Podcasts about heavenly father

Worry whispers lies about a future that hasn't even happened yet.In this message from the Unfollow Fear series, Pastor Bobby Chandler explains how worry quietly steals your peace, distracts you from what matters most, and keeps you trapped in fear.Jesus told His followers not to worry about tomorrow because our Heavenly Father already knows what we need. Instead of letting worry control our thoughts, the Bible teaches us to bring everything to God in prayer and trust Him with the future.If you've been struggling with anxiety, stress, or fear about what's ahead, this message will help you break free from the worry trap and experience the peace that only God can give.Key Scriptures:Luke 12:22-32Philippians 4:6-7Matthew 11:28—Subscribe for more messages from Authentic ChurchAuthenticChurch.comHickory, North CarolinaGIVING To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://authenticchurch.com/give GET CONNECTED Ready to check out Authentic Church in person? We can't wait to meet you in person. Simply fill out the form below and we'll make sure to give you the VIP treatment upon your first visit. https://authenticchurch.com/plan-a-visit ABOUT AUTHENTIC CHURCH Authentic Church exists so that people will have an authentic encounter with God, be set free, and grow in Christ. Our mission is to help each person at Authentic believe in Jesus, belong to family, inspire true worship, walk in God's Spirit, and build the kingdom of God.

In this message from our Flourishing series, Andy Floyd explores Jesus' challenging words about judgement and what it means to live with humility, grace, and discernment. Rather than condemning others, Jesus calls us first to examine our own hearts and to approach people with compassion and restoration. Andy shows how stepping down from the judge's seat and trusting our good Heavenly Father leads us into a life marked by mercy, prayer, and dependence on God.

The toughest thing about trying to live as a Christ-follower is being beat down by the world, all the while knowing Heaven is a reality waiting for us one day. But it's hard to see Heaven when we feel like Hell is constantly on our doorstep, isn't it?We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. … That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (NLT) When things are tough, especially inside your own family and dealing with your kids, try and remember this life is temporary … in several ways … one, your children are growing up and there will be a day when they will leave home, and two, there will be a day that Heaven will move from a someday thing to a reality. So hold onto it all loosely and maybe a little less intensly.Listen to today's passage in the Message Bible … And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God's glory … So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.What problem are you holding onto just a bit too tightly right now?What issue should you take a little less seriously right now?What do you need to change your perspective on to see it as temporary? Because it is.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, please help me to stand up when I feel like giving up. Help me to release my grip when I feel like taking control. Help me to hand over to You everything I hold on to. As above, so below.”

Two attacks, two states, one pattern America cannot ignore. The liberal media response to domestic terror is understated and disgusting, we cover it all with receipts. Speaking of liberals, they once again trying to control the narrative about the SAVE act with the same tired excuses of racism and sexism and the latest voice for the Dems about that is Pritzker in Illinois. Plus, Old Joe still blaming whites, CNN is confused and evil, clowns of the week, & we wrap it all up with our weekly Prayer to our Heavenly Father.

On The Dad Whisperer Podcast today I'm excited to be talking with my friend Rick Altizer, the director of a FANTASTIC movie that will be in theaters nationwide next week for two days only on March 17 & 18 titled, “HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER.” This is a film about the power of a father in a daughter's life…with heart-wrenching stories coupled with hope, redemption and healing. This is a move you definitely want to see and Rick will give you the inside scoop as you listen in to our conversation! 

From a teenage boy in the fields alone with the sheep to a king in the palace, David's life knew trouble … trouble he made for himself, trouble from others, and a lot of trouble with his kids.Despite his issues, David constantly showed us how to turn to the Lord with anything and everything.Listen to Psalm 18:1-6 …I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.  I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. (NLT) If you were to composed a psalm of your own, what would you say to God? What would you say about God?You know what enemies, threats, floods, and distress feel like, don't you? Do you know the other side David speaks about? To allow God to rescue you? To cry out to Him for help?Listen to part of this passage again in The New Life Bible … I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my safe place, and the One Who takes me out of trouble. My God is my rock, in Whom I am safe. He is my safe-covering, my saving strength, and my strong tower. I call to the Lord, Who has the right to be praised. And I am saved from those who hate me. The ropes of death were all around me. The floods of death make me afraid. The ropes of the grave were all around me. The traps of death were set for me. I called to the Lord in my trouble. I cried to God for help. He heard my voice from His holy house. My cry for help came into His ears.Let's take a few moments to list some of the major troubles you have experienced … maybe something you are walking through right now?Now list what God has done or what You want to see Him do?Listing, even writing out your prayers is a great exercise … one you might try doing with your kids too.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, You are my strength, my Rock, my Safe Place, my Covering, my Strong Tower. Thank You for hearing me when I cry out to You. Thank You for answering, not always on my time, but on Yours. As above, so below.”

Broken or absent father-daughter relationships can shape a woman's identity for years. Award-winning filmmaker Rick Altizer shares the heart behind his new documentary, He Calls Me Daughter—a powerful story of healing, restoration, and discovering the love of a faithful Heavenly Father. Many experts say fatherlessness is one of the most significant social challenges in America today. Rick share's common themes among the women he interviewed and how a strained father-daughter relationship influence a woman's self-worth. Rick Altizer is known for creating uplifting, faith-centered media shares his latest project is no exception.

Feeling forgotten by God can happen during seasons of unanswered prayer, depression, or overwhelming hardship. This Christian devotional rooted in Isaiah 49:15 reminds us that even when life feels heavy, God’s love never disappears. Vivian Bricker reflects on how painful seasons can create the illusion that God has forgotten us, when in truth He remains present and faithful. Scripture assures us that God’s care is even stronger than a mother’s love for her child. While life in a broken world includes suffering, spiritual battles, and emotional struggles, God walks with us through every moment. His promises remain steady, and His love never leaves us—even when we struggle to feel it. Highlights Difficult seasons can make it feel like God has forgotten us, but His Word promises otherwise. God’s love is stronger and more constant than any human relationship. Unanswered prayers do not mean God is absent or indifferent. Life in a fallen world includes hardship, but God’s presence remains with us through it all. Scripture reminds us we are deeply loved and never forgotten by our Heavenly Father. God’s mercies are renewed every morning, offering fresh hope each day. This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Has God Forgotten about Me?By Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15). When dreadful things happen, it is hard not to wonder if God has forgotten about us. A few years ago, I was going through a particularly hard patch in life, and I was feeling as though God had forgotten about me. Unanswered prayers and depression were getting the best of me. I did not want to leave my house, stopped seeing friends, and isolated myself from the rest of the world. I did not want to be a part of the world anymore because I was only seeing terrible things happening. Therefore, I thought the best solution was to hide away and drown out all the hurt by keeping busy at work. During this time, I felt so far away from God. I reasoned that if God had remembered me, I wouldn’t be going through such challenging times. The hard truth is that God doesn’t promise us bright and sunny days. Instead, He promises us something even better—eternal life with Him. This life will become overwhelming, stressful, and painful at times, but we have all of eternity to look forward to with the Lord. Just as God didn’t forget about me, neither has He forgotten about you. You might feel like He has forgotten about you, but I want you to challenge those thoughts. Why do you feel God has forgotten about you? Is it because a prayer wasn’t answered the way you wanted? Or is it because you are going through a challenging time? Like you, I was under the impression that God would keep me safe from all things. Mental health struggles, physical health problems, and spiritual attacks—I thought I would never have to worry about these things again. However, facing mental health struggles, physical health problems, and spiritual attacks are all part of living in this fallen world. God does not cause these things, but He can give us support, encouragement, and hope as we walk through these challenging times. He will not take us out of these troubles, but He will be with us every step of the way (Psalm 23:1-6). Intersecting Faith & Life: Isaiah 49:15 tells us, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” Mothers love their children beyond words; however, God loves us even more. There may be times when our own mother forgets about us, but God never does. This is because we are forever written on the palm of His hand, and we are kept safe by His love. There is not a day that goes by that God does not think about us. He will always remember us and love us. We are His beloved children (1 John 3:1). God’s love for us is always present, even if we cannot see it with our own two eyes (Romans 8:37-39). Allow these truths to bring your heart comfort, hope, and solace today. Open your heart to God and accept His compassion. Although you may have gone through many troubling times, He is still with you. His mercies are new every morning; great is His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23)! Pray with me: Dear God, I often wonder if You have forgotten about me due to the tough situations in my life. However, now I know that You will never forget me. Thank You for always remembering me, loving me, and caring about me. Keep these promises close to my heart and surround me with your love. Help me walk in the confidence that You are always with me. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen. Have you ever felt God has forgotten about you? What helped you to remember that God loves you and that He will never forget about you? Further Reading: Psalm 27:10 Jeremiah 29:11 Jeremiah 31:3 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A dad is foundational in every person's life, but not everyone has a solid, stable father figure to rely on. When Mark and I work with couples and individuals in our coaching sessions, we are often able to trace a person's current challenges back to father wounds. So many people are still being negatively affected by the difficult relationship they had with their father growing up—many of them without even realizing it.As we help these people unpack the past, we can't undo their experiences. But we can point to our Heavenly Father and remind them that there is incredible healing to be found in the unfailing, unconditional love that only God can provide.My guest today sees the effect of father wounds in her everyday ministry work. Rachelle Starr is the founder of Scarlet Hope and Freedom Signa, a ministry that reaches and disciples exploited women. She's the author of the book Outrageous Obedience, and is passionate about reaching women with hope wherever they are.In this episode, you'll hear:How God used a home-cooked meal to start an entire ministryWhy it's so important to understand that true healing takes time and patienceHow the love of the Heavenly Father can heal wounds we receive from our earthly fatherAnd more!I appreciated Rachelle's story of how God led her to show up in the lives of these precious women, and the healing that has come to so many as a result.Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes: https://jillsavage.org/rachelle-starr-289/Check out our other resources: Mark and Jill's Marriage Story Marriage Coaching Marriage 2.0 Intensives Speaking Schedule Book Mark and Jill to Speak Online Courses Books Marriage Resources: Infidelity Recovery For Happy Marriages For Hurting Marriages For Marriages Where You're the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources: New/Preschool Moms Moms with Gradeschoolers Moms with Teens and Tweens Moms with Kids Who Are Launching Empty Nest...

When we face tough times, when we don't know what to do as a parent, when disappointment and heartache comes, we have to remember Jesus came and experienced all these same hurts and emotions and so He understands how we feel. Listen to Hebrews 4:14-16 … So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT) How often have you been in a dark moment and thought, “I just wish someone could understand what I'm going through right now. How I feel.”? How amazing is it that God tells us when we are weak and failing the test, that actually is the best time to come boldly before Him … to receive mercy and find grace. … Help when we need it most.Listen to this passage again in The Message Bible … Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.What part of this passage stood out to you? Spoke to you?How great is it that we are told to … walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help?Knowing that God has experienced what you are feeling and is ready, waiting to give you the mercy and strength you need. Can I do that now? Imagine in your mind your Father is with you now, He knows the struggle already, can you boldly walk to him and ask for what He promises He is ready to give? Ask for mercy and then ask for help.What if you wrote that message across your bathroom mirror? To see it first thing every morning and the last thing at night? Take the mercy, accept the help. … amen.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, when I'm weak, when I'm being tested by my kids, when I have no idea what to do, remind me to “take the mercy and accept the help.” As above, so below.”

Many people have the wrong perspective about our Heavenly Father. Many people believe that he is just an angry God, looking to punish you or condemn you for all the bad stuff you have done in your life. But that's just not true. And that's the reason for this message. To paint a scriptural picture of our Heavenly Father as a loving father, who is for you and not against you. Who has a purpose and a plan for each and every one of you. Give financially to our mission of spreading the Gospel message: https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/5727676Join our Evangelism On Fire Community: https://evangelismonfire.com/Subscribe to our podcast today! You can find it on Apple podcast or wherever you get yours.Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@EvangelismOnFireClick the link to join our Evangelism On Fire Facebook community today: www.facebook.com/groups/evangelismonfire

Parenting is a long-haul job. A job we don't get days off from and we cannot quit. We all need constant emotional, mental, and spiritual fuel to keep on keeping on in raising our kids.Listen to Romans 5:2-5 …Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (NLT) Confidence. Joy. Help for problems and trials. Endurance. Character. Strength. Hope that does not disappoint. Our hearts filled with love. Who else could possibly offer that kind of guarantee but God?Listen to verses 3-5 in The Message …There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!Do you believe your current troubles can develop passionate patience in you? Something we all desperately need as parents in today's culture, right?The next time you feel hemmed in by trouble, know that you aren't being short-changed, but God will provide a way out and, then on the other side, you can experience the “tempered steel of virtue.”Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, when trouble comes, especially with my kids, help me to look for You in the midst of the mess. Teach me to anticipate what You are going to do on the other side. As above, so below.”

I met a woman recently who had decided to walk away from faith in Jesus because the man she loved didn't have the same relationship with God. As the years had gone by, her husband had been abusive to her and her children; she finally left him. She realized she needed to come home to her Heavenly Father. There is a verse in the Bible, written by an ancient prophet named Isaiah, in chapter 50 that perfectly describes her decision. He says, “… watch out, you who live by your own light and warm yourselves by your own fires." The result "... you will fall down in great torment.” Yet, after years of struggle, this broken woman received grace. She told me that now she would begin a new life walking with Jesus. We are always welcomed home; the Father is waiting with open arms. Always remember, there is hope with God. Scripture Reference: Isaiah 50:11 radio.hopewithgod.com

In this special episode of the Faith Film Fan Podcast, the tables turn as co-host Alita Reynolds interviews fellow host and filmmaker Rick Altizer about his new documentary, HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER. Rick shares the powerful story behind the film, how God led him to explore the impact of father wounds, and why this message of healing and identity in our Heavenly Father is resonating with women around the world. See HE CALLS ME DAUGHTER only in theaters March 17 & 18, 2026. Get tickets, watch the trailer and more at faithfilmfan.com.

There was a time when single parenting was kind of an exception in America. Not any more - millions of families where it's just a mom or a dad now. There's been a lot of conversation and a lot of articles written...a lot of commentary about the impact of not having a dad who's really being a father to you. A little while back, one of the leading health officers in the United States said, "The greatest issue facing us is fatherlessness." Then Time Magazine commented on women who actually choose to have a fatherless family. Here's what they said: "They are bringing a child into the world with a hole at the center of his life where a father should be." I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I'd like to have A Word With You today about "The Father Hole In Our Heart." However you feel about those comments and those quotes, we all know that life's a little tougher if you don't have a dad or somebody who isn't acting like a real dad. Our word for today from the Word of God comes from Luke 15. This is the familiar story of the prodigal son, who got his inheritance early from his father, went to a far country, spent it all, ended up feeding the pigs and having to eat with them. Verse 17 says, "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father, and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father." This is the story of a searching man whose real problem was that he was away from his father. Maybe that's a picture of you right now. In the story, God is the father, and God has told us He wants us to know Him as our Heavenly Father. You say, "Well, if he's like the father I had, I'm not interested." Well, remember this. God is not like the father you had on earth. He's like the father we all wish we had, and what you're feeling down deep in your soul, that's father lonely. We have a hole - a daddy deficit - that we're waiting for a father to occupy. How do we lose Him? How do we find Him? Look at the verbs in Luke 15. It says that the young man "set off for a distant country." The Bible says actually we've all done that. It says, "We have all sinned and fallen short of God's glorious ideal," we've wandered away like sheep. (the Bible says) We are away from God by our own choosing. The next verb says, "He squandered his wealth." See, all our years away from God are squandered years. They're wasted years until you know the relationship with a father that you were made for. Then the next verb says, "He spent everything." You can do that so easily. We spend, in search of the missing part of us. We can't find ourselves in achievements. We can't find ourselves in relationships, or pleasure. We spend everything, and then it says, "He longed to fill his stomach." Maybe you feel an emptiness inside of you like a hunger that never goes away, a hole that's never been filled. Then we read, "He came to his senses." Maybe that's where God is bringing you right now. It's hard to live without God. It's hell to die without Him. It says that the son went to his father. And see, there's only way you can get to the father you were made by and made for. In John 14:6, Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me." What would happen if you came to Him today? It says, "While the boy was a long way off, his father saw him, ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." That's the welcome you would get from God today. He runs to you with His arms wide open no matter what you've done. Why don't you run to Him and be born into His family today? Don't you want to begin this relationship? Tell Jesus, "I'm yours." Our website is ANewStory.com. Would you check it out? That's where you can find the information that will show you how you can finally belong to Him. See, no longer would you then have the hole in the center of your life where a father should be. No father on earth could ever fill that hole anyway. It was made for your Heavenly Father. Come to Him and you'll never be father lonely again.

We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming for a special announcement!   Friend of the show Rick Altizer joins us to talk about a powerful new film coming soon to theaters: He Calls Me Daughter. If you've ever wondered how your role as a dad shapes the women in your life, this conversation will grab your heart.   This film explores the deep impact fathers have on their daughters and the healing that can happen when we reflect the love of our Heavenly Father. None of us will do that perfectly. We're human, after all. Still, we can learn to love our wives and daughters with more humility, more awareness, and more Christ-like care. That's exactly the kind of conversation this film is meant to spark.   Mark your calendars for March 17th-18th. Go out and support this God-honoring, high-quality project when it hits theaters. Grab some tickets, bring your family or small group, and help spread the word. We'll link the website below where you can learn more and find showtimes.   Get tickets and learn more: https://hecallsmedaughter.org/

Galatians 5:22 and 23 offers us a list of qualities and characteristics that God will give us. Then, as parents, can become a blessing to our children.But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (NLT) Picture a fruit tree … whatever fruit is your favorite … when that tree begins to show the fruit it grows on its branches, does it then use that for its own food? Of course not. The fruit of the tree is not for the tree, but for those who can take part in its maturity and enjoy its blessing. Does picking the fruit to eat hurt the tree? No. Two reasons why … that's the purpose of the tree and it can grow more.The same concept is what God's fruit produces and provides in us—our maturity and growth that blesses others, but most especially our own kids.Listen to The Message Bible's take on this same passage:But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.So, are you strong in kindness but struggle in self-control? Good at expressing love but battle being at peace within your heart? Take a few minutes to do a fruit inspection with God. Let Him show you anywhere you need to submit to Him. Keep in mind, none of us can produce this fruit on our own.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, help me to love, to find joy, to allow peace, to be patient, be kind, show goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and please help me to have self-control by giving control of everything to You. As above, so below.”

Jesus continues His teaching on the components of prayer to help guide us in our own prayers to our Heavenly Father.

Hi, I'm John Sorensen, President of Evangelism Explosion International, and you're listening to Share Life Today. As we continue our series called “The Real Real,” let me ask you…what do you think a real fear of God is? Well for many, I think it may be misunderstood as fearing a vengeful God who will punish them for any toe that they place out of line. But the Bible tells us something different. In fact, the book of Proverbs describes the fear of the Lord as “the beginning of knowledge.” Now, why would that be? Well, Scripture describes our amazing Heavenly Father as ever-present in times of trouble, patient so that all who would turn to Him in faith have a chance to do so, and a gentle, loving Shepherd who seeks after the lost. A fear of the Lord is a reverence for Who He is—our perfect, majestic, omnipotent God. And in our reverence, we can celebrate knowing that He has made a way for us to have a relationship with Him through Jesus. Learn how to share the Gospel with others by visiting us at sharelife.today.

In June 2025, President D. Todd Christofferson gave a landmark address to Religious Educators titled "Lifelong Disciples of Jesus Christ." In this bonus episode, John Hilton visits with BYU Religious Education professors Jenet Erickson, Matthew Richardson, and Philip Allred to unpack its implications for teaching and discipleship.  Their conversation centers on President Christofferson's invitation to highlight the vital role of agency in becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. The panel members explore concrete practices to help students take personal ownership in their learning. They also discuss how to move beyond information transfer and instead focus on helping students deepen their connection with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through active engagement and the guiding influence of the Holy Ghost. Publication: "Lifelong Disciples of Jesus Christ," CES Religious Educators Conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2025) Click here to learn more about the upcoming 2026 CES Religious Educators Conference

Luke 7:36-50, Colossians 2:13-14 Jesus would always take an individual's ENTIRE story into account when He INTERACTED with them. “Anyone who has seen ME, has seen the FATHER.” – John 14:9 Your SIN, your past, your failure, none of that DEFINES you in the eyes of God, your Heavenly Father. But, your Heavenly Father does […]

Your Eternal Father loves you more than anyone has ever loved another. All He does is for you and His children. He offers you and all His children everywhere supernal gifts, but most of His children neither receive nor rejoice in His marvelous gifts, and as a result, they are weak and unhappy, and heaven weeps with them. Can you imagine the sadness and disappointment of Our Father if we do not accept His magnificent gifts, when His children ignore Him after all He has done? Enoch saw that not only Heavenly Father but the whole of the heavens weep when we refuse or neglect His gifts. What are the greatest gifts our Father offers all His children everywhere from the beginning of time? His Son, His Spirit, and His life. Those are God's greatest gifts to His children. To accept and receive those gifts is the best of all human conditions. What is the inconceivably high price paid to make them available? The creation, the fall, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and all the Gods have done and do “… to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” Words cannot describe, nor can we conceive or measure the height, the breadth, the depth of the gift of God's own Son. “No tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man, neither can the hearts of men conceive (anything) so great and marvelous” as Jesus Christ, the Son of God by whom salvation and all good things are possible. New episodes every Saturday at 8:30 a.m. MST

Jesus tells the parable of the Prodigal Son, inviting us to reflect on the times that we have turned away from our Heavenly Father, who longs to bring us back into the family of faith. (Lectionary #235) March 7, 2026 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI  Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

What happens when a high school dropout looking for identity in Goodfellas meets the relentless pursuit of a Heavenly Father? This month, the DADCAMP crew is joined by Joshua Brown, founder of the ministry Dudes Without Dads, for a conversation that is as raw as it is redemptive.

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.  When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. … Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other. (John 15:9-13, 15-17 NLT) Did you notice how many times Jesus used the word “love”? And did you also notice He called us “friends”? There is such an incredible intimacy in this passage. Jesus literally commanded us to love with our very lives. A love that impacts eternity, our families, and what our families do and take part in as believers.Today's passage in the Message Bible …“I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you'll remain intimately at home in my love. That's what I've done—kept my Father's commands and made myself at home in his love. “I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. … I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father. “You didn't choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won't spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you. “But remember the root command: Love one another.How can you grow in your love for your kids … the kind of love Jesus talked about here?How can you love one another better inside your own home?How can you lead your kids to love people … not just certain people or people that look like them but everyone?The answers to these questions are what your faith is all about.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, I need to grow in love… my love for You, myself, my kids, and others. Help me to teach my kids how to love … love like You. As above, so below.”

It's official, Kristie Noem is out as DHS secretary and Mullen is in. We cover every angle of this decision and let the listeners give their opinions. Even liberal media polls show Republicans love President Trump, more than any other President in history at this point of their presidencies. Iran is an operation that is already won, America controls the airspace, the sea, and soon will topple any regime change. Plus, we revisit a young Trump from an interview he did in 1981 in which he predicts everything going on now, Dems are finding out Talarico is perhaps too far left for Texas, we crown a new clown of the week, and we wrap it all up with our weekly Prayer to our Heavenly Father.

What if the fear you're carrying is rooted in how you see God? This message unpacks how our earthly experiences with fathers can distort our view of our Heavenly Father—and how Romans 8 invites us to something better. When we understand the Father heart of God, fear begins to lose its grip. If you long for freedom, healing, and deeper connection with God, you'll want to hear this message.

It is time this very minute to pray and seek God. Time to set our timers and pray for the minute. This podcast encourages us to stop for a minute and, now, in the presence of our Heavenly Father—with praise and prayer—worship Him in Jesus' name and in the power of the Holy Spirit. ———— *We do not own the rights to music played on this podcast.

Behind every healed heart is a story of radical forgiveness and God's redeeming love. This week on the Known Legacy Podcast, the guys sit down with John Smithbaker, founder of Fathers in the Field Ministry—a powerful outreach that pairs godly men with fatherless boys to introduce them to their Heavenly Father and guide them toward healing. John vulnerably shares his own transformative journey: growing up abandoned by his earthly father, wrestling with deep wounds, coming to Christ, and ultimately choosing forgiveness—which set him free and sparked the vision for Fathers in the Field. He now equips men to walk through the same process of forgiveness, releasing bitterness and stepping into the fullness God intends. If you've been hurt by an absent or broken father figure, struggle with unforgiveness, or want to help others find freedom, this raw and redemptive conversation is for you. It's a reminder that no wound is beyond God's healing grace. Listen or watch the full episode this Thursday—wherever you subscribe, or on YouTube! Learn more about Fathers in the Field and how churches can get involved: fathersinthefield.com https://knownlegacy.org/mens-retreat Wake Up, Gear Up, and Come Alive! Known Legacy Mens Retreat Arrowhead camp Cleburne TX April 10-12th 2026 Take a break from the noise and step into a weekend designed just for you—a time to rest, recharge, and rediscover who God created you to be. Whether you're running on empty or just need to hit pause, this retreat is your invitation to refocus on your purpose and build deeper connections with other men on the journey.  What's Included: * Intentional time to slow down and breathe * Dynamic worship & powerful teaching sessions * Epic cornhole tournament * Basketball, disc golf, gaga ball, 9 square, horseshoes & lawn games * Archery & archery tag * Indoor activity center: foosball, ping-pong, carpet ball, board games & movie nights * Meaningful conversations & memories that last  Cost: * $300     per person (double room occupancy)  * $400     per person (single room occupancy) ⚠️ Spots are limited — don't wait to sign up! Scholarships available!  Email: bill@knownlegacy.org for more info. https://knownlegacy.org/mens-retreat Chapters (00:00:01) - Known Legacy Podcast(00:02:06) - Pet Peeve of the Day(00:04:53) - Do You Wish You Had A CB With A Handle?(00:06:01) - Driving Lessons For College Students(00:08:46) - John Smith Baker on Fathering(00:10:30) - John on Fathers in the Field(00:17:58) - "Do I Believe in God?"(00:19:15) - What's the Power of a Campfire(00:20:09) - The Cause of the Fatherless(00:22:00) - Bradley on Fatherhood(00:24:15) - What Advice Should I Give to a Divorced Dad?(00:29:12) - The Command to Ask For Forgiveness(00:32:50) - Discussing the Structure of the Church(00:33:05) - Forgive Me(00:36:11) - John on Being Fatherless(00:39:09) - Three Questions for the Gospel(00:40:40) - John on The Known Legacy Podcast

One of the most telling and incredible passages in the New Testament is where Jesus talks about the difference in those who follow Him and those who don't, and how you can tell them apart here on earth. What is also fascinating here is the things He cares about the most in what we do with our lives.“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' (Matthew 25:31-40 NLT) So what does it appear God cares a lot about? Did you catch it? Feeding the hungry. Providing for those who have no water or no clean water. The homeless. The naked. The poor. The sick. Those in prison.Why do you think the righteous responded by asking Jesus…..”when did we see you among those we ministered to”? … Notice they knew they did those things, they were just asking Jesus where He was?What if once a week, you found some way for you and your kids to do just one of these things? It doesn't have to take a lot of money … it can just take a little time and energy. Maybe sponsor a child with one of the many aid and education organizations and let your kids write a letter to the child? Let them choose the country and the child. Or you could take a few canned goods to a local food pantry and ask for a tour of what they do? Write a letter to an inmate in prison through one of the many great prison ministry organizations?And remember and remind your kids—when you do it for someone like this, you are actually doing it for Jesus. He said so.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, I confess I get overwhelmed with the problems of the world and end up doing nothing. Help me to take this passage and focus on just one simple act to get started on what your sheep do.  I certainly know what it looks like to be over looked and ignored, so let's help those who live that way every day.  As above so below.”

Teach Us to Pray: Understanding Effective Prayer In the latest episode of our series "Teach Us to Pray," we delve into the teachings of Jesus found in Luke 11. This passage provides profound insights into the nature of prayer and the relationship between the believer and God. Here, we explore the key themes and lessons drawn from the parables Jesus used to teach his disciples about effective prayer. The Lord's Prayer: A Recap The session begins with a recap of the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing its simplicity and depth. Jesus reminds his disciples to approach God as a Father, seeking His will over their own, asking for forgiveness and the ability to forgive, and for guidance away from temptation. This foundational prayer is not just a formula but a reflection of a relationship with God. The Parables of Persistence and Provision The Parable of the Friend at Midnight In Luke 11:5-8, Jesus tells the story of a man who goes to his friend at midnight to ask for bread. Despite the initial reluctance due to the inconvenience, the friend eventually provides what is needed because of the man's persistence. This parable highlights the importance of persistence in prayer, but more importantly, it challenges the perception of God as a reluctant giver. The Parable of the Good Father Continuing in Luke 11:11-13, Jesus contrasts earthly fathers with the Heavenly Father. If human parents, despite their flaws, know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more will God give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him? This parable shifts the focus from the act of asking to the nature of the one being asked. Reframing Prayer: The Who Over the How The key takeaway from these parables is the reframing of prayer from a focus on method to a focus on the One to whom we pray. The disciples initially believed that the effectiveness of Jesus' prayers was due to a particular technique. However, Jesus taught them that it was His relationship with the Father that made His prayers effective. Community and Reputation The cultural context of these parables is crucial. In Jewish society, hospitality was a communal responsibility. The reputation of the entire community was at stake when a guest arrived. Similarly, God's reputation and the reputation of His kingdom are at stake in answering prayers. God answers prayers not because of our persistence alone but because of His nature and His commitment to His kingdom. The True Essence of Prayer Ultimately, the essence of prayer lies in recognizing who God is—a good Father who delights in answering prayers aligned with His will. This understanding encourages believers to pray without ceasing, building their relationship with God and aligning their lives with His purposes. Conclusion In conclusion, the teachings of Luke 11 remind us that effective prayer is less about the "how" and more about the "who." By focusing on God's character and His kingdom, believers can approach prayer with confidence and assurance that their prayers are heard and answered according to His will. As we continue to explore the theme of prayer, let this truth shape and inspire our prayer lives: God is a good Father who desires to bless His children and expand His kingdom through answered prayers.

On this episode of LEADING THE WAY, a challenge from Dr. Youssef to become more like the Heavenly Father, rather than conforming to current culture! Experience true life-change as you align with the power of God’s Word! (Genesis 10-11)Support the show: https://au.ltw.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billy Graham once said, “The true test of who we really are is found inside our own families.” And let's be honest, we see the very best of one another and then the very worst. Watching video from our homes, someone might accuse any of us of being Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, right? But God knows that … it's called flesh and spirit.The apostle Paul was a brilliant and articulate man. But a man with a horrible past. Before he met Christ, he went after Christians to imprison or execute them. He oversaw the stoning of Stephen, approving of a brutal death. So he understood so well how evil we can be, even while thinking we are doing something right in our own eyes. Listen to his words in Romans 7 … listen close, because this is quite a passage to take in … And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't.  I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.  I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.  (Romans 7:18-25 NLT) How would really understanding these verses allow you to change your understanding of your own behavior? Your kids' behavior? How might this change your parenting … not meaning you cut slack as much as you better understand your kids' hearts?We get Paul's frustration, don't we? This makes a lot of sense. We watch it in our kids literally every day.How can you take in these words and allow the truth here to impact your parenting, your response to your own behavior, that of your kids, and the dynamics inside your home? Remember this: The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ … acted to set things right in this life of contradictions … Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, I get it. The very thing I don't want to do, I do. And the very thing I want to do, I don't do. Thank You that You understand this daily battle within me, within my family. Help me to apply Your truth and Your answers in my heart and in my home. As above, so below.”

Wednesday, March 4, 2026E15: The Joy of Returning HomeIntroduction:I invite you to reflect on the profound love and compassion of our Heavenly Father, who is eagerly awaiting our return when we stray from His path. Join me as I guide you through a moment of spiritual reflection and growth.Scripture Reading:Luke 15:20Meditation:Find a quiet space free from distractions and focus on your breathing, inviting the presence of God, centering your hearts to hear God's word.Reflection Prompts:Are there times you have neglected your faith? Do you remember the time of coming back?Let's reflect on today's meditation.Consider the emotions and sensations that arose as you imagined returning to Jesus and experiencing His embrace. What insights or revelations did you gain from this moment of quiet reflection?I invite you to join me daily in this sacred journey of Lent. I encourage you to embrace the transformative power of God's grace in your life.The best way you can support this podcast is by taking a few moments to RATE & REVIEW on your podcast app. This will ensure this podcast is visible to more listeners.Also, if you desire additional faithful inspiration beyond this podcast, follow me on Instagram @_bythewell. There, we can continue our journey together, sharing reflections, thoughts, and moments of spiritual connection.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/_bythewell/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Note: Each episode of "Seasons By the Well: Lenten Reflections and Meditations" will follow a similar format, providing daily reflections, guided meditations, and opportunities for personal growth throughout the Lenten season.

“Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” “No, we don't know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. … From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” (John 14:1-7 NLT) It's so encouraging that Jesus began with stating the reality of this world—we live so much of the time with troubled hearts. So that is why Jesus tells us to trust God and Him. He goes on to talk about Heaven, about how there is a place for us if we choose it, and then assuring us that He is the Way. Not a way or one of the many ways, but the Way.Let me ask you … when you hear this, do you really believe it? Do you believe there is actually a place in Heaven for you?Have you ever been to Paris? Or Rome? Or London? Or Tokyo? How do you know for certain this are real places that exist? Well, you believe the map, you believe the pictures you see, the articles you read, TV shows, movies, and anyone who has been there to tell you about those cities.But who just told you He had a real place in eternity prepared for you? Jesus. Well, if we can believe maps, and articles, and people about physical places here, isn't it safe to believe God about what He tells us, since He made it all, earth and Heaven?And I leave you with this question: How can you help your kids see Heaven as a real place?Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, hearing that You have a place for me in Heaven is surreal, but yet I know it's real. Please grow my faith to believe that heavenly city exists just as much as where I live right now. I want to get excited about eternity as it becomes more and more real to me. As above, so below.”

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 8), (Psalm 107), (1 Corinthians 16)Four times in our Psalms reading today (107) we come to a verse that requests a certain action.  “Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love , for his wondrous works to the children of men.” (v.8,15,21,31)    Then the Psalm ends with the statement, “Whoever is wise let him attend to these things: let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD.”So in being “wise” we get our minds to understand and appreciate the actions of the LORD in attending to – or responding to – the actions or inaction of human beings in the way they live their lives in the sight of God, whether they “see” their Creator – or blindfold themselves – or are simply indifferent toward him.When you think about it there are clear comparisons to that of children toward their parents as they grow up.  And of course there is often considerable failure,, especially these days, in the “wisdom” of human parents in the way they train their children,   But we are dealing with the wonderful divine parent, isn't this the reason why we call him our “Heavenly Father.”Verse 17 states, “Some were fools through their sinful ways and because of their iniquities suffered affliction.”  We can see parallels in these words with life today.  Our world has totally ceased to look to God's word; they have more or less abandoned belief in him and so the time will come, as verses 26,27 tells us,when “their courage melted away in their evil plight; they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits' end.”  This is the spirit that is starting to ‘swamp' our world more and more; with what astonishment will the world see divine action taking place to prevent humans from destroying God's creation and, in the process, themselves.  The prophets warn of God's ultimate actions, for example through Jeremiah he speaks of the time coming when “the LORD has an indictment against the nations; he is entering into judgment with all flesh … Thus says the LORD of hosts; Behold disaster is going forth from nation to nation …” [Ch.25 v. 31,32]    At that time as v.42 of our Psalm states, “The upright see it and are glad, and all wickedness shuts its mouth.”  Let us make sure we are among those who “thank the LORD … for his wondrous works”  in bringing peace out of utter chaos.

In this powerful episode of the Faith Film Fan Podcast, host Rick Altizer sits down with filmmaker and storyteller Alex Kendrick for a deeply personal and hope-filled conversation about fatherhood, faith, and healing. The roles even reverse as Alex turns the tables and interviews Rick about their journey working together on Show Me the Father—and the God-breathed vision behind Rick's new documentary, He Calls Me Daughter Together, they explore how our relationship with our earthly fathers shapes the way we see God, why so many women carry an unnamed father wound, and how discovering God as a perfect, loving Heavenly Father can bring true restoration. Alex shares insights from his own filmmaking journey, the lasting impact of Show Me the Father, and why He Calls Me Daughter may be a life-changing experience for women—and families—everywhere.This episode is filled with heartfelt stories, ministry insight, and encouragement for anyone longing for a deeper understanding of God's love as Father. Don't miss this meaningful conversation ahead of the theatrical release of He Calls Me Daughter on March 17–18, 2026.Learn more at faithfilmfan.com.

March 2–8: “Let God Prevail”Genesis 24–33The story of Isaac and Rebekah for kids!The story of Esau and Jacob for kids! Ideas for Teaching ChildrenGenesis 24:10–21I can be kind to others.Eternal things are more important than worldly thingsGenesis 28:10–22Covenants help me return to Heavenly Father.Genesis 32:6–11⁠; 33:1–4Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can help me love my family.You're listening to Come Follow Me Kids!A Come Follow Me Podcast for Primary Kids of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.We are an interactive game play podcast for kids. Children will learn shout the scriptures while playing games that go with the Come Follow Me Lessons from the church.This year we are studying the Old Testament in the Bible. If you are looking for a Bible study podcast for Primary Kids, look no further! Our podcast is called Come Follow Me Kids. Come Follow Me for kids that are primary aged 2-12 in the Church or Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We follow the come follow me manual from the church but are not officially affiliated in any way. Some audio segments come from the friend magazine and other church sources. On this podcast we play interactive games while learning about the gospel and atonement of Jesus Christ.If your children would like to be guests on this podcast or to receive a baptism shout out, please email us at their info at comefollowmekidspodcast@gmail.com 

A Prayer to Know He Loves Every Part of You by Nicolet Bell As we receive the Father’s lavish love, we are also called to reflect that same love to our families—especially our children—through intentional words and unhurried presence.In today’s episode, Nicolet shares a tender bedtime moment between her husband and their four-year-old daughter that beautifully illustrates the lavish love of our Heavenly Father. Just as a child delights in simply being with her father, God invites us to slow down, sit with Him, and receive His love—not because of what we do, but because of who we are: His children. Reference: 1 John 3:1 Prayer: Father, help me to slow down today and truly hear the words of love that you speak over me. Remind me that I can’t earn or deserve your love. You love every single part of me - from my teeth to my feet - just because I am your daughter. Help me to be quick to share this lavish love with my children. That in the same way that your words of love encourage me and build me up, may my words of love to my children be a buoy for their hearts in a world that seeks to tear down. May my love for them be an example of your love for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. LINKS: Order Everyday Prayers for Love Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Timothy 3:14-17 …But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures …, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (NLT) Wisdom. Inspiration. Teaching. Truth. Correction. What is right and what is wrong. Preparing us and equipping us for good work. We all need all these dynamics, all the time in our lives.Let's go back to the first sentence in the passage that states … “if we remain faithful to the things we already have been taught.” So much of our issue is not really reading the Word of God, but applying and obeying it, right? Reading words is easy but doing them is another matter entirely.I want to encourage you to find a Scripture that fits your family, that speaks to your family. If your single with no kids, one that speaks to your life and your goals. Pray and ask God to help you craft a statement using that verse that you can use to help you make decisions and live a life that will be pleasing to Him.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, give me a hunger and a thirst for Your Word. Help me to allow Your Spirit to show me truth, expose my places of rebellion, correct my mistakes, and train me and my family to live life Your way. As above, so below.”

Stewardship of Money & Possessions: do you have a Money problem or a Master problem? Pastor Corey reads the Parable of the Rich Fool and points out that we aren't meant to be reservoirs with our money. We're meant to be rivers — ever flowing and connected to the main source, our Heavenly Father.

Heavenly Father,Through this sacred season of Lent, draw me closer to You each day. Quiet my heart so I may recognize Your presence in every moment. Shape me with humility, compassion, and perseverance,and strengthen my desire to walk faithfully in Your ways.Teach me to listen more deeply - to Your voice within me and to the needs of those around me. When my days feel heavy or hurried, be my refuge and my rest. Help me to respond with mercy rather than judgment, and to reflect Your love in all I do. Guide my steps and remind me that in every challenge and every blessing, You are near. Amen.

We continue in the Sermon on the Mount to see what Jesus says about prayer. We explore how to move from simple requests to a deep, trusting relationship with God, even when facing the pain of seemingly unanswered prayers. We see in Matthew 7 that we are called to never stop pursuing God's heart. Learn practical tools like "breath prayers" and daily rhythms to help you overcome anxiety and self-reliance. Join us as we uncover how a loving Heavenly Father provides good gifts and remains present with us in every season of life. Speaker: Angela Beise

There's a question that sits beneath nearly every meaningful decision we make in life. It's simple to ask but remarkably complex to answer: Who do I trust?This question surfaces when we're staring at our bank account at 2 AM, when unexpected expenses arrive, when we're planning for the future, or when we're wondering if we'll have enough. And if we're honest, most of us check our bank balance far more frequently than we check our hearts.That's not necessarily because we don't trust God. It's because numbers feel concrete. When the numbers look good, we feel good. When they don't, anxiety creeps in. And that reveals something profound: our peace is often more connected to a balance on a screen than to our Heavenly Father.__________Get more out of today's teaching by visiting our Church Online page for things like our community guide, a weekly devotional, and the teaching slides. EthosOH.com/churchonline

We continue in the Sermon on the Mount to see what Jesus says about prayer. We explore how to move from simple requests to a deep, trusting relationship with God, even when facing the pain of seemingly unanswered prayers. We see in Matthew 7 that we are called to never stop pursuing God's heart. Learn practical tools like "breath prayers" and daily rhythms to help you overcome anxiety and self-reliance. Join us as we uncover how a loving Heavenly Father provides good gifts and remains present with us in every season of life. Speaker: Angela Beise

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you…” Matthew 5:43–44Why would we want to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us? The fallen natural mind alone reasons that an enemy is someone we should oppose and distance ourselves from, and those who persecute us deserve our wrath and condemnation. Without grace, our minds are incapable of comprehending this command. As the passage continues, Jesus answers the question for us: “that you may be children of your heavenly Father…”A child inherits his or her DNA from the mother and father. Children often resemble their parents, adopt certain traits, and might imitate some of their habits. These similarities result from both biology and learned behavior. If we choose God the Father as our true Father in Heaven, becoming a member of Jesus' family, we must inherit God's spiritual “DNA,” adopt His traits, and imitate our Lord's moral habits. Otherwise, we are not children of our heavenly Father.Just as membership in an earthly family carries obligations—such as compassion, support, and faithfulness—so does membership in God's family, with even greater responsibilities. For example, if a child of an earthly family rebels, is hostile, rejects his parents and siblings, and leaves them, the child loses out on the numerous blessings of family life, especially when the parents and other siblings are faithful servants of God. Likewise, by refusing to follow God's divine commands, we miss out on the blessings He gives His children.Because being a member of God's family demands great love, Jesus addresses the ultimate requirement He expects of us: “be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” True, we might only attain perfection in Heaven once we experience the purifying fires of Purgatory. However, that doesn't change the family obligations our Father imposes upon us in this life. God expects perfection, including a radical love of everyone—those who love us and those deemed “enemies” or who persecute us.The love to which God calls us knows no bounds because our heavenly Father's love for us knows no bounds. True children take on His spiritual DNA and moral habits. Moral perfection leads to spiritual communion with God—Divine Union—a gift beyond anything a rebellious spiritual child could attain through effort alone. Reflect today on God's incredible invitation given to you to be a member of His family. As you hear that invitation and respond with acceptance, consider the requirements that result from that choice. Look at those in your life for whom you hold a grudge, have a complicated relationship, or have been hurt. Do not act according to natural reason alone. Allow your mind to be elevated by truth so that you understand what God expects of you, and allow your will to be strengthened by grace so that you can act toward others as your heavenly Father acts toward you. Most loving God, Your love never fails, never diminishes, never changes. It is perfect in every way. My love is often selfish, limited, and erratic. I accept Your invitation to be a member of Your heavenly family and pray that I will learn to see all people with Your wisdom and love them with Your heart. Forgive me for my lack of love, and transform me into Your child by grace. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Église Saint-Martin de Castelnau-d'Estrétefonds, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

The Subtle Destruction of Looking Back by Autumn Dickson The story of Lot's wife is an intense one. Sodom and Gomorrah was a wicked city, and God commanded Lot to flee with his family and not look back. They are told to leave immediately or be swept away in the destruction. Lot goes and tells his family members that they need to flee, and they laugh at him. Despite trying to warn family, he keeps lingering. It finally gets to the point where the angels grab the hands of Lot, his wife, and his daughters and run. Then Lot's wife looks back. Genesis 19:26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. Lot's wife was destroyed because she looked back with longing and regret. It seems a bit harsh, but this is true to life. Regardless of how this story played out in real life, it teaches us something important. It is a warning. Looking back has the power to destroy you even if you technically follow the commandments in other ways. He's not even warning you saying, “I will destroy you if you look back.” He is saying, “Looking back can lead to destruction.” If you look carefully at the wording, it says that she became a pillar of salt. It doesn't say that God turned her into one. Let's look at these principles in the context of Lot. The citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah were wicked. The Lord did rain down justice upon them, but honestly, they probably would have destroyed themselves anyway. The fact that they were trying to hurt the visitors at Lot's house is proof of this. Not to mention, there comes a certain point where a person can be “destroyed” even if they're still physically living. I would imagine that many within the city had found this emotional scarring, trauma, emptiness, and hopelessness. The Lord rained down justice on them. But here's the important principle I want to talk about today: He also rained down justice upon Lot's wife as she looked back longingly at what she had left behind. The scriptures show a direct and immediate destruction of Lot's wife. I have wondered what this looked like in real life, but regardless of how the details played out in reality, the principle is crystal clear. When we choose to look back in the same manner as Lot's wife, we will find the same consequences even if they're not immediate like they were in the scripture story. What was Lot's wife longing for? There are two potential answers. Perhaps Lot's wife was legitimately longing for the sin within the city; she valued sin and set her heart on it. Or…perhaps she was longing for something more neutral. This is equally important to understand because its subtlety can make it even more dangerous. We know loving sin can lead to destruction, but do we also understand that looking back with longing at something more neutral can hurt us? Perhaps she wasn't looking back at sin but at her home and belongings, things that aren't inherently evil. Either way, this looking back has the power to eat away at us until we are destroyed (if not physically, then emotionally). When we're looking at our own lives, I want to focus on that second potential. Perhaps we are not secretly longing for sin. Perhaps we long for what might have been or for good things that we left behind, or even neutral things that we left behind. Let me give you some potential examples of longing that could lead to personally destroying oneself. “I wish I had married so-and-so. I wish I could rewind the clock and try again.” “Why did the Lord ask me to leave my home behind? I hate this place. I hate that I lost so much.” “I miss high school and college. Life is so hard now. It's not fun.” “The Church didn't let me do anything. I missed out on so much growing up.” In cases like this, we don't often immediately turn into pillars of salt. Oftentimes, the consequences aren't immediate either which is precisely why they can be so dangerous. Despite the lack of salt or immediacy, these thoughts have the power to destroy us anyway. Even if these thoughts never technically lead us all the way “back into the city,” they still hold enough power over us to make us miserable despite new and good circumstances. We can live our whole lives sitting at the window and looking back at what we lost, sacrificing what the Lord is trying to give to us or sacrificing the things that could give us happiness now and in the future. Discontent poisons the present. Regret can become our identity. Your life right now feels barren, not because it is barren but because you refuse to see the good. These kinds of thoughts can poison your current relationships, the ones that have the power to offer the joy you apparently miss so much. You may have plenty, but you're too busy emotionally investing yourself in an empty past. There is no gratitude, and therefore, no happiness. Bitterness has the power to leave you destroyed even if you're not turned into a pillar of salt. Let it go. It's going to take a while to become something new if you have repeated old patterns of looking back over and over and over throughout the years. When you have trained yourself to fall back into seemingly rosier times whenever you hit roadbumps in your present, then it's going to take some time to retrain yourself. But it is only in retraining yourself that you're going to avoid that emotional destruction and bitterness and find happiness in what the Lord can give you in your present circumstances. You have to make a decision to leave it behind, and then you have to make that decision over and over and over until your eyes are opened to the gifts in your present, until you no longer automatically fall back into reminiscing instead of investing in your present. The destruction of what you thought you wanted isn't the end. There is more ahead in your life beyond what you're leaving behind. Maybe you're not longing for sin. Maybe you're just longing for what you once had, but it can still hurt you. I testify that Heavenly Father loves you. I testify that there is more goodness ahead and that looking at the past can prevent us from finding that goodness. I testify that He can send all the goodness in the world to your front door, all the most important goodness, but it won't matter if we are looking back. We leave ourselves empty and bitter. I testify that the scriptures hold powerful lessons that give us a pattern to follow to make us happy. Autumn Dickson was born and raised in a small town in Texas. She served a mission in the Indianapolis Indiana mission. She studied elementary education but has found a particular passion in teaching the gospel. Her desire for her content is to inspire people to feel confident, peaceful, and joyful about their relationship with Jesus Christ and to allow that relationship to touch every aspect of their lives. Autumn was the recipient of FAIR's 2024 John Taylor Defender of the Faith Award. The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Genesis 18–23 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

"Is any thing too hard for the Lord?" This is the question that defines the lives of Abraham and Sarah. From a biological impossibility to a heartbreaking command on a mountain top, their journey proves that God can bring life out of "deadness"—if we are willing to trust Him with everything. Summary: In this episode, we study Genesis 18–23, following the "Father of the Faithful" and the "Mother of Nations" through their ultimate trials. We explore the transition from the joy of Isaac's birth to the gut-wrenching climb up Mount Moriah. The Promise to Sarah: We look at the visit of the three messengers and the shift from Sarah's "laugh of doubt" to her "laugh of joy." We discuss how she received strength to conceive because she "judged him faithful who had promised". The Sacrifice of Isaac: We dive deep into the "Abrahamic Test." Why would a God who abhors human sacrifice command this? We explore the parallels between Abraham offering Isaac and Heavenly Father offering His Only Begotten Son. Life from Death: Using Paul's words in Romans and Hebrews, we analyze how Abraham was able to obey because he accounted that "God was able to raise him up, even from the dead". Jehovah-Jireh: We discuss the significance of the "ram in the thicket" and the name "The Lord Will Provide," exploring how God provides the lamb for us when we cannot provide it for ourselves. The Burial of Sarah: We reflect on the end of Sarah's mortal journey and the faith required to buy a piece of the Promised Land as a "possession of a buryingplace." Call-to-Action: Have you ever had to surrender something you loved back to the Lord, trusting that He had a better plan? How did you find the strength to keep walking up your own "Mount Moriah"? Share your testimony in the comments. To continue your journey toward becoming "Unshaken," please like, subscribe, and share this video with someone who needs a reminder that the Lord will provide. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:53 True Messengers 4:32 Hospitality 10:00 Sarah's Laughter 17:48 Pleasure this Side of Paradise 20:02 Too Hard for God 25:23 Revealing Secrets 29:13 Condescension & Comprehension 33:19 Bartering with God 44:10 Inching Toward Sodom 48:42 The Sanctuary of Standards 54:07 Sins of Sodom 1:12:35 Homosexuality 1:45:50 Standing Up to Sodom 2:03:19 Fleeing Sodom 2:13:55 Don't Look Back 2:19:22 Lot's Daughters 2:24:37 Sarah's Repeated Test 2:29:16 Abraham & Abimelech 2:41:07 Isaac's Birth 2:47:00 Hagar & Ishmael 2:58:43 Making Peace 3:02:31 Abraham & Isaac 3:16:20 Sacrifice 3:26:01 Teaching the Atonement 3:38:49 The Death of Sarah 3:45:11 The Faith of Abraham & Sarah 3:52:48 Life from Death

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7–8Will God grant us whatever we ask for? Though one might conclude this from today's Gospel, Jesus qualifies His statement by adding, “...how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.” In other words, God always gives “good” things to those who sincerely ask. The key question is: What qualifies as good?If we desire something—such as a new car—and perceive it as good, will God grant us that wish simply because we ask in faith? Only if God also sees that gift as good for us. He promises to meet our most basic material needs and provide for all our spiritual needs, but He might not see specific requests as beneficial. For instance, what if driving an old car is better for your soul in fostering simplicity or detachment? God may prompt us to forego that desire for a new car in exchange for something better. God always offers us what is truly good, but this good is defined by His perfect wisdom, not by our immediate wants.What, then, does God perceive as good? Above all, He is the ultimate Good. God is Goodness itself, and there is nothing greater we can ask for than the gift of Himself. If we ask Him to fill our hearts with His grace, uniting Himself with our souls, He will never fail to do so. Moreover, God's will is perfect in every way. If we seek His will, He will reveal it to us. The door He wants to open is the one that leads us to grace, mercy, and the fulfillment of His will. It will always be opened when we knock on this door with a heart seeking His divine plan.One of the most common human struggles is to discern the difference between our will and God's. In our fallen state, we are confused about what is truly good. As a result, when we perceive something as good—such as material success, comfort, or recognition—our desires often become fixated on that false good. Once this attachment forms, letting go and trusting God's will can be challenging.The remedy is detachment—precisely, detachment from our disordered desires. Our passions and desires can be unruly, leading us to pursue things not aligned with God's plan. Detachment begins with allowing God's truth to purify our minds and reorder our desires. As divine wisdom takes root, we begin to desire what God desires and become free from selfish ambitions. This interior transformation enables us to ask, seek, and knock for the things that lead to holiness. Reflect today on Jesus' call to ask, seek, and knock. Do so abundantly—but not for superficial wants or fleeting pleasures. Instead, ask for God Himself and His holy will to be made manifest in your life. Pray that He fills you with His grace, purifies your thoughts, and aligns your desires with His perfect plan. When you do, your Heavenly Father will bestow upon you every good thing beyond anything you could ask for.God of perfect Goodness, Your ways are infinitely wise and holy. You desire only the true good for Your children. Please purify my mind and heart so I may desire nothing but You and Your will. Free me from selfish attachments and misguided desires, and pour forth Your abundant grace into my life. Jesus, I trust in You.Image - Andrei Mironov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

How much would you give to hear the audible voice of God? What would you be willing to set aside for a few hours? What lengths would you go to if you knew you could have a face-to-face conversation with Him? This access to God is available right here and right now. All you have to do is… stop. In this teaching, Francis reminds us of the heart of our Heavenly Father - to be with us, to forgive us, to bless us more than we can imagine - and the beauty of pausing, waiting on Him, and listening. He also addresses the subtle distractions shaping this generation - the fear of missing out, the pressure to stay informed, and the addiction to constant movement. If you've felt anxious, overwhelmed, or spiritually dry, consider this an invitation to return to what you were made for.