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Spiritual heaviness can feel like it hits from every direction—global tragedies, personal struggles, and the weight of a world that seems to groan louder each day. Ephesians 6:10-11 reminds us that we’re not powerless in these seasons. God equips us with spiritual armor, giving us strength to stand firm, fight wisely, and remain grounded in His truth even when darkness feels overwhelming. Highlights Spiritual battles are real, but God never asks us to face them alone. The Holy Spirit empowers believers with strength, discernment, and courage. God’s armor—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and His Word—protects us against the enemy’s schemes. Darkness may appear loud, but God’s authority is final, and His victory is already secured. Preparing daily with Scripture helps us resist defeat and stay rooted in truth. The enemy’s tactics are predictable, but God’s power in us is greater. Remembering God’s past faithfulness helps anchor us when the present feels heavy. 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: God’s Armor for the Spiritually Heavy Seasons By: Laura Bailey Bible Reading: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” - Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV For the past few weeks, I have felt a spiritual heaviness, both personally and as if I am carrying the weight of the world. Perhaps you can relate? In the middle of you trying to figure out how to pay for your child’s braces, another school shooting pops up on your news feed, and it's more than you can handle. A friend sharing about a difficult diagnosis on the heels of learning about a public assassination is overwhelming. The tension in your church is growing due to differences in direction, coupled with the continued polarization of society, leaving your soul weary. There is so much despair, desperation, and depravity all around us, yet as believers, we don’t have to live defeated. Paul, in his letter to the church of Ephesus, reminds them of the spiritual battle that wages all around them. However, they are not alone in the battle; they have the power of the Holy Spirit, who is alive and active in the lives of believers. Scripture is clear; it’s not a question of whether we will encounter spiritual attacks, but when we do, we must be prepared. So suit up, brothers and sisters in Christ, put on the whole armor of God as you stand firm in your faith, rooted in God’s Word, strengthened by the Lord’s power. Join me as we enter the battle each day, knowing that we don’t fight against the flesh, but against the powers of darkness, the prince of this world (Ephesians 6:12). May we cling to the truth that while it may feel that the darkness is winning, God is on the throne and one day, He will come again. Darkness will be defeated once and for all! “Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” - Ephesians 6:13-17 NIV Heavenly Father, we bow before You, and we humbly ask that You equip us for battle. We know, Lord, that there is a spiritual battle that wages all around us. We want to be prepared so that we don’t fall victim to the enemy’s attacks. While he is the prince of the power of the air ( 2 Corinthians 4:4), he is a created being, and You are the creator ( Genesis 1:1). Satan’s power is limited, and he is under your authority. We don’t have to be fearful, but we must be watchful, for the enemy prowls around like a lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Our adversary’s tactics are not unique, and his mission is simple: “to kill, steal, and destroy” ( John 10:10) God’s creation. As Your Children, we don’t fight alone! You’ve given us a Helper (John 14:26), the Holy Spirit, who teaches and reminds us of Your Truths. Let us feel Your presence, as we buckle the belt of Truth around us, holding up our faith, and giving us the secure confidence and support of the Scriptures. Let us stand firm, as we proclaim the Truth of the gospel, shielding the enemy’s attacks on the righteous. We arm ourselves with the shield of faith and securely fasten the helmet of salvation, protecting our minds and thoughts from the evil one. Lord, grant us perseverance and steadfastness in our studying, meditation, and application of Your Holy Word. Lastly, Lord, when we feel overwhelmed and are tempted to believe that all hope is lost, grant us the power of remembrance. Fill our hearts and minds with biblical Truth, guide us to recall all the ways You have been faithful in our lives, and may we rest securely that You will keep Your future promises. You are securely on the throne, with Jesus at Your Right hand, to You be the glory, and honor! In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: Many of us are familiar with Ephesians 6:10-17, yet we suffer from spiritual amnesia. When we are under attack, we begin to feel defeated, instead of remembering that we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:31-39). Take some time today and write out Ephesians 6:10-17, and place these verses somewhere as a daily reminder to put on the whole armor of God. Further Reading:Romans 8:31-39 A Spiritual Warfare Prayer Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Refresh!A Fresh Perspective: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25Sowing and reaping in the spiritual realm: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatian 6:7-10, NIV)Acts of the Flesh vs. Fruit of the Spirit The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:19-23, NIV)Watch out! Possible seed contamination!“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” (Romans 7:15, NIV) The Sower influences the size of the crop but God gives the growth and ultimately controls the size of the crop.Good news: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6, NIV)Bad news: “They sow to the wind and reap the whirlwind,” (Hosea 8:7, NIV)Where do I start? Visit the tables in the Great Room to learn more about current opportunities.Visit gatewayfranklin.com to learn about and sign up for information about upcoming events.Contact Georgetta at georgetta@gatewayfranklin.com. THE EXCEPTION:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23, NIV)23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23, NIV) "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV)

“Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” ‭‭John‬ ‭9‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Most people think of October 31st as Halloween—but it’s also Reformation Day, a cornerstone of Christian history that forever changed how believers understand salvation. Rooted in Romans 5:1–2, this devotional reminds us that faith—not works—justifies us before God. Martin Luther’s courage to challenge corruption in the church reignited the truth of salvation by grace alone through faith alone, and his bold stand still calls us to live out the Gospel with conviction today. Highlights Reformation Day commemorates October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Wittenberg church door. Luther’s actions reclaimed the biblical truth that salvation comes by grace through faith, not by works or wealth. His translation of the Bible into German gave ordinary people access to God’s Word for the first time. Today, over 700 languages have Scripture translations—a legacy of the Reformation’s impact. Believers are called to guard against modern distortions of the Gospel, like prosperity or works-based teachings. Living out Reformation truths means boldly proclaiming salvation through Christ alone and standing firm in sound doctrine. Join the Conversation How can you live out the truths of the Reformation in your daily faith walk? Share your reflections and gratitude for the freedom we have in Christ. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #ReformationFaith #GraceAlone #FaithInChrist to join the conversation.

Built Different Pt. 7 | October 26, 2025Pastor Wes MorrisMark 5:2-20 (NIV) When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain.Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him.Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs.” He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned.When the people came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind.As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man begged to go with him. Jesus said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.”So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.√  HE LABELS YOU BY YOUR BROKENNESS.The enemy calls you by your past. God calls you by your name.√  HE TRIES TO MAKE YOU COMFORTABLE IN THE DARK. John 8:12 (NIV) I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.√  HE CONVINCES YOU NOTHING WILL EVER CHANGE.John 10:10 (NIV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.BUILT DIFFERENT: BUILT FOR A BETTER STORYI. LEAVE THE TOMBS BEHIND.Ephesians 5:14 (NIV) Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.II. SEE YOURSELF THE WAY GOD SEES YOU.Judges 6:11–12 (NIV) The angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”II Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.III. STEP INTO YOUR PURPOSE.Mark 5:19 (NIV) “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you…”Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Text: Romans 12:1-8; variousTheme: While on earth, Jesus did some pretty amazing things. Now, as the “Body of Christ” the church is called on to move and work, love and extend grace on His behalf. God has a way of giving us different skills in order to work together to accomplish this mission. This week we want you to see how YOU can be a part of God's plan.Memory Verse: Romans 12:4-5 (NIV) “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49509894

The Process of a Blessed Life 3) God cuts what's working, not just what's broken   Genesis 12:1–2 (NIV) The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father's household to a land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.”   Fine isn't the same as fruitful.   Growth doesn't just mean adding new things; sometimes it means releasing old ones.   4) Blessing grows through surrender, not comfort   James 1:2–4 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.   Pain → Process → Purpose   2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV) For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.   The pressure you're feeling might be the proof you're growing.   5) What God removes always makes room for something better.   Hebrews 12:11 (NIV) No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.   Job 42:10, 12 (NIV) After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before... The Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the former part. What feels like decrease now is often the setup for double later. Galatians 6:9 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. The cut isn't the end of your story, it's the evidence that your next season is about to bloom

Key Scriptures •Ephesians 2:8–9 (NIV)“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”→ This is the cornerstone text showing salvation is grace-based, not works-based. •Romans 3:23–24“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”→ No one measures up by deeds; justification is by grace. •Titus 3:4–5“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”→ Our salvation rests in His mercy, not our moral report card. •John 3:16–17“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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”→ Eternal life is a matter of faith in Christ, not tallying deeds. •Galatians 2:16“…a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.”→ Works of law cannot save—faith alone in Christ justifies.Follow Jessicas YouTube:https://youtube.com/ ⁨@OperationPTC⁩  Follow my Patreonhttps://patreon.com/mikeglover

Send us a textPsalm 91:11 – Angelic ProtectionPsalm 91:11 Daily Prayer – God's Angels Guard Me, Protection in All Ways, Prayer for Safety, Comfort in God's Care & Peace in His Presence Psalm 91:11 (NIV) – “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”Show Notes Are you searching for a Psalm 91:11 prayer for angelic protection? Do you need a daily prayer for God's angels to guard you, a Bible verse for safety in every way, a Christian prayer for comfort in God's care, or a devotional prayer for peace in His presence? This is the Daily Christian Devotional Podcast with Reverend Ben Cooper, streaming worldwide. Each devotion declares angelic protection, safety, and comfort under God's command.Psalm 91:11 is globally searched for assurance that God commands His angels over His children. Reverend Ben Cooper prays for angelic covering and God's safety in all ways.10 Prayer Points – Psalm 91:11Prayer for angelic protection in my life.Prayer for God's angels to guard my family.Prayer for safety in all my ways.Prayer for confidence in God's care.Prayer for peace in His covering.Prayer for comfort in angelic guardianship.Prayer for strength in God's presence.Prayer for hope in His promises.Prayer for assurance of divine safety.Prayer for joy in God's protection.Life Application Declare: “God commands His angels to guard me in all my ways.”Call to Action Subscribe, share, and support at RBChristianRadio.net.Psalm 91:11 Prayer, Daily Christian Devotional Podcast, Reverend Ben Cooper, Prayer for Angelic Protection, Christian Prayer for Safety, Bible Verse on God's Angels, Daily Prayer for Comfort, Prayer for Peace in God's Care, Spotify Christian Devotional, Apple Christian Prayer, Global Christian PrayerSupport the showThank you for listening! For more inspiring content, visit our main site at RBChristianRadio.net. Explore our ministry services and celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net. If you'd like to support our work, you can now Buy Me a Coffee and help us keep spreading the word. Every bit makes a difference! God bless and see you in the next episode.

Built Different Pt. 2 | September 21, 2025II Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV) For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.√  WE FIGHT THE WRONG ENEMY. Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.John 10:10 (NIV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…√  WE FIGHT WITH THE WRONG WEAPONS.I Samuel 17:45 (NIV) You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty.√  WE FIGHT FOR THE WRONG VICTORY.Matthew 16:24-26 (NLT) Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?BUILT FOR THE BATTLEI. PICK UP OUR SPIRITUAL WEAPONS.Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.Truth (Belt) - We hold our life together with the truth of God's Word.Righteousness (Breastplate) - Right living guards our heart.Peace (Shoes) - We walk steady with the peace of Christ.Faith (Shield) - Combat the enemy's lies through our trust in God.Salvation (Helmet) - Protect your mind with your identity in Christ.Word of God (Sword) - Fight back with Scripture.Prayer - Stay connected to God's power in the battle.II. RENEW OUR MINDS DAILY.II Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) ...we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.Colossians 3:2 (NIV) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.III. RELY ON THE HOLY SPIRIT'S POWER.Galatians 5:22-25 (NLT) But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.Group Discussion Questions + PracticeOpening QuestionShare about a time when you felt like you were in a battle - maybe at work, in your family, or even in your mind. How did you try to fight that battle?Part 1– The Battles We FaceWe fight the wrong enemy (Ephesians 6:12)Why do we often view people as the enemy instead of recognizing the real spiritual battle behind the scenes?How might seeing the “true enemy” change the way you respond to conflict in your life right now?We fight with the wrong weapons (1 Samuel 17:45)What “worldly weapons” are easy for you to pick up when life gets hard (anger, control, avoidance, etc.)?We fight for the wrong victory (Matthew 16:24–26)Jesus warned that it's possible to “gain the whole world but lose your soul.” What might a “shallow victory” look like in your life?How can we shift our focus from temporary wins to eternal victories?

⁠1 Thessalonians 1:4 NIV - For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you......

Send us a text2 Timothy 1:7 Prayer for FearTimothy 1:7 Daily Prayer – Freedom from Fear, Spirit of Power, Boldness in Christ & Confidence in God @350 Daily Devotional Podcast2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”SHOW NOTES Are you searching for a 2 Timothy 1:7 prayer for fear? Do you need prayer for freedom from fear, prayer for courage in trials, prayer for boldness in Christ, prayer for power and love, and prayer for confidence in God's Spirit? This is the Daily Christian Devotional Podcast with Reverend Ben Cooper, recorded in London, England, streaming globally across Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Buzzsprout.2 Timothy 1:7 declares that God's Spirit drives out fear. Reverend Ben Cooper prays for boldness, courage, and strength to walk in power and love.This devotion affirms that fear cannot remain where God's Spirit rules.10 PRAYER POINTS – 2 TIMOTHY 1:7 FEAR PRAYERPrayer for freedom from fear.Prayer for courage in trials.Prayer for boldness in Christ.Prayer for power from the Spirit.Prayer for love that drives out fear.Prayer for confidence in God.Prayer for strength against worry.Prayer for calmness in fear.Prayer for joy in Christ's Spirit.Prayer for victory over fear daily.LIFE APPLICATION Pray 2 Timothy 1:7: “God's Spirit gives me power, love, and self-discipline.”CALL TO ACTION If this devotion gave you courage, subscribe and share the Daily Christian Devotional Podcast. Support the mission: RB Christian Radio. Daily Christian Devotional Podcast, Daily Prayer Devotion, Reverend Ben Cooper, 2 Timothy 1:7 Fear Prayer, Bible Verses about Courage, Prayer for Boldness in Christ, Daily Christian Devotional London England, Prayer for Power and Love, Prayer for Victory over Fear, Spotify Christian Devotional Podcast, Apple Christian Prayer Podcast, Global Christian DevotionSupport the showThank you for listening! For more inspiring content, visit our main site at RBChristianRadio.net. Explore our ministry services and celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net. If you'd like to support our work, you can now Buy Me a Coffee and help us keep spreading the word. Every bit makes a difference! God bless and see you in the next episode.

In the conclusion of this two-part series, Stasi and Lisa Beck explore how to discover our irreplaceable roles in God's story. They reflect on how God often reveals our calling in everyday moments, from the themes in our lives to the desires of our hearts. With honesty, humor, and a powerful prayer of blessing, they inspire us to cast off comparison, stand in our belovedness, and embrace the unique way God has designed us. Friends, your life matters, and your desire to play an important and significant role is God-given. You are irreplaceable.…..SHOW NOTES:…..If you haven't listened to Part 1, you can do so here: YouTube: https://wahe.art/4mDZ2rnWild at Heart App:  https://wahe.art/4n8fcJfVERSES: Acts 9:18 (NIV) – Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized.Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) – For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.…..RESOURCESCaptivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John and Stasi Eldredge   https://wahe.art/3L9tLMcCaptivating Retreats – Multi-day retreats led by the Wild at Heart team, designed to help women encounter God and rediscover their irreplaceable role in His story. Find a Captivating Retreat near you: https://wahe.art/48LnpNF…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode—Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: https://wahe.art/4jFlAXuSpotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

Send us a textGlobal Crisis & God's PeaceMatthew 11:28–30 Daily Prayer – Peace in Global Crisis, Strength in Uncertainty, Courage, Rest & God's Hope @235 Daily Devotional PodcastMatthew 11:30 (NIV) – “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”SHOW NOTES Are you overwhelmed by global crises, uncertainty, or world events? Do you long for peace in unstable times? This Daily Christian Devotional Podcast with Reverend Ben Cooper, recorded live in London, England, carries a global message of peace across Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Buzzsprout.Today's devotion reflects on Matthew 11:30, reminding us that even in a world of war, economic pressure, and global fear, Jesus offers peace, courage, and rest. Reverend Ben Cooper prays for strength, calm, and endurance in crisis.This devotion declares that Jesus' yoke is light and His hope unshakable—even when the world shakes.10 PRAYER POINTS – PEACE IN CRISISPrayer for courage in global fear.Prayer for peace in uncertainty.Prayer for strength in crisis.Prayer for rest in turbulence.Prayer for faith in global instability.Prayer for hope in hardship.Prayer for unity in crisis.Prayer for comfort in suffering nations.Prayer for wisdom for leaders.Prayer for peace in world events.LIFE APPLICATION When global news feels overwhelming, pause and pray Matthew 11:30. Exchange the world's burden for Christ's light yoke.CALL TO ACTION If this devotion encouraged you, subscribe and share the Daily Christian Devotional Podcast. Join thousands worldwide, live from London, England. Support the mission: RB Christian Radio. Daily Christian Devotional Podcast, Daily Prayer Devotion, Reverend Ben Cooper, Matthew 11:30 Peace in Global Crisis, Prayer for Strength in Uncertainty, Bible Verses about God's Peace, Daily Christian Devotional London England, Prayer for Courage in Hardship, Prayer for Rest in World Turmoil, Spotify Christian Devotional Podcast, Apple Christian Prayer Podcast, Global Christian DevotionSupport the showThank you for listening! For more inspiring content, visit our main site at RBChristianRadio.net. Explore our ministry services and celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net. If you'd like to support our work, you can now Buy Me a Coffee and help us keep spreading the word. Every bit makes a difference! God bless and see you in the next episode.

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body and refocus your mind to experience the reality of God's presence. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  Acts 17:25 NIV “He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17:28 NIV “For in him we live and move and have our being.” Colossians 1:16-17 NIV “...All things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” The Jesus Prayer “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” The earliest attested references to a form of the Jesus Prayer appear in a letter traditionally attributed to John Chrysostom (AD 407). In a “Letter to an Abbot,” John Chrysostom makes mention of using "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy" (and also the plural variant "…have mercy on us") as a form of unceasing prayer. Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body and refocus your mind to experience the reality of God's presence. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  Acts 17:25 NIV “He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17:28 NIV “For in him we live and move and have our being.” Colossians 1:16-17 NIV “...All things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” The Jesus Prayer “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” The earliest attested references to a form of the Jesus Prayer appear in a letter traditionally attributed to John Chrysostom (AD 407). In a “Letter to an Abbot,” John Chrysostom makes mention of using "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy" (and also the plural variant "…have mercy on us") as a form of unceasing prayer. Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

Send us a textPsalm 139:13–14 – Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Psalm 139 Daily Christian Devotional – God Knows Me, Identity, Worth, Purpose, Calling & Confidence in Christ @178 Daily Prayer PodcastPsalm 139:13–14 (NIV) – “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”SHOW NOTES Are you searching for daily prayer about identity, worth, and purpose? Do you need encouragement to see yourself through God's eyes? Welcome to the Daily Christian Devotional Podcast with Reverend Ben Cooper, recorded live in London, England, and streaming globally on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio.Today's devotion is rooted in Psalm 139, reminding us that God knows us intimately and created us with intention. Every detail of your life is seen, known, and loved by the Creator.Reverend Ben Cooper prays for those battling insecurity, shame, or comparison. This devotional declares your God-given worth, your divine calling, and your identity as fearfully and wonderfully made.10 PRAYER POINTS – FEARFULLY & WONDERFULLY MADEPrayer for confidence in Christ.Prayer for healing from insecurity.Prayer for purpose in God's plan.Prayer for freedom from comparison.Prayer for joy in identity.Prayer for self-worth rooted in God.Prayer for acceptance of God's design.Prayer for strength in calling.Prayer for assurance of God's love.Prayer for courage to walk in purpose.LIFE APPLICATION Each morning, declare: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Write it down and repeat it until you believe it.CALL TO ACTION If this devotion uplifted you, subscribe and share the Daily Christian Devotional Podcast. Join thousands worldwide, live from London, England. Support the mission at RB Christian Radio. Daily Christian Devotional Podcast, Daily Prayer Devotion, Reverend Ben Cooper, Psalm 139 Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, Prayer for Identity in Christ, Bible Verses about God Knowing Me, Daily Christian Devotional London England, Prayer for Confidence and Purpose, Prayer for Healing from Insecurity, Spotify Christian Devotional Podcast, Apple Christian Prayer Podcast, Global Christian Daily DevotionSupport the showThank you for listening! For more inspiring content, visit our main site at RBChristianRadio.net. Explore our ministry services and celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net. If you'd like to support our work, you can now Buy Me a Coffee and help us keep spreading the word. Every bit makes a difference! God bless and see you in the next episode.

In part one of this two-part series, Stasi is joined by her friend Lisa Beck of the Wild at Heart women's team to reflect on a core desire of every woman's heart: to play her irreplaceable role in God's epic story. Through tender stories of hidden impact and lasting influence, they remind us that each of us is significant and that all our offerings, large and small, carry eternal value. We hope this episode helps you see how deeply you matter and recognize with fresh wonder and hope your irreplaceable role in God's kingdom.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) – For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.Matthew 18:3 (NIV) – And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'Mark 12:31 (NIV) – The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.…..RESOURCESCaptivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John and Stasi Eldredge ⁠https://wahe.art/3L9tLMc⁠Captivating Retreats – Multi-day retreats led by the Wild at Heart team, designed to help women encounter God and rediscover their irreplaceable role in His story. Find a Captivating Retreat near you: ⁠https://wahe.art/48LnpNF⁠…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode—Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: ⁠https://wahe.art/4jFlAXu⁠Spotify Podcasts – ⁠https://spoti.fi/42SsOip⁠Apple Podcasts – ⁠https://apple.co/42E0oZ1⁠ Google Podcasts – ⁠http://wahe.art/3M81kxL⁠Amazon Music & Audible – ⁠https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ⁠

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body and refocus your mind to experience the reality of God's presence. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  Acts 17:25 NIV “He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17:28 NIV “For in him we live and move and have our being.” Colossians 1:16-17 NIV “...All things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body and refocus your mind to experience the reality of God's presence. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  Acts 17:25 NIV “He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17:28 NIV “For in him we live and move and have our being.” Colossians 1:16-17 NIV “...All things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

Student Takeover Sunday  Speaker: Pastor Ken Primeau August 31, 2025 Ephesians 2:10 NIV “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

What does it mean to embody Christ, to be the living expression of his love in the world? In this inspiring episode, Stasi invites listeners to embrace our God-given design as image-bearers who carry his presence into our everyday moments. Through Scripture, story, and gentle guidance, Stasi shares how we reflect Jesus not by striving, but by receiving his love, blessing our lives, and living surrendered. Dear one, you matter, and your life reveals the heart of God.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Ephesians 1:18–19 (NIV) – I pray 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 his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV) – We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.John 14:12 (NIV) – Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.Romans 12:1 (NIV) – Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.1 John 1:9 (NIV) – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.Romans 8:1 (NIV) – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) – For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.John 13:35 (NIV) – By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) – And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.Philippians 2:13 (NIV) – For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.John 3:16 (NIV) – 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.……..RESOURCES"Apocalypse People: The discipleship movement that will probably change the world" by Blaine Eldredge   ⁠https://wahe.art/4n7GhgC⁠The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World by John Mark Comer  ⁠https://bit.ly/4ne2jOX⁠Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did. by John Mark Comer  ⁠https://bit.ly/4jZThCi⁠Poem – Indwelt by A.S. Wilson:Not merely in the words you say,Not only in your deeds confessed,But in the most unconscious wayIs Christ expressed.Is it a beatific smile,A holy light upon your brow;Oh no, I felt His Presence whileYou laughed just now.For me ‘twas not the truth you taughtTo you so clear, to me still dimBut when you came to me you broughtA sense of Him.And from your eyes He beckons me,And from your heart His love is shed,Til I lose sight of you and seeThe Christ instead.…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode—Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: ⁠https://wahe.art/4jFlAXu⁠Spotify Podcasts – ⁠https://spoti.fi/42SsOip⁠Apple Podcasts – ⁠https://apple.co/42E0oZ1⁠ Google Podcasts – ⁠http://wahe.art/3M81kxL⁠Amazon Music & Audible – ⁠https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

Send us a textBut the time is coming—indeed it's here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.  John 4:231. Worship Isn't Limited to a segment of PeopleRomans 1:21–25 (NIV)“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.”2. Worship Isn't Limited to a segment  of LifeMatthew 6:33 (NIV) — “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”3. True Worship is a whole Life ResponseJohn 4:19–24 (NIV)“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”4. Why does Worship Matter?     - Because you become what you worshipPsalm 115:21 Not to us, Lord, not to us    but to your name be the glory,    because of your love and faithfulness.2 Why do the nations say,    “Where is their God?”3 Our God is in heaven;    he does whatever pleases him.4 But their idols are silver and gold,    made by human hands.5 They have mouths, but cannot speak,    eyes, but cannot see.6 They have ears, but cannot hear,    noses, but cannot smell.7 They have hands, but cannot feel,    feet, but cannot walk,    nor can they utter a sound with their throats.8 Those who make them will be like them,    and so will all who trust in them     - Because You Only Get one shot  Isaiah 42:5“This is what God the Lord says—the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,who gives breath to His people,and life to those who walk on it. Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today's message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body and refocus your mind to experience the reality of God's presence. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  *Note: We will release just one episode per week on Tuesdays during the summer. Acts 17:25 NIV “He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17:28 NIV “For in him we live and move and have our being.” Romans 11:33-36 NIV 33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”  35 “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?”  36 For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body and refocus your mind to experience the reality of God's presence. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  *Note: We will release just one episode per week on Tuesdays during the summer. Acts 17:25 NIV “He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17:28 NIV “For in him we live and move and have our being.” Romans 11:33-36 NIV 33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”  35 “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?”  36 For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

Transformed By Love // “Love Is” How can we, as a church and as individuals, live in our community in a way that reflects the grace and kindness of Jesus? But What Is the Love of God? Ephesians 3:14-19 (ESV)“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Agape - noun used 18x = benevolence, goodwill, flowing from God's charter. Agapáo - verb used 28x = The proof of love. Love Is + Love Does God is Love What is the Love of God Like? His Love Appears First 1 John 4:19 (ESV)“We love because he first loved us.” His Love Cannot be Earned 1 John 4:9-10 (NLT)“God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)“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.” “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” - Timothy Keller His Love is Proven by the Cross Romans 5:6,8 (ESV)“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly… but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” John 3:16-17 (NIV)“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” His love is revealed by the Holy Spirit Galatians 1:11-12 (ESV)“For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 3:14-19 (ESV)“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” “Holy Spirit, Give Me a Revelation of Your Love, I Need It!” 

WHEN HEAVEN CALLSSunday, July 27, 2025Pastor Wes Morris Isaiah 6:1-8 (NLT) It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple.Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke. Then I said, “It's all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”√ GOD'S CALL DOESN'T BEGIN WITH AN ASSIGNMENT - IT BEGINS WITH AN ENCOUNTER. Isaiah 6:1 (NLT) ...I saw the Lord.√ THE CLOSER WE GET TO GOD, THE MORE CLEARLY WE SEE OUR NEED FOR GRACE. Isaiah 6:5 (NIV) “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips...”Luke 5:8 (NIV) When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” You are more sinful than you ever dared believe, and yet more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than you ever dared hope.-Tim Keller√ GRACE DOESN'T JUST COVER OUR PAST - IT CALLS US INTO OUR FUTURE.Isaiah 6:8 (NLT) Then I heard the Lord asking, “Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”WHEN HEAVEN CALLSThe place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.- Frederick BuechnerI. START WITH SURRENDER.Romans 12:1-2 (MSG) So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it.II. STRETCH OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE. II Corinthians 5:14-15 (TLB) He died for all so that all who live—having received eternal life from him—might live no longer for themselves, to please themselves, but to spend their lives pleasing Christ who died and rose again for them.What makes me feel most alive?What problems or people do I feel drawn to help? (What breaks my heart?)How could God use me to make a difference?III. SAY YES TO THE CALL.Isaiah 6:8 (NLT) Then I heard the Lord asking, “Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.To learn more about Bay Chapel or to visit us in person, check out baychapel.com

Top Ten from 2024: #2 Escape from Modern Day Sex Slavery with Rachel Timothy   *DISCLAIMER* This episode includes thematic material and may be triggering. It is only intended for mature audiences and those who are not triggered by graphic sexual content.   **Transcription of original episode**  229. Escape from Modern Day Sex Slavery with Rachel Timothy   Ephesians 5:8-14 (NIV) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light  (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)  and find out what pleases the Lord.  Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.  It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.  But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.  This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”   Rachel Timothy was only nine years old when she was first approached by a perpetrator who was known to her as a teacher and coach. In her books, she goes into detail of the process of being groomed and how the evil of what was happening to her in the dark remained unseen by everyone around her. She describes how she coped for so many years by blocking out the memories only to have them resurface when she was an adult with a family of her own. Rachel had no idea that when she would pursue justice it would end up putting her right back in the world of trafficking. It wasn't until her church family saw the signs and believed what she was saying that she was able to start the process of finding freedom. Rachel shows her faith and love of God during the highs and lows of her journey and she prays for each person who reads her story. That their eyes will be opened and their actions will lead us toward ending sex trafficking in our world.   Stop Suffering Website   Rachel's Books: Open Blind Eyes Reflecting Ownership Reflecting Ownership Workbook   Questions and Topics We Discuss: Will you share your story with us? Will you close the loop on an update to today? How can we recognize signs of trafficking in our children and in our community?    Thank You to Our Sponsor: The Homeschool Printing Company   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook, Instagram or Our Website.   Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!   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.”

Welcome back to the Be Encouraged! Podcast! You are listening to esode # 7 and final episode of the Believe series called, God's Way is BetterIsaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”Are you in a season of waiting, wondering if all your creating, doing, and striving is making a difference? This episode gently reminds us that God is the ultimate Creator—and that His plans are far better than the ones we could ever imagine for ourselves. Through personal testimony, biblical truth, and reflective encouragement, I am inviting you to examine whether your efforts are aligned with God's calling… or if you've been trying to do it all on your own.We'll talk about:The difference between creating or working with God versus creating or working for ourselves.Why listening, obeying, and surrendering are keys to unlocking true peace and purpose in Christ. How the book of Isaiah shows us hope and redemption, even in seasons of silence and uncertainty.Practical ways to discern your priorities and realign your creative plan with God's plan.Whether you're a mom, teacher, student, artist, or a dreamer—this one's for you. Because your work, when surrendered to God, does matter. He sees you. He's not finished with you. And His way? Always better!Reflection Questions:Am I creating for God's glory or my own?Do I trust God enough to surrender my timelines, goals, and expectations to Him?What do I need to lay at Jesus' feet today?Mentioned in this Episode:Elisabeth Elliot's words: “Trust and Obey.”The power of creative rest and trusting God's timing.Encouragement for those waiting on job doors to open or clarity to come.Takeaway Quote:"When we walk by faith, we surrender our view and trust God's. His ways are always higher. Always better."To learn more about the host, Jackie Brindle --- be sure to check out the link below! Also, follow on Instagram @be_encouraged_podcast! Thank you for listening! https://linktr.ee/jackiebrindle

Angie and Susie dive into Ephesians 6:12 and the reality of the spiritual battles we face every day. They will help you recognize the enemy's subtle tactics, stand firm in God's truth, and remember: you never fight alone.When the fire rages, you won't be consumed — because Christ is standing with you.Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.https://livesteadyon.com/https://susiecrosby.com/https://www.logos.com/https://enduringword.com/https://www.wordhippo.com/https://www.biblegateway.com/https://www.blueletterbible.org/https://biblehub.com/greek/4189.htmVine, W. "Iniquity - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words." Blue Letter Bible. 24 Jun, 1996. Web. 17 Feb, 2025.Günther Harder, “Πονηρός, Πονηρία,” in Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, ed. Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–), 549.Max Anders, Galatians-Colossians, vol. 8, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), 190.Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, vol. 2 (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), 357.John D. Barry, Douglas Mangum, et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Eph 6:12.Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 643.Matthew Henry and Thomas Scott, Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, 1997), Eph 6:10.Theme music:Glimmer by Andy Ellison

Finding Jesus in Unexpected Places // At the Disciple's Feet Matthew 20:28 (NIV)“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” John 13:1-17 (NIV)“It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?' Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.' ‘No,' said Peter, ‘you shall never wash my feet.' Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.' ‘Then, Lord,' Simon Peter replied, ‘not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!' Jesus answered, ‘Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.' For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?' he asked them. ‘You call me ‘Teacher' and ‘Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.'” Mark 9:34-35 (NIV)“But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 10:45 (NIV)“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”     Luke 22:21-27 (NIV)“But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!”  They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this. A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.  For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.'” Mark 4:9 (NIV), Matt 11:15 (NIV)Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” Some Keys to Servanthood: 1.     Serving like Jesus means we move in humility, take action on behalf of others.Phil 2:8 (NIV)“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death.” 2.     Serving like Jesus means we engage compassionately.Matthew 9:36 (NIV)“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” 3.     Serving like Jesus means we must serve graciously.Luke 6:35 (NIV)“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”             Galatians 5:13 (NIV)“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” 4.     Serving like Jesus, we must take time for people.1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.” Let your doing be done for the sake of the doing, not to be seen!

Have you ever struggled to believe that God sees you, knows you, and has a purpose for your life? Stasi is joined by Stacey Burton to reflect on the beauty of God's faithfulness in our lives. Stacey shares her journey of walking with God through cancer, self-doubt, and stepping into an unexpected calling. Together, they discuss trusting His leading, overcoming the lies that keep us small, and embracing His invitations—regardless of the strength of our fears. If you've ever wrestled with your purpose, this episode will encourage you to step into your true identity—for you were made for such a time as this, and you are needed.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Psalm 27:4 (NIV) – One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.Esther 4:14 (NIV) – For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?Ephesians 6:11 (NIV) – Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV) – Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) – But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.Isaiah 43:1 (NIV) – But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.…..RESOURCESThe Sacred Romance by Brent Curtis and John Eldredge  ⁠https://amzn.to/41t7MHt⁠Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John and Stasi Eldredge ⁠https://wahe.art/3L9tLMc⁠Wild at Heart Expanded Edition: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul by John Eldredge ⁠https://amzn.to/4hrXqh3⁠…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode—Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: ⁠https://wahe.art/4jFlAXu⁠Spotify Podcasts – ⁠https://spoti.fi/42SsOip⁠Apple Podcasts – ⁠https://apple.co/42E0oZ1⁠ Google Podcasts – ⁠http://wahe.art/3M81kxL⁠Amazon Music & Audible – ⁠https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

Finding Jesus in Unexpected Places // Zacchaeus Luke 19:1-10 (NIV)“Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.' So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.' But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.' Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'” Ephesians 4:22-25 (NIV)You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Ephesians 4:28-5:1,2 (NIV)“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others upaccording to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Let us imitate Christ and have the mind of Christ.Ephesians 5:1 (NIV)“Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children.” Philippians 2:1-11 (NIV)“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.  In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”    Keys to a Transformed Life          Deny Self         Matthew 16:24 (NIV)         “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves          and take up their cross and follow me.'”          Walk in the Light         Ephesians 5:8-10 (NIV)         “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” Cast Off Hindrances Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Fix Our Eyes on ChristHebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” 

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body and refocus your mind to experience the reality of God's presence. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  *Note: We will release just one episode per week on Tuesdays during the summer. Acts 17:25 NIV “He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Hebrews 10:10 NIV “...We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:12 NIV “...[He] offered for all time one sacrifice for sins.” Hebrews 10:14 NIV “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Romans 8:30 NIV “And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body and refocus your mind to experience the reality of God's presence. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  *Note: We will release just one episode per week on Tuesdays during the summer. Acts 17:25 NIV “He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Hebrews 10:10 NIV “...We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:12 NIV “...[He] offered for all time one sacrifice for sins.” Hebrews 10:14 NIV “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Romans 8:30 NIV “And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

You don't need to be in the _________________ to be in the _________________.[Luke 8:1-3] Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, [2] along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; [3] Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.Don't settle for being a ___________ in the crowd when you can be part of the _________________.[Matthew 6:21 NIV] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.Joanna wasn't just a _________________, she was a _________________.[Luke 6:38] Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full--pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back."Faithful _________________ is never wasted.[Luke 24:1-2, 5, 10] But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. [2] They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. [5] The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, "Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? [10] It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened.Faithfulness is greater than _________________.[Hebrews 6:10] For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.You don't need to be known by the _________________ to be known by _________________.You can change the world from the ___________________.

Today, Stasi invites us to step into the healing of our past as we learn to see our stories through the eyes of Jesus—with kindness, not shame. Through reflections on forgiveness, restoration, and God's unwavering love, we'll discover that it's not our history that defines us—it's Jesus who does. He invites us to remember our stories with mercy and receive his healing in the places that still ache. Join us as we walk together into his presence, where true healing occurs.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: John 14:27 (NIV) – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.Ephesians 3:17 (NIV) – so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,Act 17:28 (NIV) – For in him we live and move and have our being.'As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.'Philippians 3:12 (NIV) – Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) – Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) – For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 8:1 (NIV) – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,Isaiah 61:1 (NIV) – The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,1 John 1:9 (NIV) – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.Psalm 103:12 (NIV) – as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.…..RESOURCESBecoming Myself: Embracing God's Dream of You by Stasi Eldredge (Chapters 2 and 3 in particular)  https://amzn.to/4hzdQULExperiencing the Depth of Jesus Christ by Madame Jeanne Guyon  https://amzn.to/3ZnXQ2zThe Sacred Romance by Brent Curtis and John Eldredge  https://amzn.to/41t7MHtExperience Jesus. Really: Finding Refuge, Strength, and Wonder through Everyday Encounters with God by John Eldredge  https://amzn.to/4jEwBZ7Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John and Stasi Eldredgehttps://wahe.art/3L9tLMc…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode—Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:YouTube: https://wahe.art/4jFlAXuSpotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body and refocus your mind to experience the reality of God's presence. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  Acts 17:25 NIV “…He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17:28 NIV “For in him we live and move and have our being.” Psalm 25:6-7 ESV 6 Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. 7 Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD! Psalm 25:11 ESV “For your name's sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great.” Psalm 25:18 ESV “Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body and refocus your mind to experience the reality of God's presence. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  Acts 17:25 NIV “…He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17:28 NIV “For in him we live and move and have our being.” Psalm 25:6-7 ESV 6 Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. 7 Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD! Psalm 25:11 ESV “For your name's sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great.” Psalm 25:18 ESV “Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.

Finding Jesus in Unexpected Places // The Human Womb Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)“Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (God with us)” Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)“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. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” Colossians 2:9 (NIV)“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” Colossians 1:15-22 (NIV)“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” Isaiah 40:12,15 (NLT)“Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? … For all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket. They are nothing more than dust on the scales. He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand.” John 1:1-4 (NLT)“In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.”     Luke 1:30-39 (NIV)“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacobʼs descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.' ‘How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?' The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.' ‘I am the Lordʼs servant,” Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her. At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea.” Luke 1:41-42 (NIV)“When Elizabeth heard Maryʼs greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!'” Luke 1:44-45 (NIV)“As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Hebrews 4:15-16 (AMP)“For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God's gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”  John 1:14 (NIV)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 (MSG)“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son.” John 1:9-11 (NIV)“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” 

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body and refocus your mind to experience the reality of God's presence. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Acts 17:25 NIV “...He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17:28 NIV “For in him we live and move and have our being.” Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body and refocus your mind to experience the reality of God's presence. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Acts 17:25 NIV “...He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Acts 17:28 NIV “For in him we live and move and have our being.” Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.

Luke 6:31 NIV Do to others as you would have them do to you.Proverbs 11:24 - 25 NIV One person gives freely, yet gains even more; anotherwithholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoeverrefreshes others will be refreshed.Turn your Need into Seed.1 Kings 17:7-16 Eventually the brook dried up because of the drought. Then GODspoke to him: “Get up and go to Zarephath in Sidon and live there. I've instructeda woman who lives there, a widow, to feed you.” 10-11 So he got up and went toZarephath. As he came to the entrance of the village he met a woman, a widow,gathering firewood. He asked her, “Please, would you bring me a little water in ajug? I need a drink.” As she went to get it, he called out, “And while you're at it,would you bring me something to eat?” 12 She said, “I swear, as surely as yourGOD lives, I don't have so much as a biscuit. I have a handful of flour in a jar and alittle oil in a bottle; you found me scratching together just enough firewood tomake a last meal for my son and me. After we eat it, we'll die.” 13-14 Elijah saidto her, “Don't worry about a thing. Go ahead and do what you've said. But firstmake a small biscuit for me and bring it back here. Then go ahead and make ameal from what's left for you and your son. This is the word of the GOD of Israel:‘The jar of flour will not run out and the bottle of oil will not become empty beforeGOD sends rain on the land and ends this drought.'” 15-16 And she went right offand did it, did just as Elijah asked. And it turned out as he said—daily food for herand her family. The jar of meal didn't run out and the bottle of oil didn't becomeempty: GOD's promise fulfilled to the letter, exactly as Elijah had delivered it!God asks for what you are holding, not what you are missing.Your need is not just something to survive, it's something to sow.Proverbs 18: 20-21 NIV From the fruit of their mouth a person's stomach is filled;with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of lifeand death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.If You want to change the satisfaction of your life, change the declaration ofyour lips.Luke 6:45b NIV For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.Trust God's timing - Don't give up!Galatians 6:9 So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time wewill reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.

In this episode, we explore Hebrews 13:5, which reminds us to keep our lives free from the love of money and to find contentment in God's unwavering presence. We discuss how challenging it can be to feel secure and content during turbulent times, especially when unexpected financial pressures arise. Drawing from the experiences of early Christians facing persecution, we reflect on the importance of trusting in God's promises and how His presence brings power, provision, and peace. We'll also look at Old Testament examples that illustrate God’s faithfulness, and share practical steps for deepening our relationship with Him during difficult seasons. Learn how to overcome feelings of doubt and anxiety by focusing on the truths of God’s character and past faithfulness. Join the Conversation:We want to hear from you! How do you cultivate contentment in your life? What strategies help you remember God’s faithfulness during tough times? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. Let’s encourage each other as we navigate our faith journeys together!

Immeasurably More// Faith Under Fire// March 30, 2025Ephesians 6:10-20 (NIV)“Finally, BE STRONG in the Lord and in the strength of HIS MIGHT. Put on the full armor of God so we can take our stand against the devil's schemes because our battle is not against flesh and blood but against rulers and against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV)“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does…On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”Isaiah 59:14-17 (NIV)“So, justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene, so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.” The armor is about confidence in God's ability to hold all those elements of the armor true and together.  The Helmet is His Salvation Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”   The Breastplate is His RighteousnessPhilippians 3:8-9 (NIV)“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” The Belt is His TruthPsalm 33:4 (KJV)“For the word of the LORD is right, and all His work is done in truth.” Ephesians 4:14 (NIV)“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” The Sword of the Spirit is His WordHebrews 4:12 (NIV) “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  The Shoes are His Gospel of PeaceIsaiah 52:7 (NIV)“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” The gospel is meant to be peace with God and peace with one another. The Shield of FaithFaith is deliberate confidence in the character of God.Faith is not about my ability to believe but it's about His ability to BE.His unfailing character and person.  Faith is not about my ability to believe but it's about His ability to BE.  John 14:26,27 (NIV)“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you…Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalms 90:12 NIV “ For the average man you've got about 4000 weeks of life.”- Dr Jerry Rabalais, U of L professor of school of medicine 29,000 days. 4,000 weeks. 960 months. That's the average for the man that lives to be 80 years old. We're not guaranteed tomorrow, but most men will live to be at or around 80 years old. What purpose are you living for and how do you reach a life of fulfillment and number of our days from a biblical perspective? On this week show, university of Louisville medical professor, Dr. Jerry Rabalais talks with Kurt and Chad about how to live with purpose and longevity in mind. More than just how's your blood pressure, what are the things that contribute to a man living a long and fulfilling life? Topics include: -How impactful loneliness is in a person longevity -The relationship between longevity and close relationships -A 30 year Harvard study that can be summed up in 3 words. (It's something that Jesus taught 2000 years ago.)

What is it like to raise children in the middle of a war? In this special episode, Karen sits down with Kimmie Saado, an American mom raising her five kids in Israel, to hear about the realities of life during conflict. From sirens and safe rooms to worshiping through fear, Kimmie shares how faith has anchored her family in uncertain times. Listen in as she encourages moms to raise up the next generation of Daniels—children who stand firm in faith, no matter the circumstances.Episode Recap:1:26- Kimmie is an American mom raising five kids in Israel3:03- How Kimmie and Sahar met and challenges of cross-cultural dating/engagement7:50- What it's like to lead a Bible tour company in Israel13:20- Karen and Kimmie's favorite places in Israel15:45- what has it been like to raise children in a conflict zone?19:39- how Kimmie's son led their family in worship during moments of fear.22:30- how faith-filled habits help equip our kids and others to stand firm in faith.24:31- what does it mean to be a “Daniel”?28:15- what Kimmie and Sahar are doing in the States this year30:00- how Americans can pray and support the Jewish people right now37:30- we have made God so small and our problems so bigScripture for Reflection: 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”Questions for Discussion:Kimmie shared a vivid story about responding to a bombing by shouting a Bible verse and also, how her son responded to bombing sirens with worship. How do you model turning to your faith in scary times? Do your kids get to witness that? What does it mean to raise a "Daniel" in today's world? How can we instill resilience and faith in our children?Kimmie and her husband took intentional steps to prepare for challenges before those challenges arrived. How can we spiritually equip our families before trials come?Kimmie spoke about finding peace in God's presence, even in uncertainty. What are some practical ways we can cultivate that kind of faith in our own lives?Resources:Last chance to register for the Soar Conference! Don't procrastinate another day: https://subsplash.com/birdsonawire-ga/lb/ev/+j2j9wpqCheck out Kimmie and Sahar's company: Israel Bible Tours: https://www.israelbibletours.com/

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body, refocus your mind, and to re-imagine and re-narrate your life to a truer reality. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Psalm 73:21-24 NIV 21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, 22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. 23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. 2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” Philippians 3:20-21 NIV “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.