Podcasts about Hagar

We meet Isaac and Ishmael, the first two sons of Abraham. Abraham and Sarah, desperate for a child, take matters into their own hands and conceive a son, Ishmael, through Sarah's maidservant Hagar. However, God confirms that His covenant promises will be fulfilled through Isaac, the son born to Abraham and Sarah. As Isaac grows, he becomes the embodiment of God's promises, and Abraham's faith is tested when God commands him to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham's unwavering trust in God's faithfulness is revealed as he demonstrates obedience to God's command.Bible ReadingsGenesis 16:1-15Genesis 17:15-22Genesis 22:1-18Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://bibli...

This week, we had the privilege of hearing a powerful message from a dear friend of City Central, Pastor Charlie Sweet as he reminded us to never stand down when God leads us into wilderness seasons. Through Elijah and Hagar, we see that God may allow the brook to dry up or the desert to surround us, yet He is still present, sustaining, and shaping purpose in the silence. What feels like loss or delay is often God's way of awakening faith, revealing His care, and preparing us for greater glory.

In this Bible Story, after decades of waiting, Abraham and Sarah have a son named Isaac. Hagar and Ishmael are sent into the wilderness and God saves them. This story is inspired by Genesis 21:8-21. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year. Today's Bible verse is Genesis 21:22 from the King James Version. Episode 15: The promised son Isaac is finally born! In joy, Abraham and Sarah laugh over the amazement of their situation. And when the boy is old enough to be weaned, Abraham gives a feast in his honor! However, Ishmael, Abraham's son by Hagar, is displeased, causing strife between Sarah and Ishmael, leading to Hagar and her son being sent away. But, even in their exile, God would not abandon them. Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham. Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living. Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store. Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max Bard Producer: Ben Gammon Hosted by: Pastor Jack Graham Music by: Andrew Morgan Smith Bible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From “In the Beginning” to Amen // Used, Abused, Abandoned but Not Forgotten  HagarGenesis 16:3-13 Used/Despising Genesis 16:4 NLT “So, Abram had sexual relations with Hagar, and she became pregnant. But when Hagar knew she was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress, Sarai, with contempt.” Abused - MistreatmentGenesis 16:6 NLT“Abram replied, ‘Look, she is your servant, so deal with her as you see fit.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she finally ran away.'” Abandoned In light of the contempt, Sarai gets sick of it. Abram gets sick of hearing about it, and the thing continues to be a big mess. Abram says to Sarai… “Do as you see fit,” in essence washing his hands of the story. Hagar now gets shipped off to the wilderness with very limited resource. But Not Forgotten·     God heard the boy crying and heard Hagar's affliction and her pain.·     God is near to the brokenhearted and comes close to those who are crushed in spirit.·     God provides and promises to bless Ishmael and his inheritance  TamarGenesis 38:6-30 Used/AbusedWicked husbands - Second son, particularly… wants the sex but not the responsibility AbandonedSent away from the household of Judah to her own parents' house under the ruse of waiting for the third son, which Judah had no intention of giving. Tamar has a ‘black-widow' label attached to her. She has become the one at fault… not the evil brothers. ·     Tamar is put on parade in front of the people and about to be burned for her ‘sin'. Alone…  But Not ForgottenShe is named in the lineage of Jesus… Out of the scandal and mess of Judah's life comes the reminder that in God's time, he will work his purposes.... Who would have thought that from the union of Judah and Tamar, we would have the line of Jesus… God is out to redeem lives, not just condemn lives!  JosephGenesis 37:1-36, 39:1-50:26 USEDInterpreted dreams and immediately forgotten AbusedStripped of his Robe, his reminder that he was loved·     Thrown in a pit·     Sold to the Ishmaelite traders·     Sold as a slave in Egypt Abandoned·     Joseph is falsely accused of attempted rape by Potiphar's wife after he refused to sin against God.·     Based on these lies, his master abandoned him to a royal prison.·     Forgotten by Others: Even after helping the cupbearer in prison, he was forgotten for years.  But Not Forgotten·     The phrase "The Lord was with Joseph” appears repeatedly in Genesis 39, highlighting God's constant companionship even in the pit and the prison.·     God granted Joseph favor with his captors and success in his tasks, even in slavery and prison.·     There is Purpose in Pain: God used these trials to build Joseph's character and prepare him for his future role in saving Egypt and his family from famine, demonstrating that what was intended for harm, God used for good.   

When we think of someone with a good attitude, Abraham's wife Sarah is probably not the first person who comes to mind. We might think of her arguments with Abraham, how she laughed at God's good news, her harsh dealings with Hagar, how she lied to Pharaoh. But in 1 Peter 3, Peter commends Sarah as a model for all women for her “quiet and meek spirit.” What happened in Sarah's life to turn this feisty, contentious, rebel of a woman into God's royal princess?In this message, Jill teaches us about Sarah's life—her shortcomings and how God turned this rebel into royalty—and how giving God control in our own lives can transform our attitudes like it did for Sarah. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1141/29?v=20251111

In this powerful episode, KB sits down with Amber Hodges, a former high school English teacher and author who shares her transformative journey of studying the 175+ women in the Bible. What began as a simple prompting from God turned into a four-and-a-half-year deep dive that changed everything Amber understood about her identity as a daughter of God. From discovering that Eve was called an "Ezer"—a military partner, not an assistant—to learning about Dorcas, whose small acts of service impacted an entire town, Amber reveals how these ancient stories hold profound truths for modern women. She unpacks how God seeks out His daughters, meets them where they are, and values them as equal partners in His work.This conversation explores themes of forgiveness, identity, worth beyond mistakes, and the power of faithful obedience in small things. Amber shares insights on the woman taken in adultery (who gets to be more than her sin), Hagar (who named God "El Roi—the God who sees me"), and Abigail (the peacemaker who stopped a war). Whether you've felt insignificant in your sphere of influence or struggled to forgive yourself for past mistakes, this episode is a beautiful reminder that God's perfect love for you is unchanging—and that your worth is not hinging on your flaws. Amber's passion for sharing these truths will inspire you to dig deeper into Scripture and discover the personal love God has for you.Reach out to KB on Instagram and share your thoughts. Find Amber at @amberjohodges on Instagram.

In week three of our Pray First series, Pastor Matt walks through Genesis 16 and 21 to reveal a God who meets people in their most vulnerable moments. Through the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we see that God is not distant or indifferent, but deeply attentive to the woman in distress and the child in the womb. We are reminded that every human life bears God's image and has inherent worth from the very beginning. As a church, we have a responsibility as the people of God to support our most vulnerable neighbors.

Saturday, 17 January 2026   And He sent away the multitude, got into the boat, and came to the region of Magdala. Matthew 15:39   Note: You can listen to today's commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)   You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).   “And having dismissed the crowds, He in-stepped into the boat, and He came to the borders of Magdala” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that there were four thousand men, besides women and children, who comprised the multitudes Jesus fed. With that portion of the narrative complete, and to close out the chapter, Matthew next notes, “And having dismissed the crowds, He in-stepped into the boat.”   They have been on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. With this cycle of attending to a Gentile woman in the allotments of Tyre and Sidon noted, followed by a time in the Gentile-led eastern regions near the Decapolis completed, He got into a boat, “and He came to the borders of Magdala.”   This is a location not named this way anywhere else in Scripture. Some manuscripts note the location as Magadan, meaning Megiddo, but that is incorrect based on Matthew 16:5, which notes they are still in the region of the lake. Rather, the town Magdala in Hebrew is Migdal-el, Tower of God, a city of Naphtali recorded in Joshua 19:38.   This is also known as Al-Majdal (Mejdel) on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, north of Tiberias. Mark 8:10 notes that when they got in the boat, they came to the allotments of Dalmanutha. Saying it this way, there is no contradiction to be found. Just as Jesus went to the “allotments” of Tyre and Sidon, meaning the surrounding areas, in Matthew 15:21, so they went to Magdala in the allotments, meaning the surrounding areas, of Dalmanutha.   Life application: Chapter 15 of Matthew gives a picture of what is going on in the world from the time Jesus fulfilled the law until the rapture. The verses, though literally occurring at the time of Jesus, point to truths after the completion of Jesus' ministry. The New Covenant is now what God is doing in the world. Israel as a whole, however, rejected that.   Though they no longer observe the Law of Moses, they remain bound to it. During this dispensation, they are spiritually led by rabbis, both in their writings in the Talmud as well as in their cultural and religious life.   These are reflected by the scribes and Pharisees who came from Jerusalem (verse 1) to challenge Jesus. Paul explains in Galatians 4:21-31 that the earthly Jerusalem reflects them and their teaching. The main point for now says –   “But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, 24 which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar— 25 for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children— 26 but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.” Galatians 4:23-26   In verses 2-9, Jesus explains the state of Israel at this time, living by the laws of men rather than by the law of God. After the introduction of the New Covenant, the law of God is not the Law of Moses. Rather, that is fulfilled.   At this time, religious Israel draws near to the Lord with their lips, but their hearts, because of their rejection of Jesus, are far away from Him.   In verse 11, Jesus stated that what goes into the mouth does not defile. Rather, what comes out of it does. Though that was a truth concerning the traditions of these elders, it is a truth that is spiritually seen in Israel to this day. They refuse to proclaim Jesus.   This is their defilement. But what does Paul say concerning this? In Romans 10, he says –   “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:8-13   The only thing that can cleanse a person from sin is Jesus. Anything else, meaning any other proclamation, defiles that person. As such, Jesus says in verse 14 to let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind, and both will fall into a pit.   In verse 15, Jesus reexplained to dull Peter (later, the Apostle to the Jews) the matter of the heart and what it is that causes defilement. While Israel remains in their state of defilement because of their oral proclamations, something else takes place. This is seen in verse 21, where Jesus “went out from there,” meaning from the Jewish people to the allotments of Tyre and Sidon, a Gentile area.   Tyre (Hebrew: Tsor) signifies Rock. While Israel abandoned their Rock, the Gentiles received Him. That this is speaking of Christ is seen, for example, in Deuteronomy 32:32, where it says, “For their rock is not like our Rock.” There are those who are confident in their rock (tsur), and yet their rock is not the Lord who is the Rock (tsur).   Sidon (Hebrew: Tsidon) signifies Fishery. It is a place for catching fish. Everyone is like a fish. When Jesus said to Simon and Andrew that they would be fishers of men, He meant that men are like fish to be caught.   While in this area (verse 22), a Canaanite woman came to Jesus and begged for compassion for her demon-possessed daughter. Canaan signifies Humbled, Humiliated, or even Subdued. She pictures those of faith who have humbled themselves before the word of Christ.   The issue is the daughter. In Scripture, a son or a daughter is representative of the state of something. A “son of death,” for example, is a person deserving of death. That is his state. A daughter, in this case, is the state of a group of people, such as “daughter of Jerusalem,” “daughter of Tarshish,” etc. What is the state of the Daughter of the Humbled who are also Gentiles?   Jesus said in verse 24 that He had come “if not to the sheep, the ‘having been lost' – House Israel.” Despite there being a New Covenant, with whom was that covenant made? The answer is found in both Jeremiah and Hebrews –   “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.” Jeremiah 31:31   The early church did not understand that the word was to go to the Gentiles. That is a major subject found in Acts. It is representative of the disciples' comments found previously in verse 23 when they told Jesus to dismiss her.   It literally took an act of God to get them to see that the New Covenant included Gentiles, first with the Ethiopian eunuch and then the house of Cornelius. Jesus' calling, though, to redeem the House of Judah and Israel, is inclusive of the Gentiles of faith, as seen in this account. It is something prophesied in Isaiah 49:6, but which is revealed in typology here.   The woman was told that it wasn't “good to take the children's bread and cast to the puppies.” In the Bible, dogs represent Gentiles. That is seen in the Caleb series of sermons. Caleb, kalev, is from kelev, dog. It is also seen in the account of Gideon and his men, who lapped like dogs, a typological picture dealing with the Gentiles.   The woman didn't argue Jesus' point. Instead, she noted that “even the puppies – he eats from the crumbs, the ‘falling from their master's table.” Jesus thus remarked concerning her great faith, something evidenced in the Gentile world. At that time, it noted the child was cured. Salvation, in fact, is also directed to the Gentiles. They are brought into the commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2:12).   From there, verse 29 said of Jesus that “He went near the Sea of the Galilee, and having ascended to the mountain, He sat there.” The Galilee has previously been explained as “the Liberty.” It is a picture of freedom from sin. As sin stems from a violation of law, it ultimately signifies freedom from law.   A mountain in the Bible represents a lot of something gathered. In typology, it is synonymous with a large but centralized group of people. Though it is only stated in Mark, the last area noted was the Decapolis, a Gentile controlled area.   Thus, this is typologically referring to a large but centralized group (meaning under Jesus) of Gentile people. The Canaanite woman already established that, but this is an extension of the thought, explaining the result of the dispensation of the Gentiles. In other words, “What will happen in the world once it is established that Gentiles are to be included in the New Covenant?”   In verses 30 and 31, multitudes came to Jesus for healing, so many that they were strewn about Him. It is reflective of the broken Gentile world coming to Christ for healing and salvation. As many came, He healed them so that “they glorified the God of Israel.”   As noted at that time, the term is unique in the New Testament. It suggested the presence of Gentiles on the mountain, but it typologically asserts this fact. Paul's ministry literally shouts out the parallel to this thought in Matthew –   “Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.” Acts 19:11, 12   Was the God of Israel glorified through this? The answer is found in Romans –   “Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, 9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: ‘For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.'” Romans 15:8, 9   And...   “For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient— 19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.” Romans 15:18, 19   In verses 32-38, the feeding of the four thousand is recorded. Jesus said they had been with Him three days. In Scripture, three “stands for that which is solid, real, substantial, complete, and entire. ... Hence the number three points us to what is real, essential, perfect, substantial, complete, and Divine.” Bullinger   The time these people have been with Jesus speaks of a divine fullness, something reflected in Romans 11:25, “that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” It goes right back to the state of Israel, noted in Matthew 15:14, where the blind are leading the blind.   While Israel is blinded, the blind of the Gentiles (Matthew 15:31) are brought to sight. The miracle of the bread (think of Jesus, the Bread of Life) and fish (a word which signifies “increase” in Hebrew) speaks of the immense harvest. There were seven loaves, the number of spiritual perfection, and a few tiddlers. However, they were enough to feed the multitude of four thousand. The number is a product of four and tens.   Four is the number of material creation, the world number. It speaks of the entirety of the world hearing the gospel, just as Jesus said it would. Ten is the number where nothing is wanting, and the whole cycle is complete. The entire world of the Gentiles will be evangelized before the end comes.   To demonstrate the immense harvest that will be realized in the church age, the baskets of fragments were collected, totaling seven large baskets. Notice the difference from the feeding of the five thousand –   “And they ate all, and they gorged, and they lifted the superabounding pieces – twelve handbaskets full. 21And those eating, they were about five thousand men, besides women and children.”   “And they ate all, and they gorged, and the superabounding of the fragments they lifted – seven hampers full. 38And those eating, they were four thousand men, besides women and children.”   Whereas a remnant of the twelve tribes of Israel represented by the twelve small handbaskets (Greek: kophinos) was collected, there will be an immense harvest of the seven churches (as defined in Revelation 2 & 3), represented by the seven large hampers (Greek: spuris).   The chapter ended with a location only mentioned here in Scripture, saying of Jesus, “And having dismissed the crowds, He in-stepped into the boat, and He came to the borders of Magdala.”   The town Magdala in Hebrew is Migdal-el, Tower of God, a city of Naphtali recorded in Joshua 19:38. Migdal El is contrasted to the tower of man, meaning Babel and all that accompanies her. Thus, this is implicitly a picture of the ending of the church age, where believers are delivered from the Babylon of the end times recorded in Revelation.   To understand why these conclusions have been made, one should refer to the descriptions of these locations found in the Old Testament sermons given by the Superior Word. Each location, number, or other reference has been drawn from the information already recorded there. Thus, the typology is not new. It has already been seen and has been reused without change, confirming that this analysis of Matthew 15 is sound.   Lord God, Your word is beyond amazing. It is a lifeline for the soul caught in despair. It is a treasure for the seeker of riches. It is a guide for the path of our lives. And Lord, it is so much more. It is so glorious to enter into its pages and find rest for our souls in the Person of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Thank You for this precious word. Amen. Matthew 15   15 Then they came to Jesus from Jerusalem, scribes and Pharisees, saying, 2“Through what – Your disciples, they sidestep the tradition of the elders? For they wash not their hands when they may eat bread.”   3And answering, He said, to them, “Through what – also you, you sidestep the ‘God's commandment' through your tradition? 4For God, He enjoined, saying, ‘You honor your father and your mother,' and the ‘disparaging father or mother,' death – he expires!' 5And you, you say, ‘Whoever, he should say to father or mother, “Gift – whatever if from me you should benefit.”' 6And no, not he should honor his father or his mother. And you invalidated God's commandment through your tradition. 7Hypocrites! Well, Isaiah, he prophesied concerning you, saying,   8‘He neared Me, this people – the mouth, And the lips – he honors Me, And their heart, it distances far from Me. 9And vainly they revere Me,  Teaching instructions – men's injunctions.'”   10And having summoned the crowd, He said to them, “You hear and comprehend! 11Not the ‘entering into the mouth' it profanes the man, but the ‘proceeding from the mouth,' this, it profanes the man.”   12Then His disciples, having come near, they said to Him, “You have known that the Pharisees, having heard the saying, they stumbled!” 13And having answered, He said, “Every planting that not He planted, My heavenly Father, it will be uprooted. 14You leave them! They are blind, blind-conductors. And blind, if they should conduct, both – they will fall into a pit.”   15And Peter, having answered, he said to Him, “You expound to us this parable.”   16And Jesus, He said, “And yet, you, you are unintelligent! 17Not yet you grasp that all, the ‘entering into the mouth,' into the stomach it contains, and into the john it ejects? 18And those proceeding from the mouth, it comes from the heart, and those, it commonizes the man. 19For from the heart, they come: evil meanderings, murders, adulteries, harlotries, thefts, false-witnessings, blasphemies. 20These, they are, the ‘defiling the man,' but to eat with unwashed hands, not it defiles the man.”   21And having departed thence, Jesus, He withdrew to the allotments – Tyre and Sidon. 22And you behold! A Canaanite woman from those same borders, having come, she cried to Him, saying, “You compassionate me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter, she is demon possessed-badly.”   23And He answered not a word.   And having approached, His disciples, they entreated Him, saying, “You dismiss her! For she cries after us.”   24And answering, He said, “Not, I was sent, if not to the sheep, the ‘having been lost' – House Israel.”   25And having come, she worshipped Him, saying, “Lord, You rush-relieve me!”   26And answering, He said, “It is not good to take the children's bread and cast to the puppies.”   27And she said, “Yes, Lord. And even the puppies – he eats from the crumbs, the ‘falling from their master's table.'”   28Then, Jesus answering, He said to her, “O! Woman, your faith is great! It become to you as you determine.” And she's cured, her daughter, from that hour.   29And having departed thence, Jesus, He went near the Sea of the Galilee, and having ascended to the mountain, He sat there. 30And they came to Him, great crowds, having with them lame, cripples, blind, mutes, and others – many, and they strewed them near Jesus' feet, and He healed them. 31So too, the crowds marveled, seeing mutes speaking, cripples healthy, lame walking, and blind seeing, and they glorified the God of Israel.   32And Jesus, having summoned His disciples, He said, “I gut-wrench upon the crowd because already three days they bivouac with Me, and naught they have that they may eat. And I wish not to dismiss them unfed, not lest they should collapse in the way.”   33And the disciples, they say to Him, “Whence to us in solitude – loaves so many as to gorge a crowd so vast?”   34And He says to them, Jesus, “How many loaves do you have?”   And they said, “Seven, and a few tiddlers.”   35And He ordered the crowds to sit upon the ground. 36And having taken the seven loaves and the fish, and having thanked, He broke, and He gave to His disciples, and the disciples to the crowd. 37And they ate, all, and they gorged, and the superabounding of the fragments they lifted – seven hampers full. 38And those eating, they were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39And having dismissed the crowds, He in-stepped into the boat, and He came to the borders of Magdala.

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** Trigger Warning** --There is heavy discussion on sexual abuse and sexual sin. Listener discretion is advised. --In this episode, we talk about the redemption found in the story of Hosea and Gomer, a dash of my own story, as well as Hagar's love triangle with Abram and Sarai.

The birth of Isaac was the fulfillment of a 25 years wait for Abraham and Sarah; and yet, this fulfillment of God's promises sets up several other key events in the Bible. So join us as we continue to explore God's Word and how its message fits together and even applies to our lives today!  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    What miracle happens in Genesis 21? Why does this miracle help us understand the message of Genesis 22 when God calls Abraham to offer up Isaac?  2.    What were God's promises to Abraham in the preceding chapters and why was the birth of Isaac a necessary step in bringing about the fulfillment of those promises?  3.    How was this miracle fulfilled in both Abraham's and Sarah's life? How old were they at the time of Isaac's birth? 4.    How long did it take between God's first promises to Abraham back in Genesis 12 and their fulfillment here in chapter 21? How do you think Abraham and Sarah felt during that time? What kinds of things do you think they were telling themselves as they waited for the Lord to fulfill His promises? How might you have been working through such a long delay? 5.    Back in Genesis 16, Abraham had a son with Hagar named Ishmael. How was Ishmael's conception different than Isaac's? What importance does that difference have in the identity and role of the children of Israel?  6.    What was Sarah's response to Ishmael's mocking in verse 10? What was the impact of her response on Hagar and Ishmael's life? How old did the study suggest that Ishmael was? Why would this be different than Abraham abandoning a child?  7.    After Hagar and Ishmael leave Abraham's household, the Lord visits her in her distress. The study explained part of the comfort and encouragement the Lord gave to her was by clarifying what resources and solutions were within her reach. What were they? How can this help us in our own prayers when we cry out to the Lord in our own times of distress?  8.    The study mentioned that as people grew in their understanding of God, it changed how they referred to Him. Melchizedek called upon God as "El Elyon" meaning "God most High" in Genesis 14:19. Hagar called upon God as "El Roi" meaning "the God who sees" in Genesis 16:13. Abraham calls upon Him as "El Olam" meaning "The Everlasting God" here in Genesis 21. Which of these names has the most significance to you and why?   Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

In this Bible Story, Abram and Sarai become impatient with God’s promises. Per Sarai’s request, Abram sleeps with her servant to have a son, Ishmael. This story is inspired by Genesis 16. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a year. Today's Bible verse is Genesis 16:11 from the King James Version. Episode 9: Several years pass since the promise made to Abram, causing him and his wife Sarai to become impatient. So Sarai devises a plan to speed up God’s promise of an heir by having Hagar, her slave, bear children for her. Abram goes along with the plan, and fear and hate are born as a result. However, God is faithful even to the abused, and Hagar, found by the Angel of The Lord as she was running away, receives comfort and a promise of blessing by God. Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham. Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living. Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store. Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max Bard Producer: Ben Gammon Hosted by: Pastor Jack Graham Music by: Andrew Morgan Smith Bible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sermon Series: The Heroes and Great Stories of the BibleSermon Title: Sarah: Laughter Turned to PromiseDate: January 11, 2026Battle Seed Promise:God promises an open heaven with supernatural provision and uncontainable blessing to those who walk in obedience. He invites us to test Him, confident that we will see His faithful protection, provision, and increase. He will rebuke the devourer for our sake.Malachi 3:10–11 (AMPC)In this powerful message from The Heroes and Great Stories of the Bible series, we step into the life of Sarah and discover how God transforms impatience into inheritance and self-effort into surrendered faith.Through a prophetic lens tied to the Hebrew year 5786 – Peh (The Mouth), this sermon explores how waiting seasons can quietly shift our faith from trust to tension, and how words spoken in impatience can either delay or align us with God's promise.Sarah's story reminds us that God often speaks promise long before circumstances are ready, because faith must grow before fulfillment comes. Even when human shortcuts create complications, God remains faithful, redeeming missteps and realigning identity through His Word. From weary laughter to joyful testimony, we see that God does not cancel promises because of age, mistakes, or delay.This message speaks directly to modern “Hagar moments” — rushed decisions, control instead of trust, and anxiety-driven choices — and calls us back to surrendered faith and aligned confession.Key themes include: Waiting without forcing the promise Aligning your mouth with heaven Trusting God's timing over self-effort Receiving God's promises even after disappointment Allowing identity to reshape confession Sarah's life proves that faith does not need to be flawless, only surrendered. What begins as private laughter can become public testimony when God fulfills His Word.Declarations from this message: God is faithful to His Word Nothing is too hard for the Lord I trust God's timing My mouth aligns with my destiny My laughter will be full again Be encouraged as you listen. God gets the final word, and His promises are still alive.

You are not invisible to God. In Genesis 16, Hagar encounters El Roi, the God who sees her in the wilderness. Discover how a personal encounter with a God who sees, knows, and cares can change everything.

Topics: Covenant With God, Quid Pro Quo with our Creator, Three Biblical Covenants, Abrahamic Covenant Unilateral, Old Covenant Bilateral, New Covenant Unilateral, Blood Establishes Covenant (Hebrews 9:16-18), First Covenant Inaugurated with Blood (Hebrews 9:19-21), Moses Mediator of Old Covenant, Blood Sprinkled on Book of Law and People (Exodus 24), Abrahamic Covenant Ratified by Blood (Genesis 15), New Covenant Ratified on Cross, Abraham Asleep During Covenant (Genesis 15:1-21), Abrahamic Promise (Genesis 15:5), Hagar and Ishmael was Abraham's Plan B, Abraham's Faith Flawed, Jesus is the Seed (Galatians 3:16), Children of God Through Faith (Galatians 3:26-29), Old Covenant 430 Years Later (Galatians 3:17), Old Covenant for Jews Only (Exodus 19:5), Gentiles Excluded from Old Covenant (Ephesians 2:12), Jesus from Tribe of Judah (Romans 1:3), God Chose Jews for Messiah's Lineage, Jesus Redeems Under Law (Galatians 3:13), Old Covenant Bilateral Conditions (Deuteronomy 28), Temple Sacrifices for Forgiveness, Israel Failed Covenant (Hebrews 8:9), God Found Fault with People (Hebrews 8:8), New Covenant Prophesied (Jeremiah 31:31), Jesse's Branch Bears Fruit (Isaiah 11:1), New Covenant Not New Revelation, Law Increases Grace Need (Romans 5:20), Ministry of Spirit Glorious (2 Corinthians 3:7-11), Ministers of New Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6), Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20), Jesus Institutes New Covenant (Luke 22:20), Blood Poured Out for Many (Matthew 26:28), Forgiveness of Sins (Hebrews 8:12), Laws Written on Hearts (Hebrews 8:10), Heart of Flesh (Ezekiel 36:26), Mystery Revealed (Colossians 1:26-27), Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), Unchangeable God (Hebrews 6:17-18), Blood as Seal (Leviticus 17:11), Jesus Saves Completely (Hebrews 7:25), Blood of Eternal Covenant (Hebrews 13:20)Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Fr. Mike reads Genesis 20-21, Job 9-10, and Proverbs 2:6-8 and shows us how we can strive for holiness, even in the midst of sin and suffering. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

What happens when our good intentions turn into interference with God's plan? In this episode, we're reminded that God doesn't need our help to be faithful. Through the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar, this message challenges us to trust God's timing, resist the urge to force outcomes, and rest in the truth that God sees us, hears us, and remains faithful—even when waiting is hard.

Today's Scripture passages are Genesis 16:1 - 18:33 | Luke 1:5-38.Read by Ekemini Uwan.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPWORD40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeTo reach the IVP podcast team, please use this form.Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Genesis 21:8–21 shows Hagar and Ishmael cast out—alone, afraid, and desperate—yet God meets them with mercy and provision. When you feel forgotten or pushed aside, this passage reminds you the Lord sees, hears, and provides right on time.

In the first week of the new year, the U.S. launches a dramatic operation in Venezuela that ends with Nicolás Maduro (and Cilia Flores) in U.S. custody, transported to New York to face narco-terorism charges.  Ron and Hagar Chemali (Fmr. spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN) unpack what we know about the raid, why the administration says it happened, and why the real motive may be bigger than oil or drugs.  Then they turn to the hardest questions: legality in a world where "international law” often lacks enforcement, what happens next inside Venezuela as the regime attempts to hold power without Maduro, and whether free and fair elections are even possible while the military and security services that upheld Maduro's rule remain intact.  Finally, they dissect the political reaction, arguing it's possible to demand transparency and a plan without laundering Maduro or aligning with authoritarian propaganda.  Related reading: Who Organized The Pro-Maduro Protests? https://x.com/asranomani/status/2007708749075480885?s=46 POLITICOLOGY+ Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don't miss all the extra episodes on the private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. CONTRIBUTE TO POLITICOLOGY politicology.com/donate SPONSORS & PROMO CODES https://bit.ly/44uAGZ8 Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RON at  https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Send your questions and ideas to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(703) 239-3068‬ Follow Ron and Hagar on X (formerly Twitter): https:/x.com/RonSteslow https://x.com/HagarChemali Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we step into a new year, many of us carry more than fresh hope—we carry weariness, grief, or the quiet feeling of being unseen. In this episode, Julie reflects on the story of Hagar and the powerful truth that God is the One who sees. If you've ever wondered whether God notices your faithfulness or your pain, this gentle conversation is for you. You are not as unseen as you feel—your story is still being written. Join Abundant Life Mentor, Julie Lefebure, each Tuesday as she offers real encouragement for your real life right now through a fresh, hope-filled perspective, a lighthearted inspiration, and Biblical insight, all in about 20 minutes (guest shows are longer). Each episode will lift your spirits and equip you to be a light in this world. Find extra encouragement at julielefebure.com/resources/.Support us on PayPal!

We are taking a look at everything we missed over the break including Adam Sandler's Whole Lotta Love for Sammy Hagar, Ozzy Suicide Pacts, Bret Michaels news, Corey Feldman's doc drama with sexual abuse allegations against Corey Haim, Major things happening with Jelly Roll and the biggest flops of last year.MUSICSammy Hagar, Mick Fleetwood and Duff McKagan performed on New Year's Eve in Maui at a benefit for the Maui Health Foundation. Among those on hand was actor Adam Sandler, who helped Hagar sing Led Zeppelin's “Whole Lotta Love.” Hagar and Fleetwood posted highlights on Instagram. Hagar also posted a New Year message in which he says he'll do “more of the same” in 2026. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tTWgVVuLyBA · Sharon Osbourne Explained Why She Didn't Follow Through with Her and Ozzy's Suicide PactSharon Osbourne credits her kids for keeping her alive. She previously made headlines for revealing in a 2007 memoir that she and Ozzy had an assisted suicide pact should either of them get dementia.Sharon didn't follow through with that pact, because of her kids. She said if it weren't for them, she'd have gone with Ozzy because she's done everything she's wanted to do in this life.She added, quote, "Years ago, when I had one of my mental breakdowns, I went into a little facility to help with my head. There were two girls over there. They didn't know each other, but they were in there, each [of their] mothers had committed suicide. "I saw the state that these two young women were in and what it had done to their lives, and I thought, I will never, ever, ever do that to my kids." Bret Michaels Fans, Get Ready: A Biopic and Book Are Dropping in 2026If you've been waiting for a deep dive into the life of Poison's frontman, mark your calendars. Bret Michaels has officially announced that he is releasing both a biopic and a new book in 2026. Jelly Roll Says His Weight Loss Helped Him See in Color AgainJelly Roll sat down with Joe Rogan recently and had a wild story to share. He told Joe that for over twenty years, he was colorblind. Here's what Jelly said, "I [could] see shades of colors. General concepts. I never realized there was nuances and prettiness." https://www.eonline.com/news/1426170/jelly-roll-on-200-lb-weight-loss TVMajor Shakeup: The Oscars Are Leaving ABC for YouTubeGet ready for a massive change in how we watch the Academy Awards. In a move that is sending shockwaves through Hollywood, the Academy has announced that the Oscars will be leaving ABC—their home since 1976—and moving exclusively to YouTube. Like Mother, Like Son: Judge Judy's Son Lands His Own Courtroom ShowJudge Judy Sheindlin (SHINED-LIN) is officially passing the gavel to the next generation. Her son, Adam Levy, is set to star in his very own courtroom series called Adam's Law. MOVING ON INTO MOVIE NEWS:Over the break, we found out that a new documentary about Corey Feldman is coming out. And in this doc there were allegations about Corey Haim, his costar in Lost Boys molested him while filming. Then a week later, he is now denying those claims. https://pagesix.com/2025/12/20/celebrity-news/corey-feldman-walks-back-claim-that-corey-haim-molested-him/ · Mickey Rourke has turned to a GoFundMe campaign to help stave off eviction from his Los Angeles home after falling nearly $60,000 behind on rent, People magazine reports. https://people.com/mickey-rourke-using-gofundme-prevent-eviction-after-falling-nearly-usd60k-behind-rent-11878821?· Wild New Lawsuit Allegation: Is Riley Keough the Biological Mother of John Travolta's Son?Okay, there is some truly bizarre legal drama unfolding involving the Presley family and John Travolta. A new lawsuit has dropped a massive bombshell, alleging that Riley Keough is actually the biological mother of John Travolta and Kelly Preston's youngest son, Ben. AND FINALLYHollywood's Biggest Faceplants: The 10 Most Disappointing Flops of 20252025 had its hits, but let's be honest—it was also a year where some massive blockbusters crashed and burned. From superhero fatigue to Oscar-bait that nobody bit on, here's a look at the ten movies that just couldn't get audiences into seats this year. 1. Thunderboltsa. Marvel is definitely feeling the pain. While this movie made nearly $400 million, that's peanuts compared to the glory days of Avengers: Endgame. It suffered from the same problem as Captain America: Brave New World: it just felt like reheated leftovers from a saga that ended years ago. Aside from Superman, it looks like superhero fatigue has officially set in. 1. Snow Whitea. This was the exception to the rule that Disney remakes print money. It didn't even make back its budget. The movie had an identity crisis—trying to be both a classic recreation and a subversive twist—but the real killer was the PR nightmare. Between the casting controversies and political debates, the movie was "covered in mud" before it even hit theaters. 1. Mickey 17a. Everyone was dying to see what director Bong Joon Ho would do after Parasite. The problem? We waited too long. After endless delays, the hype died. When it finally dropped in February, reviews called it "toothless" and confused. Even Robert Pattinson couldn't save this sci-fi epic from being a disappointment. 1. After the Hunta. You'd think Julia Roberts and the director of Call Me by Your Name would be a slam dunk. Nope. It made less than $10 million globally (which is like, half of Roberts' salary). The movie was too long, too rambling, and felt more like a streaming series than a cinema event. 1. Christya. Sydney Sweeney is everywhere, but apparently, that doesn't guarantee box office sales. Her boxing biopic had one of the worst opening weekends ever for a wide release. It seems social media fame doesn't always translate to ticket sales. Sweeney defended it, saying she made it for "impact," not numbers, which is good, because the numbers were bad. 1. I Know What You Did Last Summera. Studios thought they could pull a Scream with this 90s revival. The issue? People actually love Scream. Nobody really cares about "The Fisherman" or the original 1997 film enough to show up for a legacy sequel. 1. Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowherea. Jeremy Allen White played The Boss, but audiences didn't show up. Why? Because the movie focused on a depressing, quiet period of Bruce Springsteen's life where he moped around a bedroom recording acoustic tracks. People wanted the stadium anthems and energy, not the gloom. 1. Elio a. Pixar had a huge win with Inside Out 2, but Elio brought them back down to earth. The original director left mid-production, and the final product felt like a movie with no reason to exist. It was hard to explain the plot, and audiences just didn't connect with the aliens. 1. M3GAN 2.0a. The first M3GAN was a viral hit because it was campy, slasher fun. The sequel failed because it tried to pivot into a sprawling, geopolitical action thriller. The producers admitted they overthought it—they should have just given the people more of the killer doll they loved. 1. The Smashing Machinea. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson really wants an Oscar. He teamed up with Emily Blunt and an indie director for this gritty MMA drama. But here's the thing: nobody goes to a Rock movie to be depressed. It was a bleak story about addiction, and audiences preferred to stay home. AND THAT IS YOUR CRAP ON CELEBRITIES!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As we move through Galatians 4, the apostle Paul will continue to show the Christians in Galatia, not only that the law won't justify them, but that the law itself shows us that there is bondage under the fleshly ordinances that are found there. He will use Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar to further explain this important truth.

Have you ever made one too many mistakes? You know, you get to a point where you think, That's it! God must be done with me? Well, Abraham was a man of faith who made plenty of mistakes along the way. Yet God seemed to overlook, even o compensate for them. Why was that?   Life Changing Moments As we travel through life we all kind of experience these moments and often they are seemingly insignificant events that in fact, turn out to change the whole course of our lives. It's amazing when you think about it! We all have a plan for our lives but there are things just around the next corner or just over the next rise that can change everything – good things and bad things, happy things and sad things. Some people think, "Well, it's all a matter of chance." Well, I don't believe in chance. I remember a brochure that changed my life. I was attending a little church – I had not long become a Christian and it was a Sunday service like every other Sunday. At the end of the service I walked to the back of the little church and I saw a brochure for a particular Bible College, Tabor College in Sydney. It wasn't a particularly attractive brochure or a well designed brochure – I picked it up and that was a defining moment – I took it home, I read about this ministry degree, I prayed and I felt this incredibly strong tug in my heart. Now in my mind I am thinking, "There's no way. You know Berni, you have been a Christian for five minutes" but in my heart I knew. So I rang them, I applied, I went to see the Principal, I felt like such a fraud. "They are never going to accept me." They did! And there I learned so much but also, by chance again, I came into contact with my predecessor in this ministry; the former CEO of Christianityworks and one thing led to another. And today I'm doing what I am doing because I picked up that little brochure at the back of the church. Now I had no idea that morning that something would happen that would change the course of my life. This week we are starting a new series on Christianityworks, it's called "Defining Moments". It's really exciting! I want to look at this from a different perspective; from God's perspective. See when we look back on our lives most of us can pick three or four, maybe half a dozen defining moments – those little things that seemed to change the whole course of our lives. Now, sure we can see them from our natural human perspective – after all, we are people; we're human, but if we do that I think we miss the point. I want to look at some defining moments in the lives of four people in the Bible – Abraham, Joseph, David and Josiah over the next four weeks and we are starting today with Abraham. I want to see if we can discover how God reaches into our lives with miracles - great and small to define the very course of our lives because God does have a plan. Psalm 139, verse 16, says: Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In Your book were written all the days that were formed for me when none of them as yet existed. And when we at least expect it, and even despite what you and I do or fail to do, His plan is worked out through His grace for His glory. God brings those defining moments. Let's start with Abraham - the man with whom God's engagement of His chosen people began. He was living comfortably in a place called Ur, east of Israel – of course Israel didn't exist back then. Ur was the land of the Chaldeans, later it was called Babylon – it's just south of modern day Baghdad. And he travelled with his father up to Haran and then God called him to leave his comfort and follow this really crazy, absolutely incredulous promise. Let's pick it up – if you have got a Bible, grab it; open it up at Genesis chapter 12. We are going to look at the story of Abraham – it's too much to look at it all in one programme but we are going to have a look at part of his story. Genesis chapter 12, beginning at verse 1: Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. So Abram when as the Lord had told him and Lot when with him. Abram was seventy five years old when he departed form Haran." Seventy five years old! "He and Sarai his wife and they were childless." You see, you have to remember, in the Old Testament, blessing; God's blessing, you knew you had it when you had lots of land and lots of children. They had neither, so they didn't have God's blessing on their lives. Now the word "Abram" means "exalted father". So even his name was a joke, but still he went, off into the never never, based on what – some intangible, crazy call from God? Remember Abram had no Bible; he had no Scriptures to reveal who God was. He had no church tradition, or Jewish tradition – nothing like that. All the other nations had their gods; idols – they worshipped them, they believed all sorts of weird and wonderful things but Abram put his faith; he put his whole life and all his possessions in this God who came up with this incredulous promise. How did God say this to Abram - through an audible voice, a dream, a vision, a whisper of the Spirit in his heart? We don't know but he just heard the call and he trusted in the promises of God and off he went, into the blue yonder. Now God's plan A, remember, is to bless Abram with land and children – impossible of course! Oozes fantasy, not faith – could never happen. And then begins Abram's comedy of errors – pretty tragic actually. We don't have time to look at them all today but we are going to look at some of them. It's a journey where Abram and Sarai his wife, made plenty of mistakes along the way. Take Lot for instance, his nephew – if you look at Genesis chapter 12 again, did God tell Abram to take Lot with him? Not at all – it was Abram's idea. No doubt, this was plan B for Abram. "Well, if God doesn't come through on this promise of a son, at least I'll have a relative to be my heir" and Lot…..Lot causes him all sorts of grief. Let's have a look – Genesis chapter 13, verse 5: Now Lot who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents so that the land couldn't support both of them living together, for their possessions were so great that they could not live together. And there was strife between the herders of Abram's stock and the herders of Lot's stock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites lived in the land. Then Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife between you and me – between your herders and my herders for we are kindred. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I'll go to the right; of you take the right hand, then I will go to the left." Lot looked about him and saw the plain of the Jordan that was well watered everywhere like this garden of the Lord; like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar - this was before the Lord had destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. So Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan and Lot eastward thus he separated from Abram. Gee, plan B worked really well for Abram didn't it? Obviously God didn't know what He was promising Abram and needed a back up! And look how it turned out! Strife, separation and then Abram gave away the best half of the Promised Land. And if you read on in chapter 14, Abram risks his life and God's plan because he has to fight a battle to save Lot's life. Lot was not part of plan A and in chapter 19 of Genesis (we won't go there for now for time reasons) but he ends up sleeping with his own daughters and fathers the Moabites and the Ammonites; both nations that became enemies of Israel. Huh – well done Abram! God obviously needed your help!!   Who Can Blame Him? Well, who can blame Abram? He is in his late seventies now on a journey to nowhere and Sarai is no spring chicken either, I have to tell you. And God gives him this utterly incongruous, impossible promise and Abram is aching inside. "God, what are You doing?"  Can you relate to that? I can! Let's have a look at the defining moment in Abram's journey. It begins in Genesis chapter 15, verse 1: After these things the Word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Don't be afraid, Abram, I am your shield. Your reward shall be very great." But Abram said, "Lord God, what will You give me for I continue childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer, son of Damascus?" And Abram said, "You have given me no offspring and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir." But the Word of the Lord came to him, "This man shall not be your heir. No one but a son coming from your very own body shall be your heir." God brought him outside and said, "Look toward the heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them." Then the Lord said to him, "So shall your descendants be!" And Abram believed the Lord and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. I reckon this is one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible. Is Abram a man of faith? Absolutely! But he is struggling – he has tried everything he can do in his own strength and he can't make this promise from God happen and time is marching on. So through his doubt, he ends up with plan C or D or whatever he is up to. How does God respond – with rebuke, with punishment, with discipline? God brought him outside and said, "Look toward the heaven and count the start, if you are able to count them." Then God said "So will your descendants be! Isn't it beautiful? You know, the Milky Way when you get away from the smog and the lights of the city is just the most awesome thing – there are so many stars out there – it almost looks like clouds. Trillions of stars – this is the love of God! And he believed the Lord and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. Abram's faith meant that God's righteousness became part of who he was. It's a theme the Apostle Paul picks up in Romans chapter 4 and in Galatians chapter 3 in the New Testament, much later. See I struggle with the rose coloured glasses that Paul and others in the New Testament use to look back on Abraham. They paint him as this paragon of virtue; this great man of faith. Hebrews chapter 11, beginning at verse 8: By faith Abraham, when he was called to go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he didn't know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the Promised Land like a stranger in a foreign country, for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Abraham, even though he was past age and Sarah herself was barren, was enabled to become a father. That's great but what about all of Abraham blunders? What about his lack of faith? He goes to God and says to God, "What will You give me? What will You show me? I can't see it – I'm losing hope." See, Abraham was human – Abraham had human failures and he made mistakes just like you and me - but the answer is in what we just read in Genesis. How is it that despite all of Abraham's blunders and doubts, God's plan still came to fruition? Because Abraham: "believed the Lord and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness." Abraham believed – he didn't do it perfectly – but he believed and this was counted by God as righteousness. The righteousness of God when we believe, He forgives our sins – He forgets them. "As far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us." You see, that's why in the New Testament it doesn't talk about Abraham's mistakes because God has forgiven them and they are not relevant. That's how God deals with Abraham's human failings. This is the defining moment in Abraham's journey: he believed the Lord and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. This night that was like any other; he was in his tent; he was struggling; he was praying; he was saying, 'God, what are you doing?' And God just touches him and brings him outside and says, "Look up at the stars; as many as are there so numerous will be your descendants." It's not about what Abraham did or didn't do. The defining moment is about God's grace! And come and look with me exactly how imperfectly Abraham believed. Come and see with me how human and frail his faith actually is. He is credited with righteousness – God speaks to him and right on the back of that, just two verses later, in Genesis chapter 15, verse 8, begins this: But he said "O Lord, God, how am I to know I shall possess it?" And God said to him, "Bring Me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtle dove and a young pigeon." He brought God all those things and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other but he did not cut the birds in two. And when the birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abraham drove them away. As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abraham and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him. Then the Lord said to Abraham, "Know this for certain that your offspring shall be aliens in a land that is not theirs and they shall be slaves there and they shall be oppressed there for four hundred years but I will bring judgement on the nation that they serve and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. As for you yourself, you shall go with your ancestors in peace and you shall be buried in a good old age. And they shall come back here in the fourth generation for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete." When the sun had gone down and it was dark, and a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day (listen to this) On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abraham, saying, "To your descendants I give this land – from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates and the land of the Kenites and the Kenizzites and the Kadmonites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Raphaim and the Amorites and the Canaanites and the Girgashites and the Jebusites." See, in the face of further doubt from Abraham, God gives him this vision and he makes an unbreakable promise; a covenant; a promise from God Himself to Abraham.   The Last Laugh Just as well, this covenant from God was an unbreakable promise because what happens next, after the stars thing and the vision and the promise, would have been the final straw for me if I had been God. Have a look at the next Now Sarai, Abram's wife, bore him no children. She had an Egyptian slave girl whose name was Hagar and Sarai said to Abram, "You see the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go into my slave girl; it may be that I shall obtain children by her." Abram listened to the voice of his wife Sarai, so after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar the Egyptian; her slave girl and gave her to her husband Abraham as a wife. He went into Hagar and she conceived and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress. Then Sarai said to Abram, "May the wrong done to me be on you. I gave my slave girl to you to embrace and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the Lord judge between you and me." Ok, men had more than one wife in those days but people haven't changed that much. Wives, how happy would you be with this outcome? Your husband sleeping with a slave girl and then all of a sudden the slave girl is pregnant. Can you see how perverted this is? And the son that Hagar bore was Ishmail and he became the father of the Arab world! Gee, that worked out brilliantly, didn't it? And so Abram, left to his own devices would have lurched from one blunder to the next but now the bit that really gets me about this story, is the ending. Both Abram and Sarai get to the point – I mean this has been going on for years now; decades where they just end up laughing at God's promises. I mean they are so ridiculous; they are so impossible – have a look – Abram first in Genesis chapter 17, verse 15: God said to Abram, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai anymore but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her and she will give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her." Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, "Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah who is ninety years old bear a child?" And Abraham said to God, "O that Ishmail might live in Your sight." And God said, "No, but your wife Sarah shall bear you a son and you shall name him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him." And then Sarah's turn next! God appears to Abraham in the form of three men and those men said to him, "Where is your wife Sarah?" And he said, "There, in the tent." Then one of them said, "I will surely return to you in due season and your wife Sarah shall have a son." And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance, behind them. Now Abraham and Sarah, they were old and advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. So Sarah laughed to herself, "After I have grown old and my husband is old, shall I have the pleasure?" See, can you blame Abraham and Sarah for laughing at God? I mean if you don't laugh you will cry. It has been twenty five years – they headed away on this fool's errand into the blue yonder. Abraham is over a hundred – Sarah is over ninety – come on God, what do You think You are doing? But let's see how it ends! Genesis chapter 21: The Lord dealt with Sarah just as He had said and the Lord did for Sarah as He had promised. Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the time of which God had spoken. Abraham gave the name Isaac to his son whom Sarah had borne. Do you know what the word "Isaac" means? It means "he laughs" – you see God had the last laugh! They both laughed at God's promises and God gives them a son called Isaac and God has the last laugh! It's the laughter of God's grace. And when you look back on this journey, what was the defining moment? See, what you and I want to look at is say: "What do I have to do….what do I have to do? What do I have to do to get God's favour?" Isn't that what we are always thinking? And you look at all of Abraham's blunders and you see all the mistakes he made but in his heart he believed and it was reckoned unto him by God as righteousness. His faith trumped his failures! Let me say that again ... Abraham's faith trumped his failures! People came to Jesus years later and they said, "What must we do to perform the works of God?" And Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God: that you believe in the One whom He has sent." Do you get it? The defining moment for Abraham was God's gracious, loving, powerful, impossible, unbreakable, ridiculous, only God could ever do it, take it forever….promise. And in his heart Abraham believed. That's the bit that God saw and took and used and blessed Abraham through. That's why the New Testament writers can completely ignore the failures of Abraham because God….God had forgotten them a long time ago. God had decided to overlook them a long time ago. Abraham was not a perfect man – Abraham was human just like you and me. You make blunders in your life; I make blunders in my life. What does God look at? He looks at whether we put our trust in Him through Jesus Christ. God not only forgave Abraham and Sarah but He cleaned up their mess along the way so that His plan would be fulfilled and realised for His glory. Look again at the defining moment in Abraham's life…Genesis chapter 15, verses 5 and 6: God brought Abraham outside and said, "Look up toward the heaven. Count the stars if you are able to count them." Then God said to him, "So shall your descendants be. And Abraham believed the Lord and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness. What do I have to do to do the works of God? To believe in the One whom He sent; His Son, Jesus Christ!

Introduction Are you walking through a hard season and wondering where God is in it? If you're feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or confused by what God is allowing, this episode is for you. In today's episode, we explore four people from the Bible who endured deep trials—and what their responses reveal about how God works in difficult seasons. You'll learn four powerful questions you can ask yourself when life feels heavy, questions that can shift your perspective, strengthen your faith, and bring clarity even when answers feel far away. This episode is especially for Christian women navigating hardship, whether that's health struggles, emotional exhaustion, uncertainty, or a season that simply doesn't make sense yet. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why hardship doesn't mean God has abandoned you How your response to trials can change your future Biblical examples of faith during suffering Four life-changing questions to ask God in difficult seasons How God often provides before we even notice Biblical Lessons on Trials, Faith, and God's Provision 1. The Israelites in the Wilderness: Recognizing God's Provision The Israelites experienced miracles—freedom from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea—yet still found themselves wandering in the wilderness. Their story reminds us that complaining and unbelief can blind us to God's daily provision. God provided manna every day, even while they grumbled. Life-Changing Question #1: What is the “manna” God has already placed in your life that you may be overlooking? God often supplies what we need before we recognize it. 2. Hagar: Seeing the Provision That Was Always There Hagar's story is one of pain, rejection, and survival. Alone in the wilderness with her son, she believed death was inevitable—until God opened her eyes to a well of water that had been there all along. Life-Changing Question #2: What provision or answer might God be placing right in front of you that you can't see yet? Distraction, grief, trauma, and exhaustion can keep us from noticing God's help. 3. Paul in Prison: Using Hard Seasons for God's Glory Paul endured imprisonment, beatings, and hardship—yet instead of giving up, he used his suffering to encourage others. Some of the most impactful books of the New Testament were written while he was in chains. Life-Changing Question #3: How can God use this hard season for His glory? God doesn't waste suffering when we remain willing. 4. Joseph: Serving Faithfully While Waiting Joseph's story reminds us that delay is not denial. Sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph continued to serve with integrity. His willingness to encourage others—even while waiting for his own breakthrough—ultimately led to freedom and fulfillment. Life-Changing Question #4: Who is the “cupbearer” in your life that God is calling you to serve right now? Sometimes our breakthrough comes through serving others faithfully. Time-Stamped Highlights 00:00 – Four biblical figures who endured trials 01:00 – The Israelites and the danger of grumbling 03:20 – Identifying the “manna” in your life 04:20 – Hagar's wilderness story and unseen provision 06:44 – God opening our eyes to what's already there 09:10 – Paul's imprisonment and faithful endurance 11:06 – Using hardship for God's glory 11:36 – Joseph's long road from dream to fulfillment 13:58 – Serving others while waiting for breakthrough 16:53 – Faith-filled next steps for health and clarity Key Takeaways God provides even when we're struggling to trust Him Hard seasons often reveal what needs to shift in our hearts Faithfulness in suffering matters more than circumstances Serving others can be the doorway to your breakthrough God's timing is purposeful, even when it's painful Feeling Stuck in Your Health or Life Right Now? If you're in a season where things feel heavy, confusing, or overwhelming—especially when it comes to your health—you don't have to figure it out alone. Work With Me I offer one-time Health Clarity Sessions—faith-fueled conversations focused on discernment, peace, and wise next steps, not diagnosis or protocols.

In this latest Director Clip Notes episode, host Nichel Anderson takes listeners on a reflective and cinematic journey through the evolving world of MOLIAE Short Stories. Episode 63, titled “Queen Hagar Enters the Realm of Orion,” explores the pivotal moment when Queen Hagar, wife of King Mahlon, steps into her destiny as the voice of reason within the Council of Ukneo in Orion. As the council prepares to vote on who will replace Hanee, the tension and wisdom of leadership come to the forefront, marking a defining moment in the MOLIAE saga. Nichel Anderson, also known as Nichel MOLIAE, uses this Director Clip Notes episode to share the creative process behind the storytelling—how each episode builds upon the last, weaving together the emotional and spiritual threads that define the MOLIAE Universe. She reflects on the journey of Queen Hagar's character, her strength, and her evolving role as a guiding force in the celestial and earthly realms. Listeners will gain insight into how the MOLIAE Short Stories have progressed over time, connecting the mythic world of Orion with the ancient lands of Mitsrayim (Egypt). Nichel discusses how the storylines intertwine across seasons, revealing the deeper meanings behind the choices, alliances, and destinies of the royal family and their council. In this episode, Nichel also revisits one of her personal favorites from Season 1—Episode 22, “Ancient Essence of the Nile River Heals All Wounds.” This beloved story captures a heartfelt moment when Queen Hagar's parents arrive in Ancient Mitsrayim to visit her and the royal family. The episode beautifully portrays the healing power of love, family, and the sacred Nile River, which symbolizes renewal and divine connection. Adding to the depth of this Director Clip Notes episode, Nichel takes time to discuss the Season 1 Character Profiles, offering listeners a closer look at the origins and development of key figures such as King Mahlon, Queen Hagar, Hanee, and others who shaped the foundation of the MOLIAE Universe. She shares how their personalities, motivations, and destinies were crafted to reflect universal themes of leadership, loyalty, and spiritual awakening. These insights give fans a deeper appreciation for how the MOLIAE storylines evolved from the written book to the immersive podcast experience. Beyond the storytelling, Nichel also provides exciting updates on the expanding MOLIAE World. She shares news about the upcoming PMTR (Pyramid Mystery Temple Reunion) NFT Collection relaunch, which will soon be available for minting, and how it connects to the MOLIAE mythology through digital art and blockchain innovation. Nichel also highlights the Nichel MOLIAE Music NFTs, which merge her music with the MOLIAE storylines, creating a multi-dimensional experience for fans who follow both her creative and musical journeys. Listeners tuning in to this episode will get the insider scoop on what's next for the MOLIAE brand—from new story developments and creative projects to the growing ecosystem that bridges storytelling, music, and NFTs. Nichel's passion for her work shines through as she reflects on the past, celebrates the present, and looks ahead to the future of the MOLIAE Universe. Episode 63 stands as both a reflection and a celebration—a look back at the origins of the MOLIAE story world and a glimpse forward into its expanding mythology. As the Council of Ukneo prepares for a crucial decision, Queen Hagar's emergence as the voice of reason reminds listeners of the timeless power of leadership guided by compassion and truth. Tune in to “Director Clip Notes: Episode 63 – Queen Hagar Enters the Realm of Orion” to experience the artistry, depth, and cinematic storytelling that define the MOLIAE Short Stories. This episode is a must-listen for fans who have followed the journey from the beginning and for new listeners ready to step into the world where ancient wisdom meets cosmic destiny.   Check out and support MOLIAE and buy Nichel MOLIAE Music    MOLIAE.com  MOLIAEWorld.com Mint.MOLIAEWORLD.COM MOLIAEBeauty.com 

Life often leads us into wilderness seasons where we feel lost and abandoned. The story of Hagar and Ishmael in Genesis 21 reveals how God meets us in these desolate places. We enter wilderness through three ways: being sent by God for protection and growth, choosing it ourselves for safety, or being cast out by others. In these difficult times, God provides for our needs when we cry out to Him, prepares us for future purposes, and remains present with us even when we feel alone. Wilderness seasons are not empty voids but training grounds where God builds our resilience and reveals His faithfulness.

When high performance becomes the way you earn love, success eventually feels empty. This faith-rooted episode reveals why your nervous system struggles to feel God's nearness — and how belonging begins not with effort, but with being seen and held by Him.Every high-capacity human reaches a point where success no longer satisfies — not because they've failed, but because they've spent years earning what God always meant to give: belonging.In this sacred Sunday episode, Julie helps you understand why your nervous system struggles to feel safe, soothed, or connected with God — even when your faith is strong — and why this has nothing to do with spiritual weakness. Instead, it reveals the deep identity patterns formed through pressure, performance, and survival.Drawing from Scripture and identity science, Julie explores the four core human needs — to be seen, soothed, safe, and secure — through both attachment theory and biblical story. You'll hear how Hagar, David, Jesus, and Isaiah all encountered God not through religious performance, but through relationship.This episode speaks directly into the emotional exhaustion, role confusion, spiritual fatigue, and identity drift high achievers often carry quietly — naming what has been difficult to articulate:you haven't been resisting God…your body has been relearning what unconditional love feels like.You'll learn:• why success feels empty when belonging comes through performance • how the nervous system confuses spiritual connection with survival patterns • why calm and stillness feel unfamiliar for high performers• the four core needs Scripture affirms: seen, soothed, safe, secure• how identity margin collapses when you receive belonging instead of earning it• why surrender is not collapse — it's coming home• how beloved identity expands capacity without adding pressure• why God never asks you to shrink, dim, or disappear in order to be lovedMicro Recalibration (individual + team) Ask: “Which part of me went quiet to stay loved — and what is it asking for now?”Then notice:• What sensation rises when I acknowledge it?• What does this part need: soothing, truth, rest, or presence?Team Extension:“What would shift if we created environments where belonging is received, not earned?”If this episode gave you language you've been missing, please rate and review the show so more high-capacity humans can find their way home.If this episode gave you language you've been missing, please rate and review the show so more high-capacity humans can find it. Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → Follow Julie Holly on LinkedIn for more recalibration insights → Schedule a conversation with Julie to see if The Recalibration is a fit for you → Download the Misalignment Audit → Subscribe to the weekly newsletter → Books to read (Tidy categories on Amazon- I've read/listened to each recommended title.) → One link to all things This isn't therapy. This isn't coaching. This is identity recalibration — and it changes everything.

The nativity is more than a quiet scene on a mantel—it’s the moment Hope took on flesh. Drawing from Luke 2:7, this devotional reflects on the tender, intimate way God chose to enter the world: humble, small, and wrapped in cloth. Like Mary, the shepherds, and the wise men who followed a star into the unknown, we’re invited to pursue Hope with trust, curiosity, and courage. Hope doesn’t shout; it waits to be sought. And when we find it—when we find Him—fear loses its grip and light floods the dark corners of our lives. Highlights A personal window into the author’s first night of motherhood and the nearness of God Parallels between Mary’s quiet moment with Jesus and our own encounters with divine presence The power of hope to silence fear—echoed in Scripture and even unexpected cultural references Why hope often appears humble and easy to overlook The shepherds’ and wise men’s radical pursuit of a Savior they barely understood A reminder that true hope isn’t about earthly rewards but eternal transformation The invitation to seek, embrace, and live out the hope found in Christ Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: Hope Wrapped in Swaddling Clothes By Peyton Garland Bible Reading: “...and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” Luke 2:27 (NIV) Outside experiencing Christ’s salvation, I haven’t felt God’s presence so loudly, so beautifully, as the night after I had my first son. My little guy didn’t have to stay in the hospital nursery, so he spent his first night with me. Exhausted from the previous night’s midnight contractions coupled with a five-in-the-morning birth, I welcomed the quiet, dark hush that finally fell over the hospital floors. I recall the sole soft yellow light the nurses left on in my room through that night, and it shone directly over my baby. Despite the new mysteries and fears naturally coupled with motherhood, like Hagar, I felt seen, known, and embraced (Genesis 16). The presence of the Almighty was undeniable. I imagine that Mary felt much the same as the Star of Bethlehem pierced through a world filled with darkness and cast its beautiful warmth over her, and Hope wrapped in swaddling clothes. She had little choice but to accept the kindness and favor God had placed on her through such a tiny, splendid creature. Hope for Mary’s people was now tangible. If you have ever read the best-selling sci-fi series, The Hunger Games, or watched its film adaptations, you recall one of the trilogy’s most famous quotes: “Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.” Though quoted by the villainous President Snow, I agree with his assessment. Hope has this unearthly ability to squelch our greatest fears, yet hope rarely screams to be seen. Hope is often humble, just like Katniss Everdeen, a poor young girl from an outcast district, who was willing to sacrifice her life to become hope for a nation of oppressed people. Hope wants you to seek it out to affirm the worth you’ve placed upon it. It’s not that hope is dictatorial. Rather, hope recognizes that without your willingness to seek it and embrace it, it will never truly live inside you. You won’t experience its fullness without placing personal faith in its power. Is that not what the nativity scene reminds us? Humble beginnings? Faith that seems scientifically impossible and socially fatal? The shepherds were greeted by a host of angels and told to meet a newborn baby who would save their souls. The wise men (likely sorcerers) felt the holy calling of a God they weren’t intimate with, yet they spent months, likely years, pursuing a star (most scholars believe the wise men didn’t reach Christ until he was two years old). This great pursuit didn’t lead the shepherds or wise men to a king in royal garb. They didn’t discover troves of treasure. There wasn’t any earthly reward they gained from this blind trust. Instead, they met a young boy born to lowly Jews, but they were radically bettered forever. In fact, Scripture confirms that the wise men pledged their souls to Christ, worshipping him, and protecting Him from King Herod: “[Herod] sent [the wise men] to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’ After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” We are granted the same opportunity to pursue Hope, even if we aren’t promised worldly possessions or fame. Hope doesn’t need a bonus package or special add-ons to fill our hearts with love and light that brings us joy, no matter our lot in life. Hope only needs a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, a baby committed to experiencing sacrificial death, then shedding grave clothes for mankind to know eternal peace. What a beautiful reason to celebrate the true meaning and hope of this Christmas season! Intersecting Faith & Life: As Christmas approaches, take a few moments as a family to discuss the importance of the nativity scene and consider age-appropriate crafts and devotionals centered on its significance. Further Reading:Matthew 2Who Is Really Coming to Town Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Send us a textExhausted by years of waiting, Sarai decides to take matters into her own hands, offering her Egyptian servant, Hagar, to Abram to bear a child. This desperate shortcut instantly creates chaos, leading to bitterness, mistreatment, and Hagar's flight into the wilderness. We explore the profound human costs of impatience and doubt. The story culminates in one of the Bible's most beautiful moments, as Hagar, alone and pregnant, is met by an Angel of the Lord. Discover why Hagar gives God a unique name—El-Roi, The God Who Sees Me—and the prophetic implications of the son she is told to name Ishmael.Contact us at-Email-wildwomeninchrist@gmail.comInstagram-@wildwomeninchristFacebook-Wild Women in ChristThanks for listening!!!

At winter campout, the teens encounter the wilderness God of Hagar—the One able to handle any need...and any fear. Aria waits in dread for car repair news.

Changing a false identity or victim behavior begins by seeing God for who he truly is and seeing the inestimable value of ourselves. God gives us a real-life example of this miracle in the story of Hagar. No one valued her until the day she met God while running away from her life.

In This Special Bonus Episode From Christian Parent, Crazy World: What if the greatest gift you give your kids this Christmas is a heart of generosity—and the chance to change someone else’s world? Catherine Segars goes beyond stockings and wrapping paper to tackle one of the most pressing questions for believers during the holiday season: How do we practically teach our children the virtue of generosity, not just for the holidays, but for a lifetime—and in a way that makes a true, eternal difference? Answer: Plant seeds of generosity in your family with Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Gift Catalog, a unique way for families to give gifts that can transform lives around the globe. Browse the catalog and get involved at www.samaritanspurse.org/parent. Catherine welcomes Kristy Graham, host of the On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse podcast and wife to Edward Graham, part of the legacy family behind this renowned global relief ministry. With firsthand experience raising four children and witnessing God’s faithfulness in some of the most challenging corners of the globe, Kristy brings unmatched insight and compassion to this timely discussion. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Transformative Giving - The Samaritan's Purse Christmas Gift Catalog: Learn how families can open a new kind of catalog—one offering goats, honeybees, water filters, heart surgeries, and more—to provide desperately needed gifts to people across the globe. Real Stories, Real Impact: Kristy recounts emotional, hope-filled stories: families in Iraq whose lives are remade by a simple beehive; a mother shattered by tragedy in need of purpose and dignity, restored by a brood of baby chicks; and the power of a $9 donation to feed a hungry infant and spark the hope of the Gospel for a mother who feels forgotten. Generosity That Changes Hearts—Including Our Own: Discover practical ways to involve your kids in picking out gifts, writing cards for teachers in someone’s honor, or pairing a meaningful donation with something tangible. Biblical Parallels: Kristy and Catherine share how the work of Samaritan’s purse brings to life the stories of Ruth, who gleaned what benevolent benefactors left for those less fortunate, and Hagar, who met the God who saw her need. Seeds of the Gospel: Every gift given through Samaritan’s Purse meets physical needs—and intentionally opens doors for the life-changing message of Christ. Whether it’s a water well, a jar of honey, or a vital medical procedure, these gifts become vehicles for sharing hope and introducing recipients to the God who truly sees them. Call to Action: This Christmas, will your family give a gift that extends beyond your home?Explore life-changing opportunities at samaritanspurse.org/parent as a family, and ask your kids: “How can we be part of God’s story of hope this Christmas?”Let your generosity become a legacy of faith, planting seeds for eternity. Episode Links: Samaritan’s Purse Gift Catalog: www.samaritanspurse.org/parent On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse Podcast Catherine's Resources for Christian Parents About the guest: Kristy Graham hosts On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse, a show she launched in 2019 to highlight God’s faithfulness through the ministry’s work. Each week, she brings listeners close to the stories of staff and the people they serve—always pointing hearts to Christ. From missionary doctors in Kenya to military couples in Alaska to families receiving new homes after disasters, Kristy loves witnessing Samaritan’s Purse in action. At home, she and her husband, Edward, are raising their four children in the mountains of North Carolina. Parents, what new tradition will you start this year to show your children the joy—and eternal impact—of generosity? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Love catching up with Sammy on his Socials?  Well, in this episode, the Bo-host's sit down with Jon R. Luini, founder and president of Chime Interactive, and the man behind Sammy's Digital Strategies, Social Media, Web, and (most) videos! Chime Interactive has helped power Sammy's digital media strategies for almost 20 years, and has been the team behind such Rock legends as: Joe Satriani, REO Speedwagon, Los Lobos, Chickenfoot, Eric Johnson, Men At Work, Tower of Power and more!Jon's also Sammy's archivist, meaning, his marching (to mars) orders are to " capture everything you possibly can at the highest quality level you possibly can!" Sounds like the world's greatest job right?  Well, sit back, crack a Hagar-inspired beverage of choice, and listen to Jon "Chime" in on his amazing career!For more on Jon R. Luini's amazing career, and Chime Interactive:https://www.chimeinteractive.com/https://www.instagram.com/chimeinteractive/https://www.facebook.com/chimeinteractive"What is understood...NEED be discussed"Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085582159917Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebogusotisshow/?hl=enConnect with the Bo-Hosts:bogusotisshow@gmail.com

In this episode, author, podcaster, and speaker Mary DeMuth returns to share the inspiration behind her latest work, which spotlights overwhelmed women in the Bible—women whose stories have often been minimized or overlooked. From Mary the mother of Jesus to Hagar to the widow with two mites, these women model faith, resilience, and wholehearted trust in God. We talk about how Christmas can be both beautiful and heavy. Mary opens up about her own seasons of overwhelm, from her water breaking on Christmas Eve to sleeping in a barn the week before Christmas. She reminds us that Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived through the deepest fears a mother can face, yet she remained faithful as a disciple. Here is some of what we cover:  Why Christmas often heightens grief, trauma, and unmet longings The consumerism of the holiday season vs. the simplicity of God with us What Shalom really means: wholehearted, whole-bodied peace rooted in surrender Jesus' care for the overlooked, the aging, and the marginalized The definition of “Whelm” which  refers to out-of-control stress,  “overwhelmed” is that same stress amplified beyond capacity Connect with Mary DeMuth:  Instagram: Mary DeMuth // Healing from Trauma (@marydemuth) Facebook:  Mary DeMuth Website:  Mary DeMuth Links Mentioned:   Nobody's Mother: By Sandra Glahn 90-Day Bible Reading Challenge: By Mary DeMuth Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible: By Mary DeMuth The Most Overlooked Women of the Bible: By Mary DeMuth The Most Overwhelmed Women of the Bible: By Mary DeMuth Podcast - Pray Every Day Mary DeMuth Church Hurt Checklist Related Episodes: Building the Family You Never Had :: Mary DeMuth [Ep 156] Nobody's Mother :: Dr. Sandra Glahn [Ep 443] From Overwhelmed to Anchored: Replacing the Lies of Motherhood with God's Truth :: Erica Gwynn [Ep 544] Featured Sponsors:  Green Chef: Go to Greenchef.com/ALONEGRAZA use the code ALONEGRAZA to get started with 50% off Green Chef + FREE Graza Olive Oil Set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes. This 50% offer is only available for a limited time, so don't wait.  Policygenius: With Policygenius real users have gotten 20-year $2 million policies for just $53 a month. Don't wait until next year. Give your family the gift of security today with Policygenius. Head to Policygenius.com to compare life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.  Thrive Causemetics: Complete your holiday look. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. 

FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with political satirist and "Oh My World" podcast host Hagar Chemali.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

The holidays can feel like a collision—warm lights and hard memories, generosity campaigns and a quiet fear that there still won't be enough. We lean into that tension and ask a harder question: what would it take to move from being inspired by generosity to becoming intentional about it? Starting with Advent's core meaning—waiting—we explore why “no room at the inn” is more than a nativity detail. It's a mirror for our scarcity mindset and a signpost to a different economy.We trace the human tendency to mistrust the Host through Genesis: grasping in Eden, rivalry with Cain and Abel, consolidation at Babel, and Abraham and Sarah's shortcut with Hagar. Each story shows how trying to manufacture blessing unravels us. Then we turn to Israel's laws of gleaning in Deuteronomy, where God reorders life around margin—leave something for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow. This is practical, local, and relational generosity, built on memory: remember slavery, remember redemption, and let remembrance shape how you give your time, money, and attention.From there, we unpack 2 Corinthians 9 as a grounded blueprint for giving: decide in your heart, give cheerfully without pressure, trust God's provision, practice wisdom without weaponizing scrutiny, refuse strings attached, and build intention into your calendar and budget. Along the way we address the pain many feel around church and money, and we offer a path that centers love, trust, and proximity to real needs. Love gave first. That's the pattern that breaks scarcity and turns resources into good news.If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs encouragement this season, and leave a review to help others find it. Then tell us: what intentional step toward generosity will you take this week?Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to Madison Church on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback means the world to us, so please take a moment to leave a review and share the podcast with your friends and family.For inquiries, suggestions, or collaboration opportunities, please reach out to us at help@madisonchurch.com. For the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube New episodes are released every Monday, so mark your calendars and join us weekly! If you'd like to support the show, you can make a donation here. Your generosity helps us continue to bring you meaningful content. This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. The views expressed by the hosts or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Madison Church. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. For detailed information regarding our terms of use and privacy policy, please visit our website.Thank you for being part of the Madison Church community! We appreciate your support.

In This Special Bonus Episode From Christian Parent, Crazy World: What if the greatest gift you give your kids this Christmas is a heart of generosity—and the chance to change someone else’s world? Catherine Segars goes beyond stockings and wrapping paper to tackle one of the most pressing questions for believers during the holiday season: How do we practically teach our children the virtue of generosity, not just for the holidays, but for a lifetime—and in a way that makes a true, eternal difference? Answer: Plant seeds of generosity in your family with Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Gift Catalog, a unique way for families to give gifts that can transform lives around the globe. Browse the catalog and get involved at www.samaritanspurse.org/parent. Catherine welcomes Kristy Graham, host of the On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse podcast and wife to Edward Graham, part of the legacy family behind this renowned global relief ministry. With firsthand experience raising four children and witnessing God’s faithfulness in some of the most challenging corners of the globe, Kristy brings unmatched insight and compassion to this timely discussion. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Transformative Giving - The Samaritan's Purse Christmas Gift Catalog: Learn how families can open a new kind of catalog—one offering goats, honeybees, water filters, heart surgeries, and more—to provide desperately needed gifts to people across the globe. Real Stories, Real Impact: Kristy recounts emotional, hope-filled stories: families in Iraq whose lives are remade by a simple beehive; a mother shattered by tragedy in need of purpose and dignity, restored by a brood of baby chicks; and the power of a $9 donation to feed a hungry infant and spark the hope of the Gospel for a mother who feels forgotten. Generosity That Changes Hearts—Including Our Own: Discover practical ways to involve your kids in picking out gifts, writing cards for teachers in someone’s honor, or pairing a meaningful donation with something tangible. Biblical Parallels: Kristy and Catherine share how the work of Samaritan’s purse brings to life the stories of Ruth, who gleaned what benevolent benefactors left for those less fortunate, and Hagar, who met the God who saw her need. Seeds of the Gospel: Every gift given through Samaritan’s Purse meets physical needs—and intentionally opens doors for the life-changing message of Christ. Whether it’s a water well, a jar of honey, or a vital medical procedure, these gifts become vehicles for sharing hope and introducing recipients to the God who truly sees them. Call to Action: This Christmas, will your family give a gift that extends beyond your home?Explore life-changing opportunities at samaritanspurse.org/parent as a family, and ask your kids: “How can we be part of God’s story of hope this Christmas?”Let your generosity become a legacy of faith, planting seeds for eternity. Episode Links: Samaritan’s Purse Gift Catalog: www.samaritanspurse.org/parent On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse Podcast Catherine's Resources for Christian Parents About the guest: Kristy Graham hosts On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse, a show she launched in 2019 to highlight God’s faithfulness through the ministry’s work. Each week, she brings listeners close to the stories of staff and the people they serve—always pointing hearts to Christ. From missionary doctors in Kenya to military couples in Alaska to families receiving new homes after disasters, Kristy loves witnessing Samaritan’s Purse in action. At home, she and her husband, Edward, are raising their four children in the mountains of North Carolina. Parents, what new tradition will you start this year to show your children the joy—and eternal impact—of generosity? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover the profound comfort that awaits those who mourn through the story of Hagar's plight.In this episode, we delve into the depth of mourning and the promise of divine comfort, exploring the heart-wrenching journey of Hagar. Join us as we uncover how God's presence transforms sorrow into solace and brings hope to the brokenhearted.Today's Bible verse is Matthew 5:4, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 2.63This episode explores the biblical theme of naming—from Adam in Genesis to Jesus in Revelation—and shows how naming reveals authority, identity, mission, and destiny. Michael and Zach trace how Scripture uses naming to communicate dominion (Adam naming the animals), responsibility (parents naming their children), divine revelation (God naming Himself in Exodus 3), and testimony (Hagar calling God El Roi). The episode highlights how Jesus wields unmatched authority over the spiritual realm, silencing demons who attempt to name Him, and how He renames His followers—Peter the Rock, the Sons of Thunder—to define their calling.The hosts show how naming attempts in the ancient world were often tied to power, control, or manipulation, yet Jesus resists every attempt to be defined by others. From Philippians 2's “name above every name” to Revelation's mysterious “name no one knows but Himself,” the Bible presents Christ as both revealed and inexhaustible.The episode concludes by connecting naming to adoption: God places His own name on His children, granting belonging, identity, and security. The God who cannot be claimed or controlled chooses to claim us—writing His name on His people and inviting them into His family forever.Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/fYC6ZokR3iw Merch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

Genesis 25-26   25:1 Now Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah. 2 She bore to him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. 3 Jokshan fathered Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. 4 The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All of these were the sons of Keturah. 5 Now Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac; 6 but to the sons of his concubines, Abraham gave gifts while he was still living, and sent them away from his son Isaac eastward, to the land of the east. 7 These are all the years of Abraham's life that he lived, 175 years. 8 Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his people. 9 Then his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, facing Mamre, 10 the field which Abraham purchased from the sons of Heth; there Abraham was buried with his wife Sarah. 11 It came about after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac lived by Beer-lahai-roi. 12 Now these are the records of the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's slave woman, bore to Abraham; 13 and these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, 15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. 16 These are the sons of Ishmael and these are their names, by their villages, and by their camps; twelve princes according to their tribes. 17 These are the years of the life of Ishmael, 137 years; and he breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people. 18 They settled from Havilah to Shur which is east of Egypt going toward Assyria; he settled in defiance of all his relatives. 19 Now these are the records of the generations of Isaac, Abraham's son: Abraham fathered Isaac; 20 and Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, the sister of Laban the Aramean, to be his wife. 21 Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was unable to have children; and the Lord answered him, and his wife Rebekah conceived. 22 But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If it is so, why am I in this condition?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. 23 And the Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb; And two peoples will be separated from your body; And one people will be stronger than the other; And the older will serve the younger.” 24 When her days leading to the delivery were at an end, behold, there were twins in her womb. 25 Now the first came out red, all over like a hairy garment; and they named him Esau. 26 Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding on to Esau's heel, so he was named Jacob; and Isaac was sixty years old when she gave birth to them. 27 When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a civilized man, living in tents. 28 Now Isaac loved Esau because he had a taste for game; but Rebekah loved Jacob. 29 When Jacob had cooked a stew one day, Esau came in from the field and he was exhausted; 30 and Esau said to Jacob, “Please let me have a mouthful of that red stuff there, for I am exhausted.” Therefore he was called Edom by name. 31 But Jacob said, “First sell me your birthright.” 32 Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so of what use then is the birthright to me?” 33 And Jacob said, “First swear to me”; so he swore an oath to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank, and got up and went on his way. So Esau despised his birthright.   26:1 Now there was a famine in the land, besides the previous famine that had occurred in the days of Abraham. So Isaac went to Gerar, to Abimelech king of the Philistines. 2 And the Lord appeared to him and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; stay in the land of which I shall tell you. 3 Live for a time in this land and I will be with you and bless you, for to you and to your descendants I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I swore to your father Abraham. 4 I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven, and will give your descendants all these lands; and by your descendants all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, 5 because Abraham obeyed Me and fulfilled his duty to Me, and kept My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” 6 So Isaac lived in Gerar. 7 When the men of the place asked about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” for he was afraid to say, “my wife,” thinking, “the men of the place might kill me on account of Rebekah, since she is beautiful.” 8 Now it came about, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked down through a window, and saw them, and behold, Isaac was caressing his wife Rebekah. 9 Then Abimelech called Isaac and said, “Behold, she certainly is your wife! So how is it that you said, ‘She is my sister'?” And Isaac said to him, “Because I thought, ‘otherwise I might be killed on account of her.'” 10 And Abimelech said, “What is this that you have done to us? One of the people might easily have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.” 11 So Abimelech commanded all the people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife will certainly be put to death.” 12 Now Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundred times as much. And the Lord blessed him, 13 and the man became rich, and continued to grow richer until he became very wealthy; 14 for he had possessions of flocks and herds, and a great household, so that the Philistines envied him. 15 Now all the wells which his father's servants had dug in the days of his father Abraham, the Philistines stopped up by filling them with dirt. 16 Then Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are too powerful for us.” 17 So Isaac departed from there and camped in the Valley of Gerar, and settled there. 18 Then Isaac dug again the wells of water which had been dug in the days of his father Abraham, for the Philistines had stopped them up after the death of Abraham; and he gave them the same names which his father had given them. 19 But when Isaac's servants dug in the valley and found there a well of flowing water, 20 the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with the herdsmen of Isaac, saying, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they argued with him. 21 Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over it too, so he named it Sitnah. 22 Then he moved away from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it; so he named it Rehoboth, for he said, “At last the Lord has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land.” 23 And he went up from there to Beersheba. 24 And the Lord appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham; Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants, For the sake of My servant Abraham.” 25 So he built an altar there and called upon the name of the Lord, and pitched his tent there; and there Isaac's servants dug a well. 26 Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with his adviser Ahuzzath, and Phicol the commander of his army. 27 Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?” 28 They said, “We have seen plainly that the Lord has been with you; so we said, ‘An oath must now be taken by us,' that is, by you and us. So let us make a covenant with you, 29 that you will do us no harm, just as we have not touched you and have done to you nothing but good, and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the Lord.” 30 Then he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. 31 In the morning they got up early and exchanged oaths; then Isaac sent them away, and they left him in peace. 32 Now it came about on the same day, that Isaac's servants came in and told him about the well which they had dug, and said to him, “We have found water.” 33 So he called it Shibah; therefore the name of the city is Beersheba to this day. 34 When Esau was forty years old he married Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite; 35 and they brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah.     BIBLE READING GUIDE - FREE EBOOK - Get the free eBook, Bible in Life, to help you learn how to read and apply the Bible well: https://www.listenerscommentary.com     GIVE -  The Listener's Commentary is a listener supported Bible teaching ministry made possible by the generosity of people like you. Thank you! Give here:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com/give     STUDY HUB - Want more than the audio? Join the study hub to access articles, maps, charts, pictures, and links to other resources to help you study the Bible for yourself. https://www.listenerscommentary.com/members-sign-up   MORE TEACHING - For more resources and Bible teaching from John visit https://www.johnwhittaker.net 

What if the greatest gift you give your kids this Christmas is a heart of generosity—and the chance to change someone else’s world? This episode goes beyond stockings and wrapping paper to tackle one of the most pressing questions for believers during the holiday season: How do we practically teach our children the virtue of generosity, not just for the holidays, but for a lifetime—and in a way that makes a true, eternal difference? Answer: Plant seeds of generosity in your family with Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Gift Catalog, a unique way for families to give gifts that can transform lives around the globe. Browse the catalog and get involved at www.samaritanspurse.org/parent. Catherine welcomes Kristy Graham, host of the On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse podcast and wife to Edward Graham, part of the legacy family behind this renowned global relief ministry. With firsthand experience raising four children and witnessing God’s faithfulness in some of the most challenging corners of the globe, Kristy brings unmatched insight and compassion to this timely discussion. Editor's Note - this is a bonus feed drop, in partnership with Samaritan's Purse. Your Daily Prayer's regular episodes will continue on the 8th. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Transformative Giving - The Samaritan's Purse Christmas Gift Catalog: Learn how families can open a new kind of catalog—one offering goats, honeybees, water filters, heart surgeries, and more—to provide desperately needed gifts to people across the globe. Real Stories, Real Impact: Kristy recounts emotional, hope-filled stories: families in Iraq whose lives are remade by a simple beehive; a mother shattered by tragedy in need of purpose and dignity, restored by a brood of baby chicks; and the power of a $9 donation to feed a hungry infant and spark the hope of the Gospel for a mother who feels forgotten. Generosity That Changes Hearts—Including Our Own: Discover practical ways to involve your kids in picking out gifts, writing cards for teachers in someone’s honor, or pairing a meaningful donation with something tangible. Biblical Parallels: Kristy and Catherine share how the work of Samaritan’s purse brings to life the stories of Ruth, who gleaned what benevolent benefactors left for those less fortunate, and Hagar, who met the God who saw her need. Seeds of the Gospel: Every gift given through Samaritan’s Purse meets physical needs—and intentionally opens doors for the life-changing message of Christ. Whether it’s a water well, a jar of honey, or a vital medical procedure, these gifts become vehicles for sharing hope and introducing recipients to the God who truly sees them. Call to Action: This Christmas, will your family give a gift that extends beyond your home?Explore life-changing opportunities at samaritanspurse.org/parent as a family, and ask your kids: “How can we be part of God’s story of hope this Christmas?”Let your generosity become a legacy of faith, planting seeds for eternity. Episode Links: Samaritan’s Purse Gift Catalog: www.samaritanspurse.org/parent On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse Podcast Catherine's Resources for Christian Parents About the guest: Kristy Graham hosts On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse, a show she launched in 2019 to highlight God’s faithfulness through the ministry’s work. Each week, she brings listeners close to the stories of staff and the people they serve—always pointing hearts to Christ. From missionary doctors in Kenya to military couples in Alaska to families receiving new homes after disasters, Kristy loves witnessing Samaritan’s Purse in action. At home, she and her husband, Edward, are raising their four children in the mountains of North Carolina. Parents, what new tradition will you start this year to show your children the joy—and eternal impact—of generosity? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When Sun’s husband had a stroke, her life took a dramatic turn. She found herself having to assist her husband with daily living activities and cope with his emotional outbursts. For seventeen years, she’d faithfully cared for her husband. When a fall hastened his decline, however, the weight of caregiving finally became too much, and Sun sank into depression. She shared, “I felt I’d lost my faith, and I couldn’t see God.” But looking back, Sun now believes that God saw her. She believes that in very real and timely ways, He soon provided subsidized home medical and nursing care to manage her husband’s chronic condition and sent social workers to support Sun in managing the emotional challenges of caregiving. God revealed himself as the God who sees in the story of Hagar. In Genesis 16, the slave Hagar was running away from her mistress’ mistreatment (v. 6) when the angel of the Lord found her “near a spring in the desert” (v. 7). He urged Hagar to “go back to [her] mistress” (v. 9) and assured her of His blessing. Even though Hagar was a nobody in her culture, God was watching out for her well-being. In gratitude, Hagar declared: “You are the God who sees me” (v. 13). God sees us in our distress too. We’re never alone because our loving Father knows our situation, and He’s trustworthy. We can cry out to Him for help and trust that He will lift us up.

Gratitude shifts when attention moves from missing things to present gifts from God. Kelly Balarie frames this reset through Psalm 87:7, highlighting a real-life moment of releasing comparison and anchoring joy in Christ. Strong search phrases like biblical gratitude, contentment over comparison, and Psalm 87 fountains help more hearts find the message quickly—because noticing God’s provision isn’t denial, it’s deliberate focus. Highlights Comparison is loud; gratitude is louder when practiced. Obedience often includes releasing what once mattered. Letting go creates capacity for deeper joy. Christ is the source, not the supplement. Serving others redirects the heart from scarcity to abundance. Worship begins at the fountain—God Himself. Thankfulness starts small, but builds momentum fast. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: Holding on to Joy When the Season Feels Heavy By: Laura Bailey Bible Reading:“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”- Zephaniah 3:17 NIVThe holiday season brings a sense of joy and positivity to many. The constant celebrations are a welcome distraction from their ordinary lives. Yet, for others, the holidays usher in more profound feelings of grief, remorse, or desperation. To the one who recently lost a loved one, putting on a happy face during celebrations is distressing.To the one who received the news that they no longer have a job, having to tell their family that Christmas will look a bit different this year is dispiriting.For those estranged from family members, watching others gather peacefully can be a depressing experience.If you are struggling to hold onto joy this season because you are in an emotionally, mentally, or spiritually heavy season, let me encourage you with these verses. “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”- Zephaniah 3:17 NIVWhen you are in the middle of an extremely difficult season, especially when it seems like the world around you is rejoicing while yours is falling apart, remember that God is with you. It may feel that He is distant, you might even be tempted to think He’s forgotten You, or His lack of removing your pain is evidence He doesn’t care. But, that is not true. God is always with you. He is your Savior and your Sustainer. He rejoices over you with gladness. He is love ( 1 John 4:16), and He created you out of love. He hasn’t forgotten you. She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” - Genesis 16:12 NIV There are seasons in our lives where, though we know in our minds God hasn’t forsaken us, our hearts feel differently. Just like Hagar, our dire circumstances may cause us to question God’s goodness. We may feel that God doesn’t care about our situation, we are in a spiritual desert, and are desperate for something to quench our dry souls. God does care for you. He is grieved when His children are hurting. Jesus, who took on humanity, experienced all the things we experience. He knows what it feels like to be betrayed, to grieve the loss of a friend, to be rejected by the people He loved. God is a good God Who sees, and He sees you. Allow God’s goodness to draw you out of the desert, and find joy in Him.“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” - Isaiah 26:3 It can be difficult to hold on to joy when our thoughts aren’t focused on the Lord. Peace, isn’t that something we all desire? We can experience peace in the hardest of seasons when our thoughts are steadfast, or firmly fixed on the Lord. How can we securely anchor ourselves in God? We firmly believe that even in our darkest moments, God is still at work. God is still faithful, He has a purpose, and nothing can separate us from His love. Friend, if you are in a heavy season, know I am praying for you as you navigate the holidays. May you feel the Lord’s presence and know that He sees you and He loves you. Intersecting Faith & Life:Are you in heavy season? If so, what verse above gives you encouragement? Commit the verse to memory and recite it when you are struggling to hold on to your joy.Further Reading:Isaiah 26 11 Ways to Draw Near to God this New Year Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.