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Psalm 1 describes the wicked person as “chaff that blows away in the wind.” Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth explains what this means. And she shows why this concept is so important in making sure this new year counts.
Host a Dad Tired Conference at Your Church Some days don't fall apart because of one big thing.They fall apart because of a hundred small ones.The gas light comes on.The kids spill something.The ice cream cone hits the floor.Nothing catastrophic happens… and yet everything feels heavy.In this episode of Dad Tired Daily, we talk about what psychologists call negativity bias—the way our brains are wired to fixate on what's going wrong instead of what's going right. It's not because you're ungrateful or negative. It's because your brain is trained to look for threats.But here's the good news: what you pay attention to, your brain prioritizes.Scripture tells us, “Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and “Forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2). Gratitude isn't about pretending things are great. It's about retraining your soul to remember what's good—even on hard days.Today's Practice:Before your day gets rolling, list three things you're thankful for.They don't have to be profound. Just real.Gratitude rewires your brain.It lowers stress.It restores perspective.And it helps you show up a little more healed for the people you love.Strong families begin with healed men.
Fall asleep to special Psalm devotionals at https://www.sleeppsalms.com Tonight's prayer is from Psalm 48:1. Welcome to "Sleep Psalms with Bishop T.D. Jakes," a tranquil oasis of serenity for your weary soul. In each episode, you'll embark on a soothing journey guided by the wisdom of the most popular book of the Bible, the book of Psalms. Bishop T.D. Jakes' calming voice and gentle prayers will lull you into a peaceful state of mind, perfect for restful sleep or deep meditation. Allow each profound devotional soothe your soul every night. Let the verses of the Psalms cradle your thoughts and provide solace, allowing you to drift into a night of tranquil slumber. Let the Lord be your shepherd tonight, and fall asleep to God's word. Join us as we embark on a profound exploration of these timeless scriptures, nurturing both your spirit and your dreams. Download the Pray.com app for more Bible stories to last a lifetime. To learn more about Bishop T.D. Jakes visit https://tdjenterprises.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morning Prayer for Friday, January 9, 2026 (The Epiphany: The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 22Genesis 9John 5:1-24Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
In today's episode, the Lord visits Abraham by sending three messengers to his home. He reveals that in a year's time he will give Abraham a son through his wife, Sarah. He also reveals that he is sending his messengers to Sodom and Gomorrah, because the wickedness of the people has grown so severe that it calls for complete annihilation. Before they are sent out, Abraham pleads with the Lord to spare the righteous and the Lord finally agrees that if even ten righteous people are found there, he will not destroy it. The angels rescue Lot, but as we will soon see, sin continues to flourish. Later, a son is born to Abraham and is named, “Isaac,” which means, “He laughs.”Genesis 18 – 1:15 . Genesis 19 – 7:42 . Genesis 20 – 14:43 . Genesis 21 – 18:58 . Psalm 6 – 24:14 . Psalm 7 – 25:35 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
In the Lord I Take Refuge: Daily Devotions Through the Psalms with Dane Ortlund
❖ Today's Bible reading is Psalm 30: www.ESV.org/Psalm30 ❖ To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional: www.crossway.org/books/in-the-lord-i-take-refuge-hcj/ ❖ Browse other resources from Dane Ortlund: www.crossway.org/authors/dane-c-ortlund/
GENESIS 20:1-22:24 | MATTHEW 7:15-29 | PSALM 9:1-12 | PROVERBS 2:16-22
Maybe you’ve lost your praise and can’t remember where it went. Today on BOLD STEPS, Mark Jobe helps you locate what’s been missing. Psalm 118 shows us that praise isn’t wishful thinking—it’s grounded in God’s unchanging goodness and love. Speak the language God gave you and find your voice again ... listen to Bold Steps with Mark Jobe. Bold Step Gift: Growing In Christ – 52 Devotionals For A Year Of FaithBecome a Bold Partner: https://www.moodyradio.org/donateto/boldstepsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Psalm 135 1 Timothy 3:16 Acts 10:37-38 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com
Psalm 4 Psalm 134 Deuteronomy 6:4-7 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com
Psalm 95 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com
Psalm 106 Isaiah 66:10-14,18-23 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com
Psalm 92 Deuteronomy 32:1-12 Psalm 8 Wisdom 7:26-27 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com
Psalm 119:81-88 Psalm 61 Psalm 64 Ezekiel 34:11-12 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com
Feeling brokenhearted, crushed in spirit, or painfully alone can make God feel distant—but Psalm 34:18 assures us the Lord is near in our deepest pain. This devotional points to God’s nearness in suffering, reminding us that He sees, understands, and saves those who feel shattered by life’s hardships. Highlights Feeling alone often hurts more deeply than difficult circumstances themselves. David wrote Psalm 34 during a season of fear, humiliation, and desperation. Scripture describes “brokenhearted” and “crushed” as being shattered beyond repair—yet God draws near. David chose to seek God rather than bitterness or despair. God hears our cries and remains attentive to every moment of distress. Turning to God in pain brings comfort, clarity, and renewed hope. Praise and prayer can coexist with fear, sorrow, and uncertainty. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Held By the One Who Sees and Understands Our Pain By: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. - Psalm 34:18, NIV When I look back on some of my most painful experiences, particularly during my homeless period in my late teens, it wasn’t my circumstances that caused the most grief. What hurt most was the fact that I felt alone. I now realize that wasn’t my reality; that the Lord saw me, loved me, and, as today’s verse assures, remained with me every dark moment of every distressing day. David, ancient Israel’s second king, wrote Psalm 34 during a time of crisis. In fear for his life, he hid in Philistine territory, the land of ancient Israel’s fiercest enemies, and in the very city from which Goliath, the warrior David beheaded, came. Learning of his presence, the king's servants said, “Isn’t this David, the king of the land? Isn’t he the one they sing about in their dances: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” (1 Samuel 21:11, NIV). In other words, isn’t this the guy who killed many of our warriors? 1 Samuel 21:13 states that, “David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish, king of Gath” (NIV, emphasis mine). This gains emphasis when one considers that, as a teen, he took on and defeated a large, heavily armed tyrant that had paralyzed the entire Israeli army. And yet, he felt afraid. In desperation, David prayed to God, asking for mercy and declaring, twice, that he would place his trust in the Lord (Psalm 56). He then pretended to be insane, “making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard” (1 Samuel 21:14, NIV). How humiliating this must have been—a powerful and successful warrior and the man anointed to reign as ancient Israel’s next king, survived by feigning severe mental illness. As humiliating as this must have been, it saved his life. Then we get to Psalm 34, a beautiful passage in which he declared His trust in and love for God, stating, “I will extol the Lord… his praise will always be on my lips … my soul will boast in the Lord” (V. 1-2, NIV, emphasis mine). He wrote that God heard his cries, saved him from his troubles, and kept His eyes upon him, adding today’s verse in which he confidently proclaimed the Lord’s nearness in times of distress. Again, today’s verse states, The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. David wasn’t just sad, concerned, or discouraged. In the original Hebrew, the word that our Bibles translate as broken has the connotation of something that’s been shattered into pieces. The ending phrase conveys a similar meaning. The word translated as crushed, in the original Hebrew, refers to something pulverized to dust and beyond repair. Scripture uses the same word in Psalm 90:3, which reads: “You turn people back to dust, saying, ‘Return to dust, you mortals’ (NIV, emphasis mine). Have you ever experienced emotional pain so intense that your chest physically hurt and you struggled to breathe? That was how David felt, and understandably so. He feared for his life, likely the lives of his family, was run out of his homeland and everything he knew, and was forced to live as a fugitive for at least a decade. Oh, how lonely and disoriented he must’ve felt. He could’ve turned bitter or become swallowed up in his grief. Instead, he turned to God and sought comfort in Him. That was David’s regular practice. As the New International Chronological Bible states, “Virtually every important encounter he faces becomes memorialized in his petitions to God.” Yet, his psalms don’t just record his requests. They’re also always filled with praise. Intersecting Life & Faith: What a powerful example for us to follow. Sadly, when I feel sad and afraid, initially, I often get stuck in my head. That only makes things worse as one concern tends to lead to another, then another, until I’m nearly buried in gloom. Thankfully, God always meets me there, draws me into His tender embrace, and speaks encouraging truths to my soul. As today’s verse states, He moves close to the brokenhearted. This won’t change. I’m learning, however, that my sorrow feels much more manageable and less dark when I turn to the One who always turns toward me. He’s turning toward you, in your pain, as well. Further Reading:Psalm 145:9Psalm 86:15Psalm 103:13 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
I got to thinking the other day about some of the close calls in my life - those moments that could have been my last, but obviously they weren't. There was the night that a drunk driver totaled our car with all of our family in it, but thank God it didn't total us. I was driving. We could have died; we didn't. There was that night my plane was only a few feet away from landing at Newark Airport, and suddenly it revved up, and we took off again sharply, and about 15 minutes later the pilot said, "Well, we decided we wouldn't land when we saw that there was someone else on our runway." I was very glad for that decision. I thought that was a good choice! See, there's no telling what could have been that night with another plane on the runway. I'm still here and so are you. In spite of some close calls you've had, some you knew about and I'll bet there's been some you never knew about. We have all been inches or seconds from death probably many times, but we're still here. Why? I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Knowing How Long You'll Live." Now, I'm going to read to you today a word for you and me from the Word of God from 2 Timothy 4. It's from a man who had cheated death many times - the Apostle Paul. He says, "At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth." Now, many people think that refers to Caesar's attempt to have him killed. Many people tried to have him killed. "The Lord will rescue me," he says, "from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom." Now, I like what he says here. "I've been delivered from the lion's mouth, and I will be rescued." For how long? "...until the Lord will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom." You want to know how long you'll live? Till your work is done. Paul was saying, "My work's not done. When God says it is, that's when I'll go home." Here's an exciting principle to remember: a person is immortal until his work is done. Now, some people's work for the Lord is done when they're five, some when they're 15, some 45, some not till they're 95. I think there are some people who think their work is done, but God doesn't think so. They're still here. And then there are some who think that their work isn't done, and God thinks it is. You won't be left here one extra day. But every day you are here, go for it - live out your life mission. See, this principle has two important implications: one, your safety does not depend on your surroundings. I guess you could be in a hail of bullets (now, I don't recommend you go looking for a place like that), and if your work isn't done, you're going to be okay. But if your work is done, you can be in your living room on the couch and God will take you home. You're immortal until your work is done. Psalm 139 says, "All the days ordained for me were written in God's book before one of them came to be." Secondly, God's got work for you to do. The fact that you woke up this morning means that God has a destiny for you for this day. He's delivered you from every lion in your life so you could finish what He's put you on earth to do. What a way to live: fearlessly, confident, significantly! The Lord will rescue you from every attack except one. And that will be when He takes you safely to His heavenly kingdom.
A Morning at the Office - an Episcopal Morning Prayer Podcast
Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 121, 122, 123, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: Isaiah 45:14-19, Erin Jean Warde, First Canticle: 10, New Testament: Colossians 1:24-2:7, Elizabeth Henry-McKeever, Second Canticle: 18, Gospel: John 8:12-19, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Antonio Allegretti, used by permission.
I've been talking this week about God's promises and his faithfulness to keep his promises. A promise is only as good as the one who promised, right? We've had far too many examples of politicians who promise so much and deliver so little, so that now in general we just don't trust politicians. The Pew Research Center reports only 20% of Americans today say they can trust the government to do what is right. It may be true that because you have been sorely disappointed in what others have promised you, you have difficulty trusting God. I just want to encourage you today that, no matter how much you've been disappointed or let down by others, you can trust God, because he is trustworthy. Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22–23). Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations (Psalm 119:89–90). God is faithful and therefore his eternal Word is faithful. We learn to trust God by getting to know his character. And we get to know his character through his Word and through our own history of his faithfulness to us. Have you forgotten God's faithfulness to you in the past? Sometimes when you're in the midst of a troubling situation, you just forget how God has helped you in the past; how he has proved himself true. I encourage you right now to recite out loud God's faithfulness to you in the past. By remembering his past faithfulness, you will learn to trust his future faithfulness. Here is one last promise as this new year begins, from our trustworthy God. It's a go-to promise for you for the entire year, from Isaiah 41:10: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
Hi Nurse friend, What if you made this the year of REST. What if you looked at the new year as an opportunity to come out of survival mode. Nursing trains us to survive. Push through. Power on. Handle it. Keep going. And while survival may get you through a shift, it is not meant to be your way of life. God did not create you to live in constant urgency. He created you for peace. Survival mode keeps your nervous system on high alert. It tells your body that danger is everywhere. That slowing down isn't safe. That rest can wait. Rest is not a reward for finishing everything. Rest is an invitation. And choosing rest doesn't mean you stop caring. It means you stop abandoning yourself and actually care for you. So today's breath prayer is simple — and powerful. It's based on the verse.... “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He restores my soul.” — Psalm 23:2–3 Let's take one deep inhale… And a long, slow exhale. Inhale peace… Exhale tension. 3 min : Inhale: I choose rest. Exhale: Not survival. Press play on this episode and breathe with me. Shalom Shalom, Xx, Shan ……CONNECT…… Are you in burnout or just stressed?? Take the Free QUIZ
The Robertsons address the decay of America's biggest and most beautiful cities, pointing to lawlessness, failed leadership, and what happens when humanity gives in to its darkest desires without restraint. Jase admits that trusting Amish healing advice briefly turned him into something resembling a human blowtorch. The guys explore the difference between idolatry and dominion, arguing that when people surrender control to creation instead of cultivating it under God, chaos follows. They reflect on how God's light reveals truths we can't understand when we're determined to live in our own darkness. In this episode: Genesis 1, verses 1–4; Genesis 1, verse 28; Psalm 19, verses 1–6; John 1, verses 1–5; John 9, verses 35–41; Colossians 3, verse 4; Ephesians 2, verses 8–10; Second Corinthians 6, verse 1; First John 1, verses 1–7 “Unashamed” Episode 1243 is sponsored by: https://texassuperfood.com — Get 35% off your first order with code UNASHAMED today! https://ponchooutdoors.com/unashamed — Get $10 off your first order and free shipping! https://myphdweightloss.com — Find out how Al lost 80+ pounds. Schedule your one-on-one consultation today by visiting the website or calling 864-644-1900 and mention "FIX MY WEIGHT LOSS" https://smartcredit.com/unashamed — Get a 7-day trial for just $1 and see how many points you can add to your credit score! http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://open.spotify.com/show/3LY8eJ4ZBZHmsImGoDNK2l Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 00:00-4:53 Al undermines Zach's parental authority 04:54-13:17 Jase becomes a human blowtorch 13:18-21:23 The reality of our perishable bodies 21:24-29:58 Pain becomes a platform for the Gospel 29:29-36:20 God doesn't play Blind Man's Bluff 36:21-47:25 Idolatry vs. Dominion 47:26-55:57 Jesus makes joy & possibilities endless — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
God wants to do something great in your life. He wants to bless you; He wants to prosper you. But if that is going to occur, He needs something from you. Chip shows us what it is that unleashes God's supernatural power in our lives.The pathway to breakthrough involves:The SOVEREIGN work of God in the world. -Job 42:2The SOVEREIGN work of God in His people.The SOVEREIGN work of God through His people.Your personal pathway to breakthroughAction step: Repent and believe in the “Good News”. -Mark 1:15Action step: Make room in your life to receive God's breakthrough! -James 4:7-10Question: How do we repent and “make room” for God's supernatural power and blessing?Answer:SUBMIT therefore to God. -James 4:7aRESIST and the devil will FLEE. -James 4:7bDRAW NEAR to God and He will DRAW NEAR to you. -James 4:8aWASH your hands and PURIFY your heart. -James 4:8bGRIEVE MOURN WAIL change…. -James 4:9HUMBLE yourself, and He will EXALT you. -James 4:10Assignment:Soak in God's goodness: Prayerfully read through Psalm 23 each day this week.Make room for a breakthroughBroadcast ResourceDownload MP3Message NotesAdditional Resource MentionsI Choose Love BookDaily Discipleship - Psalms of HopeConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003
There are seasons of suffering that can make God feel distant—even when we know in our minds that He is real and faithful. This devotional acknowledges that painful experience: moments when anxiety, grief, fear, or spiritual dryness convince us that we’ve been left alone. David voiced these same feelings in Psalm 22 as he faced enemies, isolation, and distress. Yet even in his desperation, David still cried out to God as his strength and help, showing us that feeling abandoned isn’t the same as being abandoned. One of the key truths in today’s devotional is that when God feels far away, the distance is not on His side. God does not leave His people. He remains constant, faithful, and present—yesterday, today, and forever. Often, the shift happens in us: sin, distraction, discouragement, or the slow drift away from prayer and Scripture can make us feel spiritually numb. But even then, God remains ready to forgive, restore, and draw us back close when we turn to Him. So what do we do when we recognize we’ve drifted? We return. We pray. We open His Word again. We choose faith over feelings. Like any relationship, closeness grows through communication, time, and trust. And the devotional reminds us that God’s love is proven—not only by what we feel, but by what He has already done through Jesus Christ. When you can’t sense His presence, you can still anchor yourself in His promises. God is not far away. He is near, attentive, and ready to strengthen you in the middle of deep suffering. Main Takeaways Feeling like God is far away does not mean He has abandoned you. God’s presence is constant—even when your emotions suggest otherwise. Spiritual distance often happens when we drift from prayer, confession, and Scripture. Faith is not based on feelings; it’s rooted in God’s unchanging promises. Drawing close to God through prayer and His Word restores confidence and clarity. Today’s Bible Verse: Psalm 22:19 Your Daily Prayer Here is a brief excerpt from today’s prayer: “I dismiss my feelings and trust with faith that you are near to me… Restore my faith, dear Lord.” You can read the full prayer and devotional at the links below. Looking for more daily encouragement and faith-filled content? LifeAudio – Discover daily devotionals, Christian podcasts, and biblical encouragement at LifeAudio.com Crosswalk – Explore faith, prayer, and Christian living resources at Crosswalk.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
After the tragic death of her 3-year-old son River in 2019, Amber Smith began a journey through "the valley of the shadow of death" that led her to experience the darkness of grief—and the light that Jesus brings, even in our greatest pain. This conversation explores grief, faith, and what it looks like to keep seeking God even in the valley. Read Amber's memoir, The Girl on the Bathroom Floor, today!Scripture referenced:Psalm 139:13Hosea 6:1Proverbs 3:5Romans 12:12Psalm 23About Amber Smith:Instagram | Website | YouTubeAmber's favorite Bible study tools:Bible-in-a-Year Plan | LSB Bible | John MacArthur Study Bible | Gel Highlighters | Gel Pens | @shelovesbible products | Olive Tree Bible AppGot a question or something on your heart? We'd love to hear it! Drop us a note — your feedback helps us create episodes that truly encourage and inspire.Join our community! If you are a Christian woman seeking to know God deeper, study Scriptures, pray with and for others, strengthen your faith, and support other in doing the same, this is the place for you. Support the show
Fall asleep to special Psalm devotionals at https://www.sleeppsalms.com Tonight's prayer is from Psalm 47:2. Welcome to "Sleep Psalms with Bishop T.D. Jakes," a tranquil oasis of serenity for your weary soul. In each episode, you'll embark on a soothing journey guided by the wisdom of the most popular book of the Bible, the book of Psalms. Bishop T.D. Jakes' calming voice and gentle prayers will lull you into a peaceful state of mind, perfect for restful sleep or deep meditation. Allow each profound devotional soothe your soul every night. Let the verses of the Psalms cradle your thoughts and provide solace, allowing you to drift into a night of tranquil slumber. Let the Lord be your shepherd tonight, and fall asleep to God's word. Join us as we embark on a profound exploration of these timeless scriptures, nurturing both your spirit and your dreams. Download the Pray.com app for more Bible stories to last a lifetime. To learn more about Bishop T.D. Jakes visit https://tdjenterprises.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Evening Prayer for Thursday, January 8, 2026 (The Epiphany: The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalms 20-21Jeremiah 7:1-28, 341 Thessalonians 1Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
Morning Prayer for Thursday, January 8, 2026 (The Epiphany: The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 19Genesis 8John 4:27-54Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
Today we get to see the Lord's faithfulness to a sinful man who doubts, who wavers, who makes poor decisions, but who ultimately responds to the Lord's instruction. It would be hard to argue that the Lord chose Abram because of his upstanding moral qualities, however, as his flaws aren't covered up or diminished. Instead, in God's own kindness, He makes promises to Abram, promises that will last from one generation to the next, on and on through the ages. The Lord makes these promises, not because Abram deserves it or because His holy hands would be tied without Abram's cooperate; instead, through his work in Abram's life God will show the world his steadfast love and sovereign provision.Genesis 14 – 1:17 . Genesis 15 – 5:34 . Genesis 16 – 9:09 . Genesis 17 – 13:20 . Psalm 5 – 18:50 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
Because of the sin of Adam, our human bodies get sick, and it doesn't have to be because of anything we did. However, God loved us so much that He sent Jesus to restore our spirit, soul, and body. In today's message we examine the restoration of our bodies and discover that God can and will heal any sickness you have. __________ Matthew 19:26 KJV, Psalm 103:4–5 KJV, Deuteronomy 34:7 KJV, Joshua 14:10–11 NLT, Genesis 1:1–5 KJV, Genesis 1:27 KJV, Luke 4:18 KJV, 1 Peter 2:24 KJV, John 10:10 KJV __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com Leave a Comment: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/comments __________
Pastor James Powell brings a powerful message from John 10 and Psalm 23, reminding us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who leads, provides, and corrects out of love—not based on our performance, but on what He has done. This message reframes conviction as kindness, inviting us into deeper trust, humility, and gratitude as we learn to follow the Shepherd's voice and rest in His unchanging care.
In the Lord I Take Refuge: Daily Devotions Through the Psalms with Dane Ortlund
❖ Today's Bible reading is Psalm 29: www.ESV.org/Psalm29 ❖ To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional: www.crossway.org/books/in-the-lord-i-take-refuge-hcj/ ❖ Browse other resources from Dane Ortlund: www.crossway.org/authors/dane-c-ortlund/
Welcome to Day 2771 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday –The Prayers of Christ and the Destiny of the Faithful. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2771 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2771 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website theologyinfive.com. Today's lesson is titled The Prayers of Christ and the Destiny of the Faithful. When Jesus prays to the Father in the Gospels, He does so as the Incarnate Son, fully God and fully man. His prayers are not signs of weakness or inequality, but expressions of true humanity. They reflect His relationship with the Father within the limitations of flesh and blood, taken on voluntarily to accomplish the redemption of mankind. Yet Christ's prayers do more than model dependence. They reveal His mission, not merely to forgive sin, but to lead those united to Him into eternal fellowship with Yahweh, where they will be glorified through their relationship with Him. In His High Priestly Prayer in John seventeen, Jesus says: “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one” (John seventeen verse twenty-two). This is not poetic exaggeration. It is a clear expression of Christ's intent to raise His followers into the glory that He shares with the Father, restoring and transforming them in the process. The first segment is: Jesus's Prayers as Revelation of His Mission. In John seventeen verses one and two, Jesus prays: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.” Christ's authority includes granting eternal life, an existence defined not merely by duration, but by nature: incorruptibility, righteousness, and unending communion with God. Later in the same prayer, He says: “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory…” (John seventeen verse twenty-four) Though Christ is fully divine, He chose to humble Himself. As Paul writes in Philippians two verses six through eight, though existing in the form of God, He did not cling to His divine status but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. Hebrews two says He was made for a little while lower than the angels, not because He lost divinity, but because He embraced full humanity. His prayers reflect this self-imposed humility and His desire to elevate those He redeems. The second segment is: The Resurrection Body and the Nature of Glorified Transformation. Scripture consistently affirms the transformation of the faithful, not merely morally, but ontologically. Psalm eight states that man was made “a little lower than the heavenly beings,” but destined to be crowned with glory and honor. Hebrews two applies this to Christ and, by extension, to all who belong to Him. First Corinthians fifteen declares that believers will be raised with glorified, incorruptible bodies. Paul...
GENESIS 18:16-19:38 | MATTHEW 6:25-7:14 | PSALM 8:1-9 | PROVERBS 2:6-15
A Bigger Life Prayer and Bible Devotionals with Pastor Dave Cover
This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body and refocus your mind to experience the reality of God's presence. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination. Psalm 16:1-2 ESV 1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.
We discover that God cares about the heart. God wants us to love Him, value Him, and esteem Him above all things. When we serve the Lord out of sincere hearts, wanting to please Him, and wanting to give Him the glory, he rewards us only a loving Heavenly Father can.Main Points:1. In Jesus' great Sermon on the Mount he speaks to the heart of what we do for God, not just what we do for God. We learn that it's not just the act of serving God that pleases the Lord, but our motives matter to Him as well.2. I believe this is one of the things that distinguishes Christianity from every other world religion. You see every world religion is about what you do. It's about your work. Salvation is earned by your diligence to hard work and keeping rules. 3. In Christianity, it's not that Jesus doesn't care what we do, but he is more interested in those intentions that are hidden from human eyes. He's after our heart. Today's Scripture Verses:Matthew 6:1 - “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”Matthew 5:16 - “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”Psalm 26:2 - “Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group
Psalm 95 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com
Psalm 119:73-80 Psalm 59:2-5,10-11,17-18 Psalm 60 Jeremiah 31:11-12 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com
Psalm 51 Habakkuk 3:2-4,13a,15-19 Psalm 147:12-20 Isaiah 45:22-23 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com
Psalm 38 Isaiah 65:13-25 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com
Psalm 88 Jeremiah 14:9a Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com
Psalm 116:1-9 Psalm 121 Revelation 15:3-4 Romans 8:3-4 Prayer Requests to psp@sqpn.com
“For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.” (Psalm 31:3) David wrote often about the trials of life, but he leaned on a wise and good guide f... More...
Fr. Ryan preached this homily on January 1, 2025. The readings are from Numbers 6:22-27, Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8, Galatians 4:4-7 & Luke 2:16-21. — Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCytcnEsuKXBI-xN8mv9mkfw
Fr. Ryan preached this homily on January 4, 2025. The readings are from Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13, Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 & Matthew 2:1-12. — Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCytcnEsuKXBI-xN8mv9mkfw
It's Thursday, January 8th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Columbian pastor killed on New Year's Eve Armed individuals shot a Protestant pastor to death in Colombia on New Year's Eve. Pastor José Otoniel Ortega was a leader in the Foursquare Gospel denomination. He was celebrating the start of the New Year with his family at the time of the attack. The South American nation has faced a long-running internal conflict. Sadly, criminal groups in this conflict often target religious leaders for opposing violence. At least 10 Protestant leaders have died in such killings over the last year in Colombia. Christian Solidarity Worldwide said Ortega's denomination described him as “a beloved pastor, a faithful servant, a man who walked with God, who preached the word with love and gave his life to Kingdom service.” Venezuelan Evangelical groups calling for prayer Evangelical organizations in Venezuela are calling for prayer and peace as the country faces political upheaval. A message from the Evangelical Council of Venezuela stated, “We reaffirm our confidence in the sovereignty of God, who reigns over the nations and guides history according to His eternal purpose. … As a church, we remain committed to preaching the Gospel, building up God's people, and the pursuit of the common good.” The statement comes after the United States captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro over the weekend. Psalm 75:6-7 says, “For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.” America gets 40 million barrels of Venezuelan oil Interim authorities in Venezuela will be handing over 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. U.S. President Trump announced the news on Tuesday. He wrote on Truth Social, “This oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!” President Trump and top U.S. oil executives plan to meet Friday. They are planning major investments in Venezuela's oil sector. Abortion deaths totaled 73 million worldwide in 2025 Abortion deaths rose to over 73 million last year according to Worldometer's analysis of data from the World Health Organization. Worldometer reports 140 million total deaths in 2025. Sixty-seven million of those deaths were attributed to a cause other than abortion. That means the killing of unborn babies accounted for over 50% of deaths last year. Once again, abortion was the leading cause of death in the world. Romans 3:15-18 says, “Their feet are swift to shed blood; destruction and misery are in their ways; and the way of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Texas and Florida sue FDA over generic abortion kill pill In the United States, Texas and Florida filed a lawsuit last month against the Food and Drug Administration. The lawsuit challenges the FDA's decision to approve a new generic version of the abortion drug mifepristone. The case also challenges rules that allow women to easily obtain such abortion pills through the mail. It adds, “The United States Food and Drug Administration is responsible ‘for protect[ing] the public health by ensuring that … drugs are safe and effective.' Yet the FDA's approval and deregulation of abortion drugs have placed women and girls in harm's way.” Trump cuts social service funding to blue states over fraud concern The Trump administration cut social services funding to Democrat-led states over fraud concerns on Tuesday. The Department of Health and Human Services froze the $10 billion in funding to New York, Illinois, California, Minnesota, and Colorado. This follows the department's decision last Tuesday to freeze $185 million in child care payments to Minnesota. Daycare centers run by Somalis in the state are facing major allegations of fraud. Christian author Phillip Yancey confessed 8-year affair Philip Yancey, the bestselling Christian author, has admitted to having an extramarital affair with a married woman for eight years and has stepped away from ministry, reports the Christian Post. In an emailed statement to Christianity Today, where he was editor-at-large, the 76-year-old Yancey stated that “I confess that for eight years I willfully engaged in a sinful affair with a married woman. My conduct defied everything that I believe about marriage. It was also totally inconsistent with my faith and my writings and caused deep pain for her husband and both of our families.” Yancey added, “I have confessed my sin before God and my wife, and have committed myself to a professional counseling and accountability program. I have failed morally and spiritually, and I grieve over the devastation I have caused.” Calling the affair “my great shame,” Yancey added that he was “now focused on rebuilding trust and restoring my marriage of 55 years. Having disqualified myself from Christian ministry, I am therefore retiring from writing, speaking, and social media. Instead, I need to spend my remaining years living up to the words I have already written. I pray for God's grace and forgiveness — as well as yours — and for healing in the lives of those I've wounded.” Hebrews 13:3 says, “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled; but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” Phillip Yancey was the author of several notable Christian books, including Disappointment with God, Where is God When it Hurts?, The Jesus I Never Knew, What's So Amazing About Grace?, Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference? and Where the Light Fell. U.S. government encouraging more whole foods & protein, less sugar And finally, the Trump administration released new dietary guidelines for Americans yesterday. The policy encourages people to eat more whole foods and protein while consuming less processed foods and added sugar. The guidelines noted, “For decades, federal incentives have promoted low-quality, highly processed foods and pharmaceutical intervention instead of prevention.” Listen to comments from Brooke Rollins, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. ROLLINS: “The new guidelines are all about putting the well being of Americans first, exactly where it should have been all along. This is the foundation that will make America healthy again, not just for those of us alive today, but for our children and our children's children and those coming behind. “God bless American families. God bless the American farmer and rancher and God bless America.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, January 8th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
False accusations, broken trust, and relational pain can shake our confidence—but Psalm 27:13–14 reminds us that God’s goodness is still at work in the land of the living. This devotional encourages us to place our trust fully in God, not people, and to wait on Him with strength and courage when relationships fail. Highlights Betrayal and false accusations reveal how fragile human relationships can be. Trusting people to meet soul-level needs often leads to disappointment. David’s experience with Saul shows that jealousy and envy can drive cruelty. God uses difficult relationships to reveal truth and refine our perspective. Waiting on the Lord builds spiritual strength, not weakness. God’s goodness is not delayed—it is present, even in painful seasons. True security comes from placing faith in God alone, not in others’ approval. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Put Your Trust in GodBy: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” - Psalm 27:13-14 In high school, I always struggled to fit in. I had friends in various circles within my class, but I never seemed to fit in anywhere. I tried desperately to fit in with a group that lived near me, and we shared the same bus. But just when I got a boyfriend who was a mutual friend of theirs, things got ugly. People who I thought were my friends were spreading vicious lies about me. They couldn't understand what their mutual friend saw in me. This is especially true since one of the friends in that circle had dated him before. The night of our Sophomore dance, I took that mutual friend as my date. We all shared the same ride and went to the dance together. But after returning from the bathroom, I saw my friend in my group flirting with my new boyfriend. I was devastated. How could she do this to me? After that, we didn't speak to each other for quite some time. Eventually, that mutual friend and I broke up. Once that happened, the friend from my circle started talking to me again. Although this is before I knew the Lord, it taught me a valuable lesson: life can be cruel. The friends you think you've made may turn on you in an instant once they find you have something that they want. I struggled until graduation, wondering if these were truly my friends or not. I quickly concluded they weren't and started making friends with someone else. I never felt so lonely. It wasn't until I met the Lord a year later that I realized what true happiness and companionship could be. The Lord filled the hole in my soul, and I no longer needed fallible, fragile human beings to fill that void for connection and intimacy. The above verse reminds me of God's sovereignty, presence, and omniscience. Although this verse is positive, verse 12 above it puts it into context: “Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise against me, spouting malicious accusations.” I learned the harshness of this reality during that encounter with my friend. We stopped being friends after that, and after graduation, we stopped talking altogether. The psalmist David wrote this in this context to promise the readers that we will see goodness and mercy come on this earth. David had personally experienced hardship and persecution from Saul. Saul was envious of his position, and he would stop at nothing to get it—even murder him. This must have been devastating for David since he had done nothing to Saul. Jealousy and envy can be difficult emotions to process. But David's encouragement in the above verse is straightforward: if we hold on to God, we will see goodness and mercy flow from others. But it is important to change our perspective to do so. Instead of seeing my friend’s accusations as a loss, I should have seen them as a strength. I'm glad the Lord showed me that side of her because I could understand fully that she was never my friend. I was placing my trust in someone nice to my face, but behind my back was anything but pleasant. The Lord will use things in our lives to show us people's true colors. Sometimes, difficult circumstances will bring out the worst in people. This is when you can truly see who people are on the inside. If you are going through a difficult circumstance, take heart. Hold on to the encouragement of this verse. Wait on the Lord, he will be good and provide you with everything you need. He may also turn your situation around for his good and glory. God will sometimes use situations like this to show you people's true colors. In the end, it is better to know who people truly are and not put your faith and trust in them, but instead in God. Put your faith and trust in God always, and you'll never be disappointed. Father, let us hold fast to you. Let us take heart and place our hope in you. Allow us to trust you, knowing that you can change any situation for your good. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: Did you ever have a situation where someone hurled false accusations at you? Go to God with those feelings. Further Reading:John 16:33 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Jesus comes and tells those listening to prepare for their prophecy to be fulfilledMorning Offering, January 8, 2026Every 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)________________
A Morning at the Office - an Episcopal Morning Prayer Podcast
Officiant: Mtr. Lisa Meirow, Psalm(s): Psalm 117, 118, Fr. Wiley Ammons, Old Testament: Exodus 17:1-7, Ian Lasch, First Canticle: 8, New Testament: Colossians 1:15-23, Elizabeth Henry-McKeever, Second Canticle: 20, Gospel: John 7:37-52, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Antonio Allegretti, used by permission.
Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Episode Summary: Emotional Exhaustion and holiday burnout are very real experiences. Today we’re going to be talking about the post-holiday aftermath that many of us feel for a myriad of reasons. We are going to cover expectations—unmet and unspoken; the subsequent disappointment which follows and the straight up exhaustion of making Christmas happen for our loved ones. If we don’t pause for a moment following the holidays, we rush headlong into the long winter months with unresolved sadness, which impacts our mental and emotional well-being, making those January blues stronger. Our goal today is to equip you with space to process what happened or didn’t happen, reminders that you are not alone, and practical hope-filled tools to apply to the post-holiday aftermath you may be experiencing. Quotables from the episode: The living room is scattered with wrapping paper, ornaments are askew on the tree, and a fine layer of dust covers everything. Family has wandered off to pursue individual pursuits and you’re sitting alone. You did it. You curated gifts based on personal interests and desires. You planned special meals and made the once-a-year Christmas treats. But now the exhaustion sets in. You wonder if your family appreciates your effort, and you question whether it’s worth it. Crawling into bed and skipping the big family get together later that day sounds great. Instead, you pull yourself up and put another foot in front of the other. “Do the next thing,” you whisper, but wonder if you actually can. Today we are talking about How to Heal from Emotional Burnout and Holiday Exhaustion. Emotional burnout and holiday exhaustion is a real experience that many of us deal with. It can start as early as October or November and lingers into January. I love the reminders in Psalm 46 to be still, but it can be so hard to do. But when I keep reading, I see that knowing God and bringing him glory helps me frame being still inside the comforting knowledge that God is with me through it all. It’s the “all” that trips us up during the holidays. How do we determine how much or how little to do? How do we manage our expectations within the framework of stillness wrapped in God’s presence? One of the contributing factors in emotional exhaustion and holiday burnout comes from a motive to serve others and to create a special experience for them. It’s a good and noble desire to do this. The gift of hospitality, even to our own families, is a special way to show them God’s love. That’s where my desire comes from: I want to show my family love by doing for them. But when we neglect the best thing, we find ourselves running through the holidays in our own strength, which creates emotional burnout and holiday exhaustion. I love the sisters, Mary and Martha, found in Luke 10:38-42. These two women show us how to both serve and be still. I’ve never liked how Martha is shown as wrong and Mary as right. If we take the time to read what Jesus said, we learn there is a good way and a better way. Martha had good motives in serving Jesus and the other guests. In the context of healing from holiday exhaustion and emotional burnout, the desire to create a beautiful holiday experience is a good desire. Martha’s mistake was her unspoken expectation that her sister should be helping her create this amazing experience for the Lord. However, Mary spent her time listening at the feet of Jesus. While it looked like she was doing nothing, she shows us how being still is an active response. Spending time with Jesus is a better desire. It changes us from the inside out. Let’s explore how to hold both the good and the better in the same space and time. I’ve always had mixed feelings when it comes to the account of Mary and Martha. I want to be a Mary, but I definitely relate to Martha’s personally as a get-it-done kind of person. I can’t tell you how often I hear “I don’t know how you do all you do!” And in transparency, for many years, I wore that as a badge of honor, until doing became my downfall. One thing that has always stood out to me in the account of these two sisters is when Scripture says But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. It’s not that what Martha was doing was bad…it just wasn’t the best thing. It’s so easy to set aside our private, personal time with Jesus during the crazy, busy holiday season, and embarrassingly, I have succumbed to that at times. But what you’re saying is that healing from emotional burnout and holiday exhaustion starts with being still with Jesus. It’s within the stillness with Jesus where we can be refreshed and guided for our next thing. We can ask the Holy Spirit to show us where we may have expectations that could lead to disappointment. I must continually remind myself that life is not a movie script, with perfectly plotted responses. There is no call for “Cut!” or “Go again.” Our family members deal with their own internal angsts, expectations, and disappointments, which clash with ours. If we start the day with Jesus and invite him into every part of our day, we can hold the good with the better and reveal both a Martha and a Mary side to our families and ourselves. Unmet expectations (of others and ourselves) can contribute to emotional exhaustion and holiday burnout. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, so we have to be intentional when we want to change course. Addressing expectations by making time with Jesus a priority during the holiday season is vital, but let’s turn our attention to some practical steps. One step we can do post-holiday is to ask our families what traditions or activities are important to them. We may be doing all the things, but maybe we don’t need too. Taking the time to talk about expectations, and adjusting them going forward both helps to heal, and create self-guards going forward. A second aspect that crucial for our healing from emotional exhaustion and holiday burnout is to Create space in your life to rest and recover. There’s no universal required day to take down the decorations and return the gift bags to their storage space. Lay on the couch post-Christmas and New Years. Turn off the lamps and turn on the Christmas lights. Take time to rejoice in Jesus coming to earth for you. Contemplate God with us. Be still and know he is God. Depending on how depleted, fatigued, or burned out you may feel, I would add to that to create a “recovery zone”. Pick a short window every day, even if only 10-20 minutes, where you intentionally do nothing that requires output. Instead, sit with a cozy drink, listen to calm music, step outside for a breath of fresh air. This sends your nervous system the message: “I am safe. I can rest.” The fourth suggestion we have for how to heal from emotional exhaustion and holiday burnout is where we can learn from Mary. I’d suggest a brief post-holiday evaluation can be very helpful by answering two questions. First, What wore you out? Second, What gave you life? Taking the time for a post-holiday evaluation helps heal from emotional burnout and holiday exhaustion because self-reflection helps our brain release what is internally keeping our mind in a state of stress, and is a way to prepare and protect your mental and emotional strength for the next year. This is where we realize where we may have lost sight of “God with us.” It’s easy to keep saying yes and to add more. Some years we have the capacity for a lot and other years we need to scale back. Three of my kids have birthdays in November, January, and February. Reserving energy for their births changed how I did Christmas, from the décor to the gifts to the food. And I discovered an important truth—it’s not so much what we do that makes Christmas special but the who. Who we are with and who we focus on. A fifth tip, which is really important, is to Replenish What Was Depleted. To do this, I would add a third question to the self-evaluation, and that is to ask yourself What did the holidays season drain the most? If it was sleep, commit to earlier nights for a week or two. If it was social energy, block out quiet evenings. If it was finances, enact a low-spend month or two. If it was emotions, journal what you carried and release it to God. We know that the level of emotional exhaustion or holiday burnout is different for everyone, and some years are worse than others, but with a shift in our perspective, a bit of self-reflection, communicating with our family, creating space to rest and recover, and intentionally replenishing what was depleted, we can experience healing from emotional burnout and holiday exhaustion. Scripture References: Psalm 46:11-12 “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Luke 10:38-42 “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” 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, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip 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, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Jessica Van Roekel: Website / Instagram / Facebook For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: 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: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
A Prayer for Peaceful Sleep by Paige Collins Few things unsettle a mother’s heart like a child waking in the night, frightened and inconsolable.In this episode by Paige Collins, we talk honestly about that ache, the helplessness we feel in the dark hours, and the responsibility we carry as mothers who long to protect our children.Psalm 4:8 reminds us of a powerful truth: our children’s safety does not rest on our vigilance, worry, or late-night searching for answers. It rests in God alone. While we take practical steps to care for our children, we are also invited to stand in spiritual authority—anchoring our parenting in prayer and God’s promises. Reference: Psalm 4:8 Prayer: Heavenly Father, as a mother covered by Your grace, I boldly declare Your promise of Psalm 4:8 over my child tonight, that my child will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone make him dwell in safety. I ask you to guard my child’s mind and spirit against nightmares, night terrors, and every harmful influence, and replace his/her fears and worries, with your perfect peace and supernatural comfort. In Jesus’ name, amen. LINKS: 5 Habits of a Praying Mom Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Officiant: Fr. Wiley Ammons, Psalm(s): Psalm 112, 113, Laura Ammons, Old Testament: Exodus 17:1-7, Ian Lasch, First Canticle: 11, New Testament: Colossians 1:15-23, Elizabeth Henry-McKeever, Second Canticle: 15, Gospel: John 7:37-52, Mtr. Lisa Meirow. Logo image by Laura Ammons, used by permission.