Podcasts about get to work

Today we're stepping into a topic that every believer faces, no matter how long you've walked with God. Temptation is not a sign of weakness — it's a sign that there's a battle over your destiny. And Brother, let me tell you: the enemy doesn't tempt you in the areas you don't care about. He hits you where the impact will be greatest. He hits where you're vulnerable, where you're tired, where you're lonely, where your guard is down.But here's the thing we forget:Temptation isn't something you reason with. It's something you run from.You don't negotiate with darkness.You don't debate your flesh.You don't see how close you can get to the edge.The Bible doesn't say “stand firm against temptation.”It says flee it.Let's go deeper.

Today we're stepping into a topic that every believer faces, no matter how long you've walked with God. Temptation is not a sign of weakness — it's a sign that there's a battle over your destiny. And Brother, let me tell you: the enemy doesn't tempt you in the areas you don't care about. He hits you where the impact will be greatest. He hits where you're vulnerable, where you're tired, where you're lonely, where your guard is down.But here's the thing we forget:Temptation isn't something you reason with. It's something you run from.You don't negotiate with darkness.You don't debate your flesh.You don't see how close you can get to the edge.The Bible doesn't say “stand firm against temptation.”It says flee it.Let's go deeper.

Today, Brother, we're stepping into something foundational — something every believer knows about, talks about, but often struggles to live out consistently. We're talking about holiness… not the churchy version, not the performance version, not the “look at how spiritual I am” version — but the real, gritty, lived-out holiness that shows up in your decisions, your reactions, your character, and the way you carry yourself when no one else is around.Holiness isn't about being flawless. It's about being steady. It's about choosing to live in such a way that your conduct matches your calling. And to be honest, this episode is personal for me, because I had to learn what “above reproach” really meant the hard way.

Today, Brother, we're stepping into something foundational — something every believer knows about, talks about, but often struggles to live out consistently. We're talking about holiness… not the churchy version, not the performance version, not the “look at how spiritual I am” version — but the real, gritty, lived-out holiness that shows up in your decisions, your reactions, your character, and the way you carry yourself when no one else is around.Holiness isn't about being flawless. It's about being steady. It's about choosing to live in such a way that your conduct matches your calling. And to be honest, this episode is personal for me, because I had to learn what “above reproach” really meant the hard way.

John 13:34–35 (ESV)“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you…”My child,You've felt the weight of trying to love people who are not easy to love.You've wondered why it feels so hard to be patient, to forgive, to stay soft when your heart wants to shut down.So hear Me clearly:I never asked you to love from your own strength.I asked you to love from Mine.When My Son said, “Love one another as I have loved you,” He knew your limits.He saw every wound, every betrayal, every misunderstanding you would ever face.He wasn't ignoring your pain — He was inviting you into My power.You think love makes you vulnerable.But real love — My love — is your greatest protection.When you choose patience instead of anger,when you choose forgiveness instead of revenge,when you choose to listen instead of attack,you are not being weak…You are walking in the same love that carried Jesus to the cross.The enemy wants you to believe that guarding your heart means closing it.But I am teaching you a different way:Guard your heart by rooting it in Me.Let Me heal what others have broken.Let Me soften what pain has hardened.Let Me love people through you when you feel empty.You will not always feel loving.You will not always feel understood.But every time you choose love anyway,you look like My Son —and hell loses ground.You are not failing just because love feels costly.You are growing.My love in you is stronger than the hurt around you.Let Me love them through you.With everlasting love,— Your Father⚡ Let's Get To Work.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

John 13:34–35 (ESV)“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you…”My child,You've felt the weight of trying to love people who are not easy to love.You've wondered why it feels so hard to be patient, to forgive, to stay soft when your heart wants to shut down.So hear Me clearly:I never asked you to love from your own strength.I asked you to love from Mine.When My Son said, “Love one another as I have loved you,” He knew your limits.He saw every wound, every betrayal, every misunderstanding you would ever face.He wasn't ignoring your pain — He was inviting you into My power.You think love makes you vulnerable.But real love — My love — is your greatest protection.When you choose patience instead of anger,when you choose forgiveness instead of revenge,when you choose to listen instead of attack,you are not being weak…You are walking in the same love that carried Jesus to the cross.The enemy wants you to believe that guarding your heart means closing it.But I am teaching you a different way:Guard your heart by rooting it in Me.Let Me heal what others have broken.Let Me soften what pain has hardened.Let Me love people through you when you feel empty.You will not always feel loving.You will not always feel understood.But every time you choose love anyway,you look like My Son —and hell loses ground.You are not failing just because love feels costly.You are growing.My love in you is stronger than the hurt around you.Let Me love them through you.With everlasting love,— Your Father⚡ Let's Get To Work.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Today we're stepping into a command from Jesus that sounds simple… until you actually try to live it out:“Love one another.”Not tolerate.Not coexist.Not avoid conflict.Not “love the lovable.”But love one another.And if we're being honest, this might be one of the hardest commands Jesus ever gave.Because people are complicated.Relationships are messy.Personalities collide.Boundaries get crossed.Expectations go unmet.Feelings get bruised.Misunderstandings multiply.And yet…Jesus didn't give us an escape clause.He didn't say, “Love one another when it's convenient.”He didn't say, “Love one another when they deserve it.”He said:“Love one another as I have loved you.”Brother… that level of love is not soft or sentimental.It's surrender.It's sacrifice.It's spiritual strength.It is warfare against the darkness that seeks to divide God's people.Let's go.

Today we're stepping into a command from Jesus that sounds simple… until you actually try to live it out:“Love one another.”Not tolerate.Not coexist.Not avoid conflict.Not “love the lovable.”But love one another.And if we're being honest, this might be one of the hardest commands Jesus ever gave.Because people are complicated.Relationships are messy.Personalities collide.Boundaries get crossed.Expectations go unmet.Feelings get bruised.Misunderstandings multiply.And yet…Jesus didn't give us an escape clause.He didn't say, “Love one another when it's convenient.”He didn't say, “Love one another when they deserve it.”He said:“Love one another as I have loved you.”Brother… that level of love is not soft or sentimental.It's surrender.It's sacrifice.It's spiritual strength.It is warfare against the darkness that seeks to divide God's people.Let's go.

Today we're diving into one of the most sensitive, raw, and spiritually dangerous experiences a believer can face:Church hurt.Not the hurt that comes from the world.Not the hurt that comes from enemies.But the kind that comes from the people of God.A pastor who disappointed you.A leader who mishandled you.A friend who betrayed you.A community that didn't show up.A ministry that forgot you.A church that judged you more than loved you.This isn't theoretical pain.This is pain that hits the soul like a hammer.And for many believers — pain inflicted inside the church burns far deeper than pain inflicted outside it.But here's the truth God whispered to me when I walked through my own season of broken trust:“I can heal you from wounds My people caused — but you must bring them to Me.”Let's walk it out.

Today we're diving into one of the most sensitive, raw, and spiritually dangerous experiences a believer can face:Church hurt.Not the hurt that comes from the world.Not the hurt that comes from enemies.But the kind that comes from the people of God.A pastor who disappointed you.A leader who mishandled you.A friend who betrayed you.A community that didn't show up.A ministry that forgot you.A church that judged you more than loved you.This isn't theoretical pain.This is pain that hits the soul like a hammer.And for many believers — pain inflicted inside the church burns far deeper than pain inflicted outside it.But here's the truth God whispered to me when I walked through my own season of broken trust:“I can heal you from wounds My people caused — but you must bring them to Me.”Let's walk it out.

Welcome to Fisher Philbrick: The Show.In today's episode I walk you through what the beta testing process looked like for Audyx, as well as what happened when I began running out of money and realized I needed to find a part time job. It's a wild journey that God has me on, but I'm excited to share it with you and hope you find it both interesting and encouraging when looking at your own life and where God has you. Many times we are not able to see why things are happening in the moment, but as long as we submit to God and follow Him, we can rest assured and do everything for His glory.Until next time,

Today we're stepping into one of the most critical, urgent, and often misunderstood parts of our walk with Christ:Unity.Not uniformity.Not agreement on every opinion.Not pretending everything is fine.Unity.The kind of unity Jesus prayed for in John 17 — the unity that tells the watching world, “These people belong to God.”But let's be honest…Church unity doesn't always come naturally.Personalities clash.Preferences collide.Opinions get sharp.Egos rise.Old wounds resurface.And if we're not careful, we begin treating each other like opponents instead of partners.I've lived through seasons where my words didn't unite — they divided.Times when I fought to win instead of fighting to love.Times when I viewed conversations like battlefields instead of opportunities for grace.And God had to whisper a truth that reset my heart:“Unity isn't losing — it's surrendering to My Spirit.”Let's unpack this.

Today we're stepping into one of the most critical, urgent, and often misunderstood parts of our walk with Christ:Unity.Not uniformity.Not agreement on every opinion.Not pretending everything is fine.Unity.The kind of unity Jesus prayed for in John 17 — the unity that tells the watching world, “These people belong to God.”But let's be honest…Church unity doesn't always come naturally.Personalities clash.Preferences collide.Opinions get sharp.Egos rise.Old wounds resurface.And if we're not careful, we begin treating each other like opponents instead of partners.I've lived through seasons where my words didn't unite — they divided.Times when I fought to win instead of fighting to love.Times when I viewed conversations like battlefields instead of opportunities for grace.And God had to whisper a truth that reset my heart:“Unity isn't losing — it's surrendering to My Spirit.”Let's unpack this.

Today we're stepping into a conversation that hits home for a lot of believers — the pressure to serve like someone else.Every church has that one person who seems to do everything effortlessly…That one leader with natural charisma…That one servant whose kindness feels like sunshine…That one worshiper whose voice shakes the room…And if you're not careful, you walk in thinking:“My gifts aren't enough.”“I don't measure up.”“I wish I could serve like them.”Brother… I know that feeling.There were years when I tried to out-serve, out-lead, and out-perform everyone in sight — not because it was my calling, but because it was my insecurity.But here's the truth God whispered to me when I needed it the most:“Matthew, I don't anoint the mask — I anoint the man.”Let's dig in.

Today we're stepping into a conversation that hits home for a lot of believers — the pressure to serve like someone else.Every church has that one person who seems to do everything effortlessly…That one leader with natural charisma…That one servant whose kindness feels like sunshine…That one worshiper whose voice shakes the room…And if you're not careful, you walk in thinking:“My gifts aren't enough.”“I don't measure up.”“I wish I could serve like them.”Brother… I know that feeling.There were years when I tried to out-serve, out-lead, and out-perform everyone in sight — not because it was my calling, but because it was my insecurity.But here's the truth God whispered to me when I needed it the most:“Matthew, I don't anoint the mask — I anoint the man.”Let's dig in.

First Baptist Church Broken Arrow is located at 100 W. Albany in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. We would love to connect with you online and in-person! We would love to connect with you on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fbcbrokenarrow​You can also check out our website: https://www.fbcba.org​

Today, we're diving into a topic that countless believers wrestle with quietly — the feeling of standing in a room full of Christians and still wondering, “Where do I fit in the Body of Christ?”You can love Jesus deeply…You can read your Bible…You can worship with passion…And still feel unsure about where you belong.I've been there.There were Sundays when I smiled, shook hands, held the door, served wherever I could — and yet inside, I felt like a man wandering the edges of the campfire, unsure if there was actually a seat with my name on it.But here's the truth God whispered to me in a season when I felt the most spiritually displaced:“Son, you don't find your place by earning it. You find it by listening to Me.”And that whisper reshaped everything.OUR SPRINGBOARD FOR TODAY'S DISCUSSION IS:1 Corinthians 12:18 (ESV)“But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He chose.”The Church isn't spiritual musical chairs.You don't get lucky.Nobody ends up where they are by accident.Paul says God arranged each person — intentionally, deliberately, lovingly.That means three things:* Your place is not random.* Your place is not fragile.* Your place is not optional.When a believer wanders through life unsure of where they belong, the enemy rushes in to fill the silence with lies:* “You don't matter here.”* “Everyone else has purpose except you.”* “God uses other people better than you.”But Scripture cuts through all that fog:God chose the place you were built to stand.You don't have to compete for it.You don't have to compare yourself into it.You don't have to convince anyone to give it to you.God Himself arranged you.There was a season in my life when I felt like I had disqualified myself from God's family table. Not because God pushed me away — but because I pushed people away with my words, my pride, and my reactions.I had moments when I looked around at church and thought,“Everyone else has this figured out. I'm the odd one out.”And in one of my lowest moments, when everything felt strained — my marriage, my walk with God, my own identity — God spoke a whisper that stopped me cold:“Stop. Slow your roll. Don't let Satan get a foothold.”That whisper wasn't condemnation.It was rescue.It was the Father saying,“You still belong to Me. I'm not done arranging your life.”And you know what else God used?Michelle.Her steady, faithful presence.Her ability to serve without needing a spotlight.Her commitment to the church even while managing chronic pain, exhaustion, and the weight she carried for our family.Watching her taught me something powerful:Sometimes your place in the Body is discovered through humility, not ambition.Michelle never tried to be someone else.She didn't compete with anyone.She simply served — and God magnified her faithfulness.And through watching her, God reminded me:“Matthew, your place isn't found by pushing harder.It's found by coming closer.”LIVING APPLICATIONIf you want to find your place in the Body:* Start where your feet are.Serve somewhere. Anywhere. Movement reveals mission.* Stop comparing your calling.Someone else's gift isn't a threat. It's reinforcement.* Ask God directly: “Where do You want me?”And wait. He will whisper.* Let humility guide you.Many people miss their place because they look too high instead of too near.* Trust that you were arranged, not abandoned.Your place is secure.DAILY ACTIONAsk the Holy Spirit one simple question today:“Show me where You've placed me.”Write down whatever He brings to your heart.PRACTICEActively serve in one small, tangible way this week — even if it feels insignificant.You'd be surprised what God reveals while your hands are moving.CHALLENGE OF THE WEEKEvery time you feel like you don't belong, declare out loud:“God arranged me.”PRAYERFather, thank You for arranging my life with purpose and precision.Silence every lie that tells me I don't matter.Heal every wound that makes me doubt my value.Reveal the place You've prepared for me, and give me courage to step into it.Use me in Your Body exactly how You designed.In Jesus' name — amen.Let's Get To Work.Thanks for reading My Reasons To Believe! This post is public so feel free to share it.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

TL;DR: Figure out what needs doing and do it, don't wait on approval from fellowships or jobs. If you... Have short timelines Have been struggling to get into a position in AI safety Are able to self-motivate your efforts Have a sufficient financial safety net ... I would recommend changing your personal strategy entirely. I started my full-time AI safety career transitioning process in March 2025. For the first 7 months or so, I heavily prioritized applying for jobs and fellowships. But like for many others trying to "break into the field" and get their "foot in the door", this became quite discouraging. I'm not gonna get into the numbers here, but if you've been applying and getting rejected multiple times during the past year or so, you've probably noticed the number of applicants increasing at a preposterous rate. What this means in practice is that the "entry-level" positions are practically impossible for "entry-level" people to enter. If you're like me and have short timelines, applying, getting better at applying, and applying again, becomes meaningless very fast. You're optimizing for signaling competence rather than actually being competent. Because if you a) have short timelines, and b) are [...] The original text contained 3 footnotes which were omitted from this narration. --- First published: November 23rd, 2025 Source: https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/ey2kjkgvnxK3Bhman/stop-applying-and-get-to-work --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

Today, we're diving into a topic that countless believers wrestle with quietly — the feeling of standing in a room full of Christians and still wondering, “Where do I fit in the Body of Christ?”You can love Jesus deeply…You can read your Bible…You can worship with passion…And still feel unsure about where you belong.I've been there.There were Sundays when I smiled, shook hands, held the door, served wherever I could — and yet inside, I felt like a man wandering the edges of the campfire, unsure if there was actually a seat with my name on it.But here's the truth God whispered to me in a season when I felt the most spiritually displaced:“Son, you don't find your place by earning it. You find it by listening to Me.”And that whisper reshaped everything.OUR SPRINGBOARD FOR TODAY'S DISCUSSION IS:1 Corinthians 12:18 (ESV)“But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He chose.”The Church isn't spiritual musical chairs.You don't get lucky.Nobody ends up where they are by accident.Paul says God arranged each person — intentionally, deliberately, lovingly.That means three things:* Your place is not random.* Your place is not fragile.* Your place is not optional.When a believer wanders through life unsure of where they belong, the enemy rushes in to fill the silence with lies:* “You don't matter here.”* “Everyone else has purpose except you.”* “God uses other people better than you.”But Scripture cuts through all that fog:God chose the place you were built to stand.You don't have to compete for it.You don't have to compare yourself into it.You don't have to convince anyone to give it to you.God Himself arranged you.There was a season in my life when I felt like I had disqualified myself from God's family table. Not because God pushed me away — but because I pushed people away with my words, my pride, and my reactions.I had moments when I looked around at church and thought,“Everyone else has this figured out. I'm the odd one out.”And in one of my lowest moments, when everything felt strained — my marriage, my walk with God, my own identity — God spoke a whisper that stopped me cold:“Stop. Slow your roll. Don't let Satan get a foothold.”That whisper wasn't condemnation.It was rescue.It was the Father saying,“You still belong to Me. I'm not done arranging your life.”And you know what else God used?Michelle.Her steady, faithful presence.Her ability to serve without needing a spotlight.Her commitment to the church even while managing chronic pain, exhaustion, and the weight she carried for our family.Watching her taught me something powerful:Sometimes your place in the Body is discovered through humility, not ambition.Michelle never tried to be someone else.She didn't compete with anyone.She simply served — and God magnified her faithfulness.And through watching her, God reminded me:“Matthew, your place isn't found by pushing harder.It's found by coming closer.”LIVING APPLICATIONIf you want to find your place in the Body:* Start where your feet are.Serve somewhere. Anywhere. Movement reveals mission.* Stop comparing your calling.Someone else's gift isn't a threat. It's reinforcement.* Ask God directly: “Where do You want me?”And wait. He will whisper.* Let humility guide you.Many people miss their place because they look too high instead of too near.* Trust that you were arranged, not abandoned.Your place is secure.DAILY ACTIONAsk the Holy Spirit one simple question today:“Show me where You've placed me.”Write down whatever He brings to your heart.PRACTICEActively serve in one small, tangible way this week — even if it feels insignificant.You'd be surprised what God reveals while your hands are moving.CHALLENGE OF THE WEEKEvery time you feel like you don't belong, declare out loud:“God arranged me.”PRAYERFather, thank You for arranging my life with purpose and precision.Silence every lie that tells me I don't matter.Heal every wound that makes me doubt my value.Reveal the place You've prepared for me, and give me courage to step into it.Use me in Your Body exactly how You designed.In Jesus' name — amen.Let's Get To Work.Thanks for reading My Reasons To Believe! This post is public so feel free to share it.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

The people beautifully model unified work for the kingdom! A. Nehemiah Leads the People by... Showing the way forward Delegating the work into manageable portions Giving credit to the workers B. The People Avoid... Procrastination A preoccupation with (1) rank, (2) gifting, or (3) recognition C. The People Work... In Unity Diligently and Sacrificially You can watch this message here.

Too many believers live as though eternal life is something waiting on the other side of death. But Jesus never said eternal life starts when you die. He said it begins when you believe.In John 17:3, He defined it clearly: “This is eternal life, that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”Eternal life isn't just about a destination — it's about a relationship. It's not simply “living forever” — it's living with God forever, starting right now.You see, salvation isn't fire insurance — it's transformation. It's not escaping Hell someday; it's escaping hopelessness today. The moment you gave your life to Jesus, Heaven didn't just become your future home — it became your current address. You became a citizen of a Kingdom that's already active and alive.That means you're not waiting for victory — you're walking in it. You're not waiting for peace — you carry it. You're not waiting to experience God's love — you're living in it.I remember talking with Michelle during a season where life felt heavy. Bills, ministry, deadlines, fatigue — all pressing in at once. We were both running on fumes. One night, she said, “It feels like we're surviving instead of living.”I nodded, feeling it too. Then the Holy Spirit whispered: “You're living for Heaven, but you've forgotten Heaven is already living in you.”That changed everything. Eternal life isn't a countdown to someday — it's a celebration of right now.When Jesus rose from the grave, He didn't just conquer death — He injected eternal purpose into every moment. You're not working toward victory; you're working from it. Every act of obedience, every prayer whispered in faith, every step of endurance — it all echoes in eternity.And here's where assurance comes in. Eternal life isn't fragile; it's finished. If you belong to Jesus, you don't have to fear losing what He already sealed. You're not holding onto Him — He's holding onto you.John 10:28 says, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.”Let that sink in. Your salvation doesn't depend on your grip — it depends on His.Eternal life means living fearless. It means waking up every day knowing your eternity is secure, your purpose is divine, and your story has already been written by the Author of Life.So stop living like eternity is postponed. Heaven is already invading earth through every believer who dares to live like it's true.When you forgive someone who doesn't deserve it — that's eternal life in action.When you choose peace instead of panic — that's eternal life manifesting.When you worship through tears — that's the eternal breaking into the temporary.You are not waiting for eternal life. You're walking in it.

Too many believers live as though eternal life is something waiting on the other side of death. But Jesus never said eternal life starts when you die. He said it begins when you believe.In John 17:3, He defined it clearly: “This is eternal life, that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”Eternal life isn't just about a destination — it's about a relationship. It's not simply “living forever” — it's living with God forever, starting right now.You see, salvation isn't fire insurance — it's transformation. It's not escaping Hell someday; it's escaping hopelessness today. The moment you gave your life to Jesus, Heaven didn't just become your future home — it became your current address. You became a citizen of a Kingdom that's already active and alive.That means you're not waiting for victory — you're walking in it. You're not waiting for peace — you carry it. You're not waiting to experience God's love — you're living in it.I remember talking with Michelle during a season where life felt heavy. Bills, ministry, deadlines, fatigue — all pressing in at once. We were both running on fumes. One night, she said, “It feels like we're surviving instead of living.”I nodded, feeling it too. Then the Holy Spirit whispered: “You're living for Heaven, but you've forgotten Heaven is already living in you.”That changed everything. Eternal life isn't a countdown to someday — it's a celebration of right now.When Jesus rose from the grave, He didn't just conquer death — He injected eternal purpose into every moment. You're not working toward victory; you're working from it. Every act of obedience, every prayer whispered in faith, every step of endurance — it all echoes in eternity.And here's where assurance comes in. Eternal life isn't fragile; it's finished. If you belong to Jesus, you don't have to fear losing what He already sealed. You're not holding onto Him — He's holding onto you.John 10:28 says, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.”Let that sink in. Your salvation doesn't depend on your grip — it depends on His.Eternal life means living fearless. It means waking up every day knowing your eternity is secure, your purpose is divine, and your story has already been written by the Author of Life.So stop living like eternity is postponed. Heaven is already invading earth through every believer who dares to live like it's true.When you forgive someone who doesn't deserve it — that's eternal life in action.When you choose peace instead of panic — that's eternal life manifesting.When you worship through tears — that's the eternal breaking into the temporary.You are not waiting for eternal life. You're walking in it.

Faith was never meant to blend in. It was designed to stand out.We live in a world that rewards silence about truth and punishes conviction. A world that bows to comfort, compromise, and convenience. But God didn't save us to survive the times — He called us to shape them.When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood before the fiery furnace, they weren't trying to make headlines. They were simply obeying God. Nebuchadnezzar said, “Bow or burn.” They replied, “We will not bow.” That's what bold faith looks like — calm, steady defiance against evil, rooted in trust, not arrogance.And that same spirit is what we need today.Michelle and I have felt this pressure too. When you stand for biblical truth — whether it's about marriage, life, or morality — you'll be called intolerant, outdated, or even hateful. But the real hate is staying silent while people walk blindly toward destruction. Love tells the truth even when it costs you.I'll never forget when we decided to start speaking boldly about Israel, about truth in Scripture, about the deception in modern culture. Some people applauded. Others walked away. But the peace that came from obedience was worth every uncomfortable goodbye.See, bold faith doesn't mean being loud; it means being loyal. It means your confidence is in God, not the crowd.Daniel didn't close his window to pray in secret. He opened it — knowing full well what the cost would be. The lions didn't scare him because he had already decided: I'd rather die in faith than live in fear.Faith like that isn't born in comfort; it's forged in conviction.Too many believers want to be liked by a world that crucified their Savior. Jesus said in John 15:18, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you.” If your faith never offends darkness, it's probably not shining bright enough.Fear says, “Stay quiet.”Faith says, “Stand firm.”You can't follow Jesus and keep your reputation safe at the same time. You'll either carry your cross or protect your image — but you can't do both.Bold faith doesn't wait for perfect circumstances; it thrives in pressure. It's standing in the boardroom, the classroom, or your own living room and saying, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”And here's the key — bold faith doesn't mean reckless arrogance. It means Spirit-led courage. It's knowing when to speak, how to speak, and when to simply stand and let your presence declare your allegiance.Michelle often reminds me, “Courage is contagious.” And she's right. When one believer stands up, it strengthens the knees of another. That's how revival starts — one act of obedience at a time.

Every battle we face in this world starts in the mind and ends in the heart. And the only weapon sharp enough to cut through the lies is the Word of God.You can't fight a spiritual war with emotional weapons. Feelings shift. Opinions fade. But God's Word stands unshaken.Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Without that lamp, we stumble. With it, we stand.For years, Michelle and I lived by prayer, passion, and purpose — but not always by pattern. We studied the Bible, sure, but we didn't live in it daily. We loved God but often let the pace of life replace the practice of being in His Word. And when storms hit — they hit hard.There were moments when stress, disappointment, and spiritual exhaustion left us both drained. I'd try to push through with willpower; Michelle would try to carry everything through sheer determination. But we learned something the hard way: when your roots aren't deep in Scripture, every storm feels like a threat.Then one morning, I opened the Bible not because I had a sermon to write — but because I was starving for truth. God led me to Matthew 7:24: “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”That verse hit like a lightning bolt. I realized I'd been building with emotion instead of foundation. God wasn't condemning me — He was inviting me to start digging deeper.And Michelle's moment came too. She told me, “When I opened the Bible again after a dry season, it was like oxygen. The same verses I'd read for years suddenly felt alive.” That's what the Word does. It's not a book — it's breath.We live in a generation drowning in opinions but starving for truth. TikTok theology and YouTube prophets can't feed a hungry soul. If we don't know what the Bible says, we'll believe whatever the culture screams.Jesus used Scripture to fight Satan himself. In the wilderness, He didn't argue — He declared: “It is written.” If the Son of God needed the Word to fight temptation, how much more do we?Being anchored in the Word isn't just about reading it — it's about living it. You can highlight verses all day long, but the power comes when you let those verses highlight you.Every promise in Scripture is a loaded weapon against fear, doubt, and deception. But you have to know it, speak it, and stand on it.When Michelle and I began reading the Word together again — every morning, even if just a few verses — something shifted. Peace replaced panic. Clarity replaced confusion. Our marriage got stronger, our prayer life got deeper, and our faith got bolder.The Word didn't just change what we knew — it changed who we were.

Discipleship isn't a title; it's a trail.When Jesus walked the shores of Galilee, He didn't hand out pamphlets or build a following through social media. He looked a few fishermen straight in the eyes and said two words that changed everything:“Follow Me.”That's it. No marketing pitch. No promise of comfort. Just a call — and an invitation to leave everything behind for something greater.Following Jesus isn't about location — it's about direction. Every disciple starts the same way: walking away from self and walking toward the Savior.I still remember the day that truth hit home. I'd been a Christian for years, but I was still driving the car while asking God to bless my route. Then one morning, the Holy Spirit convicted me hard: “Matthew, I can't lead what you won't surrender.”That's when I realized being a disciple isn't about asking Jesus to walk with me; it's about me walking wherever He's going — even if it's uncomfortable.Michelle and I have lived this out over and over. From ministry highs to financial struggles, from seasons of clarity to moments of silence — we've had to decide: Will we trust Him when the map runs out? Will we still follow when it costs us pride, plans, or comfort?The answer had to be yes — because discipleship is not a once-a-week commitment. It's a daily death and daily resurrection.Luke 9:23 says, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”Notice that word — daily. Discipleship isn't about perfection; it's about persistence.You won't get every step right, but every step you take with Jesus changes you. The disciples weren't perfect men — they argued, doubted, ran, and failed. But here's the difference: they kept following.Every day, you and I wake up in a world screaming, “Follow your heart.” But Jesus says, “Follow Me.” And that one command flips everything.When you follow your heart, you'll end up lost. When you follow Jesus, you'll find your heart's true home.Maybe your path today looks uncertain — your marriage tested, your kids wandering, your faith stretched thin. Following Jesus doesn't mean you won't face storms. It means when the wind howls, you've got the One who commands it walking beside you.When Michelle and I look back at the times we tried to carry everything ourselves — our ministry, our dreams, our disappointments — we see the same pattern. Every time we surrendered control, peace came back. Every time we followed His whisper instead of our worry, doors opened we didn't even know existed.That's what discipleship looks like — obedience over outcome.

“Born again.” Two words that changed eternity.It was late one night when a religious leader named Nicodemus slipped through the shadows to talk to Jesus. He wasn't an atheist; he was a scholar. He knew the Scriptures. He had reputation, respect, and religion — but not relationship.Jesus didn't flatter him or talk theology. He said something shocking: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)Nicodemus didn't understand. “How can a man be born when he's old?” he asked. But Jesus was pointing to a rebirth that happens inside — the transformation of the heart.Brother, that's where most of us start. We try to be better versions of ourselves instead of becoming new creations. But you can't renovate sin; it has to die so new life can rise.Being born again isn't self-improvement — it's spiritual resurrection. It's the moment your past is buried and your spirit comes alive.I remember my own moment like it was yesterday. I'd been raised around church, but my heart was still hardened. Then came the collapse — the night I realized all my effort, all my logic, all my pride had built a wall between me and God. When it all fell apart, I cried out: “Jesus, if You're real, I can't fix this anymore — You'll have to.”And He did. Not with fireworks, but with peace that silenced every storm inside me. That's when I understood what Jesus meant — new birth doesn't start with emotion; it starts with surrender.Michelle has told her story, too — working, serving, homeschooling, holding everything together while living in chronic pain. She said the night she surrendered control was the first time she actually breathed. That's the Holy Spirit — He doesn't just visit; He inhabits.Jesus said, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6) You can't manufacture this. The Spirit of God breathes into dead hearts and makes them beat again.When you're born again, everything changes — not instantly perfect, but instantly alive. Your desires shift. Your eyes open. Your heart begins to recognize the Father's voice. It's not behavior modification — it's identity transformation.And that's why the enemy hates new birth. Religion can't stop him; rebirth destroys him. A born-again believer isn't just forgiven — he's empowered. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in you.If you're listening today and something inside you says, “That's what I need,” this is your moment. Jesus isn't asking you to clean up first — He's asking you to come as you are. He'll handle the cleanup.

Get AudioBooks for FreeBest Self-improvement MotivationGET TO WORK _ One of the Best Speeches Ever by Brian BullockGet AudioBooks for Free⁠We Need Your Love & Support ❤️https://buymeacoffee.com/myinspiration#Motivational_Speech#motivation #inspirational_quotes #motivationalspeech Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Did you know that “Repentance” is not God's punishment — it's His invitation. It's not Him shouting, “I'm done with you,” but whispering, “Come home.”For too long, the word repent has sounded like a threat, but it's actually the sound of freedom. The Greek word metanoia means “to change your mind.” It's not simply apologizing; it's deciding, “I don't want death anymore — I want life.”Sin isn't just bad behavior; it's bad direction. And repentance is the U-turn of grace.Years ago, I could quote Scripture but not always live it with my words. My grandfather had taught me to fight with my mouth, and I brought that same fire into marriage. One night, after a heated argument, Michelle looked at me and said, “Matthew, your words still carry a sword — but not the Spirit.”The Holy Spirit spoke immediately: “This is repentance — not feeling sorry, but letting Me rebuild what pride keeps breaking.”That moment broke me. I realized repentance isn't God humiliating us — it's God healing us. When you turn around, you don't run into judgment; you run into mercy.2 Corinthians 7:10 says, “Godly sorrow produces repentance that leads to salvation without regret.” Worldly sorrow says, “I feel bad I got caught.” Godly sorrow says, “I can't stand being away from You.”That's what salvation starts with — a heart that says, “I've had enough of running.”Here's the truth: sin always leads to death. The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death.” But repentance opens the door to the greatest exchange in history — “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”That's why Jesus came. He didn't die to make you religious; He died to make you free. On the cross, He took every sin, every shame, every regret — and when He said “It is finished,” He meant it.You can't earn that forgiveness. You can't deserve it. You simply receive it.

Religion says, “Do better.”Grace says, “It's done.”We live in a culture addicted to performance — grades, promotions, followers, results. The world teaches us that our worth depends on what we produce. When that mentality seeps into faith, it strangles grace.Since Eden, humanity has tried to earn what only Heaven can give. Every false religion repeats the same lie: “If I can climb high enough or behave well enough, God will finally accept me.”But the Gospel obliterates that lie.Grace doesn't climb to God — grace comes down to man.OUR SPRINGBOARD FOR TODAY'S DISCUSSION IS:

We live in an age where truth is treated like an opinion—where culture says, “You have your truth, I have mine.”But truth isn't customizable.It's constant.It's a Person.Jesus shattered relativism with one declaration that still splits history in half:“I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” — John 14:6 (ESV)I've watched people chase every path—meditation retreats, self-help empires, “finding themselves” in Bali.Every road promised peace. None delivered.Because peace isn't found at the end of a journey—it's found in a Person who already made the journey for us.Our Springboard for Today's Discussion Is:“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life.No one comes to the Father except through me.'”— John 14:6 (ESV)TeachingJesus didn't give directions to Heaven—He became the Direction.He didn't offer advice—He offered Himself.He's not a way among many; He's the Way through the wilderness.This is why Christianity is not “one of many paths.”It's the only path that leads from death to life.Personal ResurrectionI know this because I tried the other paths.I thought I could build a good life on my own terms—shallow roots, sharp tongue, quick temper.I fought with words the way my grandfather taught me: to win, not to heal.That path was leading me straight into a tomb.I would lose Michelle.I would lose my kids.I would lose myself.But Jesus didn't leave me there.He didn't say, “Try harder.”He said, “Follow Me.”When I finally stopped running and let Him be the Way, the Truth, and the Life—not just words on a page, but the living God shaping my daily choices—everything changed.The same power that raised Him from the dead raised my marriage, my family, my purpose.That's not theory. That's resurrection reality.If He can resurrect what I destroyed, He can resurrect anything.THE WAYWhen Jesus says He's the Way, He's not talking about a map—He's talking about Himself.Humanity doesn't need better directions; we need a divine Driver.The world says there are many roads.But Jesus is the only bridge.Sin built the canyon; His Cross became the crossing.THE TRUTHTruth isn't a philosophy; it's a Person.Culture changes every decade.Christ never changes.Truth doesn't evolve with culture—it transforms it.Our job isn't to edit Jesus—it's to echo Him.THE LIFEWithout Him, existence is just survival dressed up as success.With Him, even the grave loses its grip.He doesn't just improve your life—He is your life.He doesn't just restore breath—He gives purpose to every breath.Handling the Hard TruthNow hear me: the Gospel's exclusivity isn't God's rejection—it's His invitation.The door is narrow, but it's open to anyone.The Way is single, but it's sufficient for all.I've been called intolerant for saying Jesus is the only way.I've been told I'm being exclusive.But I'm not excluding anyone—Jesus opened the invitation to everyone.The Cross was open-armed.The Tomb was open for all.The only exclusion is self-exclusion—when someone walks away from the only Door that leads to life.We live in a world that calls conviction hate and compromise love.But Jesus didn't come to win popularity—He came to win souls.The truth doesn't bend to culture; it redeems it.Daily ActionAsk yourself:Have I made Jesus my map—or my Master?Am I following the crowd or following the Cross?Today, choose the narrow Way, even if it costs you comfort.Practice* Read John 14:6 and Acts 4:12 aloud. Let them settle into your spirit.* Write down every “alternate way” you've tried—self-reliance, success, approval—and surrender them to Christ.* Tell one person this week how Jesus became your Way, your Truth, your Life.Challenge of the WeekStop editing Jesus to fit culture.Echo Him to transform it.There's only one Way—and His name is still enough.PrayerFather, thank You for sending Your Son to be the Way when I was lost,the Truth when I was confused,and the Life when I was dead inside.Forgive me for chasing counterfeit paths.Lead me in the narrow way that brings freedom, peace, and purpose.Let my life prove that Your truth still saves, still heals, still reigns.In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.The world doesn't need another opinion.It needs the Truth with a name: Jesus.And He's not up for debate.Let's Get To Work!

If the Cross was the price, the Empty Tomb was the proof.Without the Resurrection, we'd have a martyr.With it—we have a Messiah.Picture that tomb.Three days of silence.Soldiers standing guard over a corpse.Religion celebrating its victory.Then—one breath.Light splits the grave.Stone shatters.The Lamb walks out as a Lion.Death itself loses jurisdiction.This is the hinge of human history—where sin met its match and death met its defeat. Jesus didn't just die for sin; He crushed the serpent's head and broke the back of the grave. Everything changes from this moment on. The Cross paid the debt—but the Tomb proved the payment cleared.Our Springboard for Today's Discussion Is:“We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him.”— Romans 6:9 (ESV)TeachingWhen Jesus cried, “It is finished,” Hell heard its own death sentence.But when the stone rolled away, Heaven announced its victory anthem.For three days, silence filled the tomb.Soldiers guarded it.Religion mocked it.Darkness celebrated.Then, with one breath, everything changed.Light split the grave.Breath filled His lungs.The Lamb stood as a Lion—and history tilted forever.That same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in you. (Romans 8:11)That means resurrection power isn't just a story—it's a strategy for daily living.You were never meant to live as a prisoner of yesterday when the stone has already been rolled away.It means your past is not permanent.It means your failures don't get the final word.It means no situation—no sin, no shame, no sickness, no sorrow—is beyond His reach.Personal ResurrectionI know this because I've lived it.My roots were shallow. When triggers came, I fought with words the way my grandfather taught me—to attack, belittle, and win. That pattern cost me everything: my closeness with Christ, my marriage to Michelle, my relationship with my three kids, and the friendships that once anchored me.I was alive on the outside but dead in every way that mattered.But God didn't leave me in that tomb. He met me in the rubble of my pride and said, “Stop. Slow your roll. Don't let Satan get a foothold.”That whisper became the spark of resurrection.The same power that raised Jesus from the dead began raising me—from anger to humility, from control to surrender, from religion to relationship. God resurrected my marriage, rebuilt my family, and restored my purpose.If He can breathe life into what I destroyed, He can resurrect anything in your life too.Living in the Power of the Empty TombResurrection isn't just a past event—it's a present reality.It means you don't fight for victory; you fight from it.It means when guilt whispers, “You'll never change,” the empty tomb answers, “Watch Me.”It means when fear tells you, “You'll never make it,” the risen Christ declares, “I already did.”Stop living like it's Friday when Sunday already happened.The grave is empty—and so is your excuse to stay defeated.Daily ActionAsk yourself today:What tomb have I been guarding?What part of my life have I labeled “too dead for God to move”?Then pray this simple but dangerous prayer:“Lord, roll away the stone.Breathe life into what I've buried.”Practice* Read Romans 8:11 out loud every morning this week.* Write down one “dead place” in your life and invite Jesus to resurrect it.* Share your story—even one piece of it—with someone who needs to hear hope is real.Challenge of the WeekLive like Sunday happened.Speak like Sunday happened.Forgive like Sunday happened.Love like Sunday happened.Because it did.PrayerFather, thank You for the Cross that paid my debt and the Empty Tomb that sealed my freedom.Help me live like resurrection power truly abides in me.Breathe life into every place I've given up on—every broken relationship, every failed dream, every sin that still whispers shame.Let Your victory become my identity.I don't live under a sentence—I live under a sunrise.In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.Remember: The tomb is empty. So is your excuse to stay defeated.Let's Get To Work!

Every story of redemption bleeds. From Genesis to Revelation, the theme is the same: sin brings death, but God provides a substitute. In Eden, He clothed Adam and Eve with the skin of a sacrifice. In Exodus, a lamb's blood on the doorposts saved Israel's firstborn. But at the Jordan River, John the Baptist pointed and declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”For centuries, people had brought their lambs to God. That day, God brought His Lamb to the people.Jesus wasn't a victim of Rome or religion. He was the willing substitute. Isaiah 53 says, “He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities.” The cross wasn't an accident — it was an altar.Sin demanded justice. Love supplied Jesus. When He hung there, He absorbed every ounce of wrath that should've been ours. Every sin, every shame, every secret — nailed, judged, and finished.You don't need to carry guilt another day. Grace doesn't deny your sin; it declares it paid in full. The Lamb of God didn't just cover sin temporarily — He canceled it eternally.So when you stumble, don't hide in shame. Run to the Lamb. He's not surprised; He's already paid.

Before the manger, before Bethlehem, before “Silent Night,” there was eternity — and in that eternity, the Word already existed. John 1:1 declares: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”The Incarnation isn't a sentimental Christmas story; it's a strategic rescue operation. The Creator stepped into His own creation, not as a King demanding tribute, but as a servant offering redemption. Think about that. The God who sculpted galaxies took on skin, lungs, a heartbeat. He entered our world through the frailty of a newborn, crying in a manger He created.Why? Because love demanded proximity. You can't redeem what you refuse to touch. Humanity's problem was separation — sin built the wall, and only divinity wrapped in humanity could tear it down. Jesus didn't come as a tourist; He came as a resident, moving into our neighborhood to change it from the inside out.Philippians 2 tells us that Jesus “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.” The One who commanded angels learned obedience through suffering. He traded Heaven's throne for a carpenter's bench. He who knew no limits submitted to time and pain.And because He became flesh, He knows you. He's felt hunger, exhaustion, loneliness, betrayal. He wept. He rejoiced. He was misunderstood. Every ache in your heart has an echo in His story.That's what makes the Incarnation miraculous — not just that God became man, but that He understands man. He gets your struggle, your fear, your frustration. He doesn't look down from Heaven; He looks out from beside you.When life feels cold and distant, remember: God once walked under the same sun, breathed the same air, and carried a cross up a real hill. He knows what it means to be human — and He did it perfectly so that you could finally be free.This isn't abstract theology; it's divine intimacy. The Word became flesh — so the Word could dwell within you.

Everything about your life — your peace, your purpose, your eternity — hinges on one question: Who is Jesus Christ?Not “Who is He to culture?” Not “Who was He in history?” But Who is He to you?Every generation must face this question. Some call Him a revolutionary. Others, a moral teacher. Still others, a myth. But Jesus never gave humanity that option. He claimed divinity. He forgave sins. He accepted worship. He healed the sick and raised the dead — and then declared, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:58).That statement shook history. Because “I AM” was the personal covenant name of God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3. Jesus didn't claim to be like God; He claimed to be God. That's not a small distinction — it's the entire dividing line between truth and blasphemy, between salvation and delusion.If Jesus is who He said He is, then every other belief system collapses before Him. You can't simply add Him to your list of spiritual influencers. You either crown Him Lord of all, or you deny Him altogether. There is no middle ground.Colossians 1:15-17 tells us:“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created… and in Him all things hold together.”That means the voice that spoke galaxies into motion is the same voice that calls your name today. The One who formed the oceans also formed your heart — and He's not distant, He's personal.When you look at Jesus, you're seeing what God looks like in human form. His compassion shows you the Father's heart. His authority shows you Heaven's power. His sacrifice shows you divine love with skin on.Let me say it plainly: Jesus is not an accessory to your faith. He is your faith. Every doctrine, every promise, every victory flows from Him.We live in a time when people want a customizable Christ — a Jesus who fits their politics, preferences, or feelings. But the real Jesus doesn't fit inside human molds. He breaks them. He overturns tables. He comforts sinners but never condones sin. He calls you higher, not because He's demanding, but because He's holy.Knowing who Jesus is means you stop negotiating truth and start living it. It changes the way you love your family, make decisions, and view eternity. When Jesus becomes Lord, your priorities realign. Your fear loses its grip. Your faith finds its foundation.And let's get practical — knowing Jesus isn't an intellectual exercise; it's a relational pursuit. You don't “study” Him like a historical figure; you walk with Him as a living Savior. You talk to Him while folding laundry, while driving, while facing decisions. He's not a theology to memorize — He's a Person to know, love, and follow.When you truly know Him, religion fades and relationship flourishes. You start hearing His voice in the noise of life — the same voice that spoke stars into being now whispers peace into your storms.

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) — “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”My precious daughter,Before the world named you, I called you Mine. Before you ever felt overlooked, I chose you. Before you faced your hardest battle, I equipped you for victory. Every season of your life — every joy, every tear, every hidden place — has been part of a greater plan.You were made for this. Not because you're fearless, but because I am faithful. The same power that spoke galaxies into motion now lives within you. You carry My Spirit, My wisdom, and My authority wherever you go.The world tries to convince you that you're behind. But I say you're right on schedule. I have not forgotten you; I've been forming you. The delay wasn't punishment — it was preparation. I've been strengthening your roots so that when I bring fruit, it lasts.Do not despise the season of small things. Hiddenness is not insignificance — it's incubation. Every seed that bears eternal fruit begins buried in darkness before it breaks through into light.When fear tells you that you're not enough, remind it Who called you. When shame whispers, “You've failed too much,” point to the cross that silenced every accusation. When weariness weighs on your heart, come to Me — I am your rest, your strength, your reason to rise again.Daughter, you are not here to survive culture; you are here to shift it. You are not a background character; you are part of My front line. Your words carry creative power. Your prayers open spiritual gates. Your obedience moves Heaven.Lift your eyes. The field before you is white for harvest. I have placed people in your path who need what you carry — My hope, My truth, My love. Don't wait for perfect conditions; start right where you are.When the road feels heavy, remember: I never asked you to carry it alone. I am the strength behind your surrender. I am the peace within your perseverance. I am the joy that will outlast every sorrow.Walk boldly, daughter. Speak truth with grace. Love deeply. Forgive quickly. And never forget — you are My workmanship, My masterpiece, My messenger to this generation.You were made for this.With everlasting love,Your FatherLet's Get To Work!Thanks for reading My Reasons To Believe! This post is public so feel free to share it.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Every woman of God carries two mantles — nurturer and guardian. You cultivate love, but you also defend holiness. You set the spiritual thermostat of your home. And the atmosphere of your house will rarely rise above the atmosphere of your heart.Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Vigilance means watchfulness — the kind of attention a soldier gives to a fortress wall. That's what your heart is: a living stronghold where God's Spirit dwells.The enemy knows if he can contaminate the heart, he can contaminate the home. That's why his first target isn't your marriage or your finances — it's your peace. If he can steal peace, everything else collapses.Guarding your heart and home isn't about fear; it's about discernment. It's asking, “Holy Spirit, what doesn't belong here?” Maybe it's a TV show that normalizes sin, a friendship that fuels negativity, or an attitude of constant complaint. Peace doesn't survive in polluted air — it must be protected.As the gatekeeper, you decide what comes through the door. Worship invites angels. Gossip invites oppression. Gratitude invites God's presence. You can't always control what enters, but you can command what stays.Start by cleansing your heart. Unforgiveness, jealousy, pride — they all leave cracks in the wall. Confess quickly, forgive freely, and fill your home with the sound of praise. When the Word of God is spoken in your house, demons lose their footing.Guarding your home also means teaching your children spiritual boundaries — not out of control but out of covenant. Guard the dinner table. Guard your tone. Guard what voices are allowed to teach your family's values.Peace isn't the absence of chaos; it's the authority of Christ reigning in your space. You don't have to wait for calm circumstances to experience peace — you simply need to enforce Heaven's order in your home.

The world measures greatness by how many people serve you. Heaven measures it by how many you serve.Jesus flipped the definition of success upside-down when He said, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45). That means true greatness doesn't come from applause or platform — it comes from availability.Some of the most powerful women in the Kingdom will never have a stage or a microphone. Their ministry happens in living rooms, classrooms, kitchens, and quiet moments when no one but God is watching. And make no mistake — Heaven is always watching. Every meal you cook with love, every prayer whispered in faith, every encouraging word sown into a discouraged heart — these are eternal seeds, invisible now, but destined to bloom forever.The enemy hates servants because servants look like Jesus. When you choose to love in secret, to help when it costs you time or comfort, you mirror the heart of your Savior. Service is not weakness; it's warfare. It dethrones pride, crushes selfishness, and advances the Kingdom one small act at a time.But let's be honest — serving is not always glamorous. Sometimes it's lonely. Sometimes it feels like nobody notices. You work, you pour out, you give, and it seems like no one says thank you. Yet Jesus said, “Your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4). That's His promise. Every unseen act becomes treasure stored in Heaven.So, what does legacy through service really mean? It means your life becomes a bridge others walk across to meet Christ. It means your children grow up remembering your faith more than your frustration. It means the atmosphere of your home preaches louder than any sermon you'll ever give.Sisters, stop disqualifying what God calls holy. Don't tell yourself, “I'm just a mom,” or, “I'm just a helper.” There's no “just” in the Kingdom. When you wipe tears, Heaven records it. When you give generously, angels deliver it. When you forgive instead of retaliating, demons flee.God will not forget your labor of love. (Hebrews 6:10) Even when others overlook it, He is weaving it into a story of redemption that will outlive you.So, wherever you are — a home, a cubicle, a ministry, or a battlefield — serve like the Son of God is your supervisor. Because He is.

We are living in an age that mocks conviction and celebrates compromise. If you dare to speak biblical truth, you'll be called intolerant. If you stand for righteousness, you'll be labeled judgmental. And if you live with purity and purpose, you'll be accused of being “religious.” But God is raising up women who will not bow to that pressure—women who will live boldly in a generation that's lost its backbone.Let's call this what it is: spiritual warfare. The enemy has convinced too many believers that faith should stay quiet, polite, and private. But the same Spirit that filled Deborah when she led an army, that empowered Esther when she faced a king, and that strengthened Mary when she carried the Messiah—that same Spirit now lives in you.Bold faith doesn't mean you never feel fear; it means you don't obey it. It's not the absence of trembling—it's the decision to stand firm while trembling. Courage is not confidence in yourself; it's confidence in the One who called you.Joshua 1:9 declares, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” God didn't say, “Try to feel brave.” He said, “Be strong.” Why? Because strength isn't a mood—it's a mindset anchored in His presence.The truth is, faith without boldness is faith that stays buried. The early church didn't pray for comfort; they prayed for courage. When Peter and John were threatened for preaching the gospel, Acts 4:29 records their prayer: “Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness.” The result? The place where they prayed was shaken. That's the kind of faith Heaven responds to.So, what does bold faith look like for you, right now?Maybe it's refusing to laugh at that crude joke at work. Maybe it's praying publicly with your children before a meal. Maybe it's confronting a friend in love who's drifting from truth. Maybe it's sharing your testimony when everything in you wants to stay invisible.Bold faith says, “I'd rather be misunderstood by men than disobedient to God.”We need modern-day Esthers—women who understand that influence is for intercession, not image. Esther didn't post a hashtag; she risked her life. She didn't ask for applause; she asked for favor. And when the moment came, she stood before a king with trembling hands and an unshakable heart. Her boldness saved a nation.We need women like Deborah, who didn't wait for permission to lead. She heard from God, stood up in her assignment, and called men back to the battle they'd abandoned. Deborah's strength wasn't rebellion—it was revelation. She didn't dominate; she activated.And we need women like Mary, who said yes when the world would never understand. Her obedience birthed salvation itself. Imagine that—history changed because a teenage girl believed that God's Word outweighed her reputation.Here's the truth: timid Christianity has never changed the world. God never called you to be “nice”; He called you to be holy. The cross wasn't comfortable. The gospel isn't convenient. But it's worth everything.Your faith will always look foolish to those who worship comfort. Noah looked crazy until it rained. Moses looked defiant until the sea split. Rahab looked reckless until Jericho fell. And every woman walking in obedience today will look “too much” until Heaven vindicates her.That's what bold faith does—it offends hell and inspires Heaven.Sisters, the next generation needs to see women who won't compromise truth to be liked. Your daughters and granddaughters are watching. They need examples of women who don't chase trends—they chase transformation. Who don't crumble under pressure—they pray through it. Who don't echo culture—they correct it in love.And make no mistake—bold faith doesn't mean brashness. It's not pride dressed up as passion. It's humility on fire. It's grace with grit. Jesus was both the Lion and the Lamb; you're called to carry both. Boldness without love is noise. But love without boldness is powerless. The two together? Unstoppable.So, wherever you stand today—at work, at home, or online—remember: you are an ambassador of Heaven. When you speak, the Kingdom advances. When you pray, strongholds tremble. When you walk in obedience, hell loses ground.

Interview with Dr. Kirk Adams, founder of Initiatives Impact LLC. Listen to Dr. Adams share information of his life and career journey, talk about the purpose of his company and his work with training and employing blind people as Cyber Security Analysts. To learn more about the training visit: www.theapexprogram.com

Special thanks to Chris Williamson.https://bit.ly/MotivationDaily_Mindset

The Bible is not ink on a page—it's oxygen for your soul. Yet too many believers nibble on devotionals instead of feasting on the Word itself. Listen closely: you cannot live in victory while starving spiritually.Joshua 1:8 says, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night.” Meditate doesn't mean skim—it means marinate. Let the Word soak so deeply that it flavors your thinking, speech, and decisions.Sisters, you don't need to be a theologian to be transformed by the Word. You just need consistency. Ten minutes daily with an open Bible and open heart can do more than ten sermons without application.When women stay rooted in Scripture, their discernment sharpens. Lies lose their grip. Emotions find stability. Temptation loses its appeal. You can't be deceived by culture when truth lives loud inside you.Every great revival in history began when ordinary people picked up their Bibles and decided to actually obey them. That can start in your living room today.So, open it—not just when you're desperate, but when you're devoted. Highlight promises. Journal insights. Pray verses aloud. Memorize one passage a week and watch how it changes your reflexes in crisis.

Let's face it—modern womanhood can feel like juggling fire. Wife, mother, employee, daughter, friend, ministry leader—each role demanding, “Be everything, all the time.” The culture applauds burnout as ambition. But God calls you to balance, not burnout. His Word never told you to be superwoman—He told you to be surrendered.Biblical balance is not about equal time; it's about divine order. God first. Family second. Mission third. Everything else finds rhythm under those priorities. The Proverbs 31 woman wasn't a robot—she was a woman who knew what to say yes to because she had already said yes to God.Balance begins in the quiet moments. Before the day shouts its demands, the Spirit whispers its direction. Your peace doesn't come from a perfect planner—it comes from a perfect Shepherd. Psalm 23 isn't theory; it's strategy. He makes you lie down. He restores your soul. And when your soul is restored, your schedule will finally make sense.Hear me clearly: exhaustion is not a fruit of the Spirit. You don't prove your worth by how many plates you spin; you reflect your faith by how fully you trust the One who keeps them spinning. Sometimes balance means saying no to something good so you can say yes to something God.If the enemy can't destroy your home, he'll distract it. He'll overload your calendar until intimacy disappears. Guard your time like you guard your family—it's holy ground.

James 2:14-26. In this message we explore one of the most debated topics in church history: faith and works. From Martin Luther's bold stand at Wittenberg to James' challenge to believers, we'll wrestle with timeless questions: Is faith enough? Do works matter? And what does a living faith really look like? Join us as we dive deep into Scripture to rediscover that we are saved by grace alone through faith, yet that very faith should move us to action. Because faith without works is dead—and a living faith changes lives.For upcoming events and important announcements at Skyline, visit our Facebook page for the latest details!If you'd like to check out more resources, get to know Skyline Church, or donate to our ministry and missions please visit www.skylineofallon.com. Don't forget to leave us a review and subscribe to have our Sunday message downloaded straight to your phone each week!

Let's get real—most women are starving for real connection in a world obsessed with performance. We scroll through “friends,” “followers,” and “likes,” yet rarely find the kind of soul-level relationships that build our faith instead of drain it. The Bible paints a better picture—one where women lift each other up, pray each other through, and call each other higher.Friendship and mentorship aren't optional in the Kingdom—they're God's design.Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Translation? The right relationships will refine you, not just reassure you. You don't grow stronger surrounded by people who only tell you what you want to hear. You grow surrounded by people who love you enough to tell you the truth, pray when you're struggling, and celebrate when you rise.True sisterhood doesn't gossip—it guards. It doesn't compete—it completes. A godly friend will stand with you in battle and stand for you in prayer. And mentorship? That's just discipleship with a face and a name. Titus 2 gives us a clear call: older women should train the younger to walk in godliness. That's not just a church policy—it's a generational mandate.The world says, “You do you.”Heaven says, “We do this together.”Some of you listening have been burned by betrayal. You've opened your heart and watched it be mishandled. Hear me—God can redeem that. Don't let wounds make you a lone warrior. The enemy wants isolated believers because isolated believers are easy to pick off. A woman who's covered in community is a fortress.Mentorship is not about superiority—it's about stewardship. What God has taught you was never meant to stop with you. The scars you've survived can be the map another woman needs to find healing. You don't need a stage—just a coffee table, an open Bible, and a willing heart.And to the younger women listening—don't confuse independence with maturity. You need voices who've gone before you. Lean in. Ask questions. Let their victories shorten your learning curve.

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV) — “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”My beloved daughter,I saw you before you saw yourself this morning—eyes heavy, schedule full, heart already calculating a hundred quiet sacrifices no one will notice. I noticed. I watched you choose gentleness where irritation felt easier. I heard the prayer you whispered while folding laundry, the worship you hummed between errands. Nothing you offer in love is small to Me. I count it all, and I convert it all into eternal weight and legacy.The world tried to rename you—too much, too emotional, too soft. I named you before the world spoke: Mine. I formed you with a strength that confuses darkness because it doesn't strut; it serves. The enemy calls your tears weakness; I call them intercession. He calls your kindness naivety; I call it courage under My command. He calls your surrender defeat; I call it alignment with the Lord of Hosts.Daughter, you do not have to become louder to be powerful. You do not have to harden to be safe. Walk with Me, and I will make your softness a shield and your tenderness a sword. When you forgive, you plunder hell. When you bless your home, you build walls the enemy cannot scale. When you lift your eyes to Me, I lift the burdens you thought you had to carry alone.I am with you in the car line, the meeting, the kitchen, the midnight watch. I am not embarrassed by your exhaustion; I am moved by it. Bring it to Me. Trade your heaviness for My rest. Ask Me for wisdom, and I will pour it out generously. Ask Me for timing, and I will order your steps. Ask Me for courage, and I will clothe you with strength and dignity so you can laugh at the days to come.You are My strategy in this generation—a living sermon of grace and grit. Do not apologize for your design; it reflects My image. Stand tall. Speak life. Guard your heart. Keep your lamp full. I am proud of you—not because you never stumble, but because you keep reaching for My hand. And My hand, daughter, will not let you go.With unending love,Your FatherLet's Get To Work!Thanks for reading My Reasons To Believe! This post is public so feel free to share it.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

TODAY'S LESSONYou're not just raising girls; you're shaping generations. The loudest sermons your daughters will ever hear are the ones they watch you live—how you talk about people in private, how you handle disappointment, how you return to the Word when emotions run hot. Proverbs tells us, “Train up a child in the way he should go.” (22:6). Training isn't lecturing; it's modeling and practicing—repeatedly.Give them language for God's presence: “Let's ask Jesus together.” Turn anxiety moments into prayer labs. Let them catch you worshiping when no one's watching. Read Scripture at the table and ask questions that spark discovery: “What does this show us about God? What can we obey today?” Celebrate obedience more than performance. Correct with dignity, not shaming. Give them a vision for femininity that is strong, holy, and joy-filled—not reactionary to culture, but radiant under King Jesus.And for spiritual daughters—young women in your church or circle—offer mentorship. Invite them to serve beside you. Tell them stories of God's faithfulness. Give them opportunities to lead and fail forward in safety. Daughters rise when mothers and mentors lift.

Get AudioBooks for FreeBest Self-improvement MotivationGet to Work | One of the Best Motivational Speeches by Brian BullockStop waiting and start doing. Brian Bullock delivers one of the best motivational speeches to inspire action, discipline, and unstoppable success!Get AudioBooks for Free⁠We Need Your Love & Support ❤️https://buymeacoffee.com/myinspiration#Motivational_Speech#motivation #inspirational_quotes #motivationalspeech Get AudioBooks for Free Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

TODAY'S LESSONControl is comforting—until it collapses. Then it becomes a cruel taskmaster. Many women shoulder the weight of everyone's outcomes and wonder why the joy leaks out. Scripture hands you a better yoke: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). Stillness isn't inactivity; it's inner agreement that God is better at being God than you are.Surrender is not spiritual laziness; it's strategic trust. It's saying, “Lord, I will act in obedience and rest in Your sovereignty.” The surrendered woman still plans, works, and leads—but she refuses the idolatry of control. She doesn't micro-manage her husband into passivity or her kids into rebellion. She prays, sets godly boundaries, and lets the Holy Spirit do the heavy lifting of changing hearts.Let's flip the script: what if the miracle you're asking for is waiting on the surrender you've been avoiding? Open your hands. Release that timeline. Lay down the “how.” When you move from clenched fists to raised hands, peace rushes in. God hasn't asked you to be the Messiah of your home—He's asked you to be His messenger in your home.

In this episode, Eddie Pinero explores Robin Sharma's powerful idea: “You can be distracted, or you can do incredible things, but you can't do both.” In a world built to steal your attention, focus has become a superpower. Eddie breaks down how distraction quietly erodes dreams, why clarity requires saying no more often, and how to protect your focus like it's sacred. This is a reminder that greatness isn't found in doing more, it's found in doing what matters, with undivided attention.Go see the limited restock of my AG/NS Quarter Zip; https://www.agns.lifestyle/products/mens-1-4-zipEvery hero needs a cape! Check out AG/NS; https://www.agns.lifestyle/collections/allMore from Eddie Pinero:Monday Motivation Newsletter: https://www.eddiepinero.com/newsletterYour World Within Podcast: https://yourworldwithin.libsyn.com/Stream these tracks on Spotify - https://spoti.fi/2BLf6pBInstagram - @your_world_within and @IamEddiePineroTikTok - your_world_withinFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/YourworldwithinTwitter - https://www.twitter.com/IamEddiePineroBusiness Inquiries - http://www.yourworldwithin.com/contact#liveinspired #yourworldwithin #motivation

There are some business people who have a hard time getting over their self-impressed pretense. Maybe they got their online MBA, and now think they have what it takes. Maybe they've watched too many YouTube business gurus instead of doing the work. Whatever it is, there definitely is a CEO-LARP culture.