Podcasts about trust in god

In this eye-opening conversation, Ohio businessman Justin Powell joins Aaron Renn to discuss his viral article “Dying to Give” — why waiting until death to pass on wealth is often the wrong move, and how thoughtful, early giving can build stronger families, businesses, and communities.Justin shares powerful real-life stories: a multi-generation gravel pit owner who's deliberately preserving two generations of reserves for his sons instead of chasing short-term profits, how he set his teenage boys up with $3,000 each to start lawn-mowing businesses (one made $35K in a summer), and why small, strategic investments at key “choke points” (home down payments, first business capital, financial literacy) can change the trajectory of a young person's life forever.Together they explore:- The massive $85 trillion wealth transfer happening over the next 20 years- Why asset ownership (homes, businesses, land) is becoming harder — and more important — than ever- How parents and grandparents can give wisely without spoiling kids- Balancing prudence (longevity, healthcare risks) with bold generosity and trust in God's provision- Real examples of leverage points where $5K–$20K today creates massive long-term impactWhether you're a parent, grandparent, business owner, or young person trying to get on the ownership ladder, this episode challenges the default “you'll get it when I die” mindset and offers a better way forward.Read Justin's entire "Dying to Give" article: https://www.aaronrenn.com/p/dying-to-giveCHAPTERS(0:00 Introduction)(1:26 The gravel pit family story: preserving two generations of reserves)(4:41 Setting kids up early — $3K investment → $35K summer earnings)(7:06 The mindset shift: prepare them now, not just at death)(9:06 The $85 trillion wealth transfer wave)(10:53 Upper-class family subsidies vs. the ownership ladder struggle)(13:24 Choke points: down payments, first businesses, college debt)(16:00 Timing matters — home equity winners vs. renters)(19:00 Wisdom over coercion: guiding adult children with small gifts)(21:52 Billionaire's car test & financial literacy approach)(23:51 Prudence vs. catastrophe planning: when to give boldly)(26:58 Time, talent, and treasure — character over cash)

Why does God seem to give babies so easily to people who don't even want them—while others pray and wait for years? In this episode, we confront this painful question head-on, unpack what it reveals about our hearts, and anchor ourselves in truth about God's sovereignty and goodness.  

In this episode of Pray the Word on Genesis 37:36, David Platt emphasizes trust in God's mercy even when life seems to be falling apart.Explore more content from Radical.

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Jesus' wisdom compels us to give honor to governments and ourselves to God.A. Live by the surpassing wisdom of Jesus.B. Give to human governments within limits.C. Give yourself to God without limits.Digging Deeper    Read Luke 20:20-261. How does believing that all resources are ultimately God's help us in submitting to the government? (e.g., paying taxes with faith God will provide, or not allowing our hope to be controlled by government over/underspending). 2. Name (in less than 30 seconds!) an area of politics which often frustrates you. What do you think Jesus would have to say about it? Try to consider any Scripture passages referencing this area. 3. How can we use the surpassing wisdom of Jesus to interact with governing authorities well?4. Where do you think you need to consciously limit - or elevate - the honor or trust you place in government? Why?5. How might we approach political involvement/rhetoric as a Christian witness to others? What about criticism of political leaders?6. What areas of your life (if any) do you think might be affected too much by politics? (areas named in the sermon were time, affections, and community)7. Read CrossWay's fourth defining value below: “As a result of our personal experience of God's love through the Gospel, we eagerly seek to obey the first and greatest commandment—to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. This love is the natural and joyful response to experiencing God's gracious forgiveness, for the one who is “forgiven much, loves much.” This love for God will be expressed in all we do, but it will find a particularly heightened expression in worship, both personal and corporate.”What tends to limit you from loving God wholeheartedly? 8. Suppose a friend or coworker comes to you to vent about the most recent thing happening in the news. What would be a gospel-shaped response? 9. How do you need to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty this week? Prayer

This episode teaches that following Jesus means embracing the narrow way—a path of humility, pruning, and sacrifice where God uses pressure to form Christlike character. Through Scripture and personal stories, it shows the narrow place as preparation, not punishment, calling believers to release even past blessings, trust God fully, and grow in prayer, mission, and love for others.

The Right Weapons #RTTBROS #Nightlight #RTTBROS "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." — 2 Corinthians 10:3-5I still remember the Christmas morning when I was about seven years old and unwrapped a shiny new cap gun. Man, I thought I was something special. I'd load up those little red rolls of caps, and every time I pulled that trigger, there'd be a satisfying pop and a tiny puff of smoke. I'd play Cowboys and Indians in the backyard, imagining epic battles and heroic victories.But here's the thing, even at seven years old, I knew that cap gun wasn't real. It made noise and looked impressive, but if I'd tried to take that toy into an actual battle against a real enemy with real weapons, well, that would have been downright foolish.Yet that's exactly what we do in our spiritual lives more often than we'd like to admit. We're in a real war, but we keep showing up with cap guns, trying to fight spiritual battles with our own strength, our own reasoning, our own strategies.George Whitefield understood this truth. He said, "Since then Christ is praying for us, whom should we fear? And since He has promised to make us more than conquerors, of whom should we be afraid? No, though an host of demons are lined up against us, let us not be afraid; though the hottest persecution should rise up against us, yet let us put our trust in God. Even though Satan, and the rest of his apostate spirits, are powerful, when compared with us; yet, if put in competition with the Almighty, they are as weak as the smallest worms."The reason we yield to temptation isn't that the enemy is overpowering. It's that we're not using the mighty weapons God has made available to us. Prayer isn't just a good idea, it's our direct line to the Commander. The Bible isn't just a book, it's our sword. The Holy Spirit isn't just a concept, He's our power source.Here's what I've learned, and I'm too soon old and too late smart on this one: spiritual battles can never be fought and won with our own resources. When we finally put down our toy weapons and pick up what God has given us, the victory is already ours.Let's pray: Father, forgive us for trying to fight Your battles with our own strength. Help us to put down our cap guns and pick up the mighty weapons You've provided. In Jesus' name, Amen.#Faith #SpiritualWarfare #Prayer #ChristianLiving #DailyDevotion #BiblicalWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #RTTBROS #NightlightBe sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros

[Season 6, Episode 25] In this faith-building and abundance-centered episode of the I AM Beautiful Wild Free Podcast, we declare with assurance: I AM Living From a Place of Overflow.

Having more does not always lead to peace. Explore why abundance often fails to satisfy and how true contentment is found when money loses its grip and trust in God becomes the foundation for freedom, generosity, and lasting peace.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Hope Anchors the Soul is a faith-centered podcast rooted in the promises of Jeremiah 29:11 and the transformative truth of Romans 12:2. This podcast invites listeners into meaningful conversations grounded in hope, renewal, and trust in God's plan. Join Jill and Tonya, two friends walking closely with Jesus, as they share their personal journeys, reflections, and lessons learned along the way. Through honest dialogue, biblical insight, and encouragement drawn from lived experience, they seek to inspire hearts, strengthen faith, and remind listeners that hope remains steady even in uncertain seasons. Whether you are seeking spiritual encouragement, a renewed mindset, or a deeper understanding of God's purpose for your life, Hope Anchors the Soul offers a welcoming space to pause, reflect, and grow in faith.

Show NotesSummaryIn this episode, Ms. G delves into the pervasive issue of worry, a common experience that many people face but often hesitate to discuss. She emphasizes that while it's natural to worry, it ultimately serves no productive purpose and can detract from our peace and trust in God. Drawing from biblical references, she highlights the distinction between worry and wisdom, urging listeners to recognize that worrying does not solve problems but rather keeps us stuck in anxiety about the future. Ms. G encourages a shift from worry to trust, emphasizing that trusting God is an active choice that requires daily commitment and prayer.Ms. G further explores the idea that worry can signal a lack of faith or an attempt to control outcomes that are beyond our grasp. She invites listeners to reflect on what they are worrying about and to surrender those burdens to God. By replacing worry with prayer and gratitude, individuals can find peace and clarity. The episode concludes with a powerful reminder that while challenges are inevitable, God promises to be with us through them, and trusting Him is the key to experiencing true peace.TakeawaysWorry is a waste; it doesn't solve problems.Trusting God is an active choice, not passive.Worry keeps us stuck in the future, missing today's grace.Replace worry with prayer and gratitude.What are you worrying about that God is asking you to surrender?Worry vs. Wisdom: Choosing Trust Over AnxietySurrendering Worry: Finding Peace in Trusting God"Worrying has never solved a single problem.""Exchange worry for prayer, anxiety for Thanksgiving.""Worry is a burden we were never designed to carry."Keywords: worry, trust, faith, wisdom, prayer, anxiety, God, peace, Christian living, surrenderSound Bites Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Worry01:57 Worry vs. Wisdom05:47 The Impact of Worry on Trust06:46 Choosing Trust Over Panic09:38 Surrendering Worry to God

We meet Isaac and Ishmael, the first two sons of Abraham. Abraham and Sarah, desperate for a child, take matters into their own hands and conceive a son, Ishmael, through Sarah's maidservant Hagar. However, God confirms that His covenant promises will be fulfilled through Isaac, the son born to Abraham and Sarah. As Isaac grows, he becomes the embodiment of God's promises, and Abraham's faith is tested when God commands him to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham's unwavering trust in God's faithfulness is revealed as he demonstrates obedience to God's command.Bible ReadingsGenesis 16:1-15Genesis 17:15-22Genesis 22:1-18Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://bibli...

Leading Into 2026: Executive Pastor Insights Momentum is real. So is the pressure. This free report draws from the largest dedicated survey of Executive Pastors ever, revealing what leaders are actually facing as they prepare for 2026. Why staff health is the #1 pressure point Where churches feel hopeful — and stretched thin What worked in 2025 and is worth repeating Clear decision filters for the year ahead Download the Full Report Free PDF • Built for Executive Pastors • Instant access Welcome back to another episode of the unSeminary podcast. We’re continuing our conversations with executive pastors from prevailing churches, unpacking what leaders like you shared in the National Executive Pastor Survey, so you can lead forward with clarity. Today we're joined by Paul Alexander, Executive Pastor at Sun Valley Community Church and Senior Consultant with The Unstuck Group. With more than 25 years of ministry experience and nearly 15 years at Sun Valley, Paul brings a blend of practitioner insight and coaching wisdom. Sun Valley is one of the fastest-growing churches in the country, with six physical locations, a prison campus, and more expansion on the way. In this conversation, Paul helps unpack one of the most pressing themes from the National Executive Pastor Survey: staff health, culture, and organizational structure. Is your church clear on vision and strategy but still struggling to move forward? Do you sense tension or fatigue beneath the surface of your staff team? Paul offers candid, practical guidance on how leaders can cultivate both healthy and high-performing teams. Staff culture is often the real growth lid. // Many churches leave strategic planning sessions with remarkable clarity—clear vision, strong strategy, and actionable next steps—yet still fail to move forward. The reason is rarely theological or missional; it's cultural. Team culture and staff structure often become the limiting factor. Just as personal growth stalls when internal issues go unresolved, churches stall when unhealthy patterns persist within leadership teams. Healthy and high-performing. // Many churches swing between two extremes: high performance with little concern for soul health, or relational warmth with minimal accountability to achieve the vision. Neither honors the full call of ministry. The healthiest teams refuse to live at either end of the pendulum. Instead, they pursue a culture where people are cared for deeply while being challenged to steward their gifts faithfully toward the mission. You can't legislate health. // Health cannot be enforced through policies alone. Leaders set the tone through example, not rules. Staff watch how senior leaders manage time, rest, family, boundaries, and pressure. Late-night emails, skipped days off, and constant urgency quietly shape expectations—even if leaders say otherwise. Pastors need to lead with moral authority, not moral perfection: modeling rhythms that reflect trust in God rather than fear-driven overwork. Practical rhythms that protect people. // At Sun Valley, staff health is reinforced through intentional systems. Leaders are expected to take their days off and use vacation time; reports track whether staff actually do. Full-time staff receive sabbaticals every seven years, including non-director-level roles. Marriage retreats are offered as a gift to staff couples, recognizing that healthier marriages produce healthier ministry. These investments cost little financially but yield long-term fruit in sustainability and trust. Hire leaders, not doers. // A common staffing pitfall is hiring doers instead of leaders. While competence and skill earn someone a seat on the team at Sun Valley, long-term effectiveness depends on their ability to develop others. Staff are evaluated not on how much ministry they personally accomplish, but on how well they equip volunteers to lead. Volunteers are the heroes; staff exist to serve and multiply them. This mindset shifts ministry from bottlenecked to scalable. Structure must evolve with growth. // Churches often treat structure as fixed, but Paul insists that growing churches must restructure continually. Span of care, staffing ratios, and role clarity must be revisited regularly. He points to healthy benchmarks—such as staffing costs and staff-to-attendance ratios—as helpful indicators, not rigid rules. When leaders ignore structure, culture suffers; when structure is aligned, momentum increases. Fruit requires clarity and measurement. // Every staff role at Sun Valley includes measurable outcomes. Paul likens this to personal goals—no one expects a marriage to improve without intentional action. Clear metrics create focus, alignment, and accountability. Monthly one-on-ones blend personal care with performance review, ensuring leaders are supported holistically while still moving the mission forward. Encouragement for leaders sensing tension. // For executive pastors who feel something is “off” but can't quite name it, Paul urges them not to ignore that instinct. Growth exposes weaknesses, and structure or culture may need adjustment. Whether the issue is misalignment, unclear expectations, or misplaced roles, addressing it early prevents deeper damage later. To learn more about Sun Valley Community Church, visit sunvalleycc.com. For resources on staff health, structure, and strategy, explore theunstuckgroup.com or email Paul directly. Watch the full episode below: Thank You for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, but you chose unSeminary, and I'm grateful for that. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the left hand side of this page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, they're extremely helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally! Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor: SermonDone Hey friends, Sunday is coming… is your Sermon Done?Pastor, you don't need more pressure—you need support. That's why you need to check out SermonDone—the premium AI assistant built exclusivelyfor pastors. SermonDone helps you handle the heavy lifting: deep sermon research, series planning, and even a theologically aligned first draft—in your voice—because it actually trains on up to 15 of your past sermons. But it doesn't stop there. With just a click, you can instantly turn your message into small group guides, discussion questions, and even kids curriculum. It's like adding a research assistant, a writing partner, and a discipleship team—all in one. Try it free for 5 days. Head over to www.SermonDone.com and use promo code Rich20 for 20% off today! Episode Transcript Rich Birch — Hey friends, welcome to the unSeminary podcast. Really glad that you’ve decided to tune in. We’re doing a special series here this month where we’re looking at the results of a national survey that we did of executive pastors across the country. And we’ve pulled in some leading XPs from prevailing churches to help us think through these issues. Like we’re sitting across the table, if you talk about this problem, they want to help you with that. And today it’s our honor, our privilege really to have Paul Alexander with us. He is the executive pastor at Sun Valley Church for over 10 years. He has 25 years of experience. He’s a senior consultant with Unstuck, I think for 13 years. And he’s worked with all kinds of churches on health assessment, strategic planning. Sun Valley, if you don’t know this church, you’re living under a rock. fantastic church in Arizona, six physical locations, if I’m counting correctly, plus in prison, plus online. It’s repeatedly one of the fastest growing churches in the country. Paul, welcome to the show. So glad you’re here.Paul Alexander — Yeah, Rich, glad to be with you. Hopefully the conversation can help your listeners, man.Rich Birch — I really appreciate that. Why why don’t you fill in the picture about Sun Valley? I know we’ve had you on in the past. You should go back and listen, friends, but kind of give us the Sun Valley picture. Kind of tell us a little bit about that to set some context today.Paul Alexander — Yeah, man, been here now for almost 15 years. It’s wild to think back. When I first joined the team, it was one location, 10 acres, one exit, one entrance.Rich Birch — Wow.Paul Alexander — And, you know, there’s a lid to what you can do with that. And so we had originally went multi-site because we had to go multi-site. You know, the mission that Jesus gave the church to help more people meet him and grow up in their friendship with him. We had a lid to that with the space we were in. And so we had to go multi-site. It wasn’t cool. It wasn’t cute. It wasn’t fun. It wasn’t an experiment. It was like, if we’re going to obey Jesus, we don’t have an option.Rich Birch — Right. Yes.Paul Alexander — And so over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to add new locations. And, yeah, six physical locations, one in a prison. Our next prison campus opens up Q1. We grand open our Chandler location in March, and we break ground on San Tan in May. So, yeah, man, fun times, lots of people meeting Jesus.Rich Birch — So multi-sites not dead at Sun Valley.Paul Alexander — Man, multi-site’s not dead in America. Yeah.Rich Birch — I know. And it’s true, right? It’s one of those like, people are like, oh, I don’t know. That’s an old idea. I’m like, that’s not what I’m seeing. I’m like, gosh, there’s so many prevailing churches like Sun Valley that are just doubling down. That’s that’s fantastic. Rich Birch — Well, looking forward to today’s conversation. So friends, you’ve joined us actually for within, what did we ask, two questions that were about fears for next year and or for this year, 2026, you caught me. We recorded this late in 2025.Rich Birch — And we’re talking today about the biggest fear. 24.8% of all respondents identified staff health, organizational structure, morale, succession, leadership – the people issues as a primary fear heading into this year. In fact, and then a separate question we asked about data and insight. Where are you lacking some of that? Almost 9% of respondents answered that they’re looking for better data on staff pipeline and org chart and leadership development, these sort of things.Rich Birch — When you combine them together what does that mean? Nearly three in ten surface staff related tension as a defining pressure point for 2026. And when I was thinking about this issue, I thought of no one better than Paul to pull on and to have this conversation with. So Paul, when you look at the churches across the country, you interact with a lot of churches both just because you’re a great person and through Unstuck, and you’re and Sun Valley’s a leading church and people will ask you questions all the time. Where do you think staff health breaks down the most and why is that? Why is this such a tension for us as we lead from our seats?Paul Alexander — Yeah, well, to your point, Rich, it comes up repeatedly with my work with Unstuck with churches. It’s not uncommon to do a health assessment, strategic planning with the church, and you walk out of the room and they have great clarity on vision, on where they’re going next. They have great clarity on strategy, like how they’re actually going to pull this off and do it.Paul Alexander — And yet you walk out of the room and the lid to move towards that vision, actually obey Jesus and do what Jesus has commissioned and command commanded them to do, the lid is the culture of the team. And the team culture and the team structure is what’s holding them back from going where Jesus wants them to go. Paul Alexander — Which we shouldn’t be surprised by this, frankly. that’s That’s the organizational side of how that shows up. This shows up in our own life personally. So on a micro scale, what’s preventing you and I from actually following Jesus and what He’s calling us to do in 2026? Well, it’s not Jesus’s problem. The problem is not with him. The problem usually with us.Rich Birch — Yes.Paul Alexander — The problem is with how we structure our life, our family, our time, maybe something in our own heart and in the culture of our own heart and our families.Paul Alexander — And so on on a macro scalele scale in the church, it’s not a surprise that this shows up. Most most churches have a tendency to run on a pendulum, Rich, of either being a really high performing team or a very, very healthy team. And at Unstuck, we want we want staff teams to be both very healthy and very high performing.Paul Alexander — The the problem is most churches, their staff swing through that pendulum from one side to the other. And so, and you’ve seen this repeatedly, where it’s take ground and in just do the next thing. And they’re very project oriented and destination oriented, and they have a tendency to not really care about the soul of the team, the health of the team, and they’re caring much more about the the destination they’re chasing.Paul Alexander — Or they’re sitting around looking at each other, praying for one another, kumbaya-ing together, and they’re neglecting the actual call that God’s put on their life. It’s not just a personal holiness, but to invite others people other people to know Jesus as well.Paul Alexander — And while that’s an over-exaggeration, fundamentally, that’s very true of what happens with staff teams. And so, yeah, walking away from a strategic planning with the church, you’re thinking, oh, they’ve got everything they need.Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — They just don’t have the culture to pull it off. their Their staff culture is going to prevent them from going where God wants them to go. Or they’ve hired ah a lot of doers on the team and they don’t actually have leaders. So they’ve hired people to do ministry instead of lead ministry. Or they don’t really have a development pipeline. You know, they don’t have a plan to coach up and build up people that the Lord’s already entrusted to them right underneath their nose, to invite them into leadership in the church. And so, yeah, there’s some overarching things that are common.Rich Birch — Yeah, so when I saw this came out, I wasn’t surprised by this result. We’ve seen similar results in past years. But whenever I look at this fear that leaders have, I’m reminded what our mutual friend Jenni Catrin says. She talks about senior leaders are, we think our staff culture is better than it actually is. Like from our perspective, sitting as an executive pastor, lead pastor, we look around and we’re like, man, this is a great place to work. But that’s not necessarily the case with our people. Rich Birch — Sticking with this idea of like high performing and healthy, when you think about Sun Valley or the churches you coach, what are some practical rhythms or structures that you’ve put in place or seen put in place that really help try to do both of those things. Cause I think that’s, I think that’s ultimately what honors the Lord is like, we do want to be high performing. We, the mission’s massive. Like, gosh, we got to get out and reach some people, but we, we don’t want to drive over our people to get there. Paul Alexander — Yeah.Rich Birch — Help us understand what does that practical, some of those practical rhythms look like.Paul Alexander — Well, I don’t I don’t think a lot of XPs are going like what I’m about to say… Rich Birch — Uh-oh. Paul Alexander — …but you you cannot legislate health. You can’t. You can’t build enough guidelines. You can’t build enough policies. You can’t make people be healthy. You also can’t lead a healthy organization unless you yourself are healthy. It’s that’s a just it’s just a fact. You can’t take your family somewhere you haven’t been.Paul Alexander — You disciple people, to use a Bible word for a second, you can’t disciple your own children and your own family and people close to you by intention or neglect. We do that all the time, and unless you have something to actually give them. And so this is why even in the Old Testament, you know God gives the law and we realize we can’t live up to the law. And so it honestly only shows our own imperfection. Right. And so God you know, Jesus says, “Well, hold on a second. The Sabbath was made for man. Man wasn’t made for the Sabbath.” Paul Alexander — And so um what does that mean? It means, I think, as executive staff, senior staff in the church, you actually have to lead with some moral authority in this area. And so people are going to watch if if they get an email from you at 11 o’clock at night, that tells them what’s expected of them. Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — Without you ever even saying it, you’re telling them what’s expected. If you’re texting them after work hours, so to speak, and it’s not an emergency, it actually, you know, it could probably wait till tomorrow, but you’re having it right now because it’s important to you, and you don’t have the personal self-control to be able to not have that conversation with that staff member at that time.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good.Paul Alexander — You’re telling them how they’re supposed to behave. They’re watching you just again, leadership so much like parenting. And I don’t want to minimize this, but children watch their parents and they naturally adhere to and take on the behaviors of their parents and the family unit that they grow up in. Rich Birch — Yeah, it’s so true.Paul Alexander — And culture a lot like that. It’s way more caught than taught. And so the leaders of the executive staff and senior staff, they’ve got to lead with moral authority, not moral perfection. We’re not going to see that this side of seeing Jesus, right? Not moral superiority. We’re not better than anybody. But just to be able to say, hey, man, if if everybody at my church and on my staff. If they manage their time the way I manage my time, if they manage their finances the way I manage my finances, if they used alcohol the way I use alcohol, or if they use the internet or social media the way I do, if they traded their… would my church be more of what Jesus wants it to be or less?Rich Birch — That’s good. That’s so good.Paul Alexander — And so there’s a moral authority component to this. They got to model this. Okay.Paul Alexander — Now, practically, Rich, because you know, okay, what does it actually mean? Take your time off. Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — Like that sounds so silly, but I mean, I remember as a young guy in ministry, my my wife was working Monday through Friday. Friday was supposed to be my day off. I’m not the kind of guy that’s going to sit around and like watch Oprah on Friday. Or like, you know, just snack and binge watch Netflix or something like that. That’s not how God wired me up. And so I would just go into the office.Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — And I’m like, my my wife’s working. Well, we don’t have kids. um I’m going to go get some stuff done. I’m going to move the ball forward.Rich Birch — Yeah.Paul Alexander — And I remember the XP I was working with on the senior staff at the time came in to get something out of the office. And he saw me and he’s like, Paul, what are you what are you doing? And so I do the whole, my wife’s working and I’m not going to sit around and watch Netflix, blah, blah, blah. He’s like… he gave me a gift. He said, Paul, if you don’t take every day off between now and the end of the year, don’t bother coming in in January.Rich Birch — Oh my goodness.Paul Alexander — Yeah, yeah, yeah.Rich Birch — Wow.Paul Alexander — And looking back, that high challenge was a tremendous gift, to begin to teach a young man in ministry that had a propensity to drive hard to learn how to actually slow down and enjoy my life and receive from the Lord.Rich Birch — That’s interesting.Paul Alexander — And so, um yeah, take your day off. It sounds so silly.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s so good. No, it’s good.Paul Alexander — I get a report on my desk once a year, Rich, of all of our staff, even multiple campuses, all that, who’s taking their time off and who hasn’t taken their time off. And it’s not uncommon for me to have a conversation in January to say, hey, dude, if you don’t take all your time off this year, we’re going to have a problem. Because you’re no good burning out. The Lord needs you in the game for the long run.Rich Birch — Yeah.Paul Alexander — And I need you in the game for the long run. Sun Valley needs you in the game for the long run. Rich Birch — Yeah. Right. Paul Alexander — Your family needs that, and you can’t self destruct. So.Rich Birch — Yeah, it’s so good. I had a similar interaction early on in ministry where I had a senior leader say to me, it with a similar kind of tone, don’t forget, take your day off is on the same list as don’t kill someone. Like, you know, which always stuck with me where I was like, you know, okay. And he said it in a funny kind of like, but but the message was was clear, right?Paul Alexander — Yeah.Rich Birch — Same kind of thing. Hey, we, and I don’t know that I’ve always lived by that. Paul Alexander — Yeah, sure.Rich Birch — Are there other behaviors that you, you know, in a similar way would lean in. I think the fact that you’re pushing on, okay, as us as senior leaders, are we setting the pace with the health of our organizations? Lean a little bit more in on that for us.Paul Alexander — Yeah, sure. So a couple of practical things that any leader can actually make their decision to start doing today. Establish a finish line. In some regards, you know, when is ministry ever really done? Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — Well, when 7.5 billion people on the planet know Jesus, we’re done, right? So it’s one of those, the poor will have you with you you’ll have with you always. There’s never going to be a done moment. So you got to choose each day when you’re done. And if you don’t choose it, someone else will choose it for you. Paul Alexander — And so talk with your family, figure it out. And there may be a moving target from day to day and what the rhythm of your family is and the rhythm of your ministry is the Lord’s entrusted to you. But you have to personally establish when’s the finish line. I’m going to turn my phone off. I’m gonna turn my email off. I’m going to mute this or whatever. And unless something’s burning down, I’m not going to I’m not going to jump in. Simple things.Paul Alexander — Marriage retreats. We started experimenting some time ago with marriage retreats for our staff at Sun Valley. And so like everybody would say, it’s a good thing for people’s marriages to get better. And sometimes we’ll do that for our people in our churches. And we just thought, well, gosh, what if we did that for our staff? You know, if the marriages of our staff got better, would the ministries that the Lord’s entrusted to them get better? Of course they would.Rich Birch — Of course they would, yeah.Paul Alexander — So we just started doing a marriage retreat couple times a year for our staff.Rich Birch — Wow.Paul Alexander — We invite, you know, 10 to 15 couples. We have a professional counselor that we pay for that runs the thing. And we we just do that as a as a gift to our staff. Because we think, if our staff marriages get better, the ministry that the Lord’s entrusted to them will get better. Paul Alexander — We do sabbaticals every seven years for our full-time director level staff and up. And there’s a period of time that they get and a financial allowance they get. And they think about it in three in three different buckets, like professional development, personal development, and just family. And and ultimately we want them to rest so they can minister from a from a full cup, you know?Paul Alexander — And ah some time ago, we actually made the decision. It didn’t cost us anything, Rich, that even our full-time staff, no matter what their level in the organization was. So for example, a full-time administrative assistant. If they’re full-time, every seven years they get a sabbatical. We give them… Rich Birch — Oh, wow.Paul Alexander — …yeah, you’re full-time admin at Sun Valley. You get, now the scale of it’s a little different.Rich Birch — Sure.Paul Alexander — We just give them a month off with no financial allowance, but we give a month off every seven years to take at one lump sum… Rich Birch — Wow. Paul Alexander — …to get out and refresh their soul and enjoy their life a little bit. What’s that really cost us? Nothing, but time.Rich Birch — Right. Right.Paul Alexander — Nothing.Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — And so, yeah, there’s some real tactical things that you can do to invest in your team. Again, you can’t make them be healthy people, but you can kind of roll the carpet out and pave the way for them to be healthy people.Rich Birch — I love that. That’s some real practical examples. I love what you’ve you’ve outlined there and been you know super practical. That’s, yeah, that’s fantastic. I get the sabbatical question actually quite a bit. I think churches wrestle with that and they you know they they think, oh, you know how should we do that? So you do, kind of like what we would typically think of as a sabbatical at director and above, but then everyone else does kind of this one one month off. That’s great. And they do they have to submit a plan for the sabbatical ahead of time? Some churches will do that where they have to kind of define, hey, this is how we’re going to do. Just give us a little more detail on that.Paul Alexander — Yeah. We’re not uber religious about it, Rich. Rich Birch — Sure. Paul Alexander — We, we, we, there is a plan and their supervisor talks through their plan with them… Rich Birch — Yeah. Paul Alexander — …because there’s a financial allowance that follows that. Rich Birch — Yep.Paul Alexander — So yeah, they have the conversation ahead of time. As a representative of the board, I actually sign off on all those sabbaticals just to make sure they’re thinking about and they’re thinking…Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — …intelligently about how they want to spend their time. But functionally, to be honest, like you and your wife just went on vacation, right?Rich Birch — Yep.Paul Alexander — If our staff went on vacation for like an entire sabbatical and sat on the beach for a month or two, and they came back a little bit more rested, and they’d read a couple of books and spent time with the Lord… Rich Birch — Right. Paul Alexander — …and they walked and prayed and fasted and enjoyed their life a little bit, they’d probably come back a little healthier. Rich Birch — Right. Yeah, that’s great.Paul Alexander — So I don’t have strong feelings about it, man. Rest, enjoy your life.Rich Birch — Yeah. Yeah, that’s good.Paul Alexander — Yeah.Rich Birch — That’s so good. I love that. I want to loop back on one thing you talked about earlier. You talked about hiring or or are the way our staff position themselves as doers versus leaders. I think this is a critical Ephesians 4, how we’re supposed to be equipping our people. But I see way too many of our team members, I see us fall into this all the time where we just slip into doing. Coach us around that. What difference does that make around cultures in our organizations?Paul Alexander — Well, yeah. Wow. Now you’re starting to talk about where accountability comes into play in culture, right? And where culture gets violated.Paul Alexander — So it’s not uncommon. So I still, at the size we are, director level and up, I still at least have a phone conversation interview with every single director level hire and up about our culture as they’re joining the team here. And if they do join the team, we go through net new staff orientation. Once a quarter, Chad, the lead pastor and myself, spend a half a day with all of our new staff and talk through our culture and our philosophy of ministry and our strategy and all that stuff.Paul Alexander — And frankly, it’s just a time to hang out have a meal together and create some relational accessibility. Because most these people I’m not going to work with day to day. Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — But I want them to know that we care about them, love them, and they’re they’re part of the family now. And so we we don’t hire people that aren’t absolutely fantastic, incredibly gifted people. Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — And it’s easy to compliment everybody in the room. Rich Birch — Right. Paul Alexander — Hey man, glad you’re on the team. Whether I hired you or somebody else hired you, I know you’re awesome because we don’t hire people that aren’t awesome. And you were gifted, you’re gifted. Someone saw something in you. We invited you to the team. But here’s the deal. You’re no longer going to be evaluated on how awesome you are. Now that you’re on the team—congratulations—you’re going to be evaluated how awesome you can make everybody else. Rich Birch — So good.Paul Alexander — And so your job and how great you are and gifted you are and skilled you are, that’s what got you in the room. What’s going to keep you in the room is your ability to make everybody else just as incredible as you. And so we just say that from the very beginning. Paul Alexander — And, you know, a lot of churches, their ministry staff kind of think, OK, I have to get all these volunteers in place to help them accomplish my ministry. At Sun Valley, we flipped that upside down. And the hero of the ministry at Sun Valley is the volunteer. We’re helping the church actually be the church. The staff’s role is to be a servant, to help people find their gifting, their place, their calling. And real leaders who are getting paid real money that attend your churches, um they want to solve big problems. They don’t want to just push a broom. Now, occasionally you run into the CEO or the general or whatever, who’s like, I just want to push a broom to help me remain humble. Great. We can we have a lot of brooms you can push.Rich Birch — Yes.Paul Alexander — But most people are competent, skilled, gifted, educated people. And they want to be called into something that’s big, and where they feel like they’re making a real difference. And so, yeah, our job as a staff is to call them into that, tee them up for that, support them in that, and let them run. Not let them run within the boundaries of our strategy and our culture and our vision, but let them run. So, but we’ve got to paint the riverbanks for them.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s really good. I love that. You know, kind of a related issue is how how is Sun Valley ensuring that you’ve got the right people in the right seats? What does that look like in your system? Like, how are you, like, what’s the what’s the cadence of, you know, regular reporting and like goal setting? Paul Alexander — Yeah.Rich Birch — And, you know, how are you holding people accountable? What does that what does that look like? I realize that could be like a whole episode in of itself… Paul Alexander — Sure. Rich Birch — …but give us kind of a thumbnail version of that.Paul Alexander — Yeah. Thumbnail. I mean, at the end of the day, I’ll give you the, how it happens, but, besides the hiring process and recruiting process, that stuff matters a lot. Right. So you’re inviting people to something that they’re actually gifted and called to. But at the end of the day, um it’s really results, Rich. The Bible way to say that is fruit. Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — OK, for all of our listeners who are high on the theology side of things, I can sympathize with you. I went to Bible school, too. Really, it’s fruit. And when you are in a place, when your staff are in a place where they’re playing to their strengths and their gifting, and they’re in a place where they’re not overreaching and trying to attain a different role, and they’re not talking about career path, they’re just content to be the person and play the part in the body of the Lord’s gifted and call them to to play, they’re going to have more fun and they’re going to produce more fruit.Rich Birch — Yep.Paul Alexander — It’s just a fact. And so when when you see all this striving and, you know, this ambition to like, I want more, I want more, I want more. It’s a very American, Western idea, right? And the biblical way of doing that would be, hey, well why don’t you be faithful with what the Lord’s entrusted with you today? And when he sees fit to entrust more to you, guess what? He probably will.Rich Birch — He will.Paul Alexander — There’s probably going be some stray arrow out of the battle that was never even intended to hit that guy. It’s going to find just the right place in the chink in the armor. And you’re going to ascend to the throne at the right time when the Lord wants you to. So, you know, relax. Do what the Lord’s called you to do today.Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — Be faithful in that.Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — And he’ll entrust more to you when he’s ready.Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — So that’s a big deal. that it may sound ah like a contrite, a little bit Bible answer to that. But when your staff are personally in a place where they’re doing what God’s called them to do, and they’re they’re very sober-minded about that, they’re going to have more fun. That’s really important. They’re go to have more fun in ministry. It’s going to be more fulfilling and they’re going to produce more fruit.Paul Alexander — Now, how’s that work its way out with what you’re talking about? We have an annual run of strategic planning that we do, both senior staff and then at the campus level. And that we refresh that every single year. Out of that come real clear objectives where the Lord’s calling us to go. Then goals, professional goals are set around that at the campus level. And then that kind of trickles down. That all gets into review systems. There’s monthly one-on-ones where they’re talking about the performance side of things.Paul Alexander — But it’s really normal, Rich, where if you and I were working with one another and I was reporting to you, you’d say, hey, Paul, what’s going on with you and Lisa? And you’d be asking about my daughters and you’d be asking about my sons. And we’d be talking about life and marriage and family. And and what’s the Lord doing in your life? What’s he saying to you these days? You know, and you know where’s he challenging you? Where’s he encouraging you? So they’re very natural, normal, that part of things there. You’d probably pray for me actually in that meeting that one-on-one. Paul Alexander — And then we talk about, okay, how are we doing with our goals? What what are the measurables? What are the setbacks? Because there’s always setbacks. Rich Birch — Right. Paul Alexander — And what are the things that went faster than you thought they would go? And you’re finding real real traction.Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — And then my your job as a supervisor would be, how do you get roadblocks out of the way for me to be successful? Rich Birch — Right. Paul Alexander — How do you fuel things that I need fueled so I can be successful and and reach my goals? Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good. Paul Alexander — So yeah, does that make sense? Rich Birch — That makes total sense. So I, you know, in other contexts, I’ve said results matter because the work that you do matters so much. Like and, and we, and we, we want to think about results. We want to think about fruit. What percentage of, or you know, in a round sense of the team at Sun Valley has like a number or a metric or a like they can measure, it’s not like qualitative, like, oh, things are better. It’s like, no, no, we know. I know whether this is working or not. What percentage of your people you think have a metric like that they they think about on a regular basis?Paul Alexander — All of them.Rich Birch — Love it. Tell us about that. I think this is going to be mind blowing for leaders of churches who do not think about these things. And I know, you know, there’s people out there who, who they they haven’t wrestled with this idea. Unpack that a little bit more.Paul Alexander — Yeah. So, I mean, okay. So if I say, I want my marriage to get better this year, we’ll go real personal for a second. Rich Birch — Sure.Paul Alexander — I want to get my marriage. That’s wonderful. Who doesn’t want their marriage to get better? How are you going to do that?Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — That that just doesn’t magically happen. You don’t drift towards relational intimacy with your spouse.Rich Birch — Yes.Paul Alexander — What you do is you drift apart. That’s what happens.Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — Absence doesn’t make the grow heart grow fonder. It makes it wander. Rich Birch — Yes. Paul Alexander — And so, you know, you’ve got to figure out, okay, how many date nights am I going to do? How much am I going to budget towards this? Are we going to do an annual retreat as a husband and a spouse together, maybe a marriage retreat? Are we going to go on vacation? What are the conversations we feel like we need to lean into? Do we need some do we need some coaching? Rich, if you’re a professional counselor, do I need to go to you and get some some input and some professional coaching? Because goodness gracious, you can see some things that I don’t see because I’m in the fray of it day in and day out. Paul Alexander — So yeah, we’ll get real tactical and say, what book are you going to read? How many of those books are you going to read? What podcast? Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — Are you going listen to the unSeminary podcast? You know. What are you going to do to to grow and in your marriage this year or as a leader. And so, yeah, if you can’t measure it, then you can’t actually do it. Rich Birch — Right. Paul Alexander — And then it gets down to opinions and, you know, everybody’s got one of those. So.Rich Birch — Yeah. Alright. I imagine imagine I’m an executive pastor you meet at a conference or you’re somewhere and you’re at an airport lounge, and they’re church of a thousand people, maybe 1500 people. They’ve got 10 staff and they’re sensing that, man, there’s some misalignment, but it’s it’s at the level of like, I think there might be a problem here. I’m not entirely sure. I feel like there’s cracks starting to happen in the staff culture, but it’s not like a giant fizzer. It’s just like things just don’t feel right. What would be some of the first steps that you would suggest a leader take to try to get clarity on actually where things are at with their staff team… Paul Alexander — Yeah. Rich Birch — …you know, in the next 90 days kind of thing?Paul Alexander — Yeah, that’s a good question. Okay, so first of all, I’d say, and this may sound, I mean, play Captain Obvious for a second, don’t ignore that inclination.Rich Birch — That’s good.Paul Alexander — So the Holy Spirit is is is impressing upon you, something doesn’t smell right, then it probably doesn’t smell right.Rich Birch — That’s good.Paul Alexander — Don’t bury that. Don’t avoid that. Avoiding something you know you have to solve is never going to make that situation better, ever.Rich Birch — That’s so true.Paul Alexander — And so don’t avoid it. Go with that feeling. Lean into it a little bit and and begin. Why? Why do I feel this way? What is what am I sensing that needs to be solved? Because my hunch is they’re anticipating something. If they are a good intuitive leader, they’re probably anticipating something before it’s going to happen.Paul Alexander — And so structure is always a lid to growth in a church. Churches always need to restructure. This is really important. So once you get a structure, it’s not like, oh we’re going to be with this structure for the next 15 years. Rich Birch — Right. Paul Alexander — And if it’s a growing church, you’re always going to need to restructure. And that’s just normal. Get used to it.Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — It’s just part of what it is. Rich Birch — Yes.Paul Alexander — And so I think you’ve got decipher, is it a structure issue or is it a culture issue? That that’s, you know, Wwhat am I sensing that needs to be actually needs to be solved? If it’s a culture issue, where is there a violation of your culture taking place, and how do you help it get better? Maybe you haven’t defined what your culture is. Rich Birch — Right.Paul Alexander — Maybe you can’t actually really articulate it. Maybe you haven’t written it down, trained it. Maybe you have not filmed 5 to 10 minute videos for every new staff member to to onboarding to actually understand your cultural distinctives. Maybe you’ve not embedded that into your annual reviews and actually, you know at review time, you’re actually reviewing me on how we’re doing, how I’m doing with our staff culture.Paul Alexander — So maybe that’s something you need to just kind of look in the mirror and say, you know what, as a leader, I have the power to change that. And I’m going to get that better this next year. We’re going really clear about what our staff culture is. Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good.Paul Alexander — And then we’re going embed that and train it. If it’s a structural thing, is it truly a structural thing or do you have one or two players that just aren’t playing their part? You know, you’ve got ah this wonderful body the Lord’s put together. He talks about the church being the body of Christ, this wonderful body but where we’re limping because our ankle, we got a bum ankle. And the reality is we either need to rest it, you know, so we can get it healed up. We need to maybe get some repair done to it, or we need to like reconstruct that thing. We need a new ankle. Rich Birch — Yeah.Paul Alexander — All of those are fine answers. And I think just being honest about the team that we have and everybody playing in the right place. And then structurally, you start to get into span of care and you know do we have the right number of staff? Those are real answers you can really get. When we do staffing and structure with churches at the Unstuck Group, there are real healthy benchmarks. There are real healthy financial numbers that are good benchmarks, you know. If you’re spending more than 50 cents on the dollar on your staffing, you should ask yourself why.Paul Alexander — You know, if you have more than your staffing, you’re, you know, beyond one to 75 and you’re creeping into an area that’s really unhealthy. You know, I’ve seen churches that are staffed like one full time staff member for every 30 attenders at the church.Rich Birch — Right, right.Paul Alexander — And you’re just like. It’s sad, frankly, because the Lord’s called us to so much more. And um so those are those are like the basic science side of things that need to be changed. You know, if you’re not clear about who your senior staff is, if you got, if your senior staff, like your executive staff, are making decisions about like the color of the carpet, and they’re making decisions that that are low-level decisions, then you kind of got to look in the mirror and say, boy, are we training our staff that all big decisions have to come to us? Or are we pushing decisions down and actually teaching people how to lead and make decisions? So myriad of things.Rich Birch — That’s good. That’s so good. One of, in last year’s, kind of rundown of, you know, most listened to podcasts, Amy from the Unstuck Group, hers, I think was our second most listened to podcast. And she, she dove in deep on exactly what we were just talking about their, friends. You should go back in the archives, find that episode. It will, it’ll, you know, all that structure stuff. Rich Birch — And I would say on that, particularly on structure and some of those benchmarks, I think too many of us think our church is like this precious, it’s so different than every other church out there. And and and that’s true. It is a unique body. There’s a there’s one way that that is true. But in this way, there are actually a lot of commonalities you can learn from other churches and gain wisdom from folks like Paul who have done this before and talked with lots of churches. So don’t don’t be in isolation about this, Paul. This has been an incredibly helpful. I’ve got a page of notes and other questions I wanted to ask as we were going through. Oh, I want to talk about that. Oh, I want to talk about that.Rich Birch — But I know you’ve got other things to do than be on our podcast. But as you’re thinking about the 2026, the year coming up here, what’s a question or two that you’re wrestling with that you’re thinking through? It doesn’t have to be on what we just talked about there. But just as you think about the future of Sun Valley, what are some things that you’re thinking about going into this year?Paul Alexander — Yeah, that’s a good question. I mean, we pressure we’ve deal with pressure points just like every church does, right? Frankly, the pressure points we’re dealing with, we’re going through a season of a couple of years of pretty significant growth. A lot of people needing Jesus. last This is the first time in back-to-back years we baptized more than 1500 people, you know, in back-to-back years. And so there’s a huge responsibility that our growth, our front end growth is beginning to outpace our engagement. Things like people engaging in groups and building meaningful friendships that are around God’s word or, engaging and volunteering and being the church, not just coming to church, right? And a giving, learning to be generous, generous and steward with the Lord’s entrusted to them. Kind of these markers that we see of people who are actually beginning to look like Jesus. They’re not just, you know, you know, attending church and trying to figure Jesus out a little bit.Paul Alexander — And so in a lot of ways, we need a bigger boat. We’ve got multiple campuses that are doing two services on Saturday and three services on Sunday. And we’ve, we’ve got to get some bigger rooms. And you know, the other side of it is is growth sometimes can grow faster than our ability to grow leaders. I mean, you think about your own personal leadership, Rich. I mean, how long has it taken you to become the leader you are today?Rich Birch — Right. Right. Not overnight. Not in 18 months.Paul Alexander — Yeah, your whole life.Rich Birch — Yes, exactly.Paul Alexander — Yeah, the answer is your whole life. Rich Birch — Yes.Paul Alexander — And so there’s definitely been crucible moments. My hunch is if we unpack your leadership journey, there’s been crucible moments where the Lord has ah stretched and grown you in unique ways and unique seasons because of pressure points that you went through. And so um we’re figuring out how do we accelerate leadership in in our staff?Rich Birch — That’s good.Paul Alexander — And you you accelerate leadership not by by giving resources, but by constricting resources. Because leaders always figured out and grow through constriction moments. Rich Birch — That’s good.Paul Alexander — And so giving stretch assignments, all those kind of fun things. So yeah, we deal with pressure points just like everybody else does. I mean, everybody’s like, oh, I’d love to have that problem. I know you would. It’s a wonderful problem to have. It’s still a problem because we don’t want to become a lid to more people meeting Jesus in 2026. You know, by us not solving something that’s in our control to solve.Rich Birch — Yeah. In other contexts, I’ve talked about platinum problems. Those are are great problems, but they’re still problems with things we have to wrestle with. And and friends, if you’re not tracking with Sun Valley, you should be, or Paul or the Unstuck Group, these are all organizations you should be getting a chance to kind of follow along with. If people want to kind of connect with the church, get a better sense, follow along with your story, where do we want to send them online? Tell us about that. And then also Unstuck Group. I want to make sure we we send people there too.Paul Alexander — Yeah, Unstuck Group is super easy to find. Unstuckgroup.com. The listeners can email me at paul@theunstuckgroup.com. That’s the easiest way to get me, frankly. The easiest, cleanest way to get me if someone has a question or wants to follow up on something personally. I’m happy to do that, man.Rich Birch — Thanks so much, Paul. I appreciate you being here today and and really looking forward to seeing what happens in 2026 at Sun Valley. Take care, man.Paul Alexander — Yeah, glad to, man. Thanks for the invitation. Hope the conversation is helpful.

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com Most people make resolutions with good intentions, but very few understand the real power that makes change possible: decision-making. In this episode of Resolutions That Work, we talk about why people are afraid to make real decisions, and how that fear keeps them stuck in cycles of hoping, trying, and wavering. The Bible shows us that decision-making is not just willpower; it flows out of who we are as people created in the image and likeness of God. From the beginning, God gave mankind authority, real authority, to make choices that shape life on earth. When we don't understand this, we either wait on God to do what He has already empowered us to do, or we assume our circumstances, our past, or even our biology override our choices. We also clear up the difference between unbelief and doubt. Unbelief is a lack of trust in God, but doubt is wavering between two options. When we waver, we struggle to receive, not because God has withheld anything, but because our hearts aren't settled. Real decisions remove wavering and allow God's grace to work powerfully in us. This teaching connects directly to what I share in my book Wired for Success: Programmed for Failure, that real success starts in the heart, not with pressure, fear, or religious striving. When your heart is aligned with truth, your decisions become stable, and your life begins to move in a new direction. If you've ever wondered why resolutions don't last, join me this week in CyberChurch. This message will help you understand what's missing and how to start making decisions in harmony with God that actually change your life.

The meditations by the Catholic Priest John Flader (in English) lasts 20 / 30 minutes (aprox). You may use it for your daily personal prayer or meditation and it allows you to use your device to pray while doing your daily activities. We hope you develop with this your interior life.

"Embracing the Crucified Life" is a exploration of spiritual growth and transformation, led by Minister Jeremy Squires. This series delves into the essence of living a life aligned with God's will, emphasizing the importance of self-denial, humility, and unwavering faith. Through scriptural insights and personal reflections, listeners are encouraged to surrender their desires, embrace change, and trust in God's plan, ultimately leading to a life of purpose and spiritual fulfillment.

Join Pastor Jason Polk as he delves into the profound lessons from John Chapter 6, exploring the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 and the deeper spiritual truths behind it. Discover how faith is tested and strengthened through life's storms, and how Jesus' presence offers peace and guidance. This episode encourages listeners to trust in God's plan and find strength in His presence, even amidst challenges. Tune in to deepen your faith and embrace the journey with Jesus. Don't miss out, listen now and let your faith be renewed!

To get a copy of our new book "Embracing the Truth" or to have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation.www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.Title: Embracing 2026: A Year of Spiritual Anticipation and Action with Debra McNinchIntroduction: As we step into 2026, many of us find ourselves filled with hope and expectation for what this new year will bring. In a recent podcast episode, host TS Wright and guest Debra McNinch explore the spiritual significance of the year ahead and offer encouragement for those feeling weary in their journeys. This blog post will unpack their insights and provide practical steps to embrace the coming year with faith and purpose.debramcninch.comMain Content:Section 1: The Spirit of AnticipationDebra McNinch opens the podcast by expressing a sense of anticipation for 2026, referring to it as a year of spiritual takeoff. She emphasizes that while the past few years have been tumultuous, there is a buildup to something spiritually significant that is about to unfold. This message resonates with many who are yearning for restoration in various aspects of their lives, whether it be family, careers, or personal growth. Section 2: The Call to ActionDrawing from the biblical book of Second Kings, Debra shares a powerful story of three kings who find themselves in a desperate situation in the desert. They call upon the prophet Elisha for guidance, who instructs them to dig ditches despite the harsh conditions. This act of digging ditches symbolizes faith and obedience, even when the circumstances seem bleak. Debra challenges listeners to reflect on their own valleys of despair and consider what it means to dig their own ditches in faith, whether through prayer, fasting, or active trust in God.Section 3: Practical Steps for Digging DitchesDebra outlines several practical steps for listeners to take as they prepare for what God has in store for them in 2026. These include:1. **Prayer**: Commit to interceding for your loved ones and situations that matter to you, even when it feels like nothing is changing. 2. **Trust**: Let go of control and choose faith over fear. Trust that God is working behind the scenes.3. **Fasting**: Consider fasting as a way to deepen your spiritual connection and focus on what truly matters.4. **Speaking Truth**: Continuously speak God's truth over your challenges and loved ones, reinforcing faith in His promises.5. **Worship**: Dedicate time to worship and sit in God's presence, allowing Him to guide your actions and responses.Section 4: A Year of Change and GrowthAs the conversation unfolds, TS Wright reinforces the importance of surrendering results to God. He encourages listeners to involve Jesus in every aspect of their lives, emphasizing that while we are called to take action, the ultimate outcomes belong to Him. This mindset shifts the pressure from ourselves and allows us to focus on glorifying God through our actions.Conclusion: Key TakeawaysThe podcast concludes with a strong message of hope and encouragement as we embark on 2026. This year is not just another chapter; it is an opportunity for growth, restoration, and...

Read OnlineJesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. Mark 3:7–8Jesus was amassing quite a following, with people flocking to Him from territories that include modern-day Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. Among them were traditional Hebraic Jews, Greek-speaking Jews, Syro-Phoenician Gentiles, and Edomites. This diverse crowd reveals how Jesus' ministry transcended cultural, religious, and national boundaries, foreshadowing the universal call of the Gospel. While some were drawn to Him through authentic faith, others came out of curiosity, eager to witness His miracles.Just prior to today's Gospel, the Pharisees and Herodians began to plot Jesus' death because they saw Him as a threat. In response, Jesus “withdrew toward the sea with his disciples.” His timing was perfect; the hour of His Passion had not yet come. This withdrawal was not an act of fear but a deliberate step forward in preparing for the next phase of His mission. There was still much to accomplish—gathering followers, performing works of mercy, and preparing the Twelve for their mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God.While Jesus acted in accordance with divine wisdom, those who flocked to Him could only see the immediate. They were captivated by His teachings and miraculous works but often misunderstood the full scope of His mission. As Ecclesiastes reminds us, “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1–3). For Jesus, this “time” in His public ministry was a time to build up His earthly flock, teaching them, inspiring faith, and forming them for their mission.As we consider the many and diverse people who flocked to Jesus at this time in His ministry, it's important to see ourselves in them. Those who came to Him could have never imagined all that would follow. While some might have foreseen the possibility of His death due to the hostility of religious and political leaders, few, if any, could have predicted that Jesus' Passion and Death were something He would freely welcome and embrace. At that time, they could never have understood that Jesus had to suffer and die for the salvation of souls. Moreover, everything that followed His death would have been foreign to them: His Resurrection, establishment of the Church, Ascension, bestowal of the Holy Spirit, and future coming as the Universal King.We all go through countless experiences, some good, some bad. When we encounter something good, we often want to hold onto it, yet those experiences often fade with time. When we encounter something bad, we long for that situation to be removed or resolved, yet it sometimes stays longer than we hoped. Jesus' life clearly teaches us that “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.” As we journey through life, we ought not dismiss the difficult times and try to cling to the good ones. We must enter and live each moment as it comes and goes, seeking to use everything as God intends it, preparing us for the glory that awaits us if we remain faithful until the end.Reflect today on the seasons of your life, both the joys and the trials. How is God calling you to trust in His timing and use each moment to grow in faith and love? Consider whether you view your challenges as obstacles or as opportunities to deepen your trust in God's perfect plan. Embrace the good and the difficult, growing in grace and virtue as you do, and your life will unfold in beautiful ways, giving glory to God. In doing so, you will reflect the trust and fidelity of Jesus Himself, whose perfect obedience to the Father brought about the salvation of the world.Lord of perfect timing and wisdom, Your divine plan unfolded flawlessly throughout Your earthly life. At every moment, You lived in perfect accord with the Father's will, embracing both joy and sorrow for the sake of salvation. Help me to trust in Your providence during every season of my life, the good and the difficult, confident that You bring forth an abundance of good fruit in all things. Strengthen my faith, and teach me to surrender fully to Your will. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via picrylSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

"Start your day with Psalm 23, a prayer of trust in God's providence, guidance, and protection.In this video, Joe Kirby prays through Psalm 23, a timeless reminder that the Lord is your Shepherd, the One who leads you, provides for you, and watches over you in every season of life.Whether you're beginning a busy day, heading out to work, caring for your family, or simply needing peace and direction, let this morning prayer anchor your heart in God's presence. Speak this prayer over your life and be reminded that you are not walking alone, the Lord goes before you and His goodness follows you.#psalm23 #morningprayer #bibleverses

Father Francis Gargani entered religious life as a teenager and has remained in the Church through seasons of change, challenge, and growth. Over the years, his ministry has taken many forms—from parish life and campus ministry to caring for people with AIDS and walking alongside LGBTQ Catholics seeking spiritual community. Throughout it all, he reflects on what has helped him stay rooted: community, prayer, and a deep trust in God's presence. Together, host Julie Rose and Father Francis explore what it means to stay when faith becomes uncomfortable and how community, compassion, and a deep conviction in God's love can sustain a life of service. ABOUT THE GUEST Father Francis Gargani was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1971 and is a member of the Redemptorists of Baltimore Province (https://redemptorists.net/). Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2026/01/serving-on-edges-60-years-of-catholic.html CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (0:37) Meet Father Francis Gargani (1:08) Early Religious Journey (4:14) Challenges in Pastoral Ministry (7:35) Campus Ministry and AIDS Outreach (11:30) LGBTQ Outreach and Controversy (13:53) Intentional Communities and Modern Ministry (17:12) Finding Peace and Staying Hopeful (19:23) Conclusion

In this episode, I'm breaking down what it actually means to set your mind on the Spirit in Romans 8. Because I think a lot of believers feel this tension. We want to be spiritually minded, but we also have real responsibilities. Work, family, bills, decisions, pressure. And sometimes it can feel like choosing the Spirit means neglecting real life. I'm going to talk about why that's not what Scripture is saying. Being spiritually minded isn't escapism. It's learning to live from obedience and trust in God while still showing up faithfully in what He's already put in your hands. We're going to look at what's actually governing your decisions, how to balance faith with practical responsibility, and why living from the Spirit produces peace and purpose.   Chapters 00:00 Understanding Romans 8: Setting Our Mind on the Spirit 10:54 Living in the Spirit: Balancing Responsibilities and Faith

Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. — Matthew 7:24-25 When I reflect on times in my life when things seemed uncertain or challenging, I realize that what truly made the difference was the foundation I had. Often I had tried to stand on shaky ground—things like my own abilities, opinions of others, or fleeting circumstances. But none of those things provided a solid foundation. I always fell. Building on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ is essential. Jesus didn't promise that storms wouldn't come, but he did assure us that when we build on him—the Rock—we will stand firm. Just as a house built on rock will stand against winds and floods, when we place our trust in God's Word and live according to his teachings, we gain the strength to withstand life's difficulties. The newness God offers is not just about external changes; it's about laying a fresh foundation within ourselves—one that is grounded in his truth, grace, and love. As we build this foundation, we can trust that he will see us through any storm.  Lord, help me to build my life on the solid foundation of your Word. May I always stand firm, trusting in your strength to carry me through the storms. Amen.

Send us a textWhat if sin's loudest roar is really its last gasp? We explore sanctification as a gift, not a grind—where reconciliation with God is settled by Christ, and the mess that remains becomes the classroom of grace. Through the lens of Job, we face guilt, silence, and struggle with open eyes and honest hearts, pushing back against shallow fixes and false confessions that burden rather than heal.We dig into that razor-sharp line from Job 14:4—“Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one.”—and let it dismantle the myth of self-salvation. If we are unclean, we cannot manufacture purity. That's why grace isn't a supplement; it's the source. From there we trace the implications: total depravity, sovereign grace, election, effectual calling, and perseverance. Not as cold labels, but as the living logic of the gospel that keeps Christ at the center and makes real life possible when we feel small, overwhelmed, or unseen.Along the way, we talk about confession as communal medicine, God's discipline as love, and the strange mercy of divine silence—like Jesus waiting for Lazarus—timed to reveal a deeper glory. Job's integrity becomes a model for prayer: tell the truth, reject false guilt, and wait with hope. We hold space for honest lament and real comfort, pointing to the only one who brings clean from unclean—the Lord Jesus Christ.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs courage, and leave a rating and review to help more people find these conversations. What line from Job or the gospels has reshaped your trust in God?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!

Gem Of the Day (G.O.D.) about keeping faith and trust in God

Join David Heavener in this thought-provoking video as he explores the concept of being 'made whole' in a spiritual sense. Through engaging discussions and personal anecdotes, David challenges viewers to deepen their faith and align their lives with God's purpose. Discover the difference between mere healing and true spiritual wholeness and learn how to live as a creator in God's image. This session encourages believers to move beyond survival faith and embrace a life of authority and trust in God. 1.18.26

The two men conquered human flight, but the Wright brothers’ journey to success was never easy. Despite countless failures, ridicule, money woes, and serious injury to one of them, the brothers weren’t stopped by the trials they faced. As Orville Wright observed, “No bird soars in a calm.” The idea, according to biographer David McCullough, means that adversity can “often be exactly what you need to give you a lift higher.” Said McCullough, “Their joy was not getting to the top of the mountain. Their joy was climbing the mountain.” The apostle Peter taught a similar spiritual principle to the persecuted early church. He told them, “Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you” (1 Peter 4:12). This wasn’t a denial of suffering’s pain. Peter knew that hope in Christ grows our trust in God. This is especially true when we suffer for being a believer in Jesus, as those early Christians did. Peter wrote to them, “Rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (v. 13). He went on, “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you” (v. 14). As the Wright Brothers’ character was hailed by their biographer, may others see God’s loving character at work in us. He uses our adversity to raise us to new heights.

Send us a textWhat if prayer isn't about getting answers--but about receiving God?In this message from Luke 11:11-13, Jesus reshapes how we think about asking God for what we need. Instead of promising quick fixes or easy solutions. Jesus points us to the greatest gift the Father gives: His own presence through the Holy Spirit.This sermon concluded the Teach My Heart to Pray" series, exploring how prayer forms us, deepens trust, and invites us into the life Jesus shares with the Father. Rather than treating prayer as a transaction, we're invited to see it as a relationship--one where God's goodness fills us so it can flow through us into the world.Whether you're new to prayer, weary from unanswered questions, or simply longing for deeper trust in God, this message offers a gentle, hope-filled invitation to pray differently.Here are the messages in this series;Teach Me to ListenTeach Me to AskTeach Me to GiveLinkoln shares his story on why he started coming to Ravenna Church of the Nazarene and shares why you should consider doing the same.Ravenna Church of the Nazarene530 Main Street, Ravenna, KY 40472Support the showThe Dirt Path Sermon Podcast is a place for real sermons that speak to real life. Subscribe and walk the path with us every week. Consider visiting Ravenna Church of the Nazarene where Pastor Jason is the Senior Pastor. Have a prayer need? Want to share something with Pastor Jason? Email dirtpathpastor@gmail.com

This sermon explores the climactic moment in Abraham's story when God tests him by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Through detailed analysis of Genesis 22:9-19, the pastor examines how Abraham's response demonstrates complete trust in God's provision. Unlike previous instances where Abraham tried to help God fulfill His promises through his own efforts, here Abraham shows unwavering obedience without question or delay. The story illustrates the transformation in Abraham's heart: he finally understands that God's provision is enough.The sermon challenges listeners to examine whether they truly believe God's provision is sufficient for their lives. Using the example of George Müller, who cared for over 10,000 orphans through prayer and faith alone, the pastor demonstrates what it looks like to live with complete reliance on God. The key question posed is whether we can say 'Here I am' to God regardless of our circumstances, trusting that His provision is enough even when it doesn't come on our timeline or in the way we expect.

Read Online“The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath” Mark 2:27–28Today's Gospel should console those who struggle with a legalistic and scrupulous mindset. This is an easy trap to fall into for those who desire to keep God's commandments and remain faithful to His holy will. Despite the best intentions, it's easy for those who are deeply sincere in their fidelity to God to misunderstand how best to please and glorify Him. One common trap is to think that meticulous observance of the external Law is sufficient. While obedience to God's Law is essential, it is equally important to understand the authentic requirements of His Law—what it truly demands and what it does not.Today's Gospel takes place toward the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, after He had named His Twelve Apostles and begun preaching and healing. As they walked to another town on the Sabbath so Jesus could continue His mission, they passed through a field. The Apostles, being hungry, forged a path through the grain and picked some of it to eat. When the Pharisees saw them doing this, they seized the opportunity to condemn them, saying, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” (Mark 2:24).Without getting too philosophical, it's important to understand what we call God's Eternal Law. The Eternal Law encompasses reality—physical, moral, and spiritual truths. All that God has established as true must be our guide through life. The goal of the evil one is to deceive us by leading us into a false understanding of that reality.Traditionally, the Eternal Law has been divided into two distinct aspects: the Natural and Divine Laws. The Divine Law is all that is known only through divine revelation—all that the Scriptures reveal, especially through Christ's humanity and mission. The Natural Law, on the other hand, is written upon creation itself, including our own human nature. Natural Law is written on our consciences and discerned through reason. For example, we instinctively know it is wrong to lie, steal, and murder. Though God's Divine Law confirms this through the Ten Commandments, these basic moral truths are already evident to us when we reflect clearly.In today's Gospel, the Apostles' actions were perfectly aligned with right reason—the Natural Law—showing how their choices reflected God's design for human flourishing. They were eating grain as they journeyed with Jesus so He could continue His mission. Their need for sustenance, especially while in service to Christ, took precedence over rigid legalistic interpretations of the Sabbath. The Pharisees, however, mistook the Sabbath for an end in itself. They focused solely on external observance and failed to understand that the Sabbath was instituted as a gift for humanity—a day for rest, worship, and renewal in communion with God.What's freeing and beautiful to note is that the Natural Law, written on our human reason, and the Divine Law, revealed through the Scriptures, are in perfect harmony. Both flow from God. Through His mission, Jesus shows us how the Divine Law elevates and perfects the Natural Law, orienting both toward love and mercy. The Pharisees' legalism obscured this harmony, reducing the Law to a burdensome set of rules rather than as a pathway to life and freedom.Reflect today on your own approach to God's Law. If you find it burdensome, reevaluate your thinking. Properly understood and embraced, God's Law is not a weight; it's the source of freedom. The Sabbath, in particular, invites us to rest and trust in God's providence. When we live according to the Eternal Law—both Natural and Divine—we discover harmony within our souls that refreshes and elevates us. Resolve to follow God's Law with love, avoiding both scrupulosity and laxity, and you will find the freedom and joy for which you were created.Divine Law-Giver, all that You have spoken and established is Truth. You are the Source of Truth and Truth Itself. Please free me from both laxity and scrupulosity as I strive to live in accord with Your will. May I find in Your Law the pathway to freedom and joy. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

If you're praying, obeying God, practicing spiritual disciplines—and still not pregnant—this episode speaks directly to the frustration and confusion you're carrying. We'll unpack why faithfulness doesn't guarantee outcomes, what infertility reveals about our hearts, and how to keep trusting God when the waiting feels unfair.  

This episode explores the biblical concept of the “secret place,” emphasizing intentional solitude and prayer as the primary arena where identity as sons and daughters of God is formed, drawing from Matthew 6 and Psalms to show that true spiritual transformation does not happen in public, but in hidden communion with the Father. The speaker contrasts modern culture's fixation on noise, self‑promotion, emotional validation, and constant stimulation with God's invitation to silence, obedience, and submission, teaching that the secret place is not for self‑care or emotional relief, but for dying to self and becoming like Christ. Through personal stories, Scripture, historical Christian voices, and psychological research, the episode argues that freedom from fear, clarity of calling, and spiritual authority are birthed through faithful, disciplined time alone with God, where trust is built, idols are dismantled, and God's will takes precedence over personal feelings or ambition

In Week 2 of our series “The Core,” we continue unpacking the values that shape who we are as Central Valley Church and how we live out our faith. This message focuses on Intercessory Prayer and Generosity, two core values that move us beyond a self-focused faith and align our hearts with God's heart for others. We explore: • What intercessory prayer is and why it's essential • How praying for others impacts spiritual growth and freedom • Why prayer is central to following Jesus • How generosity reflects the nature and character of God • What it looks like to live with open hands and an others-first mindset This teaching challenges us to deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Jesus by living lives marked by prayer, generosity, and trust in God as our provider.

Life often creates a mental fog that distorts our reality, making everything feel overwhelming and isolating. The disciples experienced this same confusion when Jesus was crucified, moving from belief to fear and doubt. However, Jesus appeared to them in their locked room, offering peace and showing his scars as proof of his victory. When we become aware of Jesus's presence, we discover three powerful truths: his proximity (he never leaves us), his peace (wholeness from God's throne), and his purpose (living surrendered to his love). Instead of relying on our own strength during overwhelming times, we can anchor ourselves in these truths and trust in God's power. Follow and subscribe to stay updated with our latest content: Youtube  | Facebook | Instagram | Central Wired Website

What if wisdom isn't something you know, but a way of life that forms you over time?In this series, we explore the wisdom of Scripture—especially Proverbs—to examine how our choices, words, relationships, and trust in God are shaping who we are becoming. Rather than offering quick fixes, Formed invites us into the slow, faithful work of building our lives on a durable foundation.This series calls us to repentance—not as shame, but as building differently—and reminds us that wisdom is one of the primary ways God saves human lives from collapse.If you're asking What am I becoming? or How do I rebuild wisely? this series is an invitation to keep walking the way of wisdom.For more information or to get connected, visit us at  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.rcnb.org

What if wisdom isn't something you know, but a way of life that forms you over time?In this series, we explore the wisdom of Scripture—especially Proverbs—to examine how our choices, words, relationships, and trust in God are shaping who we are becoming. Rather than offering quick fixes, Formed invites us into the slow, faithful work of building our lives on a durable foundation.This series calls us to repentance—not as shame, but as building differently—and reminds us that wisdom is one of the primary ways God saves human lives from collapse.If you're asking What am I becoming? or How do I rebuild wisely? this series is an invitation to keep walking the way of wisdom.For more information or to get connected, visit us at  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.rcnb.org

This past Sunday Dr. Bobby Kelly walked us through John 14:1-7. That Jesus reminds us that trouble is a real part of life, but it does not have to control our hearts. In a world filled with uncertainty and fear, He calls us to trust in God and in Him. Jesus offers hope by promising a prepared place—our true home with the Father—and assures us that we are not left to find the way on our own. He declares that He Himself is the way, the truth, and the life, making a restored relationship with the Father possible. When our hearts are troubled, peace is found by trusting Jesus and following Him as the only way home.

How do we know we are trusting God as we seek to live at a higher level? In this message, Pastor Doug shares some keys to determining if we're trusting ourselves and shows practical ways to live out our trust in God!If you've just made a decision for Christ, please respond here so we can pray for you and encourage you along your journey: https://hpfc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/680887Check out the HISplace Bible Reading plan here: https://hpfc.org/bible-reading-plan/At HISplace Family Church we don't want something from you, we want something for you! By giving you open up an endless fountain of blessings that God wants to pour out to you. To give today click here: https://hpfc.org/give/Stay Connected:Website: https://hpfc.org/HISplace Family Church Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559273825317HISplace Family Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hisplacefamilychurch/

Dennis Michael Lynch and Mary join forces to discuss the important of trusting God.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Genesis 44–46 and Luke 18 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! In this episode, Hunter invites us into the story of Joseph and his family's dramatic reunion, exploring Genesis 44–46 and Luke 18. Together, we'll journey through the emotional moments when Joseph reveals himself to his brothers in Egypt, Jacob uproots his family in faith, and God's promises unfold in unexpected ways. Hunter reflects on the power of perseverance in prayer and encourages us to "never give up," drawing inspiration from Jesus' teachings about persistence, humility, and trust in God's faithfulness. Get ready for heartfelt scripture readings, practical spiritual encouragement, and prayers to start your day with hope. Whether you're seeking guidance, comfort, or simply a daily rhythm in God's word, you're in the right place—so let's dive in together. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Never give up. That's a popular sentiment these days. It's used in sports, in business; it's found on t-shirts and bumper stickers. Giving up is easy. I've done it way too much in my life. I've given up on goals, I've given up on hopes, I've given up on relationships. I'm sad to say that I've given up on way too much that I needed to hold on to in this life. And I've also held on to things I should have given up long ago—resentments, anger, my need to be right, my need for approval. I've held on to these things way too long. Maybe you can relate. It seems like the trick is to give up on the wrong things and never give up on the right things. In Luke 18, Jesus says that we should keep praying and never give up. Prayer seems to be connected to our ability to hold on to the right things. Prayer is a two-way conversation; it's relational. We share our hearts, our fears, our failures, our life with Him. And He shares His life, His word, His heart, His hopes for us. It's a two-way thing. God is speaking to us in prayer, and we are listening to His voice and His leading. We hear from Him, we respond, and we worship Him. Without this relationship, giving up is inevitable. It's just way too easy. But when we pray, we are given the strength to hold on, to endure, to never give up. In today's reading, we hear Jacob listening to God speak to him, late at night, in a place called Beersheba. The last time God spoke to Jacob in Beersheba was many years ago, when he was preparing to leave home, fleeing from his brother. He laid his head on a rock and saw a stairway to heaven with the Lord at the top, and God promised him the land and descendants as numerous as the dust of the earth. Now, years later, God comes to him once again, and again Jacob is having to leave the land God had promised to him. It didn't look like the promise would be fulfilled anytime soon—Jacob was headed in the opposite direction, would even die in a different land without seeing the promise fulfilled. But out in the distance, too far for Jacob to see, God was bringing about the fulfillment of all He had promised. Jacob needed to keep on praying and never give up. God told him that Joseph, his son, would be with him to the end. For us, someone even greater than Joseph is with us—not Jacob's son but God's Son, who will be with us to the very end. Hebrews 11:13 reminds us that all these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. So keep praying. Never give up. God is faithful. If we live a life of faith, a life of prayer, a life in relationship with Him, then we will have the strength we need to never give up. He who promised is faithful; He will fulfill all His promises. We are the recipients of the promise made to Jacob. That promise that Jacob never got to see with his earthly eyes—God has fulfilled. Most of you aren't from the nation of Israel, yet you are the fulfillment of that promise. You have been included in the blessing. So let's keep praying. Let's never give up. God's Son is with us, and He will be with us to the very end. He will close our eyes, and He will wake us up. Hallelujah. That's a prayer I have for my own soul. That's a prayer I have for my family, for you, and for our world. 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  

This weekend marked a sacred and historic moment for Living Word with the induction of Pastor Jim as Senior Pastor. Pastors Mac and Lynne shared from the heart, reflecting on decades of prayer, faith, and trust in God's call on their son's life, even in seasons when it seemed unlikely. They spoke of Pastor Jim's deep preparation, from serving in every area of ministry to his strong grounding in the Word and unwavering commitment to prayer. With the laying on of hands and powerful prophetic prayer from Pastors Mac and Lynne, the church formally recognized this God-ordained transition, celebrating a new day marked by continuity, spiritual authority, and great expectation for what lies ahead. Pastor Jim responded with humility and love: “I will most gladly spend myself and be utterly spent for the people of Living Word."Following this moment, Pastor Mac continued his series "The Gatekeeper of Power," reminding the church that while God's power is available to every believer, it is accessed through a renewed mind. Teaching from Scripture, he emphasized that our minds act as the gatekeeper, determining whether God's life-giving power or the enemy's deception has influence. By focusing on the unseen, eternal truths of God's Word rather than natural circumstances, believers learn to open the gate to resurrection power, walking more fully in the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. It was a fitting message for a day of transition: a call to steward both leadership and personal faith with intentional focus and spiritual clarity.Our Links–• Join The Prayer Movement!: https://theprayermovement.com• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingwordmn• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livingwordmn• Stay up to date with all things LWCC at https://www.LWCC.org• Join our Online Church community here: https://www.lwcc.org/onlinechurch• Give online: https://www.lwcc.org/give/• If you recently committed your life to God, we'd like to give you a free eBook to help you in your spiritual journey. Click here to download: https://www.lwcc.org/nextsteps/#LivingWord #ChurchSermon #Worship

This sermon is a real and honest conversation about the ups and downs of raising kids in a Christian home. With humility and grace, Pastor Roscoe reminds parents that the impact of faithful parenting often takes years to fully show up—and that patience and trust in God are essential along the way.At the heart of the message is a simple but powerful vision for parenting: helping children love Jesus and His church, discover God's unique purpose for their lives, and maintain strong, loving relationships with their parents. Along the way, parents are encouraged to lead by example, resist the urge to control or rescue too much, and lean on prayer and grace when things feel messy. It's a hopeful, down-to-earth message for anyone trying to love their kids well while trusting God with the outcome.

Daniel taught us a lot about standing our ground, praying in faith and even in fear, and being secure in our faith and trust in God.

In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally reflect on Psalm 141, a heartfelt prayer of David that invites us into a posture of humility, dependence, and trust in God. As David cries out for the Lord to "hurry" and hear his prayer, the conversation explores what it means to approach God honestly while recognizing Him as our true refuge. Together, they unpack David's request for God to guard his words, restrain his heart from drifting toward evil, and help him receive correction as a kindness rather than a burden. The discussion highlights the subtle danger of spiritual "drift," the importance of accountability, and the willingness to invite God—and others—into the work of shaping our character. Curtis and Sally also wrestle with the psalm's strong language toward the wicked, ultimately pointing to David's deeper desire that even his enemies would come to know truth. The episode closes with encouragement to trust God's guidance through unseen traps and snares, resting in the promise that He is faithful, near, and always attentive to the prayers of His people.

Did you know that every relationship will be tested? Discover powerful insights on building healthy relationships and navigating through life's tests in today's Charis Daily episode!

Join Pastor Steve Perez at The Fountain Apostolic Church as he delivers a powerful message on "He Is Still the God of the Breakthrough." In this inspiring Sunday Service, Pastor Steve explores the biblical story of David and the significance of relying on God's strength for breakthroughs in our lives. Discover how faith, obedience, and divine intervention can lead to overcoming life's challenges and achieving spiritual victories. This sermon encourages believers to trust in God's power to break through barriers and transform their circumstances.Pastor Steve Perez | January 18, 2026The Fountain Apostolic ChurchSOW (2026)Learn more at tfachurch.com/plus

By Enrique Vidal - "In God we trust" is an easy thing to say but much harder to keep, especially when we are having trials. Putting our trust in God is essential for a righteous relationship with Him.

Life can leave you breathless. Anxieties, past wounds, and the weight of the world leave us feeling weighed down and unable to move forward. In “Don't Forget to Breathe,” Dr. Oscar Williams draws from the story of Moses and the Israelites as their faith, patience, and trust in God was tested in the wilderness. Through their journey, he reveals how God wants us to release fear, anger, and frustration, and instead breathe in His presence, power, and provision. This message is for anyone carrying burdens from the past or struggling to step into what God has called them to. Learn how to speak faith over your circumstances, let go of what's holding you back, and receive the fresh life God is breathing into you today. Message: “Don't Forget to Breathe” Speaker: Dr. Oscar Williams Scripture: Numbers 20:1-12 (NKJV) Date: Jan. 14, 2026 ✨ Welcome to Your Moment of Transformation You don't have to walk this journey alone. Let Jesus guide your steps and fill your life with purpose and peace.

This week, we hear from retired Washington D.C. police sergeant and pastor Dale Sutherland, who shares how his faith carried him through dangerous undercover work, false accusations, and ultimately inspired him to launch a ministry that brings hope to families in crisis. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Haley Scully, who has spent nearly fifteen years with Hope for the Heart, equipping people to offer compassionate care within their communities. Through her own journey of navigating disappointment and renewal, she’s gained a deep understanding of the struggles others face—and a passion to restore their confidence and hope. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Clarissa and Fiona Moll Upcoming interview: Chris Blair Dale Sutherland Ephesians 2:10 2 Corinthians 1:9 Boost Others www.boostothers.org www.theundercoverpastor.com Haley Scully Hope for the Heart www.hopefortheheart.org The Care and Counsel Handbook Interview Quotes: “I’ve been shot at, robbed, and threatened a lot of times. But by God’s grace, I’m here.” - Dale Sutherland “[Being a police officer] was intense, yes, but the great thing is knowing Jesus the Lord went with me on all those calls. When I got ready to do an undercover, I prayed and asked the Lord for help. I really think any success I’ve received or been blessed with has truly been a result of the Lord’s work and answering all those prayers.” - Dale Sutherland “The Lord helped me a tremendous amount so that I could do my job but not let my own worries or feelings about what might happen or what has happened—almost like an on and off switch.” - Dale Sutherland “That time of trying to understand the goodness of God and His calling, in spite of some of the biggest disappointment and hurt in my life, that was certainly a time that I didn’t feel uncertain of Him, but I was feeling afraid and definitely stretched. I had to search through His Word with Him and really dig in to believe that He is good in spite of those disappointments.” - Haley Scully “When we allow God to use the gifts that He’s given us and we allow Him to shape that, it takes off all the pressure. That’s when the burden is light, when the yoke is on the Lord. I just get to help lead people to His Word.”- Haley Scully “Whether we are in a village in Africa or we’re in a high rise in Hong Kong, it does not matter where we are, the struggles of the human heart are the same.” - Haley Scully “We know that people are carrying quite a load as they try to care for others, and we want to help them be the most prepared to do that so they can still have joy in their calling and that they truly can trust in God to be the One to manage these things and be a vessel of help and hope.” - Haley Scully ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 Bonus Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C Peace for Everyday Life: https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj Peace in Uncertain Times: https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u What’s Good? https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj Enneagram: https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today’s Bible Verse: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” — Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Hebrews 11:1 defines faith not as wishful thinking, but as confident trust in God’s promises—even when the outcome remains unseen. This verse invites believers to anchor their hope in who God is, not in what circumstances appear to be. Want to listen without ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe Meet Today’s Host: Reverend Jessica Van Roekel