Podcasts about scripture proverbs

Are you ready? It starts in the heart.In this session from our men's weekend at the Milwaukee Avenue Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas, Rickie Jenkins shows that readiness is never an accident or something we're shamed into. It's a deliberate choice that starts with what we treasure and guard in our hearts (Proverbs 4:23; Luke 6:45).Using Jesus' call to count the cost in Luke 14, Rickie leads us through a spiritual audit in three parts:- Remember what we were: Joseph, Jacob, and "such were some of you" (1 Corinthians 6)- Remember who we are: Paul's "not that I have already attained," and pressing toward the mark of becoming like Christ (Philippians 3)- Remember where we're going: a heavenly citizenship and a glory that will be revealed in us (1 John 3; Romans 8; 2 Corinthians 3)"We don't go to heaven. We grow to heaven."He closes with three questions for each of us: Who am I becoming? Do I have joy in who I'm becoming? Do I really have an appetite for the glory to be revealed?Part of our "Are You Ready?" weekend series.

Are you ready for self-control?In this men's breakout session at the Milwaukee Avenue Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas, Noah [Last Name] starts by asking the room what real men do: hunting, deep-sea fishing, working on cars, chopping wood. Then he turns to Proverbs, where the strongest man isn't the one who conquers a city but the one who rules his own spirit.This is an interactive class, and the men in the room help build out what self-control is, where we need it, and what it takes.In this session:- A man without self-control is a conquered city; a man with it is mightier than the conqueror (Proverbs 25:28; 16:32)- There's no area of life where self-control isn't needed- Self-control is productive, not just preventive: Jesus chose the cross- Self-control is about making the choice, not just making the right choice- The prerequisites: knowledge, a greater goal, practice, diligence, trust in God, and humility (1 Corinthians 9:24–27; 10:1–12)- Self-control is a choice, and self-control is submission: "Blessed are the meek"Part of our "Are You Ready?" weekend series.0:00 What do real men do?4:40 A city with broken walls (Proverbs 25:28)5:58 Better than the one who takes a city (Proverbs 16:32)8:24 Where do we need self-control?19:56 Self-control is productive, not just preventive34:36 The prerequisites of self-control42:43 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 955:03 Humility, choice, and submission

Guarding your heart isn't a single decision — it's a daily fight over what you let in, what comes out, and where your eyes are fixed. Proverbs 4:23 calls the heart "the wellspring of life," and the verses around it spell out exactly how to protect it: guard your ears, guard your mouth, guard your eyes, and ponder your path.We see this demonstrated in the life of Caleb, the spy who trusted God's promise when ten others gave in to fear, who spoke the truth to a terrified nation even under threat of being stoned, and who at eighty-five years old was still strong enough to ask for the very land God had promised him years earlier. His story is a picture of a heart that stayed fixed forward, no matter how long the wait.Scripture ReferencesProverbs 4:20–27Numbers 13Numbers 14Joshua 14Key Moments 00:00 Welcome 00:31 Message: Eyes Fixed Forward 03:14 Recap: The Good Fight & Guarding Your Heart 08:49 Scripture: Proverbs 4:20–27 10:04 Guard Your Ears: Caleb and the Voice of God 17:12 Guard Your Mouth: Speaking Truth to a Fearful Crowd 21:12 Guard Your Eyes: Fixed Forward Through Forty Years 28:43 Ponder Your Path: Where Is My Heart Chasing? 33:19 Reflection and PrayerThank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on September 20, 2026, at 9:30am. You can find us online at ⁠nwhills.com⁠.

SCRIPTURE- Proverbs 3:13        “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.” REFLECTION- Mary EllynMUSIC-Healing Frequency-Shadows by GjeiloNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God,into Your hands I surrender my life.Pour out Your Spirit upon methat I may love You perfectly,and serve You faithfullyuntil my soul rests in You.

As Iron Sharpens Iron | Proverbs 27:17“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” — Proverbs 27:17We often think the problem is that we need more people around us. But what if the deeper issue is that we want community without allowing community to change us?God uses people to disciple people. Just as a blade becomes dull through normal use and is sharpened through intentional friction, God uses relationships to expose our blind spots, challenge our assumptions, encourage us when we're discouraged, and make us more like Jesus.In this message, Pastor CJ Witkoe explores what Proverbs 27:17 really means for Christian community and discipleship. You won't be sharpened without friction—but not all friction produces sharpening. Our posture matters.We'll discover:• Why everyone needs people who can challenge their thinking• The difference between healthy sharpening and damaging conflict• How humility, questions, and intentionality transform relationships• Why God's community is meant to change the real you—not the person you pretend to be• How Christian friendship ultimately points us toward JesusIron sharpening iron means allowing others into the blunt edges of your life to lift you up and call you higher.We don't sharpen one another simply toward better versions of ourselves. We continually point one another toward Jesus.

Send us your feedback — we're listeningProverbs 16:3 — Commit Your Plans to the Lord: A Morning Prayer When You Need Direction Themes: Guidance • Trust • Wisdom Nations in this prayer: South Korea • Botswana • Netherlands • Israel • Zimbabwe • United States Once the day gets moving, decisions begin to appear. Sometimes we don't need more opinions; we need wisdom to know which way is right. Scripture — Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” When the day gets moving, decisions begin to appear. A message needs answering, a responsibility needs carrying, or a choice needs making. Sometimes the difficulty is not knowing what is possible; it is knowing which way is right. This morning we have already begun by looking to Jesus as our light. Now we ask Him to guide our steps. Scripture says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Lord Jesus, we bring You our plans, our ideas and our decisions. Teach us to place them before You rather than asking You simply to approve what we have already decided. Today we pray for people in South Korea, Botswana, Netherlands, Israel, Zimbabwe, and the United States. Give wisdom to those facing difficult choices, patience to those waiting for answers, and humility to those who need to change direction. Holy Spirit, help us recognise what is wise, good and consistent with the character of Jesus. Lord, sometimes we want certainty before we take a step. But faith often means trusting You with the next step before we can see the whole road. Keep us from rushing because we are anxious, and keep us from standing still because we are afraid. Jesus, take what we have planned and shape it according to Your purposes. Close the doors that should not be opened, strengthen us to walk through the right ones, and give us peace when we need to wait. We began this morning asking for light. Now, Lord, lead us by that light. Amen. Blessing: May Jesus the Lord guide your steps today, give you wisdom for every decision and peace when you need to wait. prayer for direction, prayer when you don't know what to do, Christian prayer for wisdom, Proverbs 16:3 prayer, prayer for difficult decisions, Jesus guidance prayer, Jesus, guidance, wisdom, direction, trust, decisions, morning, Christian, devotion A morning prayer for anyone facing decisions, uncertainty or the need for wisdom. Wherever you are listening, commit your plans to God and ask Jesus to guide the next step.Support the showDaily Prayer with Reverend Ben Cooper now reaches 185 countries and 3,012 cities worldwide through the Global Blend Radio network.This is a listener-funded global ministry. If these daily prayers strengthen your faith or help you through difficult seasons, would you consider becoming a monthly prayer partner for just £3 per month?Your support enables us to continue recording, hosting, and broadcasting daily biblical encouragement across the nations — keeping this ministry free and accessible to everyone who needs it.You can support today at GlobalBlendRadio.comTogether, we can keep prayer moving across the world.To submit a prayer request or connect with our global prayer community, visit DailyPrayer.ukBuy me a Coffee 

Series: Wisdom From Above Week: 20 Scripture: Proverbs 30:7-9, 15:3, 15:29, 28:9, 6:16-19, 19:5, 21:6, 23:4-5, 11:28; Ephesians 4:25 Preacher: Brian Lowe

SCRIPTURE- Proverbs 4:11     “I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.” REFLECTION- JustinMUSIC- "Ave Maria"- "Come Holy Ghost" by The O'Neill Brothers GroupNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God,into Your hands I surrender my life.Pour out Your Spirit upon methat I may love You perfectly,and serve You faithfullyuntil my soul rests in You.

Jesus, may my words lead to healing conversations. Scripture: Proverbs 15:4 Resource: Come With Me study free videos (link) and Come With Me: Discovering the beauty offollowing where he leads by Suzanne Eller

Guest Pastor, Rev. Craig Otto

Speaker: Ron HackneyScripture: Proverbs 1:1-6 Download 09062026A.mp3

SCRIPTURE- Proverbs 18:13   “To answer before listening - that is the folly and shame."  REFLECTION- GaryMUSIC-On this day, O beautiful Mother-LenNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God,into Your hands I surrender my life.Pour out Your Spirit upon methat I may love You perfectly,and serve You faithfullyuntil my soul rests in You.

Scripture: Proverbs 5:3-6, 20-23; Series: The Image; Speaker: Monte French, Senior Minister

Send us your feedback — we're listeningProverbs 16:3 — Place Your Plans in God's Hands Before the Week Runs Away Live from London, England — carrying this morning prayer across the world, from the United Kingdom and Germany to Austria, Belgium, Spain and France. Three Prayer Themes: Surrendering our plans • Wisdom for today's decisions • Trusting God with our work Scripture — Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The week is moving now. Perhaps the emails have started, the phone is ringing, people need answers, and the plans you made this morning are already changing. Take a breath before you rush on. Lord Jesus, we place this day and this week into Your hands. We have plans, responsibilities and things we need to accomplish, but we don't want to carry them without You. Give us wisdom in our decisions. Help us know when to speak, when to listen, when to act and when to wait. Where pressure is beginning to build, give us a steady heart. Be close to people across the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Spain and France. Be with those at work, studying, running businesses, caring for families, serving others, or facing decisions that could shape the days ahead. Holy Spirit, turn our hearts towards Jesus. Keep us from believing that everything depends upon us. The God of Israel knows the beginning and the end. Teach us to work faithfully while trusting Him with what we cannot control. Jesús, pongo mis planes en Tus manos y confío en Ti. Jesus, entrego os meus planos a Ti. Guia-me hoje. Jesus, ipinagkakatiwala ko sa Iyo ang aking mga plano. Gabayan Mo ako ngayon. Whatever today brings, you don't have to carry it alone. Give your plans to Jesus, do what is in front of you faithfully, and trust Him with the outcome. Amen. Blessing: May Jesus guide your decisions, steady your heart and bless the work placed before you today. Daily Prayer, Proverbs 16:3, Monday Prayer, Morning Prayer, Christian Morning Prayer, Prayer for Guidance, Prayer for Work, Prayer for Decisions, Trust God, Prayer for Wisdom, Jesus, DailyPrayer.uk Proverbs 16:3 prayer, Monday morning prayer, prayer for guidance, prayer for work, prayer for decisions, prayer for God's direction, Christian prayer for a new weekSupport the showDaily Prayer with Reverend Ben Cooper now reaches 185 countries and 3,012 cities worldwide through the Global Blend Radio network.This is a listener-funded global ministry. If these daily prayers strengthen your faith or help you through difficult seasons, would you consider becoming a monthly prayer partner for just £3 per month?Your support enables us to continue recording, hosting, and broadcasting daily biblical encouragement across the nations — keeping this ministry free and accessible to everyone who needs it.You can support today at GlobalBlendRadio.comTogether, we can keep prayer moving across the world.To submit a prayer request or connect with our global prayer community, visit DailyPrayer.ukBuy me a Coffee 

Send us your feedback — we're listeningProverbs 3:5 — When You Don't Know What to Do, Trust the Lord Live from London, England — carrying this morning prayer across the world, from the United Kingdom and Germany to Austria, Belgium, Spain and France. Three Prayer Themes: Wisdom for today's decisions • Trust when the way is unclear • Peace in the middle of responsibility Scripture — Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. The morning is moving now. Perhaps your day has already become busy. Messages are arriving, decisions need making, people need answers, and there may be more responsibility on your shoulders than you expected. Before you rush on, pause. Lord Jesus, we bring You the decisions in front of us today. Some things are clear, and others are not. Give us wisdom when we need to choose, patience when we need to wait, and courage when we need to take the next step. Be close to people across the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Spain and France. Be with those going to work, caring for children, leading others, making difficult choices or simply trying to get through an ordinary day with grace. Holy Spirit, quiet the voice of fear and turn our hearts towards Jesus. When our own understanding feels limited, help us remember that the God of Israel sees what we cannot see. Teach us to trust Him, not because we understand everything, but because He is faithful. Jesús, guíame hoy cuando no sepa qué hacer. Jesus, dá-me sabedoria e ajuda-me a confiar em Ti. Jesus, gabayan Mo ako ngayon at turuan Mo akong magtiwala sa Iyo. You don't have to have every answer before you move forward. Trust Jesus with the decision in front of you, and take today's next step with Him. Amen. Blessing: May Jesus give you wisdom for every decision, peace in every uncertainty, and courage for whatever this day brings. Daily Prayer, Proverbs 3:5, Morning Prayer, Christian Morning Prayer, Prayer for Wisdom, Prayer for Decisions, Trust God, Prayer for Guidance, Prayer for Work, Jesus, DailyPrayer.uk Proverbs 3:5 prayer, morning prayer for wisdom, prayer for guidance, prayer for decisions, prayer to trust God, Christian prayer for work, prayer when you don't know what to doSupport the showDaily Prayer with Reverend Ben Cooper now reaches 185 countries and 3,012 cities worldwide through the Global Blend Radio network.This is a listener-funded global ministry. If these daily prayers strengthen your faith or help you through difficult seasons, would you consider becoming a monthly prayer partner for just £3 per month?Your support enables us to continue recording, hosting, and broadcasting daily biblical encouragement across the nations — keeping this ministry free and accessible to everyone who needs it.You can support today at GlobalBlendRadio.comTogether, we can keep prayer moving across the world.To submit a prayer request or connect with our global prayer community, visit DailyPrayer.ukBuy me a Coffee 

Send us your feedback — we're listeningProverbs 3:5–6 — When the Day Gets Busy, Trust Jesus With Every Step Live from London, England — carrying this morning prayer across the world, from Germany and Kenya to Austria, South Africa and the United States. Three Prayer Themes: Wisdom for today's decisions • Surrendering our plans • Confidence in God's direction Scripture — Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. The morning has begun now. The messages may be coming in, the phone may be ringing, and there may already be more to do than you expected. Perhaps you're facing a decision, dealing with someone difficult, or simply trying to keep everything moving. Before you rush on, pause. Lord Jesus, we bring this part of the day to You. Where we are unsure, give us wisdom. Where we are trying to control everything, help us surrender. Where the path ahead isn't clear, remind us that You can see what we cannot. We pray for homes and workplaces across Germany, Kenya, Austria, South Africa and the United States. Give parents patience, workers strength, leaders wisdom and those facing difficult decisions a quiet heart. Be near to anyone who feels the pressure beginning to rise. Holy Spirit, turn our attention back to Jesus. Keep us from leaning only on our own understanding. The God of Israel has led His people through generations, and we can trust Him with this moment too. Jesús, guía mis pasos y ayúdame a confiar en Ti. Jesus, eu entrego os meus planos a Ti. Guia-me hoje. Jesus, tulungan Ninyo akong magtiwala at sumunod sa Inyo. We don't have to know every step. We only need to take the next one with Jesus. Amen. Blessing: May Jesus give you wisdom for every decision today, steady your heart and guide your steps. Daily Prayer, Proverbs 3, Morning Prayer, Christian Morning Prayer, Prayer for Guidance, Prayer for Wisdom, Trust God, Trust Jesus, Prayer for Decisions, DailyPrayer.uk Proverbs 3:5-6 prayer, morning prayer for guidance, Christian prayer for wisdom, prayer for difficult decisions, prayer to trust God, prayer for direction, daily Christian prayerSupport the showDaily Prayer with Reverend Ben Cooper now reaches 185 countries and 3,012 cities worldwide through the Global Blend Radio network.This is a listener-funded global ministry. If these daily prayers strengthen your faith or help you through difficult seasons, would you consider becoming a monthly prayer partner for just £3 per month?Your support enables us to continue recording, hosting, and broadcasting daily biblical encouragement across the nations — keeping this ministry free and accessible to everyone who needs it.You can support today at GlobalBlendRadio.comTogether, we can keep prayer moving across the world.To submit a prayer request or connect with our global prayer community, visit DailyPrayer.ukBuy me a Coffee 

SCRIPTURE- Proverbs 1:7“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”REFLECTION- Fr. JimMUSIC- "Hands Be Still" by Ólafur Arnalds- "Awesome God" by Taryn HarbridgeNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God,into Your hands I surrender my life.Pour out Your Spirit upon methat I may love You perfectly,and serve You faithfullyuntil my soul rests in You.

Oh God, I need your wisdom in every part of my life.Scripture: Proverbs 24:14 Share your thoughts with Suzie at her website.

Father, my hope is only found in you.Scripture: Proverbs 23:18 NIV Have you checked out my sister podcast with Holley Gerth and Jennifer Watson? Check out More Than Small Talk on your favorite podcast platform or at KLRC.com/podcast.

Ever wish God would just TELL you what to do? Today, Karen and Emily tackle parenting decisions that don't have a clear right or wrong answer; from kindergarten readiness and family size to going back to work and navigating technology at school. If you're facing a parenting dilemma, we hope this episode helps you pray, trust God's guidance, and move forward with confidence. Episode Recap:SOAR is only one month away! Sign up today (2:00)Should I redshirt my Kindergartener? (2:40)How do you know when you are done having kids? (5:39)Is there a time that it's wise to stop having kids? (7:20)How do I know if it's time to go back to work or if I should continue staying home? (10:44)I'm frustrated about the amount of technology my young child is using at school (14:58)Practical capability exercises for each age group (18:00)Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”Discussion Questions:Is there a parenting decision you are wrestling with right now?What influences your decisions most: fear, opinions, practicality, or prayer?How can you invite God into a decision you're facing?What parenting decision once felt huge but seems much smaller in hindsight?Resources:Use code WT20 to get $20 off SOAR registration today! Reach out to have Karen come speak in your community.Become a WT+ Insider this month and get an exclusive SOAR discount! Want More of This Conversation?Wire Talk+ moms will hear Karen share some of the parenting decisions that kept her up at night! Become an Insider today to hear more from Sissy and help us reach our goal of 400 subscribers this year! 

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 25:11–15 What do you do when you need to say something hard—but you don't want to become harsh in the process? Proverbs gives us a surprising picture of strength: words that are clear and truthful, yet governed by patience, wisdom, and love. You'll learn: *Why speaking gently doesn't mean avoiding hard conversations*How to tell the difference between assertiveness, aggression, and silence*Why overexplaining can become an attempt to control someone's response*What trustworthy words sound like when something difficult needs to be said*One question to help you speak with less force without sacrificing truth Go Deeper: After this week, The Best of You Every Day will take a short break for rest and reset, while the Thursday deep-dive episodes continue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Excellence in ministry and dependence on God aren't opposites, they belong together. In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Andrew and Brant answer a question pastors ask them again and again: does striving for excellence lead to the kind of pride and burnout seen in stories like Mars Hill? Drawing on Scripture (Proverbs 21:31, Colossians 1:29, the parable of the talents, Nehemiah, and 2 Kings), they break down five biblical principles for church leaders: why preparation and dependence work together, why stewardship requires leveraging what God has given you, why prayer and action go hand in hand, why preparation is actually evidence of faith, and why the real danger for pastors is self-reliance — not hard work. A must-listen for pastors, church planters, and ministry leaders wrestling with how to work hard for God's glory without losing their dependence on Him.

Series: Wisdom From Above Week: 17 Scripture: Proverbs 23:15-25; Ephesians 6:1-3; Proverbs 13:1, 15:5, 15:20, 20:20 Preacher: Brian Lowe

Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Learn more: www.bishinthenow.com Follow Jim Swilley on Youtube to see the videos live Sundays at 11:11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow   Bishop Jim Swilley continues “The Healing Word” by exploring healing not simply as something that comes vertically “from God,” but as something that also moves horizontally through human connection, relationships, words, thoughts, and presence. Beginning with Jesus healing the centurion's servant from a distance, Jim considers how difficult circumstances can actually become catalysts for revelation. The message moves into the power of our thoughts and intentions, while avoiding the simplistic idea that every negative experience is something we somehow attracted. Ultimately, the emphasis is on connection: sometimes the healing word is encouragement, sometimes it is simply hearing the voice of someone you trust, and sometimes it is an uncomfortable truth spoken by someone who loves you. Healing happens as we remain open, nurture our relationships, release offenses, reframe painful memories, and become intentional about the energy and words we send into one another's lives. Main Takeaways 1. Sometimes the negative becomes the catalyst for revelation.Jim returns to the Roman centurion who tells Jesus, “speak the word only” and his servant will be healed. The centurion understood that physical proximity was not necessary for healing. Jim's larger point is that circumstances that make us uncomfortable, insecure, rejected, or seemingly trapped can sometimes push us into seeing possibilities we would never have considered otherwise. Scripture: Matthew 8:5–13; Romans 8:28; Hebrews 11:7 “Sometimes the worst thing that ever happened to you may be the best thing that ever happened to you.” — Bishop Jim Swilley 2. The healing word is not limited by distance.Psalm 107 says that God “sent his word, and healed them.” Jim connects this with prayer, positive intention, “sending good energy,” and simply intentionally holding another person in your thoughts. Different people may use different terminology, but the underlying idea is connection that transcends physical distance. Scripture: Psalm 107:20; Matthew 8:8 3. Healing is horizontal as well as vertical.Spirituality is not only about our relationship with God. Jim emphasizes the importance of the “horizontal beam” — our relationships with one another. Jesus connected loving God with loving our neighbor, making human relationship an essential expression of spiritual life. Scripture: Matthew 22:37–40; Ecclesiastes 4:12 “It's the relationships in your life that reveal the Christ to you.” — Bishop Jim Swilley 4. Prayer should seek agreement rather than control.Prayer can become unhealthy when it is really an attempt to make another person's circumstances conform to what we think should happen. Jim argues that before praying for someone, we should understand what that person actually wants rather than assuming we know the proper outcome. Scripture: Romans 8:26; Matthew 18:19 5. Mature spirituality moves beyond everything being simply good or bad.Using the imagery of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil versus the Tree of Life, Jim challenges binary thinking. Heroes can be flawed. Villains can be wounded people. Painful circumstances can produce unexpected growth. The cross itself demonstrates that suffering and resurrection can exist within the same story. Scripture: Genesis 2:9; Hebrews 12:2 6. Unreleased offenses can keep the past alive in the present.Jim uses Charles Manson as an extreme example of what can happen when someone continually collects offenses and interprets everything through what has been done to them. The lesson is not to deny what happened, but to process it rather than allowing yesterday's pain to dictate tomorrow's behavior. “When you keep collecting offenses, it makes you crazy after a while.” — Bishop Jim Swilley 7. Our thoughts matter, which makes intentional living both freeing and challenging.Jim shares a message from Charles McFall responding to the statement, “Every thought I think is creating my future.” “It is as freeing as it is terrifying. Living without intent is scary and it's hard work to always be intentional.” — Charles McFall Jim acknowledges the tension: we cannot simply turn off unwanted thoughts. The practical work is learning how to reframe them rather than repeatedly allowing painful memories or fearful projections to control the present. Scripture: Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8 8. Sometimes we need someone's presence more than their advice.Jim describes calling someone close to him during an intense week and deliberately not talking about what was troubling him. The conversation itself was enough. Sometimes healing energy comes through familiarity, connection, a trusted voice, or someone simply saying, “It's going to be okay.” Scripture: Proverbs 17:17; Galatians 6:2 9. A healing word isn’t always a comfortable word.Like medicine, something can hurt while ultimately helping us. Someone who genuinely loves us may tell us something we do not want to hear. Healthy relationships create enough safety for truth, vulnerability, correction, and growth. “A healing word sometimes is an uncomfortable word. It's a challenging word.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Scripture: Proverbs 27:6; Ephesians 4:15 10. Relationships are worth maintaining because we need connection.One of the strongest conclusions of the message is that independence should not become isolation. Keeping relational “airwaves clear,” releasing unnecessary offenses, communicating honestly, and understanding how different people connect can become part of our own healing. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9–12; 1 Corinthians 12:20–21 The Central Thought You cannot control every thought that enters your mind, every painful memory, every difficult circumstance, or every unknown in your future. But you can change the framework through which you interpret them. Instead of repeatedly wounding yourself with yesterday, you can extract whatever truth is useful, release what belongs to someone else, and remain open to the people whose presence brings healing into your life. “Hang on and keep staying open and get outside of yourself and let people speak into your life and nourish and nurture your relationships, because you never know when you're going to need that person.” — Bishop Jim Swilley

Fear can be incredibly convincing. Sometimes it sounds like wisdom. Sometimes it looks like waiting for clarity, waiting for the right time, or asking God for just one more confirmation. In this lighter solo episode, I look back at a time when I knew what God was asking me to do... and still I wanted to back out. Then, at a prayer meeting, I suddenly found myself in a very awkward position... -- NEW Everyday Miracle compilation book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/45cgbP8 Everyday Miracle compilation book on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/everyday-miracles-julie-hedenborg/1146173449?ean=9798881501808 Subscribe to Julie's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@everydaymiraclespodcast1395 Website for Everyday Miracles (APPLY!): http://everydaymiraclespodcast.com/ To follow Everyday Miracles Podcast on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-miracles-podcast/id1447430033 On Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everydaymiraclespodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydaymiraclespodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@everydaymiraclespodcast X: https://x.com/miracles9598 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hedenborg-452028a7/ To email Julie directly: everydaymiraclespodcast@gmail.com -- Scripture ✝️: Proverbs 16:9 Joshua 1:9

Today's Scripture: Proverbs 18:10 When fear rises, where do you run? We often reach instinctively for overthinking, control, numbing, busyness, or escape. But Scripture gives us another image. Today, we'll explore what it means to run to the name of the Lord—not as a spiritual formula or magic phrase, but as a return to the character and presence of a God who is strong enough to hold what scares us. You'll learn: *Why fear often sends us toward overthinking, control, or escape *What Scripture actually means by “the name of the Lord” *Why saying “in Jesus' name” isn't an incantation *How God can become a secure base when safety has felt complicated *How to recognize your old shelters and return to refuge instead of shame Go Deeper: For more on returning to God as a source of safety, check out The Secure Soul⁠—it will be in your hands tomorrow, and you'll still get all the bonus items when you order this week. Connect with Dr. Alison on Instagram: @dralisoncook Join 80,000+ Soul Menders in Dr. Alison's free email community for ongoing reflection and support. While Dr. Cook is a counselor, the content of this podcast and any of the products provided by Dr. Cook are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this podcast are for informational purposes only.‍ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Excellence in ministry and dependence on God aren't opposites, they belong together. In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Andrew and Brant answer a question pastors ask them again and again: does striving for excellence lead to the kind of pride and burnout seen in stories like Mars Hill? Drawing on Scripture (Proverbs 21:31, Colossians 1:29, the parable of the talents, Nehemiah, and 2 Kings), they break down five biblical principles for church leaders: why preparation and dependence work together, why stewardship requires leveraging what God has given you, why prayer and action go hand in hand, why preparation is actually evidence of faith, and why the real danger for pastors is self-reliance — not hard work. A must-listen for pastors, church planters, and ministry leaders wrestling with how to work hard for God's glory without losing their dependence on Him.

Series: Wisdom From Above Week: 16 Scripture: Proverbs 22:6; 1:8-9; 2:1-5; 22:15; 13:24 Preacher: Brian Lowe

You're not lazy. You're not undisciplined. You're burnt out, working hard for years and still running uphill with nothing to show for the effort.This is for the ambitious girlies: burnout isn't always a sign you need to push harder. Sometimes it's a sign you're building in a lane God never assigned you - and no amount of hustle, prayer, or persistence will make the wrong lane work.Courtney L. Sanders learned that after she hit multimillionaire status and felt the weight instead of the win. In this conversation she breaks down how to tell the difference between a good thing and a God thing, why some of your hardest work keeps slipping through your fingers no matter how much you pray over it, what it actually costs to let go of something you built your name on, and how to know when striving has quietly become disobedience.If you're burnt out, questioning your ambition, or scared to release something that isn't working anymore, you'll leave this episode knowing exactly what to do next.Ambition is easy. But are you ambitious in the right lane?This is the space for the woman who loves Jesus and still has questions.Scripture: Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."Welcome & Scripture: 2:46 Ambition in the Wrong Lane: 13:54Confession as Spiritual Warfare: 31:50Confess Your Ambition Game: 39:09Closing & Where to Find Courtney: 44:30Find Courtney: https://courtneylsanders.com/https://www.instagram.com/courtneylsanders/?hl=enhttps://www.youtube.com/courtneylsanders

SCRIPTURE- Proverbs 24:32"And as I gazed upon it, I reflected, and I saw and learned the truth."REFLECTION- Fr. RonMUSIC- "He Leadeth Me" Instrumental- "Whatsoever You Do" by Robert KochisNOTES- Blog: What Does the Bible Say About Serving the Poor?PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

Most Christian men don't lose the battle in the moment they fall.They lose it five minutes later.The enemy whispers, "You did it again. This is who you are. You might as well keep going." One bad decision becomes a whole night. One night becomes an identity. Before long, shame feels more permanent than hope.In this honest episode of The Intentional Guy Podcast, Michael Chestnut speaks directly to Christian men who are tired of fighting the same battle with pornography, lust, and masturbation. This isn't about piling on guilt or pretending sexual desire doesn't exist.One of the most important conversations in this episode is for the single, divorced, and unmarried Christian man. What do you do with a sex drive that God intentionally created when marriage isn't your current reality? Scripture doesn't offer easy shortcuts, but it does offer wisdom, hope, and practical disciplines that help you honor God without pretending the struggle isn't real.You'll discover:Why your God-given sex drive isn't something to be ashamed of.Practical, biblical ways to steward sexual desire when you're unmarried.The hidden trap that keeps men stuck long after they've fallen.What recovery psychology reveals about the "one-more-time" spiral.A simple five-minute strategy to stop shame before it gains momentum.How one honest phone call can change the direction of your entire night.Biblical hope for men who are weary of starting over.If you've ever promised God, "Never again," only to find yourself back in the same place, this episode is for you.You are not defined by your worst night.You are not disqualified by your struggle.You are not fighting alone.The righteous man isn't the one who never falls—he's the one who keeps getting back up.It's time to break the spiral, understand the purpose behind the sex drive God gave you, and discover that restoration is always one honest step away.Scripture: Proverbs 24:16 • Psalm 51 • Matthew 5 • 1 Corinthians 7☕ Need a brother to walk beside you? Reach out. Sometimes the next step toward freedom begins with one honest conversation.

SCRIPTURE- Proverbs 4:25-26"Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure." REFLECTION- Fr. JasonMUSIC- "Moonrise" by Ola Gjeilo- "As the Deer" by David ImNOTES- PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

Attachment Styles After Divorce: They Explain You, But They Don't Define You Have you ever wondered why you react the way you do in relationships? Maybe you find yourself fearing abandonment, pulling away when things get difficult, or feeling stuck in the same unhealthy patterns over and over again. In this episode, Jenn explores attachment styles through the lens of healing after divorce. Rather than focusing on labels, she shares a hope-filled perspective: attachment styles are simply patterns of behavior, not your identity. You'll learn: What the four attachment styles are in simple, practical terms How these patterns often show up in marriage and after divorce Why trauma can temporarily change the way you relate to others How recognizing your patterns can help you grow instead of keeping you stuck Why your past doesn't determine your future How Jesus Christ can heal your heart and help you create new patterns moving forward Whether you identify with an anxious, avoidant, fearful, or secure attachment style, this episode will remind you that your story isn't over. God can transform hearts, strengthen relationships, and help you become the person He created you to be. Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need this message today. If you're looking for Christ-centered support as you heal after divorce, learn more about the Faith Filled Divorce membership and coaching programs at: https://www.findthejoywithjenn.com/divorce-resources Follow Jenn: Website: https://www.findthejoywithjenn.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@findthejoywithjenn • Join my exclusive Life Coaching and Divorce Mentoring Program, Faith Filled Divorce, HERE: httpshttps:https://www.findthejoywithjenn.com/program-details • Get your FREE Podcast Atlas at: https://www.findthejoywithjenn.com/joy-in-the-journey-podcast • Make sure you are part of the Find the Joy With Jenn Fam! Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/findthejoywithjenn/ • Join my FREE Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/findthejoywithjenn • Thank you so much for listening to this episode! I'm honored and excited to be on this journey to healing and personal growth with you. If you enjoyed the podcast, I'd love to ask you to take 2 minutes to leave me a 5-star review on your podcast app; that way, we can help even more men and women find joy in their divorce journeys. You can win a $100 AMAZON GIFT when you do! Just send a screenshot of your review to jenn@jennzingmark.com. Make sure you put "Podcast Review" in the subject line. XO- Jenn

In this listener-favorite episode re-air, Karen and Greg pull back the curtain on nearly four decades of marriage—the good, the hard, the early years, and the season they're in now. This conversation will make you smile, and maybe even tear up, as they remind us that we serve a faithful God who wants the best for us and our marriages. Episode Recap:How Karen and Greg back met in 1984 (4:00)What were some of your biggest differences as newlyweds? (7:50)How did you stay connected during the early years of raising kids? (10:09)What has been the hardest season of your marriage? (18:48)How has your relationship changed now that your kids are grown and gone? (31:35)What has surprised you about becoming grandparents? (37:19)Lightening round questions (40:12)Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”Discussion Questions:Karen and Greg talked about prioritizing their marriage even while raising young kids. How do you currently make space for your spouse in a busy season of parenting?Greg shared the advice he received from his dad: “Your family is your hobby.” What might it look like for you to protect your margin for your family?Karen described her “needy gal” season where she learned to depend on God to meet her needs. How have you experienced God providing for you in a hard marriage or parenting season?What small rhythms (like a daily debrief, date nights, or intentional quiet time) could you adopt to strengthen your connection with your spouse?Looking ahead, what do you hope your marriage will look like when you reach the “high five” finish line of raising kids together?Resources:Use code WT20 to get $20 off SOAR registration today! Reach out to have Karen come speak in your community.Become a WT+ Insider this month and get an exclusive SOAR discount! Join our private FB group, BOAW MomsWant More of This Conversation?During Wire Talk+, Greg and Karen share advice for making it through difficult seasons of family life and don't miss the very end of this conversation, when they share some of their biggest fights that they laugh about now! Become an Insider today and help us reach our goal of 400 subscribers this year! 

We all want friendships that last, but keeping them can be harder than making them. Life gets busy. Seasons change. We disappoint one another. So how do we cultivate the kinds of friendships that grow deeper rather than drift apart?In this message, we explore what Scripture teaches about building lasting spiritual friendships. Looking at Proverbs and examples throughout the Bible, we'll discover the qualities that help friendships endure.Scripture: Proverbs 27, Ruth 1:15–17, Colossians 3:13, 1 John 1:7, Acts 20, Proverbs 17:17

SCRIPTURE- Proverbs 3:7"Do not be wise in your own eyes fear the LORD and turn away from evil;"REFLECTION- Fr. JimMUSIC- "Da Pacem Domine" from The Best of Gregorian Chant- "Rising Cumulus" by Jeff GreinkeNOTES- English Translation of "Da Pacem Domine"Give peace, O Lord, in our days, for there is no one elsewho fights for us except You, our God.Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  May those who love you prosper.Give peace, O Lord, in our days...May there be peace within your strength and security within your towers.Give peace, O Lord, in our days...For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will speak of peace concerning you.Give peace, O Lord, in our days...PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

Biblical education built America's first schools, and it still forms virtuous citizens today.In this episode, Pastor Nathan Brown walks through the original documents behind American education — the Old Deluder Satan Act of 1647, the New England Primer, Harvard's 1646 Rules and Precepts, and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 — and shows that biblical education was the whole point from the beginning. He makes the case that there is no such thing as neutral education, that biblical literacy is a spiritual battle, and that Christians carry a covenantal duty to pass God's Word to the next generation. Perfect for the commute, the gym, or the drive.You'll Learn:✅ What Deuteronomy 6 and Psalm 78 require of Christian homes✅ Why colonial literacy rates outran the rest of the world✅ The four consequences of severing education from Scripture

Scripture Reading from Proverbs 4:23 and Psalms 119: 9-16 (0:00)Sermon by Sam Haist (0:55)

Lord, I'm amazed and in awe of you.Scripture: Proverbs 19:23Best of, Summer.

SCRIPTURE- Proverbs 16:3"All one's ways are pure in one's own eyes, but the measurer of motives is the LORD. Entrust your works to the LORD, and your plans will succeed"REFLECTION- JustinMUSIC- When the Moon Sings by William Ackerman- By the Roes by JohannssonNOTES- Blog: Who Is God? Exploring the Attributes of Our Creator by Mary Ellyn SchneiderPRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

In this episode I speak with Family Man, Former Pro Hockey Player, Veteran, Founder of M is Good, Author, Podcaster at R7 Christian Marketing Podcast; Dave Jones, on Foundational Values to Become Your Best Self. Listen as Dave shares the soverignty of God and how there is always space for your talent, your passion, and your purpose in this world. Dave gives 4 toxic motivators that may be holding you back from fulfillment and crazy success. He encourages you to believe in who God made you to be. Know that you can gain truth and build confidence to become the person that your Heavenly Father created you to be ahead of time.    Find Dave :    the website    Scripture: Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.   Luke 12:7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.   Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,which God prepared in advance for us to do.   Habakkuk 2:2 Then the Lord replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.   Genesis 1:27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.   Job 42:2 "I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.   1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.   John 11:40 Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?"   Proverbs 24:16 for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.   Additional Scripture: Matthew 10:30, Psalm 139:14, Proverbs 19:21, Romans 8:28, Psalm 103:19, Philippians 2:9-11,           Romans 3:23   REGISTER @ CFLEX Academy Arts Enrichment   Listen to our sister podcast:  Abundantly Rooted   Other Resourses: Grab your Artza Subscription Box and bring home a bit of Israel.  use promo code: ARTZAKRISTINARISINGER for 25% off   Check out our Linktree   Get the Books:  Life After Losing A Loved One: How to Turn Grief Into Hope Strength and Purpose Adventures of LiLy and Izzy Bee: The Imagination Journey 

Some of us don't struggle because God has been unfaithful—we struggle because life has taught us not to trust.In this message, Pastor Jamal Hegwood invites us back to the heart of Proverbs 3:5–6, reminding us that trusting God isn't passive; it's surrender. As we learn to trust His heart, His voice, and His design, we discover the freedom that comes from living according to His plan instead of our own understanding.This message is an invitation to lay down fear, control, and disappointment—and trust the One who has always been faithful.Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6

We're re-airing one of our most popular episodes this week! Karen and Emily sit down with Elizabeth Pehrson to discuss how moms can parent with purpose by focusing on the long game. In this conversation, Elizabeth shares her no-nonsense approach to raising independent, contributing adults. Whether you're navigating the pressures of parenting littles or wondering how to prepare your teens for the real world, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped. Episode Recap:Elizabeth is a long time friend of BOAW Moms and a breakout speaker at Soar (2:09)Most women live a Groundhog Day kind of life, but they don't have to (8:08)We can't love others when we're not loving ourselves well (10:32)How did The Exchange come about? (12:37)We need to raise adults who are contributors, not consumers (18:25)We are overprotecting and under preparing our kids for the real world (21:00)Keep the long game in mind! (25:01)Scripture: Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it."Questions for Discussion:What areas of parenting do you feel pressured to “do more,” and how might adopting a “do less” mindset bring freedom to your family?How are you currently preparing your children for independence, and what's one practical step you can take to help them contribute more?Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of rediscovering yourself as a mom. What's something you used to enjoy that you can reintroduce into your life?How can shifting your focus from short-term achievements to long-term character development change the way you approach parenting?Resources:Register for the SOAR Conference today. Become a WT+ Insider, boaw.mom/insiderCheck out Elizabeth's organization, The ExchangeWant More of This Conversation?During Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily talk about why it's easier to do for our kids than to teach them to do for themselves and Emily shares her new chore routine for her kids this summer. Head to https://www.patreon.com/c/BOAW to become an Insider and help us reach our goal of 400 subscribers this year! 

The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@gmail.com Garth Heckman The digital world is explicitly engineered to capture and fragment our attention. Dr. Gloria Mark, a leading informatics researcher at the University of California, Irvine, tracked digital behavior and found that the average attention span on a single screen has plummeted from 2.5 minutes in 2004 to just 47 seconds today. When your focus breaks, it doesn't just snap back. It takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to fully return to a deep focus state after a single interruption because your brain gets caught in "intervening tasks." To train your brain to resist this friction and rebuild sustained focus, apply these three science-backed strategies:     Yes, absolutely. While the ancient world didn't have smartphones, the human struggle with a scattered mind, anxiety, and competing priorities is timeless. The Bible addresses the concept of focus extensively, using ancient terminology like singleness of heart, guarding the gates of the mind, and fixing one's eyes. Scriptural wisdom aligns remarkably well with modern cognitive science, framing focus not just as a productivity tool, but as a discipline of the mind and spirit. Here are three distinct clues and frameworks the Bible provides on how to focus. 1. The Principle of the "Single Eye" (Eliminating Divided Attention) In the New Testament, Jesus explicitly addresses the danger of a divided mind. The ancient concept of focus was often tied to vision—what you allow your eyes to linger on dictates your internal state. The Scripture: In Luke 11:34, Jesus states: "Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy [single/focused], your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy [bad/divided], your body also is full of darkness." The Clue: The original Greek word used for "healthy" or "good" in many translations is haplous, which literally means single, uncomplicated, or unfolded. Conversely, the word for "unhealthy" or "bad" (poneros) in this context implies being double or divided. The Takeaway: The Bible warns that if your vision is fragmented by too many competing inputs, your internal world becomes chaotic. It tells us that true focus requires a single, undivided gaze. 2. Guarding the Gates of the Mind (Active Filtering) Just as modern psychology tells us to limit notifications to protect our working memory, Biblical wisdom commands us to set up strict boundaries around what we allow into our consciousness. The Scripture: Proverbs 4:25–27 provides direct, actionable instructions on attentional control: "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left..." The Clue: This is a classic Stoic-like scriptural command for attentional filtering. The Bible recognizes that distractions ("the right or the left") are constantly pulling at us. Proverbs 4:23 pairs this with the ultimate reason for focus: "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." In ancient Hebrew psychology, the "heart" (lev) represented the mind, will, and intellect. The Takeaway: Focus is a defensive act. You must actively filter out the noise of the periphery to protect the trajectory of your life. 3. Capturing Thought Loops (Taking Cognitive Control) A major enemy of focus in a digital age is the endless loop of mental chatter, comparison, and anxiety. The New Testament provides a aggressive model for dealing with rogue thoughts rather than letting them run wild. The Scripture: In 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul writes about the mental discipline required in leadership and faith: "...we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." The Clue: The phrase "take captive" (aichmalotizo) is a military term meaning to capture at sword-point or take as a prisoner of war. The Takeaway: The Bible instructs us not to be passive consumers of our own thoughts or digital feeds. When a distracting, anxious, or irrelevant thought enters your mind, you are told to arrest it immediately, evaluate it, and intentionally redirect your mental energy back to what matters. The Ultimate Biblical Focus Filter: If you want a modern-day checklist for what should pass through your attentional filter, Philippians 4:8 lays it out perfectly. It tells us exactly where to anchor a scattered mind: "...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Father God, I'm running toward you for you are my safe place.Scripture: Proverbs 18:10Keywords: Fortress; safe place; just; mighty; refuge; shelter.Best of, Summer.

Summer doesn't have to be packed with fancy vacations or elaborate plans to be memorable. In this episode, Karen and Emily share simple, practical ways to add more laughter, spontaneity, and fun to your family's everyday moments. From DQ runs to dance-party cleanups, we hope this episode gives you some ideas and encourages you to let go of the pressure and just enjoy your kids this summer! Episode Recap:We're talking about creating fun this summer with your kids (2:02)Does summer feel daunting or fun to you? (4:35)Fun isn't trivial, it creates connection (9:53)It's okay to let your kids be bored (12:10)Ask yourself, “is there a FUN way to do this?” (18:33)Fun is the antidote to anxiety! (20:57)I'm a blue, what if “fun mom” is just not my personality? (22:38)Nothing is ever enough for my kids (26:22)My kids are always bored, no matter what I do (27:11) Scripture:Proverbs 17:22 (NIV) "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."Discussion Questions: What are some of your favorite summer memories from childhood?Which ideas from this episode for adding fun into everyday life could you try with your family this week?Do you feel pressure to create a "perfect" summer for your kids? How might that expectation be stealing joy from your family?How does your temperament influence the way you approach fun and play with your children?Resources:Register for the SOAR Conference today. Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insiderPick up a pack of conversation starters to add some fun to family dinnerWant More of This Conversation?During Wire Talk +, Karen and Emily dive into how temperament affects the way moms experience and create fun at home. They also discuss why cultivating joy and laughter in your home matters in the long run.Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

In this installment of Metron Live, Bishop Jim Swilley continues his series on being seated in heavenly places, drawing from Ephesians 2 and Psalm 16:11. He challenges listeners to rethink joy—not as an emotional high, but as a state of presence. Using stories from his own life, the Israelites' wilderness journey, a beloved family cat nearing the end of its life, and even a tense basketball game, Bishop Jim argues that fullness of joy is found when we stop living in regret over the past or anxiety about the future and become fully present in the moment. His central revelation is that “in His presence is fullness of joy” also means learning to live in our own presence—to fully inhabit the life we are experiencing right now. Key Takeaways 1. Your Life Has a Path, Even When It Feels Circular Drawing from Psalm 16:11, Bishop Jim teaches that God shows us “the path of life,” but that path is often cyclical rather than linear. Like Israel wandering for 40 years before facing the same Jericho, many people revisit similar lessons until they learn to see their circumstances differently. Key Thought: Stop obsessing over the “should have, could have, would have” moments. Fullness of joy requires making peace with the path that brought you here. Scripture: Psalm 16:11 2. Presence Is the Gateway to Joy The core revelation of the message comes from a simple observation about a family cat that peacefully accepted the end of its life. “He was present all the way to the end.” — Bishop Jim Swilley recounting a conversation about Avery’s cat. That statement unlocked a deeper understanding of Psalm 16:11. Most people are physically present but mentally somewhere else—replaying the past, worrying about the future, or trying to solve problems that don’t yet exist. Bishop Jim shares a personal story of standing in the Gulf of Mexico on vacation while mentally sorting through future responsibilities, realizing: “My body’s in the Gulf of Mexico, but I’m not here.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Main Lesson: You cannot experience fullness of joy if you are not fully present. Scripture: Psalm 16:11 — “In Your presence is fullness of joy.” 3. Anxiety Pulls You Out of the Present Moment Whether it’s worrying about finances, relationships, aging, health, or the future, anxiety fragments attention and lowers our ability to experience joy. Bishop Jim contrasts this with Jesus’ teaching: Scriptures Referenced: Matthew 6 — Consider the lilies. Matthew 6:34 — “Take no thought for tomorrow.” The message is not irresponsibility; it is refusing to sacrifice today’s peace for tomorrow’s uncertainty. 4. Stop Rehearsing the Stories That Keep You Sick Referencing Proverbs, Bishop Jim teaches that many people unknowingly reinforce negative realities by constantly speaking about them. Scripture: Proverbs 13:12 — “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” He argues that there is a healthy place for processing pain, counseling, and healing, but eventually there comes a point where continuing to repeat the story keeps it alive. Key Thought: There comes a time when you stop retelling the wound and start telling a new story. 5. Don’t Make Your Joy Dependent on Other People’s Approval One of the strongest practical applications of the message is the reminder that everyone wants acceptance, but joy cannot be dependent upon it. “You got to feel good about yourself whether anybody gets it or not.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Jesus serves as the model. He never sought permission from others to live in the truth of who He was. Scriptures Referenced: John 8:58 — “Before Abraham was, I am.” John 10:18 — “No man takes my life, I lay it down.” 6. God Is Not Against Pleasure Bishop Jim closes by examining the final phrase of Psalm 16:11: “At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” He contrasts this with religious systems that often treat pleasure, enjoyment, and happiness as suspicious or sinful. Using Jesus turning water into wine at Cana as an example, he argues that God is not opposed to joy, celebration, or abundance. Scripture: John 2 — The wedding at Cana. His conclusion is that many religious traditions have taught people to expect struggle, guilt, and stress, while Scripture repeatedly points toward joy, peace, and life. Memorable Quote “You can’t have fullness of joy if you’re not present.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Main Scripture Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Final Thought The heart of this message is simple but profound: joy is not found in fixing the past or controlling the future. It is found in fully inhabiting the present moment. According to Bishop Jim, the highest vibration, the heavenly place, and the fullness of joy are all experienced when we stop living somewhere else and become fully present to the life unfolding right in front of us.

Journey Through Scripture- Proverbs 22-24 & 30-31

SCRIPTURE- Proverbs 3:5-6"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths."REFLECTION- JeffMUSIC- NOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

SCRIPTURE- Proverbs 3: 5"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; and He will make all your paths straight."REFLECTION- Fr. RonMUSIC- Benedictus by Karl Jenkins (from A Mass for Peace)NOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.