Podcasts about In Jesus

Christmas morning is filled with anticipation, joy, and carefully prepared gifts, yet Scripture reminds us that the greatest gift does not come from beneath the tree. James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from God, and Christmas celebrates the most perfect gift of all—Jesus Christ. While we strive to give meaningful presents to those we love, God’s gift surpasses them all: His Son, sent to bring salvation, hope, and eternal life. As we begin Christmas Day, we are invited to pause, give thanks, and remember that Jesus is the heart of the celebration and the gift we are called to share with others. Main Takeaways You’ll learn why our desire to give meaningful gifts reflects God’s generous nature. Discover how Jesus is the ultimate and perfect Christmas gift from the Father. Reflect on the significance of Christ’s birth as described in Isaiah’s prophecy. Be encouraged to begin Christmas Day with gratitude, worship, and prayer. Understand how sharing the gift of Jesus can be part of how we give to others this season. Bible Verse References James 1:17 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/james/1-17.html Matthew 7:11 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/7-11.html Isaiah 9:6 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/9-6.html 2 Corinthians 9:15 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/2-corinthians/9-15.html John 3:16 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/john/3-16.html Your Daily Prayer Dear Father, Giver of every good and perfect gift, thank You for Jesus—Your precious and perfect gift to us. As we begin this Christmas Day, fill our hearts with joy, gratitude, and peace as we celebrate His birth. Help us remember the incredible love behind Your gift of salvation and eternal life. Lead us to share this good news with those we love, and may everything we give today reflect Your grace, generosity, and love.In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily encouragement rooted in Scripture. Leave a rating or review to help others discover the podcast. Visit LifeAudio.com for more faith-filled podcasts and devotionals. Explore more Christmas devotionals and biblical resources at Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com. Relevant Links & Resources Scripture study and Bible tools:BibleStudyTools.com – https://www.biblestudytools.com Christmas devotionals and Christian living articles:Crosswalk.com – https://www.crosswalk.comChristianity.com – https://www.christianity.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This is the day of days. While the exact day is unknown, what we do know is that 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ came to earth as a child to rescue us from sin. Christmas is a date on the calendar that literally quickens our hearts. Everyone understands the significance of it. It's why hateful people behave differently for at least 24 hours. Isaiah 9:6 says, “For to us, a child is born. To us, a son is given. And the government will be on His shoulders, and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This wonderful passage from Isaiah, recorded 700 years before Jesus was born, speaks, of course, of our Messiah—born there in a damp setting surrounded by farm animals, and a few people who began to understand that they were seeing something extraordinary. Keep Christmas in your heart this year. Today, stop and think about the one who came bearing the gift of gifts just for you. Have a Merry Christmas. Let's pray.Lord, today, we wake up with anticipation. A day unlike other days through the year, we love you for the greatest gift anyone could ever give. The gift of Jesus, the gift of eternal life. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251225dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 Give Glory to God How do you know what God is really like? Some imagine him as distant, powerful but far removed from daily life. Others picture him as a stern judge, always ready to condemn. Still others think of him as a vague spiritual force, too abstract to know personally. But John tells us something remarkable: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” The eternal Son of God didn't stay far away. He didn’t just send messages through prophets or appear in visions. He came down to live with us, fully human, yet still fully God. That changes everything. In Jesus, we see exactly what God is like. He is not cold or distant. He is not waiting for us to climb up to him. Instead, he comes down to us. He steps into our weakness, our suffering, even our death. He takes on flesh so that he can carry our sins to the cross and give us his righteousness in return. John says we have seen his glory. But notice how that glory shines. It is not in earthly splendor or political power, but in humble service, in compassion for the broken, in sacrifice for sinners. The manger, the cross, and the empty tomb reveal God's glory most clearly. There, we see a God full of grace and truth. Grace, because in Jesus, we receive forgiveness we could never earn. Truth, because in Jesus, we see God's faithfulness to every promise. This means you don’t have to wonder whether God loves you. You don’t need to search for hidden signs of his presence. The Word became flesh. He lived among us. He still comes to us today through his Word and sacraments. And he will dwell with us forever in heaven. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for becoming flesh and making your dwelling among us. Help me to see your glory in your life, death, and resurrection. Fill me with confidence in your grace and truth. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

The birth of Jesus is the greatest announcement of hope the world has ever received. In Luke 2:10, the angel proclaims “good news of great joy for all the people,” reminding us that Christ’s coming was not only miraculous—it was personal. From the shepherds and wise men to Simeon and Anna, the arrival of Jesus stirred deep joy in those who recognized Him as Emmanuel, God with us. This joy is not dependent on circumstances or outward happiness; it is a steady, inward confidence rooted in the truth that love came down. No matter what this season holds, we can rejoice knowing our Savior has come and brought lasting joy to the world. Main Takeaways You’ll learn why Jesus’ birth is the ultimate source of lasting joy. Discover how biblical joy differs from temporary happiness. Reflect on how Christ’s coming fulfilled prophecy and brought hope to all people. Understand why joy can exist even in seasons of grief, pain, or uncertainty. Be encouraged to celebrate the Savior’s birth with gratitude in everyday moments. Bible Verse References Luke 2:10 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/2-10.html Your Daily Prayer Most gracious God and Father, I praise You for the gift of Your Son and the joy His birth brings to my heart. Thank You for sending Jesus in humility and love to bring salvation and hope to the world. Even when life feels heavy, help me hold onto the deep, lasting joy that comes from knowing my Savior has come. May my heart overflow with gratitude as I celebrate Jesus this Christmas and every day.In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily devotionals rooted in Scripture. Leave a rating or review to help others discover the podcast. Visit LifeAudio.com for more Christ-centered podcasts. Read more Christmas devotionals and biblical encouragement at Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com. Relevant Links & Resources Study today’s Scripture with helpful tools at:BibleStudyTools.com – https://www.biblestudytools.com Christmas devotionals and faith-based articles:Crosswalk.com – https://www.crosswalk.comChristianity.com – https://www.christianity.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A Prayer for Christmas Eve by Stacey ThackerWe can confidently say, “That’s not me—that’s Jesus in me.”In today’s episode, we reflect on the beautiful truth found in 2 Corinthians 4:6–7—that the God who spoke light into existence has chosen to place His glorious light within us.God chooses broken, sinful people not despite their weakness, but because of it. When His light shines through us, it becomes unmistakably clear that the power comes from Him—not from us. Others may wonder how we endure hardship, live with joy, or walk through trials with hope. Reference: 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 Prayer: Father, we have nothing to recommend ourselves. We are like common clay pots. You have chosen to fill us with your glorious light. Please shine through us so that others may know that this is not from us but you. In Jesus name, amen. LINKS: Read the first five days of Everyday Prayers for Christmas Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Join the community on Patreon Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Daily Dose of Hope December 24, 2025   Scripture – Acts 23   Prayer:  Loving God, As we come before you on this Christmas Eve, we thank you for the love that binds us together. Bless each member of our church family and fill our homes with warmth and joy. For those who are alone, please give them peace and comfort that only you can give.  For those who are dealing with struggle and difficulty, Lord, give them peace.  Remind them that you are there to guide, lead, and provide strength.  And continue to speak to us, Lord Jesus, as we make our way through your Word.  We need to hear from you, Emmanuel – God with us.  More of you and less of me.  In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading.  We have been on a journey, reading through the Gospels and the book of Acts.  Today, we walk through Acts 23.   Early on in this chapter, we find Paul speaking before the high council and things aren't going well. He gets slapped by the high priest and there is violent disagreement on the council how to deal with him. The discord is so bad that Paul actually has to leave the location. Paul's fate seems uncertain at best. And then, when all seems lost, God speaks clearly to Paul, telling him to be encouraged, for this would not be the end; he would carry the message of the Gospel all the way to Rome!   I read this chapter and it immediately brought to mind what Paul himself writes to the Romans in 8:28, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Paul has been through so much at this point, including fear, extreme discomfort, and physical pain. He probably thought Jerusalem was going to be the end for him and he was at peace with that. But God had something else in mind. God wanted to use Paul's bold witness to bring the Gospel further, to higher levels of government, so that more could believe.   What seems like desperate times to humans, God can redeem for his own purposes. What has God redeemed in your life? I know that in the midst of dire circumstances, it is often difficult to see God at work. But later, when we have perspective, we can see how God took what was dark and ugly and brought something good from it. I should say that bringing something good out of a painful situation doesn't mean fixing it for us but rather demonstrating his glory. This is sometimes hard for us to wrap our human brains around. I think it takes lots of prayer and lots of trust.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

We are almost there. Throughout Advent we have inched our way through key biblical moments meant to move us toward a child who is coming. In Jesus, God reveals a new way that shatters the paradigms of this world. As you listen, our prayer is that you would sense God's invitation to believe that something greater than power has come into our world. Are you ready to believe and embrace what this could mean for you and your family this Christmas?

A Prayer to Put on The Armor of LightThe light is drawing near. In this episode by, we are invited to clothe ourselves in Christ. Just as God is described as clothing Himself in light (Psalm 104:2), we too are covered in Christ’s light—our daily armor and protection in the battle against darkness.Though the night may feel long and heavy, the good news is that, Salvation is closer than ever, and we are called to be ready. Reference: Romans 13:12 Prayer: Father, it's good to remember that the day is drawing near when Jesus will return. May we let go of sins that easily entangle us and instead sink into the armor of light that we wear because we are your children. In Jesus' name, amen. LINKS: Read the first five days of Everyday Prayers for Christmas Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Every December 25th, around the world, happenings are quite different and diverse, place to place. Celebrating Christmas is unique to each culture, but the meaning of it all we share. In Norway, Christmas Eve is the main event with bells ringing at five in the evening, followed by family dinners.In Mexico, Christmas begins on December 16th, and on the ninth evening, Christmas Eve, children walk to the local church to place a figure of the Christ child in a manger.Like nature, God put wonderful color in our world family, and Christmas has its own traditions in diverse places. Yet in each heart, the Christ child is center. Luke 2:4–5 says, “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth and Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.” Wherever we celebrate, the baby in the lowly manger in Bethlehem calls to us through time. This season, reflect on that special night so long ago, and remember to give extra love to your family and friends. Let's pray. Lord, you love all people everywhere. Help us to do the same as we remember our brothers and sisters around the world at Christmas time. In Jesus' name, amen.  Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

At Christmas, we discover that love is not shallow or convenient but deeply personal and profoundly costly, revealed through the Incarnation—God with us. In Jesus, God draws near and pays the ultimate price for us, inviting us not only to believe we are truly beloved, but to live transformed by that same self-giving love toward others.

This fourth Sunday of Advent, we celebrate the heart of Christmas: God's love. From the promise of Emmanuel—God with us—to the rescue Jesus brings, this episode reminds us that Christmas is about a God who comes near, saves what's broken, makes room for us, and shines light into our darkest places. Love isn't far away. In Jesus, love has come near.Support the show

Color: Blue Old Testament: Deuteronomy 18:15–19 Psalm: Psalm 111; antiphon: v. 9 Epistle: Philippians 4:4–7 Gospel: John 1:19–28 Gospel: Luke 1:39–56 Introit: Psalm 19:1, 4–6; antiphon: Isaiah 45:8a Gradual: Psalm 145:18, 21 Verse: Psalm 40:17b John the Baptizer Points Everyone to the Messiah   The coming of God in all His unveiled power at Mount Sinai was terrifying to the people of Israel. The thundering voice of the Lord puts sinners in fear of death (Deut. 18:15–19). God, therefore, raised up a prophet like Moses—the Messiah, the Christ. God came to His people veiled in human flesh. The skies poured down the Righteous One from heaven; the earth opened her womb and brought forth Salvation (Introit) through the blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of the Lord (Luke 1:39–56). The fruit of her womb is the very Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, the One whose sandal strap John was not worthy to loose (John 1:19–28). In Jesus we are delivered from fear and anxiety. In Him alone we have the peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:4–7). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251222dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 Look to the Sign We live in a world that constantly demands signs. Politicians promise change, and we look for signs that things will improve. Doctors give us a diagnosis, and we want signs that treatments will work. Even in our spiritual lives, we sometimes find ourselves asking God for signs as proof that he is with us, proof that he hears us and will help us. King Ahaz, the king of Judah, was in a difficult spot when Isaiah spoke the words of our Bible reading for today. Powerful armies threatened him. God offered him a sign of his faithfulness, but Ahaz doubted God. God’s promise did not depend on Ahaz’s faith. The Lord himself gave the sign: a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son, and his name would be Immanuel, “God with us.” Centuries later, Matthew's gospel revealed how wonderfully God kept that promise. The virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus, and in him God truly was with us, not just in spirit, not only in power, but in the flesh. He came to stand in our place, to live the perfect life we could not, and to die the death our sins deserved. The ultimate sign of God’s faithfulness is the cross and the empty tomb. What does this mean for us? It means we never need to doubt whether God is with us. Whatever troubles surround us—health concerns, family struggles, financial stress, or guilt from our sins—God has already given us the sign. In Jesus, he is with us. And if he is with us, then who can be against us? So, when doubts creep in, return to the sign God has given. Look to the manger, the cross, and the empty tomb. There you see Immanuel, God with us, God with you. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to be my Immanuel. When I am afraid or tempted to doubt, turn my eyes back to you and the sign of your love. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

A Prayer to Receive and Share God's Lavish Love by Rachael AdamsWe are invited to receive the lavish, generous love of God and to share it with others. This devotional reminds us that even the most impressive gifts, sacrifices, and acts of faith mean nothing without love. Love is the lens through which every gift from God is meant to be experienced and expressed. Reference: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Prayer: Lord, thank you for all you've given me in your son, the Holy Spirit, and the hope of eternity. Help me to grasp the magnitude of the gifts you have lavished on me as your child. Remind me that it was never anything I earned or deserved, but your generosity to me. Help me to steward what you have given me well, and to share it cheerfully because it is not about me. It is all about you and for you. In Jesus' name, amen. LINKS: Read the first five days of Everyday Prayers for Christmas Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Celebrating Christmas with family and friends is a great time of the year, but do we know how all this started? This observance of the holiday? We're pretty sure Jesus wasn't born on December 25th. There are clues in scripture that put the date more in the springtime. In ancient times, the winter solstice occurred on December 25th. Sometime early in the 4th century, the church fathers set the date as the one we now celebrate. Even factoring in the diverse cultures around the world, Christmas is celebrated on every continent close to the same time for everyone. It's pretty much agreed that our present day celebrations have their origins in pre-Christian, Christian and secular festivals, and there's some debate about what is and isn't appropriate.However, for the believing Christian, the season is truly all about the birth of our Savior. No matter where you live or how you choose to celebrate, the scarlet thread of Christ's birth and sacrifice that runs through scripture is the tie that binds. Let's pray.Lord, it has been said that we can keep Christmas in our hearts. We thank you for sending your Son as the ultimate gift to mankind. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

This message is a powerful, honest invitation to rediscover the kind of love we were made for—a love deeper than sentiment, stronger than clichés, and more healing than anything the world offers. Through humor, truth-telling, and Scripture, Pastor David calls us to behold real love—not just feel it.From lock bridges in Paris to Hallmark movies and AI chatbots, we're surrounded by shallow imitations of love. But the Advent story reveals something entirely different. In Jesus, love doesn't wait for us to be compatible, convenient, or clean—it comes all the way for us, costs everything, and welcomes us home.This message reminds us that we don't become full through consumption, compatibility, or control—we become full when we behold the love of Christ. Advent isn't just about what happened. It's about the kind of God who came for us.This message explores the kind of love we long for—and finally find in Jesus:• A love that costs—not convenience, but sacrifice• A love that heals—redeeming and restoring us into God's family• A love that comes close—through the incarnation, God became like us• A love that fills us—not with sentiment, but with the fullness of GodLove has come. And it's not flimsy, transactional, or distant. It's flesh-and-blood, cross-shaped, and still breaking into our lives today.

Kick off your week praying over your business with my entrepreneur's prayer:     Want a copy of the prayer? Grab it below:  Father, in the name of Jesus, I want to thank you for entrusting me with this business, with this assignment, with this stewardship, and this opportunity to reveal your kingdom on the earth through the work of my hands. Today, Lord, I bring it all before you, my dreams, my deadlines, my numbers, my people, my pressure that I'm under.  I choose to surrender it again, because I know this isn't just my business. I know it's our business together. And I know ultimately it is your business, Jesus. So Lord align my heart with your vision. Remind me why you called me to this work in the first place. Strip away the noise, the striving and the comparison. and let my motives be purified by your presence. Where I've been running in circles, Holy Spirit, bring me clarity. Where I've been carrying too much, Holy Spirit, bring me interest. Where I've been afraid to trust you, Holy Spirit, bring me courage. Where I've been blind to opportunity, open my eyes to see how you are already moving.  Father, I ask for wisdom, supernatural wisdom to build what lasts, to build something eternal. Let my strategies be guided by heaven, not pressure and not the ways of the world. Show me which doors to close and which ones to walk through boldly. Jesus, give me discernment to recognize your divine timing and your divine partnerships that you have for me. Father, bless the work of my hands and the people connected to this work. Let this business create value. Let it bring dignity to others. Let it bring peace for every person that it touches. Let generosity and integrity be the atmosphere of everything we do in this business, God.  When I'm tempted to measure success by numbers alone, remind me, Lord, that fruitfulness is about obedience. Remind me that provision flows through purpose. And remind me that I'm not striving for your favor, I'm building from it. Jesus, expand my capacity to carry what you're entrusting to me. Help me to lead with love, manage with grace, and dream with bold faith. Teach me to rest even while I'm growing, to trust even when it's tight, and to see every obstacle as an invitation to partner with you deeper. Holy Spirit, fill this business with your presence. Let peace mark my decisions, let excellence mark my execution, and let joy mark this journey. May everything I build point back to you, Lord. May every win become worship, and may my work on earth echo in eternity.  In Jesus' name, amen. 

Jesus Gave His Followers the Earth's Most Intimate Relationship – a Personal Relationship with God, the Universe's Creator MESSAGE SUMMARY: The idea of an intimate relationship is to truly know someone; and you are given the privilege of knowing God, the Creator of the Universe. You are given the privilege of being close to Him and to have a personal and dynamic relationship with the God of the universe. Your relationship with God is made possible through Jesus the Christ and God's gracious gift of the Holy Spirit.  Paul, in Romans 8:37-39, succinctly defines God's uncompromising love for you through His personal relationship with you: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.". Jesus puts the Holy Spirit in your life so that you can commune and have personal fellowship with God -- the most intimate relationship on earth.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, help me to be still and to wait patiently for you in silence. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 125). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Hatred. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Love. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Corinthians 11:25; Colossians 2:2-3; John 10:25-30; Psalms 70:1-5. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “A Christmas Message – What God Has Done For Us”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251222dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 Look to the Sign We live in a world that constantly demands signs. Politicians promise change, and we look for signs that things will improve. Doctors give us a diagnosis, and we want signs that treatments will work. Even in our spiritual lives, we sometimes find ourselves asking God for signs as proof that he is with us, proof that he hears us and will help us. King Ahaz, the king of Judah, was in a difficult spot when Isaiah spoke the words of our Bible reading for today. Powerful armies threatened him. God offered him a sign of his faithfulness, but Ahaz doubted God. God’s promise did not depend on Ahaz’s faith. The Lord himself gave the sign: a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son, and his name would be Immanuel, “God with us.” Centuries later, Matthew's gospel revealed how wonderfully God kept that promise. The virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus, and in him God truly was with us, not just in spirit, not only in power, but in the flesh. He came to stand in our place, to live the perfect life we could not, and to die the death our sins deserved. The ultimate sign of God’s faithfulness is the cross and the empty tomb. What does this mean for us? It means we never need to doubt whether God is with us. Whatever troubles surround us—health concerns, family struggles, financial stress, or guilt from our sins—God has already given us the sign. In Jesus, he is with us. And if he is with us, then who can be against us? So, when doubts creep in, return to the sign God has given. Look to the manger, the cross, and the empty tomb. There you see Immanuel, God with us, God with you. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to be my Immanuel. When I am afraid or tempted to doubt, turn my eyes back to you and the sign of your love. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

In Jesus, divine love became visible, touchable, and personal.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251222dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 Look to the Sign We live in a world that constantly demands signs. Politicians promise change, and we look for signs that things will improve. Doctors give us a diagnosis, and we want signs that treatments will work. Even in our spiritual lives, we sometimes find ourselves asking God for signs as proof that he is with us, proof that he hears us and will help us. King Ahaz, the king of Judah, was in a difficult spot when Isaiah spoke the words of our Bible reading for today. Powerful armies threatened him. God offered him a sign of his faithfulness, but Ahaz doubted God. God’s promise did not depend on Ahaz’s faith. The Lord himself gave the sign: a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son, and his name would be Immanuel, “God with us.” Centuries later, Matthew's gospel revealed how wonderfully God kept that promise. The virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus, and in him God truly was with us, not just in spirit, not only in power, but in the flesh. He came to stand in our place, to live the perfect life we could not, and to die the death our sins deserved. The ultimate sign of God’s faithfulness is the cross and the empty tomb. What does this mean for us? It means we never need to doubt whether God is with us. Whatever troubles surround us—health concerns, family struggles, financial stress, or guilt from our sins—God has already given us the sign. In Jesus, he is with us. And if he is with us, then who can be against us? So, when doubts creep in, return to the sign God has given. Look to the manger, the cross, and the empty tomb. There you see Immanuel, God with us, God with you. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to be my Immanuel. When I am afraid or tempted to doubt, turn my eyes back to you and the sign of your love. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Promise Delivered: Week 4 Long before the manger, God made a promise. In Jesus, that promise arrived complete, faithful, and overflowing with hope. This Christmas, we celebrate the God who delivers on every word. ABOUT US Life Foursquare is a vibrant, diverse, community of believers in Decatur, Illinois that Love God, Love People, and are committed to Making Jesus Known We would love to hear how God is touching your life through this series! Let us know what's goinga on in your life, any prayer needs, or just connect with us by emailing office@visitlife.org! NEXT STEPS Have you made the decision to follow Jesus? Let us know! Text "Isaidyes" to 217-952-1447. To find out what's next, visit www.foursquare.life/nextsteps STAY CONNECTED Life Foursquare Church Website: www.Foursquare.Life Instagram + Facebook @LifeFoursquare GIVE To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: www.foursquare.life/giving • Text any dollar amount to 84321 to give. • Give through the Church Center App, and selecting Life Foursquare Church in Decatur Illinois #LifeFoursquareChurch #Foursquare #sermon #preaching #onlinechurch #livesermon #bible #theologyJoin us for worship this morning!

As a Jesus Follower, the Greatest Witness for the Gospel that You Can Give Is for Others to See Jesus IN You MESSAGE SUMMARY: We live in a hurting world, but God wants more for you. You need to live as a Jesus Follower in whatever you do – at home; in your job; in the way that you drive; and in the way that you treat your friends. To achieve God's desire for your life, you must stay in fellowship and communion with God; and you must let God work in your life. In Colossians 3:17, Paul challenges us: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”. If you live your life, in all places and situations, in the name of Jesus, you will live a better life in our hurting world. As Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.". Remember, the greatest witness for the Gospel, as a follower of Jesus, that you can give is for others to see Jesus in you.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Colossians 3:16-17; Matthew 21:21-22; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalms 43:1-5. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “A Christmas Message – What God Has Done For Us” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: AdventLuke 2:1-21 (ESV)1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.Sermon OutlineReflecting on glory and peace in the song of the angels (v14) will help clarify why Christmas is worth celebrating.1. Gloryv1 “a decree… from Caesar Augustus”v9 “an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them”v18 “And all who heard it wondered”v20 “the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God”2. Peacev14 “on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased”v10-11 “the angel said to them, ‘Fear not… I bring you good news of great joy… a Savior'”v15, 17 “When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds… made known the saying… concerning this child”v13-14 “a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God… and on earth peace…!'”Prayer of ConfessionOur glorious God, we praise you and rejoice at the good news of Jesus' birth. Hear us as we admit our sin and appeal for forgiveness. We have sought our own glory, and are guilty of pride, envy, arrogance and idolatry. We have forfeited peace and struggle with the consequences. We have been troublemakers, not peacemakers. We humbly admit our need of your grace, and we marvel at your kindness. Forgive our sins. Thank you for the peace given to us in Christ. May all glory go to you. In Jesus' name, amen.Questions for ReflectionHow are you feeling this season? How are you feeling about Christmas? Why? What are you looking forward to? What are you dreading?What do you imagine the shepherds saw when the angels appeared? What did they hear (what did it sound like)?Do you postpone peace in pursuit of glory? Have you given up striving for glory because you want to be at peace? Which is more of a priority in your life right now (peace or glory)?What evidence is there that the world is not at peace with God? Why is the birth of Jesus good news? What benefits come because he came into the world? How is Jesus a gift to the world?How do we receive peace from God? What did Jesus do so that we would have peace with God?How do we “give” glory to God? What attitude and actions should you cultivate?As you practice receiving peace and giving glory, what will help set a clearer trajectory for a life of joy?

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: AdventLuke 2:1-21 (ESV)1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.Sermon OutlineReflecting on glory and peace in the song of the angels (v14) will help clarify why Christmas is worth celebrating.1. Gloryv1 “a decree… from Caesar Augustus”v9 “an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them”v18 “And all who heard it wondered”v20 “the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God”2. Peacev14 “on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased”v10-11 “the angel said to them, ‘Fear not… I bring you good news of great joy… a Savior'”v15, 17 “When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds… made known the saying… concerning this child”v13-14 “a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God… and on earth peace…!'”Prayer of ConfessionOur glorious God, we praise you and rejoice at the good news of Jesus' birth. Hear us as we admit our sin and appeal for forgiveness. We have sought our own glory, and are guilty of pride, envy, arrogance and idolatry. We have forfeited peace and struggle with the consequences. We have been troublemakers, not peacemakers. We humbly admit our need of your grace, and we marvel at your kindness. Forgive our sins. Thank you for the peace given to us in Christ. May all glory go to you. In Jesus' name, amen.Questions for ReflectionHow are you feeling this season? How are you feeling about Christmas? Why? What are you looking forward to? What are you dreading?What do you imagine the shepherds saw when the angels appeared? What did they hear (what did it sound like)?Do you postpone peace in pursuit of glory? Have you given up striving for glory because you want to be at peace? Which is more of a priority in your life right now (peace or glory)?What evidence is there that the world is not at peace with God? Why is the birth of Jesus good news? What benefits come because he came into the world? How is Jesus a gift to the world?How do we receive peace from God? What did Jesus do so that we would have peace with God?How do we “give” glory to God? What attitude and actions should you cultivate?As you practice receiving peace and giving glory, what will help set a clearer trajectory for a life of joy?

A Christmas Message – What God Has Done For Us MESSAGE SUMMARY: The people in and around Jesus' birth were just ordinary people like us. In our celebration of Jesus' birth on this Christmas, we celebrate the event that transformed world history and many of our lives. The birth of Jesus was a supernatural birth and was God's intervention into the Universe's natural order. This birth was foretold hundreds of years before Jesus' birth, and these prophesies were written and recorded, for us, in the Bible. Jesus' birth was the birth, of a child, that did for the human race what the human race could not do for itself. Jesus was born for all people. This baby, Jesus, was born to be a Savior for all humankind. The birth of Jesus was the birth of God as both human and divine – the Incarnation, as the Angels told the Shepherds on the first Christmas Eve in Luke 2:9-11: “And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'". In Isaiah 53:4-6, Jesus, birth, death, and Resurrection, as our means for our Salvation, were foretold more than five-hundred years before Jesus birth: “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.". God, through His Grace, gave of Himself what we could not do for ourselves, thereby, providing, through the birth of Jesus, us with the means for our Salvation from our sins and for our Eternal Life. This Gift of and by God is what Christmas and Christianity are all about. Is Jesus your Savior? God has given you the greatest Christmas gift that you will ever receive. Have you accepted His Gift and opened His gift into your life? If not, then why not? With your hands open, you can accept God's Christmas gift by saying: “I am sorry; thank you; and please”.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11:13). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Luke 2:9-11; Matthew 1:21; Isaiah 53:4-6; Colossians 1:15-19; Hebrews 1-3; John 1:4; John10:30; John 14:8-11; John 3:16-17. (Click the blue below to read the full Bible text for these scripture references in BOLD.). A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “J As a Jesus Follower, the Greatest Witness for the Gospel that You Can Give Is for Others to See Jesus IN You”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

TOPIC: AlignedEphesians 1:8b-12 The blessing of Christmas is about a restored relationship with God. It shouldn't surprise us then when we unwrap the gift of "Alignment." If you haven't figured it out yet, God wants to do life with you. He wants us to know His will and work with Him. He knows what we struggle to believe. In Jesus, we become the glorious people we were intended to be. Merry Christmas!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#NorthRidge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#Jesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#churchonline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WELCOME PAD / MY RESPONSE -- Use this link to respond to the sermon, request prayer, or to give tithe/offerings online: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://northridgefellowship.churchce...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠I'M SAYING YES TO JESUS!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://northridgefellowship.churchce...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ MORE SERVICE INFO AND INTERACTION: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://northridgefellowship.org/watch/⁠

Christmas is often portrayed as a season filled with joy, family, and celebration—but for many, it can also be one of the loneliest times of the year. Loss, distance from loved ones, illness, or isolation can magnify feelings of loneliness during the holidays. Scripture reminds us that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and tenderly cares for those who feel crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). In this season, God not only comforts the lonely through His presence, but He also invites His people to reflect His love by seeking out those who feel forgotten and offering them genuine community. Main Takeaways You’ll learn why the holiday season can intensify feelings of loneliness for many people. Discover how God’s presence brings comfort to the brokenhearted and those who feel unseen. Understand why loneliness is something believers are called to address with compassion and action. Reflect on practical ways to include and care for those who may spend Christmas alone. Be encouraged to live out Christ’s love by becoming His hands and feet during the holidays. Bible Verse References Psalm 34:18 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/34-18.html Genesis 2:18 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/genesis/2-18.html Matthew 25:35–36 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/passage/?q=matthew+25:35-36 Your Daily Prayer Lord, You see every heart that feels lonely, grieving, or forgotten this Christmas season. Draw near to those who are brokenhearted and remind them that they are never alone in Your presence. Stir our hearts to notice those around us who may be hurting, and give us the courage to reach out with compassion, generosity, and love. Help us reflect Jesus by welcoming others in and creating space for community where it is needed most.In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily encouragement rooted in Scripture. Leave a rating or review to help others discover the podcast. Visit LifeAudio.com for more Christ-centered podcasts and devotionals. Explore more articles on faith, grief, and Christian living at Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com. Relevant Links & Resources Articles on loneliness, grief, and hope during the holidays:Crosswalk.com – https://www.crosswalk.comChristianity.com – https://www.christianity.com Study today’s Scripture passages at:BibleStudyTools.com – https://www.biblestudytools.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Trusting God rarely comes with all the details upfront, and Mary’s story reminds us just how costly obedience can be. Faced with fear, uncertainty, and the very real possibility of public shame, Mary chose surrender over self-protection. Her response shows that trusting God doesn’t mean understanding everything—it means believing He is good even when the path forward feels risky and unclear. Highlights Mary’s calling disrupted her plans, reputation, and future Obedience often requires surrender before clarity arrives Trust means saying yes even when the cost feels heavy Mary praised God in the middle of uncertainty, not after it passed God’s plans may not align with our expectations, but they are always purposeful Surrender positions us to participate in what God is doing, not just observe it Faith grows when we value God’s will over our comfort Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: How Mary’s Surrender Teaches Us to Trust By Hannah Benson Bible Reading:“And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” - Luke 1:46-49 ESV Have we ever stopped to consider how Mary may’ve felt when the angel Gabriel visited her? She was just a young girl, newly betrothed to Joseph. While the Bible doesn’t share with us her exact age, scholars speculate she may have been as young as 14. Now consider the fear that likely coursed through her veins when Gabriel delivered the news that she, an unmarried virgin, would bear a son. How scandalous! Perhaps questions ravaged through her mind: What would people think? No one would believe her if she told them the truth. With a pregnancy outside of marriage, the townspeople would stone her. And Joseph? Would he believe her? If he didn’t, surely he’d feel betrayed. Instead of arguing or begging the Lord to choose someone else, Mary simply asked, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (v. 34). Though the plan didn’t make sense to her, she chose to swallow her fears. Hard. As Luke writes in verse 38, Mary humbly responds: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word”. And the angel departed from her.” Sometimes, I wonder if Mary knew the full implications of what she was saying yes to. Surely, the possibility of public shame and stoning crossed her mind. But whether she understood the full danger or not, Mary surrendered her future as Joseph’s wife, her reputation, and even her life to the Lord. Despite the danger, she chose to sing the praises of the Lord, saying “my soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (v. 47). The Magnificat, as it’s often called, is the cry of Mary’s heart as she soaked in the goodness of God and shared how “he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name” (v. 49). Now, none of us has been asked to carry the Son of God inside of us the same way Mary did, but we have been asked to carry Him in our hearts. And following God does come at a cost. Are we willing to risk everything? To praise God no matter what? To surrender our future, whatever that looks like? To surrender our reputation and even our very life itself? Mary was willing. Did she know exactly why the Son of God came into the world? Perhaps, like the rest of the Israelites, she anticipated a Messiah who would rescue God’s people from their physical enemies. In this case, the Roman Empire. She didn’t need to fully understand why. Instead, she chose to embrace God’s plan, surrendering and yielding to His sovereignty even if it cost her. Intersecting Faith & Life: What may God be calling you to today? How might He want you to share the love of Jesus Christ with others? Are we willing to step out of our comfort zone even when it’s uncomfortable, to surrender and submit to His plan, and trust His promises? To long for the Giver more than the gift, the Promise-Keeper more than the promise itself? If we read the other Gospel accounts of Jesus’s birth, we know Joseph contemplated divorcing Mary (Matthew 1:19). Being a just man, he didn’t want to put her to shame. But before he could, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife and that the child was from the Holy Spirit (v. 20). God will always take care of each of us. When we walk in obedience, even when it looks impossible, or we may lose something we hold dear, we choose to walk in that obedience anyway. It doesn’t mean things will always turn out the way we want. Pain is a funny thing: it can either push us further from God or pull us closer to Him, depending on how we choose to respond. Mary could’ve never foreseen the plans God had for her or the role she would’ve ultimately played in bringing God’s Son into the world. Had she resisted, God’s plans still would’ve prevailed. Perhaps he would’ve chosen someone else for the task. But then Mary would’ve missed out on an amazing opportunity to be part of what God was doing. Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV) says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” When we face the unknown, we must remember we are not trusting what we can see, but in the One Who sees all things, Whose wisdom transcends our limited view and Whose thoughts are not our thoughts, and whose ways are higher than our ways. Do you think anyone ever imagined He would send the Messiah born miraculously through a virgin? Do you think anyone ever imagined that Jesus Christ would come to save us, not as a war hero but as a humble carpenter who would grow up and take the punishment we deserved by dying on the cross in our place? Pray with me: Dear Father God, sometimes I struggle to trust You. Please help me to learn from Mary’s surrender, to trust You, and to walk in obedience even if it looks like I may lose something else I hold dear. I know Your plans are higher than my own (Isaiah 55). Thank You for Your great, indescribable love for me! In Jesus’s Name, Amen Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Many Focus on Earning Money and Living a Financially Driven Life Which Lets Money Become Their “god” MESSAGE SUMMARY: We are so focused on earning money and other financially driven life activities so that it is easy for money and finances to become our god. Making finances “our god” violates the Second Commandment. Jesus is Lord over all Creation, as we are told in Psalms 24:1: “The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.”. Therefore, everything that has been entrusted to you is God's. In James 5:1-3, the author of the Book of James provides insight into someone who does NOT make God the Lord of their finances: “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.”. Therefore, let God Be Lord over your finances, which are, in reality, God's finances.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, I will seek God's perspective on my situation. For I know that in all things God works together for good to those of us who love Him and are called according to His purpose. From Romans 8:28 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Psalms 24:1-10; James 5:1-6; Psalms 25:1-22; Psalms 45:1-17. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Why We Do Christmas” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

We are all searching. Searching for peace in the pressure of life, purpose in the chaos, love that truly lasts, and hope that endures beyond the moment. We try to find it in many places — in the approval of friends, the success of our careers, the excitement of new experiences, or the comfort of possessions. Yet, no matter how much we accumulate or achieve, something still feels incomplete.The story of Christmas reminds us that while we have been searching for meaning, God has been searching for us. From the very beginning, He has been pursuing a relationship with us, longing to draw us close. And in Jesus, God stepped into our world — not from a distance, but into our messy, complicated, everyday lives.Christmas isn't just a story from the past — it's a living invitation to encounter the One who makes all things new.In Jesus, the search is over.Preacher:Sermon by Guy Mason Find out more at cityonahill.com.au/christmas

What was Jesus' name? Most of us assume that if Jesus had a driver's license, His listed name would have been “Jesus Christ.”That's kind of funny, but as usual, our human perceptions can't define Him and box Him in. The Bible tells us that Jesus has many names, each a shining facet of Who He is.He is called the Alpha and Omega—the beginning and the end. The Lamb of God. Elsewhere, He is referred to as the Prince of Peace.Romans 10:13 says, “For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'”His names are a reminder to us that He is everywhere, aware of everything, and equipped to handle any situation or challenge in our lives. From the image of a warrior king, to a counselor who listens to us, Jesus is able to meet all our needs.Let's call on Him.Lord, you are wonderful to us, the perfect landing place for our souls. Thank you for that. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Jesus Followers Have the Important Gospel Communication Tool – Their Life in Christ Lets Others See Jesus in Them MESSAGE SUMMARY:  In 2 Corinthians 3:12-18, Paul writes a complex statement that tells you, as a follower of Jesus, about the most important tool that God gives you for communicating the Gospel -- God lets others see Jesus in you through your life in Christ! Therefore, by living in Christ, your life becomes the most compelling argument for the Gospel – an argument that far surpasses written or spoken words. Paul's 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 text reads: “Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”. Do others, from your life, see Jesus in you?     TODAY'S PRAYER: Father, I confess that when difficulties and trials come into my life, large or small, I mostly grumble and complain. I realize the trials James talks about are not necessarily “walls,” but they are difficult to bear, nonetheless. Fill me with such a vision of a transformed life, O God, that I might actually consider it “pure joy” when you bring trials my way. I believe, Lord. Help my unbelief. In Jesus' name, amen.  Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 94). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Inconsistencies. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Faithfulness. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Isiah 35:1-9; John 1:14; Isaiah 11:1-2; Psalms 44b:14-26. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Why We Do Christmas” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

December 19. 2025Hope Alive: Applying God's Word to Your Daily LifeThe Revelation 13:11-12I am Chad Harrison, and I am the teaching pastor of Lake Community Church and had been serving as a pastor for 25 years. I'm also a practicing attorney. This podcast is designed to help you study God's word and find God's will for your life. The purpose of studying scripture is that you might know the character of Jesus Christ, and that you might see the world from the Father's perspective. That you gain wisdom that changes your life. I pray in the name of Jesus right now that God would open His word to you and allow you to see Him and to know Him. To know His will, that you might glorify Him and that you might walk in faith and power each day, especially today. In Jesus name.If you would like to revisit today's Bible study, please visit our website at https://hopealive.buzzsprout.com/ to download the transcript. If this podcast ministered to you, please subscribe, and leave us a review on Apple podcasts. Reviews help us reach more people and spread the wisdom of God. Please follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopealivewithgod/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hopealiveministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeComChurch/ -Lake Community Church 

Learn how to silence the voice of the enemies by praying and speaking God's word out loud.

Main Texts: Mark 10:13-16 & 10:17-24The Call to accept Christ as little children, from infancy to 12years old, was a radical call for ancient Jewish culture:Countercultural.In Jesus' day, children, while loved (especially sons) wereconsidered for the most part immature, unreasonable and objectsto be trained. They were to be schooled until the ages 13, to beconsidered a useful part of adult Jewish society.Elite rabbis like Jesus should not waste their busy lives andmission, addressing children, rather focus their needed attentionto the issues of the adult world. But Jesus broke this societal ruleand encouraged parents to bring their children to be officially“blessed” by Him. (verse 14)And He became incensed when His own disciples “rebuked”them: The children and their parents, and even possibly Jesus!But when Jesus heard their rebuke and saw their dismissiveattitudes, that was more loyal to their rigid Judaism, He becomeindignant/angry at them (verse 14).He then set up a new rule for His good news: “Let the littlechildren come to me and do not hinder them (and their parents)for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these”, not like theproud but those running to receive His gift.Like the children's humble demeanor, the adults are to realizehumbly their need and accept Jesus' grace, gift or they wouldnever enter the Kingdom of heaven (verse 15).This story provides a fitting contrast for the Rich adult who was areligious heavy weight (see Mark 10:17-24). He bragged to be aheavy-weight in Judaism as well trusting in his riches. (The love ofmoney can become the root of all evil. 1 Timothy 6:10)Jesus pointed this out in verse 21, and with a heart of love askedhim surrender his first love and to receive the gift of Jesuskingdom or have also treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).He refused the offer: “At this the man's face fell and he went awaysad because in spite of his religious law abiding, he selfishlyaccrued great wealth (my paraphrase of verse 22), he did notreceive the kingdom.Contrast this to the joy experienced by the children and theirparents in Mark 10:13-16. They were willing to approach Jesus,counter-culture, with the need and hunger to be blessed by Jesus,and accept His gift of the Kingdom.They had no claim of power and status, especially from theirreligious society, but the humble need to be “touched” or“blessed” by Jesus; and not earn but receive the Kingdom as agift. The disciples' failure to understand Jesus' kingdom as a giftof grace responding to humility, earned Jesus' ire and rebuke.And the children received, not earned, His hands upon them andblessing.They demonstrated the attitude needed to enter into Christ'sKingdom: The rich adult was out; the children and their parentswere in!AMEN

A Prayer to Believe in the LightThe light has been given—and now it’s meant to be shared.It today's episode by, we are reminded of the words of Jesus spoken shortly after He raised Lazarus from the dead. Knowing His time on earth was short, Jesus urged the crowds to believe in Him while the light was still among them. His promise was clear: those who believe in the light become children of the light. Reference: John 12:36 Prayer: Father, thank you that you give us the right to become your children when we believe in the light. May we always be aware that as children of light, we carry your light wherever we go. In Jesus' name, amen. LINKS: Read the first five days of Everyday Prayers for Christmas Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In general, humans as a species have a fair amount of self-awareness. And if we're honest, we all know our weak points. Those places where character is lacking a bit.One of our biggest weaknesses is that we just want stuff. Bigger house, more expensive car—that kind of thing. In those moments, we're missing out on a big prize. Our focus is wrong.Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”The Bible—the Word of God itself—shows exactly what our priorities should be. God knows us far better than we could ever know ourselves, and He tells us that we have it exactly backwards. We look for the stuff, and then tack on the God stuff later. In fact, turn that around and that's how we should be doing life. Look for God first, and then later He'll give us the desires of our heart. Because our hearts will then be aligned with His perfect will for our lives.Try this approach, and see if it works for you. What we'll also find as a bonus is peace that the world can't give us…that stuff can't give us. When you seek first a relationship with your Creator, you find that material possessions are no substitute for knowing Him.Let's pray.Lord, thank you for our relationship with you. Thank you for loving us through our sin. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

If you're like many people, you might wonder if peace is really possible in the world today. In "Jesus, Prince of Peace," Pastor Bayless shares how peace is not found in the absence of problems but in the presence of Jesus Himself. You'll learn that Jesus gives a different kind of peace than the world gives—a peace that's not a counterfeit or a substitute, but true, abiding peace that can only come from God. If your life feels chaotic or uncertain, don't miss this message. Let the Prince of Peace step into your situation and give you His peace—a peace that passes understanding.

Finding Fullness in Less #RTTBROS #Nightlight"But godliness with contentment is great gain." — 1 Timothy 6:6You know, I came across something recently that really got me thinking. Arthur Brooks, a professor who studies happiness, makes a fascinating observation. He says when a Westerner thinks of creating art, they picture a blank canvas, something that needs more added to it. More paint, more color, more brushstrokes. But when someone from Asia looks at art, they see a block of jade. The masterpiece is already inside, you just have to chip away what doesn't belong.That difference in perspective hit me right between the eyes. Because most of us are living like we're staring at that blank canvas, aren't we? We think happiness is just one more thing away. One more promotion, one more zero in the bank account, one more achievement. We keep adding and adding, wondering why we still feel empty.But what if happiness doesn't come from more, but from less? From being content with what we already have?The Apostle Paul understood this. He wrote to Timothy, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out" (1 Timothy 6:6-7).Paul wasn't saying we shouldn't have goals. He was saying that chasing "more" as our source of happiness is a trap. True gain comes when we pair godliness with contentment. When we stop thinking our lives are blank canvases that need more added and start seeing them as that block of jade, already containing something beautiful if we'll just chip away the stuff that doesn't belong.What needs to be chipped away? Maybe it's comparison. Maybe it's envy. Maybe it's the endless scroll through other people's highlight reels. Maybe it's expectations that were never meant to be there.I'm too soon old and too late smart on this, but I've learned that contentment isn't about settling. It's about recognizing that God has already placed something beautiful in your life, right where you are. The art is already there.So here's my challenge: what if you stopped adding and started subtracting? What if you chipped away just one thing keeping you from seeing the beauty that's already in your life?Let's pray: Father, help us see our lives the way You see them. Teach us contentment. Teach us to find our joy in You, not in the endless chase for more. In Jesus' name, Amen.#Faith #Contentment #ChristianLiving #DailyDevotion #TrustGod #BiblicalWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #RTTBROS #NightlightBe sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros

December 18, 2025Hope Alive: Applying God's Word to Your Daily LifeThe Revelation 13:11I am Chad Harrison, and I am the teaching pastor of Lake Community Church and had been serving as a pastor for 25 years. I'm also a practicing attorney. This podcast is designed to help you study God's word and find God's will for your life. The purpose of studying scripture is that you might know the character of Jesus Christ, and that you might see the world from the Father's perspective. That you gain wisdom that changes your life. I pray in the name of Jesus right now that God would open His word to you and allow you to see Him and to know Him. To know His will, that you might glorify Him and that you might walk in faith and power each day, especially today. In Jesus name.If you would like to revisit today's Bible study, please visit our website at https://hopealive.buzzsprout.com/ to download the transcript. If this podcast ministered to you, please subscribe, and leave us a review on Apple podcasts. Reviews help us reach more people and spread the wisdom of God. Please follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopealivewithgod/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hopealiveministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeComChurch/ -Lake Community Church 

Had He arrived with fanfare from some royal balcony, with heralds officiously announcing His nativity to thousands massed to hear the news, He might have changed the politics of one small corner of the world for 40, even 50, years. Had He been born in some rich villa spilling down the hillside to the sparkling Aegean, we might find passing mention of His name in annals of the empire. Had He been birthed and raised among the scholars and the gifted, all that He said and all He taught might yield a footnote in the history of earth's wisdom. But heaven was both gracious and strategic. When God gave us His unique and irreplaceable Son, He gave Him to the ones without the power, wealth, or learning. From that first night, the hiddenness of grace that brought Him to the poor, the common, the forgotten has made the story of His birth the fulcrum of all history. He is the truly unforgettable Man. This Child born to us is fully ours, however we are ranked by those who seem to rule the world. In Jesus, grace became embodied, changing lives, forgiving sins, renewing hope for all who trust the gift He is. Be strong in grace; be rich in grace; be wise in grace this Christmas. And stay in it. -Bill Knott

The holiday season often arrives with full calendars, endless to-do lists, and mounting expectations that leave many feeling exhausted before the celebrations even begin. Yet Scripture reminds us that even in the midst of busyness, we are called to shine the light of Christ. Isaiah 60:1 invites believers to arise and shine because God’s glory is upon us. When we slow down, choose kindness, and bless others selflessly, we reflect Jesus to a world that desperately needs His light. This season is not about perfection or productivity—it’s about people, presence, and pointing hearts back to Christ. Main Takeaways You’ll learn why shining the light of Christ matters even more during busy holiday seasons. Discover how slowing down and being present helps reflect Jesus’ love to others. Understand why kindness is one of the most powerful ways to witness for Christ. Reflect on how blessing those who cannot repay us mirrors the heart of Jesus. Be encouraged to keep Christ—not busyness or perfection—at the center of the season. Bible Verse References Isaiah 60:1 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/60-1.html Acts 20:35 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/20-35.html Your Daily Prayer Heavenly Father, help me resist the rush and pressure of this busy season. When my schedule feels overwhelming, remind me that my calling is to shine the light of Christ through love, kindness, and presence. Keep my heart centered on Jesus so I don’t overlook the people You’ve placed in front of me. Give me grace to slow down, care deeply, and reflect Your love in every interaction. Let me never be so busy that I forget to shine Your light.In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily Scripture-based encouragement. Leave a rating or review to help others discover this podcast. Visit LifeAudio.com for more Christ-centered podcasts and devotionals. Find more faith-building articles at Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com. Bible study tools and Scripture resources:BibleStudyTools.com – https://www.biblestudytools.com Articles on Christian living, kindness, and faith during the holidays:Crosswalk.com – https://www.crosswalk.comChristianity.com – https://www.christianity.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Does your life feel out of control? Are you experiencing that common feeling of weaving down a busy highway, about to crash?It's a metaphor for life that a lot of folks internalize at some point. All of a sudden, what you were sure of isn't there anymore. You might as well be behind the wheel of a fast car that's heading straight into oncoming traffic.1 Peter 5:7 says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”This isn't some nice little bit of wisdom someone put on a greeting card. This is the very Word of God. It has sustained civilization for thousands of years. And it's a proven method for getting your life under control. It doesn't work though, unless you can see Jesus taking the wheel. Let Him get you to safety and peace. He's ready and waiting to take all your worries and set you on a smooth and straight path.Will you pray with me?Lord, feeling out of control is not something we want anymore. Please take over and guide us, Lord, in your perfect ways. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

God Exhorts Us: “1) Do not fear; 2) Continue to tithe; 3) Get out of debt; 4) Help our brothers and sisters in need; and 5) Pray” MESSAGE SUMMARY: In the Bible, you can find five exhortations, from the God, that are right on point for our tough times in America: 1) Do not fear; 2) Continue to tithe; 3) Get out of debt; 4) Help our brothers and sisters in need; and 5) Pray. The people in Malachi's day were withholding what was God's, and they were paying a price. But even in those conditions of sin, God said to the nation, in Malachi 3:7, “From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. But you say, ‘How shall we return?'.”. God does not change – God today is the same faithful Creator of the Universe as He was in the time of Malachi. Return to God, both as an individual and as a nation; and see how God will bless us!   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, help me to be still and to wait patiently for you in silence. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 125). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, God isn't finished with me yet (Philippians 1:6). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Malachi 2:1-17; Malachi 3:7; Malachi 3:16-18; Psalms 41:1-13. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Why We Do Christmas”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Today's sermon is for Advent 4 (A) and is titled In Jesus' Name. It was written by the Rev. Regina Walton and read by the Rev. Danáe Ashley. Sermons That Work is an offering of the Episcopal Church's Office of Communication. For more free resources, including sermons, Bible studies, bulletin inserts, and more, visit episcopalchurch.org/sermons. We would love it if you'd rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcasting platform – and while you're at it, share it with a friend!

Have you ever tried to follow God in a half-hearted way? You know what that means. You like the idea of God, but His perfect will for our lives can also feel very restrictive.That's the moment that we walk along the highway of life completely alone.Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”Notice the precise language in these beautiful verses. We are to trust Him with all of our heart. Don't take your eyes off Him and follow your own choices. Be upfront that He is your peace. It's then He picks you up, protects you, and carries you home.Today is the day you're thinking about all this. Maybe you've messed up. You've messed up in the most spectacular and disheartening way. And it is exactly at this moment that God is ready to do the greatest miracle in your life. Tell him you've messed up, and you have no idea where to turn.There—you're learning to completely trust Him. Commit your life to Him, and be consistent about it. Remember: the turning point to an awesome future can just start with reliance on God. Commit your ways to Him, and He will direct your paths.Let's pray.Lord, help us to reject our own flawed wisdom and rely totally on yours. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Hospitality is more than offering a meal or inviting someone into our home—it is a powerful witness to the love of Christ. Augustine’s journey toward faith began not with an argument, but with the gracious welcome of Bishop Ambrose, whose kindness opened the door for Augustine to encounter the truth of the gospel. Scripture reminds us that our lives testify to Christ just as much as our words do. When we walk in wisdom toward outsiders, extend grace, and make the best use of every moment (Colossians 4:5–6), God often uses our ordinary acts of love to draw others to Himself. Today, we are invited to imitate Christ’s hospitality by welcoming, serving, and loving those around us in His name. Main Takeaways You’ll learn how hospitality can serve as a powerful form of evangelism. Discover how Augustine’s relationship with Ambrose illustrates the impact of gracious, Christlike living. Understand Paul’s call to walk wisely toward outsiders and speak with grace. Reflect on how daily interactions create opportunities to demonstrate the gospel. Be encouraged to model God’s welcoming heart by extending love, warmth, and attentiveness to others. Bible Verse References Colossians 4:5 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/colossians/4-5.html Colossians 4:6 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/colossians/4-6.html Acts 4:19–20 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+4:19-20 1 Peter 2:12 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/1-peter/2-12.html James 4:14 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/james/4-14.html Romans 5:8 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/romans/5-8.html Your Daily Prayer Lord of every moment, help me steward well the relationships and opportunities You place in my life. Teach me to walk in wisdom toward others, extending the same grace, warmth, and hospitality You have shown me. Soften my heart toward those who are difficult to love, and open my eyes to simple ways I can welcome, listen, and care for others. When kindness feels costly, remind me of the cross and the immeasurable love You displayed there. May my life reflect Your heart and lead others closer to You.In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily devotional encouragement. Leave a rating or review to help others find the podcast. Visit LifeAudio.com for more biblically grounded podcasts. Explore more devotionals and spiritual growth articles at Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com. Relevant Links & Resources Articles on hospitality, Christian living, and loving others well:Crosswalk.com – https://www.crosswalk.comChristianity.com – https://www.christianity.com Scripture resources for today’s passages:BibleStudyTools.com – https://www.biblestudytools.com/colossians/4-5.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

"So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23 TPT   *Transcription Below*   Thank You to Our Sponsor: The Sue Neihouser Team   Katie M. Reid is an author, speaker, podcast host, and songwriter who inspires others to live out their purpose with tenacity, wisdom and grace at katiemreid.com. She is the author of Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done, A Very Bavarian Christmas novel (which is becoming a movie) and the co-creator of The Digital Peace Pact and the Check Your Selfie Story-Coloring Book. Katie is also the co-host of The Martha + Mary Show podcast. As the Inspiration Doula, Katie coaches creatives, helping them bring life to their projects. Her album, Echoes of My Heart, the Daughter song, and The Very Bavarian Christmas musical soundtrack can be accessed here and on other music streaming platforms. Katie delights in her husband and five children. Musicals, iced tea, and cut-to-the-chase conversations are a few of her favorite things.   Questions and Topics Discussed: As a woman who excels in getting things done, what tips can you share as it relates to getting things done around our home? What are some of the changes you've made to your lifestyle that have led to the greatest results? What habits and rhythms do you have in place to support your personal development and spiritual growth?   Other Episodes Mentioned from The Savvy Sauce During Episode: 183 Leading Your Family, Marriage, and Self with Justin Maust Patreon 47: Business, Leadership, and Legacy with Justin Maust    Other Episode Mentioned During Episode: Mary & Martha Show: Benefits of Chiropractic Care with Dr. Lianne Coombe   Other Related Episodes on The Savvy Sauce: 81 Sacred Rest with Doctor, Author, and Speaker, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith 150 Brain Science and Spiritual Abundance with Ken Baugh 256 Gut Health, Allergies, Inflammation and Proactive Solutions with Emily Macleod-Wolfe   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 – 0:09)   Laura Dugger: (0:11 - 1:29) 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.   Thank you to the Sue Neihouser Team for sponsoring this episode.   If you're looking to buy or sell a home this season, make sure you reach out to Sue at 309-229-8831. Sue would love to walk alongside you as you unlock new doors.   Welcome to the final episode of The Savvy Sauce for 2025. We look so forward to meeting you back here after today's episode on Monday, January 5th.   But for today, my guest is Katie Reid. She is wildly creative and also completely grounded in her faith.   She's an author, speaker, former podcaster, and coach for creatives. She's going to share on a variety of topics today, ranging from health to discerning God's leading for what's next in each of our lives. Here's our chat.   Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Katie.   Katie Reid: (1:30 - 1:33) Thank you so much for having me, Laura. This is such a treat.   Laura Dugger: (1:33 - 1:45) Oh, it's a delight to get a chat with you. And I want to go back. I want to hear the origins of your writing and podcasting journey and how it's led to the work that you get to do today.   Katie Reid: (1:46 - 3:00) Well, in about 2014, I had a bucket list. And on that bucket list, there were things like make a quilt and sing the national anthem in a professional sporting event and bake an apple pie and writing a book was on it. And so, Laura, I've always been a very driven and purposeful person.   So, it felt like it was the time to write a book. And I had no idea how hard it was going to be and that it would accidentally turn into a career that I forgot to ask my husband if I could start. But it was when I started writing and I had been writing, you know, just as a kid here and there.   But it turned into what I did as a career. And it was not necessarily easy. But God has refined me through the process.   And so, my first book Made Like Martha came out in 2018. And then I have dabbled in fiction books as well. And then I have a Bible study that is out now.   God, What Do I Do? based on Judges one through five. So, I kind of write a little bit of everything. And it's been a wild and wonderful journey.   Laura Dugger: (3:01 - 3:07) Wild and wonderful for sure. Going back to that bucket list, have the other ones also become realities as well?   Katie Reid: (3:08 - 3:28) You know, I have sang the national anthem at some not  professional sporting events, but, you know, high school events and that kind of thing at my college. I have made an apple pie. My mom is a quilter and I just decided she can do that.   I kind of removed that off the list. But now I can check off, write a book.   Laura Dugger: (3:28 - 3:53) That's incredible, which is a huge undertaking. So, thank you for your labor of love. And even going back, I love how you've identified that you kind of relate more to the Martha personality rather than the Mary personality.   So, can you define what that means and share some of the benefits and the drawbacks of each personality leaning?   Katie Reid: (3:54 - 6:41) Sure. So, in the Bible, in Luke 10:38-42, we meet two sisters, Martha and Mary, and they had a brother, Lazarus, as well, and they were friends of Jesus. And Martha it seems like your firstborn type A, you know, to do list kind of gal.   And Mary was like a disciple of Jesus sitting at his feet, maybe more relationally driven. And so, when I read this story that has, you know, Martha gets a lot of flack because a lot of people like, “Oh, we need to all be like Mary.” And so, this story, I always wanted it to go differently.   Martha goes to Jesus. She's worried and distracted by all her preparations. She's housing or hosting Jesus and his disciples at her home.   And Mary's sitting there listening to Jesus teaching. And so, Martha goes to Jesus and says in the Katy paraphrase, “Hey, Jesus, I'm here doing this all by myself. Tell Mary to get off her duff and help me.”   And I so, Laura, wanted Jesus to say, “Martha, you are right. Mary, get in there and help your sister.” But that's not what he did.   And so, I want to take a closer look at the story and see what did God really say? Because I think over time, we've probably read books or heard different sermons that paints Martha in a certain light. And I wanted to see for myself, you know, have we added things to this that aren't really there?   And what I discovered is, you know, Jesus made us. We know this from Psalm 139 on purpose and for a purpose and intricately. And so, it was no mistake that Martha was made to do and to get things done.   But she got a little out of whack kind of with her heart posture, as I say, you know, kind of trying to strive and earn versus working from a place of love. She was working for love and she already had that love right there in Jesus in her home. And so, that's what Made Like Martha is about.   But I see how, you know, a lot of us are a blend of both of these women, you know, task oriented, relational oriented. But I think we lean more one way or the other. But the world needs all kinds of people in it.   And so, I think sometimes we view it as a competition when actually it's just different. But we can never go wrong with sitting at Jesus's feet. But also, we can be at peace and settled on the inside in our relationship with the Lord, even when our hands are busy.   Because if we just all sit, things will not get done. And, you know, we are both busy moms, Laura. And, you know, there's just there's a to do list every day, isn't there?   Laura Dugger: (6:41 - 7:00) There is. But you are someone who really does excel at getting those things done. Like you said, it's in your wiring from the Lord.   So, what tips can you share with all of us? And maybe starting with how does that specifically look for getting things done around our home?   Katie Reid: (7:01 - 8:47) Yes, I think there's a resource I have on my website that we can share in the show notes, and it's called the “All Done Calendar.” And I don't know about you, Laura, but my to do list can have like 25 things on it, which is just very unrealistic. Right.   I am not going to get 25 things done in a day. And so, I created this all done calendar and it's a blank calendar. It's got some pretty designs on it.   And what you do is you write down a few things each day that you actually got done. And cleaning half of the bathroom can totally count. You don't even have to do the whole thing. But it's a way to celebrate what you've already done instead of just being fixated on all there's left to do. And so, that's something that helps me is to be like, OK, I did not get the 25 things done. But what with the Lord's help did I get done?   And sometimes I might have had these really lofty goals, but maybe instead I had a meaningful conversation with my team. Or maybe instead I left the dishes and sat down and watched a movie with my family and likely fell asleep 10 minutes in because I sat down. But I think we can just feel, especially in this Pinterest world and comparison with social media, we can feel like we're behind all the time.   And so, this all done calendar is just a really practical way to just look back over the month and be like, look what I did do. And sure, there could be lots of things left, but it's a way to just remind ourselves of what we have in that gratitude. I call it a lavish list instead of a lack list.   You know, instead of counting all the things you don't have, give thanks for all the things you do.   Laura Dugger: (8:48 - 9:05) Wow. And that gratitude really does change everything when our mindset is changed. Do you have any other tips that you use then for meal planning or logistics?   Because you can introduce us to your family as well. You've got quite a few kids with your husband.   Katie Reid: (9:05 - 11:47) We do. We have five kids. The oldest is almost 21. She's a girl. Our youngest is a girl also, and she's almost nine. And then we have three boys in the middle, 18, 16, and 12.   And so, we are a lively and a loud family. I think for me with meal planning, I actually do enjoy cooking and my daughter had a lot of culinary training. So, I know some women are just like, it happens every day and I don't like it.   But what I often do with our busy schedule is on Saturday or maybe Sunday afternoon, I like to cook things in bulk. So, maybe I'll make a soup and some taco meat and put pulled pork in the crock pot so that we can kind of eat off that. And during the week, I kind of batch cook.   So, I don't feel like I'm doing it all the time. And we also from a young age have equipped our kids to make their food. I remember we had someone stay with us, Laura, and they were like almost appalled.   They're like, “I mean, these young kids just got up and made their own food. Where was the mom?” And my husband said, “That's actually what we've trained them to do.”   I mean, they were getting like cereal. The other day, the baby of the family is almost nine and we do probably too much for her as one tends to do with their youngest child. And so, I equipped her and empowered her.   I said, “You know, Lark, you can make your own eggs.” And so, sure enough, she got a stool. I just reminded her to spray the pan and turn off the oven.   And she made herself, you know, eggs with bacon bits in it. And you can see that sense of pride. She was a little hesitant at first.   But I believe in working smarter, not harder. And so, we do divvy up, you know, chores around the house. In fact, I dare not say this too loudly.   But when I started writing, my husband said to our kids who were quite a lot younger at the time, “Guess what? Mom's not doing the dishes anymore. So, you guys are each going to have a night or two. And you're going to do those because we want her to be faithful to what God has also asked her to do. And you guys need to learn how to do this.” And so, Laura, when they first started loading the dishwasher, I had to fold my hands because they were not doing it in the way I would have envisioned.   But it was still getting it done. So, I have this little mantra. If someone else can do it with at least 75 percent, you know, effectiveness, then that should be good enough.   Because I think sometimes as women, we kind of want it my way or the highway. But then we wear ourselves out because we're trying to control or manage everything. And sometimes 75 percent is good enough.   Laura Dugger: (11:48 - 12:21) Katie, you sound like a wonderful mother. I think that's such a gift to your kids. Their studies show doing chores and being more self-sufficient, being trained that way is beneficial to them across the board.   So, I applaud you. Well done. But another one of your sweet spots that you seem to get after is healthy living.   And so, I'd love to know, what are some of your most beneficial lifestyle changes that you've implemented in your family? And now they've led to the greatest results.   Katie Reid: (12:22 - 15:12) Yeah, so, one of the things we do as a family is we go to the chiropractor. And I know that some people have mixed feelings about that, but we love our chiropractor. And, you know, I'll probably get the statistics, you know, not quite right. I'm a creative brain versus a very logical brain. But I do know there are many health benefits to chiropractic care. It boosts your immune system.   I can for me personally, some of the benefits is I used to get vertigo sometimes, which is a terrible thing if you've never had it, where the room is like spinning and I'd have to just lay in bed, which is not a great thing, you know, for our busy lifestyle. And so, I have less vertigo. I can move my head back and forth freely and lots of other things.   But one thing that was interesting, and we did interview my chiropractor on the Martha & Mary Show on the podcast, is there's so many things that can be benefits to it. And at my age, I'm almost 48. I can see 50 from a distance.   And my friends and I, Laura, are talking about our bodies so much. We are now like our moms would do. And even going to the bathroom more regularly can be a benefit of chiropractic care or, you know, your cramps not being as bad, all that.   So, that's one of the things we have done. This year, we are trying to walk a lot more. So, my husband and I and our two youngest children, we have this little half hour route that we do. And we were even doing it in the middle of winter. And then as things have gotten busier, that's fallen a little bit by the wayside, but just fresh air. We have some great conversations.   And the other thing, too, is I don't know if you're like this, Laura, but during COVID, we put on a lot of weight and we didn't realize it. We could see it in other people, but we went to the doctor and I was shocked by what I weighed. And I went to a naturopath and I just said, “Can you help me?”   And so, I thought I was taking good care of myself, Laura. But looking back, I surely was not. And a lot of it was what I was eating.   I was not drinking enough water. So, anyway, that helped to just the education of that our food has such an impact. And so, really it you know, we are not like health freaks by any means, but trying to have more vegetables, some healthy options.   I had no idea what a big deal protein was. I just didn't know, you know, as kids who ate SpaghettiOs and, you know, mac and cheese growing up in the 80s. There just wasn't as much out there about, you know, that connection with what you're putting in your body and how you're feeling.   Laura Dugger: (15:13 - 18:23) That's such a good point. I love hearing these habits and I very much enjoyed that episode that you did with your chiropractor. We'll have to link to that as well in the show notes.   And now a brief message from our sponsor. With over 28 years of experience in real estate, Sue Neihouser of the Sue Neihouser Team is a RE-MAX agent of Central Illinois. And she loves to walk alongside her clients as they unlock new doors.   For anyone local, I highly recommend you call Sue today at 309-229-8831. And you can ask her any real estate questions. 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Thanks for your sponsorship.   Katie, you're such a go-getter and in the midst of homeschooling and writing this book, you also still pursue personal development and spiritual growth. So, do you have any systems or rhythms in place to support that growth?   Katie Reid: (18:24 - 21:43) Yeah, I think a couple of them. I often want to talk to people, talk about the Mary and Martha event. Some people are that way with Bible study and prayer. There are some who just love to study the Bible. There're others who lead with prayer. I've been the Bible study girl. I love to study, you know, as a teacher. Maybe that's just my thing. But prayer was something that I felt like I was always getting like a D minus in. And it's not that I never would, Laura, but, you know, I just have a friend, Lee, who co-hosts The Martha & Mary Show with me, and she is a prayer, a pray-er. And so, one of the things I did was I know accountability is key in developing healthy practices, whether that's physically or spiritually or emotionally.   And so, we started a mom's prayer group at our church that meets most Fridays throughout the year because I knew, I mean, surely I wasn't going to just pray on Fridays. But I knew if I had that group and I was helping lead it and show up that that would be a discipline that would get into my life. And it really has, but it just felt very daunting.   Another tip my friend gave me just with incorporating more prayer is to have like a trigger. So, every time you open a door to pray or every time you interact with water, let it serve as a reminder to pray. And again, I just need that kind of accountability in my life. I can get distracted easily.   And so, that was just another thing that helped me to just have that in the forefront of my mind. And I also feel like having teen and young adult children, you will just start praying much more naturally because you realize that your influence is shifting. You're more of a coach and a support than you are kind of that direct supervisor. And so, God gave me this phrase of like, "Prayer is the way sometimes we got to parenting, but prayer is also what we need to get through parenting."   And so, I have been doing much more prayer lately, but I just encourage the listeners, whether it's Bible study or prayer, which are essential to our spiritual growth, grab a friend and ask them, you know, you could text each other in the mornings, like, "Hey, I'm praying for you about this. Or will you pray about this?" But it is when we link arms, we have more effectiveness, I think, because we're not just trying to do it on our own. And I feel like in our culture, especially with all the pressures of, you know, social media and all of that, we try to be all things to our family, like, you know, grow organic vegetables and sew our kids' clothes and homeschool and you fill in the blank. But yet it's so much more accessible done in community. For example, I love batch cooking. So, maybe I could make an extra lasagna for someone and then I don't love to fold laundry, but maybe my friend comes over and we fold laundry together. I just think we can be so isolated. And we're missing out on sharing our strengths with others and them with us. And I just think family life is best done in community, if at all possible.   Laura Dugger: (21:44 - 22:15) That's so wise and so practical. I love that. Even the tip of when you interact with water to pray. That's really helpful. And speaking of spiritual growth, I do want to highlight some parts of your amazing book, which, as you said, it's entitled, God, What Do I Do? So, I want to just dive into a couple of the sections, beginning with, "God, what do I do with what you've given me?" So, Katie, can you just expound on that topic?   Katie Reid: (22:15 - 23:38) Yeah, for sure. So, we've all been given time, talents, treasures. You've probably heard those three Ts before. And at the end of my life, Laura, I want to be able to stand before the Lord and by His grace say that I was a faithful steward with what He has entrusted me. And I think we often are told, particularly as women, to keep everything in balance. And I don't know about you, Laura, but that just feels like pressure to me. Like, surely I'm going to drop one of these plates I'm spinning. And so, I like to think about it as being a faithful steward with what's right in front of me, because that feels more manageable. And yes, we still need the Lord's help to do that. But right now, we're doing this interview. So, I want to be a faithful steward of that. And then next, I'm going to go hang out with my college roommates and we're going to have a little reunion. And I want to be faithful with that. But I think we can get really overwhelmed when we're just trying to do everything perfectly. And in the study, we talk about faithfully stewarding the people, position, and place that God has put you in or that's before you. And I think that happens one decision at a time. And again, it feels more manageable when we think about it like that.   Laura Dugger: (23:39 - 23:48) I love that. I even love the questions that you ask about those specifics. Do you want to share those three questions?   Katie Reid: (23:49 - 26:27) Yeah. So, we talk about, you know, what people have you been entrusted with? What position have you been entrusted with? And what place have you been entrusted with? And I think that helps us recognize our purpose as well, like in the current season that we're in. But going back to the time, talents and treasures, you know, time, I feel like right now is such a precious commodity. And we talk about, you know, at church, like tithing your finances. But the idea I've heard people explain, what does it look like to tithe your time?   And I can cram so many things into the day that my husband and I are walking through this process of me having more margin in my life, more white space. And that's a part of stewarding our time. It doesn't mean we have to burn out and just run ragged. You know, we see this pattern in Jesus' life. He would minister and then He would retreat and recharge and then He'd minister. And I think there's some unhealth that we see in our culture and even in my own home with sometimes of just the unrealistic expectations I have.   And life happens. We could have a perfectly executed plan. But then this is a true story. The dog ate chocolate and we have to run for an emergency vet visit. Or I don't know about you, Laura, but you know, sometimes my kids want to have deep conversations at a time that is very inconvenient. But we want to take advantage of those times and take that opportunity.   And so, just going before the Lord and saying, "God, you have given me time. You've given me talents. You've given me treasures. And I want to faithfully steward them. Show me how to move forward in a way that honors you." And I think we have to be careful sometimes. I think we need to put some blinders on because what you are called to might be totally different than what your sister is called to or what I'm called to. And that we need to listen and have the abiding relationship with the Lord because we need to faithfully steward what He's asked us to do, not what He's asked someone else to do. And so, I love that word, too. What God has "entrusted" to us, again, could look a lot of different ways. But He doesn't require perfection. That's why Jesus came, because we couldn't do it. And He's with us in it. And we want to move forward with Him as we manage the people and the place and the position that He's entrusted to us.   Laura Dugger: (26:27 - 27:14) Oh, that's so good. And just to dig a little deeper then, too, I feel like I'm in a similar place where I sense the Lord asking me this week, asking me to ask Him, "What pace do you want me to be living at? What pace is healthy and sustainable? And what changes do I need to make?" So, I feel like I'm just on the beginning of this journey. But if you and your husband have already been diving in to margin, which is a word that I feel like I could answer with, and maybe slowing down a little bit, how do you do that? You're a creative as well, and you've got all these ideas and these good things that you want to go after. Do you have any practical parameters or pieces of discernment in place to know how to create margin as well?   Katie Reid: (27:15 - 29:12) Yeah, I think one thing that I am still learning is that “yes" has a cost to it, right? Now, of course, if Jesus asked us to do something, we want to say yes, regardless of the cost. But let's say someone asked me if I would write an article for a website and I'm launching these books. That sounds like a great idea. But Laura, sometimes I forget what that yes will mean. That's going to be at least three hours of time. And so, to almost look at the ask and associate them with time. And so, while that's a great thing, I also have kids that are in sports right now, and I don't want to miss those sports. Or could I use an article I've used before? Do they want original content? And so, I think with our yes' and no's, just thinking about, again, unless it's an obedience thing where the Lord has just made it so clear.   The other thing my husband often says to me is, "OK, Katie, that is a great opportunity. But what is going to come off of your plate to make room for that?" Where I can just keep heaping it on and it's spilling on a potluck when you overfill your plate and it's all spilling out and just making a mess. And so, that's another thing of like, "OK, what will come off?" I also run things by my husband or a close friend to say I have this opportunity for this. "What do you think?" Because sometimes we have those blind spots where we can't see what that might mean in the future. So, kind of a board of advisors, if you will, people who know you well know your personality. And just because it's a good idea doesn't mean it's a bad idea. And that can be so hard, especially if we're good at something. Sometimes we think it's an automatic yes, but we have to evaluate the season that we are in as well.   Laura Dugger: (29:13 - 30:26) Did you know that this podcast is 100% listener supported? We love producing free content that's available to everyone around the world with our monthly newsletters when you sign up for our email list and with our weekly episodes. We pray that this has been a benefit to you, that if any episode has ever impacted you, what we ask is that you will partner with us now and generously and prayerfully give financially before the end of the year.   There're multiple ways to do this online at TheSavvySauce.com. You can donate through Stripe or PayPal or Venmo with just a simple click, or you can send snail mail to us at Savvy Sauce Charities, P.O. Box 101, Roanoke, Illinois, 61561. We hope you choose to support us today.   The word discernment comes to mind with your book. It's a lot of discernment, a lot of these questions as we're turning to God. So, can you share any of the parts of the section that you wrote about, "God, What Do I Do Next?"   Katie Reid: (30:27 - 34:11) Absolutely. You know, I'm a pretty decisive person, but I know a lot of people are not, and they can be overwhelmed. I mean, even at the grocery store, if we're trying to pick out cereal or Band-Aids even, there are so many options that it can just become overwhelming. We're inundated by information. And so, I think when we are not sure what to do next, there are things we actually can decide, even if we don't specifically know what to do about a situation. And that's a lot of what is found in God, What Do I Do?.   And we follow the Israelites as they're entering the Promised Land. They made some not great choices sometimes, and they made some good choices sometimes. But the idea of their leader had died and they needed to know what to do next. And one of the first things they do, we see in Judges 1:1, is they inquire of the Lord. They go to the Lord and ask Him what they're supposed to do. And Laura, we can never go wrong doing that.   I have a dear friend who told me one time, "Katie, I don't like praying out loud because I just have really simple prayers. They are not eloquent." And I reassured her, you know what? SOS prayers totally count. So, if you find yourself in a situation where you do not know what to do next: "Lord, help me. Lord, I need you." You cannot go wrong praying those prayers. And there's actually, the Bible study goes through six decisions we can make, even if we don't know specifically what to do. And the first one in the introductory lesson is the decision to remember. The more kids I've had and the older I've gotten, I get a little more forgetful. I used to be so good at Memory, that game. And now it's like, I don't know, I'm going to pick the same ones every time. We can be forgetful. But when we recount God's faithfulness in the Bible and also what He's done in our own lives, it can help us make more clear-headed decisions. We have this little box in our home that we decorated back in the scrapbooking days. And inside it, we have a couple pictures and objects that remind us of things God has done for us in the past. One of the things He had asked us to do when we did not have much money, we were getting ready to move across the country and we had two vehicles. And we could have really used the money from the vehicle, one of our vehicles, but the Lord put on both my heart and my husband's heart to give away a vehicle.   And so many people, even Christian believers close to us, Laura, were like, "I don't know, that doesn't seem very wise." But we knew God's voice. We knew what He was asking and it was such a blessing in it. And so, we have a picture of that car, and we have that in the box. And so, I have not done a great job of pulling the box out a lot, especially with our younger kids. But it's just kind of those memorial stones of "Remember how God did this."   I remember one time we were having car difficulties, and I told the family, I said, "You know, wouldn't it be great if someone at church just handed us an envelope with the money we need to repair this vehicle?" And my kids kind of rolled their eyes. "Oh, there's mom and her big faith again." And Laura, wouldn't you know it, someone came up to my husband and said, "We just want to gift you this." And it was like $200 and it was exactly what we needed. And so, it's like stories like that to remember God has been faithful in the past. He will continue to be faithful, even if I don't know specifically what to do about a situation. He will be with me in it.   Laura Dugger: (34:12 - 34:42) Wow, that is incredible. And those spiritual markers build confidence and faith in us with our own journey. But like you said, passing them along to the next generation, that is huge and sharing these stories of God's faithfulness. And this is just such a small sample of your book, because I just want to make sure we highlight one other piece, but you share this insight about one part of the question, "God, what do I do to encourage those around me?"   Katie Reid: (34:43 - 36:25) Yes. So, we look in Judges 4, we met a judge Deborah and there was a military commander named Barak. And so, Deborah was a prophetess and judge, and she goes to Barak and reminds him of what God has already told him. Isn't that a good friend? And she said, "Hey, hasn't God said," and then reminds him. And you know what I love about this is we see this collaboration for the Kingdom.   And maybe it's more of an exhortation than an encouragement. But then later on in Judges 5, there's the song that Deborah and Barak sing. And part of the song is they are calling out those that helped them in battle. And, you know, it's an encouragement. They also call out those who didn't help in a different kind of call out way. But sometimes it bolsters our faith.   If someone else speaks into our life and says, "I see this in you." And a lot of times we think that encouragement, but we don't give voice to it. And I can look back over my life when people have taken the time to encourage me. It's like we cling to those words to keep going. Something we do at our church is the last Sunday of the month we have testimony time. And it is so encouraging to hear what God is doing in other people's lives. And in our own struggles, it can really bolster our faith to keep holding on and to celebrate what He's doing in them. So, I think giving credit to God for what He's done in testimony can really help encourage those around us as well.   Laura Dugger: (36:26 - 37:12) Wow, that is awesome. I love that you do that at your church. Such a practical way to live out so much of the Bible that talks about sharing His story, sharing His faithfulness, and that we overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb, which is already taken care of, and the word of our testimony. That's so powerful. And Katie, you're just fascinating and multifaceted. And there's a piece of your bio that I just love. You say that you're an "Inspiration Doula". So, I want to hear some of your favorite ways, whether it's questions or stories or bits of wisdom, to share so that you can encourage creatives, which is hopefully all of us because we're created in our Creator God's image.   Katie Reid: (37:14 - 40:11) You know, Laura, I love to see what God, how He has wired different people and encouraged them to share that gift with the world. I love holding the ladder for people so they can climb higher and do more. And sometimes I think on this crazy journey of podcasting and writing and speaking, sometimes I get the sense that God is allowing me to walk through these doors so that I can turn around and help someone else do it but even go further and do more than I have.   Nothing brings me more joy than seeing someone using their giftings. For example, we had a writing retreat recently that really turned into a spiritual renewal retreat. And one of my friends, she is very content to stay home with her kids. She is pretty introverted, but God has given her these talents that she is using more and more. For example, she directed a skit that's, you know, at our church for Easter and did such a great job. And she has written this book that's kind of like a Little House on the Prairie-esque book. And she was working on it at the writing retreat. And, you know, she's around these other women that are speaking all over the country and doing all these things. And so, some way she's like, "What am I doing here?"   And we reassured her she was right where she should be. And so, this fall she's going to teach this class using her book with homeschool students. And then they're going to write their own books. And Laura, I just think it's so fun to see her using what God has placed in her hands in her sphere of influence. And so, I love to—a lot of times people just need that nudge and a little bit of cheerleading to take those next brave steps. I also sometimes they just need to see somebody else doing it to realize that they can do it too.   And again, it can look so many different ways from having people into your home. I have a friend named Cherry and she started a ministry called "Welcome to the Table" where once a month she welcomes women into her home. They share a meal and it has just exploded because people are hungry literally and figuratively for that kind of community. So, a lot of times my coaching looks like encouragement, looks like some practical steps that they can take. A lot of times creatives are not finishers. And I have this weird blend of creativity and administration.   And I just love to help people kind of have a roadmap for what would it look like to get it done. And so many people do not set deadlines, Laura. They're like, "Yes, I'm going to write that book. Or yes, I'm going to start that event. Or yes, I'm going to start a book club." But then they don't give themselves a deadline. So, even just that little tip of like tell somebody else your deadline can really help get the wheels turning.   Laura Dugger: (40:11 - 40:41) That's good. Again, such practical advice. And Katie, you are such a natural encourager. There's even a joy or lightheartedness in your voice and a warmth. And I love how you come alongside others and help develop them and see their dreams fulfilled. So, I love that generosity of spirit. But I also want to hear what else is coming next for you, including, will you tell us about this novel that's becoming a movie?   Katie Reid: (40:42 - 42:40) Yes. So, interestingly enough, when I launched my first book, Made Like Martha came out in 2018. And then I had this idea for a book about Deborah from Judges. Well, wouldn't you know, here we are seven years later and that book is finally coming out. So, in the meantime, as I was encountering a lot of closed doors about this particular book, I was like, "Well, I'm a creative and I'm a writer. And if I can't write nonfiction, I guess I'll try fiction."   And so, I wrote a Hallmark-like story called A Very Bavarian Christmas. We self-published it. It came out in 2020. And funny that God knew that people actually needed something lighthearted with a happy ending because I wrote it in 2019. And then when it came out, people were hunkered down and just needed that kind of feel good type of clean rom-com. And so, I call this the little book that could, Laura, because literally I got an email from Carlos from California and that it went to my spam folder. And it surely sounded like spam, but what Carlos said is, "Our team has read your book and we would like to purchase the movie rights." And so, sometime in the future, it will likely be on UP TV. There's going to be a movie based on my novel.   And then the sequel, A Very Bavarian Summer, has recently come out. July 5th was its release date. And it's just been such a fun journey. So, a publisher ended up picking up the series. And I was just as surprised as anyone. I was hoping it would be a movie. I kind of wrote it like that. And again, there was many voices saying, "Yeah, you know, you're not a fiction writer. So, let's kind of see how it goes." But I just knew that God had given me this story and that anything is possible. And it wasn't a guarantee. It would all turn out how I thought it would. But it's been a very fun and exciting journey for sure.   Laura Dugger: (42:41 - 42:52) That's incredible. So excited for you. I have to keep us posted for when we can see that. But where else can we go after this conversation to continue learning more from you?   Katie Reid: (42:53 - 43:51) Well, the best place is at my website, katiemreid.com. And Reid is R-E-I-D. And if you subscribe, listeners, to my website, I send out a good newsletter, I call it, once a month with all the things. I'm also on Instagram @katiem_reid. And then my books are available, Made Like Martha, God, What Do I Do?, A Very Bavarian Christmas, and A Very Bavarian Summer. And so, we're also pitching another Bible study. So, hopefully in a year or so there will be some more. But I love to resource people. My desire, whether I am writing nonfiction or fiction, is to see captives set free. Because Jesus has set me free. And I long for others to live that abundant life with Jesus. And so, that thread is throughout each resource we offer. And I would love to connect with listeners over my website or online.   Laura Dugger: (43:52 - 44:17) I'll make sure to link to all of that in the show notes. I love that, setting the captives free, joining that good work that Jesus is doing. And Katie, you already know that we're called The Savvy Sauce. Because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge or insight or discernment. So, as my final question for you today, what is your savvy sauce?   Katie Reid: (44:18 - 45:12) Well, I am bad at small talk. I like to go deep fast. And so, I feel like my savvy sauce is asking meaningful questions. Whether that be of my spouse or my kids. And really getting to know their heart and what makes them tick. We call them quality questions.   And I think people are willing to open up when they feel safe, when they feel seen, and when they feel known. And so, I love to just kind of dive in deep. In fact, my husband and I will joke if we're out on a double date or something. I'll just say, "Listen, I'm bad at small talk. So, can we talk about fill in the blank?" And so, I think that's one of my savvy sauces. It might annoy some people, I guess. But I think it's really fun to watch someone talk about something they're passionate about. And just get to know them better.   Laura Dugger: (45:13 - 45:52) Amen to that. I love that so much. I do not think it's obnoxious or annoying or anything. I actually very much appreciate when we first met through Justin and Jenny Moss. And Justin's been a repeat guest, so I'll link to his episodes as well. But we met at their daughter's wedding. And I was instantly drawn to you. And it was near the end of the night, so we didn't get to spend as much time together as I hoped. But you have that magnetic personality. And I love even the gifts of your decisiveness. And the way that you're able to articulate all of your wisdom and share it with us. It was such a blessing. So, thank you for being my guest today.   Katie Reid: (45:53 - 46:04) Laura, thank you so much. And I love what you're doing with The Savvy Sauce podcast. And you are just shining and in your element. And it's so evident. And I just appreciate you.     Laura Dugger: (46:04 – 49:49) Thank you, Katie. 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.

The story of Christ’s birth is filled with divine reversals—moments where God chose humility over grandeur and simplicity over splendor. Instead of being born in a palace fit for a king, Jesus entered the world in a lowly manger among livestock, revealing a Savior who draws near to the humble. The Magi, guided by God’s star and later by His Spirit, demonstrate how no one finds Jesus on their own—He leads us to Himself. This season, we are invited to return to the manger with hearts open to wonder, worship, and the profound meaning of Christ’s humble arrival. Main Takeaways You’ll learn why Jesus’ humble birthplace reveals God’s upside-down kingdom and His heart for the lowly. Discover how the Magi’s journey shows that God Himself leads people to Christ. Understand the prophetic connections between Isaiah 53, Luke 2, and Matthew 2. Reflect on how the Holy Spirit guides believers today to continually rediscover Christ. Be encouraged to seek Jesus wholeheartedly and worship Him with the same joy and reverence as the Magi. Bible Verse References Luke 2:7 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/2-7.html Isaiah 53:2 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/53-2.html Matthew 2:1–2 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/passage/?q=matthew+2:1-2 Matthew 2:3–6 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/passage/?q=matthew+2:3-6 Matthew 2:7–8 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/passage/?q=matthew+2:7-8 Matthew 2:9–12 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/passage/?q=matthew+2:9-12 Your Daily Prayer Dear Father,As we enter this Christmas season, lead our hearts to the manger—to Jesus. Open our eyes to the wonder of His humble birth and the beauty of Your plan. Help us seek Him wholeheartedly, like the Magi, and worship Him with joy, awe, and reverence. Soften our hearts to lay our treasures before Him and guide us by Your Holy Spirit to know Him more deeply and to lead others to Him.In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily devotionals delivered straight to your favorite podcast app. Leave a rating or review to help others discover biblical encouragement. Visit LifeAudio.com to explore more faith-building podcasts. Read more Christmas devotionals and Bible studies at Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com. Relevant Links & Resources Christmas devotionals, Bible studies, and spiritual reflections:Crosswalk.com – https://www.crosswalk.comChristianity.com – https://www.christianity.com Scripture study tools for today’s passages:BibleStudyTools.com – https://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/2-7.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.