Podcasts about following god

God expects us to move forward based on what we already know, while remaining sensitive to the Holy Spirit's direction along the way. Paul and his team were actively pursuing their mission and making plans based on their understanding of what God had called them to do, but they were willing to change direction when the Holy Spirit redirected them toward Macedonia. In the same way, we should make wise decisions, and do what we know to do, while staying flexible enough for the Holy Spirit to interrupt our plans and adjust our direction. Following God is not always about knowing the entire plan in advance; it is about moving forward in faith and trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us as we go. __________ Acts 16:6-10 NLT __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com __________    

What does it really mean to be a man of God? It begins with one simple decision: to follow God's Word, even when it's difficult, unpopular, or uncomfortable.   We explore why God's Word must be the foundation for a man's life. Culture gives men countless messages about what strength, success, leadership, and masculinity should look like. But Scripture gives us a better standard. A godly man doesn't simply talk about faith—he allows God's Word to shape his decisions, character, relationships,  priorities, and leadership.   Following God's Word requires obedience. It means choosing integrity when no one is watching, loving your wife sacrificially, leading your family spiritually, disciplining your children with wisdom and grace, treating others with humility, and taking responsibility for the man God has called you to become.   Featuring Colby Corsaut

Every new challenge has a way of looking like a mountain — too steep, too large, too dangerous to imagine actually reaching the top of. A broken relationship, a health crisis, a stressful work situation: whatever form the mountain takes in your life right now, the instinct to stand at the base and feel overwhelmed is entirely human. The Israelites felt it when they stood at the edge of the Promised Land. Most of the spies looked at the same land Caleb looked at and came back convinced they could not do it. Caleb saw the same obstacles. He did not pretend the giants were small. But he chose to believe that God was bigger than the mountain, and that wholehearted trust in God was the only reasonable response to what they were facing. Numbers 14:24 records God's response to that kind of faith: He called Caleb a man with a different spirit, and He promised that Caleb would enter and inherit the land. That same invitation is extended to every believer facing a mountain today. Following God wholeheartedly means stopping focusing on the size of the challenge and starting to focus on the unlimited power of the God who is leading the climb. It means taking the first step even when afraid. And it means understanding that your faith in the face of giant obstacles is never just for you — it leaves a legacy for everyone watching, building their courage to face their own mountains when the time comes. Today's Bible Verse "But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it."— Numbers 14:24, NIV Ponder Today A different spirit sees the same obstacles through the eyes of faith. Caleb did not deny the giants were real. He simply chose to believe God was bigger. That choice — not the absence of fear, but the presence of trust — is what set him apart. Wholehearted following means going all in, not giving God half your trust while keeping the other half in your own strength. Caleb did not hedge. He committed completely. That kind of faith is what God honors and what opens the door to the inheritance He has prepared. Remember how God has helped you before. The same God who met your needs in past challenges is the God climbing this mountain with you now. His track record of faithfulness is the foundation for trust in the present moment. You do not need to know how you will reach the summit — you only need to trust the Guide. Taking the first step in faith, without a clear view of what comes next, is often the most important step in the entire climb. Your faith in the face of giant obstacles leaves a legacy for others. The people watching you climb your mountain with confidence in God are having their own faith built. Your obedience is never just about you. A Prayer for You Today Dear God, I am facing a challenge right now that makes me feel like I am standing at the base of a mountain. The path ahead seems steep and the challenge feels enormous. But I do not want to live with a spirit of fear or doubt. I want to have a different spirit, just like Caleb did. So I choose to follow You wholeheartedly. Fight anxiety for me and guide me up this mountain with faith. Remind me of Your past faithfulness whenever I start to give in to fear or doubt. You are the Creator of the mountains, and nothing I face is too hard for You to help me overcome. Give me the courage to look past the mountain of my challenge and fix my eyes on Your unlimited strength. I believe You are walking with me through every single step of this climb. Use this season to grow my faith and let it inspire the people around me. In Jesus' name, Amen. Want More?

What do you do when you're trusting God, but you still don't know what's next? Maybe you're waiting for an answer, facing a difficult decision, navigating grief, worried about your finances, waiting on medical results, or simply wondering what the next season of life is going to look like. Uncertainty can make us crave control and clarity. We want the roadmap. We want to know how everything is going to work out. But Scripture reminds us that our security was never meant to come from knowing the future—it comes from knowing the God who already holds it. In this episode of the Faith Led Working Moms Podcast, we're talking about what it really looks like to trust God when you don't know what's next. I'm sharing three reminders for navigating seasons of uncertainty: 1. Trust and faith grow in the waiting, not just in the answer. God doesn't always give us the entire roadmap. Often, He gives us enough light for the next step. We look at the stories of Abraham, Moses, Ruth, and Joseph and how they each had to take faithful steps without knowing exactly where God was leading them. 2. Fear gets loud when the future feels quiet. When we don't have answers, our minds can quickly fill in the blanks with worst-case scenarios. Lindsay shares a simple question to use when worry begins to spiral: “What do I actually know to be true today?” 3. God's presence is often greater than His explanation. Sometimes we desperately want God to explain why something is happening, but instead, He reminds us that He is with us. Lindsay shares personally about walking through life after losing her husband, Brandon, and the ways she has seen God's faithfulness through His provision, people, strength, and presence. You may not know what tomorrow holds. You may not have the answers you're asking God for yet. But you can know the One who holds tomorrow. Scripture mentioned: Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” This Week's Challenge Whenever you catch yourself worrying about something you can't control, pause and ask: “What do I know is true about God today?” Write down one truth from Scripture each day and let that truth become the place your mind returns to instead of all the “what ifs.” Resources If you're ready to move from constantly reacting to life's uncertainties toward living with greater peace, purpose, and biblical confidence, visit Faith Led Ministries for free resources and practical tools to help you grow in your walk with God. You'll find the Breath Prayer Guide, the self-paced Faithfully Balanced course, and other Scripture-centered resources designed to help you build biblical rhythms for everyday life. Continue Growing with Faith Led Ministries If today's episode encouraged you, I'd love to invite you to continue growing with us at FaithLedMinistries.com. There you'll find: Biblical encouragement for everyday life More podcast episodes for overwhelmed Christian working moms Free resources to strengthen your faith Biblical counseling Christian life coaching The Faithfully Balanced course designed to help working Christian moms move from overwhelm to intentional, faith-filled living Our mission is to help you know Christ, apply God's Word, and walk faithfully through every season of life through biblical encouragement, practical strategies, and biblical counseling principles. Email: Lindsay@faithledministries.com Website: www.faithledministries.com Instagram: @faithledworkingmoms Facebook Community: Faith Led Working Moms Community

Title: 1-2 Thessalonians: Finale Text: The Books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians FCF: Prop: The Books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians is about God's people, saved, growing, and enduring until Jesus returns. Sermon Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. For the last 9 months over the course of 34 sermons, we have covered all 136 verses of the canonical letters of Paul to the church in Thessalonica. Though they are two distinct letters, having been written only months apart and having several common themes, they could be observed as two chapters of one book. Today will be a different kind of message. Instead of looking at a particular text, we are instead going to assume the role of systematic theologians. Rather than sitting back and allowing one thought to pour over us from the text – we will instead fit together all we have learned into categories of truth. Although Paul doesn't outline for us what the main or primary purpose of each letter is – it is not difficult to gather the themes of each and come to a synopsis of what exactly Paul wanted to get through to the Thessalonians. I have printed an outline for each book. Some of them are available in the back still, but if you need a copy of either, let me know and I'll be happy to provide them. It is also worth noting that every sermon from this series is available in audio format on our website and almost all of them are available in video format on our YouTube channel. So, if you ever want to go back and review, or listen along with your own personal study, that is available for you. And that goes for every series I have preached here since I preached through Galatians, which was, believe it or not, 10 years and 2 days ago. We will begin this finale study by looking over the general timeline of the two books' composition and what each book touches on broadly. Then we will analyze the two books together for major themes and look for how those themes lace together with the rest of the scriptures and how they continue to be applicable for us today. Then we will put all those themes together to form a single yet dense sentence of the main theme of these two books. But first let me pray to get us started this morning. [Slide 2] The Timeline: · Paul, Silas and Timothy teach for a few months in Thessalonica · Paul is chased out of Thessalonica by the Jews · Paul goes to Corinth · Paul sends Timothy to check on them [Slide 3] The Reason · Timothy has reported back · They are being shunned by unbelievers in Thessalonica · They are confused on eschatology. They don't want any in the church to miss it, living or dead. · They have some lingering areas which need growth, including sexual immorality, love of one another, and working to provide for themselves. There are some unruly busy bodies causing some issues too. [Slide 4] The Content of Letter 1 · Thanksgiving for what God did in their hearts · Encouraging growth in faith, love, and hope. · Correction of eschatology · Hope in identity in Christ · Labor in love, work out faith · Need for peace from God [Slide 5] The Timeline: · Paul sends the first letter with Timothy · Paul continues work in Corinth with increasing persecution · Paul anxiously awaits Timothy's report · Paul sends second letter [Slide 6] The Reason · Timothy has reported back · Now being persecuted · Now deceived on eschatology thinking it has already come because some preachers and a letter that said it was from Paul said so. · The unruly are still a problem [Slide 7] The Content of Letter 2 · Thanksgiving for what God continues to do in their hearts · Encouragement for persecution · Correction of Eschatology · Hope in being chosen by God · Correcting the unruly · Need for peace and grace Transition: [Slide 8 (blank)] So now that you can remember at least broadly what Paul has written, let's synthesize all that information into some major themes across both 1 and 2 Thessalonians. I have narrowed it down to 7 major themes that all feed into the primary theme which we will dissect last of all. So, let's get started. I.) [Slide 9] Discipleship = Imitation a. Paul mentions imitation in both letters. b. Paul talks about the Thessalonians successfully imitating his example. He also talks about he and his companions' example being one worth imitation. c. And by extension, Paul indicates that because the Thessalonians have imitated him and his companions, they themselves are worthy of imitation. d. In this we see that in Paul's mind the heart of discipleship is one person following Jesus and encouraging others to follow them as they follow Jesus. e. In that sense if we simply follow the person who is closer to Christ than we are, we will always be following Christ. f. [Slide 10] So how does this theme relate to the rest of the New Testament? Well Paul addresses this in the Pastoral epistles where he tells Titus to have the older men teach the younger men and the older women teach the younger women. He doesn't just say teach them Christ's commands, although that is certainly part of it. He tells them to teach by example and produce those who imitate them. Peter lifts himself up as an Elder as an example to other Elders. In Acts the church first devotes themselves to the apostles' teaching. That is interesting. They were contemporaries of Christ, yet the apostles were the ones they were imitating. Why? Because the apostles were imitating Christ. g. [Slide 11] How does this theme work itself out in the whole counsel of scripture? As we look to the Old Testament, God continually raised up men who served as examples. The Patriarchs in general were examples to Israel. When a King was a godly King, he was said to follow in the footsteps of David. When he was ungodly, he was said to follow in the footsteps of Jeroboam. Here we see that godliness is taught and demonstrated through imitation. And so is ungodliness. Proving the axiom that more is caught than taught. h. [Slide 12] What impact does this concept have on us today? There are literally thousands of curriculums, courses, books, seminars, and philosophies surrounding the idea of discipleship. Some churches have pastors of discipleship. My point is not to say that these are foolish or a waste of time, necessarily. But the long and the short of it is, if you think of discipleship as a 12-week course to graduate from and not imitating those who are godly around you – you might have missed it. Imitation is much simpler and much more accessible. We might not be able to attend a 12-week course, but anyone can observe someone they know loves Jesus and is a godly person and endeavor to live like they live. This doesn't eliminate the need for intentional discipleship. But even when we intentionally disciple we must be someone who is worthy of imitation. All the while we continue to point ourselves toward imitating Christ. [Slide 13 (blank)] Transition: What is another piece of puzzle helping us form the primary theme of these books? II.) [Slide 14] True believers have nothing to fear regarding the Day of the Lord a. In both letters Paul addresses some fear or anxiety concerning the Day of the Lord. b. Have those who died missed it? c. Will it be so subtle we'll miss it? d. Are you sure because we have heard preaching saying we missed it? e. Paul not only informs them that they can't possibly miss the Day of the Lord – but he also, in both books, assures them that those who are truly God's people, have nothing to fear about the Day of the Lord. f. They might experience hardship and difficulty – but they won't be judged with the wicked. And they won't miss out on the kingdom. It doesn't work that way. God saved them FOR this Kingdom… and nothing can change that. g. [Slide 15] How does this theme present itself in the New Testament? In every entry of the New Testament concerning the end times and the Day of the Lord they serve both as a warning to those who are wicked and a comfort to those who are righteous. Those who have been made righteous in Christ should be comforted, not frightened, concerning the Day of the Lord. And those who are wicked should be warned. A third group exists as well. Those who claim to be righteous but are bearing no fruit, are warned that unless they do bear fruit, they will be swept away with the unrighteous. Not because they didn't bear fruit… but because they were never actually righteous. h. [Slide 16] Do we see this theme in the Old Testament as well. Perhaps even more so. The Prophets especially speak often of the Day of the Lord. And in those texts we also have three groups of people addressed. The wicked are warned of their judgment, the righteous are promised their coming reward, and those who live disobediently but claim to be God's people, are warned to obey lest they be swept away with the wicked too. i. [Slide 17] What does this theme mean for us? There is a lot of variety when it comes to eschatology. There are many different views and most of them are quite valid from the scriptures. But a view of eschatology that does not give comfort to God's true people, is a view that must be denied. Any view that denies the eternal punishment of the wicked, must be denied. Any view that allows you to live however you want, unchanged, and inherit God's Kingdom still, must be denied. And unfortunately, that eliminates several false teachings that are running rampant today. Be wise and understand that only the righteous will enter that Kingdom and only the righteous have nothing to fear on the Day of the Lord. [Slide 18 (blank)] Transition: That's two themes down. What is the next piece of the puzzle? III.) [Slide 19] True believers stand firm in and hold fast to the Christian Tradition a. We defined Christian tradition as the doctrines and lifestyles that Christ gave to His apostles to give to the church as it grew and expanded. b. In this, we see the first theme overlap a bit into this one. c. Since discipleship is imitation, true disciples of Christ should be imitators of Him and all who imitate Him. d. In that they will continue to hold fast to the doctrines Christ taught through His apostles and they will continue to stand firm in the lifestyles that Christ and his apostles taught and demonstrated. e. This is why when professing believers stop confessing truths or stop living in ways that conform to Christ, we begin to doubt or lose confidence in their profession of faith. f. [Slide 20] This concept is found in the rest of the New Testament as well. When we studied 1 and 2 Peter, James, Jude, 1-3 John, Galatians, Acts, and Matthew we saw this theme on repeat. True believers, true followers of Christ… follow Christ. They conform to what the master taught and lived. That is the nature of following Him. Meaning that any who don't… have lost all assurances that they are indeed His follower. g. [Slide 21] How does this theme present itself in the whole counsel of God? In the Old Testament God kept pointing back to what He had done. He kept pointing back to positive and negative examples of people following Him and being blessed and not following Him and being cursed. It becomes clear that those who are truly His remnant are those who consistently obey what He tells them to do. They consistently worship Him exclusively and live uprightly. The ones who are God's are those who conform to His standard and not to the nations around them. h. [Slide 22] How does this theme impact us today? We cannot love the world and God at the same time. If we love the world the love of the Father is not in us. It is so easy to let values of this world creep in. It is easy to let lifestyles of this world overtake us. But we must constantly be comparing our beliefs and lifestyles to the examples of Christ and his apostles through the Word of God. We who are true children of God must and ultimately will stand firm in and hold fast to the Christian Tradition. [Slide 23 (blank)] Transition: Three down four to go. IV.) [Slide 24] True believers grow in faith, love, and hope. a. This is a theme that Paul overtly developed in his first letter, but certainly was present in the second letter. b. In many ways it is part of their keeping the Christian traditions in that these three cardinal Christian graces are only possibly to true believers who are in Christ and following Him. c. They are called graces because each of these are given by God to His people as gifts. d. Faith speaks to not only what we believe but how firmly we hold to it. Love speaks to not only our love for God but for one another. And hope is rooted in the promises and atoning work of Jesus Christ. e. [Slide 25] Analyzing this theme in relation to the rest of the New Testament we observe that, they are called Cardinal graces because throughout the New Testament we see these graces mentioned most among all the gifts we should seek from God in increasing ways. Nearly every New Testament writer mentions these graces as gifts of God to His people to help them walk in His ways. f. [Slide 26] In the Old Testament we see these graces too although less explicitly stated. Certainly, faith in what God says, love for Him and others, and hope in His promises are included in everything taught and commanded of the children of Israel. g. [Slide 27] What does this mean for us? Since they are graces, we cannot work them up or conjure these on our own. We must seek the Lord for a steady and increasing supply of these as we endeavor to live for him in a fallen world. Of course, because our God is faithful and good, He continues to supply His grace to us in these ways through various means. [Slide 28 (blank)] Transition: More than half way there. V.) [Slide 29] True believers will endure great suffering before the Lord returns. a. Well, this one is a little less encouraging, isn't it? b. Paul mentions this overtly in both letters. He tells them that as believers in Jesus Christ they have been “appointed for affliction.” c. And he warns them of the coming apostasy and man of lawlessness who will bring great persecution upon the church. d. There is really no way to get around it, if we are followers of Christ, and the world crucified Christ, we shouldn't expect to be friends of the world. e. [Slide 30] Throughout the New Testament we see this theme expounded. Indeed, several letters in the New Testament are written to Christians who are suffering for the sake of Christ. Jesus addresses this and not only says that His followers will have trouble in the world, but also that suffering for His name is a blessing. And John affirms that the persecution of the man of lawlessness upon the saints in the last days will be quite successful. He says that the man of lawlessness will be granted power over them. f. [Slide 31] But the people of God in the Old Testament were exactly the same. Able was killed out of jealousy because he was righteous and Cain wasn't. Noah was despised though he spoke the message of truth and judgement. The children of Israel were enslaved to the Egyptians for 400 years. The Assyrians abused them, the Babylonians tried to assimilate them. God's prophets were hunted and killed, many times by the Israelites themselves. Even David, a man after God's own heart, was usurped by his own son. Following God and obeying Him has never been a safe path. It has always guaranteed trouble. g. [Slide 32] What does this mean for us? We are still enjoying relative freedoms in this country to worship God the way He tells us to. But the tide is turning. The voices of a godless or anti-Christian cause are rising up. And no amount “getting out the vote” is going to stop them. People have long rejected the bible and the God of the bible… it is only a matter of time before they reject the people of the God of the bible. Let's not get too attached to our comfort Christians. Very soon, it will cost you something valuable to follow Christ. You will have to give up freedoms, possessions, and even family to follow Christ. Are you ready? [Slide 33 (blank)] Transition: Only a couple more themes now. VI.) [Slide 34] True believers should be excellent in labor and giving. a. In both letters Paul desired them to work with their own hands, quietly, and earn a living for themselves. b. If they aren't willing to work, then they shouldn't be allowed to eat. c. Meaning no one should give them food if they just don't want to do anything. d. Furthermore, they should be doing good with their wealth by supplying the needs of those who are truly destitute. e. [Slide 35] This theme is repeated in the New Testament both by outright command in some of Paul's other letters and by example in the gospels and Acts. James describes the destitute as those who truly are unable to provide for themselves like widows and orphans. But even some widows are not truly destitute since they can remarry or be sustained by their family members. f. [Slide 36] In the Old Testament we see God putting in His law the care of those who are destitute, even reaching beyond the children of Israel to the stranger and foreigner among them. Not the fact that they are foreigners alone but that they are unable to provide for themselves. God's heart is near to those who are truly destitute. And therefore, He expects His people, if they are able, to work hard and earn enough to provide for their own family and a little extra to help others. g. [Slide 37] What does this mean for us? My friends, Christians should be the example every employer holds up as a hard worker. Christians should provide enough to care for their family's needs (not wants) but needs. And Christians should be known for their compassionate and joyful giving to alleviate real need first from their fellow believers and then to those outside the household of faith. This is a particularly difficult thing for younger believers to hear, since some generations coming into the workforce right now, are notoriously entitled and think they should be handed a paycheck that provides all their needs and wants for little to no work. To that, you must heed the teaching of Paul. Work hard and have enough to provide your needs and a little extra to provide for others who cannot provide for themselves. [Slide 38 (blank)] Transition: One final major theme of these books remains, and we needed to see all we just did for it to make sense. VII.) [Slide 39] The church is made of true believers a. After spending all this time discussing what true believers look like, we recognize that Paul spends a good deal of time defining what the church looks like. b. He also indicates that those who do not look like this should be marked out for disassociation. c. Meaning they shouldn't be treated as part of the community any longer. d. That is because the true church only consists of true believers and true believers do all that we've been talking about all morning. e. [Slide 40] As we look at the whole of the New Testament generally, we find this to be the message of the apostles to the churches they write to. There is an ontological change, a change in the core of your being when you come to Christ. It is not merely a change of mind; it is a change of nature. You become a new creation. You can change your mind about whether or not you like to fly… but you can't decide to grow wings and fly away. But when we are converted, we are given the Holy Spirit and we are changed from the inside out. This means that conformity to Christ is not only required… it is assured of all those who are truly saved. When someone professes to be of Christ but falters on conforming to Him, that is when the New Testament speaks of disassociation and excommunication from the church. f. [Slide 41] While we certainly can't see the church in the Old Testament, there was a covenant community of Israel and there were strict rules, moral, ceremonial, and civil that guarded entry into and purity within that covenant community. There were certain things that if you did them, you would be removed forever. Cut off. There were others that if you made a practice of them, you'd be cut off. g. [Slide 42] What does this mean for us? There has always been a safeguarding of God's people. Within the covenants that God establishes He sets the rules for who are within and without the covenant community. He also gives us paradigms to determine whether someone needs to be confronted or even removed from that community, even if it is only for a time. Yet the law of God's love permeates the New Covenant in that we continue to warn people disassociated from us, expected them to eventually repent and return. Why? Because they have confessed Christ. And we have hope that they will repent if they truly are believers. Transition: [Slide 43 (blank)] So what is the primary theme in these two books? What theme do all these themes feed into? Conclusion: [Slide 44] God has chosen from the beginning a people whom He will save from sin and death, whom He is continually conforming to His Son, whom the world will hate, who will endure until Jesus returns to save them to His Kingdom, forever! Let's break this down line by line. 1.) [Slide 45] First, God is the one doing this. a. As with all things, God is the primary mover in all things. b. As creator, He is always acting so that His creation can respond. 2.) [Slide 46] God has chosen from the beginning. a. This is, essentially, the sovereignty of God. b. God is not responding to things in real time as if He has just come to know them now. c. That would necessarily mean that there were things that God did not know which directly contradicts scripture. d. And because mankind is so lost, it requires God to act first to save them. e. We are told in Scripture and in II Thessalonians directly, that God chose before time began. From the beginning God chose to act. f. But what did He choose? 3.) [Slide 47] a people He will save from sin a. This is the doctrine of predestination. b. God chose, according to the counsel of His own will, who He would elect and redeem before time began. c. He chose because without choosing none would be saved. d. He chose not based on what those He was choosing would be or do, but according to His own desires. e. God chose a people, individuals from every tribe and nation, to save from sin through Christ's death and resurrection. f. Saving them from sin not only includes sin's penalty but even sin's power over them and eventually even sin's presence in their lives. 4.) [Slide 48] and death a. Of course, what good is it to be saved from sin if you still die with no hope of being raised? b. So, God chose not only to save from sin but also to deliver this chosen people from death and into eternal life. c. Christ is the firstborn of many brothers who die but will be raised again. 5.) [Slide 49] whom He is continually conforming a. But after saving them from sin and before they are rescued through death, God has also chosen to continually mold this people. b. He will not simply save them but will change them. He will conform them… to what? 6.) [Slide 50] To His Son a. It is in Christ that God has ever said He was well-pleased. b. Christ obeyed the whole law and pleased the Father perfectly. c. And so, God has chosen a people to continually conform to the perfect human, our new representative, Jesus Christ. 7.) [Slide 51] Whom the world will hate a. Of course, in conforming them to His Son, it will mean they inherit all that Jesus inherited, including the hatred of the world b. If we are chosen in Christ, we will be a new creation and opposed to the world which is allied against God. c. We too will be hated like Christ was d. And the more we look like Him, the more that hatred will grow. 8.) [Slide 52] Who will endure a. Even though we are appointed to be afflicted for Christ's sake, we are equally appointed to endure to the end. b. Our faith, if it is genuinely given by God, will endure to the end. c. Our obedience and love to God will also endure. d. Until when? 9.) [Slide 53] Until Jesus returns to save them a. Although we are saved from our sin upon conversion, we are not saved fully until the Lord Jesus returns. b. When He does, our enduring will come to an end and our eternal rest will begin. c. But how will we rest? What are we saved to? 10.) [Slide 54] To His Kingdom forever! a. We will be given new bodies to dwell in a New Kingdom where all will be made whole and complete. b. He will bring order and peace. He will bring us into perfect rest. c. And we will never have to be separated from Him ever again. d. God has chosen a people to obtain the glory of Christ. [Slide 55 (end)] Why are the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians so uplifting to true believers? Because this is the primary theme. God has chosen us for marvelous things. Wonderful and glorious things. So, hold fast and stand firm. Endure to the end. And then, you will know true rest in Him. Let me pray and thank the Lord for His Word. Until we meet again – Grace and Peace to you.

Kevin Taylor is a pastor who also has an extensive career in business leadership. He has allowed God to direct him in new ways in both career settings. Rev. Taylor joins this episode of the Practical Faith Academy to discuss how we can discern God's will and how we can reach beyond our own preferences and comfort zones to obey. The Practical Faith Academy Podcast from Cecil Taylor Ministries presents guests who have important things to say about putting your faith into practice. Cecil interviews each guest to understand their life stories and their ideas for living a seven-day practical faith. In this podcast, Rev. Taylor will share his own story of doing less than what God was asking and what he learned from that experience. We'll also discuss how to better listen and know what God is asking and how we are affirmed when we move forward in faith. A key segment is our discussion on how to approach risky faith situations, including in business settings. Highlights of the podcast: 2:34  What a seven-day practical faith means to Rev. Taylor 4:07  A viewing of “The Lion King” changed Taylor's mindset about his role in ministry. 8:42  How God lets us know we should not let a calling or other key decisions linger 12:20  How to suppress our preferences to listen and obey God 16:21  How can we develop our listening skills so we can achieve clarity of God's direction? 20:15  How Taylor has experienced affirmation when following God's direction 22:43  Taylor's guidance on accepting and implementing faithful risk in our lives. 27:30  Taylor's advice when a business asks you to do something unethical 31:21  His best tip for developing and maintaining a seven-day practical faith 34:12  How you can follow Taylor and find his books and services (receive a 10% discount if you indicate you heard him on the Practical Faith Academy podcast) Rev. Kevin T. Taylor has served as Pastor of Israel A.M.E. Church in Albany, NY, since June 2021. Beyond the pulpit, Kevin is a seasoned executive leader with more than 20 years of cross-sector experience across education, nonprofits, and startups. At his website, https://revkttaylor.com, he offers his books and counseling services. His book, A Charge to Keep, won the 2026 Illumination Awards Bronze Medal, and Kevin is a nominee for the 2026 International Impact Book Awards Author of the Year. His book has a supplemental book called A Charge to Keep: Decision Companion that you can also learn about on his website. I'm Cecil Taylor – award-winning author, speaker, blogger, and of course, podcaster. I'm focused on teaching Christians to live their faith and represent Jesus every day of the week. Everything I offer for your faith journey can be found at the same starting point: https://www.CecilTaylorMinistries.com. Please visit and find ways to enrich your daily walk. For regular, free assistance for your faith journey or your parenting journey, please sign up for my free newsletters, either on the main ministry site (https://www.CecilTaylorMinistries.com) or my parenting site (https://www.UnisonFamily.com). Simply scroll down while visiting either home page to find the registration form. On CecilTaylorMinistries.com, I offer Ministry Connection (practical faith tips plus updates on my ministry) and Backstage Pass (an insider look at the behind-the-scenes of my life and my ministry). Backstage Pass also chronicles my writing journey as I work on two new books during 2026. On UnisonFamily.com, I offer the Unison Parenting newsletter. I'm joined by parenting experts to provide useful tips and thoughts for parenting children of all ages. I also offer Instant Content curriculum to small groups and adult Sunday School classes, as I mentioned on the podcast. Go to https://www.CecilTaylorMinistries.com and click on Books & Videos at the top of the page. For proven parenting advice that shows how you can raise high self-esteem children to mature, independent adulthood while staying aligned as parents in a harmonious family atmosphere, please visit https://www.UnisonFamily.com. That's my parenting site, also accessible from the main site. Thanks for listening to the podcast! Please subscribe to be notified about future podcasts. You can also find dozens of prior podcasts with great guests and topics by searching for Practical Faith Academy.

Faith is following God despite the difficulties

In Acts 9, when the Lord speaks to Saul - who would later become Paul - we see a clear example of direct guidance from God. Saul asks, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” The Lord answers, “Get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” He was given only the next step. The fuller instructions came only after he obeyed. That has certainly been my experience. There have been many times when the Lord has told me to go somewhere or do something, without revealing the whole plan. Only after I had obeyed did He make the next step clear. Looking back over my life, I can see how the Lord has ordered my steps. He has given me specific instructions and sent me to particular places. The evidence lies in what followed. My first overland journey to Jerusalem opened my eyes to the suffering of the underground Church behind the Iron Curtain. From that point onwards, at every stage of my life, I was acting under the Lord's direction. Time and again, God did exactly what He had promised. I remember preaching in a city in Russia where the pastor told me that my visit was the answer to prayers that had been offered many years before. Believers who had been imprisoned, tortured, and even put to death in the labour camps had prayed that one day someone would come and share the Gospel with their persecutors. After the collapse of communism, I arrived there, unaware that I was walking into the fulfilment of prayers prayed by faithful Christians who had long since gone to be with the Lord.

Good grades can open a door — but wisdom determines what your child does after they walk through it.Your child could finish every curriculum, earn good grades, and still walk into adulthood completely unprepared — and most homeschool moms never see it coming until it is too late. The trap is real, and this episode shows you exactly how to avoid it.We are breaking down why good grades are not enough and sharing 2 practical things you can start doing this week to raise kids who are ready for real life, not just the next test:✅Why good grades measure compliance and memory but miss what actually determines adult success✅The difference between knowledge and wisdom — and which one the real world rewards✅What the most influential problem-solvers in history had in common that no test could measure✅ONE dinner table question that trains wisdom starting tonight✅How to stop solving your child's problems & start building real independence insteadClick the link below to join the Raising Leaders Not Followers Early Access List and get up to $150 in bonuses plus a private homeschool chat.Resources for You Raising Leaders Not Followers early access waitlist (FREE fireside chat, FREE Back to School Pack, & up to $150 in bonuses)Show Notes:What If Your Child Got Straight A's and Still Wasn't Prepared for Adulthood?What if your child got straight A's, completed every assignment, finished every curriculum — and still wasn't prepared for adulthood? That would be really sad and scary. And yet, some of us as homeschoolers, that's exactly what we're focused on — getting good grades.But do good grades really prepare your kids for what they need in adult life? When someone is 45 years old and looking for a job, does anyone go back and look at their high school transcript? I don't think so. Real life success and good grades are not the same thing.The Trap Many Homeschool Moms Fall IntoA lot of homeschoolers assume that good grades mean success. Advanced academics, harder and harder curriculum — that'll be a better education. But none of that is automatically true. That's what most of us were taught because we grew up on the conveyor belt. Always checking off the boxes. If we check off all the right boxes, everything will be fine.But many top students struggle when nobody tells them what to do. They can follow really well — but they can't necessarily think for themselves.David Green Started Hobby Lobby in His GarageDavid Green, who founded Hobby Lobby, grew up in a poor family and did not attend college. After high school, he started a business by learning through hard work and hands-on experience. In 1970, he started building frames in his garage and selling them to family and friends. Two years later, in 1972, he founded the first Hobby Lobby store.His business became one of the top privately held retail companies in America. But he didn't build Hobby Lobby by chasing grades or accumulating knowledge. He focused on principles that mattered — honesty, serving customers, treating employees well, and honoring God through his business.The skills that actually grew that company were not good grades. They were vision, perseverance, leadership, problem solving, and the ability to make wise decisions.Education is not only about what someone knows. It's about who they will become and how they will use their giftedness to serve others.What Good Grades Actually MeasureGood grades measure the ability to remember information, complete assignments, follow directions, and perform on a test. Those aren't bad skills — they're just incomplete.Real life requires other types of skills. Making decisions without a teacher or parent nearby. Managing your time. Solving problems. Following God's direction. Leading a family. Evaluating culture through a biblical lens.Your kids may not become CEO of Hobby Lobby or president of the United States, but they will influence the people around them. And almost all of them will grow up to be moms and dads who need to lead their families well. That is what leadership is — influence. Nothing more, nothing less.It's not the ability to pass a test, but the ability to lead well, that will send your kids into adulthood ready for real life.Florence Nightingale Didn't Save Lives With Good GradesDuring the Crimean War, Florence Nightingale arrived at a military hospital where soldiers were dying at alarming rates. Most people assumed the dying was just from wounds. But Florence looked further. She observed what many overlooked — the hospital was filthy. The sewage contaminated the water, ventilation was poor, beds were crowded.Instead of accepting that, she asked — what is causing this problem and how can we fix it? She organized nurses to clean the wards, improve sanitation, increase ventilation, and improve patient care. The death rate plummeted.Florence wasn't remembered for the medical information she knew. She became a leader because she observed, thought critically, and had the courage to do what needed to be done. She revolutionized nursing through observation, leadership, and courage — not through a test score.The Difference Between Knowledge and WisdomKnowledge is knowing facts. Wisdom is the ability to apply truth. Let me give you a few examples.A smart person knows how compound interest works. A wise person avoids unnecessary debt. A smart person can win an argument. A wise person knows when not to argue. A smart person memorizes Bible verses. A wise person lives them out.Louis Pasteur is another great example. In the 1850s and 60s, French winemakers kept losing their wine because it spoiled, and most people just accepted it as the way things were. But Pasteur wasn't satisfied. He started observing under a microscope. He discovered microbes were causing the wine and milk to spoil. He asked how we could stop it. He found that heating the liquid would kill harmful microbes without ruining the taste. That discovery is called pasteurization.Pasteur didn't become influential because he memorized a science textbook. He became influential because he learned how to ask good questions, investigate carefully, and work toward a solution. That's what I want for your kids — to see problems, collect information, observe, think, persevere, and find solutions.What to Do TonightAt dinner this week — and I hope you're eating dinner together — ask your kids one day this week: what decision did you make today, and why did you make that decision? You're training wisdom, not just knowledge. You might be really surprised at what they say.And when your kids are stuck and don't know how to figure something out — don't solve it for them. Ask them — what do you think? Why? Give them a chance to work through it on their own.Good grades can open doors. But wisdom determines what happens after they open that door. The goal isn't academic kids. The goal is prepared adults.That is something we teach in Raising Leaders, Not Followers. Right now, there's an early access opportunity — join the VIP list and you'll get an exclusive private homeschool chat with me to help you become confident this year and make wise decisions for your upcoming school year. You'll also get early access to Raising Leaders and up to $150 in bonuses.The link is in the show notes wherever you're watching or listening.If this meant anything to you, would you please share it with one or two other homeschoolers or in a co-op? And if you're listening on a podcast, it would mean the world to me if you'd leave a five-star review.

In this episode of the Rooted in Christ Podcast, Eric sits down with Bailey Unterwagner—artist manager, tour manager, and founder of BOO Management—for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a lasting career while keeping Jesus at the center.Bailey shares his journey into the Christian music industry, how following God's voice shaped his career, and why character will always outlast talent. Together they unpack the realities of artist management, touring, record deals, business strategy, and the importance of serving others with integrity.Whether you're an artist, creative, entrepreneur, or simply seeking to honor God in your work, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and biblical encouragement.In this episode you'll learn:• Why character is more valuable than talent• The importance of integrity in business and ministry• What artists should know before signing a record deal• How to build an "algorithm-proof" career• Why servant leadership is essential for lasting impact• Balancing career ambitions with family and faith• Following God's voice, even when it doesn't make senseNo matter what God has called you to, success isn't measured by platform or popularity—it's measured by faithfulness.If this conversation encouraged you, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who needs this reminder.---Want to be a guest on Rooted In Christ? Send Eric Stephens a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1759833790503730c0e0ceb0e

 Uncertainty can leave us worried, hesitant, and desperate to understand what God is doing. In this episode of the RENEW Podcast, “How to Trust God When You Don't Know What Comes Next,” we discover from Proverbs 3:5–6 how to surrender the unknown, obey the next step, and confidently follow the God who already sees the entire path. 

Service from Christian Bible Church in Cissna Park, Illinois. Pastor: Steve Hall1) Commands are given2) Help is promised 3) Obedience is decided4) Prayer is paramount5) What is sought is found6) Gratitude is given

by Christian Medical & Dental Associations® Dr. Tiffany Schatz had built a successful surgical career and a comfortable life in the United States when God began calling her family to serve in Israel. In this episode of Faith in Healthcare, she joins host Dr. Mike Chupp to share what it’s been like to follow that calling, care for patients through seasons of uncertainty, and discover that God’s faithfulness is often most evident when the future feels anything but certain. Her story is a reminder that when we follow God’s leading, He is faithful to meet us every step of the way.

Today's Bible Verse:: "Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." — Psalm 25:4–5 One of the most common questions Christians ask is, "How do I know if I'm following God's will?" David offers a simple but powerful answer in Psalm 25:4–5. Rather than demanding immediate answers, he begins with a humble prayer, asking God to teach him, guide him, and lead him in truth. Want to listen without ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Membertoday: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribeLooking for a peaceful way to end your day? Listen to "Your Nightly Scripture" to end your day with God's word Meet Today’s Host: Carol Ogle McCracken Carol Ogle McCracken is a dynamic Christian speaker, author, and Bible teacher known for her warmth, humor, and transparency. She brings biblical truths to life through real-world stories and relatable experiences—whether navigating alcohol recovery, parenting a child with special needs, or walking through divorce. Today, she serves as Minister of Discipleship at her local church and shares God’s Word through women's retreats, conferences, and online devotionals. Her book, Wisdom: Where to Find It if You’ve Lost, Forgotten, or Never Had It, was released in 2020 and continues to encourage readers in their pursuit of godly wisdom. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do you do when following God leaves you feeling exhausted? This week on The Breakdown Podcast, Matthew Rhoads sat down with Pastor James to talk through the message "When Following God Wears You Out," based on Psalm 84:1–12, Isaiah 40:29–31, John 15:5, Philippians 4:13, and Romans 8:11. Their conversation centers on the reality that spiritual fatigue is real—but so is God's strength. They unpack how lasting strength doesn't come from trying harder or pushing through on your own, but from staying connected to God. Through these passages, they explore what it looks like to keep moving forward in difficult seasons, how to rely on God's power instead of your own, and why abiding in Jesus changes everything. If you've been feeling worn down, discouraged, or close to giving up, this conversation will remind you that God meets you in your weakness and renews your strength as you stay close to Him.

Today, Ben sits down with Daniel Campos for a deeply reflective conversation on vocation, discernment, and what it truly means to place Christ at the center of one's professional and personal life. Daniel shares how daily Mass, consistent prayer, spiritual direction, and intentional silence have shaped his ability to hear and respond to God's call, both in his work as a financial advisor and in the broader responsibilities of family life. Together, they explore the challenge of discerning God's voice amid the noise and distractions of modern life, emphasizing the importance of creating space to listen, seeking wise counsel, and remaining attentive to the subtle nudges of the Holy Spirit. The discussion also examines the concept of fiduciary duty through a distinctly Catholic lens, arguing that serving clients well requires more than meeting legal standards—it requires a moral commitment to act in another person's best interest as if they were family, and ultimately as if Christ Himself were sitting across the table. As the conversation unfolds, Ben and Daniel connect financial stewardship, generosity, ethical decision-making, and spiritual growth, proposing that financial advisors can play a unique role in helping individuals align their resources with God's will. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to pursue holiness through their daily work, trust God's guidance, and view every professional responsibility as an opportunity to faithfully serve both others and the Lord.Key Takeaways:• Discernment begins with developing a consistent prayer life. Daily Mass can provide clarity, direction, and spiritual grounding.• Spiritual direction helps confirm whether promptings are truly from God.• Generosity should be guided by wisdom as well as good intentions.• Financial advisors can help clients align money decisions with their values.• Every person will ultimately give an account of how they used their gifts and responsibilities.• Following God's will requires attentiveness, courage, and ongoing discernment.Key Timestamps:(01:16) – Meet Daniel Campos(04:23) – Daily Mass Routine(12:15) – Living the Liturgical Year(14:49) – Hearing God's Call(26:36) – Fiduciary Duty and Conscience(34:37) – Financial Spiritual DirectionKey Topics Discussed:Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and financesMentions:Website: https://camposfinancialgroup.com/More of Catholic Money Mastermind:Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members.https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/members/Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

In "When Following God Feels Risky," Pastor Chris Bonts reminds us that following God requires us to trust His hand more than our own strength. The Scripture is Ezra 8.

What do you do when following God leaves you feeling exhausted?  In "When Following God Wears You Out," Pastor James reminds us that lasting strength doesn't come from trying harder. It comes from staying close to God. Discover how to find renewed strength, keep moving forward through difficult seasons, and trust that God is with you every step of the journey. Everyone helping someone take steps to follow Christ. This is the vision of Journey Church, led by Pastor James Hilton, with multiple locations throughout Central Florida.  https://journeyconnect.org Website: https://journeyconnect.org Facebook: http://facebook.com/journeyconnect Instagram: https://instagram.com/journeyconnect/ To support Journey Church's mission and help us transform lives both locally and globally, visit: https://journeyconnect.org/giving If you're in the Daytona Beach area and want to learn more about our upcoming launch, go to https://journeyconnect.org/daytona 

Join us as Emily Fieg, walks us into the life of Freedom God promises us!

Few things reveal the strength of a couple's unity quite like money. Financial decisions touch nearly every part of married life—from daily spending and long-term planning to generosity, security, and the future. But money does not have to remain a source of tension. When couples approach their finances with transparency, shared purpose, and a biblical understanding of stewardship, money can become a tool that strengthens their marriage and supports what God has called them to do together. Dr. Art Rainer, founder of Christian Money Solutions and the Institute for Christian Financial Health, as well as the author of The Rich Couple: 30 Days of Following God's Design for a Financially Healthy Marriage, joins the show today to share that a “rich couple” has little to do with the size of a bank account. Instead, it means becoming rich in contentment, purpose, unity, and generosity. Redefining What It Means to Be Rich Our culture often defines a rich couple as one with a high income, an impressive home, or a large investment portfolio. But financial wealth can disappear, and continually chasing more often produces comparison rather than contentment. A truly rich couple recognizes that everything they have belongs to God. They understand that they are stewards—not owners—of the resources He has entrusted to them. That conviction changes the purpose of money. Instead of asking only, “How can we accumulate more?” couples can begin asking: How can we faithfully manage what God has provided? How can our finances reflect our shared values? How can we use what we have to serve others? What does contentment look like in this season? When contentment is rooted in Christ and financial decisions are guided by God's purposes, couples can experience a kind of richness that circumstances cannot easily take away. Moving From “Mine” and “Yours” to “Ours” Genesis 2:24 describes marriage as two people becoming one flesh. That oneness includes more than physical or emotional intimacy. It also shapes how couples view their possessions, income, debt, goals, and generosity. Marriage is a covenant, not merely a contract. Rather than guarding separate financial territories, a husband and wife can learn to approach money as teammates. Practically, this requires complete financial transparency. Both spouses should understand what the household earns, owes, owns, spends, saves, and gives. For many couples, this may involve shared accounts and passwords. For others, the account structure may differ, but openness and mutual accountability should remain nonnegotiable. Even language can reinforce unity. Saying “our income,” “our debt,” and “our generosity” reminds both spouses that they are working toward a shared future. A brief monthly financial meeting can also help. Couples can review their progress, discuss upcoming expenses, and make important decisions together. Establishing a spending threshold—an amount neither spouse spends without first consulting the other—can reduce surprises and build trust. Unity rarely happens accidentally. It grows through intentional habits. Remember That Marriage Is a Team Sport Your spouse should be your closest financial teammate. That does not mean you will always agree. Different personalities, experiences, and priorities will inevitably create tension. The goal is not to eliminate every disagreement but to remain committed to reaching decisions together. Couples should be able to discuss differences honestly in private while presenting a united front to outside voices. Advice from parents, friends, or children may be well-intentioned, but those voices should not undermine the marriage. A healthy response to an outside suggestion might simply be, “Thank you. We'll discuss it together and let you know.” That protects the couple's unity and reassures each spouse that decisions will not be reversed or weakened by someone else's opinion. Share Your Money Stories Many financial disagreements are not really about the transaction in front of you. They are rooted in earlier experiences. Perhaps one spouse grew up in a home where money was scarce and now feels anxious without a substantial emergency fund. The other may have grown up in a financially comfortable home and feel little concern about spending. One may naturally save, while the other prefers to spend, invest, or avoid financial decisions altogether. Sharing these stories can replace frustration with empathy. Instead of asking, “Why are you like this?” a spouse may begin to say, “Now I understand why this decision feels so important to you.” Consider asking each other: What is your earliest memory involving money? Discuss how that experience may still influence your attitudes toward spending, debt, saving, generosity, or risk. Listen without interrupting or trying to correct one another. Understanding your spouse's story does not mean every financial habit should remain unchanged. It does, however, create a more compassionate starting point for change. Address the Four Financial Dividers Four common problems can weaken financial unity in marriage: poor communication, selfishness, distrust, and unrealistic expectations. Poor communication can be addressed through regular conversations. Even a weekly 10-minute check-in can prevent small concerns from becoming major conflicts. Selfishness begins to fade when couples stop thinking primarily in terms of “my money” and start celebrating each other's progress. Distrust must be confronted with honesty. Hidden purchases, secret accounts, concealed debt, or missing information will erode intimacy. Financial transparency brings those issues into the light. Unrealistic expectations can be replaced with a shared plan. A realistic budget will not allow every desire to happen immediately, but it can help couples prioritize what matters most. Talk early, tell the truth, and pray often. Start With Your Hearts, Not the Budget When a marriage feels financially divided, opening a spreadsheet may not be the best first step. Begin with prayer. Ask God to help you become one, grow in contentment, understand each other, and steward His resources faithfully. Then spend a few minutes sharing your experiences and concerns without interrupting or judging one another. Finally, choose one small act of unity. You might schedule your first weekly money conversation, disclose an overlooked expense, agree on a giving goal, or deposit a small amount into a joint savings fund. One step will not resolve every financial disagreement. But small acts of faithfulness can create lasting momentum. A rich marriage is not defined by how much a couple possesses. It is marked by two people learning to trust God, care for one another, and manage His resources with unity and purpose. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm retired and have a small IRA and some savings at Schwab. I also expect to inherit assets from an older family member. Since I won't need my IRA for living expenses, is there any advantage to keeping it? I'm struggling with $8,900 in credit card debt at a 23.49% APR and can't afford to pay it off right now. I've contacted my credit card company about hardship options and have looked into consolidation and personal loans, but I'm unsure what's best. Given my situation, what's the wisest way to tackle this debt? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) The Rich Couple: 30 Days of Following God's Design for a Financially Healthy Marriage by Dr. Art Rainer The Money Challenge: 30 Days of Discovering God's Design For You and Your Money by Dr. Art Rainer Christian Money Solutions  Institute for Christian Financial Health Christian Credit Counselors 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.

Pastor Ryan continues the sermon series through the Book of Numbers: The Journey to the Promised Land as he preaches part three of a message titled "Knowing & Following God's Will" out of chapter 10 during this Wednesday Evening Service.

In this episode we continue our journey through Nehemiah 4 and explore what it means to persevere through adversity. Following God does not mean opposition will disappear—in fact, we should expect the enemy to continue resisting the work God is doing in our lives. But how do we remain faithful when the attacks continue? We must stay watchful. Through prayer, the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and the church, God has given us the resources we need to recognize the enemy's attacks and continue moving forward. Keep praying. Keep watching. Keep serving. And keep moving forward in the mission God has given you.

Should you be financially secure before getting married?

Join us this week as Cameron and Joel discuss the importance of living everyday on mission. 

July 13, 2026Today's Reading: Exodus 20:1-17Daily Lectionary: Judges 13:1-25; Ruth 1:1-4:22; Galatians 2:1-21 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” (Exodus 20:2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The Lord tells His people Who He is and what He has done for them. He brought them out of Egypt, which included preserving them from the plagues, bringing them through the Red Sea on dry ground, saving them from Pharaoh's pursuing army, and providing them with bread from heaven and water from a rock. All of this was done so that they might be freed from the house of slavery. And now that God has brought them to the wilderness, He sets before them His Commandments. The Commandments tell us what God wants for His people. He wants to be their God alone. He wants them to love their neighbors as themselves. He desires His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. The law of God is always good, even when we do not feel good about it. As you and I know, and as the Israelites constantly showed through their time in the wilderness, we break God's law. We sin. We choose to do evil instead of good. St. Paul even says we can't do good, even if we wanted to. We are, in Paul's words, “slaves to sin.” The people in the wilderness, while no longer slaves to the Egyptians, were still slaves to sin. But God did not leave them in that house of slavery either, nor has He left us to die in the house of slavery. The hope of the Israelites and the hope of us now is in the Messiah - the Savior Who breaks the power of sin, death, and the devil. In Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin but slaves to righteousness. Our sinful flesh still wages war against us, but in Christ, we are strengthened to see the Law of God as a benefit, even when it accuses us. God's will is that sinners would be forgiven. When the law presses heavily on your heart, go and receive Christ's forgiveness from your pastor. Following God's law will not save you, but Jesus already has. He is the Lord, your God, who brought you out of the house of slavery that you might live in Him, eternally. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.To Jesus we for refuge flee, Who from the curse has set us free, and humbly worship at His throne, saved by His grace through faith alone. (LSB 579:6)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

Pastor Ryan continues the sermon series through the Book of Numbers: The Journey to the Promised Land as he preaches part two of a message titled "Knowing & Following God's Will" out of chapter 10 during this Wednesday Evening Service.

Leanne Nolasco's story is proof that one act of obedience can change the course of a life forever.   In this episode of the Rod Parsley Podcast, Ashton Parsley sits down with Leanne Nolasco, a Valor Christian College graduate and Children's Pastor at World Harvest Church, to discuss leaving nursing school, moving from Canada by faith, discovering God's call through Valor, and developing a burden to reach the next generation with the Gospel.   Together they explore why children matter to the Kingdom, how revival begins with young hearts, and why the Church cannot afford to neglect this generation.   If you've ever questioned God's direction for your life, wondered whether your "yes" could really make a difference, or carried a burden for the next generation, this conversation is for you.   Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday.

Following God has never depended on living in the right place.It has always depended on having the right heart.In this message, we continue our journey Through the Bible by following God's people through exile. Jerusalem has fallen. The Temple has been destroyed. Israel has been carried into Babylon. Yet even in a foreign land, God continues to raise up faithful men and women to accomplish His purposes.Using passages from Daniel, Ezekiel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, and 1 Peter, we explore:• Why God allowed Israel to go into exile• How Daniel and his friends remained faithful in Babylon• The purpose of the Old Testament prophets• God's promise to restore His people after 70 years• Ezra and Nehemiah's mission to rebuild Jerusalem• How God used Esther to save His people• Why God's presence isn't confined to a building• What it means to live faithfully in a culture that doesn't follow GodThis message isn't just about Israel's exile.It's about ours.As followers of Jesus, we live in a world that isn't our home.But like Daniel...Like Esther...Like Nehemiah...God has placed us exactly where we are for a purpose.You don't have to become like the culture to make a difference in the culture.You can love God, stand firm in your faith, and be used by Him—even in Babylon.“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place... And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” — Esther 4:14

Pastor Bart and Pastor Tommy give some additional thoughts on the sermon "Following God in a Fallen Nation ", given at WCPC on Sunday, July 5, 2026. Watch the sermon Listen to the sermon

Following God was never meant to be a solo journey. Discover why community isn't just a nice add-on to the life of a Jesus follower — and what it might be costing you to go it alone.

Today we continue in our series, Who is King?, in 1 Samuel. In chapters 26 & 27, David spares Saul's life for a second time, and then makes a poor decision to flee to the Philistines. Elder Brian Webb breaks the text down into these three points: 1) If following God's plan is the A+ plan, then we need to trust God in whatever circumstance we are in. 2) Following God's A+ plan requires us to walk in wisdom. 3) We are forgetful and pursue our own ways. ** Due to technical difficulties, this sermon audio was pulled from YouTube. We apologize for any inconsistency in sound, and pray it is still a blessing!

The Psalms of Ascent remind us that the spiritual life is a lifelong climb toward God, where every challenge draws us closer to Him.Every night, join Father Joseph Matlak as he ends the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, Father Matlak guides you in prayer and shares a brief reflection and a thorough examination of conscience providing you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. Join us each day in your inbox https://www.goodcatholic.com/nightprayer________________

Following God's Will explores what Scripture teaches about discerning God's will. We'll look at the difference between God's sovereign will, His revealed will, and His will of direction, while learning how biblical wisdom guides our everyday decisions. Instead of trying to solve God's will like a mystery, we'll discover how to faithfully obey His Word, seek wise counsel, and trust Him with the outcomes of the choices we make.

Following God requires more than good intentions. It calls for wholehearted commitment. In the life of Elisha, we see a faith that refused to turn back, remained steadfast through every challenge, and trusted God every step of the way.In this sermon, Pastor Jeff challenges us to pursue a radical commitment to Christ through persistent obedience, a deeper hunger for His presence, unwavering focus on His calling, and bold faith in action. When we surrender everything to God, He shapes our lives for His purposes and uses us to make an eternal impact.Radical commitment is not about perfection. It is about faithfully following God wherever He leads.

Following Jesus is no guarantee of a worry-free life. In fact, a walk of faith may take us down some rough roads. So why should we continue on God’s path? Pastor Mike Fabarez describes the great hope we have in following Jesus.

Pastor Ryan continues the sermon series through the Book of Numbers: The Journey to the Promised Land as he preaches a message titled "Knowing & Following God's Will" out of chapters 9-10 during this Wednesday Evening Service.

Following Jesus is the greatest adventure. But it’s not always easy. That’s why we all need models who can inspire us to keep going. Pastor Mike Fabarez explains what Abraham can teach us about Boldly Following God’s Path for My Life.

God actively pursues a loving relationship with individuals and invites them into His ongoing work. When divine communication occurs through scripture, prayer, or circumstances, it inevitably triggers a crisis of belief that demands significant life adjustments. Historical figures like Abraham, Amos, and the disciples demonstrate that responding to God requires leaving behind former comforts and occupations. This pattern continues throughout history as believers encounter the Word of God, which acts as a transformative force. Ultimately, every action taken after hearing God reveals one's true convictions about His nature and authority.

It might take self-confidence to be the captain of your own fate. But it requires Ambitious Faith to follow God’s path for your life! Pastor Mike Fabarez challenges us through the story of Abraham. When God calls… do we have the faith to follow?

*Listen to the Show notes and podcast transcript with this multi-language player. Summary Entering His Presence: The Path to True Oneness explores how believers are being drawn into a deeper awareness of God's presence through prayer, worship, meditation on His Word, and continual communion with Him. Ron's experience in Israel highlights a lifestyle where prayer and Scripture are woven into everyday life, creating a constant focus on the Lord. The discussion reveals that God's ultimate purpose is not merely to bring His people into agreement with one another, but into oneness with Himself. As believers grow in their relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, true unity becomes a natural byproduct. The speakers emphasize that oneness is sustained by God's love, not human effort, and that the pathway into this reality is through the cross. The conversation concludes with the understanding that spiritual maturity is measured not by doctrine or religious performance, but by love, surrender, and participation in the life of Christ. Show Notes Living in Continual Awareness of God's Presence Ron shares how beginning everything with prayer continually brings his focus back to the Lord. He reflects on memorizing and meditating on Scripture throughout the day and how this practice cultivates a greater awareness of God's presence. A Living Expression of the Body of Christ Ron recounts his experience attending a Messianic Jewish Kehilah in Jerusalem, where worship, Scripture, and participation from people of all ages flowed together naturally. The gathering demonstrated a living picture of the Body of Christ functioning as every member supplied. Walking the Path God Has Given The speakers discuss the importance of trusting God's leading in uncertain times. Rather than being consumed by world events, believers are encouraged to remain faithful to the path the Lord has placed before them. Preparing for Eternal Fellowship The conversation highlights how God is preparing His people for eternity in His presence. Prayer, worship, and communion with Him are not temporary practices but part of the inheritance believers are growing into. Becoming One New Creation The discussion explores God's purpose of bringing together people from every background into one new creation in Christ. The focus is not on natural identity but on participation in His life. The Foundation of Oneness True unity is rooted in loving God and loving one another. Christ remains the center of all genuine relationships within the Body of Christ. God's Love as the Source of Unity The speakers emphasize that God's love—not human effort—is what enables believers to truly love one another and walk together in harmony. The Cross as the Pathway The cross remains the doorway into deeper fellowship with God. Through surrender and identification with Christ, believers are brought into greater unity with Him and with one another. Oneness as a Byproduct of Relationship The discussion concludes with the understanding that oneness cannot be achieved through striving. As believers pursue the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, unity naturally emerges as the fruit of that relationship. Key Quotes "Everything is started with prayer." "This was the congregation worshiping." "We just have to open our hearts and allow the Lord to really show us exactly what is taking place." "You're going to be in His presence for eternity. Get used to it, folks." "We're always growing. We're always changing. We're always becoming." "The main thing is our oneness." "Never leave the oneness." "Just because we're different doesn't mean that we aren't one." "The one ingredient that enables us to really come into this level of oneness is God's love." "There is no entering in except through the cross." "If your drive is into Them, then the oneness is a byproduct." Scriptural References Prayer, Meditation, and God's Presence Joshua 1 (8)Psalm 1 (2–3)Psalm 119 (11)1 Thessalonians 5 (16–18)Psalm 16 (11) The Body of Christ Functioning Together 1 Corinthians 12 (12–14)1 Corinthians 12 (27)Ephesians 4 (15–16)Romans 12 (4–5) Following God's Leading Proverbs 3 (5–6)Psalm 37 (23)John 10 (27)Isaiah 30 (21) Living in His Presence for Eternity Revelation 21 (3)Psalm 84 (10)John 17 (3)Revelation 22...

Join us this week as we follow up Jeremy's time at the SBC conference and the amendment that was discussed in our last episode. 

Following God's Lead Jeff Bruce Following God's Lead (1 Samuel 23:1-29)God's Upside-Down Kingdom: The Book of 1 SamuelJune 21st, 2026Jeff Bruce

You don't need a lifetime of farming experience to build a successful farm.  Dana and Lauren Cavalea share how they went from corporate careers and zero agricultural background to growing a thriving direct-to-consumer meat business on more than 300 acres.  Along the way, they discuss the realities of raising livestock, selling beef, expanding a farm business, and why adaptability, strong marketing, and faith have been just as important as hard work.  If you've ever wondered whether it's possible to start farming from scratch, this conversation will encourage you to boldly take the first step!In this episode, we cover:- How two complete beginners unexpectedly became farmers on 130 acres- Buying their first cattle, pigs, and chickens with no farming experience- Learning hard lessons about livestock, butchering, and selling their first beef- Growing from 130 acres to more than 300 through strategic land purchases- Building a nationwide direct-to-consumer meat business- Selling beef shares, meat boxes, and working with other local farmers- The business skills every profitable farmer needs beyond raising livestock- Beef shares vs. individual meat boxes: the pros and cons of each model- What it really takes to ship frozen meat across the country- Using authentic storytelling and social media to grow a loyal customer base- Why flexibility, continual learning, and adapting have been key to their success- Following God's leading, embracing new challenges, and encouraging others to simply get startedView full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.Thank you to our sponsors!NutriMill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eatingNewLightHealth.com | High-quality natural supplements and health products to simplify your wellness and support your family naturallyShareHealthcare.com | A Christian-based, health-sharing community where members come together to cover medical needsRESOURCES MENTIONEDHead over to Freedom Farms to see their full lineup of high-quality meat selections and more!CONNECTDana & Lauren Cavalea | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube  Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

John 10:1-5 Following God Shepard Matt Nault

Pastor Jeff reminded us that following Jesus doesn't guarantee an easy life—it often means enduring trials, delays, and opposition. Through Paul's two-year imprisonment in Acts 24, we see a man who refused to be shaken by critics, compromise his convictions, waste his circumstances, or doubt God's faithfulness. God often does His greatest work in the hidden seasons, building character and preparing us for what lies ahead. When God's timing doesn't match our expectations, we can trust that He is still at work. Don't wait for perfect circumstances to serve Him—bloom where you're planted and remain faithful, knowing that God's promises are worth the wait. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Listen to this podcast to better understand how you can gain more wisdom from God and how to follow His Wisdom to success in this life!  Please listen, share and give us a 5- Star Review! God's wisdom is greater than man's wisdom, and as we walk through this life, if we are smart God's wisdom becomes our greatest asset.  In fact, His wisdom is more valuable than wealth, career, degrees, power and more! When we gain understanding from God's Wisdom our pathway is made straight, our hearts and our minds are confident and calm, and God leads us to His definition of success for our lives as we follow Him! What an incredible message you won't want to miss!  Please listen and share with your family so that they will start relying on God's Wisdom for every decision them make!  Trust God He loves you! Blessings BW 

The Jennie Allen Podcast is BACK for another summer season! This week, Jennie sits down with Madi Prewett Troutt and Grant Troutt, for an honest conversation about marriage, ministry, parenting, and following Jesus in every season.They share how God brought them together, why they've chosen depth over platform, what becoming parents has taught them about God, and how community, Scripture, and everyday faithfulness have shaped their lives. If you've ever wrestled with calling, relationships, or what it means to walk with Jesus - this episode is for you.Order Jennie's Book - The Lie You Don't Know You BelieveSponsor a Child with CompassionCheck out Boll and BranchMore episodes: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeFollow Jennie: Instagram | FacebookSubscribe for more content each weekGet a daily devo straight to your Instagram DM'sLEARN MORE

Following God as He introduces change into our lives; learning to redefine our comfort zones in order to accomplish God's plan and purpose. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1213/29?v=20251111