’t believe it. When I poured the water into the hot water bottle, it just burst, and that was the only hot water bottle we have. Here’s this little baby. What do you do? So, they set up a little team that would sleep with the baby and hold them close and put the blankets all over, and they would just do that through the night to keep this little thing going. Next day, during lunchtime, all of the kids of the orphanage was there as well, and Helen would always tell them what’s going on and pray with them. And this day, she told them about the little two-year-old and about the little baby. And their need. Because how would they get a warm water bottle there in the middle of nowhere? There’s no contact. The only way that would happen is if someone would send a parcel from England. But who’s going to send a hot water bottle to someone who lives on the equator, right? So, she tells them, and then they pray. And then this little girl, and you can go read this. Helen wrote this in a book called Living Faith. She writes, this little girl gets up. Her name is Ruth. She’s 10 years old. They all prayed, but one 10-year-old girl named Ruth took it on herself to take the problem directly to Jesus. Please, God, she said, send us a water bottle. It’ll be no good tomorrow, God. The baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon. And while you’re at it, would you please send a doll for the little girl’s sister so that she will know that you really love her. Helen said she struggled to say amen after this prayer, because how is this ever going to be possible? Where’s this gonna come from? In the four years she’s been there, she’s never even received a parcel from home. So, how? Went along the day, and she was working, and someone came running up and said, there’s someone with a car at your door. She ran out, got there, car was gone, but there’s this huge box, 22 pounds in weight, all beautifully wrapped. So, she thought this must be gifts for the kids. So, she calls the kids. They open the box. They unwrap it. She opens it up. Yes, there’s supplies, bandages, special wool for the folks with leprosy, some sultanas in a bottle, some raisins in cans, and then, as she calls them, jerseys, sweaters for the kids. And as she’s taking them out, her hand feels something, and she’s thinking, no, this can’t be. And she takes it out, and there’s a hot water bottle in the box. True story, I’m telling you right now. As she takes that out, little Ruth sees this, and she comes flying up to the box, and she says, if there’s a hot water bottle, there has to be a doll, too. And she’s in the box, and there’s this beautiful little doll. When Ellen looked at the label on the box, it was sent five months earlier from England. It reminded me of this beautiful word in Isaiah chapter 65, and Ted, you have that on the screen. I will answer them before they even call to me. And while they’re still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers. Do I have to preach? Here’s your sermon. I will answer them before they even call to me. While they’re still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers. The Lord answered little Ruth’s prayer even before she prayed that prayer. As I read that, I not only got emotional about this little girl, but I thought to myself, do I have that kind of faith? A faith that prays so boldly, God, we need a water bottle this afternoon. Tomorrow’s too late, and a little doll while you’re at it. Bold. Right there, right before the Lord accepting the challenge that Jesus gave us. Can you remember the challenge Jesus gave in John 14? It’s up there, Ted. Ask anything in my name, and I will do it. Why? To glorify the Father. Put the rest on there, Ted. Ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. Ruth took God up on that challenge. What about us? What about us? We all need help, right? We said that in the series. Father, you’re good. Last week we said, I need help. We need help for those moments when that engine light comes on and life breaks down, that God needs to step in, and we ask that. But here’s the thing. So do other people, that friend, that neighbour, that loved one that gets on that phone. And God who is faithful in his word and promises to meet my needs is also the God who promises to meet others’ needs. All we have to do is to ask. Father, you are good. I need help. So do they. And with those words, we intercede for other people. Asking God to do his miracles in their lives. It’s a huge gift to be able to do that, but it’s also this awesome responsibility. Father, they need help. Listen to what Jesus says about this. Here’s a scripture passage for the day, Luke 11. Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story. This is Jesus. Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, a friend of mine has just arrived for a visit and I have nothing for him to eat. And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you. But, here’s that biblical but, I tell you this, though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. And so I tell you, keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be open to you. For everyone who asks receives. Everyone who seeks finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. See, this is intercessory prayer. In its purest form. It’s a combination of of paucity, that just being succinct, they need help, and audacity. Not tomorrow, Lord. Today, Father, they need help. I can’t help them. But you can. This is the kind of prayer that gets God’s attention. And even that grumpy old neighbour in the end actually got up and opened the door and gave. How much more will my heavenly Father open that door when I knock? The one who never slumbers or sleeps, the one who says my ears are not deaf, that they cannot hear, my hands will always give. How much more will he give when I knock on that door? Father, they need help. Think of Jesus, his whole life. He never refused any intercessory request. Peter brought his mother-in-law. The centurion brought his slave. Jairus brought his dead daughter. And one by one by one by one by one, Jesus continued to take those requests and fulfil them. I’m reading Mark for my own quiet time again, and you read those first three chapters. They just were bringing them to Jesus all the time, and just heal, and just do, and he just did that. He never refuses that. That is the joy of his heart. He did lose it on the disciples once. Matthew chapter 17. I don’t know if you remember the story. His father brought his son who was struggling with epilepsy, brought him to the disciples, and he said, please help. The disciples couldn’t help, so they said, sorry, we can’t help you. Go home. The father didn’t give up, and he went to Jesus. He said, they couldn’t help me, and that’s when Jesus lost it. Why didn’t you bring the boy to me? He said to them. And then he uses a word in verse 20 to explain a little something. He talked about this is unbelief. Belief is to take it to Jesus and to accept that Jesus can do what I cannot do. Unbelief is to say, well, I’m going to try it on my own, and if I can’t do it, sorry, there’s nothing I can do for you. His joy is to hear our requests and to take care of those requests, because here’s the thing. The privilege of intercessory prayer is that we are called, 2 Corinthians 5.20, we are called the ambassadors of Christ. It’s an interesting word in Greek. Here’s your Greek lesson for the day. Do you know what the Greek word for ambassador is? I still owe you a coffee, Dave, now that I think of it. I’ll have to make it two coffees for this one. The Greek word for ambassador is presbyteros, presbyterian. Same word, same word. Ambassadors. We are the ambassadors for Christ so that we speak for Him. We speak on behalf of our neighbours. We speak on behalf of our loved ones. We speak on behalf of those who have needs. You just did it this morning, Scott, and this wasn’t written in the sermon, but you just did it this morning. You prayed for people in the church. You prayed for me. You prayed for David’s family. That’s what we are, ambassadors for Christ to speak for the needs of others when sometimes they cannot speak for their own needs. Father, He puts that in our hearts. Father, they need help. I can’t help them, but you can. When we come and we intercede like this, we acknowledge that I can do it, my inability, but I also acknowledge God’s ability. I come with my empty hands, but I come with high hopes. Ephesians chapter 3. For He can do so much more than we could ever think or dream or fathom. Philippians 4. And He will provide for us from the fullness of His riches. All I have to do. Father, they need help. I want to tell you a little story and I’ll end with that from my own life where I experienced this and when you experience this gift of God, it’s just it’s overwhelming. Back in South Africa, we had this wonderful two people in our church. She was one of the most godly women, Anna Kroenier. Anna and Chris Kroenier. We would go there every Christmas. She would have this Christmas dinner for a few of us and we would just celebrate the birth of Christ with each other and share a meal. And we would always end with worship and prayer. This evening was a little sad because the couple that would always come with us couldn’t be there because the cancer was so intense in this woman’s life. That evening we decided that we were going to pray for her and we were going to lay hands on her. She wasn’t there, but we were going to lay hands on her just as we stood there and say, Lord, we’re doing this and we all stood in a circle and we lay hands on this woman who was not there and we prayed. Father, she needs your help. Father, will you bring healing? Two weeks later, she saw the doctor. They couldn’t find a single cancerous cell in her body. Our inability in intercessory prayers, God, it’s your ability. I can’t do it, but I can pray. I can ask for a hot water bottle in the middle of nowhere and you could do it. The thing that brings so much joy to Jesus’ heart is when we trust him audaciously. With the lives of others, bringing them to Jesus. And the moment I do that, he just opens that pantry door and he says, come on in and come and take as much as you need. We’re never closer to being like Jesus as when we pray for others. So please pray. Pray for those you love. Pray for those you don’t love. And knock. Don’t stop knocking. Father, you are good. I need help. But so do they. And then bring the biggest shopping basket you have because he’s going to fill that basket with so many blessings that you can take to them. Take a few moments of silent prayer. Father, you are good. They need help. And you know who they are. Thank you that we may pray. Thank you that we may be bold like little Ruth, Lord. Audaciously bold. Help us. Help us to remember who you are and what you can do. Thank you. We will pray, Lord. In Jesus’ name.
1. Asking for It 2. Receiving It 3. Believing It
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.
Prayer is a God-ordained means by which we are to advance the Kingdom of God.
1. In All Things 2. In Our Lives 3. With Sincerity
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.
1. By Ruling in Us 2. By Ruling for Us 3. By Ruling Always
1. The Need 2. The Request 3. The Priority
The Springs in the Desert Podcast: Catholic Accompaniment Through Infertility
Christ is risen, glorify Him! Happy Easter to all in the Springs community. In today's episode, Fr. Paul sits down with Jillian to offer a word of comfort to those who still feel in need of renewal even though Lent is over.They'll reflect on:–Bible verses to walk with as we enter the Easter season.–Peaceful reconciliation with God.–Asking God for renewal in our lives and marriages – even during a season of infertility.It is our honor to walk with you this Easter season!Links:Spiritual direction with Fr. Paul: fr.paul@springsinthedesert.orgSupport the Podcast
Joshua Mack | Ephesians 3:13-21
Message from Elder David Montgomery on March 28, 2026
How does your perspective shape the way you experience daily life?In today's episode, Stephanie Alessi Muiña invites us to explore the transformative power of a perspective change. We'll learn how our hearts and minds are influenced by the hidden filters we carry, whether they are rooted in fear, judgment, or optimism, and how these filters can color every situation we encounter. Together, the community will discover practical steps to shift our mindset, align our thoughts with God's Word, and speak life over ourselves each morning.Join us for this uplifting devotional as we pray for clarity, strength, and a pure perspective. Asking God to renew our hearts and guide us to see the world through His eyes.Tap HERE to send us a text! BECOME A FOUNDING "MY MORNING DEVOTIONAL" MEMBERIf you enjoy your 5 minute daily dose of heaven, we would appreciate your support, and we have a fun way for you to partner with the MMD community! We've launched our "Buy Me a Coffee" membership where you can buy us a latte, OR become a founding member and get monthly bonus video episodes! To donate, go to mymorningdevo.co/join! Support the showNEW VIDEO EPISODES! You can watch our new video episodes on YouTube! Watch Our Video Devotionals NEW TO MY MORNING DEVOTIONAL? We're so glad you're here! We're the Alessis, a ministry family working together in a church in Miami, FL, and we're so blessed to partner with the My Morning Devotional community and continue the great work done by the show's creator and our friend, Alison Delamota. We pray our personal reflections and devotions will empower you to grow your faith in God, and that you'll join us every morning in prayer! HELP US GROW THE MMD COMMUNITY Subscribe to the show on this app Share this with a friend Join our newsletter Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook Leave a review Support Our Friends and Family Connect with the original host of MMD Alison Delamota Follow our family's podcast The Family Business with The Alessis
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
In this episode, we dive into 2 Kings 6 and uncover a powerful biblical truth: God gives His people access to spiritual intelligence. Just as nations rely on intelligence agencies to uncover hidden threats, believers have access to something far greater — the leading and revelation of the Holy Spirit. Through the story of Elisha and the king of Israel, we see how God repeatedly revealed the enemy's plans before they could be carried out. What looked like a military advantage was actually spiritual discernment at work. But this kind of discernment isn't reserved for prophets in the Old Testament. Scripture shows us that every believer can grow in the ability to hear the voice of God, recognize His warnings, and follow His guidance in everyday life. In this teaching, we talk about: What spiritual discernment really isHow the Holy Spirit provides warnings and directionWhy believers must learn to test what they hearThe importance of developing a consistent prayer lifeHow obedience sharpens your ability to hear God more clearlyWhy ignoring the promptings of the Holy Spirit can lead to painful consequences We also explore how spiritual intelligence works in real life — from everyday decisions to moments where God protects us from danger before we even see it coming. The good news is that God has not left us alone. Through the Holy Spirit, He gives us guidance, wisdom, and insight that goes beyond our natural understanding. If you desire to grow in hearing God's voice and walking in spiritual discernment, this episode will challenge and encourage you. Scripture Referenced: 2 Kings 6Psalm 91:11Isaiah 30:211 John 4:12 Corinthians 5:10Matthew 5:30 Chapters 0:00 Introduction: What Is Spiritual Intelligence? 4:20 A Real-Life Example of Spiritual Discernment 6:45 Elisha and the King | 2 Kings 6 11:40 When God Reveals the Enemy's Plans 15:45 The Heavenly Army Surrounding Elisha 21:00 Why Prayer Connects You to God's Guidance 27:45 Don't Ignore the Voice of the Holy Spirit 36:45 How to Test if Something Is Really from God 47:20 Asking God to Order Your Steps 57:15 Why Spiritual Intelligence Changes Everything 1:01:00 Final Prayer and Encouragement About your host: Jaime Luce' testimony has daunting personal mountains and treacherous financial valleys. She was trapped in day-to-day stress and couldn't see a way forward. But how she started is not how she finished! And she wants you to know God has a plan for your life too, no matter how tough it seems. Today, Jaime has been married to the love of her life for almost three decades, owns two companies, and has become an author and podcaster. God's way is always the blessed way! Free chapter of Jaime's new book: You Don't Need Money, You Just Need God: https://jaimeluce.com/book/ Connect: - Website: https://jaimeluce.com - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaime.luces.page - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaime_luce/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-luce-00395691/
Are you struggling to hear God's voice? If you're trying to discern a decision — about your family, your home, your work, or something deeper — and you're not getting clarity, it may not be because God isn't speaking. It may be because something is blocking Him. In this episode, we talk about four common ways we unintentionally block God's voice: Hardness of heart and lack of forgiveness Asking God… but being afraid of the answer Only giving Him Option A or Option B When God says, "It's up to you" We also talk about: Why forgiveness (even of God) is about releasing yourself How fear reveals whether you trust His goodness The subtle difference between unrest and peaceful freedom Why discernment and obedience are two separate skills The goal of motherhood is not performance. It's not image. It's not measurable success. It's learning to hear God's voice — and doing what He tells you. If you're not getting clarity in prayer, gently examine your heart. There may be something blocking what He's trying to say. Do whatever He tells you.
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When we are confronted by our own maladies, we ask God to heal us.
Some weeks ago, we asked our listeners to comment on something that completely changed for them as they slipped from the roots of religious legalism into the grace of the gospel. This week includes the topics of: - Trying to keep some type of weekly religious sabbath and attempting to "Christianize" the concept (mix the Old Covenant with the New). - The habit of continuously seeking or asking God's Spirit to come ... or asking God to come into our presence (as though He left for another zip code). - Asking God daily for forgiveness—again and again (as if the cross never happened). - Equating church attendance with one's spiritual state ... having people wanting to pray with an attendee to repent and get right with God (after they haven't shown up for a while). --Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7
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Revival Mom | Grow Deeper with God, Encourage children in the Lord, Christian Home
In this episode, we're diving into something that might be canceling out your prayers without you even realizing it. If you've been faithfully praying for breakthrough in your family but feel like nothing's changing, I want to bring some awareness to how our words might be planting different seeds than what we're actually praying for. I'm sharing about the victorious voice and how the words we speak over ourselves, our children, and our circumstances actually matter more than we think. Are you praying for your child to be obedient but constantly calling them naughty? Asking God for health but always talking about your sickness? Wanting your husband to lead but focusing on all the ways he's falling short? The Bible tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue, and I truly believe that our daily prayer lives need to align with the words we're speaking throughout the day. This isn't about shame or condemnation, it's about the Holy Spirit bringing awareness so we can partner with God more effectively in spiritual warfare against the enemy's plans for our families. I'm walking you through how to identify one thing you're saying that contradicts your prayers and how to change it with biblical encouragement. This is about speaking life and reaping the fruit you actually want to see. Let's align our words with our prayers and watch God move! Next Steps: Get the Ignite Revival: Powerful Prayers & Declarations Guide at: https://alyssarahn.com/prayers Email alyssa@alyssarahn.com for coaching
2026 isn't just another year.It's Year One.
Pastor JD returns to the pulpit starting Thursday, February 12th and before resuming the verse-by-verse study through Zechariah talks openly about his wife's death in a topical teaching out of Ezekiel 24:15-27 then resumes the prophecy updates and sermons beginning Sunday, February 15th
Pastor JD, before resuming the Zechariah verse-by-verse study, talks openly about his wife's death in a topical teaching out of Ezekiel 24:15-27 specific to Ezekiel's wife's death, which prompts and answers some of the many related “what” questions.Social MediaProphecy Website: http://jdfarag.orgMobil/TV Apps: https://subsplash.com/calvarychapelkaneohe/appChurch Website: http://www.calvarychapelkaneohe.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/JDFaragFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JDFaragInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/JDFarag
Financial stress has a way of getting into everything—your sleep, your conversations, your sense of security, and even your peace with God. This devotional opens with an honest picture many people recognize: the cost of living rising, unexpected expenses piling up, and the uneasy feeling that no matter how hard you work or how carefully you plan, you’re still barely getting by. When budgets are tight and debt feels heavy, anxiety can hit fast with a single thought: How are we going to recover from this? What makes the situation even more discouraging is when you’ve tried to do the “right” things—avoiding unnecessary spending, saving where you can, and giving faithfully—yet still feel trapped. The devotional doesn’t shame that struggle. Instead, it reminds us that Scripture takes money seriously and speaks to it often, because finances reveal what we trust, what we fear, and what we serve. Philippians 4:19 offers a steady anchor: God promises to meet our needs according to His riches in Christ. That doesn’t mean believers are guaranteed wealth or a problem-free financial life. But it does mean we are not abandoned. God’s provision is real, and He invites us to live with open hands—using money as a tool rather than a master, practicing generosity with joy, and seeking wisdom to steward what He has entrusted to us. In seasons where money is tight, the devotional encourages a posture shift: from panic to prayer, from striving alone to seeking God’s discernment. Faithfulness isn’t just about giving; it’s about honoring God in the way we save, spend, plan, and respond under pressure. When we ask God to show us where to adjust, to build healthier habits, and to trust His care, we begin to experience His guidance and peace—often one practical step at a time. Main Takeaways Financial pressure can stir fear, but God invites us to bring that anxiety to Him. God doesn’t promise prosperity, but He does promise faithful provision for our needs. Scripture calls believers to steward money wisely, not be mastered by it. Generosity and gratitude are part of trusting God, even in uncertain seasons. Asking God for wisdom can lead to practical changes that reduce stress and honor Him. Today’s Bible Verse And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19 Your Daily Prayer Here is a brief excerpt from today’s prayer: “Show us areas where we can improve… Grant us ways to foster healthy habits with our income… as we give, save, and spend wisely.” You can listen to the full prayer here, or read the prayer and devotional at the links below. Want More? Relevant Links & Resources Looking for more daily encouragement and faith-filled content? LifeAudio – Daily devotionals, Christian podcasts, and biblical encouragement at LifeAudio.com Crosswalk – Prayer, faith, and Christian living resources at Crosswalk.com This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.orgTrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments, Trinity has the knowledge and resources to make a difference. https://trinitycredit.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Welcome to today's Guided Prayer, where we invite you to find a quiet space to still your mind and body. Guided Prayers are a daily 5–10 minute, intentionally created moment to slow down and meet with God—through scripture, reflection, and honest prayer.It's not a program you attend.It's a pathway you practice.A guided space where people can stop, breathe, and connect with Jesus—every single day.
Are you resting but still exhausted? In this episode, I talk about the kind of burnout that doesn't go away with sleep, vacations, or time off, the hidden exhaustion so many women carry while still functioning, serving, and showing up. Learn why surface-level rest doesn't heal deep depletion, how faith and exhaustion often get tangled together, and how God responds to burnout with care instead of condemnation. This episode will help you recognize hidden burnout, understand why what you're doing to rest isn't working, and begin responding to exhaustion with wisdom, compassion, and truth. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: [00:00] Why “I'm Tired” Doesn't Always Mean You Need More Sleep [01:00] Why Doesn't Rest Work When I'm Praying and Asking God for Help? [03:00] What Is Hidden Burnout and Why Is It So Normalized? [06:00] When You Associate Exhaustion with Faithfulness and Worth [08:00] God Meets Exhaustion with Care, Not Condemnation [13:00] Why Inner Chaos Matters More Than Outer Busyness [16:00] Rest Isn't a Willpower Problem but a Self-Understanding Problem [19:00] Why Learning the Different Types of Rest Changes Everything Join me for the Virtual Rest Retreat in Feb 2026! Are you exhausted and in need of deep rest (but can't get away)? Find rest with God that fits your budget, your schedule and your season of life at my Bible-based virtual retreat for Christian women seeking deep replenishment of mind, body and spirit! Register for the virtual rest retreat: AliciaMichelle.com/virtual-rest-retreat RELATED EPISODES: Ep 344 — How to DIY Your Own Rest Retreat (When Getting Away Feels Impossible) Ep 346 — Seasonal Affective Disorder: When the Darkness Affects Your Emotions Ep 341 — Step #1 to Calming Emotional Spirals: Notice + Name Your Feelings Send us a text
Keith walks through seven things that are helpful when asking God for wisdom.
God is benevolent…we should be asking of Him
Prayer doesn't have to feel confusing, repetitive, or stuck. In this episode, Chad and Robert talk about why Sun Valley is starting the year focused on prayer and offer a simple, biblical framework that helps you connect with God in a deeper way.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:23 Why Start the Year With Prayer02:05 Don't Wait on a Sermon—Go Read Your Bible03:33 Why Prayer Is a Great New Year Goal04:14 The Most Important Relationship in Your Life05:16 Prayer Is Also Hearing From God05:50 Why the Bible Repeats Themes06:33 The Tabernacle and Learning to Engage With God10:37 Is God the Center of Your Life or a Hobby?12:16 The Gateway to God's Presence Begins With Gratitude13:01 Why We Sing in Church14:07 Starting Prayer With Gratitude (Even on Hard Days)18:49 Gratitude for the Small Things21:34 Thanksgiving vs Praise22:08 God's Joy, Grace, and Holiness22:49 Hell as the Absence of God's Grace24:11 Sacrifice, Sin, and Confession25:07 Jesus the Lamb of God (Hebrews)26:20 Petition and Asking God for Things27:48 Intercession and Praying for Others28:05 The Five Elements of Prayer29:31 Breakthrough Can Be Internal
When exactly should you pray about something? How big of a deal does it need to be before you bring it to God? Does God really have time to be concerned about every little detail of your life? Honey, there are 70 billion trillion stars in the sky, and God calls each one of them […]
Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock talk about how pastors can deepen their daily prayer life, reflecting on an article from Chuck Lawless about seven things Tom Elliff prays for every day. If you're a pastor, ministry leader, church planter, or replanter, this episode will encourage you to build a more intentional, Scripture-shaped pattern of prayer. In this episode, they walk through seven daily pastoral prayers: 1. A continual awareness of God's presence Praying for a “looming sense” of God's nearness throughout the day. Learning to live, lead, and make decisions with a constant God-consciousness. 2. A pure heart Asking God to search your motives, cleanse hidden sin, and guard your integrity. Understanding why personal holiness is essential for pastoral ministry. 3. The fullness of the Holy Spirit Praying to be led, empowered, and sustained by the Spirit in every aspect of ministry. 4. The gifts and graces of the Spirit Seeking spiritual gifts and Christlike character to serve your people well. Asking God to bear visible fruit in and through your life. 5. Protection from bringing reproach on Christ Pleading with God that you would do nothing that gives the enemy an opportunity to mock your Lord. Talking honestly about temptation, spiritual warfare, and the fear of disqualifying yourself. 6. God's hand on your family Praying for your spouse, children, and loved ones serving God around the world. Thinking about how to shepherd both your church and your home. 7. Faithfulness to God's calling and vision Asking the Lord to keep you true to the mission He's given you. Staying focused and steadfast in seasons of discouragement, transition, or slow growth. This episode is especially helpful for: Pastors wanting a daily prayer framework Leaders in church revitalization and replanting Anyone longing to grow in spiritual depth, dependence, and perseverance in ministry Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Article: “7 Things My Pastoral Hero Prays Every Day” by Chuck Lawless Listen in for a practical, worshipful guide to daily pastoral prayer, learning to seek God for purity, power, protection, and perseverance in ministry.
Asking God for our “daily bread” is a petition for him to fill our physical and spiritual hunger. Fr. Mike breaks down this simple yet profound petition that reminds us of our reliance on God for all our needs. In this part of the Lord's prayer, we turn to God with childlike hearts, trusting that he will nourish us with all the appropriate material goods and, above all, with the Eucharist. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 2828-2837. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Week four of the Ending Well series lands right at the halfway mark. This episode is a look back over a three-year road (starting in 2022) of how God helped me fight inflammation, feel like myself again, and regain my "glow." This is not a weight-loss talk, not a quick-fix list, and not medical advice. It's a redemption story about healing from the inside out — spiritually, emotionally, and physically. "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." — 3 John 1:2 Key Themes Redemption doesn't just cover salvation; it keeps working through sanctification and healing. Inflammation wasn't just a food problem — it was also a soul and nervous system problem. Real health change is slow, layered, and personal. Your timeline will not look like mine. The glow came as a byproduct of feeling better and living freer, not chasing beauty. Important Disclaimers This episode is descriptive, not prescriptive. Not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified professional for your situation. Do not try to do everything at once. This was a year of foundations plus a total three-year process. One percent better beats perfect overnight. The Story: How the Dominoes Fell 1. August 2022: Stepping Back From Fear-Driven "Crunchy" Culture I was drowning in rules, guilt, and constant fear of what might be harming me. The anxiety and striving became more toxic than the ingredients I was avoiding. First domino: I quit trying to do it all perfectly and started living with grace, budget reality, and peace. Lowering my standards for myself lowered my inflammation. "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28 2. October 2022: A Major Boundary With a Toxic Relationship I set a serious boundary with someone whose presence fueled self-hatred. Went no contact for about six months. The inner tape of shame and criticism began to quiet. I learned that giving up self-hatred is profoundly anti-inflammatory. Recommended resource mentioned: When to Walk Away by Gary Thomas (plus podcast interview) "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." — Proverbs 4:23 3. Early 2023: Changing How I Worked Out I stopped high-intensity workouts that were spiking cortisol daily. Switched to lifting heavy and slow, more functional strength training. Worked out less, recovered more. Energy improved, inflammation eased, confidence rose. Current favorite: Nourish Move Love workouts on YouTube. Big takeaway: exercise is a gift, not punishment. 4. February to May 2023: Going Gluten-Free and Cutting Back on Alcohol Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter was a turning point. I tried going gluten-free (cold turkey, not ideal but it worked). Brain fog cleared, bloat dropped, inflammation noticeably reduced. Cutting alcohol alongside gluten made a huge difference. I don't need to understand every mechanism to honor what clearly helps my body. Reminder: everyone has a "thing" — gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol, stress. Find yours with grace. 5. August 2023: Getting Off SSRIs After 15 Years A massive milestone with a full story in episode 267. For me, SSRIs were not helping inflammation or overall vitality anymore. The drop in facial inflammation from August to December was dramatic. I'm not shaming anyone on SSRIs — I was on them a long time. This was my path. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." — Galatians 5:1 What Actually Healed Me This part matters: the glow wasn't mainly from products. Lowering impossible expectations Creating boundaries Learning to like myself Getting out of fight-or-flight Moving my body in a gentler way Removing gluten and minimizing alcohol Walking in obedience even when it felt backwards Healing was spiritual and emotional first, physical second. "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." — Romans 12:2 Simple "Glow Back" Skin Habits These are the practical, easy wins that helped the outside catch up to the inside. Dermaplaning at home Removes dead skin and peach fuzz. Skin care and makeup apply better. Big difference in glow and smoothness. Learn carefully through YouTube tutorials and use a quality razor. Stopping skin picking Picking was aggravating redness and irritation. I prayed about it and replaced the habit. New habit: brush my hair when the urge hits. Asking God for help in small things counts. Sponsor Spotlight: PreBorn A free ultrasound can double a mother's chance of choosing life. PreBorn offers ultrasounds plus ongoing support for mothers for up to two years. It costs 28 dollars to sponsor one ultrasound. Donate at preborn.com/speakeasy. Takeaways to Sit With If you're overwhelmed, start with one domino. God often heals from the root, not just the symptom. Your body listens to your beliefs. Peace, obedience, and self-kindness are deeply practical health tools. The goal isn't prettier; it's freer, healthier, and more whole. Reflective Questions What is one area where fear or perfectionism is inflaming your life? Who or what might need a boundary so you can heal? What small change feels like the next right step, not the whole staircase? How would your health shift if you treated yourself like someone God deeply loves? Closing Encouragement This glow-back story is really a "come back to life" story. It wasn't a sprint; it was obedience in baby steps. If you're in the thick of it today, don't despise the slow fade. God redeems years, bodies, minds, and hearts — and He's patient in the process. "He restores my soul." — Psalm 23:3
When I was younger, I thought it improper to ask God to help me meet writing deadlines. Other people have greater needs, I told myself. Family problems. Health crises. Job letdowns. Financial needs. I’ve faced all those things, too. But meeting a writing deadline seemed too small to take to God. I changed my view, however, after finding multiple examples in the Bible of God helping people regardless of the challenge they faced. In one story, the Israelites were dismayed because they faced an attack at Mizpah by their enemies, the Philistines. “[The Israelites] said to Samuel, ‘Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines’ ” (1 Samuel 7:8). In response, Samuel sacrificed a lamb to God, crying out to Him on Israel’s behalf, “and the Lord answered him” (v. 9). “While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel. But that day the Lord thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites” (v. 10). Later, “Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us’ ” (v. 12). Samuel placed the stone to commemorate God helping His people. Ebenezer means “stone of help.” Asking God for help is always proper. Let’s call out to Him today.