Podcasts about Contentment

Brian pays tribute to the passing of Dolly Parton at 80, reflecting on her decades-long marriage, her genuine kindness, and closing the hour with nine of her most striking public statements about prayer, faith, and heaven. He shares a bizarre and troubling story of four Georgia pastors publicly apologizing after sending anonymous packets falsely accusing another pastor of plagiarism, reflecting on the need for churches to hold themselves to a higher standard. Brian digs into John Piper's teaching on "the pleasure trap" — how earthly pleasures are meant to point our hearts toward God rather than become idols — and shares Alan Noble's Gospel Coalition piece arguing that a Christian's suffering, while mysterious, is never meaningless. He closes reflecting on financial anxiety and contentment after reading about a Michael Jordan jersey expected to sell for $10 million alongside rising healthcare cost anxiety among ordinary Americans, along with the surprising power of nostalgic worship music to remind us of God's faithfulness over time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) - Free. Want to turn today's episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I'll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It's packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com Episode 4132: Jay and Heather Harrington explain why decades of behavioral research keep pointing the same direction: experiences improve in memory while possessions lose their shine. They recount a rained-out hike through Michigan's Upper Peninsula that was miserable in the moment and a favorite story by the time they reached the car. They close with four traits the most memorable experiences share, from first moments to time outdoors in every season. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.lifeandwhim.com/first-moments-blog/2018/why-experiences-over-things-get-better-with-time Quotes to ponder: "In short, while we quickly adapt to new material possessions and they lose their 'shine,' experiences get better with time." "The most lasting and positive memories don't come from acquiring something new, they come from doing something new." "Happiness. Contentment. Balance. These are all qualities that we aspire to. Often we overcomplicate how to achieve them." Optimal Living Daily is a daily personal development and self-improvement podcast where we narrate the best self-help articles on minimalism, productivity, and intentional living, read to you by a professional narrator so you can live your best life a little more every day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Often times we see other people who seem to have become successful and be blessed in many ways and we either get jealous or we come up with reasons why God won't do the same for us. God may hold back monetary blessing because we wouldn't be able to handle it, or He may be waiting to pour it out but we have to be willing to receive it. Whatever God has for us, we must be content and give Him glory.

Do you find yourself in a season of waiting, wondering when your prayers will be answered?In today's episode, Gabby invites us to reflect on the beauty of "Faithful Waiting." Together, we'll explore how our faith can grow during times of delay, what it means to hope in the Lord as we wait, and how God uses these moments to prepare us for the blessings ahead. Let's uncover the strength found in steadfast hope and the reassurance that a delay is never a denial from God.Come join our community as we unite in prayer and devotion, trusting that God is at work in us while we wait for what's next.Tap HERE to send us a text! Our podcast family is growing - introducing Men's Morning Devotional! Our dad, Steve Alessi, and all of our husbands are now hosting their own 5 minute devotionals every weekday - for men who want to become better husbands, fathers, and leaders! Listen, follow and subscribe here - MensMorningDevotional.comSupport the showNEW VIDEO EPISODES! You can watch our new video episodes on YouTube! Watch Our Video DevotionalsNEW TO MY MORNING DEVOTIONAL? Welcome! We're four sisters - Stephanie, Lauren, Gaby, and Richelle - and our family works together at Metro Life Church in Miami, FL. We're so blessed to produce this daily devotional podcast for you and continue the great work done by the show's founder, Alison Delamota.We pray these devotions will help you to grow in your faith, and that you'll join us every weekday for a morning prayer and some time in God's Word! JOIN THE MMD COMMUNITYSubscribe to the showShare with a friendJoin our newsletter Follow Us on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠⁠Leave a reviewMORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOYEnjoy more podcasts from Metro Life Studios, including:The Family Business with The AlessisMen's Morning DevotionalThe Mary and Martha Show Available on our Metro Life Studios app!Get The Metro Life Studios app 

Have you heard it or said it? Maybe your body image issues are "your thorn in the flesh." It sounds comforting, but is it actually true? In this episode, we take a close look at what Paul's thorn in 2 Corinthians 12 actually was — and wasn't — and see how body image issues are different than the situation Paul discusses there. We'll also talk about how recognizing that your body image issues aren't your "thorn in the flesh" may be some of the most hopeful news you get, because then there's a cure for them. And, it's all found in scripture! Key Scripture references: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 (the thorn in the flesh) Colossians 3:5 ("greed, which is idolatry") Colossians 3:9–10 (put off the old self, put on the new) Romans 6:14 (sin shall not be your master) 1 John 1:9 (confession and cleansing) 2 Corinthians 5:17 (new creation) Discussion questions for listeners / community: Have you ever described your body image struggle as "your thorn"? How did that framing shape whether you expected it to change? Try praying both prayers from this episode — the confession prayer and the contentment prayer. Which one actually named what's true for you? What would it look like this week to bring one specific piece of body-image idolatry into the light through honest confession? Timestamped Guide to Episode 00:00 Exploring body image and faith 03:38 Addressing body image issues 09:41 Biblical thorns and grace 12:21 Idols in Modern Christian Culture 16:32 Understanding body image issues 19:00 Inviting women to join workshop 22:16 Admitting struggles and seeking help 27:39 Choosing the right prayer 28:45 Dealing with aging and grace A note: This episode distinguishes disordered body worship (idolatry) from genuine physical affliction (illness, disability, medical conditions). Listeners walking through the latter should be pointed toward lament and grace, not confession — this episode is specifically addressing the worship-pattern many of us have around appearance and worth. Links: Heather's best-selling Christian books on body image, aging, and comparison: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image Join us on the next 40-Day Journey in September. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount with a familiar picture: two men building two houses. One builds on rock. The other builds on sand. When the storms come, only one house remains standing. The difference isn't the weather. Both houses face the storm. The difference is the foundation. That picture from Matthew 7 offers a helpful way to think about our financial lives. Job losses, medical expenses, market declines, and unexpected bills eventually test every household. The question is whether our financial lives are built on something strong enough to withstand them. John Cortines, a Family Office Advisor with Blue Trust and co-author of God and Money and True Riches, offers a helpful framework: Think of your financial life as a house. Christ is the foundation. Gratitude, contentment, trust, and love form the walls. Our identity as stewards serves as the roof. And wise financial practices furnish the rooms. The Foundation: Christ, Not Money Every house begins with a foundation, and the Christian financial life begins with Christ. Jesus taught that we cannot serve both God and money. So before we ask how much to save, spend, invest, or give, we have to settle a more fundamental question: What—or whom—are we trusting? 1 Timothy 6 warns against placing our hope in wealth. Money is useful, but it was never designed to carry the weight of our security or identity. Instead, biblical stewardship begins by recognizing that everything ultimately belongs to God. Haggai 2:8 reminds us that the silver and gold are His. What we possess has been entrusted to us temporarily. That changes the way we approach money. Rather than asking, “What do I want to do with my money?” a steward begins asking, “What is the next faithful decision with what God has entrusted to me?” Money moves from being our master to becoming a tool we manage for God's purposes. The First Wall: Gratitude Once the foundation is in place, the first wall is gratitude. Gratitude protects us from one of wealth's most subtle dangers: pride.  Pride says, I earned this. I deserve this. Look at what I've accomplished. Gratitude answers, God provided this. Deuteronomy 8:18 warns God's people not to forget that He is the One who gives them the ability to produce wealth. Our abilities, opportunities, relationships, education, health, and circumstances are all gifts we did not create for ourselves. That doesn't diminish the value of hard work. It simply puts our work in its proper place. A grateful steward can work diligently without believing everything depends on personal achievement. Gratitude opens our hands because it reminds us that every good thing ultimately comes from God. The Second Wall: Contentment The second wall is contentment, which guards us from coveting and comparison. Our culture constantly invites us to look sideways. Someone always seems to have a nicer home, a newer vehicle, a larger portfolio, or a more comfortable lifestyle. The result can be a restless appetite for more. But biblical contentment allows us to experience peace in seasons of abundance and in seasons when resources are limited. In Philippians 4:12-13, Paul explains that he learned the secret of being content whether he had plenty or was in need. His famous statement, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” comes in the context of learning contentment through Christ. Contentment does not mean we stop planning, working, or pursuing worthwhile goals. It means our peace is no longer waiting on the next financial milestone. We don't have to keep telling ourselves, I'll finally be satisfied when I get there or when I have that. In Christ, we can receive today's provision with gratitude while faithfully preparing for tomorrow. The Third Wall: Trust The third wall is trust. Financial anxiety often grows from the assumption that our future rests entirely on us. Am I saving enough? What if something happens? Will there be enough for retirement? What if the economy changes? Wise stewardship certainly includes preparation. But preparation can quietly turn into self-reliance if we begin believing our savings account is ultimately responsible for keeping us safe. In Luke 12, Jesus reminds His followers that the Father knows what they need. That frees us to seek His Kingdom first rather than allowing fear about tomorrow to dominate today. Our deepest security goes even further. For the Christian, our ultimate hope is not that we will avoid every financial problem. Our hope is in Christ, His victory over death, and the eternal future He has secured for His people. That perspective doesn't eliminate wise financial planning. It puts planning in its proper place. We prepare faithfully while trusting God completely. The Fourth Wall: Love The fourth wall may be the one we least often associate with money: love. It is easy for financial planning to become entirely inward-facing. We think about our budget, our goals, our retirement, and our future without considering how God may want to use what He has entrusted to us for the good of others. But Christian stewardship is shaped by Christ's love. 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 point us to Jesus, who gave Himself generously for us. Our generosity toward others becomes a response to the generosity we have first received from Him. As we grow spiritually, we begin asking not merely, How much can I keep? but, How can what God has entrusted to me become an expression of love? That may mean financial generosity, hospitality, using our abilities to serve someone, supporting the local church, or simply noticing a need we might otherwise have ignored. Money becomes one more way to love God and love our neighbor. The Roof: Your Identity as a Steward Resting on those four walls is the roof: our financial identity. There are two unhealthy extremes. The first is ownership: It's mine. I earned it. I'll do whatever I want with it. The second is helplessness: Nothing I do matters. I'll never get ahead. Life just happens to me. Stewardship offers another way. A steward says, “Everything belongs to God, and I am responsible for faithfully managing what He has entrusted to me.” That perspective brings both responsibility and freedom. We take our decisions seriously because stewardship matters. But we also recognize that we are not the ultimate owners or providers. God is. Our task is faithfulness. Furnishing the House With Wise Financial Practices Only after the foundation, walls, and roof are secure do we begin furnishing the house. These furnishings represent the everyday financial habits Scripture commends: working diligently, spending purposefully, handling debt carefully, saving steadily for future needs, investing patiently and wisely, practicing generosity, and showing hospitality. These practical decisions matter. But they work best when they flow from the right heart. Otherwise, we can follow every financial rule and still be driven by pride, comparison, fear, or selfishness. That's why biblical financial wisdom goes deeper than behavior. God is interested not only in what we do with money but in what is happening in our hearts while we do it. Four Questions Before Your Next Financial Decision This financial-house framework can become a practical tool whenever you face an important money decision. Before making a major purchase, investment, career move, or other financial choice, prayerfully ask: Am I approaching this from pride or gratitude? Am I being driven by coveting or contentment? Am I responding from anxiety or trust? Am I acting with indifference or love? Those questions can expose motivations that a spreadsheet never will. Sometimes they may lead us away from something we originally wanted. Other times, they may give us greater freedom to move forward. Either way, they help us consider not merely whether we can make a financial decision, but whether that decision fits the kind of steward God is shaping us to become. Build From the Inside Out It's tempting to begin our financial lives with tactics: budgets, investments, debt repayment plans, and retirement accounts. Those things are important. But Scripture invites us to start deeper. Build your foundation on Christ. Strengthen your life with gratitude, contentment, trust, and love. Remember that your identity is not owner but steward. Then let wise financial practices flow from those convictions. Storms will come. Jesus never suggested otherwise. But a financial life built on the Rock has something stronger than money holding it together. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have a 3% mortgage on about $300,000 and keep seeing ads promoting simple-interest home loans. Would it make sense to convert my current mortgage, or consider a simple-interest loan when we move in a few years? My husband and I are considering living off our savings for a year while I attend an accelerated nursing program at full out-of-state tuition. We live very frugally and have built up substantial savings. Does using that money to fund my schooling make financial sense? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Satisfied: Discovering Contentment in a World of Consumption by Jeff Manion FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Secret to Contentment | Paul Cullen | Westerville Campus | August 23, 2026

What happens when discontentment gets a grip in your life? Pastor Colin talks about how wasteful discontentment is and what it will cost you in terms of time, discernment, and joy.

You will never get serious about pursuing contentment until you see what kind of sin the lack of it is. Pastor Colin talks about the surprising relationship between discontentment and hell.

What does it really mean to be a faithful steward of money? In this episode of Michael Easley inContext, Michael Easley talks with Robin John, author of The Good Investor: How Your Work Can Confront Injustice, Love Your Neighbor, and Bring Healing to the World. Robin shares how witnessing poverty and injustice in India reshaped his understanding of wealth and led him toward faith-based investing. Together, Michael and Robin explore a biblical framework for how Christians earn, spend, give, and invest. If God owns it all, what does faithful stewardship look like? They discuss generosity, contentment, comparison, ethical investing, treating workers justly, starting to invest early, and the importance of understanding what your investments actually support. Chapters 00:00 — God Owns It All: We Are Stewards 01:38 — Robin John's Story and Calling 04:18 — Witnessing Poverty and Injustice 06:43 — Investing for the Common Good 08:05 — “I Am a Human Being Too” 10:30 — Christians, Business, and the Common Good 12:10 — A Biblical Framework for Generosity 14:34 — Make, Save, and Give Money Wisely 17:03 — Can Christians Enjoy Wealth? 19:17 — Contentment and “Enough” 23:08 — Why You Should Start Investing Early 25:23 — Connecting Giving to Its Impact 26:30 — What Are Your Investments Supporting? 28:05 — Faith-Based Investing and 401(k)s 31:00 — Why Investing Can Feel Complicated 32:29 — Ethical Questions in Healthcare Investing 35:16 — Business as an Engine of Blessing 37:30 — Seeing Work as an Act of Generosity 39:41 — Treating Workers Justly 42:06 — A Lesson From Working as a Valet 44:03 — Generosity and Christian Witness 45:22 — Doing Good Work for God's Glory 47:24 — Closing Thoughts Key Topics Covered • Biblical stewardship and ownership • Generosity and the common good • Contentment and comparison • Ethical and faith-based investing • How Christians should think about wealth • Treating employees and workers justly • Starting to invest early • Using work as an expression of generosity • Aligning financial decisions with biblical values Links Mentioned: The Good Investor by Robin John Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.

In this captivating episode of the Meditative Prayers podcast, hosted by the insightful Dr. Tim Clinton and accessible on Pray.com, we delve into the profound theme of finding contentment in our spiritual journey—an aspect that resonates deeply within our Christian community. Throughout our quest for spiritual fulfillment, there are moments when experiencing contentment and a sense of inner peace becomes a paramount desire. These moments not only enrich our faith but also bring tranquility to our relationships, guiding us toward inner fulfillment.The comforting truth remains unwavering: with Dr. Tim Clinton as our compassionate guide, we possess the inherent ability to discover contentment, unveiling a sense of renewed hope and purpose in our spiritual journey. Drawing profound inspiration from sacred scriptures, we embark on an exploration of this transformative human experience.For those seeking guidance in finding contentment along their path of faith, we extend a heartfelt invitation to explore the Pray.com app. By simply downloading it today, you can embark on a transformative journey of faith and resilience, deeply rooted in the unwavering presence of the Divine. Together, let us wholeheartedly embrace the incredible potential for contentment within us, finding boundless inspiration and strength during our shared spiritual pilgrimage. We invite you to join us in this enlightening episode as we venture toward a profound understanding of discovering contentment in our spiritual journey and experiencing the extraordinary sense of fulfillment that resides within each one of us.Embracing the practice of praying before slumber is more than just a routine; it's an avenue to recenter your heart, aligning it with God's purpose. Let Pray.com's Meditative Prayer be a nightly companion, deepening your bond with the Almighty and settling your spirit for a serene night's rest.Zach Clinton is from the American Association of Christian Counselors, for more information please visit: https://aacc.net/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Garth Brooks and Willie Nelson gave Corey Kent advice that helped change the direction of his life. In this episode of God's Country, Corey joins The Brothers Hunt to tell those stories—and opens up about getting fired with a new baby at home, leaving Nashville, building a life in Texas, and redefining what success really means. Corey shares how he handed Garth Brooks a burned CD containing the only three songs he had written, why he confidently claimed they were ready for country radio, and the life-changing message Garth later sent him. He also remembers singing with Willie Nelson as a teenager and receiving the advice that first sent him to Nashville. The conversation goes deeper into faith, family, fatherhood, hunting, and the emotional moment Corey experienced on his family's Oklahoma land before delivering his grandfather's eulogy. Plus, he talks about “Wild as Her,” his upcoming album Heartland Rock N Roll, working with Jason Aldean, and why he plans to live his life in seasons. CHAPTERS 00:00 Meet Corey Kent 04:00 Why Corey and his wife had a fourth child 07:20 Getting fired with a new baby at home 09:20 Leaving Nashville for Texas 14:00 What You Mad At? 17:20 The rising cost of Corey's party barn 25:00 Hunting, public land and chasing adventure 31:00 Parenting and embracing the season you're in 34:20 Redefining success and building a full table 39:20 Corey remembers his grandfather 44:20 The deer that appeared before the eulogy 48:00 Corey Can: The Game 53:00 Corey's journey through Nashville and Texas 54:30 Singing with Willie Nelson 57:15 Handing Garth Brooks a burned CD 58:30 Garth's life-changing advice 1:03:30 Putting music in its proper place 1:05:20 Why Corey lets the best song win 1:07:00 Heartland Rock N Roll and Corey's influences 1:11:00 Why playing live means everything 1:15:20 Contentment, ambition and life after music 1:20:00 “It's a Great Day to Be Alive” TBH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thebrothershunt/ TBH FACEBOOK: TBHhttps://www.facebook.com/thebrothershunt/ GCP FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/godscountrypodcast GCP INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thegodscountrypodcast/ TBH/ GCP TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@brothershunt?lang=en TBH MERCH: https://the-brothers-hunt.myshopify.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fear of success as a Christian entrepreneur can show up as hesitation, second-guessing, undercharging, avoiding sales, or telling yourself you are simply “waiting on God.” In this video, we explore the biblical money mindset behind playing small, fear of success, and feeling conflicted about growing your business as a Christian woman. Sometimes what sounds like contentment may actually be fear dressed up in the language of faithfulness.   You may know God has called you to build something, but when the next offer, higher price, greater visibility, or next level of business growth appears, you find yourself pulling back. You tell yourself: “I already have enough.” “I don't want this to become about money.” “I'm just waiting on God's timing.” But what if the real issue isn't a lack of clarity? What if there is a belief underneath the hesitation that is shaping how you think, feel, and behave around money, success, and your calling? In this video, I share how biblical money mindset discipleship helps uncover the beliefs driving your financial and business decisions, bring those beliefs into God's truth, and create new habits that help you move forward with greater confidence.

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Taking care of your health just got easier, thanks to my sponsor Zocdoc, start here at: https://zocdoc.com/drscotteilersThe antidote to depression isn't happiness—it's contentment. I explain why chasing happiness can actually make depression worse, especially when anhedonia makes positive emotions inaccessible or when short-term relief leads to unhealthy decisions.If my podcast has helped, my new book, The Light Between the Leaves, goes even deeperNext Steps:

In this solo teaching episode, Joe Stopulos tackles a topic many Catholic men avoid discussing openly: money. Drawing on two books by finance writer Morgan Housel — The Psychology of Money (2020) and The Art of Spending Money (2025) — Joe walks through the core lessons of both and reframes them through a Catholic lens of stewardship, humility, and contentment. Highlights from this episode: Why doing well with money is about behavior, not intelligence — and how habits shape financial peace The "benchwarmer on a Major League team" analogy that reframes comparison and contentment Why real wealth is what you don't spend, not what you show How money's highest dividend is control over your time — spending it on the people you love Why finances are one of the top three pillars of a healthy marriage, and how Joe addresses this in the marriage prep he leads A nod to Dave Ramsey's budgeting framework — where Joe agrees, and where he doesn't The story of Kurt Vonnegut, Joseph Heller, and the billionaire who had everything except "enough" The quiet millionaire janitor who left $8 million to charity — and what it says about humility A closing quote from St. John Chrysostom on wealth, stewardship, and caring for the poor This episode is a call for Catholic men to examine their relationship with money — not as an end in itself, but as a tool for building a life centered on faith, family, and generosity. This episode is brought to you by: Construction Professionals — CPCustomHomes.com https://cpcustomhomes.com/ #CatholicMen #ManUpPodcast #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicFatherhood #CatholicDadLife #CatholicStewardship #FaithAndFinance #PsychologyOfMoney #MorganHousel #CatholicMarriage #CatholicPodcast #DesMoinesIowa #IowaCatholic #HeroicVirtue Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our StationsLINKSYou can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok! More on our website.If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! More from Iowa Catholic Radio:Sunday Dive with Katie PatrizioMan Up! with Joe StopulosCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrBe Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián MoncadaMaking it Personal with Bishop William JoensenFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleThe Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos Liturgy & DevotionsThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Daily Mass from St. Francis of AssisiThe Daily Mass from St. Pius XThe Daily Mass from St. TheresaSunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint JohnWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ecclesiastes 5 addresses two areas that reveal the condition of our hearts: how we approach God in worship and how we think about money and possessions. The Preacher warns against careless worship, rash words, and empty promises before God. He also exposes the emptiness of pursuing wealth, reminding us that those who love money will never finally be satisfied by it. Instead of continually chasing more, God calls His people to receive His gifts with gratitude and enjoy His provision with contentment. In this episode of Reading the Bible Daily with Dave, Dave Jenkins explains Ecclesiastes 5 and considers reverent worship, the limits of wealth, biblical contentment, and the lasting satisfaction found in Christ. For more from Reading the Bible Daily with Dave, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/reading-the-bible-daily-with-dave/

Share this program with a friend or family member at www.joniradio.org!  --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

(Tisarana Buddhist Monastery) Talk given on the lunar observance day. Ajahn Viradhammo reflects on Samana Sanna. Or the values of spiritual life. Contentment with little is one such Samana Sanna that one recollects. The Sanna (or recollection), acts as a mirror, to the where the mind is. Then when a state of discontent arises, one can see it subjectively, rather than going into "becoming". "It's good enough" being a phrase to use as a guide.

A change of climate, a change of culture, a change in time zone. All of these and more are concrete changes we encounter when we choose to travel far from our home and daily life. Granted a time zone change may not be part of each occasion, but still, when the sun rises and sets most likely will be. Change is what we witness when we choose to travel. And by choosing to embark on an adventure, an exploration that involves changes, knowing our daily routine will temporarily be different and knowing the environment we step into will be different, we are exercising a powerful muscle that is part of living a life of contentment — accepting and seeing the gift of change. In today's episode, I will be sharing many of the gifts that travel gives us, moreso from the well-being and life enriching perspective, rather than speaking to any particular destination. It can be easy to forget these gifts when we settle back into our daily rhythm. And the courage and choice to invest in travel can sometimes wane the further removed we are from the first-person experience of travel. Let's take a look at eight wonderful gifts that travel gives us and how when we pack the consciousness along with all of the other gifts that living a life of contentment gives us, we deepen the experience all the more. View the Show Notes for this episode on The Simply Luxurious Life blog - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/podcast432

Contentment by Rev. Jonathan Imogu by Victory Inheritance Ministries

Brock and Special Co-Host Stefan discuss stewardship and being content with where God has you in the moment. How the modern economic system has made us not appreciate the thing that God has for us right now.

What does it take to trust yourself again when the world has been loud, the grief has been real, and you spent years pouring everything into someone else's survival? In this episode of Someone Gets Me, Dianne A. Allen sits down with Shannon Allman, journalist, late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD adult, and widow of the legendary Gregg Allman, for one of the most tender and honest conversations this show has ever had.  Shannon opens up about her decade of quiet healing, the routines that keep her nervous system anchored, and what it cost her to pour herself entirely into caregiving while she quietly disappeared. She also shares what it was like to watch Gregg Allman the persona step forward and Gregory the man step back.   If you have ever felt too sensitive for this world or too lost in someone else's story to find your own, watch the Someone Gets Me Podcast – Trusting Yourself In A World Full of Noise with Shannon Allman   Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe to the channel, tap the notification bell, and leave a comment!   You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.   Shannon Allman is a writer, poet, artist, and activist in Athens, Georgia.  Independent since 17, she put herself through the University of Florida's Journalism School by bartending.  She spent her formative adult years caregiving for her beloved late husband with cancer, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, while touring the world with his band and working in digital media.  When she was widowed at 28, she didn't understand why she experienced a total mental and physical shutdown until being diagnosed years later with autism, ADHD, Ehler's Danlos Syndrome,  C-PTSD, and other comorbid conditions exacerbated by caregiver burnout and grief. She's spent the last 9 years devoting her life to researching the connections between grief, trauma, abuse, illness, neurodivergencies, giftedness, and high sensitivity and to learning the skills and practices needed for healing and thriving.  She finds purpose in helping others navigate grief, illness, trauma, and late diagnoses via her social media which sees up to 4 million monthly viewers.  She's a lover of God, deep conversations, meditation, her cat Tupelo, and underdogs. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shenanigansallman/    How to Connect with Dianne A. Allen   Dianne A. Allen, MA is an intuitive mentor, speaker, author, ambassador, hope agent, life catalyst, and the CEO and Founder of Visions Applied. She has been involved in personal and professional development and mental health and addiction counseling. She inspires people in personal transformation through thought provoking services from speaking and podcasting to individual intuitive mentoring and more. She uses her years of experience coupled with years of formal education to blend powerful, practical, and effective strategies and tools for success and satisfaction. She has authored several books, which include How to Quit Anything in 5 Simple Steps - Break the Chains that Bind You, The Loneliness Cure, A Guide to Contentment, 7 Simple Steps to Get Back on track and Live the Life You Envision, Daily Meditations for Visionary Leaders, Hope Realized, and Where Do You Fit In?   Website: https://msdianneallen.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianne_a_allen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msdianneallen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianneallen/# Twitter: https://x.com/msdianneallen   Check out Dianne's new book, Care for the Neurodivergent Soul. https://a.co/d/cTBSxQv   Visit Dianne's Amazon author page. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0F7N457KS   You have a vision inside to create something bigger than you. What you need is a community and a mentor. Personal mentoring will inspire you to grow, transform, and connect in new ways. The Someone Gets Me Experience could be that perfect solution to bringing your heart's desire into reality. You will grow, transform, and connect. https://msdianneallen.com/someone-gets-me-experience/   For a complimentary “Get to Know You” 30-minute call: https://visionsapplied.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=4017868   Join our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/someonegetsme   Follow Dianne's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/msdianneallen   Email contact: dianne@visionsapplied.com   Dianne's Mentoring Services: https://msdianneallen.com/

1 Timothy 6:3-10 Tyler Dunn // Adult Life Pastor

Tonight's reading comes from The Friendly Road: New Adventures in Contentment, published in 1913, written by David Grayson, the pen name of Ray Stannard Baker, and it follows a gentle journey through the American countryside, with quiet observations of nature, small communities, everyday encounters, and the simple pleasures found along an unhurried road.BORE YOU TO SLEEP – CALM BEDTIME STORIES FOR ADULTSCan't fall asleep? You're not alone. Bore You to Sleep is a sleep podcast featuring calm, monotone readings of classic books, public-domain literature and relaxing bedtime stories for adults. Each episode is intentionally slow and soothing, designed to help you unwind, quiet your thoughts and drift off while the story plays gently in the background.My name is Teddy and I am here to help people everywhere get a good night's rest. The podcast is designed to play in the background while you slowly fall asleep.IN THIS EPISODE:• Calm, monotone storytelling• A classic public-domain audiobook• A relaxing bedtime story for adults• Gentle narration designed for background listeningABOUT THE SHOW:• Free, listener-supported sleep aid podcast• Self-produced with one short ad to keep it free for everyone• New relaxing episodes released weeklySUPPORT THE PODCAST:• Subscribe on Spotify for ad-free listening ($2.99/month)• Become a patron at BoreYouToSleep.com• Leave a rating or review to help others discover the podcastThank you for your messages, support, and kind words, they mean the world to me.Your rest is my mission.#SleepPodcast #SleepStory #BedtimeStories #BedtimeStoriesForAdults #CalmNarrationIn the meantime, lie back, relax and enjoy the readings.Sweet dreamsTeddy

The early Christians lived under intense pressure and persecution, yet Paul urged them to live with urgency, clarity, and devotion to the Lord. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reflects on Paul's words to the Corinthians: “The time is short.” Paul wanted believers then—and believers now—to live with singleness of heart and action. When we surrender our personal agendas and allow God's purposes to rule in our lives, He works mightily in us for His name, His Kingdom, and our good. Dr. Youssef reminds us that this world in its present form is passing away. That means we must not allow sorrow to consume us, happiness to become our ultimate pursuit, worry to control us, possessions to possess us, or physical needs to dominate our focus. Wherever God has placed us, we are called to love Him, serve Him, and seek His Kingdom first. What would it look like for God to take hold of your time? What would it mean to live completely focused on Christ? The time is short—so let's make the most of it for the glory of God. Prayer: Jesus, forgive me for living a routine that neglects You and Your mission. May I see that the time is short; help me use the days You have given me to proclaim Your goodness and Your Kingdom in word and deed. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; . . .” (1 Corinthians 7:29). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Healthy Living in a Sick World, Called to Contentment in Christ: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Today's Promise: Philippians 4:11 We live in a world that is always telling us we need more. A bigger house, a newer car, more money, a better job, or something else we think will finally make us happy.   But the Apostle Paul discovered a better way to live. He said, "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." That is quite a statement when you consider everything Paul experienced.   True contentment isn't found in having everything you want. It comes from knowing that Christ is enough. In today's Daily Promise, we look at what it means to be content in every situation. When your life is surrendered to Christ, you don't have to chase after the next thing hoping it will satisfy you. You can rest in God's provision, trust His plan, and find your purpose and satisfaction in Him.   You can be content today because Jesus is enough.

Welcome to the Saltbox Church Podcast. We desire to lead people to become fully surrendered disciples of Jesus. On our channel, you'll learn how to read and understand the truths of the Bible from Pastor Michael Mattis and other members of our teaching team. You can expect to walk away with a deeper understanding of the things of God, but challenged to live a surrendered life. We cover topics such as the will of God, mental health, women in leadership, Christianity vs. other faith traditions and many other in-depth studies of scripture. -------------------------------- -------------------------------- CONNECT: LinkTree ► https://linktr.ee/saltboxchurch Website ► http://www.SaltboxChurch.com Podcast ► https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/saltboxchurch/ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/saltboxchurch/ Yellow Truck Coffee Co. ► https://www.yellowtruckcoffeeco.com/ --------------------------------

What you need to remember about contentment.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/todayssinglechristianSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if you didn't have to endlessly chase your desires? What if you could get off that treadmill and fall contentedly into the arms of Jesus? Coach Jenny Hietbrink points to the abundant life and how you can experience that life of contentment in Jesus. For many years, Dr. Warren Wiersbe served as Back to the Bible's lead Bible teacher. His clear, practical teaching helped millions understand and apply God's Word, and his influence continues to impact believers today. As our thank-you for your partnership, when you give this month, we'll send you two specially selected volumes from our collection of Warren Wiersbe Bible commentaries. Whether you've treasured Wiersbe's teaching for years or are discovering it for the first time, these trusted commentaries will become valuable companions in your personal Bible study. Thank you for supporting the mission of Christ. *Available only to residents of the US.

Society is on an endless search for happiness, training us to believe that the next product, relationship, lifestyle, or change in circumstances will finally satisfy us. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains why every earthly substitute eventually disappoints: we were created to find our joy and satisfaction in God alone. This truth applies not only to material things, but also to marriage and singleness. Singles should not believe a spouse will complete them, and married believers should not assume escape from difficulty will bring the happiness they long for. Paul understood the blessing of singleness as a life of undivided service to the Lord, while also affirming marriage as a gift of God for sanctification, companionship, and Christlike love. Dr. Youssef reminds us that contentment comes when God takes hold of our marriage, our singleness, and every season of life. The secret to peace is not getting our preferred circumstance—it is listening to God, obeying Him, and trusting that His will is good. When you face decisions, questions, challenges, or deep desires, begin by going to God's Word. Seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit first, and allow godly counsel to confirm what He is teaching you. Whether married or single, contentment is found in discerning and following God's will for your life. Prayer: Lord, take hold of my life. I trust You with my situation, remembering You have ordained it and will bring good from it. I will put my hope in You and follow Your way. Lead me, Father. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches” (1 Corinthians 7:17). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Healthy Living in a Sick World, Called to Contentment in Christ: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

How does the Fear of God lead us to rest and lead us to contentment? In this message Pastor Chris teaches from Proverbs 19, inviting us to consider the wisdom of Solomon and the teachings of Jesus to find that which we souls crave in the only one who can actually provide it.GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcitySunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC  

Habbakuk | Josh de Koning

Winds of Change: Timeless Wisdom for our Anxious World Chasing Coin Ecclesiastes 5:10-20 3 Realities of Wealth Dissatisfaction of Wealth There are things money cannot buy When we protect instead of stewarding its dangerous   Instability of Wealth You never truly own what you can't keep. Never anchor your security to something you can lose.   Contentment is the Greatest Wealth Enjoyment is greater than accumulation Money makes a wonderful gift, but it cant be more than that

Hello Friends! Dave and Joel are back with a discussion about The Nature of Contentment, a subject every Christian should pursue. We recorded this on Joels back porch, sorry about th eaambient noise in the beginning.

Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12Pastor Brian Moffatt

This episode we're exploring ambition vs contentment. Are they opposites? Can they coexist? What fuels your ambition?  And how does making a decision from a place of “enough” contrast decision based on scarcity? Mentioned in this episode Join my weekly newsletter and get access to the free DIY Investor Guide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode OverviewIn this thoughtful and grounded conversation, Amy Wheeler sits down with Marlysa Sullivan, a physical therapist, yoga therapist, and educator working within the Veterans Administration and at Notre Dame of Maryland University. Together, they explore the Niyamas from The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali as living practices—less about rigid rules and more about ongoing self-inquiry, ethical reflection, and alignment in daily life.Rather than presenting the Niyamas as fixed ideals, this episode invites a more nuanced approach: one that considers context, relationship, and the evolving nature of what it means to act with integrity. The conversation weaves together classical yoga philosophy, modern clinical experience, and real-world application, offering a grounded pathway for both practitioners and clinicians.Key Themes ExploredEthics as a Living Inquiry Ethical practice is not static. Marlysa emphasizes that what is “right” depends on context, relationship, and discernment. This requires ongoing reflection: What is most relevant, kind, and supportive in this moment?Śauca (Clarity and Inner Cleanliness) The discussion reframes purity away from moral judgment and toward clarity. Rather than “fixing what is wrong,” the practice becomes one of noticing what clouds perception—habit patterns, past impressions, and emotional residue—and gently clearing space for more skillful action. Santoṣa (Contentment as Stability and Action) Contentment is explored as a steady inner ground, not passivity. True contentment allows for both acceptance and meaningful action. The conversation highlights the balance between deficiency (chronic dissatisfaction) and excess (avoidance or spiritual bypassing).Tapas (Right Effort and Friction for Growth) Tapas is described as the willingness to meet discomfort in service of transformation. It is the moment where inner clarity meets outward action—often requiring courage to move beyond familiar patterns.Svādhyāya (Self-Study and Honest Reflection) The practice of self-study calls for humility and relational support. Amy and Marlysa emphasize the importance of trusted relationships that can reflect blind spots and support deeper self-awareness.Īśvara Praṇidhāna (Surrender and Letting Go of Outcome) Surrender is presented as an essential counterbalance to effort. One does the work with integrity, then releases attachment to results. This is especially relevant in complex systems, where control is limited and trust becomes necessary.Integrating Kriyā YogaThe final three Niyamas—Tapas, Svādhyāya, and Īśvara Praṇidhāna—are explored as Kriya Yoga, a practical pathway for transformation.Together, they form a cycle:Act with intentionReflect with honestySurrender the outcomeThis dynamic process supports both personal growth and therapeutic presence.Clinical and Real-World ApplicationDrawing from her work in the Veterans Administration, Marlysa highlights how these teachings translate into practice:Healing is not one-size-fits-all; each individual responds differentlyCuriosity supports humility and clinical effectivenessRelationship and co-reflection are essential for growthYoga therapy must move beyond biomechanics to include meaning, perception, and lived experienceThe conversation reinforces that how we approach a simple movement—like stretching a hamstring—often reflects how we approach life itself.Practical ReflectionFor those beginning to work with the Niyamas:Start with the one that feels most relevant or meaningfulReflect on where you tend toward excess or deficiencyUse curiosity as a guide rather than judgmentEngage trusted others in your process of reflectionClosing InsightThis episode reframes ethics not as obligation, but as an enlivening and relational practice. When approached with curiosity and sincerity, the Niyamas become a guide for living with clarity, integrity, and connection—to oneself and to others.Learn MoreVisit Marlysa Sullivan: www.marlysasullivan.comExplore the foundations in The Yoga Sutras of PatanjaliContact Amy Wheeler:www.TheOptimalState.com Optimal State App for iPhone:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/optimal-state/id1604424804 The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158 School of Integrative Health at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Explore NDMU's Post-Master's Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU:https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool Our new book-  https://www.amazon.com/Applying-Therapeutic-Yoga-Integrative-Health/dp/1032888628/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RFZ3L5MCCNPH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I7harQDOLulfRbd3dx2vVa5VUZa840PHcWB7dDiT3_bB2nravzO7_9Xs9shMhcy2Iwu0wtTA1PxeUG4TTugEQJuK_OEpvzQ-OyVvtsUkXsc.ViqLrL-EQPX7s09wZF6_2eCpLCimHa7Ohfbw-F7Yuk4&dib_tag=se&keywords=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheeler&qid=1775224796&sprefix=applications+in+therapeutic+yoga+wheele%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

True inner peace fuels meaningful drive rather than halting it. In this episode, Angela and Chris reflect on recent travel misadventures, the difference between contentment and complacency, and how to maintain peace while pursuing ambitious goals. Contentment vs. Complacency: A deep dive into the debate over whether being content kills your ambition. Chris and Angela explain that contentment is a mindset rooted in inner peace and joy, whereas complacency means settling or stalling growth. The Danger of Ego-Driven Goals: How tying your happiness strictly to external outcomes or comparisons strips away peace, while aligning goals with service and family fuels sustainable drive. Finding Joy in the Process: Practical advice on cultivating awareness so that everyday adversity doesn't knock you off center as you strive for your bigger purpose. Embracing the Unexpected: Angela shares highlights from her trip to Belgium. From sold-out castle tours to finding the ultimate waffles, illustrating how choosing gratitude over frustration opens the door to better memories. The Rule of Travel: Why you should always plan your next vacation before finishing your current one to keep forward momentum in life.

Have you ever noticed that you're the person everyone naturally turns to at work? In this episode, we explore why neurodivergent and gifted individuals often become the default person—the one everyone relies on—and the invisible energy tax that comes with constantly carrying that role. We dive into the importance of making time to recharge, breaking the cycle of always being the go-to person, and why learning to receive support is just as important as offering it. At the end of the day, it's about making conscious choices to nurture and protect your identity, your energy, and your sense of self. Watch this episode of Someone Gets Me and discover how to recognize the hidden cost of always being the one others depend on.   Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe to the channel, tap the notification bell, and leave a comment!   You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.   How to Connect with Dianne A. Allen   Dianne A. Allen, MA is an intuitive mentor, speaker, author, ambassador, hope agent, life catalyst, and the CEO and Founder of Visions Applied. She has been involved in personal and professional development and mental health and addiction counseling. She inspires people in personal transformation through thought provoking services from speaking and podcasting to individual intuitive mentoring and more. She uses her years of experience coupled with years of formal education to blend powerful, practical, and effective strategies and tools for success and satisfaction. She has authored several books, which include How to Quit Anything in 5 Simple Steps - Break the Chains that Bind You, The Loneliness Cure, A Guide to Contentment, 7 Simple Steps to Get Back on track and Live the Life You Envision, Daily Meditations for Visionary Leaders, Hope Realized, and Where Do You Fit In?   Website: https://msdianneallen.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianne_a_allen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msdianneallen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianneallen/# Twitter: https://x.com/msdianneallen   Check out Dianne's new book, Care for the Neurodivergent Soul. https://a.co/d/cTBSxQv   Visit Dianne's Amazon author page. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0F7N457KS   You have a vision inside to create something bigger than you. What you need is a community and a mentor. Personal mentoring will inspire you to grow, transform, and connect in new ways. The Someone Gets Me Experience could be that perfect solution to bringing your heart's desire into reality. You will grow, transform, and connect. https://msdianneallen.com/someone-gets-me-experience/   For a complimentary “Get to Know You” 30-minute call: https://visionsapplied.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=4017868   Join our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/someonegetsme   Follow Dianne's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/msdianneallen   Email contact: dianne@visionsapplied.com   Dianne's Mentoring Services: https://msdianneallen.com/  

We have more comfort, technology, convenience, and opportunity than any generation in history—yet contentment still feels out of reach. In Philippians 4, Paul reveals that contentment isn't something you find. It's something you learn. Discover the surprising secret behind one of the Bible's most misunderstood passages, Philippians 4:13, and why true contentment has less to do with your circumstances than you think.

We think if we had a nicer car, or a bigger house, or a larger salary, or a new face, or new body, then we’d be content. But Max Lucado says: “The good life begins not when circumstances change but when our attitude toward them does.” And writing to the Christians in Philippi, the apostle Paul said, “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” (Philippians 4:11–12 NLT). Paul was in difficult circumstances when he wrote these words. He wasn’t spouting theories from an ivory tower. He was under house arrest, writing from the school of hard knocks. Yet Paul found contentment because he rejoiced in the Lord. Earlier in Philippians 4, he wrote, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (verse 4 NKJV). He didn’t say that we should rejoice in circumstances. Sometimes that’s hard to do. But Paul did say that we should rejoice in the Lord. Listen in to this episode now for more encouragement! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We think if we had a nicer car, or a bigger house, or a larger salary, or a new face, or new body, then we’d be content. But Max Lucado says: “The good life begins not when circumstances change but when our attitude toward them does.” And writing to the Christians in Philippi, the apostle Paul said, “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” (Philippians 4:11–12 NLT). Paul was in difficult circumstances when he wrote these words. He wasn’t spouting theories from an ivory tower. He was under house arrest, writing from the school of hard knocks. Yet Paul found contentment because he rejoiced in the Lord. Earlier in Philippians 4, he wrote, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (verse 4 NKJV). He didn’t say that we should rejoice in circumstances. Sometimes that’s hard to do. But Paul did say that we should rejoice in the Lord. Listen in to this episode now for more encouragement! — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some weeks, we have so much to say... and other weeks, we honestly don't know where to start.

John the Baptist's instruction to the crowds who came seeking baptism was practical and direct: if you have two shirts, share with the one who has none. If you have food, do the same. True repentance, he made clear, is not merely a change of heart. It produces a change in action. This principle runs throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament commands not to harvest a field a second time so the poor could glean, to the early church where believers regularly shared their resources with those in need as a natural overflow of the Holy Spirit's work in their lives. For those who follow Christ today, the same call remains: act justly, love mercy, walk humbly. Care for the poor and the hungry as if we were directly caring for our Savior Himself. Whatever we have been given, whether much or little, we are stewards of it — and wise stewardship means holding it with open hands, grateful for what we have and quick to share from any surplus with those who have not. Today's Bible Verse "Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same."— Luke 3:11, NIV Ponder Today True repentance produces transformation in action, not just in attitude. John the Baptist's call to the crowds was not merely to feel differently about their lives — it was to live differently, beginning with how they shared what they had with those in need. Wise stewardship is a natural overflow of our relationship with the Lord. As the Holy Spirit produces love, kindness, and compassion in us, caring for others with our resources stops being an obligation and becomes a genuine expression of faith. Whatever we do for the poor and hungry, we do for Christ Himself. Matthew 25:34-40 makes this staggering connection unmistakably clear. Stewardship is not just a financial principle — it is an act of worship directed toward our Savior. We live in a culture that promotes gaining more and wasting freely. Reorienting our priorities around what God cares about — justice, mercy, compassion, and love — requires intentional effort and the Spirit's ongoing work in our hearts. Contentment and generosity grow together. When we are genuinely grateful for what we have and hold it with open hands, we become more attentive to the needs around us and more willing to give from whatever surplus we carry. A Prayer for You Today Lord, forgive me for the times I have wasted my resources. I live in a society that values gaining more, often more than I need, while promoting wastefulness at the same time. As I lean into my relationship with You, help me reorient my priorities around what You care about: justice, mercy, compassion, love, and kindness. Produce in me by Your Holy Spirit the actions that flow from genuine faith. Let me live with contentment, thankful for the necessities You provide, and with open hands and an open heart that is quick to think of others. Guide me to give from any area of surplus to bless those in need. And in every circumstance, may I care for others as if I were directly serving You, my Savior. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer stirred a desire to hold your resources with more open and generous hands, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to help you live a life of faithful, Spirit-led stewardship every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today's episode is an original story written by Howard Pyle and adapted for you by Daniel Hinds. Christine helps a fairy and is rewarded with a magical apple tree. The fruit of the tree brings her lasting contentment and can only be picked by her. Her jealous family tries to take the apples to the king, but they are not successful. Draw us a picture of what you think any of the characters in this story look like, and then tag us in it on instagram @storiespodcast! We'd love to see your artwork and share it on our feed!! If you would like to support Stories Podcast, you can subscribe and give us a five star review on iTunes, check out our merch at storiespodcast.com/shop, follow us on Instagram @storiespodcast, or just tell your friends about us! Check out our new YouTube channel at youtube.com/storiespodcast. If you've ever wanted to read along with our stories, now you can! These read-along versions of our stories are great for early readers trying to improve their skills or even adults learning English for the first time. Check it out.