Podcasts about Faithfulness

“Slow living” is often presented as the cure for stress and overwhelm, especially for moms. But what if slowing down isn't the answer at all? Free Smile & Start Attitude Challenge: https://simplyconvivial.com/smileThe speed of life isn't the point. Working in the place God has put us and living in His grace and kindness that makes the impossible doable without stress, fast or slow, is the point.In this episode, I explain why slow living is a false ideal and how chasing a peaceful aesthetic can actually increase anxiety and burnout. Peace doesn't come from fewer responsibilities, fewer people, or a quieter-looking life. It comes from aligning our expectations with God's calling and trusting His grace to equip us for the work He's given us.Read the article version here: https://www.simplyconvivial.com/blog/slow-living-is-a-false-ideal/Minimizing your life doesn't automatically remove stress, social media aesthetics distort our standards, and Scripture calls us to zeal in good works, not retreat from them. God may call you to seasons that feel full, demanding, and intense. You can be cheerful and content in busy seasons, too.The speed of your life isn't the point. Faithfulness is.Christian homemaking takes deliberate practice, not perfect systems. Every week on Simply Convivial, I share practical mindset shifts and small, steady habits that help you build a home anchored in truth and run with cheerful consistency. If you want less overwhelm, stronger routines, and a more faithful way to manage your day, you're in the right place. Grab a basket of laundry, press play, and let's grow in cheerful productivity together.

Sermon Series: Lost & Found Preacher: Josh White 1.5.26 AM

Listen to this week's sermon, Vision: Called into Communion preached by Rev. Benjamin Kandt from 2 Timothy 2:1-13.

Pastor Jeff Lewis preaches the first of 4 in the topical series "A Legacy of Faithfulness."

Polycarp & Faithfulness | It Runs In The Family | Ethan Magness by First Christian Church

Join us this morning as we begin our new sermon series, Keep it Simple, where we will strive to simplify our concept and practice of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. We're glad you're here. ABOUT US | We are cultivating a vibrant community of faith, hope and love that follows Jesus into the world so our neighbors may also experience God's goodness. Learn more at https://www.cpchb.org/core-values/PRAY  | To request prayer or pray with us, visit https://www.cpchb.org/prayer GIVE  |  To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people, visit  https://www.cpchb.org/give/ PRAYER REQUESTS | https://www.cpchb.org/prayerGIVE  | https://www.cpchb.org/give/CONNECT  |  We want to connect with you!  Visit us at  https://www.facebook.com/cpchb/    https://www.instagram.com/christpacificchurch/    Weekly eBlast: https://tinyurl.com/swy75ujv  MORE INFO | https://www.cpchb.org/

On this month's episode of Walk Worthy, Rachel Smither from Key of Hope joins us to discuss Faithfulness. Although the life of a believer is blessed, there are also hard seasons that require incredible discipline and endurance to keep going. Join us as we discuss why our faithfulness matters, what keeps us from it, and how we can carry on in the midst of difficulty.

You don't gear up once the battle starts. You put it on now, or you bleed. So what is the gear? How do we prepare for battle and not find we walked piece by piece through what it means to stand. The belt of truth keeps a life together. In the ancient world you'd “gird up your loins” so you wouldn't trip—truth does that for the soul. Lies aren't neutral; they rewire reality. Believe a lie about your spouse and it will change your home. Believe a lie marketed for profit (think OxyContin) and communities pay. In a world of influencers, spin, and weaponized narratives, we need a wise information diet. I won't deep-dive fads. I want to be useful where I can actually act. I avoid demagogic voices, follow the money, and ask whether this input helps me love my neighbor and remember the spiritual battle. Community matters too. The Asch experiments showed that one honest voice can help another person tell the truth. Wear the belt of truth; be that voice. Then the breastplate of righteousness. Righteousness means a life examined and approved by a higher authority. Every human heart aches for that. If my “rightness” rests on my performance, I ride a roller coaster. If it rests on people's approval, they own me. God gives a better way: imputed righteousness. Jesus aced the wilderness, the trials, the cross—and He credits His record to us. That breastplate protects the heart so we don't start starved for approval; we start full. Martin Luther prayed, “Jesus, I am your punishment and you are my reward.” When the enemy condemns, we answer with 1 John 3:20 and Colossians 3:3—my life is hidden with Christ in God. I don't preach, parent, or work to get approval; I move from approval. That shift reframes everything: obedience flows from love, difficulty becomes formation, and we carry a humble swagger—Jesus for me, in me, and through me, in spite of me.

Kenny Stokes | Prayer | Downtown

Jacob's dying words reveal timeless truth: Walk before God, let Him shepherd you, embrace His redemption. Our inheritance in Christ surpasses anything this world offers—eternal, incorruptible, reserved in heaven. Are you living for what truly lasts?God's Faithfulness & Our Future • Part of our weekly Sunday morning study through Genesis.

2026 kicks off the Year of Faithfulness here at Fronteira Church! Listen and enjoy the word of God as we hear Pastor Pamela's message not just on God's faithfulness, but what it means for us to be faithful to Him.

The church in Thessalonica faced persecution for declaring Jesus as Lord in a Roman culture that demanded worship of Caesar. Despite being new believers in a hostile environment, they became examples to Christians throughout their region. Paul's letter reveals seventeen gifts God gives every believer, including spiritual family, divine love, being chosen by God, and the transforming power of the gospel. Rather than focusing on New Year's resolutions, we should remember what God has already given us in Christ. Living with everyday faithfulness while maintaining an eternal perspective involves waiting with purpose, welcoming others through hospitality, and worshiping through transformation from idols to serving the living God.https://www.ankenyfree.church

In this 5 Minutes of Fire, five members of our staff team reflect on James 1:19–27, a passage that pushes faith beyond belief and into practice. James reminds us that the Word of God isn't meant to simply be heard—it's meant to be received, obeyed, and lived out.We explore what it means to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, recognizing that humility is the soil where the Word takes root. But James also warns us about self-deception—where we hear the Word, recognize the truth, and still walk away unchanged. Awareness without obedience leads to drift.James then reframes obedience as freedom, not restriction. When we look intently into God's Word and continue in it, transformation happens over time. Faithfulness produces blessing, and consistency forms joy.That transformation becomes visible in our words. Our speech reveals the condition of our hearts, exposing the gap between public faith and private conversation. Unchecked words don't just affect others—they shape us.James closes by redefining true religion as faith that shows up in compassion and holiness. A faith that cares for the vulnerable, resists being shaped by the world, and reflects Christ in everyday life.Five voices. One passage. One invitation: let the Word you hear become the life you live.

People search for answers in books, advice, and personal experiences to discover God's purpose for their lives. But Scripture is clear: God has already revealed His will. God's will is not guesswork. The Scriptures show that His will is expressed in how we live, who we become, what we value, and how we respond to Him. God's will is not hidden, complicated, or reserved for a select few. It is clear, practical, and available to every believer. The real question is not whether we know God's will, but whether we are willing to do it. This teaching covers: • What Scripture explicitly says is God's will • Why holiness and sanctification matter • Living with joy regardless of circumstances • Praying continually as ongoing relationship, not ritual • Giving thanks even in hardship • Why God cares more about who you are than what you do • Faithfulness in small things as preparation for greater responsibility Sermon Notes 1 Thessalonians 4:3 – 8 Your body sanctified 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – 18 Rejoice, pray & give thanks Matthew 6:9 –13 Pray that His will be done here Romans 12:1 & 2 Prove God's will by presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, not being conformed to this world and renew our minds Psalm 40:8 Delight in doing God's will

Our word for 2026 is Faithfulness. This message launches a new series, “But Do You?”, challenging us to move beyond theory and live with real trust in God's love. True faithfulness grows where trust is rooted—not in our consistency, but in God's unchanging, covenant love. Scripture reminds us that God does not shift, cancel, or abandon His people. He may correct, but He never discards. Through the example of Abraham and Sarah, we learn that God's faithfulness is not measured by speed, but by certainty—what He promises, He will perform. As we step into 2026, we are called to anchor our hearts in God's faithful love, trust Him in the waiting, obey Him with confidence, and build our lives on the truth that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Faithfulness is no longer just a concept—it becomes a lifestyle rooted in trusting the Father's heart.

Jacob's dying words reveal timeless truth: Walk before God, let Him shepherd you, embrace His redemption. Our inheritance in Christ surpasses anything this world offers—eternal, incorruptible, reserved in heaven. Are you living for what truly lasts?God's Faithfulness & Our Future • Part of our weekly Sunday morning study through Genesis.

I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant [NIV]

Donate: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Give - Orbis Ministries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up Free Mini E-Courses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Mini Courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up for Prayer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Orbis Prayer Ministry Network – Receive prayer for healing, prophecy, inner healing and deliverance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In this special New Year's episode of God is Not a Theory, Ken Fish offers a powerful prophetic reflection grounded in Luke 1 and the prophecy of Zechariah. As wars rage and uncertainty looms globally, Ken reminds us that God's promises never fail—even when fulfillment feels delayed.He shares a deeply personal testimony about waiting 21 years for his daughter's healing and calls the Church to a renewed commitment to holiness and righteousness in 2026. This short but profound message will stir your faith, sharpen your focus, and prepare you for a year of expectation and spiritual alignment.Scripture Focus:Luke 1:67–79 – The prophecy of Zechariah over John the BaptistKey themes: Faithfulness of God, Waiting on Prophetic Promises, Holiness, Righteousness, End-time AwakeningWhat You'll Learn:Why patience and faith are essential in seasons of waitingHow Zachariah's prophecy still speaks to our current momentWhat it means to live in holiness and righteousness in 2026The prophetic significance of being a “John the Baptist generation”How Ken is applying a 21-year-old prophetic word to his own daughter's healingHow to Engage with Orbis:- Check out Ken's book,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ On the Road with the Holy Spirit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://a.co/d/0OVIIA0- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Partner with Orbis Financially⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Give - Orbis Ministries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Download the app: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠App - Orbis Ministries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠⁠⁠⁠ Are you interested in learning about Holy Spirit-led ministry? Visit Orbis School of Ministry at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homepage | Orbis School of Ministry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email our Registrar, Jo McKay, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jo@orbisminstries.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠⁠⁠⁠ Upcoming Orbis Ministries overseas ministry trips are posted on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠orbisministries.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ under the Train tab- Join an International Ministry Trip link behind the registration/login portal.- Do you want to join Ken's private Facebook discussion group, "God is not a Theory?" Please send a Facebook Direct Message to Bryan Orbis and a friend request to be added to it.

As we begin a new year, many parents are carrying more than they expected — unresolved relationships, unanswered prayers, and the quiet weight of loving a child through pain, distance, or deep disagreement. In this first episode of the Still Faithful series, we slow down together and begin with something essential: releasing shame. This episode is for parents who are questioning themselves, their faith, or what faithfulness looks like after a hard year. It's a grounding invitation to look back honestly — without self-blame — and to begin moving forward with steadiness, clarity, and grace. This is not about fixing your child or forcing outcomes. It's about strengthening you. In this episode, we talk about: The difference between faithfulness and outcomes How to look back at the past year without self-condemnation What you may be carrying that was never meant to be yours Why faithfulness can coexist with heartbreak How to begin a new year grounded rather than striving Reflection questions to sit with: Where have I been harder on myself than God has been? What did faithfulness look like for me this past year — even if it felt quiet or unseen? What responsibility or guilt do I need to release as I move forward? A gentle reminder: You can be deeply faithful and deeply heartbroken at the same time. Faithfulness does not require resolution — only presence. As we move through this series, we'll continue to explore how to stay spiritually anchored, emotionally steady, and rooted in love — even when the story isn't finished.   About the Series: Still Faithful Still Faithful is a season created for Christian parents navigating painful, unresolved parenting journeys — including estrangement, distance, and moments when a child's choices challenge deeply held beliefs. This series is designed to help you: Stay grounded when parenting hurts Discern next faithful steps without pressure Love well without losing yourself Trust God even when outcomes are uncertain  

1 Samuel 12:20-25Teaching and Next Gen Pastor Hagan York

Joshua 4"Remembering God's Faithfulness"Pastor Chris Chen

Check out Elisabeth Elliot's poem here! --------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.

As a new year approaches, how should Christians think about goals, habits, and productivity—without slipping into hustle culture or empty self-improvement?In this episode, Mark offers a pastoral framework for goal setting that prioritizes faithfulness over frenzy. Rather than chasing vague resolutions or cultural pressure, he encourages listeners to think carefully about how they steward their time, energy, and attention as followers of Jesus. Drawing on biblical wisdom and pastoral experience, Mark contrasts surface-level goal setting with intentional rhythms that shape who we are becoming.Mark also introduces the Spiritual Workout Plan (SWP) as a practical tool to help believers grow in grace through daily and weekly practices like Scripture reading, prayer, silence, and intentional rest. This episode invites listeners to move from pressure-driven productivity to Spirit-formed faithfulness as they plan for the year ahead.Episode Highlights00:00 — Why goal setting matters—and why most approaches fall short 02:12 — Faithfulness vs. hustle: rethinking success as a Christian 04:35 — Time, energy, and attention as spiritual stewardship 07:18 — The danger of vague resolutions and cultural pressure 09:50 — Forming rhythms instead of chasing outcomes 12:40 — Introducing the Spiritual Workout Plan (SWP): what it is and how it helps 15:22 — Daily and weekly practices that shape long-term faithfulness 18:10 — From discipline to delight: how habits form loves 21:05 — Planning your year with wisdom, margin, and dependence on graceResourcesCornerstone Church Sermons: Listen onlineThe Spring Spiritual Workout PlanJames Clear, Atomic HabitsJustin Whitmel Earley, Habits of the HouseholdDavid Mathis, Habits of Grace

12-31-25 Old Year's "God's Faithfulness and Ours"Sermon Text: Galatians 5:22-25Theme: God is faithful and is renewing us in his image.I. God's faithfulness means he keeps his Word.II. God's faithfulness is based on his immutability - he never changes.III. God's faithfulness is an anchor for the soul.IV. God is producing faithfulness in his children.Rev. Ralph A. Pontier

The Working of the Holy Spirit in the Life of the Believer #4.

Taka Chan has been a queer, celibate Christian in campus ministry long enough to have seen both deep friendships and losses. He joined David and TJ to share stories of friends, pastors, and communities who have walked with him—and those who haven't. We hope you're encouraged by his reflections on God's provision, even in the midst of uncertainty about what comes next.Note: This episode uses the terms “Side A” and “Side B” (and X, Y) as shorthand quite a bit. If you're new to the conversation, you might find it helpful to check out episode #3, where we talk through the four “sides”: ⁠#3 - A-B-Y-X | 4 Sides on SSA/Gay Sexuality⁠About Our GuestTaka Chan was born and raised in rural Hawaiʻi and has been working in college campus ministry for 18 years. He loves gardening, cooking for large groups of people, and taking classes at the Y with a bunch of grandmas. Ask him about his recent TV binges (The Pitt, Pachinko, Abbott Elementary) and what homework he'd suggest if you intend to visit Hawaiʻi. You can email him at [takachanaloha -at- gmail.com].—★ Timestamps(00:00) #74 - “If We Say We Love LGBT People...” Taka Chan on College Ministry and Faithfulness(01:11) Taka Chan: Hawai'i, family, coming out to myself and others(06:55) College in the time of ex-gay thought(11:55) “I try to be gentle with my younger self”(18:00) Single and married to everyone(23:49) Pastors going to bat for you(32:02) What do you do when friendships fail?(41:30) Evangelical ministry: If we're saying we love LGBT people...how?(56:17) An employee resource group: we won't be frozen in fear any more(01:00:46) Intersections: Being queer, being Japanese and Chinese(01:07:52) Why are you not Side A?(01:11:55) Being an “elder” in the Side B movement, and those who came before(01:15:20) What's the future for you? (Intentional community?)—★ Links and ReferencesTwo Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church (2016)—★ Send us feedback, questions, comments, and support!:Email: communionandshalom@gmail.com | Instagram: @newkinship | Substack: @newkinship or newkinship.substack.com—★ CreditsCreators and Hosts: David Frank, TJ Espinoza | Audio Engineer: Carl Swenson, carlswensonmusic.com | Podcast Manager: Elena F. | Graphic Designer: Gavin Popken, gavinpopkenart.com ★ Get full access to New Kinship at newkinship.substack.com/subscribe

Tom Weaver preaches from John 21:18–25, reflecting on Peter's response after denying Christ and Jesus' call to "follow me." He urges listeners to choose faithfulness over fame, embrace small daily acts of service, and trust God's assignment rather than compare their paths to others.

Send us a textMorning Prayer (Faithfulness to Christ in 2026) #pray #prayer #God #Father #Jesus #Christ #JesusChrist #HolySpirit #faith #faithful #faithfulin2026 #trust #obey #surrender #allin Thank you for listening, our heart's prayer is for you and I to walk daily with Jesus, our joy and peace aimingforjesus.com YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@aimingforjesus5346 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aiming_for_jesus/ Threads https://www.threads.com/@aiming_for_jesus X https://x.com/AimingForJesus Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@aiming.for.jesus

In this heartfelt end-of-year episode, Brooke is joined by her husband Brett for a powerful reflection on the milestones, challenges, and "only God" moments of 2025. Together, they share emotional stories from both their family life and the Live Out Loud community, including the release of Brooke's international bestselling book, deep personal healing, and the meaningful impact of their nonprofit initiatives. Through unscripted questions, the couple opens up about loss, breakthrough, gratitude, and the importance of faith through every season. Filled with genuine vulnerability, uplifting encouragement, and a closing prayer over listeners, this episode will inspire you to reflect on God's faithfulness in your own life as you prepare to step boldly into the new year. Timestamps: 

Can joy be anything but denial in a rage-filled public life? Michael Wear joins Mark Labberton to reframe politics through the kingdom logic of hope, agency, and practices of silence and solitude. As 2025 closes amid political discord, we might all ask whether joy can be real in public life—without denial, escapism, or contempt. "… Joy is a pervasive and constant sense of wellbeing." In this conversation, Michael Wear and Mark Labberton reflect on joy, hope, responsibility, and agency amid a reaction-driven politics. Together they discuss the realism of Advent; the limits of our control; how kingdom imagination reframes anger; hope beyond outcomes, dignity under threat, and practices (including silence and solitude) that restore clarity. Episode Highlights "Joy is a pervasive and constant sense of wellbeing. … Joy is not a technique to then get people to do what you want them to do." "God's Kingdom is the range of his effective will." " Someone whose hope is rightly placed sees that a dignity denying culture does not have the final say." "Our will is effective and those things in which our will is not effective." "The pattern of domination and violence is an old one." About Michael Wear Michael Wear is the Founder, President, and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, a nonpartisan nonprofit that contends for the credibility of Christian resources in public life, for the public good. He has served for more than a decade as a trusted advisor to civic and religious leaders on faith and public life, including as a presidential campaign and White House staffer. He is the author of The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life and Reclaiming Hope: Lessons Learned in the Obama White House About the Future of Faith in America. Learn more and follow at https://www.michaelwear.com. Helpful Links and Resources Michael Wear, The Spirit of Our Politics https://www.zondervan.com/9780310367239/the-spirit-of-our-politics/ Michael Wear, Reclaiming Hope https://www.thomasnelson.com/9780718082338/reclaiming-hope/ Center for Christianity and Public Life https://www.ccpubliclife.org/ A National Call to Silence and Solitude https://www.silenceandsolitude.org/ Dallas Willard: "Personal Soul Care" https://dwillard.org/resources/articles/personal-soul-care Howard Thurman, Jesus and the Disinherited https://www.beacon.org/Jesus-and-the-Disinherited-P1781.aspx Show Notes End of 2025, cusp of Christmas; fraught public moment; joy as the lynchpin for faithful presence in politics and public life Joy held with pain, suffering, complexity Refusing denial while trusting a God who relentlessly pursues the world in love and hope Joy intertwined with hope, responsibility, agency Where does responsibility end and faithful agency begin? "Willard would say joy is a pervasive and constant sense of wellbeing." " It is very difficult to have joy if you are taking responsibility for things that are not your responsibility." Public life as joyless space; lacking imagination for joy amid provocation, antagonism, and constant political showmanship "If there are places in our life where we can't conceive of joy, it's a problem with our view of God." Misplaced responsibility, misplaced hope; joy collapses when taking on burdens that aren't ours and treating agency as ultimate "God's kingdom is the range of his effective will." "We each have our own little kingdoms … where what we say to be done is done." Politics reveals limits; a clarity about what we can do, what we can't do, and what we must import into the rest of life "Our will is effective, and there are things in which our will is not effective." "Faithfulness is not the ability to determine a righteous outcome … to everything in which our lives touch." False responsibility, obscured agency Are we taking charge of what isn't ours while ignoring the real choices we do have? "That's a recipe for joylessness." Poked and prodded by provocations; entertainment, antagonisms, and helplessness normalize reaction and justify complicity Anger as political fuel Many assume that raising your voice is the only faithful posture inside the public arena. "I've had people respond to me: 'How am I going to get anything done in politics without anger?'" "Political imagination has been taken over by a political logic as opposed to a kingdom logic." Relearning responsibility and agency; hope not grounded in our effectiveness, but in what God is doing beyond our reach. "Ultimate hope lies outside of the range of our effective will." "It is in that realm in which we are perfectly safe." Hope is for a life that pervades all things. "So when your hope is in the right place, you can hope for a whole range of things." " Someone whose hope is rightly placed sees that a dignity denying culture does not have the final say." Hope and joy "when your back is against the wall" Allen Temple Baptist Church: Joy at the margins of culture Fannie Lou Hamer Howard Thurman, Jesus and the Disinherited First Presbyterian Church in Evanston, IL Michael Wear, The Spirit of Our Politics Psalm 23 as distress-psalm: Enemies are still present, yet God leads beside still waters and cares most in greatest distress. "Take off the old self with its practices and put on the new self." "Put on Christ now in a way that will affect everything around us." Herod: The paranoid leader Advent into Christmastide—what it means to dwelling in Emmanuel "This is why the incarnation is such an extraordinarily important cornerstone: It's that God enters in through Jesus into our world, in a world in which, yes, there may be great praises in heaven and on earth from those who understand something at least of who he is and what he's there to do. But it also lands him in a world of immediate physical and familial vulnerability of political and social, if not military, violence." Are we protected from vulnerability, or living in precarity? The pattern of domination and violence Refusing forgetfulness as 2026 approaches with fresh pressures and fresh calling. National call to silence and solitude; disinvesting from reactionary instincts to engage the world with renewed vision and clarity. silenceandsolitude.org "Silence and solitude… can infuse your public activity with right vision and right clarity." #MichaelWear #MarkLabberton #ChristianPublicLife #ChristianPolitics #SpiritualFormation #Joy #Advent #SilenceAndSolitude #Hope #PublicWitness Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment Magazine and Fuller Seminary.  

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock talk about how pastors can deepen their daily prayer life, reflecting on an article from Chuck Lawless about seven things Tom Elliff prays for every day. If you're a pastor, ministry leader, church planter, or replanter, this episode will encourage you to build a more intentional, Scripture-shaped pattern of prayer. In this episode, they walk through seven daily pastoral prayers: 1. A continual awareness of God's presence Praying for a “looming sense” of God's nearness throughout the day. Learning to live, lead, and make decisions with a constant God-consciousness. 2. A pure heart Asking God to search your motives, cleanse hidden sin, and guard your integrity. Understanding why personal holiness is essential for pastoral ministry. 3. The fullness of the Holy Spirit Praying to be led, empowered, and sustained by the Spirit in every aspect of ministry. 4. The gifts and graces of the Spirit Seeking spiritual gifts and Christlike character to serve your people well. Asking God to bear visible fruit in and through your life. 5. Protection from bringing reproach on Christ Pleading with God that you would do nothing that gives the enemy an opportunity to mock your Lord. Talking honestly about temptation, spiritual warfare, and the fear of disqualifying yourself. 6. God's hand on your family Praying for your spouse, children, and loved ones serving God around the world. Thinking about how to shepherd both your church and your home. 7. Faithfulness to God's calling and vision Asking the Lord to keep you true to the mission He's given you. Staying focused and steadfast in seasons of discouragement, transition, or slow growth. This episode is especially helpful for: Pastors wanting a daily prayer framework Leaders in church revitalization and replanting Anyone longing to grow in spiritual depth, dependence, and perseverance in ministry Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Article: “7 Things My Pastoral Hero Prays Every Day” by Chuck Lawless Listen in for a practical, worshipful guide to daily pastoral prayer, learning to seek God for purity, power, protection, and perseverance in ministry.

"As we settle our hearts after the celebrations and chaos of the holidays, let's pause and remember God's faithfulness this year."Leave a comment: https://incourage.me/?p=255930--Friends, we have an important update for you. After four incredible years and over 1.2 million downloads, the (in)courage podcast is coming to a close. The podcast episodes will not be available after the 1st of the year. We hope you'll continue to join us for inspiration and encouragement for your heart at incourage.me. Thanks for listening. The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com.Connect with (in)courage: Facebook & Instagram for daily encouragement, videos, and more! Website for the (in)courage library, to meet our contributors, and to access the archives. Email us at incourage@dayspring.com. Leave a podcast review on Apple!

Sermon Summary: “Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Besides Me”   God Must Be First—Always The sermon opens with Exodus 20, where God establishes the first commandment: nothing is allowed to come before Him. This command is foundational because when God is not first, every other area of life eventually becomes disordered. Even temporary distractions or misplaced priorities can function as false gods if they take precedence over God. Idolatry Is Often Subtle Modern idolatry is rarely statues or images—it is anything that competes for God's place. Satan works primarily as a deceiver, making good or neutral things seem more important than God. Careers, relationships, possessions, comfort, and personal ambitions can quietly move ahead of God, especially during seasons of pressure or busyness. Jesus Demands Supreme Loyalty Jesus reinforces this command in the New Testament, teaching that no relationship or pursuit—even family—can outrank devotion to Him. Loving anyone or anything more than Christ disqualifies true discipleship. This does not diminish human love, but properly orders it under a supreme love for God. Counting the Cost of Discipleship Following Jesus requires intentional commitment. He warns that disciples must count the cost, understanding that faith involves sacrifice, endurance, and perseverance. Those who begin without resolve often fall away when pressure, ridicule, or difficulty arises. A Disciple Is Permanently Committed The sermon explains that a disciple is not someone who tries Christianity, but someone who has made a decisive act with permanent results. True disciples are “glued,” “fused,” and fully attached to Christ and His teachings, refusing to live a divided life or allow compromise. Spiritual Danger of Becoming Sluggish Scripture warns against becoming spiritually sluggish—not sinful rebellion, but spiritual laziness. When diligence fades, prayer weakens, Scripture becomes neglected, and God gradually loses first place. Faithfulness requires intentional effort and consistency. God Rewards Undivided Hearts Psalm 84 highlights the blessing of those whose strength is in the Lord and whose hearts are set on the journey with Him. God withholds no good thing from those who remain upright, coupled, and fully devoted. A day in God's presence is better than anything the world offers. Trusting God With the Impossible The sermon concludes with the challenge of the “Impossibility List”—placing before God needs that only He can accomplish. This practice reinforces trust, keeps God first, and builds faith as believers watch Him answer prayers over time. Final Call Believers are urged to examine their lives, realign priorities, and recommit to placing God first in every area. When hope seems lost, God proves Himself faithful. True discipleship begins and continues with this resolve: no other gods—only Him.

Happy New Year!!!Ministry in 2026 won't be about having all the answers or running perfect programs. It will be about presence. Faithfulness. Listening well. Creating safe spaces where students can encounter Jesus and discover who they are in Him. And in all of it, remember this truth: you are making an eternal difference.Some of the fruit you'll see this year. Much of it you won't. But none of it is wasted in God's hands. He is at work in and through you... shaping lives, building faith, and advancing His kingdom in ways that will last far beyond this year.We're cheering you on as you head into 2026. May God give you wisdom, courage, joy, and endurance for the road ahead. Thank you for saying yes again this year.

As the year comes to a close, it's easy to rush ahead without reflection. In this episode, Costi Hinn shares five biblical habits that help anchor your heart in worship, repentance, and gratitude.

Click here for the SermonClicking here will take you to our webpageClick here to contact usWelcome to the Westside church's special Monday Morning Coffee podcast with Mark Roberts. Mark is a disciple, a husband, father and grand dad, as well as a certified coffee geek, fan of CS Lewis' writings and he loves his big red Jeep. He's also the preacher for Westside church.

Send us a textIn this personal year-end message, I share honestly about a season of loss, pause, and transition—and how God has been faithfully rebuilding the work of Soaring with Him Ministries.This year brought unexpected grief, caregiving, job loss, and closed doors—but also renewed calling, expanded podcast reach, and continued ministry to vulnerable women. This is not the end. It is a new chapter.

Combined Worship Gathering from Luke 2:22-38 What is the next faithful step that God is calling you to take? The next faithful thing God is calling you to do? A life spent simply taking that next faithful step and doing the next faithful thing…even though that life may feel ordinary, becomes the grounds in which … Continue reading "(December 28, 2025) “Ordinary Faithfulness”"

Joshua 23:14 “And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed.” (ESV)1 John 5:3-4 "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."  Philippians 3:13-14 "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."  Introduction: Standing at the End of the YearVictory Remembered: God Has Been Faithful to His Word (Joshua 23:14b) Victory Refined: What God Has Taught Us This Year (I John 5:3-4) Victory Reoriented: Forgetting What Lies Behind (Philippians 3:13)Victory Renewed: Pressing Forward (Philippians 3:14) Conclusion: Victorious Still

Pastor Paul Musso encourages us to stay faithful at all times, no matter what we are seeing in our lives because we serve a faithful and unchanging God.

Four ways to pursue ordinary faithfulness in a new year: By treasuring the Word of God (Psalm 1) By preaching the Gospel to ourselves consistently (1 Corinthians 15:1-11) By cultivating a firm belief in the sovereignty and goodness of God (Romans 8:28-32) By folding our lives into the local church where we are members (Hebrews 10:23-25) You can watch this message here.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

As one year closes and another begins, it’s natural to reflect on hardships, unanswered questions, and lingering worries about what lies ahead. Yet Scripture reminds us that God’s faithfulness never changes. Through health challenges, financial stress, and family struggles, God remains present, steady, and loving. Psalm 136:26 calls us to give thanks to the God of heaven whose love endures forever. As we step into a new year, we can move forward with hope—not because life will be easy, but because God is faithful, trustworthy, and always working for our good. Main Takeaways You’ll learn why reflecting on God’s past faithfulness strengthens hope for the future. Discover how gratitude helps shift our focus from fear to trust in God. Understand why God’s faithfulness is part of His unchanging character. Reflect on how trusting God with the unknown brings peace in a new year. Be encouraged to enter the year ahead with confidence, expectancy, and praise. Bible Verse References Psalm 136:26 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/136-26.html 2 Timothy 2:13 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/2-timothy/2-13.html Romans 8:28 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/romans/8-28.html Jeremiah 29:11 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/jeremiah/29-11.html Romans 8:31 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/romans/8-31.html Your Daily Prayer Dear God, today I celebrate Your faithfulness. You have carried me through every season, and Your love has never failed. As I enter this new year, help me trust You fully and turn away from fear, doubt, and distraction. No matter what challenges come, I know You will guide me with wisdom, peace, and grace. You are faithful, and You are good—today and always.Amen. Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily encouragement rooted in Scripture. Leave a rating or review to help others discover the podcast. Visit LifeAudio.com for more faith-filled podcasts and devotionals. Explore biblical encouragement and spiritual growth articles at Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com. Relevant Links & Resources Study today’s Scripture passages at:BibleStudyTools.com – https://www.biblestudytools.com Devotionals and Christian living resources:Crosswalk.com – https://www.crosswalk.comChristianity.com – https://www.christianity.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Revelation 17 One of the seven angels shows John the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters. She symbolizes a powerful and corrupt system that has influenced kings and led people into spiritual immorality. She is dressed in purple and scarlet, decorated with gold, and holds a cup filled with abominations. She is Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots. She is drunk with the blood of the saints. John is amazed, and the angel explains that the beast she rides has seven heads and ten horns. These represent kingdoms and rulers who will turn on and destroy her. God uses their actions to fulfill His purpose. In the end, all who wage war against the Lamb will be defeated, and all who are faithful to Him will overcome.  Worldly power often appears strong, beautiful, and tempting, but its true nature is corrupt and opposed to God. Rome and other nations since then have been clothed in wealth and influence, leading nations into spiritual unfaithfulness. Although many are drawn to its promises, it is full of pride and violence, even against God's people. The beast and the kings who support her eventually turn against her, revealing how unstable and self-destructive evil truly is. God remains in control, working through even rebellious powers to fulfill His purpose. As followers of Christ, we must not be deceived by outward appearances. Our loyalty belongs to the Lamb, who will triumph. Faithfulness, purity, and devotion to Him will ultimately lead us to victory.  Heavenly Father, You are holy, just, and sovereign over all the powers of the world. We see how easily people are drawn to wealth, status, and influence, yet You reveal the true nature of evil behind these things. Help us to see clearly and not be deceived by what appears powerful or beautiful. Keep our hearts loyal to the Lamb and protect us from compromise. Strengthen us to remain faithful in a world that often opposes Your truth. Use even the brokenness of this world to fulfill Your purpose. We trust in Your victory and desire to walk in Your holiness.  Thought Questions: Rome was alluring to many for its immorality and materialism. Does the culture you live in try to draw you in, and how do you resist? God turned one evil power upon another. How can this help you trust in God's sovereignty even when all governments seem corrupt? Why was the Lamb able to overcome all who stood against Him? How is your daily life shaped by His absolute victory and incredible power?

Fr. Mike leads us through the book of Jude and discusses its main message of calling us to lives of faithfulness. He also contextualizes 2 Timothy by highlighting Paul's imprisonment and his final message to rekindle the gift of God within us. Today's readings are from Jude, 2 Timothy 1-2, and Proverbs 31:1-7. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

We've reached the end of 2025, so we thought it's a good time to answer questions from the Holy Post community. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn cover a wide assortment of issues, from how they decompress after a difficult podcast, and how they pick which politicians to interview, to their favorite movies, and who is best at changing a tire. They also tackle theological questions about the nature of grace, the limitations we will still have in the new creation, and why demons may not be fallen angels. They also give their predictions for 2026. Along the way, Phil has weird ideas about hair, Skye wants to be a mango, and Kaitlyn makes a big announcement. Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/146537688/   Advice-ish with Malcolm Foley: https://www.patreon.com/posts/146452896/   0:00 - Show Starts   3:15 - Theme Song   3:38 - Sponsor - Glorify - Sign up for the #1 Christian Daily Devotional App to help you stay focused on God. Go to https://glorify-app.com/en/HOLYPOST to download the app today!   4:40 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST   8:42 - Holy Post Team as Veggies   14:30 - Can You Be Ethical and Non-Christian?   21:41 - Stories and Conflict in Heaven   25:45 - Republicans on Holy Post   31:05 - Sponsor - World Relief - Start a monthly partnership with World Relief to help families in crisis at https://www.worldrelief.org/holypost   32:15 - Will Skye Fix Flat Tires?   36:33 - Is Salvation Free?   39:12 - Impactful Movies   42:39 - Self-Care   52:06 - Pluralism and Faithfulness   1:09:41 - End Credits   Links: Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.