Podcasts about pray lord

Prophecy isn't meant to terrify us. It's meant to anchor us. While the world trembles with uncertainty, we have a future secured in promises that cannot be broken. God has already told us the end of the story—and it ends with Jesus victorious and His people standing in glory.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” — Revelation 19:10b (ESV)Jesus is the center of prophecy. Every end-time vision, every revelation, every warning—it all points to Him. And that's where our hope must be rooted.When you read through prophetic Scripture, don't stop at the beasts or the bowls or the battles. Look deeper. See the Lamb. See the victory. See the promise that those who endure to the end will reign with Him.Hope in prophecy isn't wishful thinking. It's assured expectation. God does not change. What He promised Abraham, what He revealed to Daniel, what John saw in Revelation—it's all unfolding just as He said.The enemy wants you focused on fear. God wants you focused on fulfillment—on the promises that are yes and amen in Christ.And here's the beauty: prophetic hope doesn't just comfort you in the future. It strengthens you in the present. It reminds you that the chaos around you is not the final word. Jesus is.Prophecy doesn't paralyze—it empowers. It lifts your eyes. It readies your heart. And it reminds you that the Kingdom is unshakable… and you belong to it.Question of the Day:Which prophetic promise gives you the most hope in today's uncertain world?Mini Call to Action:Write down one promise from Scripture about Christ's return. Tape it somewhere visible. Let it refocus your eyes today.Let's Pray:Lord, thank You that every prophetic word finds its fulfillment in You. Help me to stand on Your promises, not my fears. Remind me that the future is secure—because You hold it. Amen.Let's Get To Work!This world isn't spiraling—it's fulfilling prophecy. And you weren't made to cower. You were made to hope, to endure, and to point others to the One who's coming soon.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Daily Anglican Prayer - Sunday Morning – 3rd August 2025 Readings NRSV: Psalm 49. 1-12; Hosea 12.2-6; Luke 12.22-31. Led by Felicity Scott, an Anglican prayer minister in Queensland, Australia. The full prayer transcript is available by going to this episode on the Podcast website. https://dailyprayeranglicanprayerbookforaustralia.podbean.com Welcome to Sunday Morning prayer. We proclaim the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ: GOD in his infinite mercy, forgives all sins, and through our baptism in the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, we are given a rebirth into new life, free from the burden of all sin. ALLELUIA With faithfulness we respond to the good news: We acknowledge Christ as our saviour and accept with gratitude, that we are forgiven for all wrong doings, past and present. To honour the gift of forgiveness, we release our burden of guilt and rise up to live in the glory of God forever more. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,  Blessed be God forever. Let us Pray.   1 This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118.24 Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit:  as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.   The Sentence of the day on the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of GOD.                             Colossians 3.1   3 The opening Canticle Oh come let us sing out to the Lord. let us shout in triumph to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his face with thanksgiving. And cry out to him joyfully in psalms. For the Lord is a great God. and a great king above all gods. In his hands are the depths of the earth. and the peaks of the mountains are his also. The sea is his and he made it. His hands moulded dryland. Come let us worship and bow down. And kneel before the Lord our maker. For he is the Lord our god. We are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Today if only you would hear his voice: “Do not harden your hearts as Israel did in the wilderness.” “When your forebears tested me.” “Put me to proof though they had seen my works.” “Forty years long I loathe that generation and said.” “It is a people who err in their hearts.” “For they do not know my ways.” “Of whom I swore in my wrath.” “They shall not enter my rest.”      3 The Opening Prayer   The night has passed and the day lies open before us;  let us pray with one heart and mind.       Silence may be kept.   As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,  so may the light of your presence, O God,  set our hearts on fire with love for you;  now and for ever.  Amen.     4 The Psalms as appointed. A pause is observed after each. Psalm 49 1-12   5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow Lord God, whose blessed Son rose in triumph and set us free: grant us the fullness of life he promised us, that through the Holy Spirit our hearts may possess him whom our eyes cannot see, the same Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.   6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed.   OLD Testament reading … The reading is followed by Hear the word of the LORD Thanks be to GOD NT Reading … The reading is followed by Hear the message of Christ Thanks be to GOD.   7 The Canticle, The Song of Zechariah (Benedictus) Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel:  who has come to his people and set them free.  The Lord has raised up for us a mighty Saviour:  born of the house of his servant David.  Through the holy prophets, God promised of old:  to save us from our enemies, from the hands of  all who hate us,  To show mercy to our forebears:  and to remember his holy covenant.  This was the oath God swore to our father Abraham:  to set us free from the hands of our enemies,  Free to worship him without fear:  holy and righteous before him, all the days of our life.  And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High:  for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,  To give his people knowledge of salvation:  by the forgiveness of their sins.  In the tender compassion of our God:  the dawn from on high shall break upon us,  To shine on those who dwell in darkness  and the shadow of death:  and to guide our feet into the way of peace.  Luke 1.68–79      8 The Apostles creed I believe in God, the Father almighty,       creator of heaven and earth.   I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,       who was conceived by the Holy Spirit       born of the virgin Mary.       suffered under Pontius Pilate,       was crucified, died, and was buried;       he descended to the dead.       On the third day he rose from the dead.       He ascended into heaven       and is seated at the right hand of the Father.       From there he will come to judge  the living and the dead.   I believe in the Holy Spirit,       the holy catholic church,       the communion of saints,       the forgiveness of sins,       the resurrection of the body,       and the life everlasting. Amen.   9 The Prayers Lord have mercy.  Christ have mercy.  Lord have mercy.     10 The LORDs prayer Our Father in heaven,  hallowed be your name,  your kingdom come,  your will be done,  on earth as in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  Forgive us our sins  as we forgive those who sin against us.  Save us from the time of trial  and deliver us from evil.  For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours  now and for ever. Amen.    10 The Collect of the Day Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Living God, Judge of us all, you have placed in our hands,  the wealth we call our own: Through your spirit give us wisdom, That our possessions may not be a curse, But a means of blessings in our lives. Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with you,  in the unity of the Holy spirit, one God for ever and ever Amen.   Prayer of the Week Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Almighty God, whose beloved Son for our sake willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross: give us courage and patience, to take up our cross daily and follow him; who lives and reigns with you  and the Holy Spirit, one GOD, now and forever. Amen   11 Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be made according to local custom and need.   Let us pray   Almighty God, through your Son Jesus Christ you gave many excellent gifts to your apostles and commanded them to feed your flock. Bless all Archbishops and bishops in the Anglican Church. So, to fill them with your truth, and clothe them with holiness, that as pastors of your Church they may diligently preach your word, and modernise their teachings of the people, to the glory of your name. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer     God of wisdom, grant we pray that the words we have heard today make in us a desire to serve the people in bringing the good news of Christ to all who have yet to hear it, so that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good works to honour and praise your name. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   Creator God, we thank you for all created living beings, we ask that you look kindly with saving grace upon all animals this day, whether they are in the wild, on the streets, in captivity, or elsewhere. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   Almighty God, today we remember African people, we ask for Your peace to reign in Africa. May African nations come together in harmony, setting aside differences and working towards a common good for all African people. Let Your common sense be their guide in actions and decisions. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   Loving God, as we remember all the missing children in the world, we ask that you embrace them with Your love and protection. Guide them safely back to their loved ones. Grant strength and comfort to the family during their time of waiting. May Your divine light illuminate their path, leading them home. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   Blessed God, we ask your blessing for those listed on the Anglican cycle of prayer: Sunday 3 August  The Episcopal Church in the Philippines The Diocese of Armidale: The Parish of Centenary Suburbs: Anglicare Australia: Cannon Hill Anglican College All Prison ministry chaplaincy teams All people joining in this prayer offering. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer     12 The Morning Collect Eternal God and Father,  by whose power we are created and by whose love we are redeemed;  guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,  that we may give ourselves to your service,  and live this day in love to one another and to you;  through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.   13 The Lord be with you. And also with you.  Let us praise the Lord.  Thanks be to God.    The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.    2 Corinthians 13.14 Music by John Keys – Anglican Chant Canticle organ accompaniments. A reminder disclaimer to the listener. The readings in the podcast may include ancient and old-fashioned sayings and instructions that we do not in any way condone as in use or to be used in today's modern world. The readings have not been modernised to reflect todays thinking, instead the readings remain from the old version of the NRSV bible. The podcast owners explicitly declare that each listener is responsible for their own actions in response to the bible readings and the podcast owners bare no responsibility in this sense.  

Today, we're diving into a topic that's been on the minds of many believers, especially those who study biblical prophecy: the signs of Jesus' return and their role in today's world. What does the Bible say about these signs? How do current events align with prophetic Scripture?Our springboard for today's discussion is:“So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates.” — Matthew 24:33 (ESV)Jesus never told us to guess the day of His return. But He did command us to watch. And not just watch—but understand. Just like leaves on a fig tree reveal summer is near, the signs we're seeing today are no coincidence.Earthquakes. Wars. Nations rising against nations. False messiahs. Global unrest. Jesus wasn't giving us headlines—He was giving us a heartbeat. A rhythm. A signal that the end is not random—it's purposeful.You see, prophecy isn't about fear—it's about preparation. God doesn't reveal the end to scare His people but to prepare His bride. We're not called to look away—we're called to stay alert, grounded, and full of faith.If the signs are everywhere—and they are—then the real question is: Are we listening?Some mock. Some yawn. Some scroll past prophecy like it's background noise. But the spiritually awake will recognize the hour. They will tune out the noise of fear and tune in to the whisper of the Spirit.Question of the Day:What signs around you seem to echo Jesus' words in Matthew 24?Mini Call to Action:Today, open your Bible and read all of Matthew 24 aloud. Then ask the Holy Spirit to show you how those words apply to what's happening around you right now.Let's Pray:Lord, help me not to fall asleep in this prophetic hour. Help me to recognize the signs, not with fear, but with holy anticipation. Make me watchful, ready, and full of faith. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!God's not hiding His plan—He's revealing it. The question is, are your eyes open?My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Daily Anglican Prayer - Tuesday Morning – 29th July 2025 Readings NRSV: Psalm 69.1-16; 2 Samuel 11. 1-21; John 8. 48-59. Led by Felicity Scott, an Anglican prayer minister in Queensland, Australia. The full prayer transcript is available by going to this episode on the Podcast website. https://dailyprayeranglicanprayerbookforaustralia.podbean.com Welcome to Tuesday morning prayer from the Anglican ‘A prayer book for Australia'. We proclaim the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ: GOD in his infinite mercy, forgives all sins, and through our baptism in the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, we are given a rebirth into new life, free from the burden of all sin. ALLELUIA With faithfulness we respond to the good news: We acknowledge Christ as our saviour and accept with gratitude, that we are forgiven for all wrong doings, past and present. To honour the gift of forgiveness, we release our burden of guilt and rise up to live in the glory of God forever more. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Blessed be God forever. Let us Pray.   1c                                                              We will proclaim the name of the Lord Ascribe greatness to our God   Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit:  as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.     2 The Opening Canticle, God who is rich in mercy out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses. made us alive together with Christ, and raised us up with him: and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus that he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace:  in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2.4-7   3 The Opening Prayer The night has passed and the day lies open before us;  let us pray with one heart and mind.    Silence may be kept. As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,  so may the light of your presence, O God,  set our hearts on fire with love for you;  now and for ever.  Amen.   4 The Psalms as appointed. A pause is observed after each. Psalm     5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow Lord, our God, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier: we ask you to cleanse us from all hypocrisy, to unite us to our fellow men and women by the bonds of peace and love, and to confirm us in holiness; now and for ever.  Amen.      6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed.   The Old Testament Reading today is… 2 Samuel 11. 1-21 1In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab with his officers and all Israel with him; they ravaged the Ammonites, and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. 2It happened, late one afternoon, when David rose from his couch and was walking about on the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; the woman was very beautiful. 3David sent someone to inquire about the woman. It was reported, “This is Bathsheba daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” 4So David sent messengers to get her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she was purifying herself after her period.) Then she returned to her house. 5The woman conceived; and she sent and told David, “I am pregnant.” 6So David sent word to Joab, “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” And Joab sent Uriah to David. 7When Uriah came to him, David asked how Joab and the people fared, and how the war was going. 8Then David said to Uriah, “Go down to your house, and wash your feet.” Uriah went out of the king's house, and there followed him a present from the king. 9But Uriah slept at the entrance of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house. 10When they told David, “Uriah did not go down to his house,” David said to Uriah, “You have just come from a journey. Why did you not go down to your house?” 11Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah remain in booths; and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field; shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do such a thing.” 12Then David said to Uriah, “Remain here today also, and tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day. On the next day, 13David invited him to eat and drink in his presence and made him drunk; and in the evening he went out to lie on his couch with the servants of his lord, but he did not go down to his house. David Has Uriah Killed 14In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah. 15In the letter he wrote, “Set Uriah in the forefront of the hardest fighting, and then draw back from him, so that he may be struck down and die.” 16As Joab was besieging the city, he assigned Uriah to the place where he knew there were valiant warriors. 17The men of the city came out and fought with Joab; and some of the servants of David among the people fell. Uriah the Hittite was killed as well. 18Then Joab sent and told David all the news about the fighting; 19and he instructed the messenger, “When you have finished telling the king all the news about the fighting, 20then, if the king's anger rises, and if he says to you, ‘Why did you go so near the city to fight? Did you not know that they would shoot from the wall? 21Who killed Abimelech son of Jerubbaal? Did not a woman throw an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died at Thebez? Why did you go so near the wall?' then you shall say, ‘Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead too.' ”   Hear the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. The New Testament Reading today is… John 8. 48-59 48The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. 50Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is one who seeks it and he is the judge. 51Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” 52The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets; yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.' 53Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?” 54Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, ‘He is our God,' 55though you do not know him. But I know him; if I would say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him and I keep his word. 56Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.” 57Then the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 58Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. Hear the message of Christ. Thanks be to God.   7 The Canticle, A Song of the Blessed Blessed are the poor in spirit:  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are those who mourn:  for they shall be comforted.  Blessed are the meek:  for they shall inherit the earth.  Blessed are those who hunger  and thirst for what is right:  for they shall be satisfied.  Blessed are the merciful:  for mercy shall be shown to them.  Blessed are the pure in heart:  for they shall see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers:  for they shall be called the children of God.  Blessed are those who are persecuted  for righteousness' sake:  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 5.3–10      8 The belief and principle is said I believe in God, creator of heaven and earth, whose love and merciful forgiveness endures everlasting. I believe in Christ the saviour, whose example of love and compassion, taught us a restored way to live, in collaborative unity with all people. I believe in the Holy Spirit, whose divine guidance brings us together to be one with the Holy Trinity.     9 The Prayers Lord have mercy.  Christ have mercy.  God have mercy.   10 The Lord's Prayer Our Father in heaven,  hallowed be your name,  your kingdom come,  your will be done,  on earth as in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  Forgive us our sins  as we forgive those who sin against us.  Save us from the time of trial  and deliver us from evil.  For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours  now and for ever. Amen.      Prayer of the Week   Following the seventh Sunday after Pentecost Provident Father, With the prayer your Son taught us always on our lips, we ask, we seek, we knock at your door: Help us so to seek that we may truly find, So to ask that we may joyfully receive, And so to knock that the door of mercy may be opened for us Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen       11 Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be made according to local custom and need. Let us pray   God, how great your healing hand that reaches out to those in need, how great your love for all your people. We ask you to bestow your healing on all people who are combating the illness of cancer. We thank you for your healing kindness for all your people. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   Lord, we have been socially inept and continue to foster broken communities of lack, yet we remain in this state without taking necessary steps to change for the better. We ask you this day to stay with us, to help us and to guide us. We know we can do better, and we are asking you to be our guide, to guide the path you expect us to walk. Humbly, we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   Lord, we thank you for your mercy towards us even though we continue to sin. Graduate us to live sinless lives, enabling our relationship with you to become one of trust and love. We thank you for your great teachings and want only to acknowledge your name as our saviour. Humbly, we Pray – LORD hear our prayer     God, we ask your blessing for those listed on the Anglican cycle of prayer:   The Diocese of Nicaragua – The Anglican church in central America The Parish of Burleigh Heads St Francis College Formation students All people of the Prison and Hospital ministry chaplaincy teams All people joining in this prayer offering Humbly, we Pray – LORD hear our prayer     12 The Morning Collect Lord and heavenly father, you have brought us safely to this new day: Keep us by your mighty power, protect us from sin, guard us from every kind of danger, and in all we do this day direct us in the fulfilling of your purpose, Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.    13 The Lord be with you. And also with you.  Let us praise the Lord.  Thanks be to God.    May the Lord bless us and keep us; the Lord make his face to shine upon us and be gracious to us; the Lord lift up his countenance upon us and give us peace.  Amen. Numbers 6.24–26 Music by John Keys – Anglican Chant Canticle organ accompaniments. A reminder disclaimer to the listener. The readings in the podcast may include ancient and old-fashioned sayings and instructions that we do not in any way condone as in use or to be used in today's modern world. The readings have not been modernised to reflect todays thinking, instead the readings remain from the old version of the NRSV bible. The podcast owners explicitly declare that each listener is responsible for their own actions in response to the bible readings and the podcast owners bare no responsibility in this sense.

Today, we're diving into a topic that's been on the minds of many believers, especially those who study biblical prophecy: the signs of Jesus' return and their role in today's world. What does the Bible say about these signs? How do current events align with prophetic Scripture?Our springboard for today's discussion is:“So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates.” — Matthew 24:33 (ESV)Jesus never told us to guess the day of His return. But He did command us to watch. And not just watch—but understand. Just like leaves on a fig tree reveal summer is near, the signs we're seeing today are no coincidence.Earthquakes. Wars. Nations rising against nations. False messiahs. Global unrest. Jesus wasn't giving us headlines—He was giving us a heartbeat. A rhythm. A signal that the end is not random—it's purposeful.You see, prophecy isn't about fear—it's about preparation. God doesn't reveal the end to scare His people but to prepare His bride. We're not called to look away—we're called to stay alert, grounded, and full of faith.If the signs are everywhere—and they are—then the real question is: Are we listening?Some mock. Some yawn. Some scroll past prophecy like it's background noise. But the spiritually awake will recognize the hour. They will tune out the noise of fear and tune in to the whisper of the Spirit.Question of the Day:What signs around you seem to echo Jesus' words in Matthew 24?Mini Call to Action:Today, open your Bible and read all of Matthew 24 aloud. Then ask the Holy Spirit to show you how those words apply to what's happening around you right now.Let's Pray:Lord, help me not to fall asleep in this prophetic hour. Help me to recognize the signs, not with fear, but with holy anticipation. Make me watchful, ready, and full of faith. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!God's not hiding His plan—He's revealing it. The question is, are your eyes open?My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Daily Anglican prayer - Monday morning – 28th July 2025. Readings NRSV: Psalm 71; 2 Samuel 10; John 8. 31-47. Led by Felicity Scott, an Anglican prayer minister in Queensland, Australia. The full prayer transcript is available by going to this episode on the Podcast website. https://dailyprayeranglicanprayerbookforaustralia.podbean.com Welcome to Monday Morning prayer. We proclaim the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ: GOD in his infinite mercy, forgives all sins, and through our baptism in the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, we are given a rebirth into new life, free from the burden of all sin. ALLELUIA With faithfulness we respond to the good news: We acknowledge Christ as our saviour and accept with gratitude, that we are forgiven for all wrong doings, past and present. To honour the gift of forgiveness, we release our burden of guilt and rise up to live in the glory of God forever more. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Blessed be God forever. Let us Pray.   1 God's love has been poured into our hearts, through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.  Romans 5.5     Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit:  as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.     2 The Opening Canticle, A Song of God's Marvellous Acts I will sing a new hymn to my God:  O Lord you are great and marvellous,  you are marvellous in your strength, invincible.  Let the whole creation serve you:  for you spoke and all things came to be;  You sent out your Spirit and it formed them:  no one can resist your voice.  Mountains and seas are stirred to their depths:  rocks melt like wax at your presence;  But to those who revere you:  you still show mercy.  Judith 16.13–15     3 The Opening Prayer The night has passed, and the day lies open before us;  let us pray with one heart and mind.    Silence may be kept. As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,  so may the light of your presence, O God,  set our hearts on fire with love for you;  now and for ever.  Amen.   4 The Psalms as appointed. A pause is observed after each. Psalm 5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow Creator Spirit, Advocate promised by our Lord Jesus: increase our faith and help us to walk in the light of your presence, to the glory of God the Father; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.   6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed.   1st Reading 2 Samuel 10; The Ammonites and Arameans Are Defeated 1Some time afterward, the king of the Ammonites died, and his son Hanun succeeded him. 2David said, “I will deal loyally with Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father dealt loyally with me.” So David sent envoys to console him concerning his father. When David's envoys came into the land of the Ammonites, 3the princes of the Ammonites said to their lord Hanun, “Do you really think that David is honouring your father just because he has sent messengers with condolences to you? Has not David sent his envoys to you to search the city, to spy it out, and to overthrow it?” 4So Hanun seized David's envoys, shaved off half the beard of each, cut off their garments in the middle at their hips, and sent them away. 5When David was told, he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. The king said, “Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return.” 6When the Ammonites saw that they had become odious to David, the Ammonites sent and hired the Arameans of Beth-rehob and the Arameans of Zobah, twenty thousand foot soldiers, as well as the king of Maacah, one thousand men, and the men of Tob, twelve thousand men. 7When David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the army with the warriors. 8The Ammonites came out and drew up in battle array at the entrance of the gate; but the Arameans of Zobah and of Rehob, and the men of Tob and Maacah, were by themselves in the open country. 9When Joab saw that the battle was set against him both in front and in the rear, he chose some of the picked men of Israel, and arrayed them against the Arameans; 10the rest of his men he put in the charge of his brother Abishai, and he arrayed them against the Ammonites. 11He said, “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. 12Be strong, and let us be courageous for the sake of our people, and for the cities of our God; and may the Lord do what seems good to him.” 13So Joab and the people who were with him moved forward into battle against the Arameans; and they fled before him. 14When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans fled, they likewise fled before Abishai and entered the city. Then Joab returned from fighting against the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem. 15But when the Arameans saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they gathered themselves together. 16Hadadezer sent and brought out the Arameans who were beyond the Euphrates; and they came to Helam, with Shobach the commander of the army of Hadadezer at their head. 17When it was told David, he gathered all Israel together, and crossed the Jordan, and came to Helam. The Arameans arrayed themselves against David and fought with him. 18The Arameans fled before Israel; and David killed of the Arameans seven hundred chariot teams, and forty thousand horsemen, and wounded Shobach the commander of their army, so that he died there. 19When all the kings who were servants of Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and became subject to them. So the Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites anymore. Hear the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 2nd Reading John 8. 31-47. True Disciples 31Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free'?” 34Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. 36So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. 37I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word. 38I declare what I have seen in the Father's presence; as for you, you should do what you have heard from the Father.” 39They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing what Abraham did, 40but now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41You are indeed doing what your father does.” They said to him, “We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.” 42Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me. 43Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot accept my word. 44You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47Whoever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God.” Hear the message of Christ. Thanks be to God.   7 The Canticle, A Song of Isaiah ‘Behold, God is my salvation:  I will trust and will not be afraid;  ‘For the Lord God is my strength and my song:  and has become my salvation.'  With joy you will draw water:  from the wells of salvation.  On that day you will say:  ‘Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name;  ‘Make known his deeds among the nations:  proclaim that his name is exalted.  ‘Sing God's praises, who has triumphed gloriously:  let this be known in all the world.  ‘Shout and sing for joy, you that dwell in Zion:  for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.'  Isaiah 12.2–6      8 The belief and principle is said I believe in God, creator of heaven and earth, whose love and merciful forgiveness endures everlasting. I believe in Christ the saviour, whose example of love and compassion, taught us a restored way to live, in collaborative unity with all people. I believe in the Holy Spirit, whose divine guidance brings us together to be one with the Holy Trinity.      9 The Prayers Lord have mercy.  Christ have mercy.  God have mercy.    10 The Lord's Prayer and the Collect of the Day   Our Father in heaven,  hallowed be your name,  your kingdom come,  your will be done,  on earth as in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  Forgive us our sins  as we forgive those who sin against us.  Save us from the time of trial  and deliver us from evil.  For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours  now and for ever. Amen.    Prayer of the Week   Following the seventh Sunday after Pentecost Provident Father, With the prayer your Son taught us always on our lips, we ask, we seek, we knock at your door: Help us so to seek that we may truly find, So to ask that we may joyfully receive, And so to knock that the door of mercy may be opened for us Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen   11 Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be made according to local custom and need.   Let us Pray Let us pray for the world and for the church. God, how great your majesty abounds before us. We thank you for all your generosity. May the peace and blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ be abundant across all nations and countries forever more. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   Holy God divine and merciful, your blessing on the people is loved by all, for which our gratitude knows no end. Grant, we pray, your saving blessing on all those experiencing times of trouble or strife, that they may receive the guidance of wisdom to lead them to a path of safety. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   Almighty God, hear our prayer to bring about a change throughout the people, we ask for your grace to relay the wisdom to each man and each woman how to co-exist in peace and the will to do so, to continue to respect one another and teach their offspring to do so also. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   Blessed God, we ask your blessing for those listed on the Anglican cycle of prayer: Monday 30 June The Diocese of Niassa – Anglican church of Mozambique and Angola The Parish of Bundaberg West: Sue Barker, Michael Vercoe Inala Careforce All Prison ministry chaplaincy teams All people joining in this prayer offering. Humbly we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   12 The Morning Collect Eternal God and Father,  by whose power we are created  and by whose love we are redeemed:  guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,  that we may give ourselves to your service,  and live this day in love to one another and to you;  through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   13 The Lord be with you. And also with you.  Let us praise the Lord.  Thanks be to God.    God did not give us a spirit of cowardice  but a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.  May we rekindle the gift of God within us.  Amen. see 2 Timothy 1.6–7   Music by John Keys – Anglican Chant Canticle organ accompaniments. A reminder disclaimer to the listener. The readings in the podcast may include ancient and old-fashioned sayings and instructions that we do not in any way condone as in use or to be used in today's modern world. The readings have not been modernised to reflect todays thinking, instead the readings remain from the old version of the NRSV bible. The podcast owners explicitly declare that each listener is responsible for their own actions in response to the bible readings and the podcast owners bare no responsibility in this sense.

There's something powerful about light. It exposes, yes—but it also heals. It brings clarity. It brings safety. And when we choose to live our lives in the light of God's truth, we no longer need to hide. In Christ, you don't have to fake it. You don't have to be perfect. You just have to be real. That's what today is all about: standing in the light.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” — 1 John 1:7 (ESV)We live in a world of filters—curated images, polished versions of ourselves, and carefully managed impressions. But God invites us into something deeper: authenticity. He's not interested in your mask. He wants your heart.To walk in the light means to walk in truth. It means living a life that's not afraid of exposure, because you're already covered by grace.And here's what happens when you stand in the light:* Shame loses its grip.* Sin gets stripped of secrecy.* Fellowship becomes real, not performative.There is healing in the light. The enemy works in shadows—he thrives in hiddenness. But the moment you step into the light of God's presence, he loses his grip.You don't have to walk alone. You don't have to hide your scars. Jesus already saw them—and He still chose you.This verse reminds us that light leads to cleansing. Not just a clean slate—but a transformed heart.So today, be brave enough to stand fully in the light. God's not waiting with condemnation—He's welcoming you with open arms.Question of the Day:What part of your life needs to step out of the shadows and into God's healing light?Mini Call to Action:Take one step today: confess, open up, or pray honestly about something you've kept hidden. Let the light in.Let's Pray:Lord, help me walk in Your light with boldness and humility. I don't want to hide anymore. Thank You that Your blood cleanses me and Your truth sets me free. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Freedom doesn't come from hiding. It comes from standing in the light—and knowing you're still loved.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

There's something powerful about light. It exposes, yes—but it also heals. It brings clarity. It brings safety. And when we choose to live our lives in the light of God's truth, we no longer need to hide. In Christ, you don't have to fake it. You don't have to be perfect. You just have to be real. That's what today is all about: standing in the light.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” — 1 John 1:7 (ESV)We live in a world of filters—curated images, polished versions of ourselves, and carefully managed impressions. But God invites us into something deeper: authenticity. He's not interested in your mask. He wants your heart.To walk in the light means to walk in truth. It means living a life that's not afraid of exposure, because you're already covered by grace.And here's what happens when you stand in the light:* Shame loses its grip.* Sin gets stripped of secrecy.* Fellowship becomes real, not performative.There is healing in the light. The enemy works in shadows—he thrives in hiddenness. But the moment you step into the light of God's presence, he loses his grip.You don't have to walk alone. You don't have to hide your scars. Jesus already saw them—and He still chose you.This verse reminds us that light leads to cleansing. Not just a clean slate—but a transformed heart.So today, be brave enough to stand fully in the light. God's not waiting with condemnation—He's welcoming you with open arms.Question of the Day:What part of your life needs to step out of the shadows and into God's healing light?Mini Call to Action:Take one step today: confess, open up, or pray honestly about something you've kept hidden. Let the light in.Let's Pray:Lord, help me walk in Your light with boldness and humility. I don't want to hide anymore. Thank You that Your blood cleanses me and Your truth sets me free. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Freedom doesn't come from hiding. It comes from standing in the light—and knowing you're still loved.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Confidence isn't about puffing out your chest or having all the answers. Real confidence flows from knowing whose you are—even when you don't feel strong. Today is about walking with boldness—not arrogance—and standing in the strength that comes from God alone. Because when the Lord is your helper, you've got all you need.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'” — Hebrews 13:6 (ESV)Let's be honest—most of us wrestle with self-doubt at some level. We second-guess our decisions. We fear rejection. We wonder if we're equipped for what God's asked us to do.But here's the truth: confidence in the Kingdom isn't self-confidence—it's God-confidence.It's not about what you can do on your own—it's about what He can do through you.When you know the Lord is your helper, you walk differently. You speak with authority. You obey even when it's uncomfortable. Why? Because your strength isn't anchored to your own ability—it's rooted in a God who doesn't fail.Think about David standing before Goliath. He wasn't confident in his sling—he was confident in his God. His faith made him bold. Your identity in Christ is your license to walk with your head high and your feet firm.Confidence comes when you stop looking at yourself and start looking to Jesus.So, when you step into a room, remember—you're not walking in alone. God is with you. His Spirit lives in you. His Word guides you.That's more than enough.Question of the Day:Are you relying on your own strength—or walking in the confidence that comes from God being your helper?Mini Call to Action:Today, take one bold step you've been hesitating on. Speak, move, or act—not in fear, but in faith. The Lord is with you.Let's Pray:Lord, I choose to walk in confidence—not because of who I am, but because of who You are in me. Help me to trust You more deeply and act with courage today. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Stop shrinking back. Your confidence comes from a Helper who's never lost a battle.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Confidence isn't about puffing out your chest or having all the answers. Real confidence flows from knowing whose you are—even when you don't feel strong. Today is about walking with boldness—not arrogance—and standing in the strength that comes from God alone. Because when the Lord is your helper, you've got all you need.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'” — Hebrews 13:6 (ESV)Let's be honest—most of us wrestle with self-doubt at some level. We second-guess our decisions. We fear rejection. We wonder if we're equipped for what God's asked us to do.But here's the truth: confidence in the Kingdom isn't self-confidence—it's God-confidence.It's not about what you can do on your own—it's about what He can do through you.When you know the Lord is your helper, you walk differently. You speak with authority. You obey even when it's uncomfortable. Why? Because your strength isn't anchored to your own ability—it's rooted in a God who doesn't fail.Think about David standing before Goliath. He wasn't confident in his sling—he was confident in his God. His faith made him bold. Your identity in Christ is your license to walk with your head high and your feet firm.Confidence comes when you stop looking at yourself and start looking to Jesus.So, when you step into a room, remember—you're not walking in alone. God is with you. His Spirit lives in you. His Word guides you.That's more than enough.Question of the Day:Are you relying on your own strength—or walking in the confidence that comes from God being your helper?Mini Call to Action:Today, take one bold step you've been hesitating on. Speak, move, or act—not in fear, but in faith. The Lord is with you.Let's Pray:Lord, I choose to walk in confidence—not because of who I am, but because of who You are in me. Help me to trust You more deeply and act with courage today. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Stop shrinking back. Your confidence comes from a Helper who's never lost a battle.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

You don't train during the battle—you train before it. You don't sharpen your sword once the enemy shows up—you sharpen it in the quiet place, where no one sees but God. Every soldier knows: preparation is everything. And God, our Commander, is not just with us in the fight—He's training us for it.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.” — Psalm 144:1 (ESV)David didn't become a warrior the moment he faced Goliath. He was trained in the wilderness—fighting lions and bears when no one was watching. The battlefield was just where the private training became public.And the same is true for you.God trains you in the secret place. In the early morning prayer. In the Scriptures you memorize. In the worship you offer when no one else hears. Every moment in His presence is sharpening your spirit, strengthening your grip, and preparing your hands for war.You don't wait until the marriage is falling apart to learn how to fight for it. You don't wait until fear floods your heart to discover how to stand. You don't wait for an attack to learn how to pray. Training happens now.Your daily discipline is your daily weapon.And here's what's beautiful—God is the One doing the training. You don't have to figure this all out alone. He's shaping your character, forging your faith, and making sure that when the fight comes—you're not empty-handed.So don't resent the quiet seasons. Don't overlook the little battles. That daily obedience? That consistent time in the Word? That's warrior training.Question of the Day:Are you training for battle—or just reacting when it comes?Mini Call to Action:Commit 15 minutes today to prayer or Scripture—not out of routine, but as training. Ask God to sharpen you for the battles ahead.Let's Pray:Lord, thank You for training me. Forgive me when I've waited for war to prepare. Teach me to take my quiet time seriously, to let You build strength in me today for what may come tomorrow. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Victory starts in private. Show up for training. God is shaping a warrior.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

You don't train during the battle—you train before it. You don't sharpen your sword once the enemy shows up—you sharpen it in the quiet place, where no one sees but God. Every soldier knows: preparation is everything. And God, our Commander, is not just with us in the fight—He's training us for it.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.” — Psalm 144:1 (ESV)David didn't become a warrior the moment he faced Goliath. He was trained in the wilderness—fighting lions and bears when no one was watching. The battlefield was just where the private training became public.And the same is true for you.God trains you in the secret place. In the early morning prayer. In the Scriptures you memorize. In the worship you offer when no one else hears. Every moment in His presence is sharpening your spirit, strengthening your grip, and preparing your hands for war.You don't wait until the marriage is falling apart to learn how to fight for it. You don't wait until fear floods your heart to discover how to stand. You don't wait for an attack to learn how to pray. Training happens now.Your daily discipline is your daily weapon.And here's what's beautiful—God is the One doing the training. You don't have to figure this all out alone. He's shaping your character, forging your faith, and making sure that when the fight comes—you're not empty-handed.So don't resent the quiet seasons. Don't overlook the little battles. That daily obedience? That consistent time in the Word? That's warrior training.Question of the Day:Are you training for battle—or just reacting when it comes?Mini Call to Action:Commit 15 minutes today to prayer or Scripture—not out of routine, but as training. Ask God to sharpen you for the battles ahead.Let's Pray:Lord, thank You for training me. Forgive me when I've waited for war to prepare. Teach me to take my quiet time seriously, to let You build strength in me today for what may come tomorrow. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Victory starts in private. Show up for training. God is shaping a warrior.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Pressure doesn't mean you're losing—it often means you're getting closer to breakthrough. The enemy doesn't waste his ammo on someone going nowhere. So if you're feeling pressed, stretched, or surrounded, it might just mean you're standing exactly where God wants you. Now the question is—will you stay there?Our springboard for today's discussion is:“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” — 1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV)Paul wasn't writing a motivational slogan—he was delivering a command to the weary, the under fire, and the under pressure.Be watchful.Keep your eyes open. The enemy is subtle—he slips in through offense, temptation, busyness, even good things that distract you from God things.Stand firm.This isn't the time to retreat. When the pressure increases, the call isn't to run—it's to plant your feet. Faith doesn't mean you don't feel the weight. It means you don't collapse under it.Act like men.Be courageous. Show up when it's uncomfortable. Speak truth even when it costs you. Fight for your family, your faith, your future.Be strong.But not in your own strength. In the Lord's. In His might. When yours runs out, His keeps going.Here's the truth: pressure exposes where your faith is rooted. If your roots go deep, the storm may bend you—but it won't break you. And when you stand firm under pressure, you don't just survive—you witness. You show others what it looks like to remain when it would be easier to run.Question of the Day:Where are you tempted to give up under pressure—and what truth will you plant your feet on today?Mini Call to Action:Write out 1 Corinthians 16:13. Post it somewhere visible this week. Every time pressure rises, read it aloud and stay grounded.Let's Pray:Lord, strengthen me when pressure mounts. Help me to stand when I feel like sitting down, to believe when it's easier to doubt. I choose to hold the ground You gave me. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Pressure doesn't define your faith—your stance does. Hold the line. God is with you.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Pressure doesn't mean you're losing—it often means you're getting closer to breakthrough. The enemy doesn't waste his ammo on someone going nowhere. So if you're feeling pressed, stretched, or surrounded, it might just mean you're standing exactly where God wants you. Now the question is—will you stay there?Our springboard for today's discussion is:“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” — 1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV)Paul wasn't writing a motivational slogan—he was delivering a command to the weary, the under fire, and the under pressure.Be watchful.Keep your eyes open. The enemy is subtle—he slips in through offense, temptation, busyness, even good things that distract you from God things.Stand firm.This isn't the time to retreat. When the pressure increases, the call isn't to run—it's to plant your feet. Faith doesn't mean you don't feel the weight. It means you don't collapse under it.Act like men.Be courageous. Show up when it's uncomfortable. Speak truth even when it costs you. Fight for your family, your faith, your future.Be strong.But not in your own strength. In the Lord's. In His might. When yours runs out, His keeps going.Here's the truth: pressure exposes where your faith is rooted. If your roots go deep, the storm may bend you—but it won't break you. And when you stand firm under pressure, you don't just survive—you witness. You show others what it looks like to remain when it would be easier to run.Question of the Day:Where are you tempted to give up under pressure—and what truth will you plant your feet on today?Mini Call to Action:Write out 1 Corinthians 16:13. Post it somewhere visible this week. Every time pressure rises, read it aloud and stay grounded.Let's Pray:Lord, strengthen me when pressure mounts. Help me to stand when I feel like sitting down, to believe when it's easier to doubt. I choose to hold the ground You gave me. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Pressure doesn't define your faith—your stance does. Hold the line. God is with you.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Discouragement isn't a feeling—it's a weapon. And the enemy knows how to use it well. If he can't destroy you, he'll try to deflate you. If he can't shut you up, he'll try to wear you out. But God didn't call you to live under a cloud of heaviness. He called you to war for your joy.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation.” — Psalm 42:11 (ESV)David knew what it meant to feel discouraged. He wasn't pretending here. He wasn't smiling through the pain or posting something inspirational to mask the hurt. He got honest with his soul—and then he spoke back to it.That's what spiritual warfare looks like on the inside.Discouragement creeps in subtly: a prayer unanswered, a delay you didn't expect, a voice in your head that says, “What's the point?” And before you know it, your strength is gone, your shield is down, and hope feels out of reach.But listen—hope is a weapon, and praise is your war cry.When discouragement hits, don't rehearse it. Don't replay every disappointment. Don't build a shrine to what hasn't happened yet. Instead, talk back. Remind your soul of what God has done, who He is, and what He's still doing behind the scenes.Faith doesn't ignore discouragement. Faith confronts it.There will be days when victory looks like just standing. And that's okay. Just don't sink. Stand, speak, praise, and press in. Joy isn't the absence of pain—it's the presence of God in the middle of it.Question of the Day:Where has discouragement tried to silence your praise—and how will you speak back today?Mini Call to Action:Take five minutes and write down three things God has done for you—then thank Him out loud for each one. Praise is your comeback.Let's Pray:Lord, when discouragement comes, remind me to fight back with hope. Help me speak truth to my soul. Stir up gratitude and joy in the middle of my struggle. I choose to trust You—even in the tension. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Don't let discouragement drain your fire. Hope loud. Praise louder.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Discouragement isn't a feeling—it's a weapon. And the enemy knows how to use it well. If he can't destroy you, he'll try to deflate you. If he can't shut you up, he'll try to wear you out. But God didn't call you to live under a cloud of heaviness. He called you to war for your joy.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation.” — Psalm 42:11 (ESV)David knew what it meant to feel discouraged. He wasn't pretending here. He wasn't smiling through the pain or posting something inspirational to mask the hurt. He got honest with his soul—and then he spoke back to it.That's what spiritual warfare looks like on the inside.Discouragement creeps in subtly: a prayer unanswered, a delay you didn't expect, a voice in your head that says, “What's the point?” And before you know it, your strength is gone, your shield is down, and hope feels out of reach.But listen—hope is a weapon, and praise is your war cry.When discouragement hits, don't rehearse it. Don't replay every disappointment. Don't build a shrine to what hasn't happened yet. Instead, talk back. Remind your soul of what God has done, who He is, and what He's still doing behind the scenes.Faith doesn't ignore discouragement. Faith confronts it.There will be days when victory looks like just standing. And that's okay. Just don't sink. Stand, speak, praise, and press in. Joy isn't the absence of pain—it's the presence of God in the middle of it.Question of the Day:Where has discouragement tried to silence your praise—and how will you speak back today?Mini Call to Action:Take five minutes and write down three things God has done for you—then thank Him out loud for each one. Praise is your comeback.Let's Pray:Lord, when discouragement comes, remind me to fight back with hope. Help me speak truth to my soul. Stir up gratitude and joy in the middle of my struggle. I choose to trust You—even in the tension. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Don't let discouragement drain your fire. Hope loud. Praise louder.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Strongholds don't look like battles. They feel like beliefs. Thought patterns. Habits that seem too big to break. But here's the truth: what feels permanent in your mind is often just a well-defended lie. And the Word of God wasn't given to just comfort you—it was given to tear that lie down.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” — 2 Corinthians 10:4 (ESV)A stronghold is any area in your life where the enemy has set up camp through deception. It may have started with pain… but it grew because of agreement. You believed something long enough that it built walls around your heart and mind.Maybe it sounds like:* “I'll never change.”* “God must be punishing me.”* “I'm always going to struggle with this.”Those aren't just passing thoughts. Those are spiritual fortresses the enemy hides behind.But here's what God says: You've been given weapons. And they are not weak. They are mighty through God to demolish strongholds—brick by brick, lie by lie.You don't fight strongholds with willpower. You fight them with truth. You confront them with Scripture. You tear down arguments with the authority of Christ.When you identify the lie, you take it captive. You don't entertain it anymore. You don't rehearse it. You replace it.And when you replace it with God's Word, the walls start to fall. Freedom becomes real. That inner war loses its grip.No matter how long the stronghold has stood, it's not stronger than the name of Jesus. Today, you can start pulling it down.Question of the Day:What lie have you been believing that needs to be dismantled with truth today?Mini Call to Action:Write down one stronghold—then find a verse that directly confronts it. Speak that verse every day this week.Let's Pray:Lord, I no longer want to live behind lies. Expose every stronghold and fill those spaces with Your truth. Your Word is my weapon, and I trust You to lead me to freedom. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Every stronghold has a weak spot—and the Word of God is your wrecking ball.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Strongholds don't look like battles. They feel like beliefs. Thought patterns. Habits that seem too big to break. But here's the truth: what feels permanent in your mind is often just a well-defended lie. And the Word of God wasn't given to just comfort you—it was given to tear that lie down.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” — 2 Corinthians 10:4 (ESV)A stronghold is any area in your life where the enemy has set up camp through deception. It may have started with pain… but it grew because of agreement. You believed something long enough that it built walls around your heart and mind.Maybe it sounds like:* “I'll never change.”* “God must be punishing me.”* “I'm always going to struggle with this.”Those aren't just passing thoughts. Those are spiritual fortresses the enemy hides behind.But here's what God says: You've been given weapons. And they are not weak. They are mighty through God to demolish strongholds—brick by brick, lie by lie.You don't fight strongholds with willpower. You fight them with truth. You confront them with Scripture. You tear down arguments with the authority of Christ.When you identify the lie, you take it captive. You don't entertain it anymore. You don't rehearse it. You replace it.And when you replace it with God's Word, the walls start to fall. Freedom becomes real. That inner war loses its grip.No matter how long the stronghold has stood, it's not stronger than the name of Jesus. Today, you can start pulling it down.Question of the Day:What lie have you been believing that needs to be dismantled with truth today?Mini Call to Action:Write down one stronghold—then find a verse that directly confronts it. Speak that verse every day this week.Let's Pray:Lord, I no longer want to live behind lies. Expose every stronghold and fill those spaces with Your truth. Your Word is my weapon, and I trust You to lead me to freedom. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Every stronghold has a weak spot—and the Word of God is your wrecking ball.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Most of us know how to pray after the attack hits. We beg for rescue. We plead for peace. But there's a deeper calling in warfare prayer—one that doesn't just respond to battle, but initiates it. Offense isn't arrogance. It's spiritual obedience that says, “I'm not waiting for the enemy to hit me. I'm moving in first—with authority.”Our springboard for today's discussion is:“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” — James 5:16 (ESV)Too often we treat prayer like a last resort. But in the kingdom of God, prayer is air support—and it's how we take ground. There's a boldness that rises when you understand that prayer isn't just emotional comfort—it's strategic warfare.Defensive prayer says, “Lord, protect me from what's coming.”Offensive prayer says, “Lord, go before me. Crush the enemy's schemes. Tear down strongholds.”You pray with insight—not just reaction. You call things into alignment before they spiral. You speak promises over your family, clarity over your mind, and truth into the atmosphere.And here's the key: righteousness. Not perfection—but right-standing with God through Jesus. That's what gives your prayers power. Not fancy words. Not emotional highs. Just raw, Spirit-filled faith.When you pray offensively, you stop begging—and start declaring. You remind the enemy of his place. You wield Scripture like a sword. You don't ask for victory—you pray from victory.You were never meant to live on the run. You were born to advance the Kingdom.Question of the Day:What's one area where you've been praying defensively—and how can you shift to praying offensively?Mini Call to Action:Choose one Scripture. Speak it boldly in prayer today—not from fear, but from victory. Don't ask for permission. Take ground.Let's Pray:Lord, ignite a warrior spirit in me. Teach me to pray with power, with clarity, and with confidence in Your promises. Let my prayers move heaven and shake hell. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Stop reacting—start advancing. Victory belongs to those who pray like it.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Most of us know how to pray after the attack hits. We beg for rescue. We plead for peace. But there's a deeper calling in warfare prayer—one that doesn't just respond to battle, but initiates it. Offense isn't arrogance. It's spiritual obedience that says, “I'm not waiting for the enemy to hit me. I'm moving in first—with authority.”Our springboard for today's discussion is:“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” — James 5:16 (ESV)Too often we treat prayer like a last resort. But in the kingdom of God, prayer is air support—and it's how we take ground. There's a boldness that rises when you understand that prayer isn't just emotional comfort—it's strategic warfare.Defensive prayer says, “Lord, protect me from what's coming.”Offensive prayer says, “Lord, go before me. Crush the enemy's schemes. Tear down strongholds.”You pray with insight—not just reaction. You call things into alignment before they spiral. You speak promises over your family, clarity over your mind, and truth into the atmosphere.And here's the key: righteousness. Not perfection—but right-standing with God through Jesus. That's what gives your prayers power. Not fancy words. Not emotional highs. Just raw, Spirit-filled faith.When you pray offensively, you stop begging—and start declaring. You remind the enemy of his place. You wield Scripture like a sword. You don't ask for victory—you pray from victory.You were never meant to live on the run. You were born to advance the Kingdom.Question of the Day:What's one area where you've been praying defensively—and how can you shift to praying offensively?Mini Call to Action:Choose one Scripture. Speak it boldly in prayer today—not from fear, but from victory. Don't ask for permission. Take ground.Let's Pray:Lord, ignite a warrior spirit in me. Teach me to pray with power, with clarity, and with confidence in Your promises. Let my prayers move heaven and shake hell. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Stop reacting—start advancing. Victory belongs to those who pray like it.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

You can't fight what you can't identify. One of the enemy's greatest strategies is staying hidden—twisting situations, manipulating thoughts, and making his attacks feel like “just life.” But once you learn to recognize his patterns, you stop reacting in the flesh and start responding in the Spirit.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)Spiritual warfare doesn't always look like Hollywood drama. It often shows up in subtle ways: discouragement that sneaks in unexpectedly, division in relationships, confusion about God's voice, and anxiety that feels like it came from nowhere. That's not coincidence—that's strategy.Satan is a deceiver, not a creator. He can't make anything new—he only distorts what already exists. He'll take God's truth and twist it. He'll take your weakness and exploit it. He'll use fear, shame, and distraction to steal your joy and silence your prayers.That's why Peter tells us to be watchful—not paranoid, but spiritually alert. We must train our minds to recognize when a battle is not just physical or emotional—but spiritual. That moment of hopelessness after a breakthrough? That temptation right after a victory? Those aren't random. They're tactical.But here's the good news: the moment you recognize the enemy, you've already taken the first step toward victory. Because now you can fight with discernment. You can pray with purpose. You can rebuke lies with truth.And most importantly—you don't fight alone.Question of the Day:Where have you seen patterns of attack in your life that might be more spiritual than circumstantial?Mini Call to Action:Take 10 minutes today and ask the Holy Spirit to show you one area where the enemy has been at work undetected. Write it down—and speak truth over it.Let's Pray:Lord, open my eyes to see where the enemy is working in my life. Give me discernment and spiritual clarity. Teach me to stand alert, to pray boldly, and to trust fully in Your victory. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!You're not just surviving life—you're a soldier in a battle. And the first step to winning? Spot the enemy before he strikes.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Spiritual weariness doesn't always announce itself with a crash—it often creeps in like a slow leak. You still go through the motions. You still show up. But deep inside, you're drained. You've prayed, fasted, fought, believed… and now you're just tired. And the temptation to let go feels stronger than ever.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9 (ESV)God never denied that weariness would come. In fact, Paul's words here acknowledge the very real weight of doing good in a broken world. But the promise is powerful: if you don't give up… you will reap.That's not hype. That's harvest. God sees what you've planted in prayer. He sees what you've carried in silence. He sees every tear, every late-night intercession, every quiet act of obedience. And He's not ignoring it. He's growing something underneath the surface that you can't yet see.But in seasons of exhaustion, you don't need to “do more”—you need to hold tighter. Not to your own strength. Not to your routines. To Him.Sometimes, clinging to God looks like resting in His Word when you can't feel His presence. Sometimes, it looks like crying out instead of shutting down. Sometimes, it looks like letting others carry you for a while.You're not weak for being weary. You're human. And the Father knows your frame. He's not waiting for you to impress Him—He's asking you to lean on Him.So today, take one more step. Not because you feel strong, but because He is. And because in due season… you will reap.Question of the Day:What part of your life feels the heaviest right now—and how can you cling tighter to God instead of letting go?Mini Call to Action:Take five minutes today to speak Galatians 6:9 over your weary heart. Then text or call someone to pray with you. Don't carry it alone.Let's Pray:Lord, I'm tired. But I'm not giving up. Help me to hold on when everything tells me to let go. Breathe new strength into me. Help me trust the harvest that I can't yet see. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Weariness may come—but so will the harvest, if you don't quit.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Disappointment is a silent thief. It doesn't always show up loudly—but it lingers. It questions your prayers. It clouds your joy. It slowly erodes your confidence in God's goodness. Maybe you didn't get the healing, the breakthrough, the answer you begged God for. And now you're left wondering: Can I really trust Him again?Our springboard for today's discussion is:“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22–23 (ESV)Jeremiah wrote these words while looking at a destroyed Jerusalem—smoke rising, hope scattered, grief pressing in from every side. And yet, even there, he said: God's mercy is new. His love hasn't stopped. His faithfulness remains.That kind of trust doesn't come from having all the answers—it comes from knowing the heart of God. You may not understand why something happened. But you can choose to believe who God still is.Disappointment invites you to harden your heart. To play it safe. To believe, “If I don't expect much, I won't get hurt again.” But faith doesn't grow behind walls—it grows in surrender. The same hands that held your loss can hold your future. The same God who didn't answer the way you hoped still holds every moment of your life in His care.To trust again doesn't mean forgetting what happened. It means choosing not to let disappointment define your relationship with God. It means choosing to open your heart again to the One who can heal it.It's okay to start small. A whispered prayer. A song sung through tears. A decision to say, “Lord, I still believe—help my unbelief.”Question of the Day:Where in your life has disappointment made it hard to trust God—and what would it look like to give that place back to Him?Mini Call to Action:Write down one area where hope has been hard. Then write this beneath it: “His mercies are new every morning.” Let that be your declaration today.Let's Pray:Lord, I bring You my disappointment—not to hide it, but to heal it. I want to trust You again. Teach me how. Show me Your faithfulness in a fresh way. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Disappointment is real—but it's not your final chapter. God is still writing.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

When hardship strikes, it feels like everything unravels—our plans, our peace, even our confidence in what God promised. But this is exactly when His Word matters most. In times of crisis, we don't cling to what we feel—we cling to what He has said.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28 (ESV)This verse isn't a cliché—it's a cornerstone. Paul didn't write it from a place of comfort. He wrote it as someone who had been beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, betrayed, and misunderstood. And yet, his conviction remained unshaken: God works all things—even suffering—for good.That doesn't mean everything feels good. It doesn't mean every moment is easy. But it means nothing is wasted.Your hardship might feel random, but it's not. Your pain may seem senseless, but in God's hands, it has purpose. He redeems what looks ruined. He transforms what feels hopeless. He rewrites stories with endings we never saw coming.When God makes a promise, He's not speaking from your perspective—He's speaking from eternity. He sees the full picture. He knows how this chapter connects to the next. And even in your deepest sorrow, His Word stands firm.This is why we need His promises hidden in our hearts before the storm hits. Because in the middle of the storm, emotions scream—but truth sustains.If you're in hardship today, don't just survive it. Anchor yourself in what God has said.Question of the Day:What promise from God do you need to hold onto right now—despite what you're feeling?Mini Call to Action:Write down Romans 8:28 on a card or in your phone. Every time discouragement rises, read it aloud. Let God's Word reshape your focus.Let's Pray:Lord, thank You that nothing in my life is wasted. Even in hardship, You are working. Help me to trust Your promises when I can't see the outcome. Remind me that You are faithful. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!When the pain is loud, let the promises of God be louder.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Sickness shakes us. Loss devastates us. When the body begins to fail or when someone we love slips from our arms, our theology gets tested. It's in these moments that faith either crumbles—or deepens. And it all depends on where we anchor our hope.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” — 2 Corinthians 4:16 (ESV)Paul doesn't minimize suffering—he reframes it. He reminds us that while the body grows weaker, God is doing something powerful in the unseen places. In the hospital bed. In the quiet hospice room. In the slow fading of strength. God is not absent—He's active, renewing us from the inside out.Illness is never easy. Whether you're the one fighting or the one watching a loved one suffer, the pain is real. The questions are real. The weariness is heavy. But the promise of God is this: you do not have to lose heart.Your value is not measured by physical ability. Your faith is not invalidated by emotional struggle. Your strength is not found in your muscles—it's in your spirit, and God is the One renewing it day by day.Loss may take someone from your life, but it cannot take the promises of eternity. Healing may not come how you prayed—but God's presence will never fail to show up.We walk by faith—not by what we see, not by what we feel, but by the truth that Jesus is still the Healer, the Comforter, and the Resurrection and the Life.Question of the Day:How is God inviting you to trust Him right now—in your weakness, or in your grief?Mini Call to Action:Take a few minutes today to speak 2 Corinthians 4:16 out loud. Declare it over your body, your mind, or someone you love who's suffering.Let's Pray:Lord, I bring my weakness and my pain to You. I choose to trust Your hand when I don't understand Your plan. Renew me from the inside out. Give me strength for today and hope for eternity. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!The body may break, but the Spirit never stops rising.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Grief is sacred. It's not weakness. It's not faithlessness. It's the natural outpouring of love when something or someone is lost. But for those who belong to Christ, grief carries a companion—hope. And that hope changes everything.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“But we do not want you to be uninformed… that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (ESV)The Bible doesn't say we shouldn't grieve. It says we don't grieve like the world does—like those without the promise of redemption, resurrection, or reunion. Our grief is real, but it is not final.When death strikes, when relationships are lost, when dreams are buried—we feel it deeply. Jesus did too. He wept. He felt sorrow. He bore it. But He also conquered it.To grieve with hope means we bring our sorrow to the foot of the cross and say, “Even in this… I will trust You.” It means we don't rush the pain, but we also don't drown in it. We feel, we mourn, we cry—but we do so tethered to a truth greater than our tears.Hope whispers that God sees our pain. Hope declares that eternity is real. Hope reminds us that even what's been taken can one day be restored.If you're grieving today, you're not alone. God is close to the brokenhearted. He's near in the pain. He's listening. And He will not waste one ounce of your sorrow.Question of the Day:Where do you need to invite hope back into your grief?Mini Call to Action:Light a candle today. Let it represent the light of hope in your sorrow. As it burns, pray for God's comfort and the promise of restoration to rise in your heart.Let's Pray:Lord, I bring my grief to You. I don't hide it. I don't deny it. But I ask You to fill it with Your presence and anchor it with Your hope. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Grief may visit, but hope refuses to leave.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Healing and Wholeness: The 18-Inch Journey from Head to Heart “The glory of God is man fully alive.” —St. Irenaeus “God does not love some ideal version of you. He loves you—with your particular history, wounds, and desires.” This episode takes you on what may be the most important journey of your life: the 18 inches from the head to the heart. Through the story of Blaise Pascal's mystical night of fire, the gentle wisdom of Harvey's Elwood P. Dowd, and the wisdom of the Church, we explore what it means to become an integrated person—one who lives not in fragmentation, but in communion. We are not just minds or spirits—we are embodied, emotional, historical persons. And while trauma, generational wounds, and spiritual lies may have fractured our inner life, God is drawing us back into wholeness. This is not a journey of perfection, but of integration—of learning to live fully alive. You'll hear about: The role of the family in shaping our early spiritual imagination The wounds that distort identity and the lies we carry into adulthood How emotional maturity, spiritual direction, and community lead us to healing How God re-parents us through His Word, His Church, and His sacraments This episode is an invitation to courageously face the inner story you've believed—and to let God write a new one with you. Reflection & Journaling Questions for Prayer   Where in my life do I live more from my head than from my heart? Where do I hide behind intelligence, control, or performance rather than love, vulnerability, and trust? Have I made the 18-inch journey from being right to being real? What would it mean to let go of needing to prove myself and instead seek communion? What were the spoken or unspoken rules in my family growing up? (“Don't feel,” “Be perfect,” “Never be weak,” etc.) What emotions were welcomed in my childhood? What emotions were avoided or punished? What role did I play in my family system? (Hero, invisible one, peacekeeper, rebel…) How does that still shape me today? What is one lie I have believed about myself? (“I am only loved if…”; “I must always… to be safe.”) Ask: Where did I learn this? What is the truth that God wants to speak there? What pattern have I inherited from my family or past that I want to bring into the light of Christ? Pray: “Lord, show me where You were when I felt unseen.” Which of life's tasks—work, friendship, or love—do I tend to avoid? Ask: Where do I need more courage to live generously and not self-protect? Do I see emotional strength as a way to protect myself or to give myself away? What would it mean to see my strength as a gift for others? What private logic or internal script still shapes how I see myself, God, and others? Bring one of those to prayer. Ask: “Jesus, walk with me through the rooms of my childhood. What do You want to show me?”  

There are moments in life when nothing seems to add up. You've prayed, obeyed, sought the Lord—and still, the outcome doesn't make sense. Doors close that you thought were open. Answers delay. Pain lingers. The roadmap you thought you had suddenly disappears. And it's in those moments that the question rises: Can I still trust God when I don't understand Him?Our springboard for today's discussion is:“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)God never promised that our understanding would always align with His direction. He simply said, “Trust Me.” That means we choose faith over clarity. We walk in obedience even when we can't explain the terrain.When life doesn't make sense, that's not the time to back away—it's the time to press in. Trust is most powerful when it's hardest to give. That's where real surrender begins. Not when the path is easy, but when the path is unclear.Choosing to trust in chaos means we stop trying to control everything. It means we quit writing our own outcomes and start resting in the One who sees the end from the beginning.God doesn't ask you to understand—He asks you to follow. And He promises to direct the path. Not always the shortest. Not always the smoothest. But always the one that leads you closer to Him.When life stops making sense, anchor yourself in what never changes—His character, His promises, His faithfulness.Question of the Day:What part of your life right now feels confusing—and how can you submit that place to God's direction today?Mini Call to Action:Write down Proverbs 3:5–6 and say it out loud every time your mind starts chasing answers God hasn't given yet.Let's Pray:Lord, I choose to trust You. Even when it doesn't make sense. Even when the path feels unclear. Help me release control and follow where You lead. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Clarity may come later—but trust is for right now.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

There are few things more disorienting than feeling like God is silent. The heavens feel closed, your prayers seem unanswered, and your spirit longs for even the faintest whisper. Many of us know what it's like to cry out in pain, only to be met with what feels like divine stillness. But even in silence, God is not absent.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” — Psalm 13:1 (ESV)David, the man after God's own heart, wasn't afraid to express deep frustration and anguish in his relationship with the Lord. He didn't hide his heart—he brought it fully before God. That kind of honesty is part of what faith looks like in times of silence.When God seems quiet, it's tempting to believe the worst—that He has left, that He's uninterested, or that your prayers don't matter. But silence is not the same as absence. Often, God is doing His deepest work in your life in the quiet spaces—strengthening your roots, building trust, refining your heart.The silence stretches us. It tests whether we will lean into His Word even when His voice seems still. When fresh direction doesn't come, go back to the last thing He told you. Stay rooted in Scripture. Remember His faithfulness in past seasons.Trust grows in the quiet. Obedience deepens. Spiritual maturity takes shape not just in what we hear—but in how we respond when we don't.Question of the Day:What does faith look like for you right now when you feel like God is silent?Mini Call to Action:Write down Psalm 13:1. Reflect on David's honesty and courage. Let it give you permission to bring your full heart to God today.Let's Pray:Lord, when I can't hear You, help me trust You. Strengthen my faith in the quiet. Teach me to lean on what is true, not just what I feel. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!God's silence is not His absence—keep walking with Him anyway.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Nobody asks for trials. But if you've been walking with Jesus for any amount of time, you know they come—unexpected, uninvited, and often unrelenting. And yet God tells us to “count it all joy”? Not because the pain feels good—but because something greater is being produced within us.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” — James 1:2–3 (ESV)Trials are God's classroom. Not His punishment. And certainly not His absence. In the fire, your faith is refined—not destroyed. You learn how to stand, how to endure, how to trust when everything around you shakes.But the trial doesn't just reveal what's around you—it reveals what's in you. And more importantly, it reveals the One who is in it with you.You may not understand what's happening. The pieces don't always make sense. But God is not silent in the storm. He is speaking, even now.“My child, I know this hurts. I haven't overlooked it or delayed out of neglect. I'm allowing what will strengthen you, not destroy you. Trust Me. I am forming something in you that comfort never could. Hold on. I'm right here.”God is not asking you to pretend the trial isn't painful. He's asking you to anchor yourself in the truth that He is still good, still faithful, and still present.Faith is not proved in the light—it's proven in the dark. And every step you take in trust is shaping you into someone who reflects Jesus more than ever before.Question of the Day:Where in your life right now do you need to stop asking “why” and start trusting “Who”?Mini Call to Action:Write down one area of trial you're facing. Next to it, write one promise of God. Post it where you'll see it every day this week.Let's Pray:Lord, I don't always understand the pain—but I trust Your purpose. Strengthen my heart. Refine my faith. And teach me to walk through the fire with my eyes fixed on You. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Pain isn't the end of your story. It's the beginning of something stronger.Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

There is no greater weapon, no stronger shield, and no more powerful ministry than a parent who prays. When you cover your family in prayer, you're not just speaking words—you're building walls of protection, opening doors of favor, and aligning your home with the will of God. God hears every whisper, every tear, every cry that comes from a parent who stands in the gap.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children." — Isaiah 54:13You don't have to control everything in your child's life. You won't always be there to guard every decision, every friendship, or every circumstance. But you can stand before God every single day on their behalf.Praying for your family means you're calling down heaven into their lives:* Pray protection over their minds, their hearts, and their purity.* Pray purpose over their callings, gifts, and futures.* Pray peace over your home, especially in moments of tension.* Pray wisdom over your parenting decisions, even when clarity feels far away.Start calling out their names before God each morning. Declare His Word over them—because prayer mixed with Scripture is warfare. Lay hands on their doors. Speak life into your spouse. Cover your home in the authority Christ has given you.Prayer isn't a backup plan. It's your first line of defense.And even when you feel weak, tired, or unsure—God sees your prayers as incense before His throne. He is moved by the intercession of a mother, a father, a grandparent who refuses to give up.Question of the Day:What specific area of your family needs prayer covering today?Mini Call to Action:Write a 3-line prayer today—one sentence for your spouse, one for your children, one for yourself. Speak it aloud and repeat it every day this week.Let's Pray:Lord, teach me to cover my family with prayer. Help me to be faithful in intercession, bold in declaring Your promises, and strong in trusting You with those I love most. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Your prayers may be silent to the world—but they roar in heaven.Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Sibling relationships have the power to shape a child's character and future in profound ways. These relationships are often the first training ground for learning forgiveness, humility, patience, and selfless love. And God is not silent about how we're to treat one another—even in the smallest corners of the home.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you…" — John 13:34Teaching siblings to love one another doesn't begin with behavior correction—it begins with heart formation. It's not about getting kids to simply “get along.” It's about helping them see each other as image-bearers of God, placed in the same family for a reason.Here are a few ways to disciple your children in sibling love:* Model it – Show grace and respect in your own relationships. Children replicate what they see.* Pray for one another out loud – Let siblings hear each other's needs lifted to God. It softens hearts.* Teach peacemaking, not just peacekeeping – Train them to work through conflict biblically, not just avoid it.* Celebrate one another – Encourage them to cheer each other on rather than compete for attention.* Speak blessing – Teach them to use their words to build, not tear down.Sibling rivalry isn't new—it's been around since Cain and Abel. But in Christ, our homes can be different. God wants to use sibling relationships to build unity, sharpen character, and reflect His love.If your children struggle with tension, don't lose hope. Ask the Holy Spirit to move in their hearts. Begin praying for a spirit of unity and kindness between them—and don't stop. God cares deeply about what's happening between your children.Question of the Day:What's one way you can help your children grow in love and unity toward each other this week?Mini Call to Action:Lead your children in a short time of praying for one another today. Even one sentence each. Watch what begins to shift.Let's Pray:Lord, teach our children to love each other as You have loved them. Help us lead by example. Let our home be filled with grace, patience, and a Spirit of unity. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!The love your children learn to give each other at home will shape how they love the world.Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Every family passes something down—values, traditions, even patterns of brokenness. But as believers, we are called to leave more than possessions behind. We are called to pass on a legacy of faith. A spiritual inheritance that will outlast our name, our income, and even our lifetime.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice..." — 2 Timothy 1:5When Paul spoke to Timothy, he didn't mention titles, wealth, or success. He pointed to a lineage of faith. Faith that was lived out. Faith that was taught. Faith that endured across generations.You may not come from a family of faith—but you can be the starting point. You can be the one that breaks curses and begins blessings. You can plant seeds your great-grandchildren will benefit from.Passing down faith isn't about being a perfect parent. It's about being faithful in the small things:* Praying over your children and letting them hear it.* Reading the Word and inviting them into it.* Telling them how God showed up in your life—testimony is one of the most powerful gifts you can leave behind.* Creating a home where grace is tangible, worship is welcome, and repentance is modeled.Legacy isn't formed in one big moment. It's built in ordinary days of consistency, surrender, and obedience. And even if your kids stray, the seeds of faith remain. God knows how to water them at the right time.So live your faith in front of your family. Let them see what it looks like to follow Jesus—not just in church, but in how you treat them, how you persevere, and how you love.Question of the Day:What spiritual inheritance are you actively building for your children and grandchildren?Mini Call to Action:Write down one testimony of God's faithfulness in your life and share it with your child this week—even if they've heard it before.Let's Pray:Lord, help us to live in a way that leaves a lasting legacy of faith. Let our lives be a testimony of Your goodness, Your power, and Your grace. May the generations after us know You because of the seeds we sow today. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!A faith-filled legacy doesn't start someday—it starts now.Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Technology isn't evil—but it is powerful. And in today's culture, media shapes minds faster than almost anything else. As parents, we are not just raising children—we're guarding hearts. If we're not actively leading our families through the noise, the noise will lead them away from truth.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"Whatever is true, honorable, just, pure… think about these things." — Philippians 4:8Our kids are growing up with access to everything—entertainment, opinions, ideologies, and temptations—all at the touch of a screen. The question isn't if they'll be influenced, but who will be the loudest voice in that influence.God is calling us to lead with discernment, not fear. To guide our children into tech wisdom—not tech dependence. To train them not just to avoid darkness, but to pursue light.This means setting clear, Spirit-led boundaries:* Limit screen time so hearts have time to rest.* Filter content—not just with apps, but with prayer and conversation.* Model purity and wisdom in your own tech use.* Talk with your kids regularly about what they're watching, reading, and hearing—not in interrogation, but with invitation.We're not called to isolate our kids—we're called to equip them. Teach them to ask:“Does this show reflect God's truth?”“Is this app building me up or tearing me down?”“Do I feel closer to God—or numb—after this?”These are the kinds of questions that shape strong, discerning disciples.God wants to be Lord over the devices in your home, too. And when we place even our screens under His authority, we create space for His voice to rise above the noise.Question of the Day:What digital boundary do you need to set—or reset—in your home this week?Mini Call to Action:Have a conversation with your family tonight. Invite everyone to help choose one new tech boundary you'll all honor together for the next 7 days.Let's Pray:Lord, give us wisdom to lead our homes in truth. Help us guard what enters our hearts and minds. Let our homes be filled with what is pure, what is holy, and what reflects Your voice. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Your home doesn't have to be controlled by culture—let it be led by Christ.Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Prayer is not just something we do when we need help—it's how we stay aligned with the One who leads our home. A praying family isn't just a spiritual family—it's a strong one. When we pray together, we make space for God to take His rightful place in the center of our family life.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." — Matthew 18:20Family prayer time doesn't need to be complicated. It doesn't have to sound perfect. But it does need to be prioritized.In a world where schedules compete for our time and devices distract our focus, setting aside time for prayer re-centers everything. It reminds your family that God is not just a Sunday experience—He is the foundation of your daily life.Prayer creates unity. When you pray as a family, walls begin to come down. Hearts soften. Fear loses ground. Children learn what it means to bring real concerns before a real God. Parents model humility. Spouses grow closer. And peace begins to fill the atmosphere.Even just a few minutes can shift the tone of an entire home.Here are a few simple ways to build it into your rhythm:* Start or end each day with a short family prayer.* Pray at the dinner table, not just for the food—but for each other.* Ask each family member to share one thing they're thankful for or one person they want to pray for.* Keep it consistent. Keep it real.When you gather in His name, He shows up. And when He shows up, everything changes.Question of the Day:What's one change you can make this week to prioritize prayer in your home?Mini Call to Action:Choose a daily time—morning, meal, or evening—to pray as a family. Start today. Just a few minutes. Let the Spirit lead it.Let's Pray:Lord, teach us to pray together. Let our home be a house of prayer—a place where Your presence dwells, where unity grows, and where Your voice is welcome. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Prayer is where your family's battles are won before they even begin.Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

There is a holy weight to marriage—a covenant made before God, not just a contract signed before people. And yet, in a world that values comfort over commitment, it's easy to forget that covenant isn't based on how we feel… but on what we promised. And more importantly—on what God promised to build through it.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"Did he not make them one… in flesh and spirit? And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth." — Malachi 2:15The truth is, comfort fades. Passion rises and falls. Life gets real—bills pile up, routines take over, health shifts, and the butterflies that once fluttered so freely now sleep in.But covenant doesn't depend on butterflies. It depends on a vow—sealed in the presence of God. And He takes that seriously.When God brought you together, He wasn't creating a fairy tale—He was establishing a sacred union for His glory and your growth. He was forming a partnership that reflects His unwavering faithfulness, not our fluctuating feelings.Covenant love says:“I choose you—when it's easy and when it's exhausting.I remain—when I feel close to you and when I feel far from myself.I stay—because God is in this, and I will not break faith with the one He gave me.”This isn't about staying in harmful situations—God does not call anyone to remain in abuse or danger. But in the weariness, the distance, the ordinary—it's about remembering who wrote your vows. And honoring them not out of duty, but out of love for the One who sustains them.Question of the Day:Are you leaning more on your feelings—or your covenant?Mini Call to Action:Revisit your wedding vows today. Read them aloud. Ask God to help you live them out with fresh grace and deeper resolve.Let's Pray:Lord, restore in us the awe of covenant. Help us to see our marriage as holy ground, and empower us to honor it—not just when it's comfortable, but especially when it's not. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Marriage isn't built on the absence of struggle—it's built on the presence of a promise.Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Some days, love feels effortless. Other days, it feels like a choice made one hard breath at a time. There are seasons in marriage when holding on doesn't feel romantic—it feels like obedience. But those moments? That's where real love lives. Not in the easy days, but in the faithful ones.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." — Galatians 6:9Every marriage faces storms—financial struggles, parenting tension, emotional distance, health crises, spiritual dryness. And when you're in the middle of one, the enemy whispers, “This is too much. Maybe it's time to quit.”But God's voice says, “Hold on. I'm not finished.”Love isn't sustained by feelings. It's sustained by covenant. The vow you made wasn't just for the joyful days—it was for the days you feel like roommates instead of lovers… when conversation turns into silence, and when connection feels out of reach.But friend, don't give up. The soil may be dry today, but the roots are still alive. And if you keep sowing—keep choosing kindness, prayer, presence, and forgiveness—you will reap. That's His promise.Perseverance in marriage doesn't mean pretending everything's fine. It means refusing to let go just because everything isn't.It's in the hardest seasons that God often does His deepest work—refining, restoring, re-rooting your relationship in grace.And one day, you'll look back and say, “That season didn't break us—it built us.”Question of the Day:Is there a place in your marriage where God is simply asking you… to keep holding on?Mini Call to Action:Speak these words out loud today: “I'm not giving up.” Then show it with one simple act of grace toward your spouse.Let's Pray:Lord, give us strength to endure, courage to remain, and faith to believe You are working even when we can't see it. Help us love faithfully, just as You love us. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do… is stay.Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Marriage has the power to bless deeply—and wound deeply. The closer the relationship, the sharper the sting when things go wrong. Words spoken in anger, seasons of silence, broken trust, or unmet expectations can leave scars that don't fade quickly. But here's the good news: God doesn't ignore those wounds—He heals them.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." — Psalm 147:3If you're hurting in your marriage—emotionally, spiritually, or relationally—know this: God sees. He sees the tearful prayers you haven't told anyone about. He sees the aching silence. And He's not asking you to cover it up. He's asking you to bring it to Him.Healing isn't pretending it didn't hurt. It's choosing to bring your heart into the presence of the One who knows how to bind it gently.And yes—healing takes time. Just like a physical wound, emotional wounds need cleansing, care, and patience. Some might require conversation and counseling. Others might start with confession and forgiveness. But every healing journey begins with surrender.You don't heal by demanding your spouse fix you. You heal by letting God restore what's been torn. That might mean laying down bitterness. That might mean inviting accountability. That might mean trusting God again… even before your spouse changes.And if you're the one who caused the wound—don't harden your heart. Own it. Apologize with humility. Then let God shape you into someone who no longer wounds, but builds.God doesn't waste pain. And He never leaves wounds untreated. When you place your brokenness in His hands, He doesn't just patch it—He makes it stronger than before.Question of the Day:What wound have you been carrying in your marriage that God wants to begin healing today?Mini Call to Action:Take a quiet moment and write down what's been hurting. Invite God into it. If it's time, share it gently with your spouse.Let's Pray:Lord, You are the healer of broken hearts. We bring You every wound, every scar, and every pain. Bind us up with Your love. Teach us how to walk in forgiveness, restoration, and grace. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!God doesn't just heal what's broken—He redeems it for His glory.Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Marriage isn't just about sharing a life—it's about sharing a pursuit of God. And one of the most important roles you play in your spouse's life is being their spiritual encourager. Not their critic. Not their personal Holy Spirit. But a voice of grace that fans the flame of faith within them.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." — Hebrews 10:24The truth is, your spouse will go through seasons—some filled with spiritual passion, and some marked by silence, doubt, or exhaustion. And when that happens, they don't need pressure. They need encouragement.They need someone who sees what God is doing in them—even when they can't. Someone who will speak life when their faith feels dry. Someone who says, “I believe in who God is shaping you to be.”Here's what that could look like:* Praying out loud for your spouse's calling, even if they're unsure of it themselves.* Speaking Scripture over their fears or insecurities.* Celebrating their spiritual wins, no matter how small.* Reminding them that God still uses broken vessels.Spiritual encouragement doesn't mean having all the answers. It means showing up with faith when they've run out of it.And sometimes, encouragement means silence. Just sitting beside them in the waiting, listening to God on their behalf, and loving them through the process.You are not your spouse's Savior. But you are called to be their ally in the Spirit.So lift their arms when they're tired. Speak truth when they forget it. And never stop praying them into the fullness of what God created them for.Question of the Day:How can you spiritually encourage your spouse this week—without pushing or pressuring?Mini Call to Action:Ask your spouse, “How can I be praying for you right now?” Then write it down—and pray for it every day this week.Let's Pray:Lord, make me a source of life and encouragement in my spouse's journey. Help me to point them to You, speak Your truth in love, and never stop believing in what You're doing through them. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!You were never meant to run this race alone—and neither was your spouse.Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

There's a lot of confusion today about what roles in marriage are supposed to look like. The world either mocks God's design or distorts it. But Scripture is clear—God established order in marriage not for control, but for harmony. When we understand our roles through the lens of Christ, we see that every assignment in marriage is sacred.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ." — Ephesians 5:21Let's set the record straight: biblical headship is not about dominance. And biblical submission is not about weakness. These roles are rooted in love, humility, and sacrificial service—modeled after Christ Himself.Husbands are called to lead, yes—but to lead like Jesus: with strength, tenderness, wisdom, and sacrifice. Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” That's not passive. That's not controlling. That's Christlike.Wives are called to submit—not in fear, but in trust. And not to a tyrant, but to a man who is submitted to God. This kind of submission reflects Christ's own humility and strength. It says, “I support your leadership because I trust the God you're following.”And don't miss the foundation—mutual submission. Before Paul speaks to husbands and wives, he says: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” That means both husband and wife yield to the Spirit, serve each other, and put one another above themselves.This isn't about competition. It's about completion. Two roles. One mission. One kingdom.Question of the Day:Are you walking in your God-given role with humility, strength, and surrender?Mini Call to Action:Sit down with your spouse and ask: “How can I love and serve you better in the role God's given me?” Then listen—truly listen—and act.Let's Pray:Lord, help us walk in the design You created. Teach us to lead with love, to support with strength, and to serve one another out of reverence for You. May our marriage reflect Your heart. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!When marriage follows heaven's order, earth sees heaven's beauty.Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

There's something sacred—powerful—about a husband and wife coming before God together. Prayer isn't just a personal discipline; it's a marital weapon. It guards the heart, anchors the relationship, and invites God into the center of everything.Yet for many couples, praying together is one of the hardest habits to start. It feels awkward, vulnerable, or simply unfamiliar. But just like holding hands or learning to walk in step, it takes time, trust, and intentionality.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"If two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." — Matthew 18:19When you pray as one, you align your hearts under God's authority. You learn to intercede, to listen, and to believe together. You bring both your burdens and your blessings to the altar—not as individuals, but as one flesh with one voice.Couples who pray together invite God to be more than a foundation—they welcome Him as a daily partner.Start simple. Hold hands and thank Him for today. Ask Him for wisdom in a decision. Lift up your children, your finances, your intimacy. Let your spouse hear your heart cry out to God. You'll learn things about each other that casual conversations may never reveal.Praying together builds spiritual trust. It heals unseen wounds. It creates unity that can't be shaken by mere disagreement or circumstance.No matter how distant you may feel—God's presence will begin drawing you closer. And over time, you'll find that prayer is no longer awkward. It becomes essential.Question of the Day:What's holding you back from praying with your spouse?Mini Call to Action:Set aside five minutes today—just five—and pray out loud together. One starts, the other finishes. Let God fill the middle.Let's Pray:Lord, teach us how to pray as one. Remove the fear, the pride, the distractions. Let our marriage be rooted in Your presence. Unite us in prayer so we may walk in Your purpose. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!A praying couple isn't just strong—they're unstoppable.Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Forgiveness is not just something we offer when it feels convenient—it is a command rooted in the character of Christ. In marriage, where two flawed people walk intimately and closely together, forgiveness is not optional—it's vital. It is the lifeblood of lasting covenant love.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." — Ephesians 4:32Marriage reveals both the beauty and brokenness in each of us. And because of that, there will be moments—sometimes many—when you will hurt one another. Sometimes it will be unintentional. Sometimes it won't.But forgiveness is not about justifying the hurt. It's about releasing it.When Christ forgave you, He didn't wait until you deserved it. He didn't require you to fix yourself first. He extended grace freely, fully, and without condition. That same grace is what you've been called to offer within your marriage.Forgiveness doesn't erase the wound—but it removes the weight. It's not a denial of pain—it's a decision to surrender the right to hold it against your spouse.This doesn't mean we avoid hard conversations or overlook repeated patterns that need healing. But it does mean we refuse to become prisoners of resentment. Because unforgiveness doesn't only distance us from our spouse—it distances us from God.The world says hold on to offenses. God says release them. And when we choose His way, we make room for healing, reconciliation, and restored trust.Question of the Day:What offense have you been holding on to that God is asking you to release?Mini Call to Action:Take a moment today in prayer. Name the offense. Then release it to God, even if you need to do it in tears. If appropriate, speak words of forgiveness to your spouse—or start by writing them down.Let's Pray:Lord, teach us how to forgive as You forgave us. Break the grip of bitterness, and heal what has been broken. Fill our hearts with grace, and help us walk in the freedom of forgiveness. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Forgiveness isn't weakness—it's the strength to choose love over offense.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Before any structure can rise, a foundation must be laid. And when it comes to marriage, the blueprint matters. Too many couples enter marriage with passion but without preparation. Emotion alone cannot sustain a covenant. The question every husband and wife must ask is this: What are we building this marriage on?Our springboard for today's discussion is:"Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock." — Matthew 7:24Jesus doesn't promise a life without storms. He promises that what is built on Him will stand through them. A Christ-centered marriage is not one that simply includes God in difficult times—it's one that starts with Him and is sustained by Him every single day.When you build your marriage on Christ:* His Word becomes the standard—not emotions or culture.* Prayer becomes your defense—not pride or avoidance.* Forgiveness becomes your practice—not just a theory.This kind of foundation requires intentional agreement between husband and wife to put Christ first in all things—decisions, finances, communication, intimacy, and leadership. It means choosing surrender over control, unity over division, and obedience over convenience.If your marriage feels shaky, don't be discouraged. Foundations can be repaired. Today is the day to begin again, to recommit to building on the only solid ground: Jesus Christ.Question of the Day:What is your marriage truly built on—and is Christ at the center?Mini Call to Action:Together or individually, pray today: “Lord, be the foundation of our home. Align us to Your Word and Your ways.”Let's Pray:Lord, we choose to build on You. Let every part of our marriage—seen and unseen—be anchored in Your truth. Teach us to follow Your blueprint and trust Your hands as the Master Builder. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Because the strength of your marriage is not found in feelings—it's found in your foundation.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

In a world addicted to noise, stillness is a radical act of faith. We fill our ears with music, our hands with phones, our minds with endless to-do lists—yet we say, “I can't hear God.” The truth is, He's not silent. We're just too loud.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10God speaks in the stillness—not because He's hiding, but because He's holy. Stillness trains your spirit to lean in, to wait, to listen without distraction. When you slow down, you stop reacting from emotion and begin responding from discernment.Jesus Himself modeled this. He withdrew to quiet places, early in the morning or late at night, just to be alone with the Father. Why? Because stillness repositions your heart. It resets your soul. It clears the spiritual static so the signal of heaven can come through.If you're always sprinting, always multitasking, always plugged in—you'll hear your thoughts louder than God's. But when you build space for solitude, you'll notice His whisper rise above the mental chatter.Stillness doesn't mean inactivity—it means intentional quiet. You may sit with your Bible open, journal ready, or simply wait in silence. And yes, it may feel awkward at first. But clarity doesn't come from striving—it comes from resting.So, Warrior, carve out time. Turn off the phone. Shut the laptop. Let the world spin without you for a few moments. And know… He is God. And He is speaking.Question of the Day:How can you build more stillness into your daily rhythm?Let's Pray:Lord, help me to be still. Quiet the storms in my heart. Teach me to hear You not in the rush, but in the rest. You are near, and I want to know Your voice. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Clarity doesn't come through noise—it comes through nearness.Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Just because a thought feels spiritual or sounds right doesn't mean it's from God. Discernment isn't automatic—it's intentional. The Word tells us to test every spirit, every thought, and every voice. Why? Because not everything you hear in your heart is holy.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God..." — 1 John 4:1God invites us to be spiritually sharp, not gullible. Even the devil quoted Scripture when tempting Jesus in the wilderness. That means you can't trust a voice just because it uses religious language or gives you goosebumps.So how do you test a thought?✅ Does it align with Scripture? God never contradicts His Word.✅ Does it reflect the character of Christ? If it lacks love, truth, and humility, it's not Him.✅ Does it lead to freedom or fear? God's voice brings liberty and transformation, not chains.✅ Does it bear fruit over time? If a word from God is true, it will produce godly results.And here's a bonus tip: God's voice can handle your questions. Ask Him for confirmation. Search His Word. Seek wise counsel. If the message is from Him, He'll affirm it.Question of the Day:Are you actively testing what you hear—or just assuming it's God?Let's Pray:Lord, teach me to test the thoughts that come. Sharpen my discernment and anchor my heart in Your Word. I only want to follow Your voice. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Faith doesn't mean blind trust—it means grounded obedience.Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Sometimes what we feel seems so real, so convincing—it must be from God, right? Not always. Our emotions are powerful, but they're not always trustworthy. And if we rely solely on how something makes us feel, we risk mistaking emotional surges for divine direction.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" — Jeremiah 17:9Here's the truth: God created emotions. They're not evil. Joy, sadness, passion, fear—all have their place. But emotions make terrible leaders. They were meant to follow truth, not determine it.God's voice isn't dictated by your emotional highs or lows. Just because something feels urgent, exciting, or overwhelming doesn't mean it's God speaking. On the flip side, just because something feels uncomfortable or painful doesn't mean it isn't Him.The enemy loves to stir your emotions to drown out the whisper of God. But God speaks with steadiness. His Spirit brings clarity even in the midst of chaos. His voice may convict, but it will never crush. It may challenge, but it will never confuse.So before you act on a strong emotion—pause. Ask God to reveal the truth beneath the feeling. Anchor your decisions in His Word, not your mood.Question of the Day:How can you ground your emotions in truth?Let's Pray:Lord, thank You for giving me emotions—but help me not to be ruled by them. Teach me to recognize Your voice even when my feelings scream otherwise. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!God's truth won't always feel right—but it will always be right.Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

God's voice isn't just meant to be heard—it's meant to produce something. One of the clearest signs that you've truly heard from God is this: transformation follows. His voice doesn't leave things the same. It cultivates fruit that lasts.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit..." — John 15:5When God speaks, things grow. His Word creates. It shapes. It brings life. And when you really hear Him—when you follow that whisper—it leaves a trail of fruit behind: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, and more.If what you're hearing leads to bitterness, pride, division, or destruction… that's not God. But when His voice is truly at work, it deepens your walk, heals relationships, births creativity, stirs generosity, and fuels obedience.Sometimes we chase emotions or signs, thinking that's the evidence of God's voice. But Jesus says the real evidence is fruit—lasting, visible transformation that aligns with His character.Think of it this way: God doesn't just inform; He transforms. He speaks, and your spirit awakens. He whispers, and your character is refined. He guides, and your steps begin to reflect His path.If what you heard from God bears no fruit, it may not be from Him. But if it leads to growth—no matter how slow, no matter how small—you're hearing right.Question of the Day:What kind of fruit is growing from what you've heard?Let's Pray:Lord, I don't just want to hear You—I want to grow through Your Word. Let Your voice produce fruit in me that lasts. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!God's voice won't just touch your ears—it will change your life.Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Sometimes we think that if we really have faith, we should hear from God on our own and never need help. But God never intended us to walk this journey alone. He often confirms His voice through others—especially wise, godly counsel.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." — Proverbs 11:14Hearing God isn't meant to be an isolated experience. One of the ways God protects you from deception and confirms His direction is by speaking through other people—mentors, pastors, and mature believers who know the Word and walk closely with Him.If what you think you're hearing can't stand up to godly counsel, that's a red flag.This isn't about getting permission from others—it's about seeking confirmation from those grounded in truth. Pride says, “I don't need advice.” Humility says, “God, speak to me through your people.”David had Nathan. Paul had Barnabas. Even Moses had Jethro. You and I? We need each other too.So if you feel like God is leading you in a certain direction, bring it into the light. Share it with someone who prays, someone who listens, someone who knows the Word. If it's from God, they'll likely say, “That sounds like Him.”Question of the Day:Have you shared what you're hearing with a trusted believer?Let's Pray:Lord, thank You for the wise people You've placed in my life. Give me humility to seek counsel and courage to receive it. Help me recognize Your voice through others. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Isolation invites confusion—community invites clarity.Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever had a thought, a feeling, or a sense deep inside and wondered, Is that really God… or just me? One of the safest and surest ways to know if it's God speaking is to test it against something unchanging—His Word.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"All Scripture is breathed out by God…" — 2 Timothy 3:16The voice of God will never contradict the written Word of God. That's a spiritual safeguard we should never ignore. If the message you're sensing doesn't align with Scripture—it's not from Him.God's Word is alive. It's not just ancient ink on old scrolls—it's His breath, still speaking today. Every time God speaks through the Spirit, He'll echo what He already breathed onto the pages of the Bible.God won't tell you to leave your spouse because you're “not happy.”He won't whisper to lie, cheat, or manipulate to get ahead.He won't nudge you to walk outside of grace, humility, or truth.What He says in Scripture still stands. His Spirit will never say anything that contradicts what He's already spoken.So, here's the challenge—know your Bible. Read it, meditate on it, memorize it. Because the more you fill your heart with Scripture, the more quickly you'll recognize when it's His voice confirming it.Question of the Day:Does what you're hearing line up with Scripture?Let's Pray:Lord, make me a student of Your Word. Help me to know Your voice because I know what You've already said. Teach me to test every whisper against Your truth. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!God's voice will never cancel His Word—He'll always confirm it.Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

There's a lot of noise in life—decisions, deadlines, opinions, distractions. And in the middle of that chaos, we often wonder: Is this really God speaking? One of the clearest ways to discern His voice is simple but powerful: Peace.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..." — Colossians 3:15God's voice doesn't come wrapped in anxiety or pressure. It doesn't demand in panic or shout with fear. It rules in peace. That word "rule" in the Greek means “to act as an umpire”—to call the shots, to decide what stays and what goes. So if what you're sensing brings peace, even when the path ahead is uncertain, chances are it's God.The enemy works in chaos. He rushes. He manipulates. He pressures. He pushes you to act now out of fear. But God leads with peace—even in hard decisions. His peace doesn't always make things easy, but it makes them clear.You might not have every answer, but when God speaks, it settles your heart. His peace will stand guard over your mind like a soldier on duty, keeping you from going off course.So today, if you're wondering whether that thought, that nudge, or that idea is from Him—ask yourself this: Does it carry peace, or does it stir anxiety?Question of the Day:Does the message bring peace or anxiety?Let's Pray:Lord, help me to recognize Your peace as a confirmation of Your voice. Let it be my compass and my filter. I choose to follow where Your peace leads. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Peace is not the absence of trouble—it's the presence of God in the midst of it.Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe