Podcasts about christian living

God's Joy Is Your STRENGTH—It Will BREAK Every Chain | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day With GodSUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer™ Podcast!For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org© Copyright Daily Effective Prayer™ SUPPORT THE MINISTRY:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTubeX / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebook Daily Effective Prayer™

In this message from Psalm 90:5–12, Pastor Jacob unpacks Moses' prayer, “Teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.” We discover that wisdom begins with living an examined life—confessing our sins before God, contemplating the brevity of life, and considering the greatness of God. Along the way, we're reminded that our days are limited, but in Christ our dwelling place is secure and our hearts can be filled with grace, urgency, and eternal perspective.

Wherever You Go, God's GOODNESS & MERCY Will Go With You | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day With GodSUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer™ Podcast!For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org© Copyright Daily Effective Prayer™ SUPPORT THE MINISTRY:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTubeX / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebook Daily Effective Prayer™

Justin shares personal stories about his kids starting a new school year and the emotions that come with it.The myth of “creative block” and what it's really about.How the Sabbath helps process endings and prepare for new seasons.Distinguishing between wisdom and fear when making choices.Why calling is more about who you're becoming than choosing perfectly.Closing with an excerpt from Justin's upcoming book with Scott Erickson. Links For Justin:Order In The Low - NEW Book with Scott EricksonCoaching with JustinOrder In Rest - New Book of PoemsOrder Sacred StridesJustinMcRoberts.comSupport this podcastNEW Single - Let GoNEW Music - Sliver of HopeNEW Music - The Dood and The BirdThe Book - It Is What You Make itHearts and Minds Amazon Barnes and Noble

Host Ben Sudderth, Jr. & Irene Sudderth will be discussing the need to open up your Books/Bible, your Mind/Mindset, your Umbrella/Covering, and your Window/Wisdom. In order to have receive a clear understanding of God's direction.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sudds-r-us-podcast--4574394/support.

Enjoy reflecting on how Jesus is the solid Rock beneath your feet, even during hard seasons.No matter what kind of day you've had, rest in hope and peace tonight as you draw near to the heart of God. This short, uplifting meditation from His Word will create a space at the end of the day for you to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust your burdens to Him and fill your mind with His promises and faithfulness towards you. Tonight's meditation is read by Howie. Meet the team at odb.org/meet-the-team.Send us a text message to let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience for you!Support the showYou can now share the Evening Meditations through the updated Our Daily Bread app! If you've not done so already, download it for free from your app store.We hope that you have enjoyed this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: ourdailybread.org/meditation. All our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.

In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb takes listeners on a deep theological journey into the distinction between law and gospel. Drawing from Martin Luther's theological insights, Jesse explores how these two words from God—the law and the gospel—reveal His righteousness and intersect with Christian living. He reflects on the ways the law exposes sin and reveals the justice of God, while the gospel offers the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. This timely discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding how God's law and gospel work in harmony to declare His glory and transform lives. Jesse unpacks the theology of the cross versus the theology of glory, highlighting how the gospel is scandalously counterintuitive, displaying God's power through weakness and Christ's ultimate act of obedience—His death on the cross. Through thought-provoking metaphors and personal reflections, he illustrates how the law's demands drive us to despair but ultimately point us to the gospel, where we find redemption and freedom in Christ. The episode also delves into the transformative power of the gospel, contrasting it with the law's inability to save. Jesse encourages listeners to consider how the gospel empowers obedience, not as a means of earning righteousness, but as a response to the righteousness imputed to us by Christ. This episode is rich in theological depth and practical application, providing a framework for understanding God's justice, mercy, and love.

This year's camp Christian Living theme is “Seek First the Kingdom.” That direction from Jesus Christ should impact all aspects of our lives. What's involved in being “all in” for the Kingdom and God's righteousness, and why does God require that of us?

This summer, we're taking a short break from our regular podcast format, and instead have selected various installments from past message series given by James Emery White at Mecklenburg Community Church where he serves as the Senior Pastor. There are several critical areas of our spiritual life and our relationship with God that have both “good” and “bad” dynamics. When we confuse these areas, it can bring great spiritual harm. Today's episode comes from a Meck series titled "The Flip Side: The Bad Side of Good Things" with a look at "Good Guilt vs. Bad Guilt.” Episode Links Below you'll find the link to the full series if that's something you are interested in checking out, along with the sources that were used in the development of the message itself: “The Flip Side: The Bad Side of Good Things” Becca Cowan Johnson, Good Guilt, Bad Guilt: And What to Do with Each. Verne Becker, Tim Stafford and Philip Yancey, What They Never Told Me When I Became a Christian. For more message series given by Dr. White that would fall under the banner of living out our Christian faith, check out the “Christian Living” resources. For those of you who are new to Church & Culture, we'd love to invite you to subscribe (for free of course) to the twice-weekly Church & Culture blog and check out the Daily Headline News - a collection of headlines from around the globe each weekday. We'd also love to hear from you if there is a topic that you'd like to see discussed on the Church & Culture Podcast in an upcoming episode. You can find the form to submit your questions at the bottom of the podcast page HERE.

Rest quietly as you reflect on the wonder and power of God's living Word.No matter what kind of day you've had, rest in hope and peace tonight as you draw near to the heart of God. This short, uplifting meditation from His Word will create a space at the end of the day for you to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust your burdens to Him and fill your mind with His promises and faithfulness towards you. Tonight's meditation is read by Adeyinka. Meet the team at odb.org/meet-the-team.Send us a text message to let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience for you!Support the showYou can now share the Evening Meditations through the updated Our Daily Bread app! If you've not done so already, download it for free from your app store.We hope that you have enjoyed this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: ourdailybread.org/meditation. All our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.

What does a rebel against authority and rules look like? Understand these principles for transforming stinkin' thinkin'. If you can only have a willing heart and mind toward truth.The Voice in the Wilderness does not endorse any link or other material found at buzzsprout.More at https://www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org/

God Inside You—No Fear, No Defeat, No Limits (YOU CAN'T BE STOPPED) | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day With GodSUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer™ Podcast!For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org© Copyright Daily Effective Prayer™ SUPPORT THE MINISTRY:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTubeX / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebook Daily Effective Prayer™

Episode Summary: Being busy is a drug for most people. We believe that busyness is a badge of honor, that constant activity is good, and that productivity (whatever that means), makes us worthwhile. People like to talk about being busy all the time, but oftentimes their relationships suffer. So often we sleepwalk through our days, but there is a tremendous gift in practicing awareness in this present moment. In a culture that gives accolades for business and achievement, we run the risk of forgetting how to be present. Scripture reminds us to “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) but how often do we willingly slow down? My guest, Courtney Ellis and I talk about how to be present in the moment and reap the benefits. Quotables from the episode: What would it look like to love my actual neighbors? What would it look like to press into this particular church? What would it look like to make our kids' schools our schools and really put our feet on the ground and help in all the ways that we can? And so this book came out of that desire that my husband and I had and that commitment we made before God to really try to live into the ministry of stability as long as he called us to. That's a big change after moving six times in six years. It is, it is. You learn some bad habits when you move a lot. Friends in the military, friends who have to move a lot and they say, yeah, you pick up some bad habits. So, we had to unlearn a lot of bad habits. You talk about leaning in and being present. So, what are some practical ways that we can choose to be present in the moment? And then what are some of the benefits? There are so many small, beautiful ways we can choose to be present. Often the easiest one is just to keep your phone in your pocket or your purse because it's fascinating. You'll be at the grocery store, and you see people standing in line and you can time it. People will stand in line patiently for about 30 seconds and then the hand goes down and the phone is out. And it's not that they're being impatient, but might as well use the time to do the word or scroll Facebook or whatever it is. And so, part of this, practicing this attentiveness toward God and being present in the moment is simply resisting that urge to do the easiest thing which is to pull out technology and distract ourselves. Sit near a window and just take a few minutes and observe what you see and it's almost like your soul is the shaken up snow globe and as you sit all of that snow starts to settle and you may hear from God, you may hear things in your own heart that you've been kind of stuffing down and as you're present to yourself, present to what you see around you, present to the Lord, beautiful things can happen. When we can make decisions in our lives ahead of time and leave them closed, it opens up our minds to new possibilities. It gives us new energy. And that's the difference between kind of leaving or living poised to leave and living planning to stay. And God may call us to go tomorrow, but today, if that decision is closed, we have all of these possibilities in front of us that we can turn our full attention to without already being fatigued. You refer to limits as a God -given grace. What do you mean by that? I don't like it. I'm going to start with that. I don't either. Talk about that for a minute. Yes. I want to be infinite. I want to keep going. I want to keep running. But limits ultimately are a grace and they're a reminder to us of our creatureliness that we are part of God's creation. We are not God. Even small things like coming to the end of a day and needing to go to sleep is a reminder of the limits God has set in our days, in our world, in our life. Multiple times a day we have to stop and eat. And that's an intentional creation of God. God could have created us to not need food. God could have created us to eat once a year. But these intentional checks and balances in our lives are an opportunity to practice dependence on God, to understand that our finitude is not burden, but it's grace, even if we are not always able to receive it in that way. Why do you call yourself an achievement addict and what does this have to do with learning to take a Sabbath rest? Yes, I would imagine I'm talking to another achievement addict here on the show. It takes one to know one. Yeah, I, especially early on in my life, that was where I would receive a lot of praise and adulation. And so I really grew into this. I am what I do. And if I've done enough in a day, I can feel good about myself, you know, when my husband and I compare notes at the end of the day and he'll say, "How was your day?" I still will most often jump to, "Well, I got a lot done and I feel really good about that." It's like, "Do you? Okay, let's talk about that. And there's nothing wrong with achievement, there's nothing wrong with being a driven person. But where you encounter some difficulty is when that becomes your identity. So, on a day where I'm ill, on a day where, you know, the kids didn't cooperate, on a day where something unexpected got thrown on my plate ministry -wise, does that mean I'm less of a person because I didn't check off my list? No, it doesn't. It means that God is the God of interruptions and God is the God of limitations. There's great grace in realizing that we are, you know, the old cliche, we're human beings, we're not human doings. and God has created us that way out of love and care and grace so we can rest at the end of the day even while leaving things undone. And that is the message of Sabbath is that once-a-week God commands doesn't invite doesn't suggest God commands that we rest from our labors and not because everything is done not because everything is polished and finished. And I love what Eugene Peterson, wonderful Presbyterian author has to say about Sabbath, which is that if you work with your mind, you should Sabbath with your hands. So, there should be worship, but also, you know, often my husband is out in the garden on Sabbath because that allows his mind to rest. But if you work with your hands, you should Sabbath with your mind. Busyness keeps us from stability and stability is what healthy people and a healthy society desperately needs. The United States has traditionally been one of the most mobile countries in the world with the average American moving about eleven times in their lifetimes. By contrast, Europeans move about four times. Busyness and the transitory nature of our lives and jobs means fewer deep connections with others. Fostering community is some of the toughest, most painful work we engage in. Being present means that we deliberately choose stability. In a world marked by transience, envy, and rootlessness, committing to stay put is a radical, unusual act. Transience threatens to dull our awareness of God. While stability may not always be our choice (like with a job relocation), it is something to be sought after. Remembering to pay attention can be the trickiest spiritual practice of all. Being present is about choices: setting aside time to rest (Sabbath) but also setting aside distractions (like technology). Sabbath is not a gift to you because you've achieved enough. It's actually a gift so that you will rest from your achievement and that's hard. In fact, you write remembering to pay attention can be the trickiest spiritual practice of to hack that a little think in many ways, those are the two primary spiritual disciplines, but what I'm learning is the older I get that the fundamental spiritual practice for all of us is learning to pay attention, to pay attention to God, to pay attention to our neighbor, to pay attention to what God is stirring up in our own souls, to pay attention to what God's stirring up in our broader culture. A lot of it comes back to those practices of noticing and being present with people. This is what Jesus did so well. Jesus was present with people who were very different than he was, people who had been wearing t -shirts with slogans that he did not agree with. And he did that by simply being present with people, by sharing meals with them, by having conversations, by noticing, he meets the woman at the well and through the power of the Holy Spirit, he knows things about her that we wouldn't have known, but we can notice, and we can love as Jesus loved. And so in building community, some of the best tools we have are not going on 100 miles an hour so we can pause at the mailbox and say, "Hey, how was your day?" So we can notice the person in the grocery store check-out line. So, it's slowing down and then practicing that same attentiveness, that spiritual practice of noticing with people. A big percentage of our listeners and viewers are dealing with pain, whether it's physical pain, it's emotional pain, relational pain, or even spiritual pain. So how can we learn to find God's presence in the present moment in the midst of our pain? What a good question. I think the first thing I'd say is sometimes you need to escape the pain a little bit and that's okay. Sometimes what you need are six episodes of the Great British Baking Show and God honors that and God blesses that. God doesn't always force us to face down our pain every minute of every day. So, it's kind of two feet of walking, we face it and then we take a breather, we take a rest, we take a nap. But I think the surprising thing, and we read this so often throughout the journey of Scripture, is that in those most painful moments, we find an intimacy with God that we don't find any other time. I would want to leave them with the gentle permission to slow down, to look up and look around, and to see what grace, God has strewn right in your path, right in front of you. It's easy to look for greener pastures. It's easy to lean into the dissatisfaction that our culture showcases all around us, but truly God has strewn our world with such delight. We slow down and start to look up. It's ours for the taking if we will slow down and be present in the moment. Scripture References: Matthew 5:34 We are warned not to “be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.” Matthew 24:42-44 “… keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Jeremiah 29:7 “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Recommended Resources: Present: The Gift of Being All In, Right Where You Are by Courtney Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Courtney Ellis: Website / Facebook / Instagram / X For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Guest: After six moves in as many years, Courtney Ellis found herself longing for the stability of one place. Her new book Present: The Gift of Being All In, Right Where You Are explores God’s call to be present, cultivating community and contentment right where we are. Courtney is a graduate of Wheaton College and Princeton Seminary. She trained to be an English lit professor before following God’s call to full-time ministry. She and her husband, Daryl, have three children and live in southern California where they pastor. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What Does Femininity Look Like in the Orthodox Church?In a culture that often misunderstands tradition, Orthodox Christianity may seem, at first glance, like a “Christian fraternity” — rigid, exclusive, or overly male-centered. But as Ben and Ashley Langlois (popularly known as Orthodox Luigi and his wife) reveal in this heartfelt conversation, nothing could be further from the truth.Orthodoxy offers women a deeply rooted spiritual home—one that honors the unique dignity, strength, and calling of femininity in ways that may feel unfamiliar to many raised in Western expressions of Christianity.For many women, the journey into the Orthodox Church begins with hesitation. Some arrive simply to support a spouse or out of spiritual curiosity, only to find themselves quietly wondering, “What did I just get myself into?” But what often begins in uncertainty becomes a path to profound spiritual fulfillment. In Orthodoxy, they discover a Church that doesn't conform to modern trends, but instead reaches deep into the soul with its ancient beauty, reverence, and rhythms of grace.Here, femininity is not erased or sidelined, but transfigured. It finds its voice in sacred service, quiet strength, and spiritual motherhood. Women in the Church lead choirs, bake the communion bread (prosphora), create feasts for the saints, and nurture the life of the parish. Even practices that may seem strange at first—like veiling—take on new meaning. As one convert put it, “We cover what is holy and what is of value.”This transformation doesn't happen overnight. To embrace Orthodoxy often means learning to see the world through new eyes—to “think Orthodox.” Dr. Jeannie Constantinou's book Thinking Orthodox has become a trusted guide for many women making this transition, helping them understand the Orthodox “phronema” (mindset) and begin to live it out.And this faith isn't just personal—it's communal. Orthodox parishes are vibrant with shared life, centered not around programs or performances, but the Eucharist. After services, parishioners gather for meals that often stretch for hours. In those long conversations over food, true Christian fellowship takes root.Whether you're simply curious about Orthodoxy or wondering how to talk with your spouse about your growing interest in the ancient faith, this conversation between Ben and Ashley will meet you with honesty, encouragement, and hope.Join us as we explore what it means to be a woman of faith in the Orthodox Church—and how the ancient path still leads us home today. Subscribe now and become part of a community rediscovering the beauty of Christ's Church in the modern world. Visit Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://cloudofwitnessesradio.com/ Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses Radio on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTok.Please leave a comment with your thoughts!

What is a saint? Is studying Bible Doctrine boring? Liberty not Law is popular today. The Voice in the Wilderness does not endorse any link or other material found at buzzsprout.More at https://www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org/

Marvel at the provision of Jesus for each of His people as you meditate on John 6.No matter what kind of day you've had, rest in hope and peace tonight as you draw near to the heart of God. This short, uplifting meditation from His Word will create a space at the end of the day for you to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust your burdens to Him and fill your mind with His promises and faithfulness towards you. Tonight's meditation is read by Andrew. Meet the team at odb.org/meet-the-team.Send us a text message to let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience for you!Support the showYou can now share the Evening Meditations through the updated Our Daily Bread app! If you've not done so already, download it for free from your app store.We hope that you have enjoyed this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: ourdailybread.org/meditation. All our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.

In this episode, we dive into James 2:1–13 and confront a hard truth: partiality has no place in the life of a believer. Why do we tend to favor the rich or powerful? How does this contradict the gospel of grace? James calls us to live out our faith with integrity, showing mercy over judgment and loving our neighbor as ourselves. Join us as we explore what it means to live under the “law of liberty” and reflect the heart of God in how we treat others — whether rich or poor, seen or unseen.

Can a gender-swapped character point us toward deeper truths rather than distract from them?That's the question Jeremy Jeremiah and James St. Simon explore in our latest conversation on Marvel's Fantastic Four 2025 and its bold reimagining of the Silver Surfer as a woman. At first glance, many believers might brace for another heavy-handed cultural message—but what unfolds is something far more interesting, even spiritually resonant.In an age where entertainment often leads with ideology over imagination, Fantastic Four surprises by putting storytelling first. Unlike past reboots like Ghostbusters or Ocean's 8, which often seemed to treat gender-swapping as the central appeal, this new Silver Surfer doesn't exist to make a statement—she exists to serve the story. And because of that, she works.Rooted in the multiverse logic of Earth-828, this version of the Surfer arrives with moral weight: a once-noble figure who sacrificed everything to save her own world now finds herself an unwilling agent of destruction. The paradox is powerful—and deeply Christian. What happens when self-sacrifice is distorted by the systems of the world? Can goodness remain when repurposed for evil?This isn't just good storytelling—it's a cinematic parable. It reminds us that true virtue, like Christ's, often comes through sacrifice, not through force or flash. The Surfer's arc offers a surprising mirror to the Gospel: salvation through suffering, strength in surrender, and the tragedy of corrupted mission.We also ask the hard question: Have Christians become so wary of “woke” Hollywood that we miss moments where the message actually aligns with deeper truth? What if some of these creative risks—even when imperfect—still invite us into conversations about identity, sacrifice, and redemption?Join us as we dive into this and more—seeking not just entertainment, but glimpses of the eternal hidden within today's culture. Subscribe for more reflections on where faith meets film, and how Christ calls us to engage the stories shaping our world.Visit Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://cloudofwitnessesradio.com/ Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses Radio on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTok.Please leave a comment with your thoughts!

Be encouraged to seek God continually with your prayers. Hope is restored in His faithfulness.No matter what kind of day you've had, rest in hope and peace tonight as you draw near to the heart of God. This short, uplifting meditation from His Word will create a space at the end of the day for you to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust your burdens to Him and fill your mind with His promises and faithfulness towards you. Tonight's meditation is read by Lorraine. Meet the team at odb.org/meet-the-team.Send us a text message to let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience for you!Support the showYou can now share the Evening Meditations through the updated Our Daily Bread app! If you've not done so already, download it for free from your app store.We hope that you have enjoyed this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: ourdailybread.org/meditation. All our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.

Dropping the bomb, MacArthur said this. What was the actual problem? Standing on the Missouri. Engaging with Bible Doctrine.The Voice in the Wilderness does not endorse any link or other material found at buzzsprout.More at https://www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org/

God's Hand Is on You—He'll Provide What You Need To Succeed | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day With GodSUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer™ Podcast!For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org© Copyright Daily Effective Prayer™ SUPPORT THE MINISTRY:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTubeX / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebook Daily Effective Prayer™

Albert shares how he applies the treasures found in the Lost Ax Bible story to his own life. Learn more about Albert's upcoming marriage and work. Links: Simply the Story … Upcoming workshops … God's Story: From Creation to Eternity …  Moment for Eternity - Training for Evangelism Follow us on Twitter ~ Feedback ~ Facebook ~ iTunes Podcast ~ Vimeo ~ STS Youtube ~ God's Story Youtube

Bureaucrats and activist judges are continuing. Override the Governor's choice. Voting for the Devils perversions. Federal debt, enticement and entrapments. The Voice in the Wilderness does not endorse any link or other material found at buzzsprout.More at https://www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org/

Rejoice in the most perfect, unchanging, faithful love of God for you.No matter what kind of day you've had, rest in hope and peace tonight as you draw near to the heart of God. This short, uplifting meditation from His Word will create a space at the end of the day for you to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust your burdens to Him and fill your mind with His promises and faithfulness towards you. Tonight's meditation is read by Adeyinka. Meet the team at odb.org/meet-the-team.Send us a text message to let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience for you!Support the showYou can now share the Evening Meditations through the updated Our Daily Bread app! If you've not done so already, download it for free from your app store.We hope that you have enjoyed this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: ourdailybread.org/meditation. All our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.

Join us for this year's 150th PODCAST! How can people continue to make the same wrong choices? Bible memory in the first year of new life. Learning Bible Doctrine. Add some shake-up verses to your knowledge.The Voice in the Wilderness does not endorse any link or other material found at buzzsprout.More at https://www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org/

How much is enough? Just a little more. The pursuit of wealth can become all-consuming, and in the end, what do you get to take with you?

Ashley Sims emphasizes the importance of recognizing and utilizing our God-given gifts and talents. Sims encourages listeners to trust in God's plan and timing, reminding them that setbacks and challenges are part of the journey. He reassures them that as long as they have breath, they can continue to pursue their purpose. The podcast highlights the importance of renewing one's mind and staying connected to God, as this spiritual foundation provides strength and guidance throughout the entrepreneurial journey. What is going on! Are you ready to transform your relationships and walk in your true purpose? I want you to get two incredible books that are going to help change your life! First up, 'Purposely Married' – a powerful book to building a strong, fulfilling marriage. Whether you're newlyweds or have been together for years, this book offers practical advice and insights to deepen your connection and grow together. Get your copy now at www.purposelymarried.com And that's not all! If you're looking to get the most out of your life and live it with meaning, you need to check out '21 Steps To Walk In Purpose.' This book provides a clear, actionable roadmap to help you pursue your true calling. Don't wait – start your journey today at www.walkinpurposenow.com Our mission is to help people reach their God given potential to step out on faith and be a functioning Christian. To encourage and inspire people to get in the race of life and as long as you have breath, we believe it is not too late for you to live out your purpose. Finally, to be able walk out Acts 1:8 and be a witness for the Power of God in your life to reach others.  

Why do so many people resist the life-changing message of Jesus? In this episode, we explore the deeper issues of the heart and mind that can keep someone from embracing the truth of the gospel. Whether you're seeking understanding or looking for ways to reach others with compassion and clarity, this conversation sheds light on the spiritual barriers that stand in the way—and how God can break through them.

8.3.2025 - Christian Living - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked - 2 Cor 6-14-7-1 by Anacostia River Church

Come and set your heart to simply know and rest with God; seek Him, for He is here to be found in His Word.No matter what kind of day you've had, rest in hope and peace tonight as you draw near to the heart of God. This short, uplifting meditation from His Word will create a space at the end of the day for you to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust your burdens to Him and fill your mind with His promises and faithfulness towards you. Tonight's meditation is read by Rebecca. Meet the team at odb.org/meet-the-team.Send us a text message to let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience for you!Support the showYou can now share the Evening Meditations through the updated Our Daily Bread app! If you've not done so already, download it for free from your app store.We hope that you have enjoyed this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: ourdailybread.org/meditation. All our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.

Nothing Satisfies Like God (HE'S ALL YOU NEED) | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day With GodSUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer™ Podcast!For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org© Copyright Daily Effective Prayer™ SUPPORT THE MINISTRY:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTubeX / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebook Daily Effective Prayer™

Intro:Good morning! In our Proverbs "Summer of Wisdom," guest speaker Tiffany Aicklen challenges us: we trust God, but God also desires to trust us. He longs for people of integrity and honesty for partnership.Scripture References: Proverbs 3:5-6, 10:9, 19:1, 28:27, 11:3, 19:5, 24:26, 25:18, 26:28, 12:22, Matthew 23:16-22, Exodus 22:9Key Points:God's Desire to Trust Us: God longs for His people to have integrity and honesty, wanting to partner and trust us with His Kingdom.Integrity: Wholeness, Not Duplicity: "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely" (Prov 10:9). Be the same person in public/private—whole, not fractured. Lack of integrity hurts trust. Live whole.Honesty: Truth, Not Lies: "A false witness will not go unpunished" (Prov 19:5). Lies harm. "An honest answer is like a kiss" (Prov 24:26). Lord detests lies, delights in trustworthiness (Prov 12:22). Jesus, our model, was pure truth; we're called to "let your 'yes' be 'yes'."Trust as Relational Equity: Lack of integrity is a "breach of trust" (Ex 22:9)—it damages relationships. Trust is vital glue, preserving our most valuable relationship with God. Our choices matter; we desire to delight Him. Small acts of dishonesty (like the "cilantro test") reveal deeper heart issues impacting God's trust.Building Trust: Essential Elements: Understanding, Motive, Ability, Character, and Track Record. God embodies all five perfectly. He understands, is for us (even at His cost), is able, has perfect character, and a perfect track record.Conclusion:We aren't perfectly trustworthy, but God is. Press into relationship with Him, the trustworthy One. We cannot be just on our own; we trust in Jesus, who is just and justifies us.Calls to Action:Repent: Confess trust breaches with God/others—lies, hidden sins.Run to God: Don't hide. His grace frees us; His blood covers, cleanses, and restores.Communion & Prayer: Come to the table, remembering Jesus bridged the gap. If your heart is cold or you need to feel God's presence, seek prayer. Bring all into the light; Jesus' gospel sets us free! Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

In a cultural landscape where moral ambiguity and deconstructed families often dominate the screen, Fantastic Four surprises with a radiant affirmation of traditional family values and the sacredness of life. Beneath its retrofuturistic flair and cosmic spectacle lies a profoundly human—and dare we say, Christian—story about sacrificial love, the dignity of motherhood, and the redemptive power of faith. Join Jeremy Jeremiah, Mario Andrew, and James St. Simon in this fun discussion.At the heart of the film is Sue Storm, portrayed not as a feminist caricature or action trope, but as a luminous embodiment of maternal virtue. Faced with an excruciating moral dilemma—whether to sacrifice her unborn child to save the world—Sue refuses to accept a utilitarian calculus that pits life against life. Her courage to say "no" to both evil and compromise resonates deeply with the Christian ethic: that every life is sacred, and that love "always protects, always trusts, always hopes" (1 Corinthians 13:7). Her choice is not merely heroic—it's holy.Equally powerful is the portrayal of Reed Richards, played by Pedro Pascal. Rather than the tired stereotype of the aloof or foolish father, Reed is depicted as both brilliant and tender—a husband who listens, leads, and loves. Their marriage is a partnership of mutual respect and shared mission, echoing the biblical vision of man and woman as complementary reflections of God's image (Genesis 1:27).The film's most striking spiritual parallel may come through the Silver Surfer—a fallen messenger transformed by love and conscience. Once a herald of destruction, she embraces self-sacrifice to save others, offering a compelling image of redemption that echoes Christ's words: “Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39).Even Galactus, the film's cosmic antagonist, serves as a cautionary symbol: a voracious void of endless consumption, mirroring the spiritual danger of living without purpose or communion. He is the anti-Christ figure—not in religious terms, but in the sense of being the embodiment of appetite without love, power without sacrifice.In an era where storytelling often strips heroism of moral clarity and downplays the beauty of family, Fantastic Four feels like a breath of fresh air—an invitation to remember that true strength is not found in spectacle or self-interest, but in the willingness to love, protect, and give.If this is the direction Marvel is heading, there is reason for hope. Hollywood, it seems, may be rediscovering what Scripture has always affirmed: that the greatest stories are the ones that mirror the greatest truths.Find an Orthodox Church near you today. Visit https://www.antiochian.org/home Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses Radio on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTok.Thank you for journeying w/ the Saints with us!

Welcome back to the "Kingdom Matters" series! In this second installment, Pastor Derek Holmes continues his powerful message from Luke 17, diving deeper into what it means to live as a citizen of the Kingdom of God. In a world filled with temporary fixes, quick solutions, and fleeting promises, Jesus presents a radical alternative to His disciples. He is not offering a better version of this world's kingdoms, but a completely different way of living—one rooted in eternal values and a divine perspective. Join us as Pastor Derek unpacks Jesus's teachings, challenging us to re-evaluate our priorities and embrace a life aligned with the Kingdom. Discover how to navigate the challenges of today by focusing on the unshakable foundation that only God's Kingdom provides. Key Takeaways: Understanding the difference between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. Practical steps for living out Kingdom values in your daily life. How to find lasting peace and purpose in a world of temporary fixes.

Find refuge and comfort as you meditate on the awesome name of God.No matter what kind of day you've had, rest in hope and peace tonight as you draw near to the heart of God. This short, uplifting meditation from His Word will create a space at the end of the day for you to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust your burdens to Him and fill your mind with His promises and faithfulness towards you. Tonight's meditation is read by Howie. Meet the team at odb.org/meet-the-team.Send us a text message to let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience for you!Support the showYou can now share the Evening Meditations through the updated Our Daily Bread app! If you've not done so already, download it for free from your app store.We hope that you have enjoyed this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: ourdailybread.org/meditation. All our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost August 3, 2025 Faith, Okemos Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14, 2:18-23, Psalm 49:1-12, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21   Living Under the Sun, Living from Above   Grace to you and peace… [Please take a few deep breaths. This will be a difficult sermon to hear, but I ask you to wait with me for the precious good news at the end…]   Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity… it is an unhappy business that God has given to human beings to be busy with.  I saw all the deeds that are done under the sun; and see, all is vanity and a chasing after the wind… What do mortals get from all the toil and strain with which we toil under the sun?  For all their days are full of pain, and their work is a vexation; even at night their minds do not rest. This also is vanity.  [There is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in their toil.  This also, I saw is from the hand of God…] Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14, 2:22-24   In an email sent from Kalea on Wednesday, I invited you to read the entire book of Ecclesiastes.  It is a sobering, largely dark assessment of the human story “under the sun.” If you had time to read it, I like to take a couple of minutes now to hear a sampling of your reactions…   I think of the tens of thousands in our country whose jobs have been either completely eliminated or made more burdensome.  I think of those trying to support themselves and/or their families but are paid far from sufficiently for their work, whose days, in the words of the Teacher, “are full of pain, and their work is a vexation.”   Maybe you, like me, remember projects in which you passionately spent countless hours and perhaps a fair amount of money, all to see them either immediately or eventually go up in smoke.  And don't we see in our own day the erosion of hard-fought protections for the poorest among us or for the people in Gaza or for the well-being of Earth itself?   I remember Dr. Leupold, an Old Testament professor at our seminary in Columbus, who reminded us of the importance of the phrase “under the sun.”  For him that was key to understanding the darkness and seemingly endless repetition, generation after generation, of the quest for power and the presence of insatiable greed.  [Historians don't have to look far to see the parallels of the rich getting richer and poor getting poorer throughout our 250 years as a nation and throughout the thousands of years of the lives and deaths of countless empires, nations, and kingdoms.]  So the perspective and wisdom of the Teacher in Ecclesiastes.   Which perspective is then enriched by Jesus' story of the rich man in our gospel for today. Jesus said:  Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.  For the rich man, life under the sun was going great.  And yet. as Jesus told them this story [here in the Message translation often read in our Tuesday Bible Studies]:  The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop.  He talked to himself:  ‘What can I do? My barn isn't big enough for this harvest.'  Then he said, 'Here's what I'll do:  I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones.  Then I'll gather in all my grain and goods, and I'll say to myself. “Self, you've done well!  You've got it made and can now retire.  Take it easy and have the time of your life!”  Just then God showed up and said, ‘Fool! Tonight you die.  And your barnful of goods – who gets it?'  That's what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God.”   Or this last thought in the words in the NRSV translation (in our bulletin):  So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.   Next Sunday you will hear these further precious words of Jesus:  Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  Sell your possessions, and give alms.  Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven…  All of which is to say, in Jesus all is not vanity, all is not a chasing after the wind!   Which then takes us to our Second Reading from Colossians 3, words which call us to a live this vexing life above the sun.  These words in Colossians don't deny how hard and painful and empty and lonely and, yes, how finite is our life on Earth, our life under the sun.  The Teacher in Ecclesiastes counsels a little relief in seizing the moment [Carpe Diem] doing your best to find a measure of enjoyment in your work, in drink… in your eating…   But hear again these words:  Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is your life is revealed, the you also will be revealed with him in glory.   What does that mean, “you have died”?  For me that means that in Jesus who died for me, my life is much more than my possessions, whether small or great, cheap or very expensive.  My life is not about fulfilling my bucket list before I die.  I have already died.   My eternal life with God and with all his children has already begun, made sure for us in the gift of holy baptism.  That's how powerful is his death on cross for me and for you and for all of creation.   So, the Teacher in writing the book of Ecclesiastes was only partly right.  Life is filled with vanity, [we might say ‘so full of s_t'].  But it is so much more than that. Hidden in the midst of our trials and tribulations, in our sorrows and in our fleeting happy moments with a drink and a little food to eat, is this gracious, wonderful gift of life from above.  Together with our siblings in Christ and with others of goodwill who do not yet recognize him as their Lord, we get to live an amazing life given to us from above.    For me that life is experienced in daily gratitude for the beauty of the Earth and for all who dwell therein.   I'm enriched these days by the sight of countless fields of corn and soybeans, of the gladiolas in our backyard, of the swaying trees, taking in tons of excess CO2 and giving back an abundance of O2.  And I think of countless very real people, including you all, who enrich my life and lift me up when I get down or hyper-critical or self-centered, when I'm like the rich man who thought only about himself.   But when our old under-the-sun-self seeks to smother our gratitude for this life from above, when that self tries to make us forget the grace-filled eternal life that Jesus won for us, the Holy Spirit, who may be especially present in the moments we need to take for quiet reflection, will prompt us to put to death that old self filled with greed and lies and malice and abusive language.  Martin Luther called it “daily dying” a needful daily discipline putting to death our old self and receiving the precious gift of a new, risen life from above, putting on the clothing of compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, and patience.   I invite you to repeat after me: In Jesus' name I put to death my old self And, in Jesus' name, with a grateful heart, I receive today a new, risen life.   Amen.                                                                     

Let your heart fill with joy as you consider how God has transformed you into a citizen of heaven.No matter what kind of day you've had, rest in hope and peace tonight as you draw near to the heart of God. This short, uplifting meditation from His Word will create a space at the end of the day for you to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust your burdens to Him and fill your mind with His promises and faithfulness towards you. Tonight's meditation is read by Lucy. Meet the team at odb.org/meet-the-team.Send us a text message to let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience for you!Support the showYou can now share the Evening Meditations through the updated Our Daily Bread app! If you've not done so already, download it for free from your app store.We hope that you have enjoyed this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: ourdailybread.org/meditation. All our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.

Just Trust God Because He'll Show You Exactly Where To Go | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day With GodSUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer™ Podcast!For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org© Copyright Daily Effective Prayer™ SUPPORT THE MINISTRY:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTubeX / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebook Daily Effective Prayer™

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Listen to the Indians answer to what sustained their village. Modern society books rejected. God cannot lie. #lessonsfromthemissionfieldThe Voice in the Wilderness does not endorse any link or other material found at buzzsprout.More at https://www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org/

Rapture Kit Radio Show Package The Great Last Days Apostasy (Dr. Hixson's new book) NBW Ministries website Newsletter Signup NBW Ministries store Spirit of the False Prophet Audiobook YouTube Rumble Podbean Spirit of the False Prophet Spirit of the Antichrist Volume One Spirit of the Antichrist Volume Two Bible Study, Christian Living, Theology, Bible, Not By Works, Gospel

Holiness and Intimacy with God: Hebrews 9 with Jeannie CunnionIn this special episode of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane welcome author and speaker Jeannie Cunnion to dive into the rich truths of Hebrews 9. Together, they explore how Jesus' perfect sacrifice opens the way to true holiness and deeper intimacy with God. Jeannie shares her heart for understanding grace, letting go of striving, and embracing the closeness God offers through Christ. Join us for an honest, encouraging conversation that will help you see holiness not as distance from God—but as an invitation to draw near.____________________________________Connect with Jeannie Cunnion:Website: https://www.jeanniecunnion.com/____________________________________Connect with Jamie:Website: www.jamieklusacek.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacekConnect with Jane:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams____________________________________ Get Jamie's Newest Book:Living Loved: An 8-week Journey to Living Fully Loved

Episode Summary: Today, we’re tackling an issue that affects millions of people: loneliness. In a world that’s more connected than ever through technology, many of us still feel isolated and unseen. Studies show that loneliness has become a public health crisis, impacting our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. According to a recent study, 1 in 3 adults reports feeling severely lonely. The CDC links social isolation and loneliness to depression, anxiety, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, dementia, and more. Loneliness has the same impact on mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. But there’s good news: loneliness isn’t the end of the story. God created us for connection, and by taking intentional steps, we can build meaningful relationships that bring hope, healing, and joy. Stay tuned as Becky Harling and I unpack practical tips and faith-based solutions to combat the epidemic of loneliness and rediscover the power of authentic connection. Quotables from the episode: According to a recent study, 1 in 3 adults reports feeling severely lonely. The CDC links social isolation and loneliness to depression, anxiety, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, dementia, and more. Loneliness has the same impact on mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness is feeling disconnected. You could be in a crowded room with lots of people. It doesn’t mean that you don’t have people around you, you just don’t feel connected to those people, and so you can feel isolated even in a crowd. Busyness is one of the chief problems that have contributed to our society’s deep loneliness. People are busier today than they’ve ever been. We’re always off to the next appointment, the next thing, the next activity, and as a result we don’t know our neighbors. We don’t have time for friends. We’re on this continual treadmill that has taken over our lives and it’s become detrimental to us and yet we seem to wear busyness as a badge of honor. We have lost the ability to have meaningful conversations with people. We’ve lost the curiosity element where like every single person is an amazing creature designed in the image of God. I want to be curious and know who they are. I want to know what’s important to them and why it’s important to them and those conversations really build the deeper connections. The first small step is to reach out to somebody that you know and say either let’s go to coffee, because I want to know you better. Better yet, invite them into your home or coffee. For the listeners who may feel a little afraid, my encouragement is to do it afraid. Just do it afraid, but learn to reach out to people. When you bring humility into a friendship, not only are you modeling the behavior that Jesus taught us. Paul reminds us, have this attitude in yourself, which was also in Christ Jesus. He was humble, even though he existed in the form of God, he didn’t clamor after that. Instead, he took on the form of a bond servant. When you come to a relationship with humility, it levels the playing field, and you allow the other friend to feel safe. We are never more like the enemy than when we’re criticizing somebody because the enemy is the accuser of the brethren and so to be like Jesus we’re not going to stand around and accuse people because he didn’t do that….so offer compassion. When you’re tempted to take offense, or when you already have, I like to ask myself a few questions. How is it helping me to take offense? Usually it doesn't help me, it hurts me, right? How, what do I need to take responsibility for here? You know, what's the meaning I'm making in my head? We all tell ourselves stories, right? And so when we're tempted to take offense, what happens is we sell ourselves a story. You know, like maybe this person is so rude to me or they don't honor my space or they don't value my opinions. And it's likely not any of those things, you know, first of all, people might not even really be thinking about you. And you know, we tend to think, what is she thinking? What are they thinking? Well, they're not thinking about you. They're thinking about their own problems. So, you know, offer people grace, don't get offended so easily. If you’re trying to keep up an image, some kind of persona that you’re projecting to the world, that’s a burden. And it’s going to weigh you down. Why not just be vulnerable? Be yourself. Choose who you’re going to be vulnerable with. If you have good friends, dare to be vulnerable if you want the friendship to go deeper. That’s one of the benefits of cultivating these deeper connections is the opportunity to have such a degree of vulnerability that you can pray for them, that you can ask them for prayer. I think prayer is one of the most vulnerable things that we can do. We're vulnerable before our Lord, but then when we ask for prayer, we're vulnerable before the one that we've asked for prayer from, and when they ask us for prayer. That's about the most vulnerable that you can get with someone. But it does foster that connection. We have to take a risk. If you are feeling lonely today, I want to talk directly to you. Pretend that we're just sitting across the table having coffee. I want you to know that you are never really alone because Jesus is the one who said, "I will never leave you. I will never forsake you." If you're a widow, you are never alone. Jesus is with you. If you're isolated in a new community, you are never alone. Jesus is with you. And as you cultivate your friendship with Jesus and you grow more secure in His love, it's going to give you the confidence then to let that love flow out to others. The first thing for you is to cultivate that deep friendship with Jesus. Go to him in prayer, tell him everything, you know, go to the word of God, listen to worship music, take a walk and just talk with Jesus. But cultivate that friendship first and foremost. Scripture References: Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Hebrews 10:25 “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Recommended Resources: Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World by Becky Harling How to Listen So People Will Talk by Becky Harling How to Listen So Your Kids Will Talk by Becky Harling Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Becky Harling: Website / Podcast / Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn / X For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Guest: Becky Harling has a degree in Biblical Literature and is a speaker and Bible teacher. The host of The Connected Mom podcast, Becky has a passion for helping women find hope, healing, freedom, and life transformation through Jesus Christ. She is the author of many books and Bible studies, including her recent release, Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

HONOR God in Private and He Will REWARD You in Public | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day With GodSUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer™ Podcast!For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org© Copyright Daily Effective Prayer™ SUPPORT THE MINISTRY:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTubeX / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebook Daily Effective Prayer™

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Stay Close to God—Protect Your Soul from the World | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day With GodSUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer™ Podcast!For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org© Copyright Daily Effective Prayer™ SUPPORT THE MINISTRY:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTubeX / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebook Daily Effective Prayer™