Podcasts about philippians

Reading Acts 16:33-40 where Paul and Silas witness to the Philippian jailer and his household, and they believe in Christ and are baptized, before Paul and Silas are released. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

What would cause the King of Heaven to leave His throne and embrace a cross? Pastor Jeff Schreve examines Philippians 2:3-11 to reveal the breathtaking humility of Jesus Christ and the life-changing choice every person faces: surrender to God's will or cling to pride. Discover why humility leads to exaltation and why God's greatest example is found in His Son.

Brother Gowens' pulpit offering on 8/16/26 is an analysis of the precious blessing of God's peace, as the apostle highlights in Philippians 4:6-7. This supernatural gift that God gives to His children is foreign to everything with which the world is familiar. It defies rational explanation; it baffles secular observers; it passes understanding. Perfect peace, however, is a reality in the believer's experience.

What if renewing your mind is more practical than we make it?In this episode of Friends With God, Joe explores Romans 12:2 alongside Philippians 4:8 and the science of neuroplasticity and attention. From worrying about work and relationships to the simple example of suddenly seeing your dream car everywhere, our minds are constantly being trained by what we focus on.Paul gives us a surprisingly practical roadmap: focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.This isn't about pretending problems don't exist. It's about consciously choosing what gets your attention.Your practice this week: Notice what you're focusing on, look for what you're grateful for, and see what begins to change.

Throughout a summer of unexpected experiences, God showed us that He is good all the time. A Job-like season- that was my summer. I am sharing it because it is a perfect example of how God is good all the time. His character is definitive. He never leaves us or forsakes us. At the end of 2025, I chose the word trust for 2026. This summer, God showed me, through God winks, that trust in him is imperative to live this life. He gave me constant opportunities to build that trust and lean into it. I am finally catching my breath. It has been wild, an absolutely emotional summer. The Summer Began With a Farmhouse Dream And then a health crisis for our son The day after we closed on the farmhouse, we were set to fly to Greece for my daughter's graduation gift. The night before, at 8 p.m., we were at the farmhouse teaching friends how to care for the three sheep we inherited with the house. My husband's phone rang. It was my son's fiancée's father. He said our son was on his way to the hospital by ambulance. That was all he knew. Emergency Surgery Showed God's Hand in the Chaos The waiting game. Confident they are meant for each other. Sudden Grief Met Unmistakable God Winks Almost a month to the day after our son's surgery, my niece called me at 4 a.m. My brother-in-law had chest pain, fell, and had no pulse. For the next hour, I prayed the rosary, and my husband and I lay awake praying. At 5 a.m., we got the call that despite the efforts of medical staff, he did not survive. Still hard to handle - One thing she said over and over is "how do people do this without faith?" A Violin in the Rain: An Unforgettable God Wink Leaving our home of twenty-six years brought a new set of emotions After returning from the funeral in Illinois, it was time to pack up the house and get our daughter ready for college. Due to the unexpected events of the summer, she had to do a lot of her packing herself. Not only packing for college, but also packing up her childhood bedroom. It was an emotional week. Plans Changed The move has always been an underlying source of emotions since we closed on the farmhouse in June. We thought we had planned precisely so that we could move into the carriage house during renovations of the main house. But you know what they say about making plans - man makes plans, and God laughs. Empty Nester And now, the empty nest phase of our lives begins. I was not prepared for how emotional I would be leaving my daughter 14 hours away. No one could have prepared me for going from seeing two of my kids (the third lives and works in the DC metro area) every day to seeing none of them. I miss them fiercely. But I am also thrilled that they have these opportunities to grow and spread their wings, and I trust that God will guide and protect them on their new journeys. Scripture That Carried Us Through the Unexpected Several Bible verses carried me through the summer. The first I would like to share is 2 Timothy 1:7, which says God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but power, love, and self-control. Philippians 3:13-14 reminds me to stop dwelling on the past and press on toward what is ahead. Jeremiah 29:11 says God's plans are for our welfare, not to harm us, but to give us hope and a future. Isaiah 41:10 says not to fear, because God is with us and will strengthen us. God Is Good All the Time — Even When Life Is Hard Read the full show notes.

## Episode Summary   When free time finally opens up, where does your heart go by default? In this episode, Ryan Swanson opens Philippians 2 and challenges us to exchange self-serving patterns for the humble, intentional service modeled by Christ. Ask God who you can serve this week, and let the mind of Christ reshape what you reach for first.   ## Topics Discussed   - The default patterns that emerge when no urgent demand controls our time - Ryan's guitar habit as a revealing picture of a personal default - Philippians 2:3–11 and the mind of Christ - Moving from selfish routines to intentional service - Helping an older neighbor carry groceries and praying with her - Serving someone in the next block of free time   ## Key Takeaways   - What we reach for in unguarded moments often reveals what has our heart. - Christ's humility calls believers to look beyond their own interests. - Real change begins by identifying self-serving defaults and yielding them to God. - Intentional service can turn ordinary free time into an opportunity to point someone to Jesus. - Ask God for one person to serve this week, then act on the answer. If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Could pride be affecting your life in ways you don't even recognize? Pride often hides behind success, insecurity, selfishness, and the desire for recognition. In this revealing message from Philippians 2, Pastor Jeff Schreve uncovers the subtle dangers of pride and the life-changing power of humility. Discover why God opposes the proud, gives grace to the humble, and calls every believer to follow the example of Jesus Christ.

When life takes a devastating turn, our pain can begin telling us things about God, ourselves and our future that simply aren’t true. Author and pediatric nurse practitioner Jackie M. Baker understands this firsthand. After losing her son Sebastian to suicide, Jackie faced profound grief, questions about what she could have done differently and the painful realization that she couldn’t control the choices or outcomes of those she loved. In this episode, she shares how God taught her to release control, challenge the lies grief whispered and trust Him when life looked nothing like she had hoped. Jackie and Carol also discuss the unexpected losses many of us grieve—from relationships and careers to health, dreams and expectations—and how suffering can distort our identity and trap us in regret. Jackie shares practical ways God carried her forward, including Scripture, prayer, supportive relationships and daily routines, and explains why moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting what—or whom—we’ve lost. Most importantly, she reminds us that even when we can’t see light ahead, God remains with us in the darkness, offering a hope rooted in His presence rather than a particular outcome. Featured Book: Messy Mourning: Hope for Mothers Grieving the Loss of a Child by Suicide Bible Passages Discussed or referenced: Genesis 22:1–18 , Matthew 7:24–27, Hebrews 13:5, Philippians 4:8, 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 Today's Guest, Jackie M. Bake,r is an author, pediatric nurse practitioner, wife and mother whose life and faith were profoundly impacted by the loss of her son, Sebastian, to suicide. Drawing from her personal experience with grief and her professional healthcare background, Jackie encourages others to find hope and move forward through life’s most painful seasons. She is the author of Messy Mourning: Hope for Mothers Grieving the Loss of a Child by Suicide and is passionate about helping hurting people recognize they aren’t alone and discover strength and hope in Christ. Connect with Jackie M. Baker On her website On Instagram On Facebook Follow her work on Amazon Find Carol McCracken: On her website On Facebook On Instagram Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever been downright stuck in a difficult situation? Maybe you've held a job with a colleague or supervisor you didn't see eye to eye with, and other career opportunities were scarce. Maybe you've been halfway through the semester and realized you're headed for a poor grade, but it's too late to drop the class. Maybe you've struggled in a relationship with a spouse or close family member, and you are wading through heartbreak with every interaction. When the Apostle Paul wrote to the people at Philippi, he was in a tough spot. He wrote this letter from prison in Rome—an uncomfortable place to be sure. He was in prison not for what we would consider a crime, but for his faith in Jesus Christ. But Paul had a secret.  Philippians 4:11 says, “I have learned, in whatever circumstances I am, to be content.”From the moment Paul received the Lord as his Savior, he began to love and experience Christ in a meaningful way. Chapter after chapter, the book of Philippians reveals that experiencing Christ was Paul's secret to contentment. Paul preached contentment through faith in Jesus from behind bars and reached out to his brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage them to choose contentment in the Lord. Paul's example inspired his friends at Philippi and continues to inspire believers today. Let's pray. Lord Jesus, we won't achieve perfection this side of heaven, but we know your plan for us is for peace in our hearts, and contentment in our lives. Let us live by the Apostle Paul's example, choosing contentment in all circumstances in your name.  In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

David didn't write "God cleared the room." He wrote that God set a table — and left the enemies sitting right there, watching him eat. Psalm 23:5 is the verse most of us trail off on. We read the first four verses with everything we've got, then mumble the last two like an afterthought. But verse 5 is the outcome. It's where the psalm turns: the Shepherd becomes the host, and the sheep becomes the guest. Pastor Johnny and Pastor Tim Grandstaff spend a full hour inside one verse. In this episode: What "prepare" actually means, and why it proves He got there before you did Why a shepherd climbs to the tabletop weeks before the sheep ever arrive The difference between vengeance and vindication Why the table is still a decision you have to make What really happens when a shepherd pours oil on a sheep's head: the flies, the mites, the scab, and the animal that beats its head against a rock until it dies Why God often doesn't remove the thing He gives you what you need to repel it Pastor Tim on a season when his thoughts were so clouded he was acting out of character, and what changed when he finally obeyed Why the deepest wound usually isn't the wolf in the valley, but the sheep standing right beside you How "my cup overflows" ends up at the Last Supper Week 3 of 4 in Psalm 23. If you haven't heard Episodes 32 and 33, start there this chapter builds. Referenced: A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller. Romans 12, Luke 7, 1 Samuel 16, Luke 22, Philippians 4:8.

Philippians 4:10-19 | YOUR Needs Are Not Bigger Than God's SUPPLYYOU have been measuring YOUR need — and it keeps looking bigger than anything that could meet it.That is where the fear lives. YOU add it up. YOU look at what YOU have against what YOU owe, what YOU need against what is coming in, and the gap looks impossible. And the longer YOU stare at the size of the need, the more convinced YOU become that this is the one thing too big for God to cover. But this passage says YOU have been measuring the wrong thing.Philippians 4 ends with one of the most quoted promises in the entire Bible — and one of the most misunderstood.Because most people hear it as a nice sentiment: God will take care of you. But look at what the promise is actually measured against. It does not say God will supply according to the size of YOUR need. It does not say according to what is realistic, or what is left over, or what makes sense on paper. It says according to a completely different measure — a source so vast that the size of YOUR need becomes almost irrelevant next to it.The supply was never tied to the size of YOUR problem. It is tied to the size of His riches.Here is what most people miss. Before that promise is ever given, the person writing it shares a secret he had to learn — a way of living that most people never discover — that allowed him to be completely steady whether he had everything or almost nothing. He was not writing this from a place of abundance. He was writing it having known real lack. And the secret he learned in those seasons is the exact thing that unlocks the promise for YOU.But there is something else — a specific condition surrounding this promise that most people skip right over.This famous promise of supply was not spoken into a vacuum. It was attached to something specific these people had done — a way they had partnered, participated, and given into the mission of God when no one else would. The promise of "all your needs supplied" came directly on the heels of their willingness to be part of what God was doing. And that connection is the key that most people miss entirely when they claim this verse.There is a link in this passage between what YOU pour out and what God pours back — and between the secret of contentment and the promise of supply — that will completely change the way YOU look at both the need in front of YOU and the riches behind it.What was the secret he learned? What is the supply actually measured against? And what is the condition attached to the promise most people quote but never fully receive?Press play — because YOUR needs are not bigger than God's supply. This message will show YOU what the promise is really measured against, and why the source behind it makes YOUR biggest need look small.

Join the 3 of 7 team as they discuss the book of Philippians. ► Sign Up For The Mountain Mama Farms Classic Trail Race → SIGN UP NOW!    ► Check Out Our Partners Barbell Apparel Use code “Chadd” for a FREE pair of shorts with any purchase of $99+ → SHOP BARBELL APPAREL Bare Performance Nutrition Use code “3of7” for 10% OFF → SHOP BPN   ► Support the Podcast → JOIN PATREON → TRAIN WITH US → SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER → VISIT OUR WEBSITE → SHOP OUR STORE https://ridewithgps.com/trips/217977701?privacy_code=LBTzzUK2i8I4HoL5zx5vEs1A4gi6Mg2G NUFF SAID.    

Life is not fair. Here's the question: What do you do when life's not fair to YOU? To answer that question, join Chip as he opens the book of Philippians for some very helpful insight.ResourcesMessage NotesSpecial OffersConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookYouTubePartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

What happens when religion gets in the way of redemption?  In Matthew 21:23–22:14, Jesus confronts the religious leaders through three powerful parables that expose the difference between simply looking religious and truly surrendering to Him. We see that salvation cannot be earned through good works or religious activity.  The invitation to the Kingdom is extended to everyone, but we must respond with repentance, faith, and surrender to Jesus.

How to Improve EVERY Aspect of Your Life: An Interview with J.R. Briggs (Episode 297)   Proverbs 11:24 (MSG) The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.   *Transcription Below*   J.R. Briggs (DMin) possesses four passions: following Jesus, equipping and investing in hungry kingdom leaders, growing fruit on other people's trees, and creating good kingdom mischief. In short, his calling is to partner with people who are called to follow Jesus while they lead others.   In 2011 he started Kairos Partnerships, an organization committed to help leaders overcome their unique leadership challenges through leadership coaching, consulting, speaking, and writing.   For more than 15 years, J.R. served in pastoral roles in mega-churches, church plants and house church networks. Since starting Kairos Partnerships, he has served and invested in ministry leaders in over 40 denominations throughout North America. In addition to ministry leaders, he has invested in a wide variety of leaders, including business owners, college presidents, military leaders, Division 1 basketball coaches, and non-profit directors.   He serves as a guest instructor in the Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation program at Friends University and the Master of Arts in Leadership program at Taylor University. He has lectured, taught and spoken at over a dozen colleges, universities, and seminaries around the U.S.   He also serves as the Director of Leadership & Congregational Formation for The Ecclesia Network and as a National Trainer & Strategist for Fresh Expressions U.S.   In addition to writing several books on a wide variety of topics, he has also published articles in Christianity Today, Huffington Post, Preaching Today, American Bible Society, N.T. Wright Online, Missio Alliance, and Relevant Magazine.   He hosts the Resilient Leaders podcast.   J.R. and his wife Megan have two sons and live in the greater Philadelphia area. J.R.'s Website J.R.'s Book   Thank You to Our Sponsor: Leman Property Management   Questions and Topics We Cover: Can you contrast Jesus' teaching with field trips to the way we structure a typical Sunday morning in America?  Will you also share how you arrived at asking yourself two questions that have opened numerous doors for you? Once we put this into practice for ourselves, how can we begin to cultivate it in our children as well?   Other Savvy Sauce Episode Mentioned: 219. Training Our Children in Biblical Financial Stewardship with Matt Bell   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:09)   Laura Dugger: (0:12 - 1:44) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   Leman Property Management Company has the apartment you will be able to call home, with over 1,700 apartment units available in Central Illinois. Visit them today at lemanproperties.com or connect with them on Facebook.   J.R. Briggs is one of the most intriguing humans I've encountered, and it's hard to sum up his bio, as he's had so many experiences in his past through various pastoral roles, and then he became the founder of Kairos Partnerships, where he invests in leaders. He's also a podcast host, in addition to his work as an author. His most recent book is The Art of Asking Better Questions, and it's summed up in the intro, where he writes, "I have a bone-deep conviction that all of us need to ask more questions and better questions. Doing so can change your life and the lives of those around you." So now we get to actually learn how to make this happen with my guest, Reverend Dr. J.R. Briggs.   Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, J.R.   J.R. Briggs: (1:44 - 1:45) Thanks for having me. I'm looking forward to this, Laura.   Laura Dugger: (1:46 - 2:00) Well, I'd love to go back and first hear a little bit more of your origin story. So, do you attribute your love of questions and your skill for asking great questions more to nature or nurture?   J.R. Briggs: (2:01 - 5:04) That's a fantastic question. No one has ever asked me that, Laura. So, right off the bat, well done. I love good questions like this. I think it's a little bit of both, and I'm not just wimping out on that answer. Here's what I mean.   I grew up in a wonderful home, still great friends with both my parents, and my parents, especially my dad, they were great question askers, and I saw them model this really well in the home. And I think in previous generations, it was, you know, kids are to be seen but not heard. That was not how my parents operated. They very much said, "You know what, we want to know what you think." And so, dinner times were great. Even hearing the way, especially my father would ask questions of people in the lobby at church or our neighbors, or we'd be at some party, and the way he would ask questions, I would just listen and say, "Wow, this is fascinating, the kind of conversations that are happening because of this."   So, modeled really well, but also observed a lot, and more is caught than taught. And I observed my parents doing this really well. And I thought, these are really fun conversations to just eavesdrop in on as a kid. And then also, I began to notice that there were people that were really fun and lived inspiring lives, and they asked great questions. And I noticed the people that had, that lived really small, uninspiring lives, I realized they weren't asking very many questions. And I began to say, "Well, which kind of person do I want to be? I kind of want to be in the first group. Well, what's the difference? These people are asking questions, regular questions, quality questions." And I thought, "Ooh, I need to pay attention to this and actually lean in to do this more."   So, I often learned how to do it too. So, there was the nature piece, the nurture piece, or the nurture, the nature piece there, the nurture piece, I did study. I'm kind of a nerd. And so, I would watch people who ask great questions and say, "Why was that a good question? What did they do? Why did they ask it that way? How did they know to ask that question as opposed to something else?" And so that was really helpful.   But then I began to notice as I read my Bible, I got a red-letter edition of my Bible and began to notice how many red question marks there were. And I began to take a pen and circle all of the red questions, question marks that Jesus asked. And I thought, "Wow, the way the truth and the life, who had all the answers, yet he asked a ton of questions." So that sent me on a deep dive that eventually I studied. And my doctorate, my dissertation for my doctorate was on learning to equip leaders to ask better questions in the way of Jesus. And so, using him as that model. So, there's a very long answer, Laura, to a very short question, is it nature or nurture? I really believe it's both. And I hope I can continue to learn in my own life until my last breath to how to be a better question asker, because it's that powerful.   Laura Dugger: (5:04 - 5:57) Mm-hmm. I agree with that. And I love the humility in that response. Also, as you share it, it reminds me of a scripture from Proverbs 11:24, the Message version, which I believe previous guest Matt Bell had shared this as it relates to finances. But J.R., I hear it through your lifestyle of generosity with questions. And the verse says, "The world of the generous gets larger and larger. The world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller." So, I love how you illustrated that. But you're also the first person that I heard articulate this beauty of asking questions for connection rather than just for information. So, can you explain more of why questions are such a generous gift and an offering of hospitality?   J.R. Briggs: (5:58 - 8:36) Mm-hmm. Yeah. Well, one of the things that really hit me, I touched on this earlier, that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, the second member of the Trinity, who knows everything. Why would he ask so many questions? Well, he also said, "I only do what I see my Father doing." What did he see his Father doing? If you look in the Old Testament, God asks a ton of questions too. So, I said, "Wait a second. Okay. The all-knowing, all-powerful God of the universe, why does God ask so many questions when he already knows the answer?" And that drove me to say, maybe it wasn't just for information.   And I began to think about Adam and Eve in the garden and say, when he says, "Where are you?" It wasn't because God didn't know. And it wasn't a geographical question as much as I think it's a relational and theological question that he wants Adam and Eve to answer. And so, as a result of that, I said, "Why then would God do that?" Well, God already knows, but he desires connection with us. And then I thought, "Ooh, yeah, that isn't just God to us. There are times where I ask questions of my kids when they were younger, or of other little kids at church, where I know the answer already, but I'm asking it as a way of building trust and shared story and connection with them."   And I thought, yeah, there's real connection when it comes to questions. And when we do that, when we offer our full selves, the French philosopher, Simone Weil, she said, "Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity." And as a result of that, that's the hospitality piece. And I think, let's not forget that the word hospital is in the word hospitality, that our questions and our attention can actually be a form of healing that we offer to other people. When we think of hospitality, we often think of, I don't know, making a fresh pie or laying out doilies and sweeping the house before someone comes over. That can be part of it. But the real definition of hospitality is making new people feel comfortable in new situations. And so, what do good questions do? They help people who might feel new or an outsider feel like they're an insider. And I believe that's one of the beautiful benefits of questions where people say, "Man, thank you. No one has ever asked me that." Or "I feel seen. Wow, you really want to care. You care enough to know what I'm thinking." That is an unbelievable gift that we can give to others as a form of hospitality.   Laura Dugger: (8:36 - 8:55) And I think that illuminates what you even say up front in your book, that you do believe that these questions can change our life and the lives of those around us, and especially through this powerful book that you've written. So, can you elaborate on that claim?   J.R. Briggs: (8:56 - 10:33) Yeah, the dimensions of your life expand or contract depending upon the questions that you ask. So, when we refrain from asking good questions, our world gets smaller. And when we start to ask better questions, and more frequently, our worlds begin to expand. And so, what I tell people is we don't have a shortage of information. We have a shortage of wisdom and curiosity and wonder. And so, what we need to kindle in that is that desire for and that ability to ask the right questions at the right time for the right reason to the right people.   And if we want more information, we should just Google it. But if what we're after is wisdom and connection and engagement, we need questions. And questions are, I think we all would admit, Laura, questions are important. I don't think that we would realize just how powerful they actually are. And so, the goal of the book was to unleash and wake up the sleeping giants that exist and say, this can be used for good. There's so many, again, we don't have a shortage of information. But asking good questions is a lost art. And the goal is to try to help people realize its power, that it's more accessible. They're free. They can be used at any time. They don't have a shelf life. But we just need to cultivate the desire for it and then have some skills to lean in, because it really can be such an unbelievable gift. The questions that we ask often reveal the values that we hold. And so that's another way that we can press into that as well.   Laura Dugger: (10:34 - 10:49) Okay, so let's say that the desire is there. Maybe for all of us, probably the skill is a little lacking. How can we begin to get a little bit better at this or just get started with asking better questions today?   J.R. Briggs: (10:49 - 14:18) Yeah, well, we got to start, Laura, by admitting that there are a lot of obstacles that exist that our culture puts in front of us to make it hard to do that. One is we're in an attention-seeking age, right? I mean, the joke says enough about me, what do you think about me? And so, because we live in the social media, look at me, look at me reality that we're in, it's really hard because questions are the opposite. I'm putting the spotlight on you rather than on my own life. But we also are in a culture of great efficiency, and so questions feel inefficient. They feel really inefficient, like it slows things down. How many of us have been in a meeting and we're about to get up and someone says, "Any questions?" And someone, "Oh," and we just say, "No, no, no, we were just about to leave, you're slowing us down." And so that in the business world and in sales, that's the number one thing is questions. We got stuff to do and things to sell. But if we can just slow down, it's better.   But those are some of the obstacles that exist. So, if we're assuming we have curiosity, we have wisdom, we have humility, and we have courage, which are the four components. If those are there, then there are some things that we can engage in that can help us and several practices, like the simplest practice we can do when we hear a good question, write it down. A lot of people feel like two things. They have to come up with all the questions themselves. You don't. I love questions. I'm pretty good at questions, but I don't generate all my questions. I've read them on billboards or heard them on a podcast or overheard somebody in line at Starbucks behind me. And you go, "Man, that's a really good question. Write it down." We think we're going to remember later, Laura, and that's the second thing. We won't. We have to write it down. And I just encourage people, open up the notes section of your phone and just have something on there that says great questions. When you hear of one, think of one, read of one in a good novel, write it on the list. You can always return to it later. So, just awareness, number one, that my radar is up, listening for good questions, can be a great start.   And then also just to reflect later to say, "What was the best question I asked today or in that conversation or in that meeting or over dinner with my family? What was the best question I asked?" So, that's a little bit of reflection, but also preparation. Anytime we go into a meeting, anytime we go into any sort of connection, even if it's coffee with a friend, to always see if I can come with two questions ahead of time. Now, sometimes I write them down, sometimes I don't. I may not even get a chance to ask them, but just coming prepared where I say, "Oh, I'm meeting with my friend, Sam. Oh, Sam's dad just had significant surgery. So, here's an important question. Sam, how's your dad doing? And how are you doing as you care for your dad?" It's a little bit of preparation. It's not an hour. I'm just spending five minutes on my drive to the coffee shop to say, "My first question is going to be, Sam, how's your dad? And how are you doing caring for your dad?" So, just a little bit more thought. It doesn't require three times the amount of effort. Sometimes it's just five or 10% more effort and intentionality that can improve our question asking.   Laura Dugger: (14:19 - 16:29) So much thoughtfulness there. Appreciate that.   And now a brief message from our sponsor.   With over 1,700 apartment units available throughout Pekin, Peoria, Peoria Heights, Morton, and Washington, and with every price range covered, you will have plenty of options when you rent through Leman Property Management Company. They have townhomes, duplexes, studios, and garden style options located in many areas throughout Pekin. And make sure you check out their newest offering; the McKinley located in Pekin is a new construction addition to their platinum collection. Featuring nine-foot ceilings, large spacious layouts, beautiful finishes such as quartz countertops and garages, you won't want to miss this outstanding new property.   In Peoria, a historic downtown location and apartments adjacent to OSF Medical Center provide excellent choices. Check out their brand-new luxury property in Peoria Heights, overlooking the boutique shops and fine dining on Prospect. And in Morton, they offer a variety of apartment homes with garages, a hot downtown location, and now a brand-new high-end complex near Idlewood Park. If you want to become part of their team, contact them about open office positions. They're also hiring in their maintenance department. So, we invite you to find out why so many people have chosen to make a career with them. Check them out on Facebook today or email their friendly staff at leasing@lemanprops.com. You can also stop by their website at lemanproperties.com. Check them out and find your place to call home today.   Clearly J.R., Jesus has been a role model for asking questions. So, can you contrast what you describe as Jesus's field trips that he takes his disciples on versus the way that you view Sunday mornings in a lot of churches in America? Can you kind of contrast those two?   J.R. Briggs: (16:29 - 18:42) Yeah, oftentimes when I'm talking to pastors or leaders, faith leaders, I remind them of this. But yeah, Jesus loved to take his listeners on three field trips, three kinds. First one, he took them on physical field trips. We see that where Jesus says, "You know, look at the birds of the air, look at the lilies of the field," or "Look at the woman putting in two mites in the temple treasury." Life is a classroom. And so, he loved taking people on literal field trips.   Number two, he took them on emotional field trips by telling them stories, not in abstract ways of thinking, but the kingdom of God is like a woman kneading dough. It's like a fisherman who caught fish. It's like a father with two sons. And I think we're wrapped up in that when we watch a good movie, and we cry and laugh and we're scared. Those are all because a beautiful story did something to us. It took us on some sort of emotional field trip.   And then third is a mental field trip, which we're talking about here by asking questions. Jesus asked a ton of questions. And as a result of that, got people thinking in new ways. Now, if the way, the truth and the life, if anyone had the right to just give answers, it would be Jesus. But instead, he chose to ask a lot of questions. And so those three field trips, literal by going on walks, getting outside of a classroom, the mental field trip of asking questions and the emotional field trips of telling stories. Jesus did that all the time. Once you know that and you read the gospels, you'll see it everywhere.   The problem is, as you were referring to, Laura, on Sunday mornings, what do we do? We sit people in a church in pews. Almost all of the teaching or formation happens in the same room. Instead of telling stories, we give abstract information. And instead of asking questions, we just give answers. And then we sit around and wonder, "Why is no one changing?" And my gentle encouragement is, what would it look like if we actually learned to teach others the way Jesus actually taught? Imagine that. So, it's a bit of a stretch because culturally we're kind of drawn in to the way we've always done it in church. And yet oftentimes Jesus did almost the opposite of the way in which we teach today.   Laura Dugger: (18:44 - 18:55) And so, if you see that as an opposite, do you have any practical ideas of just a small tweak that we could make on Sunday mornings to be more like Jesus?   J.R. Briggs: (18:56 - 20:32) Sure. I always try to say, is there any way I can get people's bodies or their hearts up out of the seat? So, "Hey, I want you to stand up and turn to the person next to you." Or, "Hey, we're going to move around the room." Some of you say, "What? We would never do that at our church." And I would say, take a risk. Jesus did all sorts of things that surprise people. So, how can I get their hearts and their bodies up out of their seat? Number one.   Number two, can I tell a few more stories than I have in the past in my teaching or preaching or Sunday morning? And then also, can I engage with questions by asking them questions at the beginning? Can I leave them with some reflection questions in the bulletin or on the website the next week? Or can I actually have them asking questions of each other or of the text itself? And so oftentimes, why do I feel like I'm the one that has to speak the whole time when I'm preaching? What if instead I allow them to ask questions of each other, of God, and even of myself? And sometimes when I preach, I allow the last five or 10 minutes for people to ask questions about the text to myself and everyone else. Now, is that a change? Yeah. Would that freak out some churches? Maybe. But it can be a way that people walk away and say, "Wow, I learned, I was engaged, I was formed, and I encountered God in a new way that I haven't in the past." Which is the whole goal, that we don't just learn more about the Bible, is that we know the God of the Bible. That's the whole point of why we gather together as a church.   Laura Dugger: (20:33 - 20:46) And that would be so memorable. But also, as you're speaking about stories, are you willing to share the story of one of the times that you asked a question, and it turned out better than you could have ever asked or hoped for?   J.R. Briggs: (20:47 - 22:27) Yeah. I could think of several, but sometimes just asking people, "Why is that?" Just as a follow-up. It's amazing what can spill out. And I go, "Oh, that confronted my biases. That confronted my assumptions and what I thought about them." And so sometimes just asking some of that has been incredibly helpful to just ask that follow-up question.   I won't tell the whole story that I recounted in the book, but oftentimes when there are tears, it was Charles Spurgeon that said that tears are like liquid prayers. And so, when people are showing some emotion, I sometimes will say to them, even if they're not a follower of Jesus, even if they're not religious, "I'm curious. It's been said that tears are liquid prayers. Can you put words to the prayers that your face is praying right now?" And I've had some of the most unbelievable conversations where people can identify the prayers that their face is praying. And even in my own life, where I just step back and go, "Why am I, why was I so moved by that novel? Why was I so moved by that movie? Or what just happened in front of me? Or why, where are these tears coming from?" As Frederick Buechner said, we'd be best to pay attention to our tears. And so that question of what are the liquid prayers, can I put words to the prayer that my face is praying has been an unbelievably meaningful and eye-opening thing for me and also with people that I've been with.   Laura Dugger: (22:29 - 22:37) Will you also share about how you arrived at asking two questions that have opened numerous doors for you?   J.R. Briggs: (22:38 - 25:21) Yeah. Yeah. When I was in college, I had the privilege of studying in Israel for the semester. This is fall of my junior year. Absolutely loved it. And our class was on a four-day field trip up around the Sea of Galilee. One night I was down by the lake and happened to notice as the sun was about to set that there was a big fishing vessel that had just come in. And I had always wanted to go fishing on the Sea of Galilee, not just take a boat, not just see fishermen, but like be on the boat and fish with fishermen. I don't even love fishing myself, but I just wanted to experience what Jesus and his disciples experienced on the lake.   And there was a big industrial ship that came in. They brought in their day's catch. And I thought, "Oh, I should ask them if I can go fishing with them." And Laura, and then, you know, the realistic brain in me said, "Why would they ever allow a college, American college student and a study abroad program to go fishing with them tomorrow?" And I had these two questions that hit me, Laura. "Well, what's the worst they could say? No, or heck no, or get out of here. You're crazy." And number two, "Can I handle that? If they were to say that." Those two questions, I thought, "You know, I can handle it now. Let me ask what's the worst he could say. Let me ask."   So, I went up and I said, "Excuse me, can I talk to your captain?" And they said, "Menachem is over here." So, I introduced myself to him and I said, "Menachem, I've always wanted to go fishing on the Sea of Galilee. I'll pay you $50. If I can go fishing for the day, use me as, as I mean, any work me to death. If you want, like I'm here, I just want to." And he looked at me, he said, "I don't want your money." He said, "Join me tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. And you can come fishing with us." And I walked away and went, "Unbelievable. My dream is coming true." And I had an unbelievable day, but I realized I can't say no for someone else. What's the worst they could say? No. Can I just ask and handle it if they said no? Yep, I can handle it. Those two questions, Laura, have shaped me immensely throughout my lifetime. I've really, I've done that in a lot of different ways. And a lot of times people say no, and I can handle that. But a lot of times people said yes. And some doors have opened simply because I asked. And I actually think of that verse often, Laura, where it says you do not have because you do not ask. It's not name it and claim it prosperity gospel. But we just have to realize that sometimes we just need to ask to put ourselves out there and see what people say.   Laura Dugger: (25:23 - 25:55) That is so good. And I have applied those questions since reading that in your book, even as I reach out to ask you if you would do two recordings. So, I'm so grateful that that you said yes, I'm delighted that today's not our only conversation. But I'm curious also, J.R., when you had that experience, a lot of us may not ever get to go fish on the Sea of Galilee. So, did you learn anything that brought the Bible to life or anything about Jesus or anything that you can share with us from that incredible experience?   J.R. Briggs: (25:55 - 27:37) Oh, there's so many, but I'll limit it to one. When we started out that morning, the sea was so calm. I mean, it was like glass. It was beautiful. The sun was rising, not a cloud in the sky. And it was great. But I've always wondered these like storms. You know, the Sea of Galilee is not a sea. It's a lake. It's 10 miles by six miles. It looks like a harp. And that's why it's called Lake Kinneret. In Hebrew, that means harp. So, it's harp lake is the way that we could call it. But I thought it's still a lake. How can there be storms that would have professional fishermen that would be screaming, thinking they were going to die? How is that possible?   Well, wouldn't you know it, Laura? As beautiful as it was, the clouds rolled in. And then later that afternoon, there was a squall of a storm. I have never been in more intense in my life. And it happened right there. Now we're in a maybe two-ton, three-ton fishing vessel. But even that, we had to go below deck because it was so brutal. The waves, the wind, we couldn't see more than 10 feet in front of us. And I thought, "Ah, now I get it. If I'm just in a wooden boat with my fellow, you know, disciples here, I can see why this could get a little panicky." And that was, I think, a little God wink for me to be able to experience both the peace and calm, but also this treacherous storm and go, "Ah, now I won't read my Bible the same again when I hear about the, you know, the disciples freaking out with the storm or seeing Jesus walk on the water approaching them." So, that's one of many, but that sticks out to me a great deal that I got to experience a very intense storm.   Laura Dugger: (27:38 - 28:27) That is so incredible. Even just going back, so those two questions that you were willing to ask led to this incredible experience. And now people from around the world get to benefit from the lessons that you learned at that time. So, I think you're giving us so much encouragement for asking questions.   Guess what? We are no longer an audio only podcast. We now have video included as well. If you want to view the conversation each week, make sure you watch our videos. We're on YouTube and you can access videos or find answers to any of your other questions about the podcast when you visit thesavvysauce.com.   What happens to our brain or within our brain when we're asking or being asked a question?   J.R. Briggs: (28:28 - 30:19) Yeah, this was an incredibly fun part of the research for me was what does this do neurobiologically to us? And so, what neurologists have found is when they put nodes all over your brain to kind of see how the brain activity happens, when you're given information, your brain lights up. But what they found is when someone is asked a question, your brain explodes like fireworks, the synapses that are firing, and it just lights up like crazy, like fireworks in the night. And one of the things they said, as much as we think we can multitask, we can't. We do a lot of switching, task switching, but not multitasking. But they said what happens is they use the word hijack. You can hijack someone's brain when you actually are asking a question of someone, even if it's for two seconds.   And so, if I were to ask your listeners, Laura, "What are the color of the shoes you're wearing right now?" Whether your listeners liked it or not, I just hijacked their brain for a split second there, and they went, "What are the color of my shoes?" And so that's immense amount of power to, quote unquote, hijack someone's brain. So, we need to use that power wisely. But it's an immense amount of power that we can have when we ask someone a question, not just give them an answer, which I love when current neurobiological research matches up with scripture and with the way Jesus taught. How did Jesus teach? A ton of questions. What happened? He engaged with people. They participated with him. They were forced to learn and be participants, not just talking theoretically about faith. And I thought, isn't that just like Jesus? He knew how our brains are wired. And so, he uses questions as a way of maximum connection, challenge, engagement, and formation.   Laura Dugger: (30:20 - 30:43) Wow. And you've cultivated, like you say, this holy curiosity. So, I am curious for you, J.R., when you're in a conversation and you find yourself asking question after question, have you been in a situation like this where they don't reciprocate, they don't ask any questions back? And how do you handle that internally and externally?   J.R. Briggs: (30:44 - 32:41) Yeah, it's hard because we live in a culture that hasn't modeled that well to ask good questions. And sometimes it's been hard. And I admit that sometimes there's a sense of loneliness. When I have a lunch meeting and my wife will say, "How was your lunch meeting today?" We have a code word where I say either waiter or waitress. And it means the waiter or waitress came and took my plate away because I was done with my meal before they had taken one or two bites of their food. And oftentimes that happens where we leave a meal and we realize, "I don't think I was asked a single question this whole lunch." Or we go to a dinner party, no one asked me a single question. And that can be really hard.   And I love asking people questions. And it's not like I'm just ramming it down their throats to ask question after question like Elf with his brother walking through Central Park where he's just rattling off question after question. I was giving pause, I was taking a bite of my food, allowing them to ask a question or two, and they never did. And sometimes people say, "Well, I don't really know, I'm not good at questions." And I say, one of the simplest things you can do is what I call the way question, W-A-Y. It's just to say, "What about you?" I've been talking. What about you? To just hit the ball back over the net and to allow us to engage in some conversational pickleball. It's been on my side, let me hit it. Now it's on your side and you hit it back. That's how all healthy relationships exist. And so, it's been a little disappointing at times to realize you can go, and I'm sure you and others have experienced that. That's really hard. And to have people that can just say, "What about you? What do you think? Have you ever experienced that?" Or "I have another question for you." That's how healthy relationships are cultivated when there's that back and forth in conversation.   Laura Dugger: (32:42 - 32:51) Okay. And so, if we want to cultivate that back-and-forth conversation, can you just share a few more tips for ways that we can level up our questions?   J.R. Briggs: (32:52 - 34:24) Sure. Yeah. There's a unique, almost universal principle when it comes to question asking. If you ask a generic unthoughtful question, you will almost always get a generic unthoughtful answer. "How are you?" "Fine." "How's your weekend?" "Good." But if you ask a thoughtful, specific, engaging question, you almost always get a thoughtful, specific, engaging answer. It's as predictable as a communist election. It's amazing how that works, where we can just, if we can just level up.   So, if a lazy question would be, "How was your weekend?" I encourage people to say, what would 10 or 15 percent of a more thoughtful, specific, or focused question be? So, you could say, "Of your whole weekend, how would you describe your weekend in two or three adjectives?" That's a little bit different than just, "How was your weekend?" Or, "Hey, how are you doing?" That's good. You might say, "What has been the most interesting thing about your day so far?" It just takes a little bit more intentionality. When you ask it that way, you won't get the fine, good. You'll get the, you know, "I had a really interesting sales meeting today at 10 a.m. You know, I bumped into my neighbor, and we had the best conversation at the mailbox." Those are the kinds of answers you get because we ask the more specific, thoughtful question. We'll get more specific and thoughtful answers. So, that's what I encourage people to do. Just level up to be just a little bit more pointed by 10 or 15 percent and see what happens.   Laura Dugger: (34:26 - 34:40) Okay. So, hopefully we're all going to put this into practice. But then also, if we have children in our home, what can we do to be teaching them this same goal of reciprocity and asking great questions?   J.R. Briggs: (34:40 - 37:02) Yes. I'm so glad you brought this up, Laura. There's so much that we can do. I try to do this. We try to do this with our kids when they were younger. Our kids are 19 and 16 now and we still engage in good questions with them. But when they were little, we would do things. I would crawl into bed with each of them at bedtime and we would do question of the night. And so, I would say, "You get to ask dad any question you want and then I get to ask you any question that you want." And so, age appropriate, you know, what's your favorite ice cream color or ice cream flavor or your favorite color? But sometimes they would pull out some really fascinating ones. Like one time, my youngest son said, "Dad, what does God smell like?" And it just made me laugh. I just thought, what a great question from a five- or six-year-old about that. And so just being intentional there at bedtime has been really good.   Car time is really important. And I really try to see if I can ask some questions that I can't ask in other places because now I've got their full attention. We're in the car together. And even as my sons are now older, when they're in the car together, something about staring out the windshield together to be able to talk through some things has been really good. It could be about school, could be about life, could be something trivial, but to know that this is a place where we can talk. And so, car time, bedtime, and the last one I'll give is dinner time. We have a big chalk wall next to our dining room table. And we'll just randomly put up questions, thoughtful questions. And then we'll sometimes say after prayer, "Okay, boys, when they were little, you know, you each get to pick one question off the wall that we talk about tonight." And it just became a real easy way. And you can make up one if you want, or there are questions here. We also found a deck of cards that actually had questions on each one. It was like a questions deck. And so, we'll say, "Great, like you can pick off the wall, you can make up your own, or just pick a question that's in the deck." And just doing that where everybody got a chance to share around the table became such a way, such a rich conversation but a way to remind them questions are okay, encouraged, and a wonderful part of being a part of a family.   Laura Dugger: (37:03 - 37:32) Those are such great ideas. I love that and that we can implement some of that right away. But as we're starting to wind our time down together, I would love to hear one more story about a time that a question dramatically changed the outcome of a friendly gathering that you write about on the back patio of a Capitol Hill home in Washington, D.C. Yeah, I remember reading this story, Laura, and I was so moved.   J.R. Briggs: (37:32 - 39:52) I was moved to tears that I ran over to my wife and I said, "Listen to this story." And we both just sat there crying. Yeah, these families were on the back porch on a wonderful summer evening enjoying some stuff on the grill. And all of a sudden a gunman came up behind one of the teenage girls and held a gun to her head and said, "Nobody move, give me your money or I'm going to shoot." Everyone froze, rightfully so, the terror that they experienced. And one woman just blurted out the first thing that came to her mind. She said, "Why don't you sit down and have some wine with us?" Which is not something that has ever come to my mind if someone were to walk in and rob me. And sure enough, he put his gun in his belt and sat down and had some wine. And he said, "Boy, this is really good wine." And I said, "Why don't you enjoy some more to eat?" And then afterwards, she said, "Can I give you a hug?" And the guy was totally startled. Yeah. And then afterwards, everyone else decided to give him a hug. And as they enjoyed food, you know, they're all tense and not sure what to do or what's going on. At the end, he said, "Can I have a group hug together?" And then he slipped out the back and even the glass, the wine glass that he had, it wasn't even broken. He just set it up right behind the back gate.   And I just was so moved by that. Like, "Do you want a glass of wine? Do you want a hug?" Not things that would come to my mind, but it was so jolting and surprising. I think it humanized him. And before he left, the robber said, "I think I've come to rob the wrong house tonight." It's amazing what a question can do. That was a question of immense hospitality. You're welcome here. That's the last thing that this robber ever expected. So, I just love that story. I love that story because it reminds us once again how powerful questions actually are.   Laura Dugger: (39:53 - 40:09) And I think it illustrates at the heart of questions is love. And that motivates so much of the work that you get to do, J.R. So, can you just share a little bit more about the work you do get to do and share how we can be connected after this conversation?   J.R. Briggs: (40:10 - 41:07) Sure. Yeah. I've been a pastor for 15 years, but in 2011, I started what's called Kairos Partnerships. And it was passionate about leaders because leadership can be lonely, overwhelming, and sometimes leaders feel ill-equipped. And so actually our organization was started based on three questions. Who pastors the pastor? Who leads the leader? Who shepherds the shepherd? So, we work with some pastors, but we work with all sorts of entrepreneurs and businesspeople and Chick-fil-A operators and college presidents and division one men's basketball coaches, anyone who's following Jesus, but leading others. And so, we do that through coaching, through consulting, through writing, speaking, spiritual direction. And so, our team, I have a wonderful team, and the team really walks alongside of leaders who are wanting to be equipped so they can lead with clarity and confidence moving forward.   Laura Dugger: (41:08 - 41:27) I love that. Well, we will put a link to your website and the show notes for today's episode, but J.R., you may be familiar. We are called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, what is your savvy sauce?   J.R. Briggs: (41:28 - 42:03) One of the prayers that I pray regularly is, "Lord, would you grant me wisdom, courage, and compassion?" And all three of those are important because if I have wisdom and courage, but no compassion, I'm careless. If I have wisdom and compassion, but no courage, I'm riskless. And if I have compassion and courage, but no wisdom, that can be reckless. But if I have wisdom, courage, and compassion together, that's priceless. And so, I just try to pray that regularly because I say, "Lord, I want to be a wise, compassionate, courageous person for you." And I would encourage your listeners to pray that prayer for wisdom, courage, and compassion as well.   Laura Dugger: (42:05 - 42:20) Those are great words that I would use to describe you, J.R. And you are humble and warm and engaging. And I have greatly appreciated your book. I've already told people it's my favorite book that I've read in recent history.   J.R. Briggs: (42:20 - 42:22) So, thank you.   Laura Dugger: (42:22 - 42:31) Well, thank you. That's very kind of you. Yes, very easy to compliment it. But thank you for being my guest, and I look forward to hosting you again next time.   J.R. Briggs: (42:31 - 42:33) Sounds great. Looking forward to that as well.   Laura Dugger: (42:35 - 45:49) One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.   Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started.   First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it.   You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.   And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount with a familiar picture: two men building two houses. One builds on rock. The other builds on sand. When the storms come, only one house remains standing. The difference isn't the weather. Both houses face the storm. The difference is the foundation. That picture from Matthew 7 offers a helpful way to think about our financial lives. Job losses, medical expenses, market declines, and unexpected bills eventually test every household. The question is whether our financial lives are built on something strong enough to withstand them. John Cortines, a Family Office Advisor with Blue Trust and co-author of God and Money and True Riches, offers a helpful framework: Think of your financial life as a house. Christ is the foundation. Gratitude, contentment, trust, and love form the walls. Our identity as stewards serves as the roof. And wise financial practices furnish the rooms. The Foundation: Christ, Not Money Every house begins with a foundation, and the Christian financial life begins with Christ. Jesus taught that we cannot serve both God and money. So before we ask how much to save, spend, invest, or give, we have to settle a more fundamental question: What—or whom—are we trusting? 1 Timothy 6 warns against placing our hope in wealth. Money is useful, but it was never designed to carry the weight of our security or identity. Instead, biblical stewardship begins by recognizing that everything ultimately belongs to God. Haggai 2:8 reminds us that the silver and gold are His. What we possess has been entrusted to us temporarily. That changes the way we approach money. Rather than asking, “What do I want to do with my money?” a steward begins asking, “What is the next faithful decision with what God has entrusted to me?” Money moves from being our master to becoming a tool we manage for God's purposes. The First Wall: Gratitude Once the foundation is in place, the first wall is gratitude. Gratitude protects us from one of wealth's most subtle dangers: pride.  Pride says, I earned this. I deserve this. Look at what I've accomplished. Gratitude answers, God provided this. Deuteronomy 8:18 warns God's people not to forget that He is the One who gives them the ability to produce wealth. Our abilities, opportunities, relationships, education, health, and circumstances are all gifts we did not create for ourselves. That doesn't diminish the value of hard work. It simply puts our work in its proper place. A grateful steward can work diligently without believing everything depends on personal achievement. Gratitude opens our hands because it reminds us that every good thing ultimately comes from God. The Second Wall: Contentment The second wall is contentment, which guards us from coveting and comparison. Our culture constantly invites us to look sideways. Someone always seems to have a nicer home, a newer vehicle, a larger portfolio, or a more comfortable lifestyle. The result can be a restless appetite for more. But biblical contentment allows us to experience peace in seasons of abundance and in seasons when resources are limited. In Philippians 4:12-13, Paul explains that he learned the secret of being content whether he had plenty or was in need. His famous statement, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” comes in the context of learning contentment through Christ. Contentment does not mean we stop planning, working, or pursuing worthwhile goals. It means our peace is no longer waiting on the next financial milestone. We don't have to keep telling ourselves, I'll finally be satisfied when I get there or when I have that. In Christ, we can receive today's provision with gratitude while faithfully preparing for tomorrow. The Third Wall: Trust The third wall is trust. Financial anxiety often grows from the assumption that our future rests entirely on us. Am I saving enough? What if something happens? Will there be enough for retirement? What if the economy changes? Wise stewardship certainly includes preparation. But preparation can quietly turn into self-reliance if we begin believing our savings account is ultimately responsible for keeping us safe. In Luke 12, Jesus reminds His followers that the Father knows what they need. That frees us to seek His Kingdom first rather than allowing fear about tomorrow to dominate today. Our deepest security goes even further. For the Christian, our ultimate hope is not that we will avoid every financial problem. Our hope is in Christ, His victory over death, and the eternal future He has secured for His people. That perspective doesn't eliminate wise financial planning. It puts planning in its proper place. We prepare faithfully while trusting God completely. The Fourth Wall: Love The fourth wall may be the one we least often associate with money: love. It is easy for financial planning to become entirely inward-facing. We think about our budget, our goals, our retirement, and our future without considering how God may want to use what He has entrusted to us for the good of others. But Christian stewardship is shaped by Christ's love. 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 point us to Jesus, who gave Himself generously for us. Our generosity toward others becomes a response to the generosity we have first received from Him. As we grow spiritually, we begin asking not merely, How much can I keep? but, How can what God has entrusted to me become an expression of love? That may mean financial generosity, hospitality, using our abilities to serve someone, supporting the local church, or simply noticing a need we might otherwise have ignored. Money becomes one more way to love God and love our neighbor. The Roof: Your Identity as a Steward Resting on those four walls is the roof: our financial identity. There are two unhealthy extremes. The first is ownership: It's mine. I earned it. I'll do whatever I want with it. The second is helplessness: Nothing I do matters. I'll never get ahead. Life just happens to me. Stewardship offers another way. A steward says, “Everything belongs to God, and I am responsible for faithfully managing what He has entrusted to me.” That perspective brings both responsibility and freedom. We take our decisions seriously because stewardship matters. But we also recognize that we are not the ultimate owners or providers. God is. Our task is faithfulness. Furnishing the House With Wise Financial Practices Only after the foundation, walls, and roof are secure do we begin furnishing the house. These furnishings represent the everyday financial habits Scripture commends: working diligently, spending purposefully, handling debt carefully, saving steadily for future needs, investing patiently and wisely, practicing generosity, and showing hospitality. These practical decisions matter. But they work best when they flow from the right heart. Otherwise, we can follow every financial rule and still be driven by pride, comparison, fear, or selfishness. That's why biblical financial wisdom goes deeper than behavior. God is interested not only in what we do with money but in what is happening in our hearts while we do it. Four Questions Before Your Next Financial Decision This financial-house framework can become a practical tool whenever you face an important money decision. Before making a major purchase, investment, career move, or other financial choice, prayerfully ask: Am I approaching this from pride or gratitude? Am I being driven by coveting or contentment? Am I responding from anxiety or trust? Am I acting with indifference or love? Those questions can expose motivations that a spreadsheet never will. Sometimes they may lead us away from something we originally wanted. Other times, they may give us greater freedom to move forward. Either way, they help us consider not merely whether we can make a financial decision, but whether that decision fits the kind of steward God is shaping us to become. Build From the Inside Out It's tempting to begin our financial lives with tactics: budgets, investments, debt repayment plans, and retirement accounts. Those things are important. But Scripture invites us to start deeper. Build your foundation on Christ. Strengthen your life with gratitude, contentment, trust, and love. Remember that your identity is not owner but steward. Then let wise financial practices flow from those convictions. Storms will come. Jesus never suggested otherwise. But a financial life built on the Rock has something stronger than money holding it together. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have a 3% mortgage on about $300,000 and keep seeing ads promoting simple-interest home loans. Would it make sense to convert my current mortgage, or consider a simple-interest loan when we move in a few years? My husband and I are considering living off our savings for a year while I attend an accelerated nursing program at full out-of-state tuition. We live very frugally and have built up substantial savings. Does using that money to fund my schooling make financial sense? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Satisfied: Discovering Contentment in a World of Consumption by Jeff Manion FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is Part 1 of a three part series on Christian living: Stay in the book. Stay on your knees. And stay after souls.  Listen in as we delve into Bible study basics, covering translations, tools, methods, and motivations for reading God's Word and hiding it in our hearts. Show Notes VERSES CITED: James 1:5 - "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God...." Acts 8:30-39 - “...Do you understand what you are reading?” John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son...." Jeremiah 33:3 - “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things....” Psalm 119:160 - “The entirety of Your word is truth....” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 - "Love is patient, love is kind...." John 14:26 – “...the Holy Spirit ... will teach you all things....” John 16:8 – “...convict the world regarding sin, and righteousness, and judgment….” John 16:13 – “However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth....” 1 John 2:27 – “As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you....” Philippians 1:6 - "...he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion...." Psalm 19:1 - “The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky displays his handiwork...." Romans 5:8 - "...while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." John 1:1-4 - “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God...." Proverbs 14:12 - “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” John 14:6 - “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life....” Jeremiah 17:9 - “The heart is more deceitful than all else...." Luke 9:23 - “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross...." Matthew 7:13-14 - “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad....” Psalm 25:8-9 - “Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners the way....” Psalm 119:98-100 - “Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies....” James 3:17 - “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle....” James 3:15 - "...not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic." 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 - “...God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise...." Romans 12:2 - "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed....” Ephesians 5:26 - "cleansed and sanctified and conformed to the image of Christ....” 1 John 2:16 - “...the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the boastful pride of life.” Philippians 3:7-10 - “But whatever things were gain to me, these things I count as loss....” Acts 7:11 - “...examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.” Romans 14:1-6 - "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment...." Galatians 1:6-9 - “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you....” Acts 4:12 - “...no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” RELATED LINKS: Prayer Guide for Bible Readers Bible Study Fellowship One-Year Bible Reading Plan Free Books of the Bible Printable More Free Printable Prayer Guides Daily Bible Study Notes Template New American Standard Bible (NASB) New King James Version (NKJV) English Standard Version (ESV) New International Version (NIV) YouVersion Bible App Verses Bible Memory App BibleHub Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin Sermon Notes Template for Kids Ep 28: Bible Memory Tips EP 85: Memorize Proverbs 3 with Me Charlotte Mason's method of Scripture memory Awana Bible Memory Resources for Families STAY CONNECTED: Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life - parenting tips, homeschool help, printables Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

Today is day 236 and we are studying A Rule of Prayer: Prayer. 236. What is petition? In petition, I make requests to God on my own behalf for his provision and protection. (1 Samuel 1; 2 Kings 20:1–7; Psalm 86; John 17:1–5; 2 Corinthians 12:1–10; Philippians 4:6–7) We will conclude today with Prayer 98. For the Acceptance of Prayer found on page 675 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Iron man x 1 Samuel 17 x Philippians 4:13Your daily crossover of faith and fandom! Experience daily Biblical encouragement from nerdy Christian podcasters, bloggers, and content creators. Join the Nerd of Godcast community at www.NOGSquad.com

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." [Philippians 1:21] This Fall we walk through Paul's letter to the church in Philippi.   Founding Pastor Bob Flayhart Preaching August 23th, 2026 Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church Birmingham, AL

Ever feel like you don't belong anywhere — known by everyone, actually seen by no one? This message kicks off a new series in Philippians about what real belonging takes, and why the thing most of us want is also the thing we're most afraid of: being fully known. Paul wrote the book of Philippians from a prison cell, cut off from the people he loved — and yet he'd never felt more connected to them. That's the surprise at the heart of this message: belonging was never about proximity. It's about being known. Misha walks through Philippians 1 and the honest tension underneath our need to belong — the labels and names we carry, the exhausting work of keeping up an image, and the new identity Jesus offers that you don't have to earn or perform for. If you've been holding people at a distance because being known feels risky, this is for you.Support the show

Paul had something better than Mamba mentality. In Philippians 3:12 he says he has not obtained it and he is not already perfect, but he presses on to make it his own, because Christ Jesus made him His own.Warren Wiersbe called this holy dissatisfaction. We are content in Christ, but never content with where we are in our walk with Him.Alex breaks down why we need it, why comparison quietly kills it, and how remembering where you were when Christ found you keeps you in the race.After the Amen question: Are you dependent on Christ, or have you grown complacent?Study guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I-2afmFofQc4JK2fyDxRw7H5vVND1At9vPwUYFK-X3Y/edit?tab=t.0Donate: https://amenpodcast.com/donateFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amenpodcast/Subscribe to Email List: https://amenpodcast.com/subscribeAmen Podcast: https://youtube.com/amenpodcastAmen Podcast (spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/55g6BqsNLWNPWz7TuQ1QBKAmen Podcast (apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amen-podcast/id1437840199

One of the most helpful insights for pushing through low motivation is surprisingly simple: just begin. Not with a plan for the whole task, not with a burst of enthusiasm that has to appear first, but with one small starting point. Motivation often follows action rather than preceding it — and that first step, however reluctant, is frequently all that is needed to get moving. Ephesians 4:19 reminds us that God will meet all our needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus — and that includes the need for motivation. He is not dismissive of the struggle. He is the Creator of all things and the One to whom our souls belong, and He knows the difference between a lack of motivation rooted in complicated emotions and the kind of laziness Scripture cautions against. Bringing our low motivation to Him in prayer, asking Him to fill our hearts with desire and energy, and leaning on His strength when our own runs short is not weakness. It is wisdom. Do all you can to help yourself, and then trust Him with the rest. Today's Bible Verse "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."— Philippians 4:19, NIV Ponder Today Low motivation and laziness are not the same thing. A lack of motivation can arise from depression, stress, exhaustion, or being overwhelmed — all complicated and real experiences. God knows the difference, and He meets us with compassion rather than condemnation. Motivation often follows action rather than preceding it. Waiting to feel motivated before starting is a trap. Taking the first small step — even reluctantly — is frequently what generates the energy and momentum to continue. Building habits reduces the energy required to begin. When tasks become part of a regular routine, the decision-making overhead that drains motivation is removed. Starting something daily makes it easier to keep doing it. God can meet the need for motivation just as He meets every other need. Bringing our low energy and lack of desire to Him in prayer is not trivial. He richly blesses His people with all things, and asking Him to fill our hearts with the desire to be productive is a legitimate and worthwhile prayer. Do all you can to help yourself and lean on Him for the rest. Practical steps and spiritual dependence are not in competition. Both belong together in the life of a believer navigating the real and complicated challenge of low motivation. A Prayer for You Today Dear God, I am often lacking in motivation for a variety of reasons — too tired, too stressed, or too overwhelmed to get started on the tasks in front of me. Important aspects of my career and life have taken a hit because of this struggle. I ask You to help me and to fill my heart with the motivation I need. Bring calmness, serenity, and joy into my heart. These things will help balance out my lack of motivation and give my life purpose again. I praise You for meeting all my needs and richly blessing me in Your Son. Continue to cultivate a productive heart within me and guide me to follow You. I trust You with all things, God. In Your Son's name, Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Deity wrapped itself in humanity not to create religion but to build relationship. In this message, Pastor James unpacks what it means to have the mind of Christ, revealing how Jesus made Himself approachable, humble, and relatable.ABOUT THIS SERMONIn this powerful message, Pastor James takes us into Philippians 2 to explore the mind of Christ. Though fully divine, Jesus chose humility and came in human form not just to save us but to walk with us through weakness, pain, and need. Pastor James shows how Jesus did not come to start a religion but to invite us into deep relationship. He reminds us that while we often seek God's power, God is after our hearts. This message calls us to reflect Christ's humility in our own lives and invites us into a relationship that is not based on what God does but on who He is. If you have ever wondered whether God really understands your struggles, this sermon will bring clarity, comfort, and renewed faith.KEY VERSES Philippians 2:5-11 Romans 12:2 Hebrews 4:15-16 1 Timothy 3:16 John 1:1,14

How do we find peace when relationships fall apart? Paul addressed a rift between two believers, offering timeless truths for lasting unity in the church. In this message from Philippians 4, Pastor Philip Miller unpacks three keys to peace-filled relationships. Discover the surprising remedy for conflict hidden inside these familiar "coffee cup" verses. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://moodyoffer.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Moody Church Hour" and "Living Hope," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Dr. Philip Miller is the 17th Senior Pastor of The Moody Church. He is the featured speaker on "Living Hope" and "Moody Church Hour," with programs broadcasting on 700 outlets in the U.S. He and his wife Krista live in Chicago with their four children. Pastor Philip is passionate about proclaiming God's Word, cultivating healthy ministry, and investing in future leaders. SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

Who added chapters and verses to the Bible? Imagine trying to find a Bible passage without chapter or verse numbers. The Bible wasn't originally written with the numbered divisions we use today. So who added them, why were they created, and could they sometimes affect how we interpret Scripture?In this episode, Tiffany Coker and Pastor Jeff Cranston uncover the history behind Bible chapters and verses. They explain why these numbers are useful but not inspired, how chapter breaks can interrupt an author's original thought, and why familiar verses like Philippians 4:13 must be read within their surrounding context.Chapters:00:24 Who Added Chapters and Verses to the Bible?The biblical authors didn't divide Scripture into numbered chapters and verses. These numbers were added centuries later to help readers locate and reference specific passages.03:14 Why Were Bible Chapters Created?As universities grew during the 13th century, teachers and students needed a consistent way to find passages. Standardized chapter divisions became a navigation system that made studying and teaching the Bible easier.06:21 Who Created the Bible's Chapter Divisions?Stephen Langton, a theologian and later Archbishop of Canterbury, helped develop and standardize the chapter system used in most Bibles today. He built upon earlier methods rather than creating the entire system from scratch.08:01 Are Chapter and Verse Numbers Inspired by God?The words of Scripture are inspired by God, but chapter numbers, verse numbers, section headings, cross-references, and study notes are human-created tools that can help us study the Bible but may also influence how we interpret it.10:28 When Were Verse Numbers Added to the Bible?Verse divisions became standardized after chapter divisions. Over time, these systems were adopted in printed Bibles, allowing pastors, teachers, and readers to locate the same passage within seconds.12:17 Why Should We Read Beyond Individual Verses?The Bible is not a collection of disconnected inspirational statements. Reading the surrounding passage helps us understand verses like Philippians 4:13 and Romans 8:28 within their proper context and follow the biblical author's complete message.“  The modern chapter system emerged in the early 13th century as universities grew and theology began to move into classrooms; Students and teachers needed a consistent way to locate passages.”  – Pastor Jeff Cranston

Paul had something better than Mamba mentality. In Philippians 3:12 he says he has not obtained it and he is not already perfect, but he presses on to make it his own, because Christ Jesus made him His own.Warren Wiersbe called this holy dissatisfaction. We are content in Christ, but never content with where we are in our walk with Him.Alex breaks down why we need it, why comparison quietly kills it, and how remembering where you were when Christ found you keeps you in the race.After the Amen question: Are you dependent on Christ, or have you grown complacent?Study guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I-2afmFofQc4JK2fyDxRw7H5vVND1At9vPwUYFK-X3Y/edit?tab=t.0Donate: https://amenpodcast.com/donateFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amenpodcast/Subscribe to Email List: https://amenpodcast.com/subscribeAmen Podcast: https://youtube.com/amenpodcastAmen Podcast (spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/55g6BqsNLWNPWz7TuQ1QBKAmen Podcast (apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amen-podcast/id1437840199

Pastor Leo on Philippians 3:1-11

Join Pastor Hennie Bosman for part 12 of our Summer Rocks series, "Joyful Living"

This month's theme is “Christ Hymn- Philippians 2:5-11!”Philippians 2:10-11"...that at the name of Jesusevery knee should bend,of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue confess thatJesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father."(NAB Translation)***PILGRIMAGE —STILL SPOTS —2026 PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA, PORTUGAL & SPAIN with Jackie & Bobby  Angel, Kim Zember, Fr. Edwin Leonard, including Fatima, Eucharistic Miracle of Santarem, sites of St. Anthony of  Padua, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross and more!, September 20-29, 2026Click here for more info: https://selectinternationaltours.com/product/a-pilgrimage-to-portugal-and-spain-with-kim-zember-jackie-and-bobby-angel-and-fr-edwin-leonard/****PATREON: For downloadable and printable PDFs of each scripture verse, support us on Patreon at Patreon.com/JackieandBobby at the $5/month level!***“Memorize Scripture” Book NOW AVAILABLE!Get 10% off!Link to Order:https://avemariapress.com/?ref=JACKIE10PROMO CODE: JACKIE10

Saturday is review day on The Daily Promise. Every Saturday, we review the promises of the week so we can allow them to go deep into our hearts and lives. Here are the promises we covered this week. James 4:6 – God's Grace is for the Humble. 1 Corinthians 15:58 – You Can Stand Firm in Your Faith. Psalm 9:10 – Knowing God Builds Your Faith. Philippians 4:8-9 – The Right Way to Think. 2 Corinthians 7:6 – God Comforts Me When I am Discouraged.

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners  Zechariah's prophecy that many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD.  Scripture References: Zechariah 8:22; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Zechariah 1:1-6; Zechariah 8:1-22; Revelation 7:9-12; Isaiah 2:2-3, 25:7, 49:6-7, 60:3-5; Galatians 3:29; Philippians 2:11 Scripture translation used is the NASB “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995, 2020 (only use the last year corresponding to the edition quoted) by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.Lockman.org”CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S OTHER PODCAST- The First Love ProjectHere is the video introducing the podcast on You Tube-https://youtu.be/PhFY1moDDmsHERE IS A LINK TO THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR FIRST LOVE PROJECThttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdaujk1npuKR0BLSkTlKyxmuxavrZQHM6&si=dC10K4Qdh0xMKElU FIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishaffer DAILY MUSICAL DEVOTIONAL BY THE WORSHIP INITIATIVE:Text SING to 79316CHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

In this episode of Bible Reading and Coffee Drinking, we dive into Philippians 3, where Paul reminds us that nothing compares to truly knowing Jesus. He warns against putting our confidence in our accomplishments, status, or religious credentials and points us instead toward righteousness through faith in Christ. Paul also gives us one of the chapter's most powerful lessons: forget what is behind and press forward toward what God has ahead. Grab your Bible and coffee, and let's talk about letting go of the past, growing closer to Jesus, and keeping our eyes on the eternal prize.Also, use the code "Podcast20" to get 20% off our entire store. This is a special code specifically for our podcast listeners! See all our our hoodies, t-shirts, caps and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.livingchristian.org/store.html⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Check out this podcast and all previous episodes on Spotify, iTunes, Google more! - https://www.livingchristian.org/podcast.htmlMY BIBLE: Every Man's Bible: New Living Translation - Find it here: https://amzn.to/3MuDAUSCHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE BELOW FOR CHRISTIAN APPAREL, PRODUCTS, BLOGS, BIBLE VERSES AND MORE:Website | https://www.livingchristian.orgPodcast | https://www.livingchristian.org/podcast.htmlFOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL:Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/living_christian/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/livechristian1 Twitter | https://twitter.com/livechristian1Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/living_christian/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@livingchristianABOUT US:Living Christian believes that our Christian faith isn't just for Sunday mornings in Church. Our faith impacts every aspect of our lives and the challenges we face every day of the week. We want to connect to people who are seeking to determine what Living Christian means in their own day-to-day lives. We are focused on providing resources and products to a community of believers. We provide daily biblical inspiration, motivation and guidance through social posts, blogs and Christian apparel and products.This work contains Music Track The 126ers - Winds of Spring that is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license. Source: https://directory.audio/free-music/pop/5092-the-126ers-winds-of-springAuthor: The 126ers#christ #christian #christianity #christianblog #christianblogger #verses #bible #bibleinspiration #bibletime #jesusistheway #biblestudy #dailybible #newtestament #oldtestament #thebible #christ #jesuschrist #holybible #lukewarm #christians #christianpodcast #christmas

Stress can affect every area of life, from finances and work to family and relationships. But when pressure builds, where do we turn first? In “Staying Strong, Not Stressed,” Cindi McMenamin explains why taking our stress to God before placing emotional expectations on the people around us can strengthen both our faith and our relationships. God already knows every thought, frustration, and word before we express it, making Him the perfect place to bring our burdens first. Cindi shares three practical habits for navigating stressful seasons: tell God first, trust His promises, and thank Him constantly. While these practices may not immediately change our circumstances, they can change how we respond to them and help us become a source of encouragement rather than additional stress for those around us. Highlights Why stress can unintentionally create tension in our closest relationships How taking our frustrations to God first can provide stability and perspective Why we shouldn't expect our spouse, children, or friends to carry the full weight of our emotional needs The Three T's for handling stress: Tell God First, Trust God's Promises, and Thank God Constantly How Scripture provides encouragement when facing financial, relational, work, or health-related stress Why gratitude can change our attitude even when circumstances remain difficult How depending on God can help us become better encouragers to others Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Staying Strong, Not Stressed By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading:Even before there is a word on my tongue,Behold, Lord, You know it all (Psalm 139:4 NASB). Stress—whether it’s physical, emotional, relational, or financial—can take its toll on any of us. But how do we handle stress so we don’t push others away from us? I used to find myself reaching out to my husband or my young adult daughter to get the relief, encouragement, or support I needed to get through stressful times. I would provide explanations for my stressed-out behavior and seek their understanding. But I’ve learned through the years that having such expectations of others can backfire. You and I can push our marriages over the edge if we let our spouses know they are not meeting our emotional needs or expectations at a time when they might be dealing with multiple frustrations as well. We can also damage our relationships with our children—regardless of their ages—when we expect them to be there for us, emotionally, when they might not feel equipped to do what it is we are expecting of them, or respond in a way that will meet our emotional needs. There have been many times in the past several years that I’ve had to make a conscious decision not to lay my expectations on my husband or daughter when I’ve felt particularly stressed, regardless of the source. And as I began to take my troubles and stressful times to God first, I found that I was not only more able and stable to deal with whatever came my way, but I could help others in my family through whatever they were going through, as well. David sang in Psalm 139:4 that God knows everything we are going to say, even before there is a word on our tongues. He knows our thoughts before we think them, our words before we say them, and our actions before we carry them out. Certainly, a God like that is the One we should be going to first when we begin to feel stressed. Intersecting Faith & Life: Today, when stress starts rearing its ugly head in my life, I practice these “Three T’s” on a daily basis to stay strong during difficult times: Tell God First—Sometimes you and I need to vent or just talk aloud about what we’re feeling. But our frustrations can come across as accusations or complaints if we’re not careful. And since it is natural for others who love and care about us to try to find a solution to fix our stressful situation, when we just wanted someone to listen, it’s better to go to God with the venting first. Sure, God already knows what we’re going to say, according to Psalm 139:4. But by telling God first all that is on our hearts and minds, He can be the “buffer.” Trust God’s Promises—The Bible is full of God’s promises about His provision and protection. So, when we become troubled about finances, or a work deadline, or health issues, we can find comfort just by remembering some of God’s encouraging words to His people. In Philippians 4:19, Paul says, “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” And Romans 8:28 tells us, “we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Keep stress sidelined by banking on the promises in the Bible and taking God at His Word. Thank God Constantly—No matter what the situation, there’s always something to be thankful for. One of my friends was discouraged that her husband’s new job didn’t pay as well as his previous one. But some income was better than none. Another friend complained about her teenager’s disinterest in school and his unwillingness to "apply himself,” yet he was still very interested in his church's youth group. We can become people of praise with a contagious positive attitude when we obey God’s command in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances.” A thankful spouse, parent, or friend is pleasant to be around. When you and I practice these three T’s—telling God first, trusting His promises, and thanking Him constantly—our circumstances might not change immediately. But by depending on God—and not solely on others—we can not only alleviate the stress in our lives, but we can become encouragers who model to others how to handle stress in their lives as well. Further Reading:Psalm 62:5-8 To grow more dependent on God, and improve your relationships, see Cindi’s book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Season 6, Day 2: Let Your Gentleness Be Known — Philippians 4:5 and Turning Your Groans into Gratitude   In Season 6, Day 2 of Rewire Your Brain: The Peace & Positivity Podcast, host Liz Bagwell continues the Philippians 4 series with verse 5: "Let your reasonableness be known to everyone" — often translated as gentleness. Using Hebb's Law and today's gratitude and prayer prompts, Liz walks through Micro and Macro Gratitude, a vulnerable Groan-to-Gratitude example about living with scoliosis, and a guided Meditation with Jesus through Philippians 4:4-9. Today's action step is a simple prayer asking God to help you model gentleness in stressful moments.   What You'll Learn: How the Groan-to-Gratitude practice turns everyday frustrations into fuel for positive neural pathways A personal example of finding gratitude in a physical struggle A guided Meditation with Jesus through Philippians 4:4-9 A practical action step for practicing gentleness under stress Scripture Referenced: Philippians 4:5 (Philippians 4:4-9 read in full during the meditation)   Links & Resources: Hear Liz's full story and the science of neuroplasticity: Season 3, Episode 1 (https://podcasts.apple.com/bm/podcast/s3e1-christian-prayers-and-meditations-for/id1683576689?i=1000671699080) or Season 4, Episode 1 (https://podcasts.apple.com/bm/podcast/season-4-day-1-of-christian-prayers-and/id1683576689?i=1000697728428)   Join the email list for weekly encouragement, first access to new resources, and a free gift when you sign up: https://divinerx.myflodesk.com/uv87x847ln   Need more in-depth brain-rewiring steps? Check out the Divine Rewire Course: https://elizabeth-bagwell.mykajabi.com/cotton-sales-page   Loved this episode? Follow the show and leave a quick rating in your podcast app — it helps this podcast reach someone else who needs it today. Links for PDF Worksheet for today: Patreon (PDF) Link  

Does the strongest argument against Jesus being God come from Jesus Himself?In Mark 13 and Matthew 24, Jesus says that no one knows the day or hour—not the angels, nor the Son, but only the Father.So here's the obvious question:If Jesus is God, and God knows everything, how could Jesus genuinely say, "I don't know"?In this episode of The Caffeinated Christian, we work through one of the most difficult objections to the Christian doctrine of the incarnation. Did Jesus surrender His omniscience when He became human?Was Jesus simply ignorant according to His human nature?Does the incarnation mean Jesus had two minds?What does Paul actually mean when he says Jesus "emptied Himself" in Philippians 2?And can Jesus genuinely say that He doesn't know something while the eternal Son remains omniscient?We're going to take the objection seriously rather than giving a quick Christian cliché. We'll look at Mark 13:32, Philippians 2, the historic Christian understanding of Christ's two natures, and the philosophical question of whether omniscience is something God could surrender and still remain God.This isn't about finding an easy answer.It's about asking whether the Christian doctrine of the incarnation is actually coherent.The bigger question isn't simply, "Did Jesus know everything?" It's “Who is Jesus?”CHAPTERS:00:00:02 - Welcome to the Caffeinated Christian Podcast00:02:12 - Coffee Machine Disaster and Pumpkin Spice Season00:03:58 - Jesus Not Knowing the End Times00:10:49 - Jesus' Divine and Human Nature Explained00:13:18 - Jesus' Omniscience and Human Nature Problem00:19:55 - Jesus: One Person, Two Natures Explained00:22:39 - Jesus's Omniscience as a Necessary Divine Attribute00:29:15 - Understanding Jesus' Emptying in Philippians 200:31:46 - Morphe in Greek Literature: Outward Appearance Not Nature00:35:18 - Jesus Didn't Surrender Divine Attributes00:36:51 - Jesus: Fully Divine and Fully Human00:39:24 - Jesus' Knowledge and Human Consciousness Levels00:45:26 - Jesus' Levels of Awareness and Divine Attributes00:48:37 - Jesus' Genuine Dependence on the Father00:51:07 - Jesus' Human Nature and Divine LimitationsJesus & Omniscience Teaching Guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners  Jesus's asking HIS disciples whether or not they yet understood after HE had already shown evidence of what HE could do.  Scripture References: Mark 8:21; Acts 12:12; Acts 15:35-41; Mark 1:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Mark 8:1-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:18-20; Philippians 4:6-7 Scripture translation used is the NASB “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995, 2020 (only use the last year corresponding to the edition quoted) by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.Lockman.org”CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S OTHER PODCAST- The First Love ProjectHere is the video introducing the podcast on You Tube-https://youtu.be/PhFY1moDDmsHERE IS A LINK TO THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR FIRST LOVE PROJECThttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdaujk1npuKR0BLSkTlKyxmuxavrZQHM6&si=dC10K4Qdh0xMKElU FIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishaffer DAILY MUSICAL DEVOTIONAL BY THE WORSHIP INITIATIVE:Text SING to 79316CHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

Listen in as Pastor Matt brings a daily scripture, encouragement and prayer just for you. Today's fresh catch comes from Philippians 4:8.

Join us as Robert Hernandez teaches through Philippians 1! Click Here for August's SOAP scripture reading plan! For more information about Fusion Church, visit us on the web or follow us on social media here!

For the Good of the Public brings you news and weekly conversations at the intersection of faith and civic life. Monday through Thursday, The Morning Five starts your day off with scripture and prayer, as we also catch up on the news together. Throughout the year, we air limited series on Fridays to dive deeper into conversations with civic leaders, thinkers, and public servants reimagining public life for the good of the public. Today's host was Michael Wear.  Thanks for listening to The Morning Five! Please subscribe to and rate The Morning Five on your favorite podcast platform. Learn more about the work of the Center for Christianity and Public Life at www.ccpubliclife.org. Today's scripture: Philippians 2:1-11 (ESV) News sources: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/08/missionary-kevin-rideout-released-niger-kidnapping/  https://www.wsj.com/health/pharma/moderna-merck-vaccine-succeeds-in-preventing-melanoma-from-returning-540e9e18?mod=hp_lead_pos1  https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/18/world/canada/tariffs-trade-trump-carney.html  https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/19/us/elections/wyoming-republicans-moderate.html  https://www.cnn.com/2026/08/18/politics/takeaways-florida-alaska-primaries  https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/19/us/politics/peltola-sullivan-alaska-senate-primary.html  https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2026/08/18/california-us-house-special-runoff-election-results-live-wahab-faces-hernandez/  https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/politics-government/2026-08-19/freedom-caucus-candidates-come-up-short-in-wyomings-primary  Join the conversation and follow us at: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@michaelwear⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, @ccpubliclife Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@MichaelRWear⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, @ccpubliclife and check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tsfnetwork⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music by: King Sis #politics #faith #prayer #scripture #news #missionaries #Christianity #Moderna #medicine #health #Canada #tariffs #trade #elections #Wyoming #Alaska Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 6 Kickoff: The Neuroscience of Rejoice Always (Philippians 4:4) — Rewiring Anxiety, Depression, PTSD & OCD In this Season 6 premiere of Rewire Your Brain: The Peace & Positivity Podcast, host Liz Bagwell dives into the neuroscience behind Paul's command in Philippians 4:4 to "rejoice in the Lord always." Using Hebb's Law — the neuroscience principle that "neurons that fire together, wire together" — Liz breaks down why rejoicing isn't just a feel-good suggestion but a divine prescription for rewiring a brain stuck in anxiety, depression, PTSD, or OCD. Today's gratitude and prayer prompts walk you through Micro and Macro Gratitude, a Faith-Filled Gratitude practice, a guided Meditation with Jesus through Philippians 4:4-9, and an action step for choosing joy despite your circumstances.   What You'll Learn: The neuroscience of Hebb's Law and why "neurons that fire together, wire together" Why Paul's command to "rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4) is a neurological prescription, not just an encouraging verse The Greek word study behind "rejoice" (chairo) and how it differs from giving thanks How focusing on gratitude retrains your brain to notice more good instead of more negative A guided Meditation with Jesus through Philippians 4:4-9 A practical action step for externally expressing joy despite hard circumstances   Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Season Six: A New Beginning 01:13 Healing Through Faith and Neuroscience 04:00 The Power of Gratitude Practices 07:12 Micro and Macro Gratitudes 10:04 Transforming Groans into Gratitude 13:25 Prayer and Reflection on Heavy Hearts 16:20 Understanding Rejoicing in the Lord (Philippians 4:4) 19:06 Neuroscience of Joy and Gratitude 21:58 Practical Steps for Rejoicing 24:20 Affirmations and Identity in Christ 27:08 Meditation and Action Steps 30:10 Reflection and Closing Prayer Scripture Referenced: Philippians 4:4, Philippians 4:6-9   Links & Resources: Hear Liz's full story and the science of neuroplasticity: Season 3, Episode 1 (https://podcasts.apple.com/bm/podcast/s3e1-christian-prayers-and-meditations-for/id1683576689?i=1000671699080) or Season 4, Episode 1 (https://podcasts.apple.com/bm/podcast/season-4-day-1-of-christian-prayers-and/id1683576689?i=1000697728428)   Join the email list for weekly encouragement, first access to new resources, and a free gift when you sign up: https://divinerx.myflodesk.com/uv87x847ln   Need more in-depth brain-rewiring steps? Check out the Divine Rewire Course: https://elizabeth-bagwell.mykajabi.com/cotton-sales-page Links for PDF worksheets: Patreon Link for Worksheets Loved this episode? Follow the show and leave a quick rating in your podcast app — it helps this podcast reach someone else who needs it today.   Tags: Christian podcast, faith-based mental health, anxiety podcast, depression podcast, PTSD, OCD, neuroplasticity, Hebb's Law, gratitude practice, Philippians 4, Bible study, prayer, Rewire Your Brain podcast, Liz Bagwell         Meta description (paste into your SEO/description field, not the show notes body): Start Season 6 with the neuroscience behind Philippians 4:4's command to "rejoice always." A faith-based approach to anxiety, depression, PTSD & OCD.

Paul calls it a spiritual account, and giving is how you make a deposit. Today on BOLD STEPS, Mark Jobe dives into Philippians 4 with a message titled Increasing Your Credit, showing how generosity pays dividends no bank statement could ever show. Find out how your giving can pay off in ways you never expected ... listen to Bold Steps with Pastor Mark Jobe. Bold Steps Gift: Lee Strobel-The Case For Faith Visit or watch Mark Jobe at New Life Community ChurchBecome a Bold Partner: https://www.moodyradio.org/donateto/boldstepsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you really know that you're saved?Pastor Wayman Mitchell preaches from Ephesians 1 on the assurance of salvation and one of the most encouraging truths in Scripture: God is committed to finishing what He started in you.New converts and longtime Christians alike can struggle with condemnation. Old habits surface. Wrong thoughts return. The devil accuses you and tells you, “You haven't really changed. You'll always be this way.”But God says something different.In this message, Pastor Mitchell explains what it means to be redeemed by the blood of Jesus, accepted in Christ, and sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.That seal is more than a religious idea. It speaks of ownership. God has put His mark on those who belong to Him.Philippians 1:6 says:“He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”Your confidence is not that you are strong enough to save yourself. Your confidence is in the God who saved you and is working to bring His purposes to completion.Scriptures: Ephesians 1:3-14, Romans 6:23, Isaiah 52:3, Acts 20:28, Colossians 1:12-14, Romans 8:1, Luke 10:20, Philippians 1:6, Jude 24-25Subscribe for more classic preaching from Pastor Wayman Mitchell every Wayman Wednesday.00:42 Why Christians Doubt Their Salvation01:21 Ephesians 1: God Is Dedicated to Your Salvation03:27 God Had a Plan Before the World Began04:50 God Is Not Limited by Time05:27 God Is Going Somewhere06:53 When God Interrupts Your Plans07:34 How Prophecy Brought Mary to Bethlehem09:19 God Has a Purpose for Your Life10:28 Why We Need Redemption11:44 Jesus Paid a Debt You Could Never Pay14:04 Redeemed and Forgiven Through His Blood15:04 You Can Have Assurance of Salvation16:26 “You Will Always Be an Addict” Is a Lie18:10 God Has Put His Mark on You19:00 Sealed With the Holy Spirit20:03 What the Seal of God Means21:25 Your Name Is Written in Heaven22:19 The Seven Sons of Sceva23:51 God Will Complete What He Started25:00 Israel's Great Mistake26:17 If God Wanted to Destroy You, He Would Have Left You in Egypt27:08 God Is Able to Keep You From Falling27:44 When the Devil Says You Won't Make ItNotesALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD EVANGELISMLocate a CFM Church near you: https://cfmmap.orgWe need five-star reviews! Tell the world what you think about this podcast at:• Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/3vy1s5b• Podchaser: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/taking-the-land-cfm-sermon-pod-43369v

The grief of being estranged from an adult child is in a category of its own. It does not arrive with a funeral or a clear moment of loss. It accumulates in empty birthdays, quiet holidays, and the absence of a simple acknowledgment that you exist. And it is far more common than most people talk about openly. This episode speaks directly to that pain with honesty and hard-won hope. For any parent sitting with the silence of an estranged child, there are several truths worth holding onto. First, the grief is real, and it deserves to be brought to God without minimizing it. Second, shifting from asking God "why?" to asking "what now?" is one of the most powerful movements a hurting parent can make. Third, giving your children back to God is not giving up on them. They were His before they were yours, and He has not lost sight of them. And finally, Philippians 1:6 reminds us that He who began a good work will bring it to completion. You were not made to live as though buried alive. Choosing to fully inhabit the life God has given you today, one foot in front of the other, is itself a declaration of faith and a refusal to let grief have the final word. Bible Verse "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."— Philippians 1:6, ESV Ponder Today The grief of estrangement from an adult child is a particular and often invisible kind of loss. It does not have a funeral or a clear beginning. It accumulates in empty birthdays and quiet Thanksgivings and the absence of a text message. Bringing that specific grief to God is not weakness — it is wisdom. Shifting from "why?" to "what now?" is one of the most powerful movements a grieving parent can make. It does not minimize the pain. It refuses to let the pain be the only thing that defines the days ahead. We can hold our own failures honestly without letting them be the only story. Acknowledging the moments that should not have happened is part of healing — but so is remembering that imperfect parents who did their best are not the villains their estranged children may currently believe them to be. Giving your children back to God is an act of profound trust. They were His before they were yours. He has not lost sight of them, and He is still at work in their lives — even when you cannot see it and cannot reach them. You were not made to live as though buried alive. The resurrection of Christ is not just a theological truth — it is a daily reality for those who belong to Him. Choosing to live fully in the life God has given today is itself a declaration of faith. A Prayer for You Today Heavenly Father, I am so grateful that You are the only perfect Parent. Your unconditional love sees me through each day. Today, I lift every estranged parent and grandparent up to You and ask that Your comfort and love surround them. May we find rest in Your presence, trust in Your ongoing work in the lives of our children, and the courage to keep living fully in the days You have given us. May we rejoice in Your workings in all our lives. In gratitude to You, Father, Amen. Want More?

When things don't look the way you expected them to, disappointment, doubt, and discouragement move in fast. And if you carry a father wound, that pain has a way of attaching itself to God, because He is your Father. In this episode, we cover five verses you can keep going back to when the prayer stays unanswered, the door stays closed, and the vision God gave you looks nowhere close to coming to pass. This is not about pretending everything is fine. It is about having scripture ready to answer your feelings and the lies of the enemy, so you stop drifting into self-reliance and start trusting the character of God again. Timestamps 00:00 Why disappointment in business so often becomes a rift with God 01:30 The father wound connection, and why unanswered prayer triggers it 02:19 Self-reliance vs God-reliance, and why it is such a slippery slope 03:15 Verse 1: Proverbs 3:5-6 05:30 Verse 2: Isaiah 41:10 06:30 Verse 3: Hebrews 13:5 08:00 How the enemy shows up at the most vulnerable moment 10:30 Quick recap of the first three verses 11:15 Verse 4: Romans 15:4 12:30 Paul wrote from prison. What if the prison was the assignment? 13:57 Joseph's vision, and the twenty years between the dream and the fulfillment 15:30 Verse 5: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 17:00 Why "I believe in Jesus but not every word of the Bible" leaves you without a GPS 20:15 Bonus verse: Philippians 4:6-7 and how to access the peace that surpasses understanding 21:01 Take-home applications for all five verses 23:11 Mia's commitment for every episode of this podcast Key Scriptures (NKJV) Proverbs 3:5-6 — "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Isaiah 41:10 — "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Hebrews 13:5 — "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" Romans 15:4 — "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 — "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." Bonus, Philippians 4:6-7 — "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Key Points Disappointment is not the real danger. What we do with it is. Unmet expectations quietly push us back into self-reliance, and self-reliance is us deciding we are in control of something we were never in control of. Feelings are real, but they are not authority. When your experience says "God has abandoned me" and scripture says "I will never leave you nor forsake you," one of those is the truth and one of those is a feeling. The enemy waits for the vulnerable moment. He does not usually show up when everything is going well. He shows up in the trial, and he twists the very promise God gave you. Closed doors are not proof of abandonment. When you know God's character, a closed door reads as redirection instead of rejection. Paul wrote much of the New Testament from a prison cell. Joseph waited about twenty years between the vision and the fulfillment. Neither of those journeys looked like the promise while they were living it. Take-Home Applications Proverbs 3:5-6. The next time you face a hard decision or an uncertain season in your business, stop before you strategize. Pray first and ask, "God, what are You showing me here?" Then ask what scripture says about it, instead of what your understanding says about it. Isaiah 41:10. When you feel overwhelmed or discouraged, stop trying to manufacture strength. You do not have to muster up what is required for what is in front of you. Go to Him and ask Him to strengthen you, then move forward leaning on His strength. Hebrews 13:5. When feelings of abandonment show up, do two things. Go to the verse first and say it out loud. Then make a list of the times God has already come through for you, even when it did not look the way you expected. Keep that list somewhere you can find it fast. Romans 15:4. Set aside dedicated study time in the stories of the leaders and builders in scripture. Start with Joseph's rise out of adversity and Nehemiah's leadership rebuilding the wall. Look specifically at the setbacks and what God did through them, not just the outcome. 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Treat scripture as the actual foundation of your business strategy, not the inspirational layer on top of it. Before your next big business decision, ask what biblical principle should be informing this choice, and ground the decision there instead of in your feelings. Philippians 4:6-7. When anxiety rises, take the request to Him with thanksgiving first. Speak the verses from this episode back to God as truth about who He is, then make your ask. That is how you access the peace that guards your heart and mind

Are the world's messages about dieting, aging, and anxiety getting louder than God's truth? Hi friend! In today's episode, we're talking about diet culture, aging, anxiety, faith, and health and how to stop letting the world's voice become louder than God's. I'm also sharing what I've learned through my own hormone journey and why experiencing anxiety doesn't automatically mean you aren't trusting God. If you're tired of chasing diets and fitness trends, struggling with getting older, or wondering how your faith fits into anxiety and your mental and physical health, this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE Why Christian women can still get pulled back into diet culture and quick fixes What to do when social media makes you question your health and fitness choices How to stop chasing diets and start putting God first in your health How to deal with getting older in a culture obsessed with youth What the Bible says about aging, worth, and flourishing as you get older What my hormone journey has taught me about anxiety Why you can trust God and still experience anxious feelings Practical ways to bring your thoughts back to truth SCRIPTURES Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Psalm 92:14, Philippians 4:6–8, 1 Corinthians 2:16 MORE BIBLICAL TRUTH FOR YOUR TRANSFORMATION Ready to stop the diet cycle? Listen next: Why Diets Keep Failing Christian Weight Loss  Struggling with getting older and your worth? Listen next: 5 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self  Dealing with anxiety? Listen next: 8 Bible Verses Every Christian Woman Needs to Know for Anxiety  READY TO STOP DOING HEALTH & FITNESS THE WORLD'S WAY? If you're tired of diets, extremes, and starting over, Fit God's Way will help you put God first in your health and fitness and build habits you can actually live. Inside the course, I'll help you change the way you approach your mindset, food, fitness, and habits so you can stop chasing the world's answers and learn how to do this with God. Join Fit God's Way →  ALREADY A FIT GOD'S WAY STUDENT? If you know what to do but want help staying accountable and putting it into practice, join me for Fit God's Way Live Monthly Coaching. Once a month, bring me your questions and join me live for coaching, accountability, Q&A, and prayer. Join Live Monthly Coaching →  RESOURCE MENTIONED My Instagram Post About Aging The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery by Dr. Lee Warren STAY CONNECTED Every Tuesday, I send my best Bible-meets-real-life encouragement to thousands of women around the world to help you navigate the real things we face as women and live God's way. Join my free newsletter →  Remember, you are called, chosen, and set apart, and you were made to live God's way. With so much love, Kim Dolan Leto  

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