Podcasts about Holy Spirit

If you're a believer, do you realize God had your salvation planned before the world existed? Listen to Truth For Life as Alistair Begg explains how each person of the Trinity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—is involved in the process. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the series‘The High Priestly Prayer' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. Helpful Resources - Learn about God's salvation plan - Read our most recent articles - Subscribe to our daily devotional Follow Us YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today's program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today. Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!

Today is day 72 and we are in the section on the Second Article of the Apostles' Creed on Jesus Christ the Son of God. Today we are on the tenth line: “He ascended into Heaven” and studying question 72. 72. What resulted from the ascension? Jesus ascended into heaven so that, through him, his Father might send us the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, Christians together are united to Christ, the living Head of his Body, the Church. (John 14:15–17, 25–26; 16:7–15; Acts 2:33–36; Ephesians 4:7–16) We will conclude today with the Collect for the Sunday after the Ascension found on page 613 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Catechism tackles a few important issues regarding Mary, the mother of God—her motherhood, her virginal conception of Jesus, and her perpetual virginity. Fr. Mike reminds us that, regardless of the opinions of translators and modern theologians, our Faith steers us towards a correct understanding of our Blessed Mother. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 495-501. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Sometimes our biggest spiritual questions are the most personal ones. How do you know when God is calling you into isolation — or when you actually need community? What's the difference between the Holy Spirit and the glory of God? How do you stay in peace in God when pressure comes from people close to you? Our Walk It Out Wednesday pastoral panel dives deeper into Pastor John F. Hannah's Sunday message “Focused on Glory” and answers real questions from the congregation and online community about living with God's presence in everyday life. In this message, you'll discover how to: • Understand the difference between God's anointing, His presence, and His glory. • Remain spiritually strong when life applies pressure. • Stay focused on God's promise instead of people's opinions. • Break cycles that keep you spiritually stuck. If you've been battling cycles you can't seem to break, this message closes with a powerful prayer moment inviting you to move forward in God's freedom. Message: “Walk It Out Wednesday: Focused on Glory” Scripture: Joshua 3:1-4 (NIV) Speakers: Pastor Venshard Dobbins, Pastor Cora Jakes, Pastor Don Johnson, and Dr. Oscar Williams Date: March11, 2026 ✨ Welcome to Your Moment of Transformation You don't have to walk this journey alone. Let Jesus guide your steps and fill your life with purpose and peace.

THURSDAY TRADITIONAL ROSARY - SPOKEN MALE VOICE with AMBIENT MUSIC by Artist: Ever So Blue  - Song Title: Textures Experience a slower paced and reverent rosary including offertory prayers for each mystery, prayer for Our Pope, prayer to St. Michael the Archangel and Guardian Angel prayer.   Allow the gentle rhythm of the Hail Mary prayers to become almost like breathing - steady, repetitive, and deeply calming, lowering stress and quieting racing thoughts, giving space for real peace to settle in. This rosary contains the luminous mysteries, recited on Thursdays.  These mysteries focus on Jesus' public ministry, including his baptism and the institution of the Eucharist, with fruits such as openness to the Holy Spirit and adoration. Join the communion of saints in praying the rosary, as it connects you with the communal prayer of the universal Church and the saints throughout history, fostering a profound sense of spiritual solidarity.  May this Rosary become a faithful companion to your prayer life. Additional prayer tools at www.rosarywristband.com 30 MINUTE TRADITIONAL ROSARY - LUMINOUS THURSDAY - SPOKEN ONLY https://youtu.be/3FsR8I6WiTs SPOKEN ONLY VERSION: Thursday Rosary - SPOKEN ONLY https://youtu.be/S6fNrAPjf2M MOST VIEWED THURSDAY ROSARY: Calm Music    https://youtu.be/73Z7rRx6dnM MOST VIEWED ONE HOUR ROSARY DEVOTION: Complete Rosary    https://youtu.be/rrNMRJ5oH-Q MOST VIEWED SLEEP ROSARY: 4 Hour Sleep Rosary    https://youtu.be/4a-uaEEJOF4 Have you joined our Membership?  For only $1.99 a month, you can directly help this channel grow:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLXCEpdy0etQAdEHB1z-oTg/join Or consider a donation through PayPal to help us continue creating quality content:  https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?business=CHerrera720037%40gmail.com&cmd=_donations¤cy_code=USD&item_name=Donation+to+The+Communion+of+Saints&return=https%3A%2F%2Frosarywristband.com%2Fhome Blessings, Chris - The Communion of Saints Email: chris@rosarywristband.com Simply, easy and quick rosary prayers for everyday recitation and reflection.   This collection of Catholic rosary videos in english serve as a daily devotion and feature calm background music and nature soundscapes.   Choose from audio only or follow along video with all mysteries: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous.  Listen before sleep or any time for renewed focus and peace. "Together we pray" Visit rosarywristband.com for comfortable one decade rosaries. All music in this video is licensed thru Epidemic Sound Publishing. #Rosary #LuminousMysteries #CatholicMeditation #ThursdayRosary #todayrosary #todayrosaryinenglish

Thursday Rosary - SPOKEN MALE VOICE with AMBIENT MUSIC by artist: Ever So Blue This week's collection of beautiful music welcomes you into a calm state of prayer as together, we offer up our intentions alongside this daily rosary. This rosary contains the luminous mysteries, recited on Thursdays.  These mysteries focus on Jesus' public ministry, including his baptism and the institution of the Eucharist, with fruits such as openness to the Holy Spirit and adoration. Join the communion of saints in praying the rosary, as it connects you with the communal prayer of the universal Church and the saints throughout history, fostering a profound sense of spiritual solidarity.  The spoken portion of this rosary is 20 minutes, with extended music for additional meditation.  All music in this video is licensed thru Epidemic Sound Publishing. May this Rosary become a faithful companion to your prayer life. Additional prayer tools at www.rosarywristband.com 30 MINUTE TRADITIONAL ROSARY - LUMINOUS THURSDAY - SPOKEN ONLY https://youtu.be/3FsR8I6WiTs ROSARY - SPOKEN ONLY VERSION: Thursday - SPOKEN ONLY https://youtu.be/S6fNrAPjf2M MOST VIEWED THURSDAY ROSARY: Calm Music    https://youtu.be/73Z7rRx6dnM MOST VIEWED ONE HOUR ROSARY DEVOTION: Complete Rosary    https://youtu.be/rrNMRJ5oH-Q MOST VIEWED SLEEP ROSARY: 4 Hour Sleep Rosary    https://youtu.be/4a-uaEEJOF4 Have you joined our Membership?  For only $1.99 a month, you can directly help this channel grow:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLXCEpdy0etQAdEHB1z-oTg/join Or consider a donation through PayPal to help us continue creating quality content:  https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?business=CHerrera720037%40gmail.com&cmd=_donations¤cy_code=USD&item_name=Donation+to+The+Communion+of+Saints&return=https%3A%2F%2Frosarywristband.com%2Fhome Blessings, Chris - The Communion of Saints Email: chris@rosarywristband.com Simply, easy and quick rosary prayers for everyday recitation and reflection.   This collection of Catholic rosary videos in english serve as a daily devotion and feature calm background music and nature soundscapes.   Choose from audio only or follow along video with all mysteries: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous.  Listen before sleep or any time for renewed focus and peace. "Together we pray" Visit rosarywristband.com for comfortable one decade rosaries. #Rosary #LuminousMysteries #CatholicMeditation #ThursdayRosary #todayrosary #todayrosaryinenglish

A group of twenty-two Christian leaders traveled half a day to secretly meet and learn from a pastor who came from another country. If caught, the pastor would be deported, and the others would spend three years in prison. Eighteen of the twenty-two had already been imprisoned for their faith in Jesus. After the pastor handed out fifteen Bibles he’d brought with him, one woman gave hers to someone else. Like many others, she’d memorized chapters of Scripture so she would have its wisdom secured in her heart if she were to go to prison. She later asked the pastor to pray that their church would be free to gather just like his. Instead, marveling at how they sacrificed, suffered persecution, and risked imprisonment, he prayed that his church would be just like theirs. Believers around the world are persecuted for their faith in Christ, some more severely than others. And all believers can be tempted to cower when the stakes of living for Christ are raised. But the Holy Spirit enables us to use our God-given gifts with “power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). God will help us share the gospel with boldness and compassion, wherever He leads. Because of all He did for us (vv. 9-10), we can embrace the sacrificial cost of commitment to Christ and preserve “sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus” (v. 13).

Sign Up Free Mini E-Courses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Mini Courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up for Prayer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Orbis Prayer Ministry Network – Receive prayer for healing, prophecy, inner healing and deliverance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Give - Orbis Ministries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In this candid and pastoral episode of God Is Not a Theory, Ken Fish addresses a topic rarely discussed openly in churches: dating ethics and sexual boundaries for Christians.Prompted by a conversation with pastors about a ministry leader asking how far he could go physically with his girlfriend, Ken explores what Scripture actually says about sexual conduct before marriage. Drawing from passages in Hebrews, 1 Corinthians, 1 Peter, and 1 Timothy, he explains why the biblical standard calls believers to honor marriage by maintaining sexual purity before marriage and faithfulness within it.Ken also examines the broader cultural context of modern sexuality, arguing that society's saturation with sexual content has distorted moral boundaries and desensitized people to practices once widely understood as inappropriate. He discusses the spiritual, emotional, and psychological consequences of sexual immorality and calls the church to recover a biblical vision of holiness.The episode also addresses difficult issues such as sexual temptation, pastoral misconduct, grooming, and the responsibility of Christian leaders to maintain absolute purity. Ken emphasizes that God's commands are not meant to restrict joy but to protect people and preserve the sanctity of marriage and family.Ultimately, the message is both a warning and an invitation: believers can walk in holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit, and when failures occur, repentance and restoration are always available.Key Topics CoveredWhy the question “How far can we go?” misses the biblical pointHebrews 13:4 and honoring the marriage covenantThe biblical definition of sexual immoralityBoundaries for physical affection while datingCultural shifts in sexuality over the past 60 yearsThe spiritual and emotional consequences of sexual sinWhy the church must teach moral clarity againThe role of marriage in God's design for family and childrenGrooming and sexual misconduct in ministry leadershipHow to Engage with Orbis:- Check out Ken's book,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ On the Road with the Holy Spirit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://a.co/d/0OVIIA0- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Partner with Orbis Financially⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Give - Orbis Ministries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Download the app: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠App - Orbis Ministries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠⁠⁠⁠ Are you interested in learning about Holy Spirit-led ministry? Visit Orbis School of Ministry at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homepage | Orbis School of Ministry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email our Registrar, Jo McKay, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jo@orbisminstries.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠⁠⁠⁠ Upcoming Orbis Ministries overseas ministry trips are posted on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠orbisministries.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ under the Train tab- Join an International Ministry Trip link behind the registration/login portal.- Do you want to join Ken's private Facebook discussion group, "God is not a Theory?" Please send a Facebook Direct Message to Bryan Orbis and a friend request to be added to it.

Sunday School 03.08.2026Bill CorleyOriginal Air Date: 2026.03.08We believe The Bible, God's word, is inspired by Him, through the Holy Spirit and is sufficient for everything you need in life – guidance, wisdom, strength, encouragement and HOPE. His word reveals His nature and character and His plan of redemption through His Son Jesus Christ, through whom we can have eternal salvation when we choose to follow Him. We also believe the Bible remains relevant in our world today and its power is experienced when personally and consistently applied and practiced.Part of your journey may include choosing a Bible translation and there are many. To help you choose, it is important to know that a “translation” is word-for-word while a “paraphrase” is thought- for- thought. If you are new to Bible reading or don't yet have one, we offer FREE Bibles that are English Standard Version translation – a very easy to read Bible. Other options are Bible Apps you can download to your phone, or sites like: www.Bible.org, www.biblegateway.com or www.blueletterbible.org.We invite you to join us for weekend services:Saturday Evening at 5:30pm. Question and Answer period after service.Morning Social at 10:00am: A time to connect with others over coffee and donuts.Sunday Morning at 10:30amPromiseland Kids' Ministry: Toddler – Sr. High, Sunday at 10:30 am, offers Christian education and worship for children and youth.If you have missed a message or are viewing from home, you can catch weekend services on our Facebook page and YouTube by going to www.crossroads-ridgecrest.org, or through the church app. We also have podcasts available by looking up Crossroads Community Church - available on several podcast apps.Have a question for one of our Pastors? Submit your questions via text at: (760) 301-4840 for our Ask It! Your Questions Answered segment every week. Watch or Listen what others ask!If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call (760)384-3333 Weds. – Fri. 10am-4pm, text (760)301-4840, or email ccc@ccc-rc.org

"When the light comes to a person they are brought to a place of decision."—Dr. Chris CodyExperience life-changing ministry from God's Word — powerful Bible teaching, faith-filled preaching, and a fresh move of the Holy Spirit to strengthen your walk with Christ. We're so glad you've joined our online church family today!

Lord, Grant Me Spirit-Led Decisions! "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God." Romans 8:14 Picture a GPS softly guiding you through life's winding roads. Just as it recalibrates in real-time, so too does the Holy Spirit offer divine direction for our paths. Remember the story of Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10? God orchestrated a beautiful intersection, reminding us that divine nudges can lead to extraordinary encounters. Think back to the last time you felt the gentle pull of the Spirit's guidance. Perhaps it was a decision that felt unexpectedly clear or a moment where doubt turned into faith. Romans 8:14 reassures us, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” You are not alone; you have a heavenly navigator charting your course. Psalm 32:8 says, I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you. Isaiah 30:21 also beautifully echoes this sentiment: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” Therefore, trust that the whispers of the Holy Spirit are there to lead if you are willing and trust God, much like a seasoned guide helping you discover new landscapes. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to lean on this understanding: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” Brethren remember, in God's kingdom "No guesswork, just grace-work — He lights what he meant for to see." Now, as you navigate your life, He is ready to guide without guessing. He will make every decision clearer when you invite the Holy Spirit. Kenneth Copeland once said, “One word from God can change everything.” So, stay attuned to those divine promptings, and watch your path shining. Amen. Psalm 25:8-9 says, "Good and upright is the LORD; therefore, He shows sinners the way. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way." Amen Prayer for the Day!Father, thank You for clear guidance at our current crossroads. May we be attuned to the Spirit's whispers and confidently follow Your lead. Lord helps us to walk in the line you drew, so that we don't trace in pencil. May we walk in your grace-work, not in guesswork. In Jesus name. Amen. Maglife.org

Ever try to accomplish the simplest tasks in a power failure? Everywhere you go inside your home, you instinctively reach for the light switch, and it doesn’t work. If you can’t see, you can’t do much. Alright, just watch TV. Oh. Yeah. Can’t. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out power is just as necessary in accomplishing the work God wants us to do. And, we’ll find out today, that work has never been more necessary. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to the Rhythms For Life podcast! In this episode, Gabe and Rebekah sit down with their longtime friend, bestselling author, and Founder/Visionary of Gather. With a friendship spanning nearly 15 years, they dive into a timely conversation about where the church is headed and the radical movements of God happening right now. This conversation explores the heart of Jennie's newest book, The Lie You Don't Know You Believe, which addresses the specific spiritual attacks of our day and the freedom found on the other side of truth. From witnessing campus revivals to hearing raw stories of transformation through baptism, Jennie shares her perspective on why this so-called “dark” generation is actually more desperate and open to the Gospel than ever before. In this episode, you'll hear: The Power of Desperation: Why spiritual hunger is the essential ingredient for the unique outpourings of the Holy Spirit we are seeing today. A Pre-Christian Generation: How Gen Z is shifting from "post-church" to "pre-Christian," encountering the story of Jesus for the very first time without the baggage of deconstruction. From Darkness to Light: Radical stories of grace, including the baptisms of former atheists, practitioners of witchcraft, and those coming out of the juvenile justice system. Manifestations of the Spirit: Jennie's personal reflections on the physical manifestations of God's nearness and the theological wrestling that comes with witnessing revival. Identifying the Lie: How to recognize the "darkness pouring in" and how the simple, beautiful story of Jesus remains the answer to the collapse of everything around us. Resources: Buy Jennie's Book: The Lie You Don't Know You Believe Jennie's Website: JennieAllen.com Follow Jennie on Instagram: @jennieallen Get The Fight for Us book and curriculum: The Fight For Us Join us November 19-20 for our Emotional Health Retreat in Franklin, TN. Register now and save $200 when you use the code EH200. https://www.rebekahlyons.com/ehretreat Take the THINQ Assessment: https://www.thinqassessment.scoreapp.com/ Create a free THINQ Account: Access more trusted content at thinqmedia.com

Guest: Scott Mitchell | Bible Mysteries Podcast

Friends of the Rosary,In the verse before the Gospel, St. John reminds us of two fundamental truths:"Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life;You have the words of everlasting life."Meanwhile, in the main reading (Matthew 5:17-19), Christ the Lord, through the disciples, is telling us:"Whoever breaks one of the least of these commandmentsand teaches others to do sowill be called least in the Kingdom of heaven.But whoever obeys and teaches these commandmentswill be called the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven."Being a faithful servant of Jesus means not only following his words but also cultivating our apostolic mission to spread the eternal truth. We continue praying our Holy Rosary from Austin, Texas.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠March 11, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Welcome to another episode of Brothers Just Searching, where we search the Scriptures and talk about God's Word to encourage believers in Jesus Christ.In this episode, Isaac Hayes, Anthony Hayes, and Bowen continue their Bible study through 1 John, focusing on 1 John 2:3-6 and discussing the evidence of truly knowing Christ.Many people claim to know Jesus, but the Bible teaches that a true relationship with Christ will produce evidence in a believer's life. John tells us that those who know Christ will keep His commandments and walk as He walked.In this conversation we discuss:• What it really means to know Jesus• The difference between professing faith and living it• Can a Christian live in continual sin?• The role of the Holy Spirit in helping believers obey God• Why the church must preach the truth of the Gospel• How believers should walk as Christ walkedThis episode also touches on important topics like grace, repentance, church culture, and the danger of false teaching.

Today's Devotional " I Need the Holy Spirit"lmjministries.org3/11/26Join us for coffee, conversation and community.

In this episode, Ashley Campbell explores the purpose of the church, questioning whether it is truly meant for non-believers. She emphasizes the importance of church as a community for believers to grow, engage, and equip one another in their faith. The conversation delves into the need for intimacy in worship, the role of church leaders, and the necessity of fostering a dependency on the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, Ashley argues that the church should focus on maturing believers rather than solely reaching out to non-believers.Takeaways-The church's primary function may not be to serve non-believers.-Believers should be equipped for ministry and growth.-Intimacy in worship should not be interrupted by announcements.-Engaging the congregation can transform the church experience.-The role of church leaders is to empower the body of Christ.-Unity in faith is essential for the church's mission.-Believers need to foster a personal relationship with God.-Church should be a house of prayer for all believers.-Every believer has a role in the church community.-The church should focus on spiritual growth and maturity.Chapters00:00 Rethinking the Purpose of Church06:09 Engaging the Body of Christ11:53 Equipping Believers for Ministry17:36 The Role of Personal Experience in Faith keywordschurch, believers, non-believers, community, faith, ministry, engagement, equipping, unity, spiritual growthConnect with me:https://linktr.ee/daily_encouragement_ashleyRumble Account: https://rumble.com/user/AshleyCampbellFacebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/dailyencouragementwithashleycampbell/Want to purchase a signed copy of mybook?https://buy.stripe.com/7sI8xdg6F2kZgSIfZ6ORRead the reviews on Amazon? https://a.co/d/gwyks9gWant to send me a financial donationbecause you value what I am doing on social media?https://buy.stripe.com/eVacNt3jTbVz9qg4gkWant to join my Facebook group thatwill equip you with the knowledge of the History of the UnitedStates, what the Constitution means and how you can preserve thisgreat nation we live in?Join my paid group today! For only $10a month, you will have access to classes that will help you have the knowledge you need to save your liberties given to you by God.Group Link:https://www.facebook.com/share/RA7FqCx95Lbv5gWv/Group Payment link:https://buy.stripe.com/cN24gX07H4t70TKcMVPodcast links:Apple/I tunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-encouragement-with-ashley-campbell/id1625607569Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d32a7f2-1e3e-4045-aa13-2b77784c71d1/daily-encouragement-with-ashley-campbelliHeartRadiohttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-daily-encouragement-with-a-112334720/Overcast:https://overcast.fm/itunes1483675322/daily-encouragement-with-ashley-campbellRadio Public:https://radiopublic.com/daily-encouragement-with-ashley-c-WozzzRWant to sponsor the Podcast?https://buy.stripe.com/9AQbJpdYx8JnfOEfZ8Choose your amount to Sponsor the Podcast:https://donate.stripe.com/14k4gXg6F9Nr31SdR1

In this episode, Ashley Campbell explores the purpose of the church, questioning whether it is truly meant for non-believers. She emphasizes the importance of church as a community for believers to grow, engage, and equip one another in their faith. The conversation delves into the need for intimacy in worship, the role of church leaders, and the necessity of fostering a dependency on the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, Ashley argues that the church should focus on maturing believers rather than solely reaching out to non-believers.Chapters00:00 Rethinking the Purpose of Church06:09 Engaging the Body of Christ11:53 Equipping Believers for Ministry17:36 The Role of Personal Experience in FaithTakeaways-The church's primary function may not be to serve non-believers.-Believers should be equipped for ministry and growth.-Intimacy in worship should not be interrupted by announcements.-Engaging the congregation can transform the church experience.-The role of church leaders is to empower the body of Christ.-Unity in faith is essential for the church's mission.-Believers need to foster a personal relationship with God.-Church should be a house of prayer for all believers.-Every believer has a role in the church community.-The church should focus on spiritual growth and maturity. keywordschurch, believers, non-believers, community, faith, ministry, engagement, equipping, unity, spiritual growthConnect with me:⁠https://linktr.ee/daily_encouragement_ashley⁠Rumble Account: ⁠https://rumble.com/user/AshleyCampbell⁠Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/dailyencouragementwithashleycampbell/Want to purchase a signed copy of my book?⁠https://buy.stripe.com/7sI8xdg6F2kZgSIfZ6⁠ORRead the reviews on Amazon? https://a.co/d/gwyks9gWant to send me a financial donation because you value what I am doing on social media?⁠https://buy.stripe.com/eVacNt3jTbVz9qg4gk⁠Want to join my Facebook group that will equip you with the knowledge of the History of the United States, what the Constitution means and how you can preserve this great nation we live in?Join my paid group today! For only $10a month, you will have access to classes that will help you have the knowledge you need to save your liberties given to you by God.Group Link:https://www.facebook.com/share/RA7FqCx95Lbv5gWv/Group Payment link:https://buy.stripe.com/cN24gX07H4t70TKcMVPodcast links:Apple/I tunes:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-encouragement-with-ashley-campbell/id1625607569⁠Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4d32a7f2-1e3e-4045-aa13-2b77784c71d1/daily-encouragement-with-ashley-campbelliHeartRadio⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-daily-encouragement-with-a-112334720/⁠Overcast:⁠https://overcast.fm/itunes1483675322/daily-encouragement-with-ashley-campbell⁠Radio Public:⁠https://radiopublic.com/daily-encouragement-with-ashley-c-WozzzR⁠Want to sponsor the Podcast?⁠https://buy.stripe.com/9AQbJpdYx8JnfOEfZ8⁠Choose your amount to Sponsor the Podcast:https://donate.stripe.com/14k4gXg6F9Nr31SdR1

The Holy Spirit Filled Life Week 16The Gift of Miraculous Powers!

Will Acuff is a pastor's kid, former rock and roll guitarist, co-founder of Nashville nonprofit Corner to Corner, and author of No Elevator to Everest. He sits down for a conversation about the blurriest member of the Trinity: the Holy Spirit. Will grew up in a theology where the Spirit was, as he puts it, a weird third cousin nobody knew how to engage with. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Bible. But a series of life-altering events cracked that framework wide open. He walks through what it practically looks like to develop a rhythm of listening to the Spirit, starting with ten minutes of stillness each morning, getting curious about what you're feeling and why, and learning to distinguish between the voice of the inner critic and the invitation of the Father running out to meet the prodigal son. Will makes the case that spirit-led self-awareness, not the Oprah version but the kind where you never go inward alone because the Holy Spirit is already there, is the missing piece for most Christians who've reduced the faith to knowledge of God without ever learning to walk with Him.But the episode takes a sharp turn when Will shares a story he's never told publicly. His honeymoon ended in a New Orleans psych ward after a perfect storm of sleeplessness, stress, and praying alone over spiritual forces he had no business engaging with at 24 years old. What started as insomnia spiraled into hallucinations, his wife watching his eyes roll back and his body rise off the bed, cops breaking down the hotel door, and a commitment to the psychiatric unit where he was misdiagnosed and put on antipsychotics for two years. Will is honest about the intersection of mental health and spiritual warfare, how being physically compromised makes you vulnerable, how he believes he knocked on a door he wasn't meant to knock on, and how he now never does anything in the spiritual realm alone. The conversation lands on joy, not the dopamine hit happiness of circumstance, but the deep, guitar perfectly in tune kind of joy that comes from living in union with the Spirit, even in the middle of more sorrow than you ever anticipated. Will's life carries more of both than most, and his practical framework for hearing from God is one of the most grounded and accessible we've had on the show. This Episode is Sponsored By: https://go.goodranchers.com/BLURRY — Get $40 off your first order, then $30 off your next two with code BLURRY at checkout! https://timtebow.com/tree-blurry/ — Get your copy of If the Tree Could Speak by Tim Tebow on Amazon today! https://go.goodranchers.com/BLURRY — Get $40 off your first order, then $30 off your next two with code BLURRY at checkout! - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” You can find those reassuring words in Second Peter chapter 3. And when a culture seems intent on its own destruction, sometimes God’s hand moves in miraculous ways. It’s happened before in the history of our country, and today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie says it can happen again. But we play a part in bringing it to pass. Glad you’re along for a fascinating series that launches today. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“How do I explain James 2 to Protestants?” This question opens a discussion on the Catholic understanding of faith and works, while also addressing how we determine the canon of Scripture and the role of tradition in the Church. Other topics include the significance of traditions like kissing the bishop’s ring and the implications of 2 Timothy 3:16-17 for interpreting Scripture. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 13:13 – How do we figure out the canon? Are the books self attesting. Why does the Holy Spirit give infallibility to the Church but the Holy Spirit does not give infallibility to individuals? 20:31 – I'm entering into the Church and recently met my bishop. Are traditions like kissing the bishop’s ring still necessary? Why or why not? 31:50 – How do I explain the Catholic approach to James 2 to Protestants? 42:11 – What are our areas of disagreement apart from Sola Scriptura? 49:11 – What does it mean when it says all scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16-17?

Forgiveness is one of the most difficult commands Jesus gives—and one of the most freeing. When someone deeply wounds us, the natural response is to hold tightly to the hurt. We replay the moment, rehearse the injustice, and quietly hope that somehow the person responsible will feel the weight of what they did. But unforgiveness slowly becomes its own prison. Galatians 5:1 reminds us that Christ set us free so we would no longer live in bondage. Yet when we hold onto bitterness, we place a yoke back on our own shoulders. The offense may have been real and painful, but the burden of carrying resentment can slowly consume our hearts. Forgiveness does not mean excusing wrongdoing or pretending the pain never happened. It does not mean that justice is ignored or that trust is instantly restored. Instead, forgiveness means releasing the right to hold someone’s offense over them and entrusting justice to God. Jesus demonstrated this ultimate act of mercy on the cross. Even as He was being crucified, He prayed for those who harmed Him. Through His sacrifice, our sins were forgiven completely—removed as far as the east is from the west. When we remember how much we have been forgiven, it reshapes how we approach the forgiveness of others. Unforgiveness isolates us from the freedom Christ intends for us. Bitterness quietly grows, affecting our peace, our relationships, and even our fellowship with God. But when we release that burden—sometimes slowly, sometimes painfully—we make room for healing. The Holy Spirit empowers us to forgive even when it feels impossible. Forgiveness is not a feeling we wait for; it is a step of obedience we choose. And when we choose it, we begin to experience the freedom Christ died to give us. Main Takeaways Unforgiveness creates emotional and spiritual bondage. Forgiveness releases the burden of bitterness and resentment. Forgiving does not excuse wrongdoing but entrusts justice to God. Christ’s sacrifice reminds us how deeply we have been forgiven. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to forgive even deep wounds. Today’s Bible Verse Galatians 5:1 Your Daily Prayer Prayer excerpt for listeners: “Help me release bitterness and walk in the freedom that forgiveness brings.” Listen to the full prayer here. To view the prayer in written format, visit the links below. Continue growing in faith and encouragement: LifeAudio.com – Christian podcasts and devotionals Crosswalk.com – Daily prayers, articles, and Bible study resources If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ 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.orgTrinityCredit – 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, Trinity has the knowledge and resources to make a difference. https://trinitycredit.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do signs, wonders, and miracles still happen today—or was that just for the early church? And if the supernatural is real, is it only for “special” Christians… or for you too?In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Jason Chin, missionary in Switzerland and founder of Love Says Go Ministries. Jason has seen God move through healing, prophecy, dreams, and visions all over the world, and he shares how the supernatural side of the Kingdom is meant to be a normal part of every believer's life.In this episode, we talk about:• Why the supernatural is for EVERY Christian—not just pastors or “anointed” leaders• How to begin seeing miracles and hearing God's voice in your everyday life• The crucial connection between character, humility, and spiritual gifts• What the Bible actually says about dreams, visions, angels, and demons• How “dreaming with God” opens your spiritual eyes and builds faith• A CRAZY deliverance story: instant breakthrough after forgiveness• Why you should never be impressed with the devil—only with Jesus• Practical ways to partner with the Holy Spirit for signs, wonders, and healingIf you've felt stuck in a powerless faith, afraid of deception, or unsure if God really wants to speak to you, this episode will stir up hope and give you practical keys to walk in the supernatural with wisdom and confidence.Want a practical tool to help you as you grow?

“God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” You can find those reassuring words in Second Peter chapter 3. And when a culture seems intent on its own destruction, sometimes God’s hand moves in miraculous ways. It’s happened before in the history of our country, and today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie says it can happen again. But we play a part in bringing it to pass. Glad you’re along for a fascinating series that launches today. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Believers are adopted into God's eternal, royal family forever.When you trust in Jesus Christ, you become a child of God. This spiritual family gives believers identity, purpose, and everlasting connection. Rick Hughes teaches the law of Christ, loving fellow believers, and living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Discover the hope, security, and fellowship that come from belonging to God's family.⬇Download Transcript: https://rhem.pub/1072-transcript

Ladies, this episode is a little humbling. Running a faith-based online business has been one of the most sanctifying processes of my life. In this episode, I'm unpacking what it takes to navigate the challenges of running an online business as a believer and how it will stretch you more than you ever thought possible. We're talking surrender, perseverance, and what it really takes to build a Christian coaching business that honors the Lord.What you'll learn in this episode:—Why online business is harder for Christians and requires more than the world. —How to make sure your heart condition is aligned with Christ. —Why you will want to quit your online coaching business (+ how sticking with it is SO worth it).—What surrender really looks like in a Christian coaching business.—The real cost of building what God called you to build.GET STARTED TODAY Ready to launch? Join The Selah Collective 12-Month Group Coaching Program.Ready to scale? Join Eden: The Mastermind (for women who have made $20k-100k+ in online business).Kingdom Seasons Coaching Quiz: Be sure to check out my Kingdom Seasons Coaching Quiz! Get your custom plan & the action steps you need to take in your business right now, for a thriving online coaching business.Women of Valor 3-Part Mini-Course: Learn how to create a 6-7 figure offer and how to implement the Esther Upleveled sales system.For the Holy Spirit-led coaches who want to hit $100k in the next 12 months, get the 40+ page guide: 12-Months to $100k.The Productivity Playbook: Steal my 7-Figure online business rhythms & daily operations with The Productivity Playbook. Grow your online revenue in just 20 minutes a day. Ready to get an all-in-one funnel builder? Sign up for Kartra today!Get FREE, ORGANIC email leads on Instagram using this DM flow template.READ THE BLOG257. Becoming "Holy" Christian Women in Business - Why Online Business Growth Requires SanctificationOTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY 104. Putting Your Business on the Altar – The Struggles of Being a Christian Coach and Growing Your Business177. Comfort is the Devil & You've Been Anointed To Launch an Online Coaching Business in Such a Time As This {Holy Hustle Coaching Series – 1 of 7}

Friends of the Rosary,We continue praying our Holy Rosary from Austin, Texas.In today's main reading of the Gospel (Matthew 18:21-35), Jesus tells a parable that illustrates God's compassion and mercy — misericordia, in Latin and Spanish, signifying the suffering of the heart.It is the characteristic of the infinite love of God, as He never forgets his offspring.The whole mystery of the divine mercy is beyond our human understanding. Nothing would exist were it not willed into being by God.And the greatest manifestation of divine mercy is the forgiveness of sins. As Bishop Barron says, “This is the greatest grace the Church can offer: reconciliation, the restoration of the divine friendship, the forgiveness of our sins.”Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠March 10, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

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.”

God has not left His people powerless. In these last days, the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live boldly, stand firm in truth, and fulfill God's purposes with supernatural strength. Discover why the Spirit's power is essential for this hour and how believers can live ready, equipped, and effective.Be stirred to rely fully on the Holy Spirit and walk in the power God has provided for the days we are living in.

Today's readings.. (Leviticus 17,18), (Psalm 19:41-80), (Luke 1) These words are taken from the inspired speech of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist.  Because he did not believe the angel who appeared to him in the Temple he had been made dumb, then when the child is born and there is pressure to call him Zechariah, the father's “tongue is loosed and he spoke blessing God.  And fear came upon all their neighbours” [Luke 1 v.65]  The sense of ‘fear' does not mean being scared or afraid, but to be in awe.Today's chapter then tells us that “Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied …” [v.67]  It is a prophecy about the coming task of his newborn son “who will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways” [v.76]Compared to human expectations God's time frame for action  is exceedingly slow: it had been some 400 years since God had sent the last prophet (Malachi) to his nation, but, as Zechariah now says, “the Lord God … spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us …” [v.70,71]Because they rejected his Son, God delayed the fulfilment of this – to our days – but “time” from God's perspective is so different; but isn't it remarkable the deliverance that the re-born nation of Israel has experienced since 1948 in being “saved … from the hand of all who hate (them)”!!Deliverance needs to be assessed from several perspectives; there is deliverance from fear of evil men and deliverance from sin and death  John and then Jesus came to “give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” [v.79] How clearly are we seeing the “light” and letting it “guide our feet”?   There are so many traps these days as to where we can put our “feet” – in a spiritual sense of course. How many appreciated the “light”  they were seeing in the words of John and Jesus?  They all stumbled and fell.  By his grace, those with genuine hearts were pulled to their feet again.  May we have genuine hearts and clearly see the light, only then can we “serve him without fear.” .

Jamie Grant Counselors Jamie Grant and Heather Parker answer the question, "Does my anger matter to God?" They discuss about how it is so often misunderstood in the church in this conversation with Dr. Kay Daigle. Heather Parker Because anger can masquerade as depression, we often fail to deal with it correctly. Trauma in children may cause anger that leads to other issues as they become adults. This insightful conversation can help us recognize anger and appropriately get help to deal with it. This is an important topic for not only Christian leaders as they help others, but it is for all of us, knowing that we all deal with anger and that it matters to God. Recommended resources The Voice of the Heart by Chip Dodd Tim Keller's sermon, The Healing of Anger The Faces of Rage by David Damico The Dance of Anger: A Woman's Guide to Changing the Patterns of Intimate Relationships by Harriet Lerner Healing Developmental Trauma: How Early Trauma Affects Self-Regulation, Self-Image and the Capacity for Relationship by Laurence Heller, PhD and Aline LaPierre, PsyD BOW episodes on lament. This episode is available on video as well. Timestamps: 00:21 Introductions 02:34 God's anger 08:28 How does being made in God's image change how we think about human anger? 10:37 How do Christians often perceive anger? 20:42 How can anger become a tool in the church for control? 25:39 What actually is anger? 32:10 Processing anger 33:41 Resources   TranscriptKay >> Hi. I'm Kay Daigle of Beyond Ordinary Women Ministries. Welcome to this podcast and video episode. Today we're talking about anger with our guests, Heather Parker and Jamie Grant. Welcome, ladies. Jamie >> Thank you. Heather >> Thanks for having us. Kay >> Well, I'm excited about this conversation, and I feel like this is an important one right now. But let me just introduce these gals quickly. Jamie is a licensed professional counselor, and she graduated with a degree in counseling from Dallas Seminary. And she specializes in working with adults with complex trauma. She practices in a private practice here in North Dallas. And Heather is in Birmingham. And she practices at Waterstone Counseling. She's also a licensed professional counselor and supervisor and she specializes in helping people overcome trauma. So both of them work with people with trauma issues and that's how we started talking about what to talk about. And they brought up anger as a possible topic. And I was so delighted that you did that, because our society is just full of so much anger right now. I don't think I've ever seen so much anger in my lifetime. And I'm old. So, you know, this is this is a very unique time, at least for the last, you know, century, I would say as far as anger is concerned. There's just a lot of hatred and a lot of anger toward anyone that doesn't agree with whoever it is. So all sides have anger. And so let's just talk a little bit about anger. Let's begin with us being Christians. I think it's great to set the standard for where God comes from on anger, because we know God gets angry. God talks about God's anger and he talks about it in the Bible. So what does the Scripture show us about God's anger, You want to start us out, Jamie? Jamie >> Sure. And without, you know, having a kind of list of the different references, just kind of a general idea of the God's anger in the Scripture. I mean, so many times I hear people or I have heard people delineate or make this delineation between the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament. The God of the Old Testament seems so full of anger and wrath. And, you know, Jesus comes along and has like this compassion. And so I think it's really important to remember the God of the Old Testament is the same. God is the God in the New Testament. And, you know, Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit are all one. So there is no delineation; God is not divided in himself....

Psalms 1 & 2 E3 — So far in this short series, we've looked individually at Psalm 1 and Psalm 2. Now we'll look at them side by side. The art of meditating on Scripture involves appreciating every single paragraph, poem, and story, but then also considering what comes before and after, because the biblical authors put everything in this order for a reason! Looking at Psalms 1 and 2 next to each other we find many overlapping words and ideas, so reading both together is crucial for understanding each one individually. In this episode, Jon and Tim explore all the connections, not only between Psalms 1 and 2, but also between these psalms and many other places in the Hebrew Bible. FULL SHOW NOTES For chapter-by-chapter summaries, biblical words, referenced Scriptures, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode. CHAPTERS Setup for Reading Psalm 1 and 2 Together (0:00-9:05) Connections in the First and Second Stanzas (9:05-30:36) Connections in the Third Stanza (30:36-41:15) Psalm 1 and 2 in the Hebrew Bible (41:15-1:02:29) REFERENCED RESOURCES Psalms Overview video and poster Check out Tim's extensive collection of recommended books here. SHOW MUSIC “Sparks” by ØDYSSEE & Lazlow “Green Tea” by Toonorth “Bloom” by Sweeps & luv pug BibleProject theme song by TENTS  SHOW CREDITS Production of today's episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today's episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most believers think idolatry only means bowing to a false god. But idolatry is often far more subtle. It can be compromise. It can be misplaced priorities. It can even be a distorted perception of who God truly is. You become like what you worship. And if your perception of God is distorted, it will affect everything about your life. This teaching on idolatry by David Diga Hernandez will challenge you to examine your priorities, correct false perceptions, and return to wholehearted devotion to the one true God. Say yes to the Holy Spirit. Say no to the idols of this world.   The Encounter Podcast Ep.81

ABOUT THIS MESSAGE The enemy doesn't always need you to mess everything up. Sometimes he just needs you to miscalculate where you're supposed to be. You can have the right appointment time and still be in the wrong building. In this message, we explore what it means to stay in step with the Holy Spirit and why positioning matters more than we think. When our emotions stay attached to what was, we can miss what God is doing right in front of us. But when we walk with the Holy Spirit, He helps us see clearly again—even in the hard moments. Sometimes the shift isn't about trying harder. It's about getting back in step with Him. ABOUT UNION CHURCH We exist for one thing: to help unite people with purpose. At Union Church, we believe heaven can be experienced on earth when people live intentional and purposeful lives submitted to God's Word. We help people know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference. We are one church in multiple locations throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Find a location near you: theunionchurch.com/findalocation GIVING www.theunionchurch.com/give FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: www.facebook.com/weareunionchurch Instagram: www.instagram.com/weareunionchurch Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephenrchandler Website: https://theunionchurch.com  

Pastor Becky Johnson shares how life in the Spirit sets us free to walk in the new life Jesus has given us. Romans 8 teaches us that we are no longer called to manage sin but to live alive to God through the power of the Holy Spirit. In Christ, we are no longer condemned, and everything God has is now ours.

If you've spent your whole life feeling “too sensitive,” overwhelmed by emotions, or constantly absorbing the atmosphere around you, this prophetic word is going to break some shackles! Many Christians have mislabeled themselves as empaths—and have strayed to New Age terminology, fiction, and paranormal language without knowing it.  In this episode, Melia exposes the empath and HSP labels and deeper aspects that reveal the roots of Psychology, which keep people spiritually stuck, emotionally burdened, and disconnected from their true prophetic calling! A highly sensitive "feeler" in the prophetic operates very differently; a God‑designed wiring that discerns from the Holy Spirit, not man! Blessings-   Prophetic Gatekeeper Manuscript Specialist -> https://meliadiana.com/our-services Melia's Books ->https://meliadiana.com/books Melia's Courses -> https://meliadiana.com/vertical-relationship-academy    

** Put yourself in the presence of God. Try talking to Him. ** 10 minutes are 10 minutes. Even if you can get distracted, reach the end. ** Be constant. The Holy Spirit acts "on low heat" and requires perseverance. 10-Minute audio to help you pray. Daily sparks to ignite prayer: a passage from the gospel, an idea, an anecdote and a priest who speaks with you and the Lord, inviting you to share your intimacy with God. Find your moment, consider you are in His presence and click play.

#10MinuteswithJesus ** Put yourself in the presence of God. Try talking to Him. ** 10 minutes are 10 minutes. Even if you can get distracted, reach the end. ** Be constant. The Holy Spirit acts "on low heat" and requires perseverance. 10-Minute audio to help you pray. Daily sparks to ignite prayer: a passage from the gospel, an idea, an anecdote and a priest who speaks with you and the Lord, inviting you to share your intimacy with God. Find your moment, consider you are in His presence and click play.

Parenting 0-18 With an Eternal Perspective: An Interview with Jessica Smartt (Episode 286)   Hebrews 12:11 NIV “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it"   *Transcription Below*   Jessica Smartt is the author of Come On Home, Memory-Making Mom and Let Them Be Kids. She graduated college with an English degree, a religion minor and a hankering to pour into kids. After teaching middle school literature for five years, she was promoted to her current position and dream job: wife, homeschooling mom, author, and Professional Encourager of Intentional Moms. She lives in sunny North Carolina on a family farm with horses, chickens, and an ever-increasing number of beloved cats. She and her husband, Todd, have three beautiful children. She loves to energize everyday moms to save childhood and build close-knit families. Jessica's favorites include: bike rides, spinach quiche, a clean kitchen, being warm, national parks, and food that anyone else made. Connect with Jessica through Instagram or her website.   Thank you to Our Sponsor: WinShape Marriage   Questions and Topics We Cover: What questions can we ask ourselves as mothers to take inventory and get real about our capacity, health, and gifts? How can we purposefully make our home a place our family loves to be and we do too? Will you share a handful of your other favorite practical tips for building a strong family that we haven't covered yet?   Other Episode Mentioned from The Savvy Sauce: Making Family Memories with Jessica Smartt   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:14)   Laura Dugger: (0:15 - 1:23) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   I'm thrilled to introduce you to our sponsor, WinShape Marriage. Their weekend marriage retreats will strengthen your marriage while you enjoy the gorgeous setting, delicious food, and quality time with your spouse. To find out more, visit them online at winshapemarriage.org.   My returning guest for today is Jessica Smartt. She has authored another brilliant book entitled, Come On Home: A Grace-Filled Guide to Raising a Family Who Loves (and Likes) Each Othe. You're not going to want to miss a minute of this episode because she answers every question with kindness and eternal wisdom, yet she still manages to share plenty of fun ideas and applicable tips.   Here's our chat. Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Jessica.   Jessica Smartt: (1:25 - 1:28)  Thanks so, much for having me. I'm excited about our conversation.   Laura Dugger: (1:29 - 1:44) Well, I've been looking so, forward to this, and it's been a few years since you were a guest on The Savvy Sauce, so, as you're looking back, can you just walk us through how your motherhood experience has changed from the early days to now currently?   Jessica Smartt: (1:46 - 3:36) Yeah, it has changed so, much, and I actually was thinking about this just on my own. God is so, good, and I don't know if everyone's experience is kind of like this. I look around and see very high-functioning young mothers, so, I'm thinking maybe not, but I just feel like those first couple years were such a struggle with a lot of mental illness and just anxiety, and probably that led into depression, too, and just feeling really overwhelmed. I do feel like a lot of it was sleep deprivation, which is a literal torture technique that armies use, so, I think just caring for my body better has actually been a huge thing, but also just God is just so, kind, and I think I mentioned in the book of just really early on having this moment where I thought I'm not any good to anybody, and I didn't fast-forward to see any of this, right?  I didn't know how it was going to end. I just knew I felt terrible, and I couldn't function and overcome with anxiety, and everything was blurry and overwhelming, and so, to then fast-forward and see personally in my own life the rewards of my kids are doing well, and I like being a mom a lot, and professionally that I'm even writing about it is stunning, so, it's a real redemption story to me, and just proof that also God uses those pits because it was out of that that I was able to actually gain traction even on my blog sharing about my personal experience and loss and weakness. God used that, so, I'm really grateful.   Laura Dugger: (3:36 - 3:45) That's incredible to get just a little picture of that journey, and can you update us with your kids' ages now as of today?   Jessica Smartt: (3:45 - 3:59) Yes, so, I have a 16-year-old boy. Last week we were visiting college, and that is very weird, and then a 14-year-old boy and an 11-year-old daughter.   Laura Dugger: (4:00 - 4:19) Okay, wonderful. So, regardless of what phase we're in as parents, do you have any recommendations for questions that we can begin to ask ourselves so that we can take inventory and get real about our capacity and our health and our gifts?   Jessica Smartt: (4:20 - 7:00) Right, yes, so, in Come on Home, that's kind of how I kick it off because I say, you know, you can't have the family that if in order to have the family you want or the home you want, you have to be honest about what you actually have and what you're starting with, and so, part of that is taking inventory of yourself and your life, and that's not something we often stop to do in the chaos and busyness, so, I asked what your capacity is and really just trying to help mom just think through preaching to myself here, like all the things that are on our plate, and is there something on our plate that the Lord maybe is not calling us to or that doesn't correlate and match to what our really core values are in life, and those are hard questions to ask, but they actually bring a lot of relief to just be honest with yourself about what's happening in your life and coming before the Lord and saying, you know, I'd literally say, like, make a list of all the things that you're doing and look at it and see if you should take any off, and the list is, you know, stunningly long for a lot of us, but yeah, so, that's just capacity, just kind of thinking through where we are and what we actually have the bandwidth to do, and then I talk about health and actually asking, like, your husband, if you're married, you know, how would you like me to care for myself better? What's one thing that you like when I do? And a lot of times I think we're really surprised when we hear the things they appreciate or what they'd like us to do, and they might just be giving us a really wonderful gift to go invest in an area in our life that we've been overlooking. So, and then gifts, that's a really fun one, too, because I'm not you and you're not me, and we're not the listeners, but God has uniquely equipped all of us to be the mom and the homemaker, you know, in our particular callings.   So, saying, like, are you a good organizer? Are you, you know, the fun mom, right, that I wish I was and I'm not? Are you, you know, the adventurer mom? Are you the crafty mom? You know, God has given, do you cook well and, you know, enjoy that? And everybody has a gift, that you're, whether you're, you know, a soft place to land for your kids and a good listener, or you're, you know, more drill sergeant-y, like those firstborns tend to be, and that is me, so, that's why I can say that. But just thinking about, like, what skills and gifts did God give me to lead my family well? And so, that was just kind of the ground-tilling up work before you think through, like, how can we build the family that we really want with the life that we actually have and the person we really are?   Laura Dugger: (7:01 - 8:14) And I love, that was one of the aspects of the book that I just appreciated. You sprinkle all these insightful questions throughout, and it is really great to reflect on those with the Lord or with the journal or in conversation, but you're encouraging us repeatedly to get a long-term vision of this parenting journey. And so, it makes me think, my husband works with Chick-fil-A, and oftentimes he's encouraged to be careful not to just get caught up working in the business, but to pull back and work on the business, and it's actually better for everybody. And I just think as parents, we need that same reminder to kind of lift up our eyes, get a different view, and get above these urgent, incessant needs of today and look at where we're going. And I think the Bible speaks a lot to that with being prudent. And you challenge us with that long-term view to actually take an eternal view in parenting, which is inevitably going to impact how we steward our time and our decision making. So, can you speak to both of those?   Jessica Smartt: (8:16 - 10:23) Yeah, I mean, the eternal, the perspective, I think I said, you know, there's the Bible verse about you reap what you sow, and we think of it as like a cautionary warning. And it is, but it's also just a true statement of how life works, meaning what you invest in, and what you spend your time in, what you care about, what the things you're actually doing is where you're going to see growth. And so, if I am investing in my home, I'm going to see fruit in there. Now, of course, it's not a one-to-one, it's not a slot machine. So, you know, we don't know exactly what it's going to look like. And God is so, good to cover up even over the areas that we've done a bad job in. But in general, you can't expect to grow cucumbers if you've been planting tomatoes. Like what you've been planting in the ground is what's going to grow up. And so, that's just like, even though it's kind of like fancy wordy language, it's always just a good reminder to me to think like, what am I actually spending my time doing?   I want a family that, like I was a recipient of, that's warm and inviting and you want to be around. And in order to get that, like you have to plant it. And so, that's a lot of being present as a mom and which is so, hard, very hard. But I just wanted to not lay a burden on moms, but really just encourage them like, do those things that are going to reap the life you actually want in the long term.  And of course, you mentioned the word eternity, that's planning, building disciples. And so, that is a very long road. You know, you're not going to always see the fruit of that, you know, immediately. But keeping our eye on, you know, I want to raise kids that are living out the calling that God has placed on their lives and are going out into this world to be truth and light. Like, oh my goodness, so, many hard, boring conversations that you have to have, but you have to, like that's, that's part of the equation.   Laura Dugger: (10:26 - 11:35) I think that even that piece is with discipline too, which is one of my least favorite parts of parenting. I don't know if others relate to that, but a verse that I find so, encouraging is Hebrews 12:11, that "no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful later on. However, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." And so, I love that encouragement you're giving to a parent for the long view, and you bring up your family of origin. You write so much about this gratitude you have for your parents and something you wrote really stuck with me where you say someone was always home, both physically and metaphorically, someone was paying attention. So, Jessica, what caution do you want to share with any parents today who may be tempted to let go a little too early, a little too soon and too young, whether that's with technology or even just being physically present?   Jessica Smartt: (11:36 - 14:25) I think it's just so, important for moms and dads to receive their instructions, not from the world, but from the Lord, because the culture right now is okaying and even encouraging parenting that is not godly parenting. We have so many distractions and we are pulled towards our phones, towards our own personal growth and flourishing, which is okay. You know, of course we want us to be healthy as we just mentioned, but at the expense of the kids that God has put in our lives, that is what, that is the messaging you're going to receive from the world. If you're hanging out with people who do not have a biblical worldview, that is going to be how they're spending their time.  And it's not a judgment statement. It's just, it is an observation that they, that is not, the focus is not, I'm going to sit and, you know, maybe at one point culturally years and years ago, it really was more family oriented, but it is not anymore.  It just simply is not. And, you know, it masquerades under that as, you know, oh, we're all going to the soccer game together and we're going to go watch the gymnastics performance or whatever it is. But that, that is not always true discipling of your children.   That's kind of being present in a cursory way and not truly and really, to really pay attention and really be present with your kids is going to look vastly different than what the rest of the world is doing.  And if it doesn't, you got to check. And I, I'm saying this as absolutely of myself, you know, there are moms that are just on their phone, and I can do that as well. I've had to put in, we can talk about specifics, but I've had to put in like specific things in my, in my actual phone, you know, and in my life parameters and guidelines so that I'm not doing that. But no one in the world is going to tell you not to, that's normal to just be stuck on your phone as a mom, as a kid, whatever. And so, a like, where are you getting your voice? That's saying how to parent, who are the voices that are speaking into your life?  Are you listening to older and wiser mentors? Are you reading really good books? Are you putting yourself in the word first thing in the morning or are you just floating around with whatever culture says to do? And I don't mean to sound judgy here because I am deeply convicted even as I'm speaking this of like, am I living this? I'm not always, it's very, very hard. But I just think we first, first step is, you know, to orient yourself to the Lord and how would he have you parent?  Not what is everyone else okay with doing? Cause it's going to look very different.   Laura Dugger: (14:26 - 16:54)  Okay. I love that with kind of the emphasis on; it does require a sacrifice from us with that quality and quantity time. And it makes me think on page 38 of your book, you encourage us to take the time to know each child, helping them find their passion, abilities, gifts, and interests.  And that really does bless both the child and the parent. And now a brief message from our sponsor.   Friends, I'm excited to share with you today's sponsor, WinShape Marriage. Do you feel like you need a weekend away with your spouse and a chance to grow in your relationship together at the same time? WinShape Marriage is a fantastic ministry that provides weekend marriage retreats to help couples grow closer together in every season and stage of life. From premarital to parenting to the emptiness phase, there is an opportunity for you. WinShape Marriage is grounded on the belief that the strongest marriages are the ones that are nurtured, even when it seems things are going smoothly, so that they're stronger if they do hit a bump along their marital journey. These weekend retreats are hosted within the beautiful refuge of WinShape Retreat, perched in the mountains of Rome, Georgia, which is a short drive from Atlanta, Birmingham, and Chattanooga. While you're there, you will be well fed, well nurtured, and well cared for.   During your time away in this beautiful place, you and your spouse will learn from expert speakers and explore topics related to intimacy, overcoming challenges, improving communication, and more. I've stayed on site at WinShape before, and I can attest to their generosity, food, and content. You will be so grateful you went. To find an experience that's right for you and your spouse, head to their website, winshapemarriage.org/savvy.  That's W-I-N-S-H-A-P-E marriage.org/savvy. S-A-V-V-Y.  Thanks for your sponsorship.   So, Jessica, what has this looked like in your home? And can you give us some ideas?   Jessica Smartt: (16:56 - 19:19) Yeah, I just think it is so, easy for us to have our own expectations of what our kids are, and even to speak that over them from the minute they come out of the womb, whether it's, oh, we've just pinned them as to be this, or it's something that we are, or something that we want them to be. But instead to look and see like, who is this actual child that's been created? And I thought of, you know, years and years ago, my son was like, itching to do something, you know, they get to be like nine, 10. And they start feeling like, you know, they need something other than mom in the house. And we were kind of praying about it and thinking it through. And he said, “I think I really would like to play soccer.”   And at the time, we were pretty, pretty committed into the baseball world. And I was like, no, you know, I had friendships with the parents, and we liked the coach, and we were already there. And soccer was this whole thing I didn't even know, you know, I was like, no.  And honestly, I waited for a year or two. But now my both my boys are in a semi travel league. It's not like all out driving all across the country, but they've been able to play at a higher level.  And they're doing amazing. It's clearly what they were meant to do. And I couldn't miss out on that just by being like, no, you know, that's not what you do.   Like, you know, so, just being open as a parent to really like, what are they good at? And it may not be what you thought it may not be what you are good at. My daughter loves to make a giant mess in the kitchen, giant and cook. And oh, my goodness, it is very hard for me because I'm like a keep it clean.  Don't use all the ingredients. But I've been convicted to really, you know, let her explore these gifts. I have a friend whose daughter is making these elaborate birthday cakes. I mean, like the most crazy food network kind of thing. And I saw it and thought, I know what that kitchen must have looked like when you let her do that. That was a lot of days and afternoons of you letting her waste the flour and make a big mess.  But the fruit is, it's incredible. And, so, yeah, sacrificing what we want to let them grow into, you know, and God is so, good.   Like if we don't know what it is, pray with your kid, like you, what did you, what is your thing?  What do you think God's made you to do? We, you know, need an activity. What, what, let's ask God, like what he wants you to do. I've never prayed a prayer like that that hasn't been answered and never.   Laura Dugger: (19:20 - 19:47)  Oh, that's so, good. I mean, we think of for friendship for ourselves or with our children or activities that they want to do, just hopefully that's what we keep being reminded of is bring it to the Lord rather than seeking out those voices and culture and see what his perfect plan is. But you also write an entire chapter on the power of time. So, will you share some of your applicable wisdom here?   Jessica Smartt: (19:49 - 22:15)  Yes. And you know, don't mind me while I actually get out the book, because even though you wrote it, sometimes you're like, what exactly did I say? Um, but thinking through like activities that our family has signed up for, as I mentioned, you know, I was kind of like connected in that baseball mindset.  And so, was it actually the right thing for my kids? Maybe or maybe not. And so, I talked through like at questions to ask, you know, as a husband and wife about where our family's going and what activities our kids are doing, which is a giant question today.   I don't think parents are thoughtful enough about what they're signing up for and what they're doing. And you get, you know, mid-November and your schedule is completely packed and your kids having meltdowns and you're never eating dinner together. And you're like, how did we get to this life? But it was a little bit of like, not quite following the path ahead mentally to see what it would look like. And I would just encourage anybody right now that it's not too late to rearrange, even if you have to quit something, even if it costs a deposit, even if you have to back out, like we are not as trapped as we think we are. And if you're doing something in your family that's not healthy, or, you know, it's not benefiting you stop, like no one's gonna, you know, anyway.   So, as you're thinking through activities, I talked about the interest question, which means like, is your kid actually there? Or is it like you that's kind of getting more out of this? And then I talked about the mealtime question.  And maybe we'll get to this, but family meals are so important. They really are. Even if it is, you know, not hours of sitting there with candlelight, whatever, just to have that checkpoint together. So, is your activity schedule, allowing you to uphold whatever your values are with meals? I'm not gonna tell you what they are, but is that what you want, really? And then the whole family question.   You know, I've seen a lot, and we've lived it too, of like the younger kid being getting drug around to the older talented kid's activities.  That's really a hard one, right? And so, I'm not saying don't do that. Sometimes families are gonna just look like that for seasons. But I do think it's worth stopping to say, what is it like right now to be that youngest child? What are they going through?  And am I being kind to them? You know, are there switches we can kind of make in the family? Because it's, you know, the family is not about one person and their talents. It's a holistic, healthy, functioning unit.   Laura Dugger: (22:18 - 23:21)  Absolutely. So, even, I hear you saying, evaluating, again, kind of taking inventory. What is on the family plate? How is that affecting every human in the unit of the family?  Is that taking us where we want to go? Just being, I love how you use the word thoughtful. Just being full of thoughts of this and taking it to the Lord of what's the wise thing to do. And for all of us, I think with that time question, it does lead us to the question of, who are we spending the most time with? Because that will significantly impact our lives.  It'll impact our children as well. So, do you have any other, I love those questions. Any other lessons that you've learned? I'm thinking especially related to activities and youth sports come to mind because our culture really has gone to the side of idolizing it and catering everything else around that. So, do you have any other wisdom to share on that topic?   Jessica Smartt: (23:23 - 25:48)  Yeah, I mean, I'll just share. Personally, we have decided to have our kids play at a level that is probably sub what their talent could be. And I don't know.  I guess time will tell. If they look back and they were like, mom, I really, you know, could have, but I have a hunch that they won't. I more often am seeing in my friends and stuff that it's like, they get into high school, and the kids are kind of starting to feel burnt out. Or they're like, you know, it's so, hard right now to be, I mean, not even a professional, let's say soccer player, but at college, it's like unheard of.  It's the elite, elite. And so, it's like, why are you doing this anyway?   And we've had several opportunities to compete at higher levels and try out for things that we have said no to, you know, because it would require being gone more nights, it would require tons of time in the car, it would be families away on the weekends.  So, we have some of that. I think it's important when you have boys, especially to let them have an outlet to compete as we, if you know, I homeschool as you do. And so, if you have a homeschooled teenage boy, they should probably be doing something right. So, I am not saying sit at home and, you know, play Monopoly every night as a family. But, we have chosen to prioritize other things.   And so, so far, I am super grateful for that. We had a season where we were way too busy with baseball. And it was the boys were like 10 and 12. And Monday through Thursday, one of them had a different we were never eating together Monday through Thursday, Saturdays, we were taking off different directions. I could never understand why we had to drive two hours to play a team. I'm like, there's so, many baseball players right in this neighborhood.  Can we not find a team? And God use that it's fine. But, but I don't I don't envy that season.   And I'm really grateful for some of the breathing room that we've had. And also, I would say my son, my oldest son is a gifted guitar player and singer. And he would not be able to do that. If we were 110% in one of those other sports, he would not have any time to even pursue those other interests.  You just never know. You know, I think white space and mental white space and time, I talk about this and let them be kids is so important for just developing as a person. No one flourishes well with a completely jam-packed schedule. And so, how would we expect our children to, you know, that is good.   Laura Dugger: (25:48 - 26:02)  That is so, wise. And how can we strategically connect with our kids so that they do feel seen, and known and loved and liked?   Jessica Smartt: (26:03 - 27:54)  Yes. I mean, that feels overwhelming, doesn't it? But and I talked through in the book kind of each one of those categories. But I know this is going to sound cliche, but I would just say a like recognizing that if a kid doesn't feel like you like them, they're going to notice that. And so, it doesn't matter all the extra things what you're getting them for Christmas, and where you're they're taking them if they really genuinely feel like you're kind of annoyed with them. They know that.   And that's, that's not great. So, I would say first step before you get into any practicals and pancake breakfast and all that is just like, if you are feeling that way to your kid, a don't feel guilty. It's natural.  We all have that at times. And be come before God and just say, these are the feelings I'm dealing with. Can you please help me here? And again, to quote myself, I've never prayed that prayer and it not been answered.  God has always shown up in some way. And so, often what it looks like I talk about in being liked is just like genuinely working on something that you have in common.   I think my parents did that so, well with us. And it wasn't the same thing because my siblings and I are all different. But they really worked to always find common ground and always have that relationship bucket full, right? My mom is like big on, you know, don't make too many withdrawals unless you have made a lot of deposits. And they lived that for years and years and years of pouring into us and genuinely connecting with us. So, way harder to do than to say, but that's our goal. And I do actually have a lot of specific ideas in the book of random ways you can love your kids, love languages and all of that. But yeah, asking God for help.   Laura Dugger: (27:55 - 28:09) And sometimes it's just helpful to hear what somebody else does, even if that's not exactly how it'll apply to our situation. But can you just give one example of a way that you use your child's love language, maybe both for one of your sons and your daughter?   Jessica Smartt: (28:11 - 29:33) Well, I've learned a lot about my middle child, and he loves the comfort things in life. So, if I see him struggling with school or something, I can bring him, you know, yogurt parfait or he likes coffee. So, we give our kids coffee.  Don't sue us anyway. But if I make him a cup of coffee, oh, you can just see it in his face. It's like, oh, mom loves me, you know?  He's one that even like if I go make his bed, he'll appreciate that. Not every kid is like that. But just kind of seeing and noticing the things that he likes.   That's been kind of something that we do. And then my daughter loves to tell stories, long, long stories. And I'm working so hard to not only like, I want to listen, but also, you know, teach her how to condense. Because Jordan Peterson says, don't let your kid become someone that is, you know, not pleasant to be around.  If you're struggling with something, someone else will, too. And she's an absolute delight.  I mean, truly. But so, just listening to her stories and kind of working on the art of conversation. My mom always said, play tennis, conversation tennis. So, you hit the ball, and then I hit the ball back to you. So, we're working on that, you know?   Laura Dugger: (29:35 - 30:05)  Absolutely. That reciprocity is huge. If you take turns asking questions, it reminds me, a previous guest, Jodi Berndt, had also said, in addition to that, let's also teach our children how to serve the ball. So, to initiate that, I just thought that that's so good. I'll work that in. Jessica, how can we purposefully make our home a place our family loves to be? And we do, too.   Jessica Smartt: (30:07 - 31:52) I have been learning so, much about this in this stage of life, you know, in my 40s.  And again, it's hard when you have little kids. So, I think you can probably say across the board, it's going to look different when you're raising little kids to have a warm and wonderful inviting home than it is in your later years when your kids are older, and you have more time.  But I would just challenge moms. Well, I look back and I think, if I hadn't been so, stretched thin and put unrealistic expectations on myself in other areas of life, I maybe could have invested in my home a little bit more. And the thing I have learned is that having a home that's peacefully run just reaps so, many benefits for a woman and her family.   And I am behind the curve, I feel like, on this. But as I have learned to organize my space and really pour myself into my home, not feeling like it's a waste of time to organize a pantry. It is amazing how it blesses my family.  People notice it. And it's hard to even articulate it because you wouldn't even think that if you clean out a closet, it's going to bless your family. But it really actually does.  And my husband benefits from it. He's not even like a strict, everything has to be clean. But when I've worked on something in the home, he sees it and notices it and appreciates it. So, God has just been teaching me so, much about what it looks like to really be like a homemaker, a godly homemaker and pour myself into my home. And I have reaped so much joy and peace from living out that role and calling in my life.   Laura Dugger: (31:53 - 32:23) That was one of the quotes I wrote down that observation that you made on page 142. And I'll just quote you, "when I do something to invest in our home, every single member of our family brightens." And I exactly great and you gave practical ways of how we can do that. And I also like it because it gives a little freedom because we're one of the family members too. And I think we brighten when we get that space in order.   Jessica Smartt: (32:24 - 33:06)  Absolutely. Yes, absolutely. Again, back to our earlier like cultural, cultural narrative versus biblical. There's like a, there's a lot of messaging about that it doesn't matter to really invest in your home and your family. And that's just not how God made the world to operate. So, I would challenge moms that even if they are doing what the rest of everyone is doing, and it's like, ah, it looks like a bomb went off in here. Like, um, you know, that may not be how God is calling us to live with a giant disclaimer that there are seasons of life that it truly does look like a bomb went off.  And that is okay. We are doing good gospel work, raising children.   Laura Dugger: (33:07 - 33:46)  Absolutely. But then also I think Proverbs 31 sometimes gets a bad rap, but really there's a lot of freedom in it for women because it is how the Lord created us, but she does look well to the ways of her household. And I think that just summed up, she's one of the members of the household, but so is everybody else. And that's one thing that can bless everyone, but you are just full and abundant with ideas, and you have an appendix in the book full of resources to help us maintain and take care of all our responsibilities. So, will you share a few of those ideas with us?   Jessica Smartt: (33:47 - 34:46) Um, yes, I, and maybe this is my homeschool mom speaking, but I have just learned so, much from other good books. I have, it's truly changed my life just in whether it's talking about personal health or discipline or marriage or prayer or my home. So, the thing I'm really actually most proud about in the appendix is my list of recommended resources. And it's just all the books that have impacted me as a mom and also impacted my writing too.  Um, I'll, I'll mention one. I think, uh, I don't know if everyone has read A Praying Life, but that has completely transformed not only my walk with the Lord, but my prayer life.  And I've implemented, um, it's Paul Miller, I believe his idea for prayer cards. And I do that every morning. Um, it has been the sweetest thing, and I've really reaped a lot of blessing out of kind of modeling what he sets up in that book.  So, that's just one example. If you haven't read A Praying Life, you should definitely go read it.   Laura Dugger: (34:47 - 35:20)  That's awesome. And I don't know if this ties in, but I'm just remembering back one of the podcasts that I heard you speak on. You share your definition of godly self-care, and you say that it's whatever helps you do your job well and not at the sacrifice of others. So, can you elaborate with some encouragement for how we can make sure that we don't go to either side, that we don't neglect ourselves, but we also continue with this merrymaking for our family.   Jessica Smartt: (35:21 - 38:22)  Right. Yes. And, um, that definition, I always want to be like, you know, the end part about not to the sacrifice of someone else. When I had a young, I think I had two kids and my baby was six weeks old.  I had a very qualified, loving teenage girl. Watch my two kids while my husband and I left for literally an hour to go to five guys and get burgers.  And my youngest was not thrilled. He did not prefer the bottle. So, in some ways his life was unsettled for a brief moment, but that was okay. So, I think everyone knows when I say, um, you know, not to the sacrifice of everyone else.   What I'm saying is like looking at the family and certainly we shouldn't be like living this plush and well-watered life and someone else's withering away. So, it's a general statement of, you know, that it would be too far, as you said, on the extreme of, and I do think that happens honestly, because we're all self-centered.  It's not that we don't love our kids. We're just trained to care about ourselves. But many women struggle on the other side of, um, maybe neglecting some areas in their life that could truly help them to be better wives and better moms. And, um, it's a really fun activity to think like, what, how could I change my life a little bit in a way that I would be a better wife and mom.   And I'm not meaning that to justify any sort of behavior that, you know, you want to do, because you certainly could use that for almost anything. Um, but really to think like, how can I be the best mom and wife that I could possibly be? And it might mean making some, giving yourself some breathing room. And I would also encourage women to, um, one of the best uses for that time is to work on your marriage because there's direct overflow into the family. And so, best case, I gave some ideas of like family adventures that can kind of fill your cup along with everyone else. And I would say maybe next best or equal would-be husband, wife stuff where you can check out, connect, and you're overflowing and ready to enter back into family life.   And then finally things that it's certainly fine to just step out and find those things that are life giving to you, but just trying to keep an eye on, you know, how is everyone in the family doing? And there might be seasons.  I think of my mom caring for her mom who had dementia. She wasn't really well watered in that season. She was, she was quite depleted, but that's what the Lord had been calling her to do at that period of time. Um, and we often were like, mom, you've got to like, we thought she did too much, you know?  Um, but looking back, I think she really is so grateful that she laid down her life. There's not regret.  And so, I'm like, well, maybe she was right all along. I don't know.   Laura Dugger: (38:23 - 38:58)  Good though. The both and to have seasons of that, where we can refresh so, that when we go into a season where it's a little bit prior, we can be serving hopefully still from the overflow. But you also just blew me away in the book with your knowledge on roots. And the subtitle of that chapter is "recipes, relics, relatives, and other things that keep kids grounded." So, will you just teach us a little bit more about roots and share how it applies to building a strong family?   Jessica Smartt: (39:00 - 40:51)  Yes, I would like to shout out to my husband who is in the landscaping business. So, he helped me. I was like, hey, can you please give me some fun facts about roots?  And he was thrilled. But um, one thing I mentioned is that most plant problems are caused by root issues. And gosh, have I seen that in real life, like even as an adult, you notice somebody that is carrying still issues that they're working through from their childhood. And so, what a gift we're giving our kids by giving them those strong, good roots and a healthy, you know, childhood to enter into adulthood, not crippled by things, but that they can give out of strength.   And my husband and I feel like, you know, although our families of origin were not perfect, we lived that story, we were able to go out in strength, and not, you know, carrying all this emotional baggage. That's what I would like to give my kids. So, um, but then yeah, at the end, I share that the most integral roots to the plant's wellbeing are the ones right near the surface. And I thought, what a kind of cool parallel that even if we, you know, I've shared about my experience, but someone listening may not have good roots, and they really might struggle with having support and partnership. But they can give a new story to their kids. They can give them the roots that they did not have through the Lord's strength.  And I have found friends that I'm literally seeing them do it. But they are they are crippled. And you know, in therapy and dealing with all this trauma, but they're passing a different story on to their kids.  And how cool is that? I have so much admiration for that. It seems like it's something that really only can be done through the Lord's strength, but he does it. He writes those stories.   Laura Dugger: (40:51 - 41:11)  And he seems to delight in redemption stories. So, I appreciate you sharing that. And I'd love to continue kind of this idea time. Will you just share another handful of your favorite practical tips for building a strong family that are topics we haven't covered yet?   Jessica Smartt: (41:13 - 43:16) Well, I would start with one thing I have seen huge rewards is if we do sort of like a secret Santa idea, and we actually do it also before Valentine's Day and do you know, your cupids arrow, whatever, because it just changes your whole mindset when you're suddenly thinking, how can I, you know, love this person in my family, you're in a better mood.  And so, we divide up names. And then we also do like acts of service. And that is just such a fun, like low keyway to kind of get your kids to think about loving their siblings instead of being annoyed by them. We have loved doing game nights, and we're not like big game people. But finding ones that I think my encouragement would be that it doesn't have to be like this long three-hour thing.   If your family's not into that, we've done like minute to win at games that I just pulled up online.  We have a lot of games that are like, no mental stress. They're very easy, like Slopsy. If anybody has not played Slopsy, they need to pick it up. It's you could play it if you were extremely tired, which I often am at the end of the day. So, to find some like quip, there's also what do you mean family edition.  And that is a fun one. And I have some other games listed in the book too, for readers who are interested. So, those would be two. We also do like one-on-one activities with the kids. And I always thought you had to do it like really, really regularly. But I would just give the encouragement that some is better than none. And so, even if it's only a couple times a year, kids just soak that up. And it doesn't need to be, you know, this whole long thing, it could be like, hey, you need some new winter pants. Let's get a Chick-fil-A milkshake beforehand. You know, just to kind of keep your eyes open for those activities and opportunities.   Laura Dugger: (43:17 - 43:47)  Guess what? We are no longer an audio only podcast. We now have video included as well. If you want to view the conversation each week, make sure you watch our videos. We're on YouTube and you can access videos or find answers to any of your other questions about the podcast when you visit thesavvysauce.com. Can you also share this genius idea about something that you put on the notes app of your phone?   Jessica Smartt: (43:48 - 44:50)  Yeah, so, I talked about the power of stories. Kids love hearing stories from our, you know, youth or young adulthood or even, you know, married years, whatever. So, I got in the habit of sharing a story with my daughter before bed. And of course, at night, you aren't always on your A game. So, I just have a note app on my phone to track different things that I might want to tell her. And my encouragement was that it doesn't need to be, we think it needs to be like this long, significant story, but even just little tidbits of things she has been delighted to hear over and over. You know, just like a passing, you know, anecdote that didn't seem to me to be too pregnant with meaning, but she just ate it up and loved hearing about all of the different things. So, yeah, that was just again, it didn't cost a lot. It's not hard, but just a little thing that kind of connected us and also connected her to a deeper sense of like, here's your roots of the people that raised you.   Laura Dugger: (44:53 - 45:36) I loved that idea because my daughters or our daughters will just catch us off guard and say, hey, share a story about us share a story about when you were little or when I was little. And so, I love your system that you have in place that when that idea comes to me, I can jot it down. And then when they ask unexpectedly, I'm prepared.  So, thought that was wonderful. And you've written an entire book on memories. So, I'll link to our previous episode where we talk about that.  And we dove into that topic. But you've updated your ideas in this book and come up with the most epic list of memory making ideas ever. So, could you just share a couple of those to give us a taste of what you include?   Jessica Smartt: (45:37 - 46:43) Yes, so, I think my favorite was at the end the chapter talking about surprises because I love the idea of surprising your kid. And when I talked about when I was little, my grandparents showed up at our school in their RV to take us camping. So, just thinking through like just different, a lot of those are like the big, you know, birthday or vacation or Christmas gifts. But even if you did it just one time, that's like a that can be like a core memory in you know, your kid's life.   When I was researching this, for the appendix, I reached out to a lot of my readers, and they had the most fun ideas of just creative family memory making things. And one that I remembered that I thought, I don't know if I have the guts to do this, but I think that this family came up with it during COVID. So, they were a little bit bored, and they packed a picnic and went to a stop sign. And when they got to one, they would roll a dice to see which direction they would turn until they ended up at a good picnic spot. She said it was harder than you would think.   Laura Dugger: (46:45 - 47:02)  That's hilarious. I love the creativity and that element of surprise. That is so, good. Well, I hope that everybody goes out to get a copy of your amazing book. But where else would you want to direct us to connect online after this chat?   Jessica Smartt: (47:03 - 47:15)  Yeah, definitely come say hi on Instagram. I'm Jessica Smartt with two Ts. And you can tell me what you enjoyed about our conversation. And I'm usually every so, often we'll check the messages, but I do get back to you.   Laura Dugger: (47:16 - 47:34)  Love it. We'll add links to that in the show notes for today's episode. And Jessica, you're already familiar that we're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical. And so, my final question for you today, what is your savvy sauce?   Jessica Smartt: (47:36 - 48:09)So, what has changed my life, I really think is, and this isn't like the most exciting thing, but walking every single day, and I walk with my weighted vest. So, I look like every other 40-year-old woman that is out there. We have a little trail around our farm. So, I, it's, I honestly have like seen so, much change in my mental health and physical health. And I know they say that on all of these, you know, resources and stuff. And I never thought it was true. But it really has changed my life just to walk every day.   Laura Dugger: (48:11 - 52:21)  Amen, sister, I totally agree with that. That is so, well said. You are just a brilliant and faithful and godly and humble woman. You're gifted with your communication with your words in this conversation and in the books that you've shared with the world.  And I am just so grateful for you, Jessica. Thank you so much for being my guest today.  Well, thank you for those kind words.   One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.   Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started.   First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it.   You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.   And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

This message looks at how the early church in the Acts of the Apostles turned cities upside down through the power of the Holy Spirit. This message dives into how worship, teaching, and genuine community helped the church grow and reach people. The message will encourage you to live with both “altars and tables”—encountering God deeply while building meaningful relationships that transform lives.

In this retro episode titled "Redemption Unplugged," host Phillip Ramsey engages in a heartfelt conversation with Gabe Chamberlin, a man whose life journey embodies the theme of redemption. Gabe shares his transformative story, beginning with a tumultuous past marked by partying and a significant legal charge that led him to a turning point in his life.Through candid reflections, Gabe recounts how a moment of desperation in jail prompted a profound spiritual awakening. He describes the emotional experience of praying for the Holy Spirit and confessing his past sins, which ultimately set him on a path of faith and purpose.The episode highlights Gabe's commitment to living authentically, emphasizing core values of kindness, caring, love, and respect in both his personal and professional life as a retirement plan specialist. His journey illustrates that true redemption is not just about overcoming past mistakes but also about embracing a mission to positively impact others.Listeners will be inspired by Gabe's story of resilience and faith, showcasing that no matter how far one strays, the possibility of redemption is always within reach.

Reading the Bible can feel intimidating, especially when we try to understand it on our own. Emily Rose Massey reflects on her own journey of faith, realizing that the Holy Spirit—our Helper and Teacher—guides believers into understanding God’s Word. With the Spirit’s illumination, scripture becomes more than words on a page; it becomes life-giving truth that shapes our hearts, transforms our minds, and draws us closer to God. Highlights The Bible is a gift from God, meant to guide us in knowing Him and living faithfully. Spiritual understanding comes through the Holy Spirit, not human effort alone. The Holy Spirit brings scripture to remembrance and illuminates its meaning over time. Consistent Bible reading allows God’s truth to take root in our hearts. Even with distractions and intimidation, the Holy Spirit helps us comprehend God’s Word for deeper worship and life transformation. 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: The Holy Spirit Is the Best Teacher By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26, ESV). In high school, I was gifted a Bible when I became a member of my new church. I was so excited to start reading it and learn more about God, but as time went on, I became more and more intimidated by its pages. Where do I begin? Do I start in Genesis and just read through it beginning to end? Do I need to spend time memorizing what I’m reading? What does this word mean? These thoughts circled my teenage mind, and I was so hesitant to even dive in for fear that I wouldn’t understand what I was reading. It didn’t take long for schoolwork and all of the extracurricular activities I was involved in to crowd out any downtime to make space to read my Bible. Soon enough, that Bible would find a permanent home on my bookshelf, left untouched. I hate to admit it, but the intimidation and distractions would follow me all through college as well. When I was stressed out, I would glance at my neglected Bible and randomly open it and try to soak up some hope for my weary soul. Although I heard the gospel as a teen and was a professing Christian for six years, it wasn’t until after I graduated from college that God granted me genuine repentance from my sin and rebellion and gave me the faith to fully surrender my life to Christ and trust Him completely. One Sunday, I stepped foot in a church service for the first time in a few years, and I believe I was born again that day, as the reality of offending a Holy God and my desperate need to turn to Jesus, take up my cross, and follow Him overwhelmed me for the first time in my life. After that moment, my whole world changed, and I suddenly had a deep desire to read my Bible and obey God. I look back and see the difference between my high school and college days was that I was trying to understand what I was reading without the help of the Holy Spirit. Once I became born again at the age of twenty-two, I was given the gift of the Holy Spirit- Jesus describes Him as a Comforter as well as a Helper and Teacher in John 14: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26, ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: As born-again believers, when we open the pages of scripture, we are not left on our own to understand what we are reading. We have a Helper and a great Teacher, the Holy Spirit, to guide us in our pursuit of growing in the knowledge of the Lord. He illuminates the truth to us over time and will bring what we have read to our remembrance. This is why it is so important to consistently be reading our Bibles, so that we can store what we are studying in our hearts. The Bible is a gift from God to help us in our daily lives- to be able to learn of God’s ways and learn who God truly is so that we can grow closer to Him and worship Him rightly. I have to admit that I sometimes still struggle with intimidation and distraction when it comes to reading my Bible, but after walking with the Lord for over fifteen years now, I know that I am not left alone on this journey. I have a Helper who guides me into all truth and supernaturally helps me understand the words I am reading- words that are spirit and life (John 6:63). He is always with me, and I can always ask Him for help. Dear Christian, let us thank the Father for the gift of the Holy Spirit. The One who convicts us of sin when we daily fall short. The One who is our ever-present help in times of need and who guides us into all truth. If you are struggling to study the Bible or are intimidated by it, He will supernaturally illuminate what you are reading and give you the ability to comprehend, not just for head knowledge, but ultimately, to help you know God more deeply so that you can worship Him more fully. Oh, what a wonderful gift from above! Further Reading: Romans 8:26John 16:12-15 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In Pastor Maiola's sermon from Matthew 3:13–4:11, we walk with Jesus from the waters of baptism into the wilderness of temptation. Although He had no sin, we see the beauty of Christ identifying with us in our weaknesses. Jesus stepped into baptism to fulfill all righteousness and to begin His public ministry in obedience to the Father. The Holy Spirit descends like a dove and the Father declares, "This is my beloved Son." Maiola reminds us of our identity in who God says we are and encourages us to dismiss the accusations of the enemy.   From there, we follow Jesus into the wilderness where He faces real temptation. The enemy attacks Jesus' identity, His physical needs, and tempts Jesus to worship him. Yet where Israel failed in the wilderness and where we often fail, Jesus succeeds perfectly by standing firm on the truth of God's Word. Through His humble obedience and submission to the Father, we see how trusting God's Word gives us strength in moments of testing and uncertainty.   We are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles. Jesus understands temptation and shows us His very own example of how to resist the schemes of the enemy. Because Christ has overcome, we can walk in confidence knowing our hope and victory are found in Him.

In Pastor Maiola's sermon from Matthew 3:13–4:11, we walk with Jesus from the waters of baptism into the wilderness of temptation. Although He had no sin, we see the beauty of Christ identifying with us in our weaknesses. Jesus stepped into baptism to fulfill all righteousness and to begin His public ministry in obedience to the Father. The Holy Spirit descends like a dove and the Father declares, "This is my beloved Son." Maiola reminds us of our identity in who God says we are and encourages us to dismiss the accusations of the enemy.   From there, we follow Jesus into the wilderness where He faces real temptation. The enemy attacks Jesus' identity, His physical needs, and tempts Jesus to worship him. Yet where Israel failed in the wilderness and where we often fail, Jesus succeeds perfectly by standing firm on the truth of God's Word. Through His humble obedience and submission to the Father, we see how trusting God's Word gives us strength in moments of testing and uncertainty.   We are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles. Jesus understands temptation and shows us His very own example of how to resist the schemes of the enemy. Because Christ has overcome, we can walk in confidence knowing our hope and victory are found in Him.

A mustard seed of faith is infinitely closer to being a mountain of faith than it is to being no faith. There is an infinite difference between a spark and no spark.

How are social media platforms shaping women's beliefs about identity, faith, and the good life? Mary Van Weelden joins Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller to examine influential online trends and compare their messages with the gospel. PARTNER WITH US - https://solamedia.org/partner/?sc=AS2502V When you become a partner today, you'll receive two remarkable books as our thanks: Rediscovering the Holy Spirit by Dr. Michael Horton and Praying with Jesus by Pastor Adriel Sanchez. We believe these books can guide you into a clearer understanding of the Spirit's work and a richer prayer life. FOLLOW US YouTube | Instagram | X/Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter WHO WE ARE Sola is home to White Horse Inn, Core Christianity, Modern Reformation, and Theo Global. Our mission is to serve today's global church by producing resources for reformation grounded in the historic Christian faith. Our vision is to see reformation in hearts, homes, and churches around the world. Learn more: https://solamedia.org/