Podcasts about Unlikely Heroes

Daniel was taken from his home, placed in a foreign culture, given a new education, a new language, and even a new name. But Babylon could not change the convictions he had already decided to live by.In Daniel 1, we see a young man who had resolved ahead of time that honoring God mattered more than comfort, acceptance, opportunity, or approval. His circumstances changed, but his commitment to God did not.This message challenges us to ask what principles actually shape our lives, relationships, finances, work, and decisions. We cannot wait until pressure comes to decide what we believe. The decisions we make tomorrow are shaped by the principles we establish today.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: From Cherry Blossoms to Rain: A Festival's Unlikely Heroes Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-08-10-22-34-01-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 夏の日が輝く北海道の小さな町、桜が満開の時期を迎えていました。En: On a bright summer day in a small town in Hokkaido, it was the season when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom.Ja: 町の人々はオボン祭りの準備に忙しい季節です。En: The townspeople were busy preparing for the Obon festival.Ja: 桜さんは地元のコミュニティオーガナイザーとして、今年の祭りを最高のものにしたいと考えていました。En: Sakura-san, who was a local community organizer, wanted to make this year's festival the best ever.Ja: しかし、彼女は多くの仕事を任されながらも、その努力が評価されないことに悩んでいました。En: However, she was troubled by the fact that her efforts were not being appreciated despite being entrusted with many tasks.Ja: 一方、東京から引っ越してきたばかりのカイトさんは、この町に慣れようとしていました。En: Meanwhile, Kaito-san, who had just moved from Tokyo, was trying to get accustomed to the town.Ja: 彼は芸術的な才能を持っていましたが、静かな性格のため、なかなか人と打ち解けることができませんでした。En: Although he had artistic talent, he found it difficult to connect with people due to his quiet personality.Ja: 祭りの日、桜さんはボランティアの一人一人に声をかけ、心を込めて話すことに決めました。En: On the day of the festival, Sakura-san decided to speak to each volunteer and talk to them sincerely.Ja: 彼女はカイトさんにも声をかけ、彼のデザインの才能を認め、祭りのためのランタン作りをお願いしました。En: She also reached out to Kaito-san, recognized his design talent, and asked for his help in creating lanterns for the festival.Ja: カイトさんは少し不安でしたが、桜さんの優しさに触発され、協力することにしました。En: Although Kaito-san was a bit anxious, he was inspired by Sakura-san's kindness and decided to collaborate.Ja: オボン祭りの当日、町の中央公園は賑やかでした。En: On the day of the Obon festival, the town's central park was bustling.Ja: 色とりどりのデコレーションと桜の花が公園を飾り、家族や子供たちの笑顔があふれていました。En: The park was adorned with colorful decorations and cherry blossoms, and smiles were abundant among families and children.Ja: 祭りが盛り上がる中、突然の大雨が降り始め、パニックが広がりました。En: As the festival was in full swing, a sudden heavy rain began to fall, causing panic to spread.Ja: 桜さんとカイトさんはすぐに対応しました。En: Sakura-san and Kaito-san responded immediately.Ja: 屋外から室内への移動を決め、みんなで協力して飾り付けをし直しました。En: They decided to move the event indoors, and everyone worked together to redecorate.Ja: カイトさんのデザインしたランタンは、室内を美しく彩りました。En: The lanterns designed by Kaito-san beautifully illuminated the indoor space.Ja: 彼の創造力と桜さんのリーダーシップで、祭りは無事に続けられることができました。En: Thanks to his creativity and Sakura-san's leadership, the festival was able to continue successfully.Ja: 室内の祭りは大成功でした。En: The indoor festival was a tremendous success.Ja: 町の人々は、桜さんとカイトさんの努力を心から称賛しました。En: The townspeople sincerely praised the efforts of Sakura-san and Kaito-san.Ja: 桜さんは人々の感謝の言葉を受け取り、自分が評価される喜びを感じました。En: Sakura-san received words of gratitude from the people, feeling the joy of being appreciated.Ja: そして、カイトさんも町の人々に受け入れられ、安全な居場所を見つけられたと感じました。En: Kaito-san also felt accepted by the townspeople and found a secure place for himself.Ja: 祭りの終わりには、桜さんとカイトさんは笑顔を交わし、これからも一緒に何かを成し遂げていこうと心に決めました。En: At the end of the festival, Sakura-san and Kaito-san exchanged smiles, deciding to accomplish more together in the future.Ja: 彼らは町の中心に立ち、暖かな日差しの中で、新しい絆を深めました。En: They stood in the heart of the town, under the warm sunlight, deepening their newfound bond. Vocabulary Words:bloom: 満開entrusted: 任されるaccustomed: 慣れようsincerely: 心を込めてtalent: 才能create: 作りanxious: 不安adorned: 飾りabundant: あふれていましたpanic: パニックresponded: 対応しましたilluminated: 彩りましたcreativity: 創造力leadership: リーダーシップsuccessfully: 無事にtremendous: 大成功praised: 称賛しましたgratitude: 感謝の言葉appreciated: 評価されるaccepted: 受け入れられsecure: 安全なbond: 絆quiet: 静かなcommunity organizer: コミュニティオーガナイザーfestival: 祭りvolunteer: ボランティアlanterns: ランタンdecorate: 飾り付けefforts: 努力hesitate: ためらう

08/09/2026 Rev. Paul Bang No King in Israel: A Series in the Book of Judges (Part 6): Unlikely Heroes   Judges 3:12-31   English Standard Version     Ehud 12 And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done what was evil in the sight of the Lord. 13 He gathered to himself the Ammonites and the Amalekites, and went and defeated Israel. And they took possession of the city of palms. 14 And the people of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years. 15 Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, and the Lord raised up for them a deliverer, Ehud, the son of Gera, the Benjaminite, a left-handed man. The people of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab. 16 And Ehud made for himself a sword with two edges, a cubit[a] in length, and he bound it on his right thigh under his clothes. 17 And he presented the tribute to Eglon king of Moab. Now Eglon was a very fat man. 18 And when Ehud had finished presenting the tribute, he sent away the people who carried the tribute. 19 But he himself turned back at the idols near Gilgal and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And he commanded, “Silence.” And all his attendants went out from his presence. 20 And Ehud came to him as he was sitting alone in his cool roof chamber. And Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you.” And he arose from his seat. 21 And Ehud reached with his left hand, took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly. 22 And the hilt also went in after the blade, and the fat closed over the blade, for he did not pull the sword out of his belly; and the dung came out. 23 Then Ehud went out into the porch[b] and closed the doors of the roof chamber behind him and locked them. 24 When he had gone, the servants came, and when they saw that the doors of the roof chamber were locked, they thought, “Surely he is relieving himself in the closet of the cool chamber.” 25 And they waited till they were embarrassed. But when he still did not open the doors of the roof chamber, they took the key and opened them, and there lay their lord dead on the floor. 26 Ehud escaped while they delayed, and he passed beyond the idols and escaped to Seirah. 27 When he arrived, he sounded the trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim. Then the people of Israel went down with him from the hill country, and he was their leader. 28 And he said to them, “Follow after me, for the Lord has given your enemies the Moabites into your hand.” So they went down after him and seized the fords of the Jordan against the Moabites and did not allow anyone to pass over. 29 And they killed at that time about 10,000 of the Moabites, all strong, able-bodied men; not a man escaped. 30 So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest for eighty years. Shamgar 31 After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed 600 of the Philistines with an oxgoad, and he also saved Israel.

God does not need the strongest, most confident, or most qualified person. He is looking for ordinary people who are willing to place their lives in His hands.In Judges 6-7, Gideon is hiding from the Midianites when God calls him a “mighty warrior.” Gideon feels weak, afraid, and completely unqualified, but God sees who Gideon will become through His power. God then reduces Gideon's army from 32,000 men to only 300 and sends them into battle with trumpets, torches, and jars. What looked impossible from a human perspective became possible because God was with them.This message reminds us that God uses the improbable to do the impossible. Our weaknesses, fears, and limitations do not disqualify us. When we surrender our lives to God, He can use even the most ordinary people and ordinary tools for extraordinary purposes.Whose hands is your life in today?

What kind of faith do you have? Is it an “only if” faith that trusts God only when life goes the way you hoped? Or an “even if” faith that worships Him no matter the outcome?In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego face an impossible choice: bow to King Nebuchadnezzar's idol or be thrown into a blazing furnace. Their response has inspired believers for generations: “Our God is able to deliver us… but even if He does not, we will not serve your gods.”This message explores what genuine faith looks like when obedience comes at a cost. God doesn't always rescue us from the fire, but He always promises His presence through it. The greatest gift isn't always deliverance from suffering, but experiencing Christ in the middle of it.Whether you're facing hardship, temptation, uncertainty, or pressure to compromise, this message is a reminder to remain faithful, abide in Christ, and trust that God is worthy of worship regardless of the outcome. May we become people whose faith is built not on circumstances, but on the unchanging character of God.

Live on July 26, 2026Message by Heidi Matson

Send us a text! We'd love to hear your thoughts on the show.What does it take to finally finish the book that has been living with you for years?In this episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show, I'm joined by Debra Hunt, author of the contemporary women's fiction and domestic suspense novel Unlikely Hero. Debra's story is such a wonderful reminder that it is never too late to return to a long-held dream, build the support you need, and bring your book into the world.Unlikely Hero follows Jesse, a woman trying to rebuild her life after a devastating loss, with only her loyal dog by her side. The original spark for the novel came from Debra's own curiosity about working dogs, loyalty, and trust. She began wondering what might happen if a powerful dog had to choose between obeying a trainer and protecting the person he truly loved.That question stayed with Debra for years. In fact, her earliest notes for the novel date back to 2002. Like so many writers, she worked on the story in starts and stops, sometimes putting it away for years at a time. Eventually, the unfinished book began to feel like a personal failure. She had always wanted to become an author, but she kept asking herself: Where was the book?Everything began to change when Debra joined my First Book Finish program. She already had a draft, but the structure, accountability, coaching, and community helped her stop treating time as unlimited. Instead of endlessly revising as she drafted, she learned to finish the whole story and then approach revision step by step.Debra shares how beta readers helped her strengthen the plot, deepen her characters, and expand what was initially closer to novella length. Just as importantly, their feedback helped her realize that other readers were often far kinder than her own inner critic.We also talk honestly about self-publishing. After spending roughly 25 years with this story, Debra knew she didn't want to wait through the traditional publishing process. She wanted the book in readers' hands. She discusses what she learned from using a publishing-services package, why she might choose a more à la carte approach next time, and why authors need to understand which parts of publishing they want to handle themselves.Of course, publishing the book introduced a whole new challenge: marketing it. Debra talks about building a street team, connecting with local bookstores and libraries, collaborating with fellow writers, creating a newsletter, pitching podcasts, and slowly becoming more comfortable with social media.What I loved most about this conversation was Debra's definition of success. It isn't about phenomenal sales. It is about being able to say, “I did this, and you can do it too.”This episode is a beautiful conversation about consistency, accountability, courage, and finally allowing other people to read the work you have carried for so long.

Live on July 19, 2026

What does greatness look like in the kingdom of God? It may not look dramatic, impressive, or worthy of attention. Often, it looks like ordinary faithfulness, serving others, keeping your commitments, and trusting God when you cannot see what He is doing.In this message from the Book of Ruth, Pastor Erik explores how God works through ordinary people and everyday acts of faithfulness to accomplish something far greater than they could imagine. Ruth's story begins with famine, loss, grief, and uncertainty. Naomi returns home feeling bitter and empty, while Ruth leaves behind everything familiar to remain faithful to her mother-in-law and to the God of Israel.Through Ruth's quiet devotion, Boaz's generosity, and the birth of Obed, God begins writing a story of redemption that reaches far beyond their immediate circumstances. Ruth, a widowed Moabite woman who seemed insignificant by the world's standards, ultimately becomes part of the family line of King David and Jesus Christ.This story reminds us to trust the God of the ordinary, trust Him during seasons of crisis, and trust the God who redeems. Even when He appears to be working behind the scenes, God is present, faithful, and weaving our ordinary obedience into His greater story. Jesus is the ultimate Redeemer who makes the insignificant significant, the hopeless hopeful, the lost found, the bitter pleasant, and the empty full again.

Ruth 1:6-18, Holy Communion with (outdoor) Baptism, Leader & President: Revd Ian Tomkins, Preacher: Revd Juliet Dellow. (Sorry about the helicopter circling overhead)

Have you ever been dropped by life, left in the dark, and wondered if grace could still find you there?This message explores the story of Mephibosheth—an unlikely hero carried from brokenness to belonging, from Lo Debar to the king's table. Whether you're longing for restoration, wrestling with fear, or learning to trust God again after being wounded, this is an invitation to remember: you are not abandoned, you are covered by a covenant. It's not just about what happened to you—it's about the grace that still flows toward you, carries you, sustains you, and gives you a seat at the table.Scriptures: 1 Samuel 20:14–17; Luke 22:20; Jeremiah 7:23; 2 Samuel 4:4; John 16:33; Genesis 3:7–10; Genesis 3:15; 2 Samuel 9:1–13; Psalm 139:7–12; Romans 2:4Get the Preach Notes: https://thelinccollective.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=4825&action=edit

Live on July 12th, 2026Message by Jonathan Reider

What do you do when life takes a painful turn and you cannot see what God is doing? Joseph's story moves through betrayal, slavery, temptation, false accusation, prison, influence, forgiveness, and restoration. Through every high and low, one truth remains constant: the Lord was with him.In this message from Genesis 37 - 50, Pastor Erik Thoennes explores three marks of a faithful life: being fruitful even in a foreign land, remaining faithful in the face of temptation, and choosing forgiveness after deep betrayal. Joseph's life reminds us that trusting God does not mean our path will be easy or direct. It means believing that God is present, sovereign, and wise - even before we can see how the story will come together.Joseph ultimately points us to Jesus, the righteous sufferer whose rejection and suffering became the means of salvation for others. Whatever season you are walking through a pit, a prison, a place of waiting, or a mountaintop - God is still at work, shaping you into the image of Christ.

What do you do when the battle is bigger than your strength and the questions are louder than your courage?There is a holy freedom in whispering, “I don't know what to do… but my eyes are on You.”This message explores the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 and the grace of God that meets us in the places we feel powerless, overwhelmed, and unsure. Whether you're longing for clarity in a decision, healing in your home, breakthrough in a battle, or strength to keep standing, this word invites you to stop striving, seek the Lord, receive a God-word, and lead with worship. It's not just about facing fear—it's about fixing your eyes on the One who knows, the One who fights, and the One who turns valleys of battle into valleys of blessing.Scriptures: 2 Chronicles 20:2–4; 2 Chronicles 20:12; 2 Chronicles 20:14–15; 2 Chronicles 20:17; 2 Chronicles 20:20–24; 2 Chronicles 20:26; Philippians 4:6; Zechariah 4:6Get the Preach Notes:https://thelinccollective.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=4817&action=edit

Judges 4:1-5, Morning Worship. Leader: Helen Aberdeen, Preacher: Revd Ian Tomkins

Live on July 5, 2026Message by Kevin Zimmerman

In this message from Unlikely Heroes, Andrew McCourt looks at the familiar story of David and Goliath and points us beyond David to the true Champion, Jesus Christ. Goliath reminds us that giants still show up in our lives today through fear, anxiety, temptation, insecurity, sin, and situations that feel too big to overcome.David shows us what faith looks like when fear is loud. He was young, overlooked, and simply faithful with the job in front of him, yet God used him to face what an entire army would not. But ultimately, this story is not about becoming David. It is about recognizing that we are the frightened army standing on the sidelines, unable to defeat the giant of sin on our own.The good news is that Jesus entered the battlefield for us. He came in humility, obeyed the Father, went to the cross, and defeated sin, death, and the enemy forever. Because Jesus is our Champion, we can move from fear to faith and trust Him with every giant we face.

Micah 6:1-4, Leader, President & Preacher: Revd Richard Pendlebury

The Orioles went without a hit through the first four innings yesterday and then Tyler O'Neill woke everyone up with a solo blast over the left field wall. Bob Haynie is tipping his hat to muscles on this Thursday morning.

Live on June 28, 2026Message by Alexander James

In the opening message of Unlikely Heroes, Pastor Matthew looks at Moses and the parting of the Red Sea to remind us that God uses ordinary people surrendered to an extraordinary God to do impossible things. Moses did not feel qualified, courageous, or ready, yet God chose him to lead Israel out of slavery and into freedom.Through Exodus 13 and 14, we see that God does not always lead us by the easiest or shortest road. Sometimes He leads us to places where only He can save us, so we can learn to trust Him completely. The Red Sea was not just Israel's moment of crisis. It was a place where God revealed His power, delivered His people, and showed Egypt that He alone is Lord.This message reminds us that the ultimate deliverance has already come through Jesus Christ. Because of Him, we have crossed over from death to life. Now the question is whether we will live like people who are free, trust God with what is in front of us, and say yes when He asks us to take a step of obedience.

Amos 5:14-15, 23-24, Altogether Amazed, Leader: Revd Juliet Dellow, Speaker: Nick Stroud

Ecuador stunned Germany in an eventful round of final group stage games, as they qualified for the knockout stage. Tom Clarke hears from Times journalists across America as Paul Hirst reports on Netherlands 3-1 win against Tunisia, James Gheerbrant watches Sweden rescue a draw with Japan and Peter Rutzler see Turkey salvage some pride by beating co-hosts USA 3-2. In part two Tom chats to reporter Ian Whittell who offers his view on Brazil and Spain and previews Cape Verde's huge clash with Saudi Arabia as they attempt to keep their remarkable World Cup story going. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to episode 250 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we will examine the topic of the unlikely hero — how God uses the unqualified to accomplish the impossible.  Key takeaways:    God's discipline has purpose and His anger has limits. Eighteen years of oppression ended the moment Israel cried out. He disciplines to restore, not destroy. Ehud was a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin — the tribe whose name means “son of the right hand.” God's choice of deliverer was deliberate divine irony. What you consider your disqualifying characteristic may be exactly what God intends to use. Left-handedness was a battlefield liability that became Ehud's tactical advantage. Godly boldness is not recklessness — it is calculated courage rooted in careful preparation. Ehud made a plan, chose his moment, and acted with precision. Bold obedience and wise planning are partners, not opposites. God's deliverance often comes through means we would never have chosen. He works through the weak and unexpected precisely so no one can claim human credit. One act of strategic obedience can produce lasting fruit. Ehud's mission resulted in 80 years of peace — the longest rest in the entire book of Judges. God doesn't need cookie-cutter servants. He specializes in using the unexpected to accomplish the impossible — and He has been doing it since the beginning.  Quotable:    Stop apologizing for what makes you different. What you call a disqualification, God may be calling a qualification. He doesn't choose the most likely — He chooses the willing, then uses their weakness to put His power on display.  Application:    Stop disqualifying yourself. Make a list of the limitations, failures, or differences you believe make you unusable to God. Then hold that list against Ehud — a man from the wrong tribe who couldn't use the right hand. If God could use him to deliver a nation, your list is not the final word.  Prepare before you act. When God calls you to difficult obedience — a hard conversation, a major decision, a step of faith — don't mistake urgency for recklessness. Pray for wisdom, make a plan, count the cost, then move. Ehud's courage was inseparable from his preparation.  Stay open to unconventional answers. The solution to your impossible situation may not look the way you expect. Don't limit God to conventional methods. The provision, the breakthrough, or the open door may come from a direction you never anticipated. Keep your eyes open for what He might be doing sideways.  Act when God gives you the moment. Ehud waited for the right time, then moved without hesitation. There are moments God puts in front of us — a conversation, an opportunity, an open door — that require immediate response. Preparation without action is just planning. When the moment comes, step through it.  Connect with us:    Web site:  https://springbaptist.org  Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus) https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)  Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/  If you haven't already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider. 

Click to Subscribe: https://bit.ly/Youtube-Subscribe-SoapDirt Beyond the Gates predictions arise about possible unexpected twists and turns. The suspense of Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) and Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) getting too close during the disaster at Fairmont Crest, and the emergence of an unexpected hero in the midst of the tornado disaster.  The first BTG prediction reveals that Joey Armstrong (Jon Lindstrom)'s sister, Heather Armstrong (Ashley Jones), could be the Impaler, a character making her debut on Beyond the Gates. Ashley Jones, an actress who has worked with showrunner Michelle Valjean on Bold and the Beautiful, is suspected to be portraying both Heather and the Impaler.  Predictions for Beyond the Gates suggest Leslie Thomas (Trisha Mann) may display unexpected heroism during the fundraiser disaster, which could change other characters' perception of her. Leslie is seen to be a troublemaker, but her actions during the disaster might soften Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) and Vernon Dupree's outlook towards her.  BTG sees that Bill Hamilton and Dani Dupree are predicted to share a kiss during the elevator terror. This could potentially cause conflict if Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman), Dani's current partner, witnesses it. Tomas "Tom" Hernandez (Alex Alegria) is predicted to be injured in the disaster, forcing Eva Thomas (Ambyr Michelle) and Kat (Colby Muhammad) to work together to save him. This could provide an opportunity for Eva and Kat to bond as sisters.  More predictions for Beyond the gates indicate Martin Richardson is suspected to be trapped in the disaster, causing panic amongst his family. However, both Martin and all the characters are expected to survive the disaster, according to an interview with Daphnee Duplaix, who plays Nicole Dupree Richardson. You are listening to Belynda from Soap Dirt. The most listened to podcast for soap operas. Visit our Beyond the Gates section of Soap Dirt: https://soapdirt.com/category/beyond-the-gates/ Listen to our Podcasts: https://soapdirt.podbean.com/ And Check out our always up-to-date Beyond the Gates Spoilers page at: https://soapdirt.com/beyond-the-gates-spoilers/ Check Out our Social Media... Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoapDirtTV Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoapDirt Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soapdirt/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soapdirt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soapdirt/

West Campus

This week, we're flipping the script on who gets to be the hero of your story.Reading recommendation: TOKYO EXPRESS by Seicho Matsumoto.

Juventus returned from the March international break with a victory over Genoa thanks to a very impressive first-half performance a their former starting goalkeeper coming off the bench to seal the victory on Easter Monday. 00:00 Introduction 02:04 Takeaways from the week that was 06:05 Juventus 2-0 Genoa recap 15:28 What on earth happened in the second half against Genoa? 20:54 Michele Di Gregorio: from zero to hero! 33:32 Assessing the top four race in Serie A after Matchday 31 40:57 A question from the socials: Milik has risen?! You can follow us — or send us questions — on Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bwrao.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JuventusNation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ as well as the Fans First Sports Network ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@FansFirstSN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Twitter. You can also follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our Instagram page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, too! Get all of our match coverage, transfer rumors and much more at our website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠blackwhitereadallover.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us all in the Common Room for the Prancing Pony Podcast's 11th annual Tolkien Reading Day special. Tolkien Reading Day is observed every March 25 in honor of the destruction of the Ring and the downfall of Barad-dûr. This year's theme, as chosen by the Tolkien Society, is Unlikely Heroes — which describes each of the co-hosts who've joined with The Man of the West to present readings that showcase this year's theme. Matt calls ‘dibs', Don's hero is a bird, Sara surprisingly doesn't choose Aldarion, Shawn finds two heroes to thwack the Fëanor-shaped piñata, while James and Alan really aren't crying at all, at all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What a goal from the boundary, and what a call by Bruce Eva!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam resists the Ring. Fatty Bolger outruns the Nazgûl. Lúthien tears down Sauron's tower. Jeff Haecker, Robert Story, Patrick Mason, and Rob Leonardi celebrate Tolkien Reading Day with favorite passages on unlikely heroes. The post Tolkien Reading Day 2026: Unlikely Heroes appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Sunday morning message from Pastor Lynn Hardy

Sunday morning message from Pastor Christie Brodien

Sunday morning message from Pastor Matthew Forsythe

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze welcomes New York Times bestselling author Sara Pennypacker to discuss her powerful new historical novel, The Lions' Run. Sara shares how her father's experience as a teenage POW in a German prison camp during World War II influenced the story—and how a little-known Nazi program called the Lebensborn became the emotional trigger that set her empathetic orphan hero, Lucas, into action.From redefining what courage looks like for young readers to trusting kids with big, complicated questions about justice and resistance, Sara reveals why empathy is the true root of all bravery, how Joseph Campbell's storytelling wisdom shaped a pivotal cherry strudel scene, and why Jon Klassen's breathtaking cover art inspired her to go back and make the book even better.Whether you're a parent looking for meaningful middle grade historical fiction, an educator exploring WWII through a fresh lens, or a fan of Pax eager to see what Sara does next, this conversation is a moving celebration of quiet heroism and the enduring power of story.Read the transcript on ⁠The Children's Book Review (coming soon)⁠.Highlights:The Epigraph That Says It All: Why an African proverb about elephants and grass perfectly captures the heart of the bookThe Lebensborn Program: The little-known Nazi eugenics program that inspired the story—and why Sara felt compelled to bring it to light for kidsEmpathy as Courage: Why Lucas was never really a coward, and why Sara believes true bravery always begins with caring about someone other than yourselfThe Termite Theory: How many small, quiet acts of resistance—not one loud heroic moment—can take down something enormousCherry Strudel and Joseph Campbell: How the antagonist's own power gets turned against her in one of the most satisfying scenes in the bookJon Klassen's Cover: How seeing the finished art sent Sara back to her manuscript for one final, vibe-elevating revisionBig Cheese Preview: A sneak peek at Sara's next book—and why she's finally giving a child character all the powerNotable Quotes:"The true root of all courage is empathy. You have to care enough about someone other than yourself to go into some kind of action." —Sara Pennypacker"No matter what you are resisting, you are not alone. There are people working behind the scenes." —Sara PennypackerBooks Mentioned:The Lions' Run by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠The Borrowers by Mary Norton: ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠About Sara Pennypacker:Sara Pennypacker is the New York Times bestselling author of the beloved Clementine series, the Pax duology, and her newest novel, The Lions' Run. Her books have been translated into dozens of languages and have earned numerous awards and honors. A former painter, Sara brings a visual artist's sense of structure and scene to every story she writes. She lives in Florida.Credits:Host: Bianca SchulzeGuest: Sara PennypackerProducer: Bianca Schulze

Sunday morning message from Pastor Jamey Stiefel

Sunday morning message from Steve Backlund

Discover how an unstoppable God transforms ordinary people into unlikely heroes through His incredible power in this powerful sermon by Dr. Jonathan Schaefer from the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Dive into the timeless Bible story from 2 Kings 5, where a young servant girl's simple act of faith sparks life-changing miracles, healing Naaman's leprosy and igniting a profound faith journey. Hear inspiring Christian testimonies of global impact—from widows in Burkina Faso to missionaries in Peru and beyond—showing how God's power flows through those available to God, no matter their age or status. This message of spiritual encouragement reminds us that integrity, confidence, and small acts can lead to extraordinary outcomes, just as God uses ordinary people today for His missions worldwide. Whether you're seeking motivation in your own faith journey or real stories of encouragement, this sermon highlights how anyone can experience and share God's miracles. What unlikely hero story has God written in your life? Share in the comments below, like if this sparked your faith, subscribe for more uplifting Bible stories and sermons, and share with someone who needs this testimony today!

Discover how an unstoppable God transforms ordinary people into unlikely heroes through His incredible power in this powerful sermon by Dr. Jonathan Schaefer from the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Dive into the timeless Bible story from 2 Kings 5, where a young servant girl's simple act of faith sparks life-changing miracles, healing Naaman's leprosy and igniting a profound faith journey. Hear inspiring Christian testimonies of global impact—from widows in Burkina Faso to missionaries in Peru and beyond—showing how God's power flows through those available to God, no matter their age or status. This message of spiritual encouragement reminds us that integrity, confidence, and small acts can lead to extraordinary outcomes, just as God uses ordinary people today for His missions worldwide. Whether you're seeking motivation in your own faith journey or real stories of encouragement, this sermon highlights how anyone can experience and share God's miracles. What unlikely hero story has God written in your life? Share in the comments below, like if this sparked your faith, subscribe for more uplifting Bible stories and sermons, and share with someone who needs this testimony today!

God doesn’t need your perfect resume. He needs your availability. No matter how ordinary or imperfect you may feel, He can use you. Pastor Greg Laurie points out that Jesus picked some surprising people for His disciples. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God doesn’t need your perfect resume. He needs your availability. No matter how ordinary or imperfect you may feel, He can use you. Pastor Greg Laurie points out that Jesus picked some surprising people for His disciples. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Sick Podcast, Pierre McGuire joins Tony Marinaro to break down the Montreal Canadiens' 5-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets, Habs finish off a remarkable stretch of games heading into the Olympic break, Samuel Montembeault playing with confidence, Brendan Gallagher, Josh Anderson and Phillip Danault building strong chemistry together, Lane Hutson seemingly creating magic every game and much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before thunder and lightning, before Anochi Hashem Elokecha, the Torah pauses for a quiet but crucial conversation. Why does a Midianite outsider notice what no one else does? And why does Sinai have to wait? Rabbi Dunner explores Yitro's unlikely role in shaping leadership, responsibility, and the conditions that make Torah possible.

Post-Gazette Penguins insider King Jemison checks in from the Penguins' Western Canada road trip to break down the latest happenings around the team. Where did the Penguins find the depth scoring that allowed them to win comfortably in Seattle against the Kraken? Can they rely on names like Parker Wotherspoon, Connor Clifton and Brett Kulak to give them offensive production amid blue-line injuries? Or will those goals have to come from more likely sources like Sidney Crosby, Rickard Rakell or Bryan Rust? King also breaks down the latest news. When will Erik Karlsson return from injury, and how long might Kris Letang be out? King tackles those topics and more, plus gives some info on the team's recent trade with the Colorado Avalanche for defenseman Ilya Solovyov. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joshua 2: An Unlikely Hero (Joshua - Pain & Promises) taught by Pastor Dave Rolph on 01-04-26.

Let's do this! The Cult of Hockey podcast. By the Faithful and for the Faithful. Today Kurt Leavins and David Staples of the Edmonton Journal digs into the Edmonton Oilers 3-1 win over the Jets of Winnipeg.

What makes a good hero? How does God build his kingdom? What does following Jesus look like? In today's episode, Keith shares how Isaiah 52:13-53:12 gives us three reasons why Jesus is an unlikely hero, and why that's good news for us. Read the Bible with us in 2026! This year, we're exploring the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Download your reading plan now. Your support makes TMBT possible. Ten Minute Bible Talks is a crowd-funded project. Join the TMBTeam to reach more people with the Bible. Give now. Like this content? Make sure to leave us a rating and share it so that others can find it, too. Use #asktmbt to connect with us, ask questions, and suggest topics. We'd love to hear from you! To learn more, visit our website and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @TenMinuteBibleTalks. Don't forget to subscribe to the TMBT Newsletter here. Passages: Isaiah 52:13-53:12

By David W Hershberger - God often seems to choose people for His work who seem to be ill-suited for the task. This is a recurring pattern we encounter so often in Scripture, where God deliberately chooses the weak, the broken, and the unlikely for purposes that reshape the world, while supplying the very strength needed to

As quirky and charming as Dandadan is on the surface, full of bright color, relatable young protagonists navigating first love and their growing bodies, wacky alien creatures and exciting fight sequences, Dandadan has a brilliant knack for knocking its viewers off their feet with unjarring and upsetting backstories. Dandadan is not always an easy watch. While there is constant, excessive stripping down of the story's young protagonists, if you're able to stomach the initial uneasiness to grapple with the entire picture, you'll find that creator Tatsu shares our concerns and fears. Ghouls discuss whether this show can be labeled as fan service or social commentary, cover the horrors of puberty, the power of friendship, and the unlikely hero, Momo.