Podcasts about sometimes god

In this episode we'll talk about:Why prayer isn't only about changing circumstances—it can change the person prayingHow to recognize when a desire is being refined rather than abandonedWhy some things lose their appeal as we grow spirituallyWhat happens when we stop needing one specific outcome in order to feel okayHow prayer can move from “God, give me what I want” toward “God, teach me what is worth wanting”And more… START HERE…→ Join The Niche Is You® — my Substack (22K+) — Weekly essays, the full workshop library, the private community + the Quarterly Challenges. → https://mattgottesman.substack.com/aboutNEW HERE…→ 6 Days to Clarity Workshop — clarity for your time, energy, money, creativity, work & play. → https://mattgottesman.com/reverse-engineer-your-life (FREE)CONNECT WITH ME…→ Instagram — @mattgottesman→ TikTok — @mattgottesman→ YouTube — @mattgottesmanRESOURCES…→ Write • Design • Build — my Content Creator Studio & OS masterclass (Included when you join my Substack) — Growing the niche of you, your audience, reach, voice, passion & income — CLICK HERE→ Recommended Book List — CLICK HERE→ Apparel — thenicheisyou.comOTHER RELATED EPISODES:Faith Isn't Knowing the Whole Path… It's Taking the Next Honest StepApple: https://apple.co/3MB62IuSpotify: https://bit.ly/4rZw3RN

What if the call you've been waiting for is already coming from God?In this episode of This Is Kingdom, Grace, Talon, TJ, and Hollis dive into the For the Strength of Youth lesson, “You Are Blessed by Priesthood Keys and Authority,” and explore what it really means to answer God's call.From accepting and investing in Church callings to recognizing the small “errands” God places in our lives, the conversation is a reminder that service isn't just about what we accomplish for others—it's also about who we become in the process.The crew shares personal stories about callings, serving in wards, experiences in Tonga, and finding closeness to God during busy seasons of life. Sometimes God's call can feel like one more thing on an already-full schedule, but stepping into His work may be exactly where we find Him.This week's challenge: If you have a calling, invest a little more into it. If you don't, look for an opportunity to serve. When God calls, answer.This Is Kingdom is a Good News Brand podcast.

Pastor Jordan Boyce is preaching on Divine Orchestration: When God Answers Prayer Through People.

"Sometimes God takes an appointed time, an appointed moment to intervene in your life." — Daniel FazzinaSome miracles happen instantly; others are slow brewed over time. God works in both ways and every way in between, displaying His divine interventions in our world. Christian author and journalist Daniel Fazzina has spent years documenting the Lord's miracles, so the world knows there is a God who deeply loves and cares for us. Fazzina suggests we shouldn't just look for a repeat of the parting of the Red Sea—we should look for everyday miracles closer to home. On this episode of Lighthouse Faith, Fazzina discusses the audiobook release of Divine Intervention: 50 True Stories of God's Miracles Today and his upcoming event, "Power of Testimony," taking place on Long Island, NY, on September 12th. For Fazzina, finding miracles isn't the challenge. It's convincing people to open their minds to stories of unexplained healings, spiritual transformations, and even resurrection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever walked through a season when simply making it through the day felt like all you could manage? Maybe grief has changed everything. Perhaps the future looks nothing like you imagined, or someone you love is hurting, and you don’t know what to say. When life feels this heavy, people often encourage us to “hang in there.” But what happens when we no longer have the strength to keep holding on? My guest on this week’s episode of The Love Offering Podcast, Cheri Fletcher, shared a truth I haven’t stopped thinking about: “I’m not hanging in there. I’m being held in there.” After unexpectedly losing her daughter, Annie, in 2023, Cheri began recognizing the ways God had gone before her and prepared people and provisions to help carry her through her grief. His care didn’t take away her pain, but it reminded her that she wasn’t walking through it alone. Sometimes God’s presence looked like a friend sending a Scripture or prayer. Sometimes it was a neighbor bringing flowers, a pastor calling to check in, or even a bird singing outside her window. Each small kindness became a quiet reminder: You are still being held. In our tender conversation, Cheri shares: How to recognize God’s presence in the midst of grief Why sorrow may rewrite our stories without changing our identities How joy and heartache can exist at the same time What to say when we don’t know how to comfort someone Why our roles may change, but our purpose remains eternal Cheri also reminds us that we don’t need perfect words to love a grieving person well. Sometimes a simple “I’m so sorry,” a listening ear, or the willingness to say their loved one’s name can be a meaningful offering of love. If you feel like you are barely hanging on today, I pray this promise encourages you: “I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”—Isaiah 41:10 Friend, your hope isn’t found in how tightly you can hold on to God. Your hope is found in the truth that He is holding on to you. You are not forgotten. You are not alone. You are not merely hanging on. You are being held. With love,Rachael CONNECT WITH CHERI FLETCHER: Website and grief resources: https://cherifletcher.com Explore Cheri’s Beyond “I Don’t Know What to Say” Grief Communication Cards and her private community, Now What? A Quiet Place for Grief. CONNECT WITH RACHAEL ADAMS: Website: https://rachaelkadams.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeladamsauthorLearn more about Everyday Prayers for Love and A Little Goes a Long Way: https://rachaelkadams.com/books Listen to more episodes of The Love Offering Podcast: https://rachaelkadams.com/the-love-offering-podcastSupport the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sometimes God calls us to surrender something precious. Other times He asks us to step beyond what feels comfortable to share the Gospel, serve His Kingdom, or obey a command we do not fully understand. Whatever the assignment, genuine faith eventually comes to the same conclusion: God must be obeyed. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef turns to the story of Noah in Genesis 6 and 7. God gave Noah an extraordinary command—to build an ark in preparation for a flood that had not yet come. The task was enormous and perplexing, yet Scripture records Noah's remarkable response: “Noah did all that the LORD commanded him.” Noah did more than build. He trusted God's Word, persevered in obedience, and proclaimed righteousness to those around him. His life became both an act of faith and a warning to others. In the same way, believers today are called to build their lives on Christ while inviting others to receive the salvation He offers. Noah was not perfect, but his faith produced action. That is the mark of authentic trust in God. Anyone can claim to believe, but living faith obeys—even when the road is difficult, the assignment feels overwhelming, or the outcome remains unseen. Where is God calling you to step out in faith today? Trust His Word, obey His voice, and leave the results in His hands. Prayer: God, help me to have the kind of faith that Noah had—faith that leads to obedience no matter how overwhelming the task. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith” (Hebrews 11:7). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon They Were Just like Us, The Work of Faith: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Why does God allow evil to continue? Why does it feel like prayers go unanswered? Why doesn't God do something? These are some of the most honest and painful questions a believer can ask, and they are not new. The people of Israel asked the same thing in the Book of Malachi, and their struggle led them to a dangerous place where they began to question not just God's actions but His character. This message from Malachi 2 and 3 tackles the theological concept known as theodicy, the question of how a good and just God can exist alongside evil and suffering. Rather than offering easy answers, it provides four biblical anchors to hold onto when you are in a season of waiting, confusion, or pain. First, remember who God is. His character does not change based on your circumstances. He is holy, just, all-knowing, and all-loving. What you know about Him is enough to carry you through what you do not understand. Second, remember how God works. God is never early and never late. He is always right on time. Just as Jesus arrived at the tomb of Lazarus with purpose and precision, God's timing in your life is never a mistake. Third, remember what God is doing. Malachi 3 describes God as a refiner sitting close to the fire. He does not walk away while you are in the furnace. He is near, watching, and working. Sometimes God does not remove the fire because He is using it to refine something in you. The goal of that refining is that His image becomes visible in your life. Fourth, remember what God will do. Malachi 3:5 promises that God will come as a swift witness against injustice. Every wrong will be addressed. Every pain will be removed. God has not forgotten, and He is not indifferent. His ultimate answer to the world's deepest questions is Jesus Christ, the messenger of the covenant, who is coming again to make all things right. Whether you are struggling with unanswered prayer, unexplained suffering, or the silence of God, this message offers hope grounded in Scripture. Topics covered include the meaning of theodicy, the story of Shadrach Meshach and Abednego, the refiner's fire in Malachi, trusting God in suffering, and how to wait on God with faith.

Delayed obedience rarely looks dramatic. It looks like waiting for the “right time,” asking for one more sign, or telling ourselves we'll get to it when life calms down. On Day 3 of 31 Days of Obedience, we sit with a straightforward verse that doesn't let us hide: James 4:17 says when we know what's right to do and we don't do it, that refusal becomes sin. That one line challenges how we define success, not as achievement, but as daily surrender to God's leading.We also slow down to make an important distinction: every delay is not disobedience. Sometimes God is calling us to wait. But when the instruction is already clear, postponing can become a quiet way of avoiding our yes. We talk about what that avoidance can cost, including progress in spiritual growth and the kind of peace that comes from living aligned with what we say we believe.Then we get practical. We connect obedience to integrity in the small places, the promises we make to ourselves about health, discipline, and follow-through. When our “yes” keeps collapsing, self-trust erodes, and that can spill into how boldly we trust God. With Matthew 5:37 in view, we end with reflective prompts, a simple journaling challenge, and a prayer asking God for strength, wisdom, and a heart that moves swiftly when He speaks.If this devotional encourages you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more women can find the 31 Days of Obedience journey.

The Power of Positioning What John the Baptist, Paul, and Barnabas Teach Us About Knowing Your Place in God's Work What if your significance in the Kingdom of God isn't determined by how visible your position is, but by how faithful you are in the position God has given you? In this episode, we look at three very different biblical trailblazers: John the Baptist, the Apostle Paul, and Barnabas. Each man played a unique role in advancing the Kingdom, but none of them were called to do the exact same thing. John prepared the way for Someone greater than himself. Paul carried the Gospel into territory where Christ had not yet been named. Barnabas recognized the gifts in others and helped position men like Paul and John Mark for greater Kingdom usefulness. Together, their lives teach us an important lesson: prominence is not the measure of Kingdom significance. Faithfulness is. We discuss: Why knowing who you are also requires knowing who you are not John the Baptist's willingness to point his own disciples toward Jesus What John's moment of doubt teaches us about faithfulness in difficult seasons Paul's “holy ambition” to preach Christ where He had not been named The difference between selfish ambition and Kingdom ambition How Barnabas helped position Paul when others were still afraid of him Barnabas' willingness to move from the foreground to the background Why developing other people may be one of the greatest forms of leadership Barnabas' investment in John Mark after Paul had given up on him How 1 Corinthians 12 changes the way we think about position, gifting, and importance in the Body of Christ Why fathers, pastors, disciplers, and leaders should be intentionally positioning the next generation Key Scriptures John 1:19–39 Matthew 11:2–15 Acts 9:15–27 Acts 11:19–26 Acts 13:1–13 Acts 15:36–40 Romans 15:20–21 2 Timothy 4:9–11 1 Corinthians 12 John 3:30 Questions to Consider Do you know your assignment? What has God actually placed in front of you to steward faithfully? What is your ambition? Are you primarily concerned with people knowing your name—or with people knowing the name of Christ? Who are you positioning? Who are you encouraging, discipling, developing, introducing, or preparing for greater usefulness in the Kingdom? Sometimes God calls you to be a John who prepares the way. Sometimes He calls you to be a Paul who enters uncharted territory. And sometimes He calls you to be a Barnabas who sees something in another person and helps position them to flourish. Whatever your position may be, the goal remains the same: Know your assignment. Pursue holy ambition. Position others. Be faithful. Culture Proof exists to help families become culturally astute and navigate life by applying the Straight Edge of Scripture. Subscribe and follow Culture Proof for biblical conversations about faith, family, discipleship, culture, and living faithfully in this generation.   Be sure to visit cultureproof.net Please consider supporting the Culture Proof Podcast. We aim to bring engaging content that will challenge and equip Christians to live according to the Straight Edge of Scripture. All gifts are tax deductible. Our Address is: S.E. Ministries PO Box 1269 Saltillo MS, 38866   Episode sponsors: BJUPress Homeschool We Heart Nutrition – Go to weheartnutrition.com/cultureproof for 20% 0ff Culture Proof Listeners  THANKS!   Culture Proof Podcast Theme song "Believers" courtesy of Path of Revelation    

Tim joins me for this conversation with our good friend Josh Bradshaw. Josh first came into our lives when he started dating our long time friend, Maggie Amini. Josh and Maggie are now married and recently welcomed baby Ruby into their lives.And when I first heard Josh's story, I was enthralled. Sometimes God reminds us through testimony just how creative He is, and today we get to hear all about his childhood years in London, what eventually brought him to fall in love with Jesus, and the wild story of how he landed in Texas where he's lived and served in different ministry capacities for nearly 20 years. This conversation is full of hearty laughs and poignant moments as we talk about everything from culture shock, to pressures high schoolers face today, the 401k that is relationships, and what we pray for our children. Ahh, this is such a good one - I've been so eager to share it!Memorable Quotes:“My parents were genuinely living by faith.”“I believed in Jesus from a young age but didn't really want anything to do with him if he looked like that.”“I lied my way through the interview. I could just make stuff up because I grew up in church and I wanted to get out of the house, I wanted to do something different, I had no future with this failed high school transcript.”“I didn't hear the gospel part, just the soccer part.”“I think it's Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller where he talks about how he hated jazz music, and then he talks about how he went somewhere, probably New Orleans, and sees a guy playing jazz music, blood, sweat, and tears and goes - ‘wait that's jazz music? I like that.' It was the same for me and Jesus.”“All of a sudden, my 9-year old brother blurts out - ‘There's something different about Josh.' And no one really gave that any thought…but I went upstairs that night and said, ‘Jesus I don't know what you're doing, but I'm in.'”“One of my friends says that his 401k is relationships. And that's exactly what my life felt like.”Show Notes:Blue Like Jazz by Donald MillerJohn 10:10Psalm 42Subscribe to Josh's Substack where he writes on faith, marriage, work, and the everyday ways God shows up.

In Position | Pastor Simone BenoitWhat if the disruption you're experiencing isn't a setback, but God's way of positioning you for what He wants to do next?In this powerful message, Pastor Simone Benoit teaches us that God is aligning our hearts, minds, desires, decisions, and direction so that we can be in position for His purpose.Through the journey of Joseph, we discover that God doesn't simply prepare a position for us, He prepares us for the position. Sometimes that preparation involves divine adjustments, unexpected transitions, uncomfortable seasons, and places we never planned to be.Joseph's journey took him from his father's house → the pit → Egypt → Potiphar's house → prison → the palace.What looked like setbacks were actually steps in God's positioning.This message reminds us:• God aligns you before He aligns things around you.Before God changes your circumstances, He may first change you.• Divine alignment requires divine adjustment.We cannot ask God to align us with His will while resisting every adjustment He makes in our lives.• Sometimes God has to move you to position you.You may not understand where you are until the moment arrives that requires what God has developed in you.• Don't confuse alignment with comfort.Being in God's will doesn't mean there won't be difficulty. Alignment means having confidence in the One directing you through it.• Alignment requires obedience.Knowing God's Word is not the same as living God's Word. Sometimes we don't need another word—we need to move on the Word God has already given us.Joseph's story ultimately reminds us that God can take what was meant for evil and use it for good. What looks like a detour may actually be divine positioning for a greater purpose.

Is Your Comfort Zone Keeping You From the More God Has for You? Is your comfort zone keeping you from fully stepping into what God is calling you to do? It's easy to stay where life feels safe, familiar, and manageable. But sometimes our desire to stay comfortable becomes the very thing that keeps us from obeying God, growing in our faith, and experiencing what He wants to do in us and through us. In this episode of Confident Christian Influence, Pam shares her own journey from being terrified to speak in front of a handful of women to speaking to hundreds and even thousands, writing a book, becoming a Christian leadership coach, hosting a podcast, and now stepping outside her comfort zone again to launch a nonprofit. You'll discover three important truths about stepping outside your comfort zone: The good stuff often happens outside your comfort zone. When God calls you beyond what you can comfortably accomplish in your own strength, you have the opportunity to depend on His strength and experience Him working through you. It's not about you—it's about Him. Instead of focusing on whether you're qualified, afraid, or capable, you can shift your focus to God's plan, His purpose, His strength, and His glory. Your comfort zone expands every time you choose courage and obedience. The things that scare you today may become the very experiences God uses to prepare you for what He asks you to do tomorrow. You don't have to make one giant leap. Sometimes God is simply asking you to take the next small step of faith and trust Him to meet you there. Today's step outside your comfort zone can become tomorrow's evidence that God can be trusted. So ask yourself: Where have I gotten too comfortable? What is my comfort zone costing me? And is fear keeping me from something I know God is asking me to do? If you've been struggling with fear, stepping outside your comfort zone, trusting God, finding courage, following God's calling, Christian leadership, or taking your next step of faith, this episode will encourage you to stop allowing your limitations to determine your obedience and trust God with what happens when you say yes. In This Episode How to step outside your comfort zone and trust God Why obedience to God sometimes requires getting uncomfortable How fear can keep you from following God's calling Why focusing on your limitations keeps you stuck How to depend on God's strength instead of your own How small steps of courage expand your comfort zone What it means to “do it afraid” as a Christian How God uses uncomfortable situations to grow your faith and leadership How to recognize when comfort may be keeping you from your next step Ready to Grow in Your Christian Leadership? If you're ready to be stretched, grow in your faith, and become the leader God is calling you to be, learn more about Called to Lead: Clarity, Confidence, and Christ-Centered Influence at pampegram.com/calledtolead.

I'm retiring from the way Visibly Fit has looked for 25 years—but I believe God is leading me into a new season, not an ending. Listen as I share what God is teaching me about change, purpose, hope, and trusting Him when the future feels uncertain.After 25 meaningful years as a naturopath and fitness expert, I'm stepping into a new chapter. And honestly? It's bittersweet. I've spent a quarter of a century serving women, coaching patients, teaching Visibly Fit, and watching God work in ways I could never have imagined.But I've learned that a new season doesn't mean your purpose is over.Sometimes God asks us to release something familiar so we can become available for something new.

What does bold faith actually look like? Bold action is not being reckless, impulsive, dramatic, or trying to do something impressive for God. Biblical boldness is taking a clear step of obedience to God, even when that step requires courage, risk, sacrifice, or pure trust. Sometimes God is asking you to move forward. Sometimes He is asking you to step before you can see what will happen. Sometimes the boldest thing you can do is stop something, commit to something, move toward someone you would normally avoid, or finally release someone you love into God's hands.In this message from Champion Church, Trevor Hersey walks through powerful examples of obedience and faith throughout Scripture, including Israel at the Red Sea in Exodus 14, the priests stepping into the Jordan River in Joshua 3, Elisha burning his plows in 1 Kings 19, Peter choosing to stay with Jesus in John 6, and Ananias obeying God by going to Saul in Acts 9. If you have been asking God what your next step is, waiting for perfect conditions, struggling to let go of something from an old season, or wondering how to know when God is leading you, this message is an invitation to stop waiting for the entire path to become clear and ask a simpler question: What is the next clear step of obedience God is asking me to take?

Blessing and affliction- Naomi left Israel with her family because there was a famine. Ruth made the decision to follow Naomi back to Israel because she knew they served the one true God. Sometimes God lovingly brings affliction in our lives to drive us back to Him.

SummaryLife can become incredibly busy with work, family, responsibilities, technology, and the many demands competing for our attention. “Don't Forget Your Quiet Time with God” is a reminder that no matter how full our schedules become, spending intentional time with God should remain a priority.Prayer, Scripture, gratitude, reflection, and simply sitting quietly in God's presence can bring peace, clarity, strength, and renewed faith. We don't have to wait until something goes wrong to pray. God desires a relationship with us in the good times, uncertain times, and everyday moments of life.Sometimes the answer to feeling overwhelmed isn't doing more, it is slowing down, becoming still, and reconnecting with God.TakeawaysMake God a priority, not an afterthought. Give Him intentional time instead of only the time you have left at the end of the day.Prayer is an everyday necessity. Pray during difficult seasons, but also pray when life is going well.Quiet time doesn't have to be complicated. A few meaningful minutes of prayer, Scripture, gratitude, or reflection can strengthen your relationship with God.Learn to be still. Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.”You don't have to carry everything alone. Bring your worries, decisions, disappointments, hopes, and dreams to God.Protect your peace. Not everything deserves your reaction. Sometimes the best response is prayer.Make room to listen. Quiet time isn't only about talking to God; it is also about becoming still enough to seek His direction.Key PointsPrayer changes how we carry life. Problems may not disappear immediately, but prayer can change our perspective and strengthen us to face them.God deserves more than our leftover time. We make time for what matters to us, and our relationship with God deserves intentional attention.Quiet time builds spiritual strength. Just as our physical bodies need nourishment, our spirits need prayer, Scripture, worship, and time in God's presence.God can meet you anywhere. Your bedroom, car, morning walk, lunch break, or another quiet space can become a place of prayer.Slow down when necessary. Being busy doesn't always mean being productive or purposeful. Sometimes God is calling us to become still.Stay connected to God throughout your day. Pray before decisions, during challenges, after blessings, and whenever you need guidance.Most importantly, remember this:The world may always be busy, but we should never become too busy for God. Make room for prayer, make room for peace, make room for His presence, and don't forget your quiet time with God.

“The Lord is my Shepherd…I shall not want.” IF HE IS - YOU WON'T!

If you're faithful with little, God can trust you with much. But growth requires more than wanting the next level—it requires obedience, courage, and consistent action. Sometimes God will ask you to do something beyond your current ability and beyond your current identity. That's where growth happens. You may not know how to do it. You may feel unqualified. You may want to procrastinate or run. But faith says, “I don't know how yet, but I'll figure it out.” The next level may require your current identity to die so God can develop something greater in you. Whatever God is asking you to do, don't hide from it. Be faithful. Be deliberate. Be consistent. Keep obeying. Your obedience may be the key that unlocks what comes next. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. To see more, be sure to subscribe to the podcast at

What if the struggle you're facing isn't standing in the way of your breakthrough—but is actually part of preparing you for it? In this message, we journey through Jacob's powerful encounter with God in Genesis 32, where a night of wrestling becomes a moment of surrender, transformation, and new identity. Jacob entered the wrestle relying on his own strength, plans, and control, but he walked away changed. Sometimes God wants to do something in us before He does something through us. The breaking isn't about destroying us—it's about breaking off pride, self-reliance, fear, and the things keeping us from becoming who He has called us to be. If you're in a season of wrestling, feeling stretched, or waiting for breakthrough, this message is an encouragement to keep holding onto God. Don't let go. The break may be preparing you for the breakthrough.

In this message from Summer In The Psalms, Psalm 57 gives language for the moments when life feels dark and God seems distant. David writes while hiding from Saul in a cave, but he refuses to confuse the security of the cave with the sanctuary of God Himself. Instead of placing his ultimate refuge in isolation, control, or self-protection, he declares that his soul takes refuge in God. Fear continually reminds us of everything we do not know, but worship turns our attention toward the Father who knows all things and can accomplish all things. Worship is more than music; it is the act of drawing close to God, remembering His character, and trusting His loving kindness and truth even while the darkness remains. The invitation of Psalm 57 is not to pretend the cave is gone, but to learn how to see within it. Sometimes God calms the storm, and sometimes He meets us in the middle of it. Either way, His children do not have to remain paralyzed by fear. Through faith in Jesus, we can remember who our Father is, remember who we are in Him, and worship our way through the dark. 

WHEN GOD GIVES YOU A BURDEN, HE MAY BE GIVING YOU AN ASSIGNMENTWhat breaks your heart may be the very thing God is calling you to help rebuild.In this powerful message from the story of Nehemiah, we discover how God can use a burden in our hearts to awaken leadership, deepen our prayer life, and move us toward action. When Nehemiah heard that Jerusalem's walls were broken and its gates had been burned, he didn't simply acknowledge the problem he mourned, prayed, fasted, and eventually stepped forward to become part of the solution.Nehemiah teaches us that a God-given burden is not something we should ignore. Sometimes God allows us to see brokenness because He is preparing us to do something about it.In this message, Pastor B. explores:• Nehemiah's Burden — How hearing about Jerusalem's condition stirred something deep within him.• The Power of Prayer — How Nehemiah responded to the burden by mourning, fasting, confessing, and seeking God.• Prayer Before Action — Why God often prepares us in prayer before He positions us for the assignment.• Compassion That Moves Us — How Jesus calls us to care about the brokenness around us.• God's Timing — Learning to trust God when the answer seems slow, knowing He may be preparing circumstances behind the scenes.• From Burden to Movement — Understanding that God may call us to build what breaks our hearts.• The Power of Community — Why the church must pray, fast, and seek God together when facing significant challenges.Your burden may not be a distraction; it may be an invitation.What has God placed on your heart? What brokenness around you continues to bother you, burden you, and cause you to pray?Perhaps God is positioning you right now for an assignment that you don't fully understand yet.Pray. Wait. Listen. Prepare. Then be willing to move when God says, "Go."

We often think God can use us best when we are strong, capable, and confident. But in 2 Corinthians 12, Paul reveals a surprising truth: some of God's greatest work in our lives happens through our weakness. Paul had experienced extraordinary spiritual privileges, yet God allowed him to endure a painful “thorn in the flesh” that kept him humble and dependent. When Paul repeatedly asked for it to be removed, God's answer was, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). In this message, we discover how God uses weakness to humble us, deepen our dependence on Him, refine our character, increase our compassion, and display the power of Christ through our lives. Sometimes God changes our circumstances. Other times, He gives us the grace to walk through them.

In today's powerful homily, Fr. Daniel Klimek reflects on Jesus' invitation to leave our comfort zone, take up our cross, and follow Him more deeply.What cross are we actually willing to carry for Jesus?Fr. Daniel reminds us that fasting is not only about giving up food. Sometimes God invites us to fast from comfort, distractions, complaining, pride, resentment, selfish habits, and anything that weakens our communion with Christ.When we constantly avoid sacrifice, our comfort zone can slowly distance us from Jesus. The Christian life invites us instead to unite our daily struggles, sacrifices, and sufferings with the Cross.

What Cutting My Hair Revealed About My Heart I thought I was just cutting my hair—but God used it to expose my heart.What felt like a simple physical change revealed how much of my identity, femininity, confidence, and worth I had attached to what I saw in the mirror.In this episode, I share what God taught me when I no longer looked like the version of myself I felt most beautiful as.Because sometimes it's not really about the thing we lost or changed.Sometimes God uses it to ask:“Daughter, do you still know who you are when you don't feel like yourself?”This one isn't really about hair. It's about identity, surrender, and remembering who God says you are. Join LWG Workout APP:  Here is my app where we will track our progress together, workout together with simple dumbbell workouts, become more disciplined in daily “holy habits”, grow in our nutritional knowledge & needs, & be encouraged by faith based motivation: CLICK HERE

SummaryEmbracing God's Plan is a reminder that God does not always remove the challenges we face. Sometimes He allows us to walk through difficult seasons so we can learn to depend on His strength instead of our own. Just as the believers in Acts 4 prayed for courage and boldness rather than simply asking for their problems to disappear, we can ask God to strengthen us for whatever lies ahead. Brokenness does not always mean defeat. In God's hands, it can become a place of spiritual growth, surrender, wisdom, stronger faith, and ultimately spiritual victory. We may not understand God's plan while we are living through it, but we can trust that He is with us and working within us.Key TakeawaysGod may not remove every problem, but He can give us the strength to endure it.Sometimes God strips away self-reliance so we learn to rely more fully on Him.Difficult seasons can develop faith, patience, courage, wisdom, and spiritual maturity.Brokenness in God's hands can become a place of transformation rather than defeat.We can pray not only for God to change our circumstances, but also for Him to strengthen us within them.Embracing God's plan means trusting Him even when we cannot see or understand the entire journey.Key PointsTrust over understanding: We don't have to understand everything God is doing in order to trust Him.Strength over self-reliance: When our own strength is no longer enough, we are reminded where our true strength comes from.Growth through adversity: What feels like a setback may become the very season that strengthens our relationship with God.Spiritual victory: Victory isn't always the disappearance of the problem. Sometimes victory is discovering that you have changed because of what God brought you through.

What do you do when God asks you to do something that doesn't make sense?In this message from Acts 9, Pastor Bobby Chandler walks through Ananias' encounter with God and shows us what faith really looks like.Faith isn't pretending you have all the answers.Faith is choosing to obey even when you don't understand.If you've ever questioned God's timing, struggled with His direction, or wondered why He allowed hardship into your life, this message will encourage you to trust Him one step at a time.Sometimes God doesn't explain everything.He simply says..."I will be with you."Key Scriptures* Acts 9* 2 Corinthians 5:7* Matthew 7:7–8* John 16:33* Proverbs 3:5–6Authentic Church 2010 Clement Blvd NW Hickory, NC 28601 GIVING To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://authenticchurch.com/give GET CONNECTED Ready to check out Authentic Church in person? We can't wait to meet you in person. Simply fill out the form below and we'll make sure to give you the VIP treatment upon your first visit. https://authenticchurch.com/plan-a-visit ABOUT AUTHENTIC CHURCH Authentic Church exists so that people will have an authentic encounter with God, be set free, and grow in Christ. Our mission is to help each person at Authentic believe in Jesus, belong to family, inspire true worship, walk in God's Spirit, and build the kingdom of God.

Sometimes God's presence and glory seems separated from everyday life, but what if daily grace can be experienced in the mundane? In this episode, Arlene talks with beloved author and artist Ruth Chou Simons about her new book, This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life. Ruth shares how raising six boys reshaped her expectations of motherhood, and how she turns ordinary tasks — cooking, closets, evening routines — into moments of discipleship. They discuss scripture memory that adapts to different seasons of life, stewarding a home without chasing perfection, and the practice of looking your children in the eye instead of calling out instructions across the room. The conversation offers practical ways to notice God's presence in daily, unremarkable moments. 01:43 – Raising six boys and letting go of the story she expected 04:12 – Turning kitchen prep time into discipleship moments 07:11 – Teaching multiple kids at once without needing to be perfect 09:58 – Scripture memory that fits your actual season, not a perfect system 12:32 – Stewarding your home as a haven, not a showcase 16:37 – Simplifying your closet and choosing a signature accessory 20:41 – Why looking your kids in the eye changes everything Connect with Ruth Chou Simons on her website Shop Ruth Chou Simons' art and more at GraceLaced Follow Ruth Chou Simons on Instagram Learn more about Ruth's new book, This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email speaking@arlenepellicane.com Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if the most terrifying thing God could say is, “Okay. Have it your way”? In 1 Samuel 8, Israel demands a king so they can be “like all the other nations.” Their request seems reasonable, but underneath it is a deeper problem: they are rejecting God as their King and looking somewhere else for the security, peace, and control that only He can provide. In this first message of A Tale of Two Kings, we trace Israel's story from Genesis through the Judges and discover a pattern that still exists in us today. When trusting God becomes difficult, we are tempted to replace Him with something visible. We take good things and turn them into god things. We begin measuring our lives by what everyone else has, and eventually we stop asking what God wants and start asking why He won't give us what we want. Sometimes God's “no” is an act of love—and sometimes His judgment is allowing us to experience the consequences of the very thing we demanded. As we begin the story of Saul and David, we'll discover that neither earthly king is ultimately the hero. Their stories point us toward the true King we need: Jesus. Because the greatest battle isn't over who sits on Israel's throne. It's over who sits on the throne of our hearts. Scripture: 1 Samuel 8Series: A Tale of Two Kings

Join us for this week's sermon!Whether you're seeking hope, direction, or a deeper connection with God, this message is for you. Each week, we open God's Word together to find truth, encouragement, and strength for the journey.

Episode 078: In today's episode of we're talking about the clutter we often overlook—the thoughts, habits, expectations, and beliefs that quietly fill our hearts. Just as every item in our home requires a decision, our interior life invites us into a similar process of discernment. Together we'll explore what God may be inviting you to release, what He wants you to nurture, and what He longs to renew so you can make more room for His peace and presence.Key TakeawaysEvery "yes" in the spiritual life requires saying "no" to something else.Not everything you're carrying belongs in this season of your life.Discernment isn't only about letting go—it's also about protecting what gives life.Sometimes God isn't asking you to work harder; He's inviting you to be renewed.Making room in your heart creates space for deeper intimacy with Christ.Download my FREE Heart Safety Guide: https://embodiedcatholicwoman.com/heart-safety-guide/Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/femininegeniuscoaching

What does the Bible say about facing life's hardest moments? Whether you are dealing with a health crisis, financial pressure, broken relationships, or emotional exhaustion, you are not alone. God never promised His people a storm-free life. He promised something far greater: His presence through every storm.In Acts 27, the apostle Paul finds himself on a ship in the middle of a catastrophic storm. The crew throws cargo overboard. Days pass with no sun and no stars. Scripture says that all hope was gone. Yet Paul stands up and declares that he believes God, and that it will be exactly as God said. Every single person on that ship survives.This powerful account from Acts 27 speaks directly to anyone who has ever felt like their situation was beyond recovery. Here is what Paul's shipwreck teaches us about navigating life's storms with faith.God does not always save the ship. Sometimes He saves the person. The things that break apart in our lives are not always signs of failure. They can be the very moments that carry us to the next place God has prepared.Faith is contagious. Paul was a prisoner with no rank or authority, yet when everyone else gave up, they followed him. The way you walk through your storm can become someone else's courage. People around you may be borrowing your faith right now.Backup plans can block God's best. When the sailors secretly lowered a lifeboat, Paul warned that everyone would die if they left. The soldiers cut the ropes. Sometimes God asks us to release the safety nets we have been quietly holding onto so that we can fully experience His plan.Gratitude before the breakthrough is an act of faith. Before the ship ran aground, Paul took bread, gave thanks to God, and invited all 276 people to eat. He did not wait for the storm to end before anchoring himself in God's presence.Hebrews reminds us that because God cannot lie, His word is an anchor for the soul, both sure and steadfast. When the sun is blocked and the stars are hidden, the word of God remains. It is the North Star that gives direction in the darkest moments.Keywords: faith in hard times, Bible storms, Acts 27 Paul shipwreck, trusting God in difficult seasons, Christian encouragement, overcoming hardship, God's presence in suffering, Isaiah 43 2, John 16 33, Hebrews anchor for the soul, how to trust God, Christian faith, dealing with crisis, hope in the Bible, God never leaves you, storms of life, spiritual encouragement, Bible study, church sermon, Christian living

Most people know the story of Jonah because of the great fish. But the fish was never the point of the story. It wasn't simply a miracle to amaze us. It was God's instrument of mercy.As we continued our study through Jonah, we were reminded that Satan's greatest strategy isn't convincing people that God doesn't exist. Scripture tells us even the demons believe. His real scheme is much more subtle. He wants people to believe in God while refusing to obey Him.That is exactly where Jonah found himself.He wasn't an atheist. He was a prophet. He believed every word God spoke, yet he chose to defy God's assignment. That same temptation still exists today. We can easily convince ourselves, “I still believe in God,” while quietly walking in disobedience.The fish was never punishment without purpose. It was God's loving intervention.Why did God prepare the fish?Throughout Jonah's story we see four clear reasons.God prepared the fish to rescue Jonah from drowning. Had God wanted to destroy Jonah, He could have simply let him sink beneath the waves. Instead, God rescued him from certain death.God prepared the fish to return Jonah to Nineveh. God's calling had not changed simply because Jonah ran. The assignment was still waiting.God prepared the fish to reach Jonah's heart. Before God wanted Jonah's obedience, He wanted Jonah's heart completely surrendered.And ultimately, God prepared the fish because He desired that Jonah would not perish. God's desire has always been that His people know Him, submit to Him, and complete the work He has called them to do.One of the most memorable truths from Sunday's message was this:“In your assignment is not just a message for others. There is a lesson for you.”Every assignment God gives changes someone else, but it also changes us.God's discipline is always motivated by loveThe message then turned to the characteristics of God's discipline.First, God's discipline is perfectly suited for each individual.God knew exactly what Jonah needed. If He had abandoned Jonah to the sea, there would have been no restoration. Instead, He patiently pursued him until Jonah learned to trust God's instructions again.Second, God's discipline gives us a realistic picture of ourselves.Most people don't recognize the seriousness of their choices until they experience the consequences.The church often struggles with justifying behavior God clearly calls wrong. Jonah probably had what sounded like reasonable arguments for refusing to go to Nineveh. Yet underneath those excuses was pride, self-confidence, and a diminishing fear of the Lord.Sometimes God lovingly allows consequences because they force us to look honestly in the mirror.As Pastor reminded us:“Don't wait until after the pressure and consequences hit before you say yes to God.”Third, God's discipline produces maturity.Hebrews 12 reminds us that God's discipline is always for our good so that we may share in His holiness. Growth doesn't happen by accident. Spiritual maturity is often developed through correction, not comfort.Finally, God's discipline provides a new beginning.Jonah chapter 3 opens with these incredible words:“Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time.”What grace.Jonah failed spectacularly, yet God did not throw him away.God had prepared both a ministry and a rescue plan for the minister.One modern proverb summed up this truth beautifully:“It's better to admit you walked through the wrong door than spend your life in the wrong room.”When God strips away every other resourceSometimes God allows every other support system to disappear so we finally recognize our greatest resource is Him.Inside the belly of the fish, Jonah had nothing left.No control.No escape.No influence.Only prayer.The message reminded us that suffering is part of the Christian life. Philippians 1:29 tells us we have been called not only to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for Him.Some suffering comes simply because we belong to Christ. Other suffering comes because we've walked away from Him.Either way, suffering often brings us to the same place.Prayer.Jonah experienced physical exhaustion, mental anguish, and spiritual despair. That progression is familiar to many of us.When we violate God's principles, physical stress often follows. As life begins to unravel, mental anxiety grows. Eventually, if we're not careful, we begin feeling distant from God and spiritually defeated.When life becomes overwhelming, there is only one response that truly changes anything.Cry out to God.Three prayers that lead us out of afflictionThe second half of the message focused on Jonah's prayer and the three steps that brought him back into fellowship with God.1. Pray a prayer of remembrance.Jonah intentionally remembered the God who had been faithful before.Even while sitting inside the fish, his thoughts returned to the relationship he once enjoyed with the Lord.The first step toward restoration is remembering what life looked like when we were walking closely with God.2. Pray a prayer of repentance.Although Jonah never actually says the words, “I'm sorry,” his entire prayer demonstrates a changed heart.Biblical repentance is much more than feeling guilty.It is a complete change of mind, heart, and direction that turns us away from sin and back toward God.True repentance always produces visible fruit.Jonah realized he didn't have to remain where rebellion had taken him. Instead of making more excuses, he cried out to God.3. Pray a prayer of return.Jesus gave the church at Ephesus this simple instruction in Revelation 2:Remember.Repent.Do the things you did at first.When we drift away from God, the answer isn't complicated.Go back.Read your Bible.Pray.Spend time with God's people.Return to your first love.Jonah captured that renewed commitment when he prayed:“What I have vowed I will make good.”In other words, “God, I'm going to do what You originally called me to do.”God's invitation still standsPsalm 107 repeats the same beautiful pattern over and over again.The people found themselves in trouble.They cried out to the Lord.He delivered them.Again and again, God responded to genuine repentance with mercy.That is still His heart today.The reason for the fish was never revenge.It was restoration.The fish existed to bring Jonah to one place:Remember. Repent. Return.Wherever you find yourself today, God is still inviting you back.Jonah didn't sit inside the fish waiting for someone else to rescue him. He cried out to God and responded in obedience.The same invitation is before each of us.Don't stay where you are.Cry out to God.Return to your first love.

Sometimes God makes seemingly strong people weaker so that his divine power will be the more evident.

There are moments when life changes in an instant. In this powerful testimony shared at Goshen, Byron Rodgers reflects on coming face to face with death—and the overwhelming realization of how precious the gift of life truly is. In that moment, there was no status, no success, and no accomplishments to hold onto. There was only surrender. Sometimes God uses life's darkest moments to awaken us to our greatest purpose. "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." — Romans 10:13 If you've been given another day, another breath, another opportunity, don't waste it. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. To see more, be sure to subscribe to the podcast at

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:  Isaiah 46–49; 1 Peter 5 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible for July 26th. On today's episode, we journey through Isaiah chapters 46 to 49 and 1 Peter 5, exploring God's ongoing faithfulness in the midst of ruins and exile. Together, we'll hear words of hope—that God hasn't forgotten you, that your name is inscribed on His hands, and that even in seasons of destruction, He is at work bringing forth something new. Join Hunter, your Bible Reading Coach, as he guides us in reflection, encouragement, and prayer, reminding us to stand firm in God's grace and to trust in His unfailing love. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Return to the ruins. Sometimes God calls you back to the ruins, but don't let those ruins fool you. God has not forgotten you. Out of the ruins, he's raising up something new, and you don't want to miss it. Don't miss it by running or despairing at the destruction you see. God is bringing you back to do something new, to reveal his grace to you and to reveal Himself to you. This was Isaiah's message. They were exiled, but they were not forgotten. Like a note that he can't afford to lose, Isaiah tells us that God has written your name on the palm of his hand. Isaiah 49:16: "See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands, always in my mind." God has not forgotten your name. He has your name in his mind, always in his mind, because he is about to do something new. Peter tells us, "My purpose in writing is to encourage you and to assure you that what you are experiencing is truly a part of God's grace to you." So stand firm in this grace. God may be returning you to the ruins, but don't despair at the destruction you see. God's about to reveal something new, his grace, himself. So return to whatever ruins God may be calling you to. Don't despair at what you see, but be assured and encouraged that he is with you, and you can stand firm in the grace that he offers you right now, this very moment. So stand firm. He's about to do something. He has not forgotten. He's exactly where you are. Your name is on his hand. And the prayer of my own heart today is that I will listen and that I will trust a God who meets me at life's lowest, in the darkest, among the ruins, that he does not desert me, that he is not repelled by me. No, he's never abandoned me. He was with me all along. Then I'll begin to see and understand and experience this grace more and more. That's a prayer that I have for my own soul. That's a prayer that I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Abraham is one of the most celebrated figures in all of Scripture, yet Genesis 20 pulls back the curtain on one of his most embarrassing failures. Living as a foreigner in Gerar, Abraham allowed fear to take over and told King Abimelech that Sarah was his sister rather than his wife. This was not a small mistake or a moment of weakness. It was a calculated act of self-preservation that put Sarah in serious danger and compromised the very covenant God had made with Abraham. Fear has a way of shrinking our vision down to ourselves, causing us to forget the promises God has already spoken over our lives.What makes this story even more striking is that Abimelech, a pagan king with no covenant relationship with God, responded to God's warning with more reverence and urgency than Abraham had shown. God appeared to Abimelech in a dream, and he immediately acted with integrity, confronting Abraham and calling out the wrong that had been done. Sometimes God uses the people we least expect to speak truth into our lives. In this case, an unbelieving king became the instrument God used to restore a broken believer. Abraham came out of his own failure with more than he had going in, a picture of God's mercy and grace on full display.The central truth of Genesis 20 is that God's faithfulness is greater than our failures. Abraham was not the hero of this story. He points forward to the greater hero, Jesus Christ, who never fails and who intercedes on our behalf even when we do. The same God who protected Sarah, corrected Abraham, and preserved His covenant promises is the same God who is present in your life today. Your mess is not greater than His grace, and your failures are never the final word.

Come Bible Study WITH ME through Deuteronomy 7 and ask all the questions!

Episode Summary: Have you ever sat down to pray and felt like your words were hitting the ceiling? Opened your Bible and felt nothing stir in your heart? Or gone through your day knowing all the “right” spiritual things to do, yet feeling strangely distant from God? If so, let me say this clearly right from the start: you are not alone, and you are not failing God. Spiritual dryness is far more common than we talk about, especially among believers who genuinely love the Lord and want to walk closely with Him. And yet, when it happens, many of us quietly wonder, What’s wrong with me? Why do I feel so disconnected? On this episode of Your Hope Filled Perspective, Rev. Jessica Van Roekel and I are having an honest, hope-filled conversation about what to do when you feel spiritually dry or distant from God, and how to walk through those seasons without shame, panic, or self-condemnation. Quotables from the episode: Let’s begin by naming something that often goes unspoken: spiritual dryness does not mean spiritual failure. Here’s something critical to understand: feelings are not the same as faith. God’s presence does not fluctuate based on our emotional experience. And that fear doesn’t come from theology. It comes from wiring. The human brain is designed to associate meaning with emotional feedback. When something once produced warmth, peace, or reassurance and suddenly doesn’t, the brain interprets that as loss, even if nothing has actually been taken away. This is why spiritual dryness doesn’t just feel neutral — it feels alarming. But here’s an important distinction: absence of emotional response is not absence of relationship. So, what you’re saying is that the dryness isn’t necessarily a spiritual message — it’s a nervous system signal. Often, yes. And when we misinterpret that signal spiritually, we add shame to exhaustion. This is where people start striving — more prayer, more discipline, more intensity — which ironically deepens the sense of distance. Because forced intimacy rarely restores connection. Sometimes God feels silent not because He’s absent, but because He’s inviting us into a deeper, quieter trust. There comes a point when faith matures beyond sensation. This doesn’t mean feelings are bad. It means feelings are no longer the foundation. Some of the deepest spiritual maturity is formed in seasons where God feels quiet. I challenge you instead of wishing away this dry season, to look at it as a gift. There comes a point when faith matures beyond sensation. This doesn’t mean feelings are bad. It means feelings are no longer the foundation. If God feels distant right now, resist the urge to diagnose yourself. Instead, consider this: What if this season isn’t about fixing your faith, but strengthening its foundation? Faith that endures silence is not weaker faith. It’s anchored faith! Scripture References: Psalm 42 “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, my God.” Hebrews 13:5 “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” Recommended Resources: Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything By Jessica Van Roekel Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Rev. Jessica Van Roekel: Website / Instagram / Facebook Connect with Dr. Bengtson: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Co-Host: Jessica Van Roekel is a worship leader, speaker, and writer who believes that through Jesus, personal histories don’t need to define the present or determine the future. She inspires, encourages, and equips others to look at life through the lenses of hope, trust, and God’s transforming grace. Jessica lives in rural Iowa surrounded by wide open spaces which remind her of God’s expansive love. She loves fun earrings, good coffee, and connecting with others. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Ashton Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Welcome to The Daily. Partner with us in Project23. Grab your Hosea Scripture Journal. Our text today is Hosea 11:8-9: How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my burning anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath. — Hosea 11:8-9 One of the greatest lies people believe is this: "God is done with me." Maybe because of failure, shame, repeated sin, exhaustion, compromise, or disappointment. At some point, many people quietly assume they have wandered too far, failed too much, or disappointed God beyond repair. But these verses say otherwise. "How can I give you up?" Feel the emotion in that statement. God is speaking to rebellious people who deserve judgment, yet His compassion wells up within Him. This is not a weakness in God. This is the heart of a holy Father whose mercy is deeper than we realize. He even adds: "My compassion grows warm and tender." There was a season in ministry when I felt completely crushed. I was exhausted, discouraged, and slowly losing passion for the very work I thought God had called me to do. But looking back, the issue was not the ministry itself. The issue was me. For years, I think I had done ministry mostly out of education, preparation, skill, ability, and talent—but not fully out of the deeper calling God actually designed for me. I was trying to fulfill purpose through my own strength instead of surrendering to His purpose. It felt so distant from God. And honestly, it nearly broke me. I had become a people-pleaser, pretending to be someone I was not. I was doing work I could do, but not fully living in the calling God was reshaping me for. But here is what I discovered in that painful season: God was not done with me. He was rebirthing something in me. He was remaking me. The crushing was not abandonment. The exhaustion was not rejection. God was lovingly stripping away the false version of myself I had built through performance, pressure, and self-reliance. And maybe some of you need to hear this today, too. Just because you feel exhausted does not mean God has left you. Just because you failed does not mean God has abandoned you. Just because you are struggling does not mean your story is over. Sometimes God allows us to come to the end of ourselves so we finally discover the freedom of surrender. That is what all of Hosea 11 reveals. God is holy enough to confront us and compassionate enough to restore us. So stop believing the lie that God is finished with you. If He were done with you, you would not still feel His conviction. You would not still long for restoration. The Father is still calling. Return to him today, tell God honestly where you feel exhausted, ashamed, disappointed, or afraid that He is done with you—and surrender that lie to Him today. Make today the day you finally stop running from the mercy that has been pursuing you all along. DO THIS: Tell God honestly where you feel exhausted, ashamed, disappointed, or afraid that He is done with you—and surrender that lie to Him today. ASK THIS: Where have I believed God is finished with me? Am I living from performance or from surrender? What false version of myself might God be asking me to lay down? PRAY THIS: Father, thank you for not giving up on me. Help me surrender the false identities, fears, and lies I keep carrying, and teach me to trust your mercy more than my failures. Amen. PLAY THIS: "More Than Able"

Sometimes God gives us grace for no reason other than His kindness. But every now and then, there's a condition attached. When it comes to resolving conflict, God is more than willing to give you grace. But as you'll see today, there's something you have to do first.  

Send us Fan MailPruning can feel like loss until you realize it is actually room being made for growth. We get personal about what it looks like when God starts cutting back the things we rely on, the busywork we hide in, and even the “good” options that keep us from a clear, focused calling. Stephanie opens up about the behind-the-scenes shifts in her health coaching business, from financial stewardship to time stewardship, and how simplifying her systems gives her more capacity to serve people well without burning out. We also go deeper on a topic that touches nearly every family: metabolic health. If you have brain fog, low energy, stubborn middle weight gain, gut issues, or you have heard words like insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, or prediabetes, this conversation brings both hope and a plan. We talk about why inflammation often sits underneath the symptoms, why many people leave the doctor's office with a diagnosis but no real roadmap, and why identifying your personal “pattern” matters before you chase protocols. This is faith-based wellness with practical science, built for real life, not perfection. Stephanie shares the simple path she is building to help clients reverse the “metabolic mess” early, including a new workshop focused on understanding how you got here, plus step-by-step coaching and tools like continuous glucose monitoring for personalized insight. We zoom out to the bigger takeaway too: when God leads, the next step can feel uncomfortable, but pruning can be the exact thing that creates space for better health, better relationships, and better fruit. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a review so more women can find faith-first guidance for metabolic health and sustainable healing. We're so glad you're here. In this quick pause, Melissa shares why Heart & Soul Elevation exists, how Stephanie's and Melissa's coaching work together beautifully, and what you can expect along the way. From time to time, we'll pop in to invite you into things we're creating - always as an invitation, never a sales pitch. Thanks for listening. You belong here. Support the showConnect with Melissa: Lemon Balm Coaching and Subscribe to the Lemon Balm Coaching Newsletter: lbcnewsletter.subscribepage.ioConnect with Stephanie: SJP Health and Wellness or Be the BOSS, Be Well FB CommunityMusic by Adipsia  

Five years ago, we sat down with a couple of microphones, no real clue what we were doing, and a simple desire to encourage women through the ups and downs of life. Fast forward to today...

Send us Fan MailLet' face it. The storms of life will come. And a big one came in the life of Jonah. The interesting thing is, God sent it. Sometimes God uses extreme measures to get our attention or to change our direction. Has this ever happened to you?It would do us well to pay attention how God is working in our lives. It could just be Him and not people who is bringing the storm.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, overcommitted, or constantly being asked to do more? Sometimes God's answer isn't to work harder—it's to pause. In this episode of The Integrated Life Podcast, host Diana Romero shares a deeply personal journey through a 46-day season of Selah—a biblical invitation to pause, reflect, rest, and listen for God's direction. As she surrendered her time, talents, and treasure back to the Lord, He faithfully met her with peace, clarity, unexpected confirmations, and an open door she never could have orchestrated herself. Discover: What Selah really means in Scripture. Why intentional pauses create space to hear God's voice. How God confirmed His leading through His Word, prayer, and even the significance of biblical Hebrew numbers. Why slowing down may be the very thing that prepares you for your next open door. If you're navigating major decisions, feeling stretched thin, or simply longing for more of God's peace, this episode will encourage you to stop striving and start listening. Your next breakthrough may begin with one simple word: Selah.

Thank you for joining us for Christian Faith Center's Sermon of the week. This message is from our Nampa Location. Pastor Jordan continues our message series "JONAH"Jonah 1:4 NLT: But the Lord hurled a powerful wind over the sea, causing a violent storm that threatened to break the ship apart.Sometimes God will throw a storm into your story. The storm was not a coincidence. The storm was intentional. The Hebrew word hêṭîl—translated "hurled". Means more than just "sent." It implies "to cast," "to hurl," or "to throw down" with force and intent. It means a deliberate and powerful act of God, unleashing the storm directly upon the sea.

Sometimes God's refusal isn't rejection. It is redirection toward something larger than I can yet imagine.A chapter-a-day podcast from 2 Samuel 7. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments welcome.

Sometimes God leads us into situations that only He can get us out of. When circumstances become impossible, we often assume God has abandoned us when He may actually be positioning us for a miracle. The Israelites find themselves trapped between Pharaoh's army and the Red Sea. From a human perspective, there is no way out. Yet what appears to be a dead end becomes a defining moment of trust as God demonstrates His power and faithfulness. God's greatest displays of power often happen when our options run out. About the Series: Life is full of questions we wish God would answer. Why did the diagnosis come? Why did the relationship end? Why did the opportunity disappear? Why does the waiting continue when we've prayed for so long? Most of us want explanations, but throughout Scripture, God often offers something different. Instead of revealing the entire plan, He invites us to trust Him one step at a time. The life of Moses is a powerful example of that kind of faith. From being born into slavery and raised in a palace to leading God's people through impossible circumstances, Moses repeatedly found himself in situations that didn't make sense. Yet through every season of uncertainty, God was present, faithful, and at work in ways Moses couldn't fully see. In this series, we'll follow Moses' journey and discover what it means to trust God's character when we don't understand His timing, His methods, or His plans. Because faith isn't trusting God when He explains Himself. Faith is trusting God when He doesn't. Join us as we learn that the most important question isn't, "Do I understand what God is doing?" but "Will I trust Him anyway?" This week's notes in the Bible app: https://www.bible.com/events/49633712 Pastor Matt Pineda | When God Doesn't Explain Himself | Exodus 13:17-22; 14:1-31 CONNECT WITH US Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mpccgreenwood Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpccgreenwood Instagram: https://instagram.com/mpccgreenwood Website: https://mpcc.info/

As we kick off our series leading up to PK Conference, Pastor Damien teaches us about the man Jesus healed at the pool of Bethesda. Sometimes God asks us to do things and our response is "I can't", but God's not looking for our ability, He's wanting our willingness! - Listen to the message here!

Sometimes God's strategy won't make sense to us but obedience isn't about understanding, it's about trusting. If His instruction made sense there is little need for faith. Our prayer is that this message encourages your walk with Him and helps you learn to trust Him fully.Pursuit Church on Social Media:facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PursuitChurchDenver/?ref=bookmarksinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuit_church/Pursuit Worship on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pursuit-Worship-671274439695803/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuit.worship/

Today's Bible Verse: "The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people." — Daniel 4:17 God Is Still in Control Daniel 4:17 is a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty. Spoken during King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, this verse reminds us that no ruler, nation, or earthly authority exists outside of God's knowledge and control. The purpose of God's message was clear: everyone should recognize that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the earth. Want to listen without ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Membertoday: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribeLooking for a peaceful way to end your day? Listen to "Your Nightly Scripture" to end your day with God's word Meet Today’s Host: Carol Ogle McCracken Carol Ogle McCracken is a dynamic Christian speaker, author, and Bible teacher known for her warmth, humor, and transparency. She brings biblical truths to life through real-world stories and relatable experiences—whether navigating alcohol recovery, parenting a child with special needs, or walking through divorce. Today, she serves as Minister of Discipleship at her local church and shares God’s Word through women's retreats, conferences, and online devotionals. Her book, Wisdom: Where to Find It if You’ve Lost, Forgotten, or Never Had It, was released in 2020 and continues to encourage readers in their pursuit of godly wisdom. Full Transcript Below: Hello, thank you for listening to Your Daily Bible Verse, the podcast that examines one verse each day to learn more about God and His will for us. I'm your host, Carol McCracken, and after a short word from our sponsor, we'll dive into today's Bible verse, Daniel 4:17. Today's Bible Verse: Daniel 4:17 "The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people." Have you ever noticed that power seems to change people? I'm in the middle of watching some small-town politics publicly clashing, and it got me thinking. It doesn't seem to matter whether we're talking about a president, a mayor, a CEO, a pastor, or even the president of the neighborhood homeowners association. Give someone enough authority, enough influence, and enough people who stop asking hard questions, and something begins to surface. Sometimes power reveals remarkable humility and wisdom. Other times it exposes pride that had been quietly growing for years. We've watched enough public scandals to know the pattern. Someone rises to a position of influence. They're admired, respected, maybe even trusted. Little by little, accountability begins to disappear. People look the other way. Those closest to the situation either become afraid to speak or convince themselves that someone else surely will. Then one day, what had been hidden becomes impossible to ignore, and everyone asks the same question: How did this happen? As followers of Christ, we often ask another question: If God is sovereign, why does He allow people to misuse power for so long? Why doesn't He step in sooner? Why does it sometimes seem as though arrogance, manipulation, and corruption continue unchecked? Those aren't new questions. In fact, the Bible answers them through the life of one of history's most powerful men. King Nebuchadnezzar ruled Babylon during the sixth century B.C. Under his leadership, Babylon became the dominant empire of the ancient world. The city itself was breathtaking. Massive walls surrounded it. Magnificent temples and palaces displayed unimaginable wealth. Ancient historians even described the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon as one of the wonders of the world. Humanly speaking, Nebuchadnezzar had every reason to believe he'd built something that would outlast him. But there was one problem. He slowly began to believe that the success of Babylon was ultimately because of him. Daniel tells us that God gave Nebuchadnezzar a disturbing dream. In the dream was an enormous tree that provided shelter, food, and security for the nations. Then suddenly, the tree was cut down. Daniel explained that the tree represented the king himself. God was warning Nebuchadnezzar that unless he humbled himself and acknowledged the Lord's authority, his kingdom would be taken from him for a time. What strikes me is what happened next. Nothing. Not immediately, anyway. God didn't judge him the next day. He didn't remove him from office that week. In fact, Daniel tells us an entire year passed. Think about that—a full year between the warning and the judgment. Now, that wasn't weakness on God's part. It was patience. Scripture consistently reveals a God who warns before He disciplines, who calls people to repentance before He brings judgment. The apostle Peter later writes that God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. Nebuchadnezzar experienced that same patience firsthand. Then came the defining moment. Daniel says the king was walking on the roof of his royal palace overlooking the magnificent city of Babylon. Imagine the view. Everywhere he looked were monuments to his accomplishments. It must have been breathtaking. And as he surveyed the city, he said: "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" Listen to those personal pronouns: "I have built." "My mighty power." "My majesty." His problem wasn't appreciating good leadership. It was forgetting where every opportunity, every ability, and every position of authority had come from in the first place. Before the words had even left his mouth, God fulfilled the warning He had given a year earlier. Nebuchadnezzar lost both his kingdom and his sanity. For a season, he lived apart from society until, as Daniel records, he finally lifted his eyes toward heaven. Only then did his understanding return. And the first thing he did was praise the God he had once ignored. That's the backdrop for today's verse: "The Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth." Daniel wasn't simply making a statement about Babylon. He was revealing a truth that applies to every generation. Every throne on earth is temporary because there is only one throne that is eternal. That truth changes how we view the headlines. It's easy to become discouraged when we see leaders fail. It's tempting to believe that corruption is winning or that evil has escaped God's notice. But Daniel reminds us that God has never surrendered His authority. He's never been surprised by human pride, and He's never lost control of history. Sometimes God's patience is mistaken for His absence. It isn't. Throughout Scripture, God often allows time for a person's true character to become unmistakably clear. What looks hidden to us has always been fully visible to Him. There comes a moment when what has been cultivated in private is revealed in public. That should certainly make us pray for our leaders. But it should also make us examine our own hearts. Because here's the uncomfortable truth: This passage isn't only about kings. Most of us will never govern a nation, but every one of us has some measure of influence. We lead families. We supervise employees. We volunteer at church. We mentor younger believers. We make decisions that affect other people. Power isn't reserved for politicians. Influence is something God entrusts to every one of us in different ways. And the temptation is always the same: To believe the success is ours. To begin protecting our position instead of our character. To crave recognition more than faithfulness. Or maybe to slowly believe that we're indispensable. That's why humility isn't something we achieve once and keep forever. It's something we practice daily by remembering that everything we have is ultimately a gift from God. The older I get, the more convinced I become that power doesn't create character nearly as much as it reveals it. Pressure exposes what's already there. Authority magnifies what already lives in our hearts. And that's why Daniel's message remains so relevant. When we watch the rise and fall of leaders, we're reminded that no human being sits on an ultimate throne. God alone does. Our confidence isn't found in the wisdom of elected officials, church leaders, business executives, or anyone else. Our confidence rests in the One who raises leaders up, removes them when His purposes require it, and whose kingdom will never end. Daniel wanted every generation—including ours—to know this simple but life-giving truth: The Most High still rules. That means we don't have to panic when earthly kingdoms shake. We don't have to lose hope when people disappoint us. And we certainly don't have to believe that evil will have the final word. Because while every earthly position of power is temporary, God's reign is eternal. Prayer Will you pray with me? Dear Lord in heaven, Sometimes the world is a scary place, and we watch in horror at how people are acting. A little power corrupts, doesn't it? Or so it seems. You sit on Your throne, and nothing is a surprise to You. You see everything with perfect wisdom, and You love us even in our brokenness. Lord, reveal our character to us. Show us the places where pride has taken root. Help us become more like You each day, growing in humility, faithfulness, and dependence on You. We praise You, dear Lord, and we thank You. In Your precious name we pray. Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.