Podcasts about trusting god

Many people in this world are indecisive and full of doubt, and the mess that their lives are in is a result of that. God wants us to choose to follow Him, giving up all fear and doubts, trusting and believing in all of His promises, and He will take care of us.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Genesis 20-22; Luke 8 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! In today's episode, Hunter guides us through Genesis 20–22 and Luke 8, continuing our one-year journey through the Bible. But this isn't just about reading Scripture—it's about letting the living Word transform us from the inside out. As we witness the faith and testing of Abraham, the miraculous provision of God, and the powerful teachings and healings of Jesus, we're invited to see the goodness and faithfulness of God in fresh ways. Hunter reflects deeply on Abraham's incredible journey—his obedience, trust, and understanding of God's unique character as a provider, not a demander of senseless sacrifice. We're reminded that God meets us in our darkest and most barren places, and He is not like the other gods of the world. Instead, He is a God of life, love, and redemption. The episode closes with heartfelt prayers, seeking God's guidance, provision, and peace for ourselves, our families, and the world. Join us as we open our hearts to be changed by the Word, walking together in faith, hope, and the knowledge that we are deeply loved. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Unthinkable. Something unthinkable is being asked of Abraham. He is being asked to offer his one and only son, the son that he loves, as a sacrifice on the mountain. It is a test of obedience that, at first glance, seems unimaginable. But perhaps, in Abraham's world, it was not altogether unthinkable. The cultures surrounding him, and indeed, cultures throughout history, have at times required the blood of a human to appease or manipulate their gods. Abraham would have known these stories and expectations. But he also knew something else—the God who called him, who promised him a son even in extreme old age, who reminded him of blessings as countless as the stars. This God who walked with Abraham in his darkest, most barren moments was not like any of the others. Abraham had learned to walk with and trust God, and he believed that this God was not bloodthirsty or capricious, nor distant or angry and waiting to pounce. Abraham believed God was good—the God who meets us in our need, our shame, our barren places, the God who provides. On that mountain, God makes Himself known as Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides. He is not a God who requires us to atone by our own blood, or by the blood of those we love. No, God has a different way. Instead, it is He who provides the offering. The Father does not kill His Son—instead, the Son offers Himself, and is killed by humanity. Through His offering, He overcomes evil, wins the victory for us, conquering sin and darkness, and making a way for us to live. Abraham reasoned that, even if Isaac died, God was able to revive him—because Abraham knew, at the core, that God is good and can be trusted with our very lives. That knowledge—the character of God—changes everything. God comes to us in our lowest, most hopeless places, and brings resurrection, new life. On Mount Moriah, and then on the cross, God Himself provides what we cannot. He gives us victory, healing, hope. My prayer today is that my eyes would open to see as Abraham saw: the character of our God who provides, who is trustworthy, who is good. That I would walk with Him and know the freedom, the life, and the joy of being loved and provided for by Him. And that is my prayer for my family—for my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that is my prayer for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Episode Summary: Emotional Exhaustion and holiday burnout are very real experiences. Today we’re going to be talking about the post-holiday aftermath that many of us feel for a myriad of reasons. We are going to cover expectations—unmet and unspoken; the subsequent disappointment which follows and the straight up exhaustion of making Christmas happen for our loved ones. If we don’t pause for a moment following the holidays, we rush headlong into the long winter months with unresolved sadness, which impacts our mental and emotional well-being, making those January blues stronger. Our goal today is to equip you with space to process what happened or didn’t happen, reminders that you are not alone, and practical hope-filled tools to apply to the post-holiday aftermath you may be experiencing. Quotables from the episode: The living room is scattered with wrapping paper, ornaments are askew on the tree, and a fine layer of dust covers everything. Family has wandered off to pursue individual pursuits and you’re sitting alone. You did it. You curated gifts based on personal interests and desires. You planned special meals and made the once-a-year Christmas treats. But now the exhaustion sets in. You wonder if your family appreciates your effort, and you question whether it’s worth it. Crawling into bed and skipping the big family get together later that day sounds great. Instead, you pull yourself up and put another foot in front of the other. “Do the next thing,” you whisper, but wonder if you actually can. Today we are talking about How to Heal from Emotional Burnout and Holiday Exhaustion. Emotional burnout and holiday exhaustion is a real experience that many of us deal with. It can start as early as October or November and lingers into January. I love the reminders in Psalm 46 to be still, but it can be so hard to do. But when I keep reading, I see that knowing God and bringing him glory helps me frame being still inside the comforting knowledge that God is with me through it all. It’s the “all” that trips us up during the holidays. How do we determine how much or how little to do? How do we manage our expectations within the framework of stillness wrapped in God’s presence? One of the contributing factors in emotional exhaustion and holiday burnout comes from a motive to serve others and to create a special experience for them. It’s a good and noble desire to do this. The gift of hospitality, even to our own families, is a special way to show them God’s love. That’s where my desire comes from: I want to show my family love by doing for them. But when we neglect the best thing, we find ourselves running through the holidays in our own strength, which creates emotional burnout and holiday exhaustion. I love the sisters, Mary and Martha, found in Luke 10:38-42. These two women show us how to both serve and be still. I’ve never liked how Martha is shown as wrong and Mary as right. If we take the time to read what Jesus said, we learn there is a good way and a better way. Martha had good motives in serving Jesus and the other guests. In the context of healing from holiday exhaustion and emotional burnout, the desire to create a beautiful holiday experience is a good desire. Martha’s mistake was her unspoken expectation that her sister should be helping her create this amazing experience for the Lord. However, Mary spent her time listening at the feet of Jesus. While it looked like she was doing nothing, she shows us how being still is an active response. Spending time with Jesus is a better desire. It changes us from the inside out. Let’s explore how to hold both the good and the better in the same space and time. I’ve always had mixed feelings when it comes to the account of Mary and Martha. I want to be a Mary, but I definitely relate to Martha’s personally as a get-it-done kind of person. I can’t tell you how often I hear “I don’t know how you do all you do!” And in transparency, for many years, I wore that as a badge of honor, until doing became my downfall. One thing that has always stood out to me in the account of these two sisters is when Scripture says But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. It’s not that what Martha was doing was bad…it just wasn’t the best thing. It’s so easy to set aside our private, personal time with Jesus during the crazy, busy holiday season, and embarrassingly, I have succumbed to that at times. But what you’re saying is that healing from emotional burnout and holiday exhaustion starts with being still with Jesus. It’s within the stillness with Jesus where we can be refreshed and guided for our next thing. We can ask the Holy Spirit to show us where we may have expectations that could lead to disappointment. I must continually remind myself that life is not a movie script, with perfectly plotted responses. There is no call for “Cut!” or “Go again.” Our family members deal with their own internal angsts, expectations, and disappointments, which clash with ours. If we start the day with Jesus and invite him into every part of our day, we can hold the good with the better and reveal both a Martha and a Mary side to our families and ourselves. Unmet expectations (of others and ourselves) can contribute to emotional exhaustion and holiday burnout. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, so we have to be intentional when we want to change course. Addressing expectations by making time with Jesus a priority during the holiday season is vital, but let’s turn our attention to some practical steps. One step we can do post-holiday is to ask our families what traditions or activities are important to them. We may be doing all the things, but maybe we don’t need too. Taking the time to talk about expectations, and adjusting them going forward both helps to heal, and create self-guards going forward. A second aspect that crucial for our healing from emotional exhaustion and holiday burnout is to Create space in your life to rest and recover. There’s no universal required day to take down the decorations and return the gift bags to their storage space. Lay on the couch post-Christmas and New Years. Turn off the lamps and turn on the Christmas lights. Take time to rejoice in Jesus coming to earth for you. Contemplate God with us. Be still and know he is God. Depending on how depleted, fatigued, or burned out you may feel, I would add to that to create a “recovery zone”. Pick a short window every day, even if only 10-20 minutes, where you intentionally do nothing that requires output. Instead, sit with a cozy drink, listen to calm music, step outside for a breath of fresh air. This sends your nervous system the message: “I am safe. I can rest.” The fourth suggestion we have for how to heal from emotional exhaustion and holiday burnout is where we can learn from Mary. I’d suggest a brief post-holiday evaluation can be very helpful by answering two questions. First, What wore you out? Second, What gave you life? Taking the time for a post-holiday evaluation helps heal from emotional burnout and holiday exhaustion because self-reflection helps our brain release what is internally keeping our mind in a state of stress, and is a way to prepare and protect your mental and emotional strength for the next year. This is where we realize where we may have lost sight of “God with us.” It’s easy to keep saying yes and to add more. Some years we have the capacity for a lot and other years we need to scale back. Three of my kids have birthdays in November, January, and February. Reserving energy for their births changed how I did Christmas, from the décor to the gifts to the food. And I discovered an important truth—it’s not so much what we do that makes Christmas special but the who. Who we are with and who we focus on. A fifth tip, which is really important, is to Replenish What Was Depleted. To do this, I would add a third question to the self-evaluation, and that is to ask yourself What did the holidays season drain the most? If it was sleep, commit to earlier nights for a week or two. If it was social energy, block out quiet evenings. If it was finances, enact a low-spend month or two. If it was emotions, journal what you carried and release it to God. We know that the level of emotional exhaustion or holiday burnout is different for everyone, and some years are worse than others, but with a shift in our perspective, a bit of self-reflection, communicating with our family, creating space to rest and recover, and intentionally replenishing what was depleted, we can experience healing from emotional burnout and holiday exhaustion. Scripture References: Psalm 46:11-12 “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Luke 10:38-42 “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Recommended Resources: Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything By Jessica Van Roekel Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Jessica Van Roekel: Website / Instagram / Facebook For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Co-Host: Jessica Van Roekel is a worship leader, speaker, and writer who believes that through Jesus, personal histories don’t need to define the present or determine the future. She inspires, encourages, and equips others to look at life through the lenses of hope, trust, and God’s transforming grace. Jessica lives in rural Iowa surrounded by wide open spaces which remind her of God’s expansive love. She loves fun earrings, good coffee, and connecting with others. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Send us a textPart 2 of Wholehearted Rhythms for 2026When life feels unfinished, worship can feel complicated.In this episode of The Wholehearted Enneagram Podcast, Amy Wicks explores worship as a rhythm, not a mood, a performance, or a response to good outcomes, but a way of anchoring your heart in who God is when the story isn't resolved yet.Drawing from her own journey through joy, disappointment, and unanswered prayer, Amy reflects on how worship became real in moments of waiting, loss, and uncertainty, not by denying reality, but by choosing trust before understanding.In this episode, you'll explore:Why worship doesn't depend on outcomes or emotional clarityHow joy can coexist with disappointment and unfinished storiesA simple, embodied rhythm for worship when life feels unclearWhy what feels like rejection may actually be God's protectionHow worship steadies you in the middle of the story, not just at the happy endingThis conversation is part of a 4-part mini-series on Wholehearted Rhythms for 2026, designed to help you stay grounded in God's presence through worship, writing, and wisdom, especially when life feels uncertain.✨ Worship isn't about denying reality. It's about anchoring in who God is.Grab your gift for the new year: The Wholehearted Abundance Journalhttps://www.simplywholehearted.com/thejourneytowholeheartedabundanceRESOURCES FOR YOU: Book a High-Value Clarity Call with Amy Wicks https://www.simplywholehearted.com/callamywicks Not sure about your Enneagram Type? Start here: https://www.simplywholehearted.com/enneagramquiz Wholehearted Enneagram Coachinghttps://bit.ly/SWcoachingcollectiveEnnea-what? The Beginners Guide to the Enneagram(free course + printables)https://bit.ly/Enneagram101GuideThe Real History of the Enneagram Course(use code AMY for 40% OFF)https://bit.ly/EnneagramHistoryShould Christians Use the Enneagram? (Amy's book)https://amzn.to/3VB9PrxConnect with Amy:IGWebsite

In this episode, I share the full testimony of my two year journey through infertility.In this episode, I share what the waiting season was really like: the confusion, the questions, the tears, and all the ways God quietly and patiently reshaped my heart along the way.In this episode, I talk about:How God changed my heart toward motherhood and childrenWhy infertility challenged my faith in ways I'm grateful forAdvice for couples trying to conceiveWhat actually WORKED and what didn'tHow to ENJOY life while still waiting on GodHow this season reshaped my view of vocation, calling, and surrenderWhat's next for me and the future of The Called CareerMy prayer is that this episode encourages you, gives language to feelings you might not have known how to name, and reminds you that God is still working, even when the answer hasn't come yet.And if this resonates with you, or if you're in need of prayer, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Beautiful soul, this episode is for anyone who feels that something big is shifting and is ready to step into a year defined by ease, joy, and unexpected blessings. In this powerful two-part episode, Julie shares channeled angel messages and energetic insights for 2026. She explains why this year carries a massive expansion energy, not driven by burnout, hustle, or struggle, but through divine ease, presence, and alignment with God's highest vision for your life. Julie introduces new energetic tools the angels are guiding us to use, including the Energy Expansion Boom, the Cord Creation Technique, and what she calls Universal DoorDash a way of consciously co-creating with God and your angels through clarity, intention, and deep trust rather than force or manifestation. This episode reframes wealth, abundance, and success as soul-aligned living. It is especially supportive for those feeling overwhelmed, energetically overloaded, fearful about the future, or ready to release old subconscious beliefs around suffering, money, and worthiness. Episode Chapters (0:00) Angel messages and predictions for 2026 (4:56) Expansion without burnout: the core energy of the year (7:01) Unexpected blessings and divine plot twists (9:20) Releasing the belief that suffering is required to grow (14:30) The Energy Expansion Boom and auric field shift (17:57) Being instead of striving: the new way forward (21:29) The Cord Creation Technique (cord cutting in reverse) (26:12) Nervous system regulation and energetic ease (28:24) Universal DoorDash: ordering from the universe (33:41) Redefining wealth beyond money (38:17) Healing subconscious fear around money and success (44:31) Fear as information and energetic empowerment (46:49) Introducing the Pray and Be Wealthy series (49:08) Becoming the miracle others have prayed for Work with Julie & Your Angels If you've been feeling the nudge I want to hear my angels clearly, I want to work with them every day, here's how to go deeper:

It is inevitable that life will not go according to plan at times. Rather than complain, we must learn to trust God when things go wrong. Click here to see the speech page. Support the show: https://ldsp-pay.ldschurch.org/donations/byu/byu-speeches.htmlSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the CEO Pulse Podcast, we sit down with Sandy J Moll, a seasoned entrepreneur and coach with over 30 years of experience. Sandy, along with her husband Dave, has built multiple successful businesses, including in real estate and lending, always with purpose and integrity.Sandy shares her faith-driven approach to entrepreneurship, how her values have shaped the success of her seven companies, and introduces the concept of the "10-hour CEO." She discusses balancing work and life with grace while embracing faith, overcoming setbacks, and leading with purpose.If you're an entrepreneur seeking to integrate purpose and values into your business, this episode is for you.

So often we resist the season we're in, waiting for what's next, while God is present right here inviting us not just to survive but to thrive. When we stop resisting and begin trusting Him, even in what feels heavy or unclear, He meets us with peace, rest, and vision that surpasses understanding. This message is an invitation to fix our eyes on Jesus, come to Him with our burdens, and learn how to trust God and embrace the season we're in.

What do you do when your situation is out of your control? This is where Taylor found herself after her son was born with Prader Willi Syndrome. Listen and watch as Taylor shares the reality of trusting God even in the midst of a negative diagnosis for her son. Want to become a partner?www.faithignite.us/donate

Scripture ReferencesNumbers 22:5–31Deuteronomy 2:9Deuteronomy 23:42 Peter 2:15 Primary SourcesWenham, Gordon J. Numbers: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 4. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1981.Wiersbe, Warren W. Be Counted. “Be” Commentary Series. Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Pub., 1999.Matthews, Victor Harold, Mark W. Chavalas, and John H. Walton. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament. Electronic ed. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000.

Join Pastor Brandon from Alliance Church Hortonville as we kick off the "Anointed" series on the lives of Elijah and Elisha!In this powerful message from 1 Kings 17, discover how God miraculously provides through ravens, an unending jar of oil and flour, and even raises a widow's son from death. The big question: Can you trust that God keeps His Word—even in your darkest moments?Key takeaways:-God sustains us in impossible situations-His promises are trustworthy for everyone, even outsiders-How these ancient stories point to Jesus and new lifePerfect for anyone seeking hope, faith encouragement, or deeper Bible study in 2026.

Trusting God in a Shallow World | Week 1: From Cursed to Blessed // Ryland Walter // This January, we'll get serious about the difference between relying on our own strength and fully trusting in God. Through the imagery of Jeremiah 17:5-10, we'll discover how deep spiritual roots, consistent discipline, and faith-filled dependence on God help us withstand life's challenges and bear lasting fruit. Grow deeper, thrive, and experience true spiritual health.

December 30, 2025

Les Chapman, Senior Minister

Sometimes we get so stuck in smelling dying roses that we neglect preparing the garden for spring.Connect with us through: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Web Site⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LifeCentral Bikers Church -YouTubeTikTok

November 16, 2025

Ever wonder how to truly receive God's grace? Daniel Bennett kicks off this episode by likening it to opening the best present ever. Discover how grace can transform your daily life, moving from mere knowledge to real experience.

In today's episode, Bob & Linda explore one of the most overlooked spiritual tests in the Christian life: how to stay dependent on God in the midst of blessings. Drawing from Joshua 11, they unpack the strange moment where God tells Israel to hamstring the horses and burn the enemy's chariots—the ancient equivalent of destroying tanks after a battle. Why would God command that? Because victories can be just as spiritually dangerous as trials. Through personal stories—from unexpected financial provision, to early blogging years, to painful seasons of health challenges—Bob & Linda reflect on how easy it is to place trust in the "chariots" of modern life: savings accounts, credit cards, systems, friendships, therapy, comfort, or even spiritual routines. This episode is an invitation to ask the Holy Spirit: "What chariot in my life have I started to rely on more than God?" It's a vulnerable, practical conversation about dependence, provision, and the subtle ways our security can shift from the Lord to the blessings He provides. (Scripture from NLT.)   Big Takeaways God sometimes blesses us with success—but the real test comes after the victory. "Chariots" today can be anything we lean on before we lean on God—money, strategies, credit cards, relationships, even good systems. Joshua's obedience protected Israel's dependence; Solomon's disobedience eroded his. Trusting God doesn't mean rejecting tools—it means refusing to let tools replace Him. Obedience may feel costly, but it leaves room for God's provision to be unmistakable.   Key Scriptures (NLT) Joshua 11 — God commands Israel to cripple the horses and burn the chariots. Psalm 20:7 — "Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God." Deuteronomy 17:16 — Instruction to future kings not to store up horses. Matthew 14 (referenced) — Jesus' exhausting day of grief, ministry, feeding the 5,000, walking on water, and praying through the night.   Highlighted Quotes from the Episode "Getting the blessing is one thing—keeping God at the center is another." "Some victories make you feel strong. God wants you to stay dependent." "You can have a blessed life and still miss what God is trying to form in you." "You're not called to trust the tool—only the One who provides it." "Ask the Holy Spirit: What chariot am I still holding onto?"   Timestamps 00:00 — The surprising test after a breakthrough 02:00 — Why did God tell Joshua to burn chariots? 04:15 — Dependence vs. self-reliance when life is going well 06:30 — Modern "chariots": money, comfort, systems, relationships 10:00 — A real inheritance story: when provision can become a trap 11:00 — Bob's personal story: the blog, losing his job, and losing their "income lifeline" 13:30 — How challenges can strengthen faith more than comfort 15:00 — Jesus' exhausting day: grief, ministry, storm 17:00 — Joshua vs. Solomon: a tale of two responses 20:00 — Is God asking you to lay something down? 25:00 — Guided prayer: "Lord, show me my chariots" 26:30 — Final verse + encouragement   Weekly Action Item Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal ONE "chariot" in your life—a place where you've subtly shifted trust from God to a tool, resource, or comfort. Write it down and pray: "Lord, show me how to surrender this and depend on You again."   CTA If you want help building money systems that support your trust in God rather than replace it, visit our SeedTime Money Resources Page for our latest guides and tools.     BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime).   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/4bPH1z_soAs! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books."  You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

We trust the Lord with every part of your heart

At the beginning of a year there is a sense of new beginnings to make things different and better in our lives. Our finances are one thing the Bible maps out to show us where we need to be responsible. When we give our first fruits to God by placing our treasure in our church home, it also indicates that we are committed to belonging to a body of believers like He has called us to. Above anything else, the only thing that will keep us on track in all categories of responsibilities is spending time every morning talking with God.

Episode Summary: Welcome to a brand-new year! If you’re like many, today might bring a mix of emotions. Excitement for a fresh start, anxiety over the unknown, or maybe even a lingering weight from the past. So many of us enter the new year feeling burdened by past mistakes, failures, or regrets. The enemy would love nothing more than to keep us stuck in shame, replaying the moments we wish we could erase. But here’s the truth: Our God is a God of redemption, of new beginnings, of fresh mercies every morning including this very one. Today, we talk about Trusting God's Redemption Over Your Past. We’ll explore what it means to step forward in faith instead of shame, to trust in God’s plans instead of our past, and to fully embrace the fresh start He offers us through His love and grace. Quotables from the episode: If stepping into this new year has felt more like stepping into a cloud of uncertainty, I want you to know that you are not alone. More importantly, you are not without hope. Today, we’re going to explore what God’s Word says about new beginnings and how we can release the past to walk confidently into His plans for our future. God is in the business of making things new. If you’re struggling to let go of past failures, hear this today—God is doing a new thing in your life. Will you embrace it? No matter what yesterday held, today is a new day, and His mercies are fresh and waiting for you. Practical Tip 1: Release What You Cannot Change Holding onto past regrets won’t change them. Take a moment to pray and surrender those memories to God, repenting where necessary and trusting Him to use even your mistakes for His glory. Practical Tip 2: Replace Shame with Truth The enemy often whispers lies of unworthiness and failure, but God calls you redeemed. Meditate on scriptures that remind you of your identity in Christ—because you are loved, valued, and renewed every day. Practical Tip 3: Set Your Eyes on the Future, Not the Past In Philippians 3:13-14, the apostle Paul encourages us, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal...” Today, commit to focusing on God’s promises for your future. Each new day is a step toward the plans He has for you—plans filled with hope and purpose. Where there is uncertainty, seek God’s will for your future. Practical Tip 4: Surround Yourself with Encouragement Fellowship is key. The enemy would love to isolate you, but we were not created to be alone. Whether it’s through Christian friends, a church community, or inspirational books and podcasts, fill your life with voices that affirm your worth and point you toward God’s truth. When you're surrounded by encouragement, the journey to healing and new beginnings becomes much more manageable. Practical Tip 5: Start Each Day with a Fresh Perspective Begin every morning by thanking God for a new day and seeking His guidance. A short prayer or a moment of reflection can reset your mindset, reminding you that His mercies are new every day. Consider journaling your thoughts and prayers to track the fresh starts and breakthroughs God is bringing into your life. If you need a resource to start your day in God’s word, reflecting on His promises, I encourage you to pick up a copy of my book Today Is Going to Be a Good Day: 90 Promises From God to Start Your Day Off Right. Take a moment now to reflect on these steps. Ask yourself: What past burdens do I need to surrender? Which scriptures will I meditate on to replace shame with truth? Allow God to fill you with hope as you anticipate the new things He’s ready to do in your life. Friend, I don’t know what your past holds, but I do know this—God is bigger than your mistakes, greater than your failures, and ever faithful in His love. As you step into this new year, hold onto the promise that He is doing a new thing in your life. You no longer have to be weighed down by what was. Instead, embrace what is to come, knowing that God’s plans for you are filled with hope, purpose, and renewal. As you leave this episode, I encourage you to put these steps into practice. Tonight, reflect on the scriptures we discussed and commit to a fresh start tomorrow morning. Trust that each new day is a gift from God—a day filled with His mercy and love. Let’s pray together: “Lord, thank You for the promise of new beginnings. Help us to let go of the past and step boldly into the future You have planned. May we embrace Your truth over our shame, and may Your mercies renew us each morning. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Scripture References: Isaiah 43:18-19: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Lamentations 3:22-23: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Recommended Resources: Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Wisdom's Table, I, Rachel Wortman, delve into a topic that quietly exhausts many of us in the realms of business, leadership, and ministry: the obsession with numbers. We often find ourselves fixated on revenue goals, follower counts, and growth metrics, which, while not inherently evil, can distract us from the life in Christ we are called to live. As I reflect on my own experiences, I share how I've noticed a troubling trend where we replace the concept of fruit-bearing with numerical figures. Instead of asking ourselves who we are becoming, we become preoccupied with what we are producing. This episode marks a pivotal moment for me as I celebrate reaching 20,000 downloads of the podcast, thanks to all of you who have supported and shared it.   Interested in the Kingdom Identity Accelerator? CLICK HERE   TIMESTAMPS 00:00:01 - Welcome to Wisdom's Table Introduction to the podcast and its purpose. 00:00:27 - The Obsession with Numbers Discussion on how focusing on numerical goals can distract from spiritual growth. 00:01:20 - Celebrating Milestones Acknowledgment of reaching 20,000 downloads and gratitude to listeners. 00:01:40 - Yearly Reflection Rachel shares insights from her year-end wrap-up and the emotional impact of numerical goals. 00:02:35 - Shifting Focus God's message to Rachel about prioritizing areas of focus over numerical goals. 00:04:10 - The Question of 2026 Exploring what fruit God wants to grow in our lives instead of chasing numbers. 00:05:45 - Quality vs. Quantity The limitations of numerical goals and the importance of focusing on quality. 00:06:45 - Margin in Life The need for balance and margin to enjoy life and avoid burnout. 00:08:12 - The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Discussion on the impact of hurry in modern life and the need for rest. 00:09:26 - Protecting Capacity How focus allows for honoring personal capacity and celebrating small wins. 00:10:51 - The Nature of Fruit Bearing Understanding that fruit grows in seasons and is the Holy Spirit's job. 00:12:06 - Aligning with God's Will The importance of surrendering goals to align with God's desires. 00:13:40 - Navigating Challenges Rachel reflects on personal challenges and how they affected her capacity. 00:14:43 - Focus vs. Numerical Goals Encouragement to consider areas of focus alongside numerical goals. 00:15:28 - The Importance of Relationship with Jesus Emphasizing the need for a direct relationship with God over just setting goals. 00:16:50 - Trusting God's Voice Encouragement to seek God's guidance and trust His plans for us. 00:18:15 - Identity in Christ Introduction to the Kingdom Identity Accelerator group and its significance. 00:19:51 - Final Thoughts and Call to Action Encouragement to reflect on focus areas and the importance of spiritual growth. 00:20:33 - Upcoming Prayer Episode Teaser for the next episode focused on teaching prayer.

In this New Year's Eve service, Pastor Chris McCool (Zion PBC) shares a message of hope and encouragement from Mark chapter 5. Focusing on the account of Jairus and his dying daughter, Brother Chris discusses "the difficulty of the delay"—the space we live in between the trials of this world and the fulfillment of God's promises. Whether you are facing personal loss, sickness, or the general frustrations of life, this sermon reminds us of Jesus' comforting words: "Be not afraid, only believe."

Be A Warrior: Closing Season Five, Trusting What Comes Next As I sit down to record this episode, it honestly feels surreal. This is the final episode of 2025 and the close of Season Five of Be-YOU-tiful Adaptive Warrior. Five years. 210 episodes in all! When I say that out loud, it stops me in my tracks a little. What started as a quiet nudge on my heart has grown into something that now feels woven into my life, my healing, and my purpose. My 2025 year in review If you've been with me on this journey for a while, thank you. Truly. You are part of this family. And if you're new here, welcome. I hope you'll stick around—because Season Six starts next week, and I can hardly believe I get to say that. When I launched this podcast, I didn't have a master plan. I wasn't chasing perfection, production polish, or algorithms. I was chasing meaning. My prayer from the very beginning was simple: If this reaches one person—if it brings hope, peace, or strength to someone in the middle of chaos—then it's worth it. This podcast exists because of my faith, my lived experience, and the road that brought me here—one that forever changed on December 19th, 2018. That was the day I chose an elective above-knee amputation after five years of failed surgeries following a taekwondo accident. Five years of fighting my own body. Five years of pain, loss, and unanswered questions. My TaeKwonDo time, pre-amputation If you've never heard my full amputation story, I shared it back in Season One. And honestly, as I step into Season Six, I may revisit it again—because time gives perspective, and perspective gives depth. My first full year as an amputee was 2019, and I set goals like my life depended on it. And in many ways, it did. I hit every single one. I skied again. I surfed. I water skied. I hiked. I rode horses. I proved to myself, my doctors, my family—and maybe the world—that I wasn't disabled. I was differently abled. But once I checked every box, something unexpected happened. I felt empty. That emptiness wasn't failure—it was calling. I realized I wasn't meant to keep all of that hard-earned wisdom to myself. I wasn't meant to just do life again. I was meant to share it. That's where this podcast was born. I'll be honest—I don't love listening to myself talk. I don't script these episodes. I don't cut out the pauses or clean up the edges. There's an intro, there's an outro, and everything in between is real. I show up as a mom, a wife, an amputee, a human still figuring it out. This podcast is raw on purpose—because life is raw. As this year closes, we're also shifting seasons symbolically. If you follow the Chinese calendar, we're leaving the Year of the Snake and entering the Year of the Horse. And if you know me at all, you know how much that resonates. Horses have become central to my healing and my heart. As a little girl growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, I dreamed of horses, but access and finances made it unrealistic. Life had other plans. It wasn't until after I lost my leg that horses came back into my life in a powerful way. I reached out to a friend who worked with rescue horses, and something clicked—deeply and instantly. That connection led me to become certified in horse training, advanced training, and most recently equine therapy. Horses taught me regulation, presence, trust, and stillness in ways nothing else ever had—especially after trauma. Now, I work with people who are searching for grounding, healing, and reconnection to their bodies, especially after limb loss. The Year of the Horse represents freedom, movement, soul searching, and wellness. And honestly, I can't think of a better theme for what's ahead. I don't know exactly what this year will bring—but I know I'm ready to meet it. If you've followed me for any length of time, you know I don't believe in New Year's resolutions. I think the phrase itself sets us up to fail. Words carry power. When we label something as temporary or flimsy, our minds treat it that way. By February, resolutions fade, gyms empty out, and people convince themselves they'll “start again later.” So instead, I believe in fresh starts. Turning a page. New perspective. And one of my favorite end-of-year rituals is choosing a word—or a short phrase—to guide the year ahead. Not a checklist. A compass. Last year, my words were ‘Be Present’. And those words carried me through one of the most challenging years of my life. In May, I traveled to Boston to see if I qualified for an experimental procedure and revision surgery. In June, I had surgery. July through September were filled with healing, setbacks, crutches, fittings, and learning my body all over again. Through it all, I stayed present. I documented the journey. I let myself feel it. And when the holidays arrived—busy, beautiful, chaotic—I stayed present there too. I soaked up baking, gift-making, family moments, and even the exhaustion. I welcomed January's slower rhythm with gratitude instead of guilt. This year, my word found me quietly—in church, listening to our pastor speak. My word for the coming year is ‘Trust”. That word is heavy in the best way. Trusting the process. Trusting the people around me. Trusting my body as it continues to change. Trusting God's timing—even when it doesn't match my own. I like control. I like schedules. I like certainty. And trust requires letting go. It's a trust fall—stepping back and believing you'll be caught. My prosthetic journey is still unfolding. My leg continues to change. A new socket is likely coming soon. Nothing feels finished or neat right now—and that's okay. This year, I'm choosing to stop forcing outcomes and start allowing space. If something is meant to be, it will unfold. And if it isn't, that doesn't mean it was a failure. Sometimes closed doors are protection. Sometimes the blessing only makes sense in hindsight. So here's my invitation to you. As we sit in this quiet space between years, I want you to choose a word or phrase of your own. Something that speaks to where you are—not where you think you should be. Be honest. Reflect. Meditate on it. Ask yourself where you struggled this year and where you want to grow—not from shame, but from curiosity. Write your word down. Put it somewhere visible. Make it your screensaver. Stick it on your mirror. Tell someone you trust. Accountability matters. Growth requires reflection—and sometimes reminders. And remember this: you are not meant to be at the same place as everyone else. We rise and fall at different times so we can lift each other when it's needed. Start with yourself. Speak kindly to yourself. Life is too short for your own inner voice to be your harshest critic. You are already enough. Growth is not about fixing yourself—it's about expanding into who you already are. As I close this chapter, I want to thank you for being here. For listening. For trusting me with your time and your heart. If this podcast gave you even one moment of hope or clarity this year, then it has done its job. Season Six is coming. New challenges are coming. A virtual race is on the horizon. And the Year of the Horse is inviting us forward—with strength, freedom, and trust. Until next year—keep showing up, keep listening to your heart, and trust the process. And as always, Be Healthy, Be Happy, Be YOU!!! Much love,

In this conversation, Cher explores the journey of faith and stewardship, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's calling despite doubts and fears. She shares insights from her own experiences and the allegorical lessons from 'Pilgrim's Progress', encouraging listeners to remain faithful and trust in Christ as the path. The discussion highlights the need for spiritual nourishment, the dangers of confusion, and the significance of daily engagement with scripture and prayer. Cher reassures that God is not the author of confusion and encourages listeners to focus on their relationship with Christ rather than seeking external confirmations.TakeawaysFaith requires action and obedience to God's calling.Doubts and fears are common but can be overcome with trust in God.Spiritual nourishment is essential for maintaining faith.The journey of faith is often not what we expect.We should not seek confirmation from others but trust in Christ.Remaining faithful leads to spiritual growth and rewards.The enemy seeks to distract us from our path with doubts.Daily engagement with scripture is crucial for clarity.God's guidance is found in a relationship with Him.We are called to share the hope of Christ with others.What to do when:Your Faith Journey Won't Look Like You ExpectedTrusting God When Confirmation Never ComesOther things to consider:Don't Seek External Validation, Seek ChristHow to Remain Faithful When the Path Gets UnclearStaying on the Path: Why Doubts Don't Mean You're LostChapters - Timestamps00:00 The Journey of Faith and Obedience02:49 Overcoming Doubts and Fears05:43 Staying on the Path: Lessons from Pilgrim's Progress11:59 The Importance of Daily Bread and Spiritual Nourishment17:54 Navigating Confusion and Seeking Confirmation23:42 The Path is Christ: Trusting in His Guidance29:38 Encouragement to Remain Faithful and SteadfastScriptures referenced: via BibleGatewayEphesians 6:121John 4:1-3John 16:33Proverbs 3:5-6Lamentations 3:22-23Matthew 18:2-4Matthew 12:22-281Corinthians 14:33John 14:6Colossians 1:17Galations 6:9Psalms 119:133-136John 15:7John 15:4-11Hebrews 4:122Corinthians 10:121John 2:1Hebrews 12:2Other Episodes mentioned:Take the Doubts with You Episode 22The Pilgrim's Progress MovieThe Pilgrim's Progress Book The Pilgrim's Progress Modern English Version Website: Style and StewardshipYouTube: Style and Stewardship

What do you do when you're praying, but nothing seems to be happening?   In this potent episode of Meet at the Well, Justin and Lauren talk candidly about waiting seasons—the kind that test your faith, your marriage, and your ability to trust God when His answers feel delayed.   They share a real conversation about longing for more children, watching others receive what you're praying for, and learning how to stay grounded when emotions, comparison, and fear try to take over.    This episode explores what it actually means to trust God in the silence—not through performance, control, or spiritual striving—but through surrender, order, and faithfulness.   They also unpack:  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We're so grateful to be closing out the year with a huge milestone – our 250th podcast episode! Truly, praise be to Jesus for giving us the strength and consistency to keep showing up every week.With the year coming to a close, we're sitting down for an honest (and very exciting!!!) year in review, reflecting on everything this past year held for The Called Career and for us personally. From big answered prayers to unexpected challenges, we're sharing the highs, the hard parts, and everything in between.We discuss:The bold goals we set at the start of the year and how they actually turned outAudrey's relationship update!

Hey friends,If you've ever looked at the world and thought, “This is too much, I don't even know where to start,” you are not alone. Culture is moving at warp speed, and as Christian parents, it can feel impossible to keep up, let alone know how to guide our kids through it all with clarity, calm, and conviction.In today's episode, I'm joined by my Denison Ministries teammates and friends, Connor Jones and Micah Tomasella. These two are not only culture watchers and podcast hosts, but they're also dads in the thick of raising littles, so they get it. Together, we talk about how to engage culture without being consumed by it, and how to stay grounded when the headlines won't stop coming.Here's what we cover:How to decide what's actually worth paying attention to (and what you can ignore)How to enjoy entertainment and trends without letting them become idolsWhy biblical grounding matters more than having all the right answersHow to have conversations with your kids that don't feel like lecturesThis one is practical, honest, and encouraging, especially if you've been feeling overwhelmed, out of your depth, or tempted to just check out entirely.Connor Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing and Micah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries. Together, they host The Culture Brief podcast, where they break down what's happening in the world and how to think about it through a biblical lens. Both are young dads navigating the same parenting pressures and culture shifts that many of us face daily. Their goal? Help Christians stay rooted in truth while walking wisely in a noisy world.Let's keep showing up with curiosity, courage, and grace. You don't have to know everything, just stay rooted.With love,Steph(00:00) Introduction to the Hosts and Their Backgrounds(04:54) Navigating Culture as Parents(11:15) Engaging with Cultural Moments(14:49) Discussing Cultural Events with Kids(19:08) Fostering Healthy Conversations about Culture(19:48) Navigating Theological Questions with Children(22:14) The Importance of Open Dialogue in Parenting(26:06) Equipping Ourselves for Cultural Conversations(28:24) Encouragement for Overwhelmed Parents(32:42) Trusting God's Plan in ParentingResources MentionedDwell Bible in a Year Give to Christian ParentingSign up for Morning MinuteChristian ParentingCulture Brief PodcastDenison ForumDenison MinistriesPrefer video? Find this and other episodes on YouTube!The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to Barn Talk! In this Hot Topics episode, Sawyer and Tork cover everything from what's happening on the farm to the bigger picture in AG, economics, and world events. You'll get the latest market updates on corn, beans, and livestock, plus hear firsthand stories from rural life and how changing weather is impacting the Christmas season in Iowa.The guys break down the financial headwinds facing farmers—including interest rates, operating loans, equipment values, and the squeeze on small towns—and ask some big questions about the future of land and food production. They also dig into hot-button issues like solar panels replacing farmland, oil market drama, and even give their take on the latest headlines, from boxing matches to the Epstein files.With plenty of laughs, honesty, and encouragement for anyone having a tough year, Sawyer and Tork are keeping it real and letting you know you're not alone. Get ready for an episode packed with barn talk, real talk, and a little bit of everything in between!SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ➱ https://bit.ly/3a7r3nR  SUBSCRIBE TO THIS'LL DO FARM ➱ https://bit.ly/2X8g45cLISTEN ON:SPOTIFY ➱ https://open.spotify.com/show/3icVr4KWq4eUDl7Oy60YMY APPLE ➱ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/barn-talk/id1574395049Follow Behind The Scenes

Happy New Years from Blended Kingdom Families! In this New Year reflection episode of the Blended Kingdom Families Podcast, Scott and Vanessa Martindale invite listeners to pause, reflect, and trust God's timing after a year that may not have gone as planned.They talk openly about unmet expectations, waiting seasons, disappointment, and the human tendency to control outcomes instead of surrendering them to God. Through Scripture, personal testimony, and encouragement, Scott and Vanessa remind families that delays are not denials and that God is always working, even when we cannot see it.The conversation encourages listeners to release regret, relinquish control, and enter the new year with faith, peace, and expectancy. They also discuss the value of choosing a word for the year as a spiritual anchor and how reflection and gratitude help realign hearts with God's purpose.This episode offers hope and clarity for anyone stepping into a new season and longing to trust God more deeply.We pray this episode blesses you today! Want to join the Blended Kingdom Families Community? Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, To support this ministry and help ensure that blended families around the world continue to receive biblical equipping click here: https://blendedkingdomfamilies.com/donate/ For more resources visit: Blended Kingdom Families Website

You have a number in mind — one you believe will finally make you feel confident, content, or “okay” in your body. But what if that number is carrying more weight than you realize? In this episode, we talk about goal weights, why we get attached to them, and how to shift from chasing a number to pursuing peace, sustainability, and trust with God instead. If the scale has been quietly stealing your joy, this conversation invites you to loosen your grip and refocus on what truly matters. Get your show notes: https://gracefilledplate.com/trusting-god-with-your-goal-weight/ Links mentioned: Get your Overcoming Weight Loss Idols For a deep dive, check out Grace Filled Plate Platinum and be sure to get on the waiting list You may also love: Who HE Is [A Chew the Word Study] Season 1 Episode 2: Ditching the Diet Mindset Season 2 Episode 21: The Keto Diet: Is It Biblical? Season 3 Episode 6: How to Align Your Weight Loss Goals and Values Season 4 Episode 2: 3 Inspiring Tips for When You Feel Weight Loss Discouragement Get a FREEBIE: Get your FREE Faith [is greater than] Food Jumpstart

Looking back with gratitude and looking ahead with hope isn’t about pretending life is easy—it’s about trusting God in the middle of the hard parts. This devotional reframes familiar promises by reminding us that God often speaks hope into uncomfortable, uncertain seasons. Real faith isn’t polished or pain-free; it’s forged when we choose trust, gratitude, and hope even when circumstances feel unresolved. Highlights A comfortable life isn’t the norm for God’s people—Scripture consistently shows faith growing through hardship. We often celebrate biblical victories while overlooking the suffering that shaped them. God’s promises are frequently given in seasons of waiting, captivity, or uncertainty—not ease. Hope and faith are spiritual disciplines that require intentional choice, not feelings. Gratitude helps us recognize God’s faithfulness in the present, even when the future feels unclear. Trusting God’s character allows us to move forward with confidence, not fear. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Looking Back with Gratitude, Looking Ahead with HopeBy: Peyton Garland Bible Reading:“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) Christianity is always easier when it’s comfortable, right? When there’s no church drama, your marriage isn’t bumpy, or the children aren’t in a rebellious season. When everyone’s health is clear, the savings account is full, and the boss is flexible. But when are all of these life avenues simultaneously smooth? When is life ever not life—the chaos, the calamity, the confusion? When we read Scripture, did any of God’s people have it easy? Moses didn’t, Esther didn’t, David didn’t, and Jesus certainly didn’t. I believe that our pursuit of a comfortable life is the reason we gravitate towards certain Bible verses and willingly cut out the remaining context. We don’t mind discussing when Moses parted the waters, when Esther was crowned Queen, when David defeated Goliath, and when Jesus resurrected. But we too easily neglect when Moses died in the wilderness, when Esther risked her life for her people, when David’s sin caught up with him, and when Jesus was nailed to a cross to carry the sins of an ungrateful world. Jeremiah 29:11 is another perfect example of our desperate pursuit to polish the Christian experience. Glancing at this isolated verse, you could argue for an easy-going prosperity gospel. But Jeremiah 29:14 reveals that God’s people receive this promise in captivity. They aren’t comfortable but desperate. Their hope is wary, waning. So what do they make of a promise that seems impossible? They choose hope. They choose faith. Hope and faith aren’t easy. They certainly aren’t comfortable because they require us to practice what we don’t want to and to believe in what we don’t feel. Hope and faith are rarely instinctual. That’s what makes them spiritual disciplines. So if your heart is heavy and tumultuous, if your life has been plagued with the worst twists and turns, you are in the perfect position to welcome hope and faith into your new year. God promises us a beautiful future on the other side of hard times, but we will never appreciate, let alone recognize, His blessings if we don’t choose to pursue God’s hope and faith in our challenging circumstances. To cultivate hope and faith is to invite God to change your perspective. It’s a chance to become more like Christ in both His suffering and His glory (Romans 8:17). In my book Tired, Hungry, & Kinda Faithful, I dig into this idea a bit deeper: Allow God to root his purpose in your soul in a land where you once believed growth impossible… Perhaps it is time to pledge allegiance to a God we are still wary of, and in that process—no matter how wild and scary and challenging—we learn to love him in a gentler, surer way. This way grasps the good kind of love that he designed in the first place—even if Love never promises to stop the hard times but invites us to thrive amid them. And from such a purifying journey, perhaps we will genuinely love others, and deep down, we will come to call our desert a well of hope. It’s natural to create barriers to block God out when it seems the Christian life offers little reprieve for our minds, bodies, and souls. However, how can we ever have true hope, faith, and even joy if we shun the very source of these things? How will we appreciate the opportunities that wait for us in the future if we don’t adopt a heart of gratitude for God’s providence, grace, mercy, and sovereignty in the present, no matter our circumstances? Embrace a heart of thankfulness for the God who grants us hope and faith, and surrender your longing for the shallow, smooth-sailing life that offers little sustenance for the soul. Step into this new year confident in the character of a God whose goodness never wavers and whose promises are always sure. Intersecing Faith & Life:Make a list of the relationships or opportunities where you haven’t left room for God to work. Have you boxed God out because of past disappointments or because you think you can handle things on your own? How does this shape (or even manipulate) your definition of hope and faith? Ask God to rid you of any false notions you have regarding hope and faith, and allow Him room to work in your life to cultivate the beautiful future He has in store. Further Reading:Jeremiah 29A Few Modern Thoughts on the Land of Milk and Honey Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Renée Rinehart, co-founder of Gospel Patrons, understands the grace and surrender that generosity requires from both sides of the equation. Raised in a family shaped by missions, hospitality, and entrepreneurial generosity, Renée learned early on that generous, open-handed obedience often requires risk. As she and her husband, John, built careers in business, God invited them to ask deeper questions about purpose, wealth, and their role in the Kingdom.   That questioning led to a season of radical trust, including a 132-day journey across 22 countries where they relied on God daily for their bed and bread provision. Through uncertainty, sickness, and unexpected grace, they exercised their faith, and came to know God as their provider on a deeper and more extreme level than they ever thought possible. Along the way, Renée and John were introduced to many inspiring stories of how God has used patrons with the gift of giving throughout history for the advancement of the Gospel, and those stories became John's first book, Gospel Patrons.   The Rineharts have now carried the message of Gospel Patrons around the world, inspiring stewards of wealth to know the vitality of their role in the Kingdom, and to experience the beauty and joy of Kingdom impact from patron-proclaimer partnerships.    If you are seeking a faith-shaped vision of generosity marked by surrender, partnership, and trust, this episode is for you.   Major topics include: A journey of extreme faith The necessary partnership of gospel patrons and proclaimers  Trusting God to meet your needs so you can be radically generous Experiencing both the giving and receiving sides of a patronage partnership Generosity is more about relationship than result Inspiring patrons all over the world through story Empowering women to step into role as gospel patrons Stewarding your story of risk and generosity QUOTES TO REMEMBER “My grandparents as missionaries didn't think of themselves as poor, but they just thought of God as being abundant and they lived from that place of faith and abundance.” “It felt like God was giving back my dream, but so much bigger than I had ever imagined it.” “What can we do to discover what God's doing around the world and how people are in relationship with Him all over?” “In country after country, place after place, God opened doors and introduced us to people, and we saw how people worshiped Him throughout 22 different countries.”  “I think we so often want to see God move and we want to see miracles, but we don't want to be in a place of need and discomfort. But those are the two halves of the coin, you have to be in the place where you need a miracle before you're ready to see one.” “I came home with a totally different sense that I am loved by the God of the universe. Seeing that He could take me into my worst fears and bring good out of it and I would be okay, I was ready to surrender everything knowing that He's good, He's with us, and everything else was just details.” “God always raises up both people with a vision to see the Gospel advance and people who are going to partner deeply financially and in friendship. And it's when the Body of Christ comes together with different giftings, both patrons and proclaimers, that the Gospel advances.” “We were so captivated by this idea that business people were a vital part of the Body of Christ.” “We're making friends for eternity by sort of wildly spreading wealth around and allowing God to plant His seeds of love and goodness all over the place.” “There's risk on both sides, and faith and humility needed on both sides of the equation.” “God is raising up a tidal wave of generosity to fuel the Great Commission, and there is so much momentum happening.” “When we're really looking for God's hand, He gives us the ability to tell our stories differently.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Gospel Patrons by John Rinehart Gospel Patrons (see our interview with founder John Rinehart) IllumiNations Bible Translation Alliance (see our interview with Todd Peterson or John Chesnut) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW 2 Corinthians 5:7 | Walk by Faith   for we walk by faith, not by sight. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

SummaryIn this episode, Lydia T. Blanco reflects on the journey of life as the year comes to a close, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and the concept of 'the new now.' She discusses the significance of time as an ingredient for growth and fruitfulness, encouraging listeners to embrace their current season and trust in God's timing. Practical tips for managing time and expectations are shared, along with insights on cultivating fruitful relationships and personal growth.Key TakeawaysEmbrace the concept of 'the new now.'Time is an essential ingredient for growth.Trust in God's timing and be patient.Honor the season you are in.Avoid rushing timelines to prevent premature outcomes.Let waiting build trust instead of anxiety.Measure fruitfulness by faithfulness in relationships.Preparation is a form of self-love.Your current actions prepare you for the future.Chapters00:00 Welcome and Reflections on Time01:24 The Concept of the New Now04:03 Intentional Living and Mindset07:59 The Importance of Patience and Timing12:00 Trusting God's Timing17:09 Practical Tips for Embracing TimeStay ConnectedInstagram: Lydia T. Blanco - Life Will Be Pod

As one year closes and another begins, leaders naturally pause to reflect. Some moments bring gratitude and joy; others surface disappointment, loss, or unanswered questions. Yet through every season—growth, waiting, and hardship—one truth remains steady: God has been faithful. In this episode, Looking Back, Moving Forward: Trusting God with Every Season, we explore how reflection rooted in gratitude strengthens our confidence for what lies ahead. Drawing from Scripture and leadership experience, this message invites Christian leaders to examine the past year honestly—recognizing both God's provision and His purpose in the struggles we did not choose. You'll be encouraged to look back with gratitude, recognizing where God carried you through late nights, difficult decisions, and unexpected detours. Like Israel standing on the far side of the Jordan, reflection helps us see that God's presence never wavered, even when circumstances felt uncertain. We also consider how every season teaches us something essential. Some seasons stretch us; others refine us. Growth does not always come through expansion—often it comes through perseverance. As Romans reminds us, God uses difficulty to shape character and produce hope, never wasting what we endure. Finally, this episode looks ahead with faith. The future may be unclear, but God goes before us. Trusting Him does not remove uncertainty, but it anchors us in confidence that He is already at work in what's next. Leaders are reminded that trusting God yesterday builds the courage to trust Him again tomorrow. Whether you are ending the year weary or hopeful, this episode offers space to reflect, release, and refocus—so you can move forward with open hands and a confident heart.

Trusting God with the unknown is often harder than we expect—especially when the path feels confusing, delayed, or downright backward. This devotional gently reminds us that just like the Israelites in the wilderness, we are invited to trust God’s guidance even when we don’t understand the route. The journey may feel long, but God’s purpose is always at work, shaping our faith and leading us toward something worth the wait. Highlights We often struggle with uncertainty because we want clarity, timelines, and reassurance. God’s chosen path isn’t always the shortest or most logical, but it is intentional. Questioning the journey doesn’t mean God has abandoned us—it reveals our need to trust Him more deeply. Seasons of waiting or wandering can prepare us for breakthroughs we can’t yet see. Faith grows when we choose trust over control, even when fear feels close. Looking back often reveals that God’s plan was worth every step. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Trusting God with the Unknown Days Ahead By: Laura Bailey Bible Reading: “They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?” - Exodus 4:11 NIV“How much longer? It feels like we’ve been walking forever!”“Wait, now we are going downhill, I thought we were trying to get to the top of the mountain?” “Why are there so many switchbacks? Wouldn’t it be faster to go straight up the hill?”Last week, for fall break, my husband and I took our girls to the mountains. We’d found a reasonably short and easy hike that led to not one, but two waterfalls. My husband and I were excited to share our love of the outdoors and hiking with our girls. For us, the thrill of hiking is the journey to the top. We often don’t even look at the mile markers or ask other hikers, “How much longer?” We simply enjoy the fun of not knowing. Our three young girls did not share the same sentiment, as suggested by the comments made above. I tried to brush off the first few remarks, but then, I snapped, “We will get there when we get there, just enjoy the journey, and trust me, it will be worth the trip!” As we walked on in silence, I felt that familiar pang of conviction from the Holy Spirit. While I may not ask questions about direction, timeline, or purpose on a hike, I am undoubtedly guilty of asking God for information. I want to know where He is leading, for how long, and truthfully, I want to be able to determine if the journey is worth it. Bottom line, I often doubt God’s timeline and question the journey He has me on. And, well, I am not the first person in history to wonder if God’s plan is better than my own.In Exodus 4:14, we see the Israelites' response to seeing Pharaoh and his army coming to attack and take them back into exile. A sarcastic response to their situation was typical for the Israelite people, but I can understand their frustration. The Pharaoh recently freed the Israelites after they had been in captivity for 430 years. However, they look up and find their enslavers ready to take them back into slavery. It’s a natural response to ask, “What was the point of wandering out into the desert if we were headed back to captivity?” The Lord led the Israelites to camp near the seashore. God had already stopped them from going through the territory of the Philistines, even though it was shorter, instead choosing to lead them a longer way that led them by the shore of the Red Sea (Exodus 13:17-18). God then tells Moses that He wants them to turn back around, going the opposite way He’d initially led them. While this served to confuse the Pharaoh, the switching in direction and the “aimless” wandering caused the Israelites to become restless. They began to voice their annoyance and wonder if perhaps they would have been better off staying in Egypt.God is asking the Israelites to trust in His plan and to enjoy the journey, because He is working all things for their good and His glory. And just a short time later, we see that God calls the Israelites to walk by faith. Moses stretches out his hands, and the waters of the Red Sea part, allowing the Israelites to walk through on dry land to the other side. The Egyptians pursue the Israelites; however, Moses stretches his hands back over the sea, and the waters flow back over them, killing the whole army (Exodus 14:21-31).Like with the Israelites, God asks us to trust Him, even when it doesn’t make sense. It is natural to be fearful; we are creatures who crave comfort and security. When God asks us to go on a journey into the unknown, that’s hard. However, we can rest in the truth that God is good and can be trusted. When we reached the first waterfall, my oldest daughter reluctantly whispered, “This is pretty cool, I am glad we didn’t turn back.” The path God has for us isn’t always easy; there will be times when we feel like we are wandering, have to go backward before we move forward, and think that we are wasting our time. But God always has a purpose, and one day, we will most certainly say, “This was worth the journey.”Intersecting Faith & Life:Do you ever struggle to enjoy the journey? How does knowing that God has a purpose and plan for your life’s path help you find contentment in your current circumstances?Further Reading:Exodus14Unwavering Faith Amid Uncertainty Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Trusting God With What We Can't Control // Proverbs 3:5-6Series - Trusting GodSpeaker - Gordon HallMake sure and watch a powerful testimony on trusting God in difficult times from Lindsay RiekerNeed Prayer? - Click HereSunday's • 10am • Clovis North High School/Granite Ridge.For the latest on what's happening at church, visit rvcfresno.com or @RVCFresno on Facebook and Instagram.

In this episode of Pray the Word on Jeremiah 46:1, David Platt helps believers respond to God's sovereignty by praying for the nations.Over 3 billion people have never heard the gospel.At Radical, we're fueling 140 gospel projects in 42 countries to change that—equipping local leaders and mobilizing believers where Jesus is least known.Through December 31, every gift is doubled up to $750,000.Would you pray about being part of this?Learn more at Radical.net/everywhereExplore more content from Radical.

Trusting God when the answer takes time-Prayerhttps://lifemotivationdaily.blogspot.com/

Episode Summary: Christmas is often called the most wonderful time of the year, yet for many, it’s also one of the most exhausting. Between the holiday to-do lists, family obligations, and the weight of expectations - both our own and others’- this season can leave us physically weary, emotionally drained, and even spiritually depleted. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. Today, we’re talking about how to release those expectations, embrace true rest in Christ, and find renewal in Him. If your soul feels weary, this conversation is especially for you. Today we’ll be talking about Hope for the Weary Soul. Quotables from the episode: It’s no surprise that Christmas can leave us feeling depleted. We put pressure on ourselves to create the perfect holiday - perfect gifts, perfect décor, perfect meals and table settings, and perfect gatherings. Social media only adds to this burden, making it seem like everyone else has it all together. But the truth is, exhaustion isn’t just about being physically tired. It’s about the weight we carry in our hearts - disappointment, grief, unmet expectations, and the struggle to meet everyone’s needs, often while neglecting our own. Jesus knew we would experience this. That’s why in Matthew 11:28, He says, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. He invites us to exchange our striving for His peace. But that requires us to let go of what we were never meant to carry in the first place. If you’re feeling weary, I encourage you to take a moment and ask yourself: What am I holding onto that God never asked me to carry? Maybe it’s the expectation of making everyone happy. Maybe it’s guilt over what you can’t do. Maybe it’s the grief of a loved one who isn’t here this Christmas. Whatever it is, the first step toward rest is recognizing what is making us weary and laying it at Jesus’ feet. Christmas is a busy time with many annual traditions and expectations. Others have expectations of us, we have expectations of others, and we have expectations of ourselves. As a result, sadly, it’s a recipe for failure. Part of the problem with expectations is that it’s impossible to meet unvoiced expectations. Everyone’s picture of the holiday varies. Some celebrate with family on Christmas Eve, others celebrate on Christmas. Some families draw names for gifts and possibly set a monetary limit, while other families give gifts to everyone. Some families get up early while others sleep in late. There is as much variability to the who, what, when, and where of the celebration as there are people celebrating. So how do we actually release those expectations? It starts with shifting our perspective. The world tells us Christmas is about performance, about how much we do, how beautiful we make it, how much we give. But God’s Word tells us something different. Christmas is about receiving. Receiving the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. Martha was distracted by all the preparations, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, simply being with Him. And what did Jesus say? Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Does that ever sound like you? I’ve certainly been guilty. This season, instead of being like Martha - running from one thing to the next, trying to make everything perfect, and meet a list of unspoken expectations - what if we chose to be like Mary? What if we sat at His feet, even in the middle of the chaos, and let His presence be enough? One practical way to do this is by setting boundaries. Say no to the things that drain you. Say yes to the things that nourish your soul. You don’t have to attend every event, bake every cookie, or create a Pinterest-worthy Christmas. Choose rest. Choose Jesus. Releasing expectations is only part of the equation. True renewal comes when we replace striving with abiding. John 15:4 says, Abide in me, and I in you. When we stay connected to Jesus, He renews our strength. One way to abide in Him this Christmas is by spending time in His Word. Even if it’s just a few minutes a day, let Scripture be your source of renewal. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. When we take time to be with God, He refreshes our weary souls. Christmas isn’t about what we do. It’s about what’s already been done for us through Christ. No matter how much is on your plate, you don’t have to carry it alone. Jesus came to bring us peace, not pressure. So this Christmas, let’s step out of striving and into His rest. Prayer for the Weary Soul Heavenly Father, we come before You weary, but we know that You are our source of strength. Help us release the burdens we were never meant to carry and rest in Your perfect peace. Teach us to abide in You, to embrace Your presence above all else, and to find renewal in Your love. Thank You for the gift of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. In His name, we pray. Amen. Scripture References: Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Luke 10:38-42 tells the story of Mary and Martha. “Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” John 15:4 says, Abide in me, and I in you. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. Recommended Resources: Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Hey HomeGirls

What if the thing you've been calling selfish is actually the very desire God placed in your heart on purpose?So many faith-driven women feel stuck not because they lack discipline or strategy, but because they feel guilty wanting more. More impact. More freedom. More income. More joy. Somewhere along the way, we learned that dreaming bigger meant we weren't trusting God. That planning meant control. That desire meant ego.In this episode, I'm breaking that belief wide open.I share my own story of wrestling with vision, disappointment, and the fear of hoping again, and how avoiding vision kept me stuck longer than any failure ever did. We talk about why God uses desire as guidance, how scripture actually supports vision and action, and why clarity doesn't pressure God, it prepares us to partner with Him.If you've ever felt afraid to dream again, unsure if you're hearing God correctly, or hesitant to admit what you really want, this conversation will meet you right where you are and invite you to something more honest, grounded, and faith-led.☑️ Why guilt around wanting more is not humility, it's conditioning☑️ How God uses desire as a lamp for your next step☑️ What “this or something better” really means when you trust HimIf this stirred something in you, subscribe and listen now. This might be the permission you've been waiting for.

Ready to Unlock Spirit-Driven Success??   What's in store?  Tools to integrate faith and spirituality into every area of your life, helping you align with God's purpose.  Insights to build confidence, clarity, and courage to boldly pursue the God-dream planted in your heart.  Strategies to deepen your influence, live with intention, and positively impact the lives of those around you   Tune into God's Vibes and learn how to discover God's best! xo/Juliana ___ THE SPIRIT-DRIVEN SUCCESS LIFE COACH CERTIFICATION PROGRAM Enrollment is OPEN for the next round of the SDS Life Coach Certification Program [Program starts 1/8/2026!!].  Are you an aspiring Kingdom life coach or an existing life coach?  Have you wondered how you can be successful with God or what His design for success is for you personally and professionally?  Apply Now: https://julianapage.info/coachapplication

Christian Huff awkwardly opens up a little too much about life at home, but John Luke quickly tops it by declaring he has not just one adversary, but tons of low-level foes, sparking a dramatic debate about what it means to trust God with the fate of our enemies. The guys move into the unsettling world of Saul's downfall, the “ghostwife” of Endor, and the moment Scripture proves the dead can indeed speak. David's restraint, Saul's unraveling, and the haunting echo of Samuel's return all point to the deeper truth about spiritual warfare, leadership, jealousy, and trusting God's timing. In this episode: Genesis 1; Genesis 38; Exodus 7–14; 1 Samuel 13; 1 Samuel 15; 1 Samuel 16; 1 Samuel 17; 1 Samuel 18; 1 Samuel 22; 1 Samuel 24, verse 10; 1 Samuel 26; 1 Samuel 28; 1 Samuel 31; 2 Samuel 1; 2 Samuel 2; Hebrews 12, verse 1 Today's conversation is about Lesson 5 of The David Story: Shepherd, Father, King taught by Hillsdale Professor Justin Jackson. Take the course with us at no cost to you! Sign up at http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ More about The David Story: Encounter the beauty of the Bible. The David Story: Shepherd, Father, King explores the lives of Israel's first two kings—Saul and David—to discover the Bible's profound lessons about fatherhood, the nature of sin, and the consequences of sin on both a family and a nation. While David suffers great tragedies due to his own transgressions, he models a path to redemption through repentance. Join Professor Justin Jackson in a careful reading of First and Second Samuel to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning and beauty of this story that is not only fundamental to the Christian and Jewish faiths, but also a literary masterpiece. Join us today in this pursuit of a deeper understanding of the Bible in “The David Story.” Sign up at ⁠http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 00:00-05:50 Potty training mayhem 05:51-09:15 The melancholy of King Saul 09:16-14:44 The cultural impact of foreskins? 14:45-20:02 David respects his would-be murderer 20:03-28:05 Saul's sin leads to slaughter 28:06-34:30 A message from beyond the grave 34:31-41:06 The big plot twist no one saw coming 41:07-49:41 Trusting God with your enemies — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jase, Al, and Zach are joined by bestselling author and podcaster Lisa Harper for one of the most emotionally honest conversations ever about lifelong shame, feelings of inadequacy, and adoption highs and lows. Lisa opens up about the heartbreak and long waiting that marked her adoption journey and the exhausting habit of performing spiritually instead of resting in God's presence. Tears flow as Zach and Jase share their own adoption experiences and rejoice in the reflection of God's nature through it all.  In this episode: Luke 13, verses 10–17; John 4, verses 1–42; James 1, verse 17; James 1, verse 27; Ephesians 5, verses 22–33; Malachi 2, verses 13–16; John 17, verses 1–26 “Unashamed” Episode 1232 is sponsored by: https://preborn.com/unashamed — Visit the PreBorn! website or dial #250 and use keyword BABY to donate today. https://andrewandtodd.com or call 888-888-1172 — These guys are the real deal. Get trusted mortgage guidance and expertise from someone who shares your values! https://myphdweightloss.com — Find out how Al is finally losing weight! Schedule your one-on-one consultation today by visiting the website or calling 864-644-1900. https://www.puretalk.com/unashamed — Through your generosity PureTalk was able to donate over half a million dollars to America's Warrior Partnership! http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://open.spotify.com/show/3LY8eJ4ZBZHmsImGoDNK2l Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 00:00-07:34 Lisa Harper could have been a comedian 07:35-14:40 How Lisa found Jesus & her ministry 14:41-22:28 Trusting God at your lowest point in life 22:29-28:53 God values presence over performance 28:54-40:40 The Bible as a love letter to us 40:41-47:20 Am I good enough to be a parent? 47:21-56:18 The joy & heartbreak of being an adoptive parent — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Y'all, we have spent an entire year talking about the impact of the seasons on our spiritual, emotional, and physical lives. A whole year working through things in our TSF Seasons Guidebook. Sooo many brilliant friends have joined us to mentor us through the winter, spring, summer, and fall and now we've circled all the way back. It's cold outside again. The snow is on the ground again for some of you. The days are darker outside. And we've made it. On December 21st, winter begins and we will have officially finished our lap through all four seasons.  Today, there was only one person who could help us end what we started and that's the pastor that made us all so curious about what God does in seasons. If you haven't heard Episode 851 about the season God has you in with Pastor Banning Liebscher, I would love for you to go back and listen to that. It was the conversation that started this whole year doing a deep dive about seasons. Today, we're going to talk about what we've seen God do across the world this year and the way He's worked in seasons in our lives—the ones that passed quickly and the ones that lasted longer than we hoped. And then we're going to talk about which spiritual discipline Banning thinks we need to lean into in 2026 as he looks at the state of the church right now. In your TSF Seasons Guidebook, we're on page 130, so get those note-taking pages ready.  . . . . . If you enjoyed this episode, I think you'd also love Episode 973 with Jon Tyson. . . . . . Thank you to our sponsors! AG1: If you head to drinkag1.com/SOUNDSFUN you'll get the welcome kit, a Morning Person hat, a bottle of Vitamin D3+K2, a AG1 Flavor Sampler and you'll get to try their new sleep supplement AGZ for free. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/THATSOUNDSFUN.  Our Place:  Save up to 35% sitewide now through January 12th. Head to fromourplace.com/TSF. Wayfair: Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.  Mercy Ships: Please donate today at ⁠MercyShips.org/podcast⁠. Omaha Steaks: Visit ⁠OmahaSteaks.com⁠ for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/soundsfun⁠. Capstone Wellness: Learn more at ⁠capstonewellness.com/thatsoundsfun⁠. Helix Sleep: Go to helixsleep.com/thatsoundsfun for 27% off sitewide.  Wonder Project: Start your free trial and make sure to choose the annual subscription at watch.thewonderproject.com/thatsoundsfun. When you pick the annual plan, you save money and directly support their mission to bring more of these stories to the world.  NIV Application Bible: If you're looking for a new Bible or know someone you'd like to gift a Bible to, I highly recommend the ⁠NIV Application Bible⁠! Antique Candle Co: Use code “thatsoundsfun” to get a free Gift Set on any order of $40 or more through Dec 15 at ⁠antiquecandleco.com⁠.  . . . . . NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends. Sign up to receive the AFD Week In Review email and ask questions to future guests! #thatsoundsfunpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices