Podcasts about sometimes god

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.

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 season is God leading you through: wilderness, community, or bold action? In this message, Trevor is exploring why Christian community is not optional and how God uses relationships to protect what He develops within us during wilderness seasons. Through the life of Jesus, Ecclesiastes 4, Galatians 6, and the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer in 1 Samuel 13 and 14, we discover the difference between having people around us and having people who are truly with us.This sermon addresses biblical friendship, vulnerability, isolation, trusting people again, bearing one another's burdens, and finding the right people to help us face life's mountains. Whether your mountain is grief, anxiety, broken trust, financial pressure, loneliness, health struggles, forgiveness, or taking the next step God has placed before you, you were never meant to climb it alone. Sometimes God answers our prayers by placing the right people beside us. You may not need six hundred people around you. You may simply need one person who can honestly say, “I'm with you, heart and soul.”

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

"Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace." I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, "Let us start rebuilding." So, they began this good work" (Nehemiah 2:17-18). During a war soldiers don't jump up from behind their protective barricades with hurt expressions and ask the other side, "Was it something I said?" The war is not personal. The same is true in spiritual battles Christians face—our enemy is raging against Christ in us. He is opposing Jesus and his church. Our response should be to suit up in spiritual armor, show up on the battlefield, and persevere for Christ. Opposition is part of the Christian life. It does makes life more difficult. We often need to be prepared to go the extra mile. Reaching the world with the truth and love of Christ will involve inconvenience and personal sacrifice. Sometimes God allows things to proceed relatively easily, as when Nehemiah makes his requests to Artaxerxes. But other times it is more of a struggle. In chapter 1, his anxiety leads him to pray. God paved the way for him. When things go well, we can get confident—since God is on our side, nothing can go wrong. Some Christian organizations have become enamored with success and lost their way. Or they make compromises, believing success is always God's way. But not Nehemiah. He knows there is opposition to his work. The rubble and burned gates were a sign that Jerusalem had been defeated. In ancient culture, this meant that Jerusalem's God had been defeated too. That was the disgrace. A rebuilt wall around the city would be a symbol that God was with them and had not, in the end, been defeated. Thus, he called on Israel to join him in rebuilding the wall to remove the disgrace. The phrase, "So, they began this good work," is more literally translated as "And they strengthened their hands for the good." Their starting point was to encourage each other to do this good work. In Ezra 4:4, it says that the opposition caused "their hands to weaken". Later, God changed the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he gave permission and provision for rebuilding. As a result, "their hands were strengthened" or "they were filled with joy" (6:22 NIV). Throughout Ezra-Nehemiah when Israel overcomes opposition, it is because of the things that God does and because the people encourage each other. None of them can go it alone. The same is still true today. We can expect to face opposition. Satan does not want Christians nor the church to succeed. One of his great strategies is causing us to think that we are alone. That we can go it alone. But God calls us to encourage one another. "Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Take some time today to ask God whom you can encourage, whose hands you can strengthen, so that they can continue in the good fight. As you journey on, go with his blessing: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

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.

Genesis 48:14 records that Israel (Jacob) crossed his hands when he blessed Ephraim and Manasseh, blessing the younger over the older. Sometimes God directs our lives in a different way than we think, but if we always follow God's directions, our lives will be as God directs, not as we direct. Albert Sims wrote the public domain song, The Unseen Hand, in 1918 when he was 34 years old. Albert Sims was licensed to preach the gospel in 1925 at the age of 41 years old. He died in 1969 at the age of 85. In the song, Albert Sims speaks about how God has his hand on him, leading him, guiding him, and assuring him that as he lives in this troubled world, God will continue to lead him all the way to heaven's door, then he will be led through heaven's door into eternity. God will also lead us the same way he led thousands of Old Testament and New Testament believers through this evil land, causing us to finally rest eternally with him.

What if the miracle you're praying for doesn't happen when you think it should?In the final message of our "5 Minutes Later" series, we dive into one of the most famous miracles in the Bible—Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. But what if this story isn't primarily about Lazarus at all? Join us as we explore the tension of unanswered prayers, waiting on God, and discovering that His delays are never without purpose. Sometimes God is doing something even greater than the miracle we're asking for.Whether you're in a season of waiting, wrestling with disappointment, or simply wondering what God is up to, this message is packed with encouragement and hope.Because with God... everything can change in a moment.#Lazarus #Faith #Hope #Jesus #Miracles #WaitingOnGod #ChristianMessage #BibleTeaching #FreedomChurch #John11 #5MinutesLater

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"

1 John 5:14-15 — Sometimes God's answer to your prayer is "no." That doesn't mean He didn't hear you. It means He heard you perfectly. This sermon on confidence in prayer walks verse by verse through 1 John 5:14-15 to answer one of the most searched questions among believers: why does God say no to sincere, faith-filled prayer? If you have struggled with unanswered prayer and wondered whether it was somehow your own fault, this expository message was preached for you. Maybe you've been on your knees for years over the same request — a wayward child, a marriage, a diagnosis, a thorn that will not leave. This message offers no easy formulas and no blank checks. Instead, it walks through what it actually means to pray "according to his will," and shows — from Paul's thorn in the flesh and Christ's own prayer in Gethsemane — that a "no" from God can be every bit as much an answered prayer as a "yes." Preached verse by verse from 1 John 5:14-15, this expository message cross- references Matthew 6-7, 1 John 3, Romans 8, Luke 22, Psalm 37, Isaiah 59, James 4, Philippians 4, Hebrews 5, 2 Corinthians 12, and Luke 18 to build a full biblical theology of confident, will-aligned prayer — without ever turning it into a moral checklist. This expository sermon walks through 1 John 5:14-15 and related scriptures, explaining: - True confidence in prayer rests in Christ, not in the length, volume, or sincerity of our words - "According to his will" means walking in obedience, not reciting a formula (1 John 3:22) - The Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don't even know what to pray (Romans 8:26-27) - Verse 14 gives the process — verse 15 gives the possession

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.  

Last week we explored "waiting without answers." This week we're looking at a different kind of uncertainty: not knowing which way to go. Summer is often a season of transition. Decisions need to be made. Some of you are facing big questions: Should I take this job? Should I move? Should I change directions? Should I stay where I am? How do I care for my aging parents? How do I prepare for retirement? You're praying. You're seeking direction. You're hoping God will make the path clear. Unlike last week's message, this uncertainty involves choice. You're not just waiting for something to happen; you're trying to discern what you should do. And that's its own kind of burden. Every decision opens some doors and closes others, and you want to choose wisely. One of the greatest explorers in history understood what it was like to need direction. In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship, Endurance, became trapped and crushed by Antarctic ice, leaving his crew stranded in one of the harshest places on earth. Months later, Shackleton and five companions climbed into a 22-foot lifeboat and set out on an astonishing 800-mile voyage across the Southern Ocean to bring rescue to the rest of the crew. Their survival depended on the navigator, Frank Worsley. There was no GPS, no radar, no electronic navigation. Most days the sky was completely overcast. But whenever the clouds parted—even for a few seconds—Worsley would quickly take a reading of the sun and determine their course. Those brief glimpses of light kept them from drifting hundreds of miles off course. He didn't need sunlight all day. He just needed enough light for the next bearing. I think that's where many of us live. We wish God would hand us a detailed roadmap for the next ten years. Instead, He often gives us enough light for the next faithful step. That's exactly where David finds himself in Psalm 25. David wrote this psalm when he was lost—spiritually, emotionally, and practically. He needed direction, and he brought that need to God in prayer: "Show me Your ways, LORD, teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long." (Psalm 25:4–5) Notice what David asks for. He doesn't ask for a map. He asks for a Guide. And that's one of the great lessons of this psalm. Seeking God's direction is not primarily about getting an immediate answer. It's about becoming the kind of person who trusts God enough to follow Him, even when the whole path isn't yet visible. Today we'll discover that God's guidance is less about revealing every step ahead and more about walking closely with the Shepherd who already knows the way. THE PSALM: LISTEN TO DAVID'S PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE Psalm 25:1-5, “To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You; do not let me be ashamed; do not let my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed; those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed. Make known to me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long.” Notice the movement. David starts by lifting his soul to God. He's not trying to figure this out alone. He's bringing his confusion to God. Then he makes a declaration: “I trust in You.” Not “I feel like I trust You.” But “I choose to trust You.” Then comes the request: “Make known to me Your ways. Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth.” He's asking for guidance. But notice—he's also asking to be taught. He's asking to understand, not just to know the right move. Then verse 8-10: “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way. All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth, to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.” David is reminding himself of something true: God is good. God wants to guide us. God leads the humble. THE CHALLENGE: THE PATH ISN'T ALWAYS CLEAR Here's the reality that no one talks about: Sometimes God makes the path crystal clear. A door opens. An opportunity presents itself. The answer is obvious. But sometimes—and maybe more often than not—God doesn't make the path completely clear. You're standing at a crossroads. Both directions seem possible. Both have merit. One has security but less meaning. One has meaning but more risk. You're praying. You're seeking. And the answer still isn't obvious. Both feel right and wrong at the same time. And that's when doubt creeps in. You find yourself thinking: If God really wanted to guide me, wouldn't He make it obvious? If He cared about this decision, wouldn't He remove all the uncertainty? But that's not how God usually works. Psalm 25 teaches something different. It teaches that God's guidance often comes through a process. Through seeking. Through prayer. Through wisdom from others. Through testing. Through small clarities that add up to a direction. Notice that David doesn't ask for a thunderbolt. He asks to be led and taught. “Lead me in Your truth and teach me.” He's asking for an ongoing process of being guided and learning, not a one-time answer that settles everything. And notice verse 9: “He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way.” God leads the humble. Humility is the key. Humility means admitting you don't have all the answers. Humility means trusting God enough to take the next step even when you can't see the whole path. APPLICATION: SEEKING DIRECTION IN UNCERTAINTY Some of you are facing a decision right now. Maybe it's a big one. A job change. A relationship decision. A move. A calling you're sensing but can't quite name. Maybe it's smaller—how to spend your time, what to invest in, where to go next. You've prayed. You've sought counsel. You've searched the Scriptures. Yet the answer still isn't crystal clear. I think of a man who spent two years wrestling with whether to leave a secure career for work that better aligned with his faith and sense of calling. He kept waiting for God to send a lightning bolt of certainty—but it never came. Instead, clarity came gradually. Trusted people affirmed his gifts. An unexpected opportunity opened. The inner conviction grew stronger until he realized he couldn't ignore it any longer. He didn't have complete certainty before he stepped out in faith. But he had enough light for the next step. Looking back, he realized something important: the certainty came after the step of obedience, not before it. That's often how God guides us. He rarely hands us a detailed roadmap. Instead, He gives us enough light for the next faithful step. As we walk in obedience, He provides the light for the step after that. THE DISCIPLINE OF SEEKING Psalm 25 teaches us that seeking God's direction is itself a spiritual practice. It's not something you do once and move on from. It's something you return to whenever you're at a crossroads. It's also not passive. You're not sitting back hoping God will telegraph the answer. You're seeking. You're asking. You're praying. You're listening. You're seeking counsel from wise, godly people who know you well. You're exploring opportunities and paying attention to how God opens and closes doors. Dallas Willard once wrote, "The life of faith is not about having all the answers. It's about learning to trust the One who does." That's the heart of Psalm 25. You don't need to see the entire path. You need to trust God enough to take the next faithful step. And often, as you take that step, more clarity comes. Here's what's remarkable: the seeking itself strengthens your faith. As you pray, listen, and seek wise counsel, you're not merely looking for an answer—you're learning to know God. You're learning to recognize His voice, trust His character, and discern His guidance through Scripture, circumstances, godly counsel, and the quiet work of the Holy Spirit. Some people think of guidance as a transaction: "God, just tell me what to do." But Psalm 25 presents something much richer. Guidance is relational. In seeking God's will, you're drawing near to Him, and in the process, He is shaping you into the kind of person who can follow Him faithfully whether the path is clear or not. That's why David prays, "Teach me." He doesn't simply want directions—he wants to become the kind of disciple who knows the Shepherd's voice. THE PROMISE: GOD LEADS THE HUMBLE Here's the promise of Psalm 25: "He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble His way" (Psalm 25:9). God leads the humble—not those who have everything figured out, but those who admit they need His guidance. Those who are willing to be taught. Those who trust that God sees what they cannot. If you're facing uncertainty today, you're in exactly the right place to be led by God. Your confusion isn't necessarily a sign that God is silent. It may be His invitation to deeper humility and greater trust. And here's the beautiful part: the path God leads is always marked by "steadfast love and faithfulness" (Psalm 25:10). The destination may not be what you expected, and the journey may not be easy, but it will be good because it is guided by the loving heart of God. That's a promise worth trusting. HOW TO PRAY THIS PSALM First: Pray it when you're facing a decision. Use David's own words if they help: "Show me Your ways, Lord. Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me." Sometimes borrowing Scripture's prayers is easier than finding your own. Second: Don't rush the answer. Our culture tells us to decide quickly and move on. Psalm 25 invites us into a process: seek, pray, ask wise people, explore possibilities, and give God time to work. His guidance often comes gradually, not instantly. Third: Pay attention to how God opens and closes doors. Sometimes His guidance comes more through providence than through a dramatic feeling. An unexpected opportunity, wise counsel, or a door that quietly opens may be how He is leading. Fourth: Remember that God is good. "All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness." Even when His path is difficult or unexpected, it is marked by His goodness and loving care. Fifth: Be willing to take the next step without seeing the whole path. David prays, "Lead me...and teach me," describing an ongoing journey. As you walk in faith, God often provides the light for the step after that. Finally: Don't confuse waiting with passivity. Seek wise counsel. Search the Scriptures. Pray. Explore your options. Waiting on God isn't doing nothing—it's faithfully doing what you can while trusting God to do what only He can do. CONCLUSION Some of you will come out of your season of uncertainty soon. The decision will become clear. You'll see which way to go. And you'll step forward with confidence, knowing that God led you. Others of you may remain in uncertainty for longer. The answer might not come quickly. You might have to live with ambiguity while you continue seeking. And that's okay. God's timeline for clarity is not always our timeline. Either way, Psalm 25 teaches you this: God is not far away. God has not forgotten you. God is willing to guide the humble. And your seeking itself is a form of prayer that God honors. Your willingness to admit you don't know, to seek wisdom, to listen carefully—that's the kind of humble faith God loves to guide.

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/

Send us Fan MailWhat if the very weakness you've been asking God to remove is the place where He wants to reveal His greatest strength? Sometimes God doesn't take away the thorn, but He always provides the grace to endure it. Discover why His power is most clearly displayed in lives that have learned to depend completely on Him.HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Your Prayers Are Never Wasted 1 John 5:14–15 “And this is the boldness we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him.” I love this verse because God is reminding us that we can trust Him. He reminds us that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. If we know that He hears us, then we know we have obtained the requests we made of Him. I don't know about you, but I can get caught up in the words "according to His will." I have asked the Lord for many things that I don't think He has given me. It can be frustrating when we pray for someone or ask for something we believe is good, and it seems like God isn't listening. I know God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are greater than our thoughts, but that doesn't always make it easier to understand. If you've ever struggled with this, let me share what has helped me. Have you ever had a child, niece, nephew, or friend's child ask for something they were convinced they needed? They had thought it through and believed it was the best thing for them, but you could see it wasn't because you knew where that choice would lead. For example, imagine a teenager begging to drop out of school because they're tired of the work and already have a job lined up. They think it's the best decision, but you know it will limit so many opportunities in the future. Because you love them, you say no. I think this is often how God answers our prayers. Good thing He doesn't give us everything we ask for because, just like children, we sometimes ask for things that aren't truly good for us. We think we know what we want, but God sees the whole picture. We may pray for a new job, only to later discover that job would have required constant travel or an unhealthy work environment. God protects us from countless things we never even know about because He is a good Father. I heard a song on the way to Adoration this morning—and you know how much I love songs. It's called "Somebody Prayed" by Crowder. The song is all about the power of prayer and reminds us that many of the blessings we experience today are the result of someone faithfully praying for us. It also reminds us that God hears every prayer, even when we don't immediately see the results. The song begins: Every night there by your bed You fold your hands and bow your head Throwing out another prayer in faith When you're wondering if He's hearing you Look at me, I'm living proof I'm only right where I am today Because somebody prayed These lyrics remind us that when we pray and do not see results, we can look at those around us and be confident that if God answers their prayers, He will answer ours, too. I think it is vital to remember that the answers to our prayers may not look like we want them to and may not come in the timing we want them to. I like how Crowder can realize that the reason he is where he is today is because his mom prayed for him a lot. So I hit my knees 'cause I've Seen all Heaven move (don't matter if you hit rock bottom My God pick you up when you call Him.) I pray, "Father, please" 'cause I've Seen what He can do (don't matter if the storm cloud coming My God come through when you call Him) I love this verse too because it says that it doesn't matter if you hit rock bottom because God will pick you up when you call Him. This reminds us that we are never too far down for God to pick us back up again. It also says it doesn't matter if the storm cloud is coming because God will come through when we call Him. Crowder says he has seen all heaven move, and he has seen what our heavenly Father can do. You might be in a storm right now, or you might be at your lowest point yet. Either way, you can rest assured that when you call on the Lord, He is going to answer that call. He is going to lift you up out of that pit or get you safely through that storm. That is just who He is. If you wonder if this is true, look around you at all the people you know who are struggling, or the ones who were struggling and have made it through to the other side.  They were not alone. God helped them, and if he helped them, he can help you too! These hands have no power There ain't an hour He don't come through That's why when mountains move, I say "Looks like somebody prayed” This verse is reminding us that we can do nothing without God. He is our source of power. He is our Savior. This is why, when something amazing happens in our lives, we should automatically know that someone was praying for us. Our default should be to thank God and to thank whoever was praying for us. Sometimes we think that because we didn't pray, then it wasn't God who helped us. However, there are so many people praying all the time. There were many saints who would send up prayers for anyone who needed them. Or they would pray for those who had no one else to pray for them. You might have a whole army of people praying for you, and yet you might not even know it. For instance, when someone asks me for prayer I usually ask my parents to also pray for them because I know my parents are mighty prayer warriors. I also ask my prayer group to pray, my Encounter Ministry fellow students, and the prayer line at my church. Then sometimes I would also add their request to these three online prayer requests websites, one of which is the Lourdes website. Do you see how someone could have a whole army of people praying for them and not even know it? For the child of God that's far from home The one who thinks they're too far gone I'm throwing out another prayer in faith (prayer in faith) Worn-out altars, tear-stained pews Still I won't give up on you I believe that anything can change When somebody prays I love this verse because he is talking to anyone who feels like they are far from home. Anyone who feels like they are too far gone. Then he tells them that he is praying for them. We all need to be praying for those who are far from home and think they are too far gone. There is no too far gone with the Lord. He is always willing to take us back. He is always waiting for us to realize that and to come home. I love it when he says he won't give up on us because he believes that anything can change when somebody prays. This is an important thing for us all to believe. It is so true. Anything can change when somebody prays. The enemy often tries to make us believe that our situation is too bad and that there is no solution. He tries to convince us that we don't need to pray because there isn't anything God can do for anyone. There isn't anything anyone can do. This is ridiculous! God can do anything! We might not see a way out, we might not think things can get better, but God can always make a way, even when we can't see how. It is always worth it to say a prayer. It can make all the difference in the world. Sometimes God is just waiting for you to ask. He is waiting for you to invite Him into it all. Why wouldn't we want God to be in all of it? I've seen miracles come from feeble words I've seen hospital rooms turned into cathedrals I've seen freedom come to the prisoner You can't tell me that prayer don't work The first line says, “I've seen miracles come from feeble words.” Do you know why I love this? I love it because it reminds us that we don't have to know what to say. We don't have to pray these long, eloquent prayers. We don't have to ask for the exact thing or say the exact right words in order for our prayers to be answered. It's not like in all those movies about making a wish on a genie in a bottle. If you don't get the wording perfectly, then something bad happens. God is not like that. We don't have to know the perfect thing to say. We just have to call upon his name and ask him for what we want. It goes on to say, “I've seen hospital rooms turned into cathedrals.” I think what he means by this is that hospital rooms can be a powerful place for prayer. Sitting by a loved one's bedside can prompt people to pray more. It can also help us to be bold and ask for more from the Lord. Desperation to save our loved ones can be a powerful motivator. He also says, I've seen freedom come to the prisoner.  This is another great result of prayer. You might know someone who is stuck in their past. They may be an actual prisoner in jail, or they may be a prisoner to guilt, shame, and unforgiveness. Either way, prayers can free them from their prison. I have seen it happen many times!! The song ends with: So every night there by your bed When you fold your hands and bow your head Not a single word you've ever said in vain 'Cause He hears everything I like this verse too because it reminds us that not a single word you've ever said is in vain. When we pray to God, He hears us. We can be confident in this, just as the scripture verse for today reminds us. God hears it all, whether you are in church praying or you are crying out to him in your car. Wherever you are, no matter how far gone you think you are, He always hears every word of it, and none of it was said in vain. He hears you, and He will answer your prayers according to his will and according to His timing. www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

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/

Sometimes God works through the moments we least expect.A chance meeting.A closed door.A difficult season.Or an opportunity that seems to come out of nowhere.In this encouraging conversation, John Martin sits down with artist and entrepreneur Cole Saul to share a story about faith, surrender, and learning to trust God's plan even when it doesn't make sense.Cole's journey began with a simple suggestion from his wife.Although he had always been creative and enjoyed drawing, it was his wife who encouraged him to pick up a paintbrush and begin painting seriously. What started as a hobby quickly turned into something much bigger as his artwork began gaining recognition throughout the Emerald Coast and beyond.But like many entrepreneurs and artists, Cole eventually found himself at a crossroads.Despite years of hard work, there were moments when he questioned whether his passion could truly become a sustainable career. There were seasons of uncertainty, frustration, and wondering what God was doing behind the scenes.Then one unexpected event changed everything.After being invited to participate in an art festival, Cole entered with no major expectations. Although he didn't sell any artwork during the event, something far more significant happened.A simple introduction led to an opportunity he never could have planned on his own.Within days, several of his original paintings were purchased by a collector who immediately recognized the value of his work. What seemed like a disappointing weekend suddenly became a defining moment that opened new doors and gave Cole confidence that God was directing his path.But the greatest transformation wasn't financial.As Cole reflected on everything that had happened, he felt God drawing him into a deeper commitment of faith. Although he had always believed in Jesus, he realized God was calling him to take the next step publicly.Soon after, Cole made the decision to be baptized in the Gulf of Mexico, publicly declaring his faith and fully surrendering his life to Christ.Since then, he has seen God move in ways he never expected.Whether through his artwork, opportunities to serve others, or even the ability to support causes close to his heart, Cole continues to see God's hand guiding every step of the journey.One of the most powerful lessons he shares is learning to release control.Instead of constantly trying to force outcomes, Cole has learned to trust God with the details and remain faithful to the opportunities placed in front of him.He believes that many people miss God's blessings because they become consumed with worry, fear, or trying to control every outcome themselves.This conversation is especially encouraging for:Artists.Entrepreneurs.Business owners.Young families.And anyone facing uncertainty about the future.Cole reminds listeners that:God is still working even when you can't see it.Prayer changes perspective.Faith requires trust.And God often answers prayers in ways we never expected.He encourages everyone to:Spend daily time in God's Word.Stay connected to a Bible-believing church.Build relationships with strong Christian community.And trust God with the areas of life that feel uncertain.You may not see the entire path today.But God already knows where He is leading you.What is one area of your life where God may be asking you to stop worrying and start trusting Him more fully?Contact Cole Sauls:granderhomeinspections@gmail.comFor more information contact us atrtrdestiny@gmail.com

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.

Habakkuk 1 | Wrestle... Don't Run Key Scripture Habakkuk 1:1–7 Big Idea God isn't afraid of your honest questions. Faith isn't pretending everything is okay—it's bringing your pain to God and choosing to stay close, even when His answers are difficult. Main Points 1. God welcomes honest wrestling. Habakkuk doesn't hide his frustration. He brings his questions directly to God. Real faith includes honest prayer. Key Passage: Habakkuk 1:1–4 2. Running from pain always costs more than wrestling through it. We all have ways of escaping: Success Sports Humor Work Entertainment Relationships Busyness—even church activity God invites us to bring our wounds to Him instead of hiding them. 3. God often meets us before He explains Himself. Prayer isn't presenting a polished version of yourself. God already knows your heart. He wants your honesty more than your performance. 4. Staying close changes everything. Like grappling in jiu-jitsu, creating space leaves us vulnerable. The safest place is staying close to God, especially when life is confusing. Distance from God rarely produces healing. 5. God's answers aren't always what we expect. Habakkuk asks God to deal with injustice. God responds by raising up Babylon. Sometimes God's plan is harder than we imagined, but His purposes remain trustworthy. Key Passage: Habakkuk 1:5–7 Memorable Quotes "Wrestle with God. Don't run from Him." "Prayer isn't presenting a polished version of yourself; it's bringing the real condition of your heart into God's presence." "When God tells you something you don't want to hear, will you create distance—or stay close?" "God isn't asking for perfect faith. He's inviting honest trust." Questions for Reflection What difficult questions have you been afraid to ask God? What do you typically run to instead of wrestling with God? Where have you been creating distance between yourself and God? Can you identify a season when God's answer didn't make sense until later? What would it look like this week to stay close instead of running? Challenge Bring your real thoughts, fears, and frustrations to God this week. Instead of escaping, choose to stay close. Trust that even when you don't understand His ways, His character remains faithful.

Thank you for joining us for Christian Faith Center's Sermon of the week. This message is from our Nampa Location. Pastor Jordan kicks off our new message series "JONAH"We have been conditioned, especially in church culture, to believe that God uses us despite our weaknesses. That He's constantly working around our rough edges, tolerating our blind spots, and somehow pulling off his purposes in spite of who we are. And there's truth in that. Sometimes God doesn't just work around your flaws. Sometimes he works through them.

Sometimes God gives us a clear next step and calls us to act. Other times, our need to “figure it all out” steals our peace. Instead of relying on God, we default to striving, hustling, and people-pleasing, asking what builds our kingdom rather than God's. But what if we paused to pray and seek wise counsel? It may feel counterintuitive to let go of constant productivity, yet the more we say yes to God's ways, the more peace we find, even when we produce less. In Jesus, we find abundant life.

Have you ever wondered why God allows seasons of pressure, waiting, and heartbreak? In this powerful Girls' Night In message, Pastor Lisa Kai reminds us that God never wastes our pain. Just as olives must be crushed before oil can flow, our greatest seasons of pressure often become the birthplace of healing, purpose, and spiritual maturity. If you're walking through disappointment, waiting on God, or wondering why life feels heavy, this conversation will encourage you to stay under His covering, trust the process, and choose life, even when it hurts. Not every season is meant to feel comfortable. Sometimes God allows the crushing, not to destroy us, but to release what He has already placed inside of us. In this powerful message from Girls Night In, Pastor Lisa Kai challenges us to stop living in yesterday's victories and make room for the new thing God wants to do. Through biblical teaching, personal stories, and practical encouragement, she unpacks how seasons of pressure can either produce fresh oil or leave us trapped in bitterness. Whether you're navigating heartbreak, singleness, disappointment, grief, or simply waiting on God, this episode will remind you that your pain has purpose and that God is still writing your story. Timestamps 00:00 – Worship with Pastor Lisa Kai 01:00 – God wants to do a new thing: Let go of yesterday and embrace what He's doing now. 03:00 – Prayer before today's message. 05:00 – Welcome to Girls' Night In.08:18 – Bitterness, Naomi, and the danger of allowing pain to define your future. 12:35 – Why olives must be crushed before oil can flow and what that means for us spiritually. 14:54 – The pressing of the Holy Spirit: Will your pain produce oil or toxins? 18:36 – Open wounds, jealousy, unforgiveness, and choosing life (Deuteronomy 30:19). 21:25 – Every decision shapes your future. Choosing God's path every day. 24:37 – Learning to love people now if we're going to spend eternity together. 26:45 – A real-life story about confrontation, reconciliation, and God's power to restore a marriage. 31:58 – Why God doesn't always remove the pressure. 33:01 – Romans 5:3–5: How perseverance produces character and hope. 33:42 – Waiting with purity, trusting God's timing, and allowing the pressing to expose what still needs healing. 36:38 – Stay under God's covering during difficult seasons (Psalm 91:1–2). 38:01 – Don't quit. Don't lose heart. 40:00 – Don't leave before the oil begins to flow (2 Corinthians 4:16–17). 44:25 – Jesus' crushing became our healing. 47:29 – Closing prayer. ______________ IG: @lisakai FB: @lisakai Website: lisakai.tv Arise Womens Ministry

Why aren't you making money in your business yet? The answer may not be your pricing, your niche, or another course you need to buy.In this episode of The Peaceful CEO Podcast, Angelica Stanley unpacks the real reasons many Christian women entrepreneurs struggle to generate consistent revenue and why the issue is often clarity, visibility, or systems rather than money itself.If you've ever found yourself thinking:• "Maybe my audience isn't buying."• "Maybe I need another certification."• "Maybe I need a new offer."• "Maybe I just need to work harder."This conversation is for you.Inside this episode you'll learn:✔ Why people cannot buy what they do not understand.✔ Why visibility matters more than perfection.✔ The hidden cost of giving away too much expertise for free.✔ Why burnout creates inconsistency and confusion.✔ How structure creates sustainable growth.✔ Why revenue often follows clarity instead of hustle.✔ What stewardship looks like before expansion.Angelica shares lessons learned while building a business alongside homeschooling, motherhood, and family responsibilities and explains why more effort was never the answer.Sometimes God is asking us to steward what is already in our hands before He entrusts us with more.If your business feels stuck, scattered, or inconsistent, this episode will help you identify the real bottleneck and focus your energy where it matters most.Resources mentioned in this episode:• The Peaceful CEO Podcast• The Biz Collective• Bold & Beautiful Branding Masterclass• Authority Builder• Anointed AutomationsSubscribe for weekly conversations on Christian entrepreneurship, biblical leadership, AI and automation, digital products, peaceful productivity, YouTube growth, and building a Kingdom-aligned business that serves your family instead of competing with it.#ChristianBusiness #ChristianEntrepreneur #FaithBasedBusiness #OnlineBusiness #KingdomEntrepreneur

This sermon asks a deeply personal question: What role does faith play when we're sick? It begins with the promise in James 5:15, reminding us that God hears and helps when we pray. But it also acknowledges the hard reality that healing does not always come the way we ask or expect.  The central message is that God has more than one way to heal. Sometimes God gives the miracle of a triumphant crossing, in which one is healed through death and brought home to eternal life. Sometimes God gives the miracle of sufficient grace, granting strength to endure pain that is not immediately removed. Sometimes God leads us to a remedy through doctors, medicine, counseling, support, or other people. Sometimes healing comes through the body's natural ability to recover. And sometimes we are given a mysterious healing, a powerful and unexplained restoration that goes beyond medical understanding.  The sermon makes it clear that dramatic healing does not mean someone has greater faith, and the absence of such healing does not mean God has ignored us. Faith is not about having all the answers. It is about trusting God's heart when we cannot understand God's ways.  The message calls us to pray boldly, ask the church for prayer, and bring sickness, fear, grief, pain, and questions to God. At the same time, it warns against measuring God's love only by whether we receive the exact miracle we wanted.  The sermon closes with hope: because Jesus died, rose again, and promises to wipe away every tear, sickness, and death, do not get the final word. The question is not only “Will God heal?” but also “Will we trust God with the miracle given?”

Sometimes God calls us to do what feels uncomfortable so He can accomplish something extraordinary through us. This message explores the dangerous prayer, "Send me," through the story of Ananias and Saul, reminding us that faith is more than good intentions—it's obedient action.

Sometimes God calls us to do what feels uncomfortable so He can accomplish something extraordinary through us. This message explores the dangerous prayer, "Send me," through the story of Ananias and Saul, reminding us that faith is more than good intentions—it's obedient action.

Life is a lot like a beach. The tide is always changing. The wind shifts. The waves come without warning. You can't control the conditions, but you can control how you respond.In Episode 3 of the Summer of Separation series, we explore why growth requires adaptation and why purpose demands alignment. Sometimes God doesn't change your destination—He changes you so you're prepared for where you're headed.This episode dives into:* Why resisting change keeps you stuck.* How to adapt without losing who you are.* The difference between movement and alignment.* Letting go of what's familiar so you can embrace what's next.* Choosing peace over pressure and purpose over comfort.Just like the beach teaches us to respect the waves instead of fighting them, life teaches us to trust the process, stay flexible, and remain aligned with the vision God has placed inside us.Your next season isn't about becoming someone else—it's about becoming the person you were always meant to be.Dreams By Any Means Motivation Podcast“Separate from distractions. Align with purpose. Adapt to the season. Become the new you.”

One of the greatest shifts in the Christian life is moving from believing we own everything to recognizing that everything belongs to God. Our lives, talents, relationships, finances, time, and even our future have been entrusted to us by the Lord. We are not owners—we are stewards.Living as a steward changes our perspective. Instead of asking, "What do I want?" we begin asking, "Lord, what would You have me do?" Stewardship requires surrender, trust, and obedience. Sometimes God asks us to release something we value, not because He wants to take from us, but because He wants to deepen our trust in Him and shape our hearts to reflect His.This truth also applies to the burdens we carry. Our fears, worries, disappointments, and pain belong to God as well. We don't have to carry them alone. When we surrender every part of our lives to Him, we discover the peace that comes from trusting the One who owns it all and works everything for His glory and our good.

Morning Offering, June 24, 2026 is brought to you by  Catholic Coffee: https://bit.ly/3Q9gM32A powerful reflection on Jeremiah, St. John the Baptist, and why destruction sometimes precedes God's greatest works.Every morning, join Father Brad as he begins the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, Father Brad guides you in prayer, shares a brief reflection grounding your day in the Church's rhythm of feast days and liturgy, and provides you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. Disclaimer: The ads shown before, during, or after this video have no affiliation with Morning Offering and are controlled by YouTubeLet us do as the saints urge and begin our days in prayer together so as a community of believers we may join the Psalmist in saying, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3-4)________________

Have you ever felt like you're doing all the right things but seeing little to no results?In this heartfelt episode of Healing Her Halo, Pae Murray shares a personal story about unexpectedly discovering her performance video for "Champion" had surpassed 21,000 views—after years of questioning her music journey, doubting herself, and wondering if anyone was listening.This episode is a reminder that your story is still being written.Whether you're waiting for healing, financial breakthrough, restoration, confidence, purpose, or a dream you've carried for years, don't give up before the miracle happens. Sometimes God is working behind the scenes in ways you cannot see.If you've been feeling discouraged, exhausted, or tempted to quit, this conversation will help you reconnect with faith, hope, and the possibility that your greatest chapter may still be ahead of you.✨ Remember: Have patience. It's already done. In this episode: • Why results don't always show up immediately • The power of staying obedient when you feel discouraged • How faith grows in seasons of uncertainty • The surprising lesson behind 21,000 views • Why your story isn't finished yet • Learning to let God write the next chapter

In this episode of The BE Show, Brandy shares how healing changed the way she sees life, opportunities, and purpose. From the National Guard to pageantry to a successful corporate career, she opens up about seasons that looked right on the outside but ultimately didn't align with who God created her to be.Sometimes God opens doors not because we're meant to stay there forever, but because there's something He wants us to learn along the way.If you've ever felt confused about your next step, questioned whether you're on the right path, or struggled to let go of something that no longer fits, this episode will encourage you to pursue alignment over appearances and purpose over performance.Because when you heal, you see clearly. And when you see clearly, you can finally walk confidently in the direction God is leading you.

God, How Can I Help You Today? Ezekiel 37:7 “So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to its bone.” I like this verse for many reasons. First, I love that it shows Ezekiel's obedience to God. God wasn't asking him to do something easy. He was asking him to prophesy over dry bones and make them live again. Let me read the whole section: Ezekiel 37:1-6 says, “The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me round among them; and behold, there were very many upon the valley; and lo, they were very dry. And he said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?' And I answered, ‘O Lord God, thou knowest.' Again he said to me, ‘Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.'” Take a minute and put yourself in Ezekiel's shoes. God asks you to speak to a valley full of dry bones and tell them to come back to life. I wonder what Ezekiel was thinking. Did he know it would work? Did he have a moment of doubt? What must it have felt like when he obeyed and suddenly heard the rattling of bones coming together all around him? It must have been incredible. Another reason I love this passage is because it shows that God likes to use us to do His work. God could have raised those bones Himself, but He chose to involve Ezekiel. Did you know God wants to use you too? I know many of you immediately counted yourselves out when I said that. Maybe you think you're too old, too young, too shy, too busy, or not holy enough. Maybe you think you're not bold enough or not qualified enough. Those are lies from the enemy. God calls us exactly where we are. He may not be calling all of us to raise the dead or travel the world preaching the Gospel, but He does have a role for each one of us in His plan. What if we started asking God every morning: “God, what can I do for you today?” How do you think your life would change if you started each day that way? God usually doesn't begin by asking us to do huge things. He often starts with small acts of obedience. As we become faithful in the small things, He entrusts us with more. Sometimes we're afraid to ask God what He wants because we're worried He'll ask us to do something uncomfortable. The truth is, He probably will ask us to step outside our comfort zone from time to time. That's how we grow. But God also knows us better than we know ourselves. He isn't trying to set us up for failure. He loves us. And if we miss it sometimes, that's okay. We can try again next time. In our prayer group, we spend time in silence listening to the Lord. Over the years we've noticed that if someone feels prompted to share a word but is too nervous to do it, God often gives that same word to someone else. I find that comforting. It takes some of the pressure off. However, I don't think we should use that as an excuse not to step out when we feel God calling us. I was reminded of a story this weekend that illustrates this perfectly. A girl was at church camp when a pastor shared a story about his daughter. One day she felt God telling her to do a handstand next to the soda machine at a gas station. She didn't want to do it. It seemed ridiculous. But the feeling wouldn't go away. Finally, she drove to the gas station. She walked in, saw only one employee behind the counter, awkwardly waved, walked over to the soda machine, and did a handstand. As she was leaving, the employee stopped her and asked, “Why did you do that?” She replied, “I felt like God told me to do a handstand by the soda machine.” The man stared at her for a moment, pulled a gun from beneath the counter, and placed it on top. He said, “Today after work I was planning to kill myself. I prayed and asked God that if He was real, He should send a girl to do a handstand by the soda machine.” Every time I hear that story, I get emotional. She had no idea why God was asking her to do something so strange. She only knew He was asking. Sometimes God calls us to do things and we never find out why. Other times He lets us see the impact. I don't know why God doesn't always tell us the reason ahead of time. Maybe part of it is building our trust and faith. What I do know is that God wants to use you. He wants to speak to you. He wants you to be part of His plan. What if, after listening to this episode, you took a minute and asked Him: “God, how can I help You today?” Don't worry if you don't hear perfectly. None of us do. Don't worry if you don't always have the courage to do everything He asks. God doesn't stop loving you. He simply invites you to try again. Being part of God's plan isn't a burden. It's an honor. And it is an invitation He freely offers to each of us. Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening to this episode today. Lord, we love you so much, and we can't believe you invite us into your plan. Help us to say yes. Give us courage, boldness, and trust. Help us make time each day to listen for your voice. Help us ask how we can help you and then give us the grace to respond. We are so grateful for your love. We ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen. Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus.   If you've been feeling distant from God lately, but you're not sure why, I created a free quiz called "What's Quietly Blocking Your Connection With God?" In just a few minutes, you'll discover one of four common obstacles that may be affecting your relationship with God. At the end, you'll receive a personalized result, a short podcast episode, and a mentoring replay chosen specifically for your result. CLICK HERE for the quiz. I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow.  Have a blessed day! Today's Word from the Lord was received in November 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “I know your interior struggles. I know every single thought that the devil feeds you in order to make you curse yourself and burn yourself. I love you, my precious ones. Stay strong. Keep trying. Keep moving forward. I will let nothing hold you from me or your purpose. I kiss each of you.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Do you ever feel stuck in how to serve? Like you have the desire to make a difference but aren't sure where to start? This Sunday, we'll explore a powerful lesson from the cross, where even in His final moments, Jesus showed us how to live with purpose. Phil will give us three simple questions that can help bring direction to your life and point us to the right path. Sometimes God's greatest opportunities are closer than we think.

Through the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, we discover that God cares more about people than platforms, more about roadside encounters than revival crowds. Philip is called away from a breakthrough revival in Samaria to a desert road where he meets a wealthy, powerful official who is simultaneously religiously marginalized. This Ethiopian treasurer had spent ten months of wages on a scroll of Isaiah, desperately hungry for spiritual truth despite being excluded from full temple worship. The passage reveals three transformative principles: we hear God's voice to be sent to hear others; those who feel heard are more likely to hear what we have to say; and the heard are more likely to share what they've heard. Philip's simple obedience didn't just change one life—it launched the gospel across an entire continent, establishing what would become the 50-million-strong Ethiopian church. The message challenges us to recognize that success in God's kingdom isn't measured by crowd size but by faithful obedience to His voice, even when it makes absolutely no sense to us in the moment. Sometimes God asks us to leave the revival to reach the one person waiting on a desert road.

Through the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, we discover that God cares more about people than platforms, more about roadside encounters than revival crowds. Philip is called away from a breakthrough revival in Samaria to a desert road where he meets a wealthy, powerful official who is simultaneously religiously marginalized. This Ethiopian treasurer had spent ten months of wages on a scroll of Isaiah, desperately hungry for spiritual truth despite being excluded from full temple worship. The passage reveals three transformative principles: we hear God's voice to be sent to hear others; those who feel heard are more likely to hear what we have to say; and the heard are more likely to share what they've heard. Philip's simple obedience didn't just change one life—it launched the gospel across an entire continent, establishing what would become the 50-million-strong Ethiopian church. The message challenges us to recognize that success in God's kingdom isn't measured by crowd size but by faithful obedience to His voice, even when it makes absolutely no sense to us in the moment. Sometimes God asks us to leave the revival to reach the one person waiting on a desert road.

If you've been running on empty for months — chronic fatigue, autoimmune flares, a body that won't cooperate no matter how much you sleep — and part of you has quietly wondered whether God is doing this to you or just letting it happen, this episode is for you. We're walking through five biblical reasons God allows suffering, and what to actually do while you're still in the middle of it. Fair warning: these reasons aren't wrapped in a bow. A few of them are genuinely hard to sit with. But stay to the end, because there's real encouragement waiting there. This one is for the Christian woman who is done spinning her wheels and ready to take real steps toward healing — body and faith, together. As a Registered Nurse and holistic health coach, I bring both a clinical lens and a faith-centered one to this conversation, because holistic health was never meant to separate the two. Why God Allows Suffering: 5 Biblical Reasons 1. So God's Works Can Be Displayed — John 9 When Jesus's disciples ask who sinned to cause a man's blindness, him or his parents, Jesus answers plainly: neither. "It was not that this man sinned or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him." — John 9:3 Illness isn't always a verdict on someone's character. Sometimes it's simply the setup for what God plans to do next. If you've walked through healing, your story matters — telling it points other people back to Him. 2. Because God Works in Ways We Don't Fully Understand — Job The Book of Job is genuinely hard, and it's okay to say so. Job loses his family and his health, and when God finally speaks, He doesn't explain Himself. "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding." — Job 38:4 There's no tidy resolution here. Just a reminder that we serve a God whose understanding is bigger than ours — which means some suffering won't make sense from where we're standing, and that's allowed to be true without shaking our trust in Him. 3. Temporary Suffering Can Be Training Now, and Protection Later — Joseph, Genesis 50 Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned — roughly seventeen years between the dream God gave him and the day it came true. When his brothers later feared retaliation, Joseph told them: "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive." — Genesis 50:20 God used that season to train Joseph for the leadership he'd eventually need, and that same training is what positioned him to protect his entire family years later when famine hit. The suffering came first. The protection came after, once the training had done its work. If you're walking through chronic illness or a season of low energy right now, it's worth asking what this might be preparing you for, and who it might one day let you protect. 4. So God's Power Can Be Made Perfect in Weakness — 2 Corinthians 12 Paul asked God three times to remove his "thorn in the flesh." God didn't. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." — 2 Corinthians 12:9 Paul's conclusion was that his weakness became the very thing that made him strong. Self-sufficiency tends to pull us toward leaning on our own strength instead of God's. Sometimes the thorn stays so the credit goes to God's power, not ours. 5. So We Will Lack Nothing — James 1 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness... that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." — James 1:2-4 Nobody signs up for trials willingly. But if the process produces something in us we'd otherwise be missing, that reframes the waiting — even when it doesn't make it easy. What to Do While You're Waiting on God Faith Matters — But It's Not a Verdict on Your Healing (Luke 8) A woman who had been bleeding for twelve years touches the edge of Jesus's garment and is instantly healed. He tells her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well." Faith plays a real part in healing. But just because you haven't been healed yet doesn't mean you don't have enough faith. The man born blind in John 9 wasn't blind because of a lack of faith. Faith is a factor, but it's not the only one. There may be other things at work that have nothing to do with how much faith you have, so there's no need to carry guilt over it or pick yourself apart looking for what's missing. Obedience Is Part of the Process (2 Kings 5) Naaman was told to dip in the Jordan River seven times to be healed of leprosy — and he almost refused because it felt too simple. When he finally obeyed, he was healed. Sometimes God is asking for action alongside our faith — working with a doctor, researching natural remedies, changing a habit, simply doing the next obedient thing in front of you. Faith and action aren't in competition. And underneath it all is a quiet principle worth remembering: we reap what we sow. Good choices tend to bear good fruit, even when the harvest is slow to show up. Remembering God's Goodness in the Waiting There's a lot in Scripture that's genuinely hard to understand — Job's story, Ezekiel being told not to publicly mourn his wife, and plenty more. But understanding everything was never the requirement for trusting God's goodness. "He will never leave you nor forsake you." — Hebrews 13:5 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." — Romans 8:28 He's been proving that for thousands of years. He's still doing it now, even in the waiting. Key Takeaways Suffering is not automatically a punishment for sin or a sign of insufficient faith. Some of God's ways genuinely won't make sense from where we're standing — and that's allowed. Hard seasons can be preparation for something ahead that isn't visible yet. Faith and practical obedience — medical care, lifestyle changes, natural remedies — work together, not against each other. You're responsible for your next faithful step, not for forcing an outcome or understanding the whole plan. This episode is educational and faith-based reflection, not medical advice or a diagnosis.  Ready for Your Next Step? If you are experiencing low energy or autoimmune symptoms, I'd love to help you with your next steps. I have a few spots open for a More Energy Strategy Session, where we'll look at what's actually going on and build a clear path forward. You can book your session at herholistichealing.com/services.

Have you ever had a door close in your face and wondered if you missed God's will?In this encouraging message from Acts 16, we follow the Apostle Paul as he encounters a series of unexpected closed doors while trying to fulfill God's mission. What seemed like setbacks were actually divine redirections. The Holy Spirit prevented Paul from preaching in certain regions, not because God was withholding something good, but because He had something better ahead.Many of us struggle when God says "no." We assume a closed door means failure, rejection, or delay. But throughout Scripture we see that God's "no" is often His way of guiding us toward His greater purpose. A closed door may not be a dead end—it may be a redirect.This message reminds us that obedience doesn't always come with explanation. Paul continued moving forward even when he didn't fully understand God's direction. His faith wasn't rooted in knowing where he was going, but in trusting the One who was leading him. Often, the greatest seasons of sowing happen when we have the fewest answers and the greatest need for trust.As Paul remained faithful, God eventually revealed the next step through a vision of a man from Macedonia calling for help. What began as confusion became clarity. What looked like restriction became revelation.If you're facing unanswered questions, unexpected detours, or closed doors today, this message will encourage you to trust God's plan even when you can't see the full picture.Remember:• A closed door could be a redirect.• Obedience doesn't require understanding.• Clarity often comes after movement.Sometimes God says no to a place so you can sow into a person. Together, you may go farther than either of you ever could alone.God is still opening doors no one can shut and closing doors no one can open. Trust Him—His plan is greater than you think.

Have you ever had a door close in your face and wondered if you missed God's will?In this encouraging message from Acts 16, we follow the Apostle Paul as he encounters a series of unexpected closed doors while trying to fulfill God's mission. What seemed like setbacks were actually divine redirections. The Holy Spirit prevented Paul from preaching in certain regions, not because God was withholding something good, but because He had something better ahead.Many of us struggle when God says "no." We assume a closed door means failure, rejection, or delay. But throughout Scripture we see that God's "no" is often His way of guiding us toward His greater purpose. A closed door may not be a dead end—it may be a redirect.This message reminds us that obedience doesn't always come with explanation. Paul continued moving forward even when he didn't fully understand God's direction. His faith wasn't rooted in knowing where he was going, but in trusting the One who was leading him. Often, the greatest seasons of sowing happen when we have the fewest answers and the greatest need for trust.As Paul remained faithful, God eventually revealed the next step through a vision of a man from Macedonia calling for help. What began as confusion became clarity. What looked like restriction became revelation.If you're facing unanswered questions, unexpected detours, or closed doors today, this message will encourage you to trust God's plan even when you can't see the full picture.Remember:• A closed door could be a redirect.• Obedience doesn't require understanding.• Clarity often comes after movement.Sometimes God says no to a place so you can sow into a person. Together, you may go farther than either of you ever could alone.God is still opening doors no one can shut and closing doors no one can open. Trust Him—His plan is greater than you think.