Podcasts about valleys

God gives Israel an impossible victory, but Ahab's decision at the moment of triumph reveals whether he has truly understood the God who delivered him. In 1 Kings 20, the kingdom of Israel faces an enormous Aramean army led by Ben-Hadad, yet God delivers Israel not once, but twice. The chapter reveals why God gives victory, challenges the pagan idea that Israel's God is merely a “God of the hills,” and ends with Ahab making a devastating choice: he spares the very enemy God had commanded him to destroy. The lesson is powerful—God's victories are not merely meant to make us feel strong; they are meant to help us know Him and trust His ways. In this chapter of Prophets of Israel Daily: An impossible enemy: Ben-Hadad and a coalition of 32 kings surround Samaria, creating an overwhelming military threat to Israel. Victory for a purpose: God promises to deliver the Aramean army so Israel will know that He is the LORD—not because Ahab has earned it, but so that God's hand will be revealed. The God of the hills and valleys: After losing the first battle, the Arameans assume Israel's God is only powerful in the mountains. God answers that claim by giving Israel victory on the plain. Ahab's fatal compromise: After two miraculous victories, Ahab spares Ben-Hadad and makes a treaty with him instead of carrying out the command he had received. The danger of partial obedience: Ahab learns that receiving God's help is not the same as faithfully following God's purposes. The chapter ends with him returning to Samaria angry and sullen.

House, funk, soul, disco, reggae, hip hop, afrobeats, UKG, drum & bass and all manner of beats for open-minded listeners. Fresh releases and classic gems, presented by DJ D'Francisco direct from London. New episode every Sunday night. Catch the pod live every Friday afternoon on www.musicboxradio.co.uk 3-5 UK time, as a podcast or at www.mixcloud.com/francisco Contact: fdisco@hotmail.com / @frankiedisco54 Tracklist Thee Sacred Souls - One and The Same (Axelrod Version) Supercat - History The Jamaicans - Ba Ba Boom Seun Kuti, Egypt 80, Kabaka Pyramid - Problems Femi Kuti - Truth Don Die (Kerri Chandler Remix) Fela Kuti - Jeun Ko Ku (Chop n Quench)  Kyla Kilzer & Max Noir- Break Through (BrekkyT remix) Werkha - Foolin' Self ft. Berry Blacc) Doctor L - Vocalise All things Break - Stay Bo-Cash - My Love is A Shhh! Blaze - Lovlee Dae (Beloved Remix) Sons of Ken - Reaching 4 The Light (Paradise Garage Mix) Zongamin - Bongo Song King Sporty & The Root Rockers - Fire Keep On Burning Hugh Hardie - East Coast Funk Carlito & DJ Addiction - Supergrass Chackney & Ethan King - Chackney Parrot DJ Veteran - Baby Baby High Jinx - California Dreaming (Proof & Bangers Bad Boy Barking Mix) Anais, Stylo G & Lady Leshurr - Strong Like Lion Dub Child - Fear Some  Kid Sister - Pro Nails (Rusko Remix) Buju Banton - Hills & Valleys

Some valleys are from circumstances beyond our control, while others come from the choices we make. After Israel's victory at Jericho, they were unexpectedly defeated at Ai. The problem was not military strategy but hidden sin: Achan had taken items God had forbidden and buried them in his tent. His disobedience brought consequences not only to himself, but to the whole community. God needed to deal with what was hidden in order to bring restoration.

Some valleys are from circumstances beyond our control, while others come from the choices we make. After Israel's victory at Jericho, they were unexpectedly defeated at Ai. The problem was not military strategy but hidden sin: Achan had taken items God had forbidden and buried them in his tent. His disobedience brought consequences not only to himself, but to the whole community. God needed to deal with what was hidden in order to bring restoration.

Ahab has more evidence than most people could ever ask for. Yet somehow he walks away from all of it essentially unchanged.A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Kings 20. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.Please follow, subscribe, "like," and share. Comments welcome.

The Echo Podcast crew break down the final weekend of Cork GAA club football action where Carrigaline, Castlehaven and Clon showed why they're the teams to beat at Premier Senior.Nemo Rangers had to dig deep to offset their injury list and avoid being knocked out by Valley Rovers while St Finbarr's were beaten by Mallow but dragged themselves to a quarter-final on scoring difference. Valleys were eliminated despite winning two group games and the Barrs, who will be hoping to get Ian Maguire and Brian Hayes back fit and firing, move on with one win. Such are the vagaries of the round-robin format.The major talking point was at Premier Intermediate, where a disputed score in the Fermoy-Ballinora draw will be examined by the Cork County Board. The suggestion is that a Ben Twomey shot from outside the arc before half-time wasn't recorded as a two-pointer. Had that been factored in, Fermoy would have won and made the quarter-finals at Ballinora's expense. Right now Ballinora are due to face Macroom but the Fermoy match could yet be replayed.There were some terrific performances across the grades, including Éire Óg's victory over Kilshannig to grab a SAFC semi spot while Uibh Laoire continue to rip it up at Premier Intermediate with dark horses Kiskeam also in the last four.At Premier Junior, Rob Downey hit the net as St Nicks made it out of the group stages. Adrigole are back in the Intermediate A semi-finals on a mission, having lost at that stage for the past three seasons.Now in its fourth season, every Monday, Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. You can listen on Echolive.ie/podcast or anywhere you get your podcasts.Don't forget to log onto www.IrishExaminer.com as well to catch up on their analysis including The Replay, the new highlights show anchored by Seanie McGrath, Dalo's Hurling Show and The Gaelic Football Show.Plus there's a special digital bundle offer with access to the Examiner and Clubber TV, which streams the best of the Cork GAA club matches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monday 7th September 2026 With Vici having the week off, it's just Chris and Simon this week as we cover the WAMC Col Junner Spring To It Fun Run, the Ultra Series WA Light Horse Ultra and the Running Works 3 Valleys Marathon.  Chris and his family provide a movie review as Chris continues to recover from Transcend, Simon is back to 90+ weeks (and never getting injured again), and Bryan Lip is back with his 3rd Voice Memo in as Many weeks.  We have the 'Road to the WA Women's Track Night' series that starts next week, and we find out about an upcoming special relay race called ‘the Dash' that's on the streets of Leederville on the 15th November.  Deon Pollard, James Payne and influencers that doctor their times feature in this week's Weapons of WARP. Reach out and connect! Instagram: @warunningpod Email: warunningpodcast@gmail.com  Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/WARP

What a weekend of club hurling!There's a cohort out there who feel the inter-county season is too short when the box-office action ends in July, but Cork GAA's brilliant programme of matches across five grades never fails to deliver.Kanturk were the story of the last phase of group games, blasting past Blackrock to eliminate the city side and grab top spot ahead of Glen Rovers. It was a magnificent team performance, from Darren Browne tagging Alan Connolly in defence to the power and ball-winning of Colin and Alan Walsh up top. Brian O'Sullivan, on the fringes of the Cork panel all year, was lethal from placed balls but also heavily involved from play.Midleton got held off Bride Rovers to grab top seeding and a semi-final berth but Sars remain the team to beat, their quarter-final with Kanturk will be epic.Injuries continue to cast a shadow though, with Darragh Fitzgibbon missing Charleville's loss to Newtown and unlikely to feature in the quarter-final with Glen Rovers. Brian Hayes and Jack Cahalane were notable absentees for the Barrs and they'll be under pressure against Imokilly without them.Another standout team display came from Na Piarsaigh, who outgunned Killeagh and are now one of the form teams in Senior A.Carrigaline shot the lights out against Kilworth to snatch a place in the Premier Intermediate knockout phase. Their late blast of 1-1 in round two to draw with Ballymartle, who are now out despite beating Valleys, saved their season.Bishopstown head into their third consecutive relegation final, against Lisgoold, after a poor display against Éire Óg. Can they stop the slide?Aghada eliminated Kilbrittain at Intermediate A while Cloughduv clawed their way into the Premier Junior quarter-final with a monster win over Milford, who ended up in relegation trouble after Mayfield pulled off an upset against Barryroe. Scoring difference was the common thread there.The Echo podcast crew look at what hurlers put their hands up for inclusion in Ben O'Connor's panel after the three group games. In his most recent column, Patrick Horgan suggested continuity is what Cork are lacking, on and off the field. Is he right?There's also a preview of the football action this weekend.Now in its fourth season, every Monday, Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. You can listen on Echolive.ie/podcast or anywhere you get your podcasts.Don't forget to log onto www.IrishExaminer.com as well to catch up on the best inter-county analysis including Dalo's Hurling Show and The Gaelic Football Show.Plus there's a special digital bundle offer with access to the Examiner and Clubber TV, which streams the best of the Cork GAA club matches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Psalm 13 The post Dark Valleys in the Life of Faith appeared first on Pillar Baptist Church.

The rise and fall of Tennessee wrestling. Gray led the program to its highest highs and administrators dealt it a death blow.

In this episode of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Etched in Stone series, "Seven: The Story of Olympian Gray Simons," the narrative shifts to Simons' turbulent but inspiring tenure at the University of Tennessee. Contemporaries such as Chris Edmond, Wayne Catan, Tim Cochran, Glenn Lanham, and others paint a vivid picture of Simons as a wrestling genius and understated leader who elevated everyone around him. The episode chronicles Tennessee's rise to national prominence in the mid‑1980s, highlighted by Edmond's remarkable NCAA title run and the team's top‑10 national ranking, all achieved despite shrinking budgets, reduced scholarships, and long odds against traditional Midwestern powers. At the same time, the story lays bare the institutional pressures that ultimately doomed SEC wrestling. Through voices like Mary Simons, Bud Ford, and former athletic director Doug Dickey, listeners see how the school claimed financial constraints, conference isolation, and looming gender equity mandates to erase a model program that did nearly everything right. The players' reactions—Lanham's anger, Edmond's pride, and Simons' quiet heartbreak—reveal the human cost of cutting a sport and underscore the lasting legacy of Gray Simons and Tennessee wrestling, even after the mats were rolled up for the final time. Listen & Follow Etched in StoneApple Podcasts | Spotify | Deezer | Radio Public | RSS About Gray Simons During his four years of collegiate competition at Lock Haven University, Gray Simons entered seven national tournaments. He won all seven, and six times was voted outstanding wrestler of the event. Four years he reigned supreme at 115 pounds in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and all four years was chosen the NAIA's finest, an unparalleled achievement. Three times he won the University Division title in the NCAA and as a junior and senior was voted the outstanding competitor. The only two defeats of his 93 collegiate matches came early in his freshman season. He then proceeded to win 84 in a row. In the two years after his graduation, while stationed at the U.S. Military Academy, he continued to annex national championships in military, YMCA and AAU competition. He won the gold medal in the 1963 World Military Games. Gray Simons twice represented his country in the Olympic Games, in 1960 and 1964. On the mat, he was known as a superb technician, with quickness, skill and perfect execution of an infinite variety of moves. His abilities helped spread nationwide the "Granby Series" of moves developed by his Hall of Fame high school coach in Norfolk, Virginia, Billy Martin. After the close of his competitive career, he served with distinction as a collegiate coach at Lock Haven, Indiana State, Tennessee and Old Dominion University, and never has suffered a losing season. Among his proteges were two NCAA champions and several All-Americans. In both roles, as a wrestler and coach, this quiet man has set an outstanding example for young athletes everywhere. As a wrestler of unchallenged achievement and a sportsman of the highest caliber, Elliot Gray Simons is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

I recently preached this two-part message at our church, and I want to share it with you!How to know for sure that you're going to Heaven: https://youtu.be/sH59j8qfJAI

We chase mountaintop moments — those bursts of clarity, joy, and undeniable closeness with God — and dread the valleys that follow. But what if we've been measuring them wrong? Drawing from the Mount of Transfiguration, the Crucifixtion, and a hospital waiting room, Family Life Pastor, Travis Johnston, challenges the idea that mountaintops are marked by how good we feel and valleys by how much we suffer. Instead, he makes the case that God gives us mountaintop moments not to keep us there, but to change how we live when we come back down to the valley. A message about worship in the wreckage, faith without answers, and what it means to carry what we've received into ordinary life.

Indy takes you on a quick journey through the influential and prophetic works of H.G. Wells, Samantha reviews Boy From the Valleys: My Unexpected Journey by Luke Evans, and we get ready for our deep dive into the world of vampire movies!  I Love This You Should Too is hosted by Samantha and Indy Randhawa

Debbie wraps up our Hills and Valleys series with the story of Moses being called from the burning bush. Maggie Keller shares her story of calling.

Village Church RolesvilleSunday Message, August 30, 2026Pastor Tyler WilliamsPsalm 23:4; Luke 9:28-43

It was the summer of 2002, and the Hayman Fire was burning by the camp I was working at. There was no rain in the forecast, blue skies and hot weather was surrounding us. Everyone was praying for rain… yet nothing was coming in the foreseeable future. I remember telling the campers to pray for rain as…

Justin continues our Hills and Valleys series with the story of the birth of Moses. Jon Bird shares his personal story of God's faithfulness.

What if the addiction isn't actually the problem?In this episode of Just the Guys, we're joined by author, speaker, and podcast host Jon Seidl, whose journey through anxiety, OCD, alcoholism, trauma, and recovery has led him to an unexpected conclusion: lasting change doesn't happen by simply removing the behavior; it happens when we discover what's underneath it. Together we explore:Why addiction is often an attempt to escape something deeperThe relationship between trauma, fear, shame, and unhealthy copingADHD, neurodiversity, and why research shows higher vulnerability to addictionWhy understanding our brains explains behavior—but never excuses itThe difference between identity and diagnosisHow "special interests," work, ministry, food, gaming, pornography, alcohol, or success can all become misplaced prioritiesWhat it means to get to the root instead of simply modifying behaviorWhy the gospel offers something far deeper than behavior managementHow the church can become a safer place for confession instead of condemnationWhy true freedom isn't learning to manage an addiction—it's no longer needing it to escapeOne of the most powerful moments comes when Jon shares the words that changed his life. His wife didn't tell him to stop drinking. She challenged him to discover why he needed alcohol in the first place. That question became the beginning of real healing. Whether you've wrestled with addiction, anxiety, ADHD, compulsive behaviors, or simply find yourself escaping into work, ministry, hobbies, food, or endless distraction, this conversation offers hope that transformation is possible. Jon talks about his later-in-life discovery of ADHD.Because every addiction is asking a deeper question.And every heart longs for real freedom.ResourcesGuest: Jon SeidlFinding Rest: A Survivor's Guide to Navigating the Valleys of Anxiety, Faith & LifeConfessions of a Christian AlcoholicPodcast, blog, and nonprofit: ChristianAlcoholic.com If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use the reminder that freedom begins—not by managing the symptom—but by discovering the root.

Dash with Carol Dixon is all about life and how to live that life positively, productively, and prayerfully. After decades of ministry, Dr. Dixon is qualified to address any topic of life from a biblical perspective. Let's listen now as Dr. Dixon shares nuggets on "Valleys Are a Part of Life."Send us Fan MailBecome a Dash Legacy Builder Today! For more information go to caroldixon.net/dash

Mountains and Valleys | Tracy by Door of Hope Christian Church

In this opening message of the "Tell Your Story" series, Pastor Andrew Mayne explores the reality of spiritual and emotional darkness, inviting the us to move from isolation into the healing light of community and divine graceDrawing from Psalm 107, he describes how human rebellion and life's hardships can land people in deep pits of despair, where they often retreat into the destructive cycles of shame, pride, or blameThrough a deeply moving and personal testimony of a decades-long battle with severe depression, the sermon highlights that healing is rarely an instantaneous event; rather, it is a complex journey of renewing the mind, utilizing medical support, accepting hard truths from loved ones, and encountering God's cleansing loveUltimately, the message serves as a comforting reminder that the heavenly Father does not treat people as their sins deserve, encouraging everyone to courageously cry out in their distress and share their unique stories of redemption so that others might find hope in their own dark valleysReferenced Scriptures:Psalm 107:1-3 — The call for the redeemed to tell their storyPsalm 107:10 — Sitting in utter darkness and prisoners in iron chainsPsalm 107:13-16 — Crying out to the Lord in distress and breaking physical/spiritual chainsPsalm 103:8-14 — God's compassionate nature, slow to anger, and removing transgressionsPsalm 34:5 — Looking to God to make faces radiant and free of shameRomans 12:2 — The transformation that comes through the renewing of the mindPsalm 23:4 — Walking through the dark valleys with God's comforting presence

Pastor Levi and Lisa talk about valleys in life, including how to respond. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 12, 2026.

Finally, we dare venture to the darkest land of all. Wales! After years of avoiding the terror of the Valleys, Liam Higginson takes us to The Hill in the Dark Grove – his debut novel of isolation, folk-memory, and things unearthed from the soil of a mountain farm. We talk about the link between folklore and nationalism, about marriage and madness (not linked) and why it's always men who go barmy in these situations. This is up there with my favourite books of the year. Enjoy!   Other books mentioned: The Shining (1977), by Stephen King Incidents Around the House (2024), by Josh Malerman The Salt King (2026), by Natasha Pulley Small Gods (1992), by Terry Pratchett Meet Me at the Surface (2024), by Jodie Matthews Boss in the Wall: A Treatise on the House Devil (1998), by Avram Davison and Grania Davis North Woods (2023), by Daniel Mason Country People (2026), by Daniel Mason   Support Talking Scared on Patreon  Check out the Talking Scared Merch line – at VoidMerch Come talk books on Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram, or email direct to talkingscaredpod@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pastor Levi and Lisa talk about valleys in life, including assessing the valley. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 11, 2026.

Pastor Levi and Lisa talk about valleys in life, including that a valley is not necessarily a wrong turn. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, August 10, 2026.

EP 2958 Book Review Peaks and Valleys ชีวิตเรามีทั้งขึ้นและลง ก็เหมือนกับยอดเขาและหุบเขา จะทำให้อย่างไรให้เรามีชีวิตขาขึ้นมากกว่าขาลง มาฟังรีวิวข้อคิดที่ได้จากหนังสือเล่มนี้กันครับ

This is the recording of Hack The Planet 606 with DJ Pfeif from 8-8-26, originally aired on twitch.tv/djpfeifdnb and Valley Free Radio, WXOJ. Hack The Planet is live every Saturday night at 8:00pm ET. More information at https://djpfeif.com. Listen 24/7, including live broadcasts at https://hacktheplanetdnb.com. Thanks for listening. Enjoy! ===================================== Artist - Track Title - Label CLS & Wax - Sometimes - Jerona Dubs Blu Mar Ten - Hunter [feat. Seba] - Blu Mar Ten Music Mojoman - Like the Sky - Beatalistics Blu Mar Ten - Motor City - Blu Mar Ten Music Klute - Acid Rain - Commercial Suicide Leniz - Suddenly - Fokuz Recordings A Sides Feat. MC Fats - Arctic - SUNANDBASS Recordings Twintone & Tsugishi - A Glimpse Of Summer - Beatalistics Alpha Rhythm and Natus - Mars - Fokuz Recordings High Contrast - The Road Goes On Forever - Hospital Records Etherwood - Away With Me - Medschool Amorius - Singularity - Liquid Flow Bleach - Onion Tune - Altius Sounds Bungle - Receding - Scientific Records LTJ Bukem - Music (Technicolour Rework) - Good Looking Records Qumulus and Warm Roller - Never Forgotten - Celsius Recordings External Subway featuring Oktae - The Last Night - Fokuz Recordings Akuratyde - Back To You (Human Synthetics Remix) - Modern Conveniences Pure - Jolene Colebrooke - Coffee Shop Jams GLXY - Hypothesis - Shogun Audio GLXY - Research Development - Shogun Audio Voyager - Aurora - Eternal Soul Pola & Bryson, Cimone - Twilight (LSB Remix) - Shogun Audio Natus - Musing - Fokuz Recordings Quantum Mechanix - Lost At Orchan Rocks - Modern Conveniences imo-Lu - Inhibition - Rosebay Music Neuron - Pieces - Celsius Recordings Etherwood - Falling Out of Consciousness (feat. Georgia Yates, Bev Lee Harling) - Medschool Andy Skopes - Heroin Wash (feat. Coerce) - Metalheadz Technimatic - Lost Along the Way (feat. D.Ablo) - Shogun Audio Akuratyde - Lost Summer - Blu Mar Ten Music RinneRadio - Tule! (Resound Remix) - Rockadillo Records Klute - Never Ending - Commercial Suicide Bungle - Arise - Scientific Records Decaz - Spiralling Out (Melinki Remix) - Fokuz Recordings Sikey & Speedwagon - Easy Street - Fokuz Recordings Technicolour & Komatic - The Glow - SGN:LTD

What happens when a King decides to protect his couch instead of his family? Meet King Ahab, who somehow decides it's perfectly acceptable to hand over his wives, children, and kingdom... but draws the line when someone touches his stuff. Behind one of the funniest stories in the Bible, we learn a powerful truth that God isn't just the God of the mountaintops, He's the God of your valleys too.

In this episode, Rob Jones and Tom Walker break down one of the running world's most powerful tools and potential pitfalls. They kick off by catching up on Rob's final week of Chamonix training for the 13 Valleys, share quick heat management hacks for training in Dubai, and then dive deep into Strava.From its Swedish roots in 1995 to 195 million athletes across 185 countries, Strava has transformed how we train and share. But here's the real conversation: Is it motivating you or manipulating you? Through the story of Rob's VK (vertical kilometer) comeback, where friendly competition sparked a 3-minute PB, they explore when Strava works for you and when it works against you.They tackle the hard truths: How social validation can hijack your training plan. Why you shouldn't run hard every session just to post a decent average pace. The safety risks of location sharing. And most importantly, how to tell if you're chasing intrinsic goals or just chasing likes.Perfect for endurance athletes, weekend warriors, and anyone wondering why their Strava feed looks nothing like their training plan.

Leadership through adversity is not about avoiding the valley. It is about building a foundation strong enough to keep you moving through it.Ben Utecht, former NFL tight end, Super Bowl champion, speaker, author, and culture expert, joins Jaime Taets for a conversation about fear, failure, preparation, belief, identity, and the peaks and valleys that shape a meaningful life.Ben shares the story of going from a potential first-round NFL draft pick to an undrafted free agent after a devastating injury and then receiving an unexpected call from Tony Dungy and the Indianapolis Colts. His journey ultimately led him to the NFL, a Super Bowl championship, a career in speaking and culture, and his book The Champion's Creed. But the real story is not the highlight reel. It is what happened in between.Jaime and Ben explore what it means to stay grounded when you are at the top, rebuild yourself when you are in the valley, and stop allowing achievements to define your identity. They discuss how preparation builds confidence, why surrender can be a catalyst for winning, and how leaders can build a foundation of beliefs they can return to in difficult seasons.Timestamped Chapters0:00 Introduction to Ben Utecht2:36 From Minnesota to the NFL with Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy7:11 Discovering Purpose Beyond Achievement9:56 Fear of Failure and the Voice of Self-Doubt12:16 From Potential First-Round Pick to Undrafted Free Agent14:58 The Unexpected Call from Tony Dungy16:59 Finding Consistency Through Peaks and Valleys18:36 Navigating Identity Shifts22:56 Redefining Success and Letting Go of Materialism25:22 Why Surrender Is a Catalyst for Winning29:38 Building a Foundation You Can Return ToGuest BioBen Utecht is a former NFL tight end, Super Bowl champion, speaker, author, entrepreneur, and culture expert. He played for the Indianapolis Colts, won Super Bowl XLI, and learned under legendary coach Tony Dungy.After football, Ben built a career focused on leadership, organizational culture, personal development, and transforming people. He is the author of The Champion's Creed: Transform Your Culture Through the Power of Belief.Ben's work centers on the idea that organizations will always have a culture, either by design or by default, and leaders have the opportunity to intentionally build one that transforms people.Quotes from the Episode"Find the consistency through the peaks and valleys.""Believe.""Surrender is actually the catalyst for winning."Leadership InsightsWhat is leadership through adversity?Leadership through adversity is the ability to remain grounded, make purposeful decisions, and continue leading when circumstances become difficult. Ben Utecht's story shows how preparation, belief, values, and endurance can give leaders a foundation to rely on during uncertain or challenging seasons.Why is preparation important for overcoming adversity?Preparation creates confidence because it gives people something concrete to fall back on when fear and uncertainty appear. Ben explains that his preparation in sports, through film study, training, and repetition, helped quiet self-doubt and gave him confidence when facing difficult situations.How can leaders build a foundation for hard times?Leaders can build a foundation by clarifying what they believe, writing down their values, and creating a personal creed they can return to. Ben explains that when you are in the valley, having objective truths you have already defined can pull you out of fear and uncertainty.ResourcesConnect with Ben: ben@ben-utecht.comFollow Ben on LinkedIn for culture and leadership insightsBook: The Champion's Creed: Transform Your Culture Through the Power of Belief Learn more about Jaime Taets and her work in leadership development and organizational growth.Explore Jaime's Women's Executive Retreats, focused on dreams, fears, purpose, and meaningful change.Follow Jaime on Instagram, LinkedIn, and FacebookIf you have ever wondered how to stay grounded through the highs and lows of leadership, this conversation is for you. Share it with someone who needs to be reminded that consistency is found in the peaks and valleys.Subscribe to View From The Top with Jaime Taets for more conversations about leadership, resilience, and the journey from success to significance.Will see you at the top, and beyond.Jaime Taets

Last week we talked about valleys and mountains. Valleys being those dreaded low places in life, and mountains being those beautiful highs. We all want to stay in our mountaintop experiences, but we can’t. Do you remember why? Because nothing grows on top of a mountain. If you go high enough, the view is breathtaking, but the air is too thin for anything to grow. And that’s the way we are. The highs are beautiful, but we’re not growing when we’ve reached the pinnacle. God wants His girls continually growing. Don’t you realize there is so much more potential in you? God loves you so much, He won’t allow you to remain in a place where that potential becomes stagnant. So, to the valleys we go. The valley is where everything grows. Down here, sis, in these trenches, is where you grow. God’s greatest desire isn’t simply for you to be happy or comfortable. It’s for you to know Him, trust Him, and become the fullness of who He created you to be. Can you see that? Your valley isn’t evidence that God has forsaken you—it’s often evidence that He hasn’t. He loves you entirely too much to leave you standing on that mountaintop. Where would I be if I hadn’t struggled with my health and faced death? Where would I be if I hadn’t gone through financial disaster and lost it all? Where would I be if I hadn’t been crushed on this journey to the point of wanting to quit? Where would I be if my family hadn’t endured seven years of division and separation? Would I be happier? Actually, no. Would I be further along? Absolutely not. Without those hardships, those struggles, and those deep valleys, I wouldn’t have discovered I could really trust God. I would still be so full of myself—convinced my success was something I had earned. I would think the house I owned, the car I drove, and the clothes I wore defined me. I would have missed the miracle of waking up to another day of life. I would still be standing on my mountain, looking down on those who were struggling, quietly assuming they must have done something wrong while I had somehow done everything right. Thank You, Lord, for not leaving me there. Because on that mountain, I would have missed the sweetness of humility. I would have taken so much for granted. I would have remained trapped in my performance, my striving, and my self-importance. And perhaps most tragically of all, I would have walked through this life with knowing ABOUT God, but not really KNOWING him, not really TRUSTING him, not really LEANING on him, not really changed by him, and not really truly LOVING him. Here, in the middle of those struggles and hardships, I found something I never would have discovered on the mountain: He didn’t leave me here. He’s growing me here. So why am I coming back around to this valley teaching? Quite simply, because that’s exactly where the Holy Spirit led me this morning. And I believe this message isn’t just for someone out there—it’s for someone listening right now. Here’s what He put on my heart… Someone woke up today feeling incredibly alone. Someone is dealing with people who are exhausting, difficult, and beyond their ability to change. Someone is married to an unbeliever and wondering how much longer they can carry the weight of that burden. Someone is watching their aging parents face decisions they never wanted to make, navigating circumstances where every option feels impossible. Someone is crying out for their prodigal, wondering when they’ll finally come home. Someone is facing financial devastation and doesn’t know how they’re going to make it. Someone is standing in the middle of a mess they cannot fix, no matter how hard they try. Someone is walking through the darkest wilderness season of their life and quietly wondering, “Am I ever going to get out of this?” Sis, if that’s you, I want you to hear this clearly: You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned. You are not stuck in a place where God cannot reach you. The same God who meets you on the mountaintop is the God who walks with you through the valley. And maybe, just maybe, this valley isn’t where your story is falling apart. Maybe it’s where God is growing something in you that could never grow anywhere else. So for you, my sweet sister, God knew you would be listening today. And for you, He asked me to remind you once again of the growth in the low places. The fruit you will produce because of your time in the valley. Remember those fruits: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Yes, here in the valley of loneliness. Here in the valley with difficult people. Here in the valley with an unbelieving spouse. Here in the valley with aging parents. Here in the valley with your prodigal. Here in the valley with no money, messes you can’t fix, and this dreaded wilderness—God is drawing closer and closer to you. Why? Because it’s here that you realize you need Him. It’s here that you hit your knees. It’s here that you draw near to Him because He is your only way, your only refuge, and your only hope. And James 4:8 promises, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” This is the valley of closeness. This is the valley of abiding. This is the valley of dependence. This is where your prayers change from rushed and routine to desperate and real. This is where His Word becomes more than words on a page—it becomes your daily bread. This is where worship becomes your warfare and peace becomes your victory. This is where you stop asking, “Lord, how do I get out of this?” and begin asking, “Lord, what are You growing in me here?” This is where you discover that Jesus really is enough. And isn’t that what we’ve wanted all along? Not merely a better life, but a deeper one. Not merely God’s blessings, but God’s presence. Not merely a mountaintop experience, but a relationship so intimate that we can whisper, “Whether I’m on the mountain or in the valley, it is well with my soul.” Sis, don’t waste your valley wishing you were somewhere else. God has fruit growing here that couldn’t grow anywhere else. One day you’ll stand on another mountaintop and realize you didn’t get there in spite of your valley – you got there BECAUSE of it. Yes, what’s growing in you HERE will take you to greater places next than you’ve ever imagined. This is where you learn a deep abiding faith and trust that creates a HOLY YES to God’s next invitation. An invitation you would dismiss if you didn’t first grow here in this valley. An invitation to higher ground which you would have been to afraid to accept if you wouldn’t have see the hand of God in this low. Grab your Bible and open it to 2 Corinthians. This is a book written by Paul as he was suffering greatly. He was being beaten, being imprisoned, facing constant turmoil and threats, all because he knew Jesus, he loved Jesus, and he was spreading the teaching of Jesus. He’s not writing about these things for pity, he’s sharing of his valley because he’s personally experiencing the growth and change within. Chapter 1, verse 8-9, Paul writes, “We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure and we thought we would never live through it.” Okay – let’s pause right there. Is that how you feel? Are you questioning how you’re going to live through this? Do you feel crushed? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you feel you simply don’t have the ability to continue in what you’re going through? Yes? KEEP READING!!!!!! The next thing Paul says is “BUT AS A RESULT …” Underline that. Highlight it. Circle it. Draw arrows to it. Paul is saying this horrendous valley he went through, uncertain he could even make it through produced a result. It caused something in his life. It wasn’t meaningless. It was all for a purpose. What resulted? “AS A RESULT, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.” And what this says is if God can raise the dead, if he can defeat the most final of all finals which is death itself, then he can bring life, bring hope, bring light back to whatever hard, dark, overwhelming, and too far gone thing you’re dealing with. Through this valley, through this hardship, through this thing you question if you’re going to be able to even make it through, something is going to shift and you’re going to change. That change is you will STOP RELYING ON YOURSELF AND LEARN TO RELY ONLY ON GOD. Jesus says in Matthew 19:26, “For with God, all things are possible.” Not without him. You’ve tried that. BUT WITH GOD – have you tried that yet? WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. This is you learning to rely only on God. I love to study different translations of a scripture to really understand it. Using the Bible app, I have my preferred translations set to NLT, NIV, TPT, and MSG. Then, when reading a specific scripture in the app, I can just hold down on it, then hit “compare” and it will show me that exact verse in all those different translations. If you’re not using that tool, try it. So, for example, that same scripture, 1 Corinthians 1:9 in the MSG translation says this, “As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. WE WERE FORCED TO TRUST GOD TOTALLY.” Well doesn’t that explain this season of your life? This wilderness, this hardship, this struggle. This isn’t because God has forsaken you here – this is because God is working here. He’s growing you. He’s literally allowing the best thing that could ever happen. What’s that … he’s allowing you to experience first hand that you can trust him totally. God knows most of us wouldn’t just naturally trust him totally. God knows we will have to experience that impossible situation for ourselves, come to the very end of ourselves, sit in the mess without a way to fix it, and then call out to him. And when we call out to him, he comes running! He comes running with power that can strengthen you, give you peace, and bring every dead thing back to life. And then you know – YOU CAN TRUST GOD TOTALLY. As a result of your low valley, you are learning more about God than any class could ever teach you. And perhaps the greatest gift of all won’t be what God DID FOR you in the valley. It will be what He did IN you. HE GREW YOU! Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com

The Pharma Boys analyze Nashville SC's recent performances and results as the Boys in Gold continue to lead the Supporters' Shield race. They also discuss the team's defensive solidity and the impact of injuries. They finish up by previewing the upcoming match against DC United and look around the league.

Psalm 23 teaches that God is not just the God of your mountaintop experiences; he also journeys through the valleys with you, when you're facing problems, conflict, grief, fear, or failure. He guides you down the right paths and, ultimately, creates good from your valley. In this message, Pastor Rick teaches about the kinds of valleys you encounter and how to walk through them with confidence.As you walk through a valley, God still wants you to trust him. And when you're faithful to Christ in the valleys of failure, fear, conflict, grief, and trouble, you will be rewarded. Join Pastor Rick as he teaches about God's goodness and these eternal rewards. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29?v=20251111

Psalm 23 teaches that God is not just the God of your mountaintop experiences; he also journeys through the valleys with you, when you're facing problems, conflict, grief, fear, or failure. He guides you down the right paths and, ultimately, creates good from your valley. In this message, Pastor Rick teaches about the kinds of valleys you encounter and how to walk through them with confidence.Valleys are an inevitable part of life, and you never know when they're going to show up. As Pastor Rick continues to teach in this message from Psalm 23, he reminds you that God is always with you—even in the valleys. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29?v=20251111

More with CGP regular Derek X and youth sports. Here Derek gets into the demands on families... managing time, travel and expenses while keeping academics as the priority. He also lays out the most difficult aspect families contend with in youth sports - both for the family and their kids. The Christopher Gabriel Program ----------------------------------------------------------- Please Like, Comment and Follow 'The Christopher Gabriel Program' on all platforms: The Christopher Gabriel Program is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. --- The Christopher Gabriel Program | Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | --- Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this study of Psalm 23, Pastor Rick teaches about the never-ending goodness of God—the answer to the worry, regret, indecision, emotional pain, and fear in your life. Discover how your life can be transformed when you understand and believe in God's goodness.Psalm 23 teaches that God is not just the God of your mountaintop experiences; he also journeys through the valleys with you, when you're facing problems, conflict, grief, fear, or failure. He guides you down the right paths and, ultimately, creates good from your valley. In this message, Pastor Rick teaches about the kinds of valleys you encounter and how to walk through them with confidence.In a difficult valley, the darkness can be overwhelming. But the shadows in your life are evidence of the presence of light. Learn from Pastor Rick how to turn your back to the shadows and look at the light of God's goodness. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29?v=20251111

Life is full of mountains and valleys. One day we’re standing on the mountaintop, taking in the view and thanking God for how good life feels. The next, we’re walking through a valley we never saw coming, wondering how we got here and how we’ll ever make it through. That’s life. No one gets a permanent address on the mountaintop, and no one stays in the valley forever. We all experience seasons of joy and seasons of sorrow, seasons of abundance and seasons of struggle. There are moments when we feel strong, confident, and full of faith, and there are moments when we’re tired, discouraged, and simply trying to take the next step. The mountains and the valleys are both part of the journey. Does this mean we hate the valleys and only live for the mountaintops? If so, we’re wasting much of our lives. It’s like the person who chooses misery all week long and only lives for the weekend. Or the person who is continually chasing greener grass, only to get there and find it’s always greener somewhere else. They’re waiting for life to begin when life has been happening all along. Sometimes I wonder if we’re guilty of doing the same thing spiritually. We endure the valleys and merely survive them while we wait for God to get us back to the mountain. We decide the mountaintop is where God is blessing us and the valley is where he’s forgotten us. We assume one is good and one is bad. But what if we’re wrong? What if God never intended for us to love one and despise the other? What if he designed both? God is in control of all things, so why does he allow these low valleys in life? Why doesn’t he take us to the mountaintop experiences and let us stay there? Why not total bliss all the time? Why can’t everything just be good and stay good? My husband and I have often joked over the years of raising three kids that when the rare moment comes along when all three are doing great at the same time—with no problems—we hold our breath. Experience has taught us it doesn’t last long. It’s our mountaintop. It’s bliss. It’s rare. We know we’re here, but we also know we probably don’t get to stay here. Before long, back down into the valley we’ll go with at least one of them. Have you ever noticed that’s the way life seems to work? We just can’t keep things at their very best for very long. The job is good, then the job is hard. The marriage is happy, then the marriage is struggling. Our bodies are healthy, then suddenly they aren’t. The bank account is full, then an unexpected expense arrives. We finally catch our breath, and then life takes it away again. The mountains are beautiful, but they’re temporary. The valleys are difficult, but they’re temporary too. And that’s not a flaw in God’s design. It’s part of it. If mountaintops became permanent, we would begin to worship the view instead of the God who brought us there. If valleys never came, we would never learn surrender and trust. The mountain gives us perspective, but the valley gives us depth. God has never promised us a life of uninterrupted mountaintops. What he has promised is something far better—His uninterrupted presence. He’s God on the mountain, and he’s God in the valley. He isn’t waiting for you at the top. He’s walking with you wherever you are. And perhaps that’s the invitation—not to spend our lives trying to escape the valleys or cling to the mountains, but to learn to look for God in both. 1 Kings 20:28, “The LORD says, ‘Because the Arameans think the LORD is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the LORD.” If you just pluck this one scripture out, it won’t make sense. So, let’s study the context and see what God is telling us. Israel are God’s people who seek him and trust him. They have enemies constantly trying to defeat them. One of those enemies is the kingdom of Aram who’s King is Ben-Hadad. The Arameans greatly outnumbered the Israelites, yet the Israelites had just defeated them in battle. As the Aramenas were trying to understand their battle and how they could have lost to an army so beneath them, they came to the conclusion it was because of the Israelites’ God. Verse 23, they said “Their gods are gods of the mountains. That is why they were too strong for us. But if we fight them in the valleys, surely we will be stronger than them.” With that in mind, the Arameans planned their next attack on God’s people in a valley. A valley, a low spot, where the Israelites’ mountaintop God would have no reign and no power. They didn’t doubt God’s existence, they doubted his authority over both the mountain and the valley. BUT THEY WERE WRONG! Our LORD isn’t just a mountaintop God. He’s not limited by good experiences and positive outcomes. He’s not just in the highs – he’s in the lows. His jurisdiction is not limited by location or circumstance. And this is why the LORD said in verse 28, “Because the Arameans think the LORD is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the LORD.” Essentially God is saying, “You’ve seen me work on the mountain, NOW WATCH ME WORK IN THE LOW VALLEYS TOO!” This is a lesson not only for the enemy, but for God’s people. “Stop thinking I will only give you victory up here, I can work in the lows too!” This was more than God winning a battle, this was God revealing himself. What? You think God has boundaries? You think there’s somewhere he doesn’t rule? Somewhere out of his reach? Somewhere his power isn’t effective? Something too hard or too big and beyond his dominion? You think there’s a place God can’t give victory. GIRL, JUST WATCH HIM. Today, we often live exactly as the Aramean’s who thought God was only the God of the mountain. We believe: God is with me when my marriage is good! God is with me when my body is healthy! God is with me when the money is there! God is with me when all the kids are doing well! God is with me when my prayers are answered! Yes, he’s with me … I can see him … look at all this goodness in my life! I’m on the mountaintop! But life doesn’t stay there, and soon we’re in a low valley and we begin asking: Where is God? Why isn’t he helping me? Has he left me? Did I do something wrong? Is he punishing me with this deep dark valley of hardship and struggle? And really what we’re wondering is if God stayed on the mountain and he’s not with us in the valley. But I want to give you one memorable fact that will stay with you forever. NOTHING GROWS ON THE MOUNTAINTOP. Have you ever climbed a really tall mountain – I’m talking a legit mountain. Have you noticed the higher you go, the thinner the air gets. And as you continue the climb, it just becomes rocky. No trees. No fruit. No grass. No flowers. The view is remarkable and it feels great to stand on top of the mountain, but NOTHING GROWS UP THERE. That, my friends, is life. You don’t grow in your moutaintop moments. When everything is so perfectly good, you’re not growing. And that’s why God doesn’t leave you up there. He lovingly brings you back down to the valley because in the valley is where YOU GROW! Trees grow in the valley. Fruit is produced in the valley. Flowers are in abundance in the valley. It’s the low places where we grow. I find it interesting that God could have simply prevented the second battle altogether. Instead, He allowed Israel to go right back into another fight. Why? Because there was something about Himself He wanted revealed that could only be revealed in the valley. God isn’t better on the mountain. He’s simply different there. The mountain may reveal His majesty, but the valley reveals His faithfulness. What God is showing us is regardless of the place we are in life, regardless of the highs and lows, he is the LORD over every place. Just as the mountain doesn’t make him God, neither do the valleys of life diminish him. He is just as present, just as powerful, and just as soverign in the lowest and hardest of valleys in your life as he is on the highest and most victorious mountain. I have a beautiful friend currently battling a relentless and ugly cancer. This cancer has dragged her through one heck of a dark valley. But here in this valley, she has discovered God’s presence unlike ever before. She has learned He is her only hope. She has learned peace that doesn’t make sense. She has learned full surrender and unwavering faith. That’s what valleys do to us, and I have to believe that’s one of the reasons God allows them. He reveals Himself in such personal and powerful ways. Perhaps her mountaintop moments will come and she will stand whole, healthy, and healed with a long, beautiful life ahead of her. Oh, how I pray she experiences that. But here’s what I know—she won’t grow up there. She’s growing down here. And maybe that’s why God doesn’t allow us to permanently live on the mountaintops. We would enjoy him there, but we wouldn’t NEED him there. We would celebrate him there, but we wouldn’t CLING to him there. It is in the valley where we discover he really is enough. It’s in the valley where we learn he wasn’t kidding when he said he would never leave us or forsake us. It’s in the valley where we find his strength made perfect in our weakness. It’s in the valley where we discover his peace isn’t dependent on our circumstances and his goodness isn’t diminished by our suffering. Mountaintops are where we often celebrate God. Valleys are where we come to know him. So perhaps we’ve had it wrong all along. Perhaps the goal isn’t to spend our lives desperately trying to escape the valleys and cling to the mountains. Perhaps the goal is to stop asking, “How do I get out of here?” long enough to ask, “Lord, what are You revealing here?” Because He’s still the LORD here. The valley has never been outside of his jurisdiction. It has never been beyond his reach. It has never been beneath his attention. And just as He told the Arameans thousands of years ago, I believe he is still saying to his people today, “You think you’ve seen me work before? Just watch me work here too.” So, if you find yourself standing on a mountaintop today, breathe it in. Thank him for the view. Celebrate the joy. Receive it as a gift. And if you find yourself in a valley today, don’t despise it. Don’t assume you’ve been abandoned there. Don’t waste this season merely trying to survive it. Look for him there. Because he isn’t just waiting for you on the next mountaintop. He’s already standing beside you in the valley. He is the LORD of both. Don’t spend your life trying to escape the valleys or trying to cling to the mountains, but learn to look for God in both. Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com

Calvin Wisen | Mark 9

God has lessons for us to learn while we are in the valley. 

The post PEAKS AND VALLEYS appeared first on Gateway Family Church.

Episode Summary: Welcome to Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson for Part 2 of my conversation with Jonathan M. Seidl, author of Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic. If you missed Part 1, I encourage you to listen to that episode first, where Jon vulnerably shared how, as a Christian leader, he found himself entangled in the grip of alcoholism. In today's episode, we pick up where we left off, diving deeper into Jon's road to recovery, what breaking free actually looked like, and how others can find lasting hope from their own battles with addiction, shame, and secrecy. Jon doesn't just tell a story of struggle. He gives us a roadmap for surrender, accountability, and freedom through Christ. Whether you're facing your own entanglement or walking alongside someone who is, this episode is packed with truth, grace, and the kind of hope that transforms lives. If you or someone you love has ever struggled with hidden pain, addiction, or the pressure to keep up appearances, this conversation is for you. Jon's story is a testimony to the power of grace, truth, and the freedom found in Christ. Quotables from the episode: I’m the Christian that became an alcoholic, not the other way around. The church is usually okay with and knows how to handle the other way around. The alcoholics who become Christians. But what do you do with the Christians who become alcoholics or the Christians who become adulterers, or the Christians who become addicts, the Christians who become bulimics… what do you do with those people? Salvation is a lifeline, but sanctification is a lifetime process. Healing is like an onion. God helps heal the outside layer and lets us live in that healing for a little bit. And then at a later time, it's time to peel back the next layer. And then it's time to peel back the next layer. God is gentle and gracious that way. Healing is for a lifetime. I don't want you to just be sober. I want you to be here, especially if your drinking is so destructive, it's killing you. I want you to be here. So please get sober. But don't stop there. Because there's something better for you. There's something better waiting for you than just sobriety. Healing starts with abiding in Christ. I think for a lot of my life having grown up in the church, it's like, you know, you get these kind of trite phrases and whatnot. And what I can tell you is that when I get to the end of my rope, you realize how precious Jesus is when he's all you have to cling on to. This is the only step that must be done first. But it has to start with step one: you have to spend time with Jesus. The third step is radical vulnerability. That adjective there is really important. We're okay with talking about the vulnerability. I think it's become kind of in vogue lately. I'm talking about being radically vulnerable—a whole new level of vulnerability. The four steps of healing include abiding with Christ, finding your true identity, practicing radical vulnerability, and being obedient to God. I can tell you by following those four steps, I kicked alcohol, I found sobriety, but most importantly, I found more of Jesus, and I can't overstate what that has done in my life. Recommended Resources: Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: A Candid Conversation on Drinking, Addiction, and How to Break Free by Jonathon M. Seidl Finding Rest: A Survivor’s Guide to Navigating the Valleys of Anxiety, Faith, and Life by Jonathon Seidl and Kirk Cameron Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Jon Seidl: Website / Instagram / Facebook / X Connect with Dr. Bengtson: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Guest: Jonathon M. Seidl has been telling stories his whole life. In fact, he’s written over 10,000 of them, first after helping start a successful news website and then as the editor in chief of the popular nonprofit I Am Second. He’s the author of the new book Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic, a radically vulnerable story of being the Christian who became an alcoholic and his climb out of addiction and how others can break free from life’s entanglements. He currently runs the popular daily devotional website The Veritas Daily (theveritasdaily.com), where he writes on faith, culture, and addiction while also completing his master’s in theological studies from Southwestern Seminary. Originally from Wisconsin, he lives in Frisco, Texas, with his wife, Brett, and their children, Annie and Jack. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Ashton Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Hard places are no stranger to any of us. We all walk through moments that feel suffocating, where disappointment, pain, or pressure make freedom seem out of reach. The temptation is to shut down, focus on what's missing, or start believing nothing will ever change.But what if the breakthrough starts with worship? What if praise comes before freedom? Just like Paul and Silas, Job, and David, we can be honest with God and also sing when we absolutely don't feel like it. And often these raw moments are where change begins.Not just for you, but for your family and community.Because freedom isn't just personal. It's contagious. And as you find your midnight song, the chains binding you and those around you can begin to break. Your story of apin can become someone else's hope.Scriptures ReferencedJob 1:20-22; Psalm 30:5 34:1, 119:105; Isaiah 61:1; Acts 16:25-34; Galatians 5:1Key InsightsWorshipping in the middle of pain creates space for real breakthrough.The most powerful prisons aren't the ones around us. They're the ones within us.God is looking for people who will trust Him enough to worship before the breakthrough.Jesus didn't just come to forgive sinners. He came to free prisoners.Personal breakthrough has the potential to become corporate breakthrough.Your freedom becomes someone else's theology.Key Sections00:00:00 - Welcome and AnnouncementsAs we enter August, we will be changing our Sunday gathering times to 9:00 and 10:30 AM and our midweek gathering will shift to Wednesdays at 6:00 PM.00:02:55 - Valleys of Tears and Spring of HopeThe name "Springhouse" is rooted in Psalm 84— "As they pass through the Valley of Baka (tears), they make it a place of springs...."00:04:34 - Finding Songs in the NightIn hard times, we should remember Paul and Silas in Acts 16. They found worship at midnight. Pain can help us trust God more and show strong hope for those who come after us.00:10:07 - Anchored Trust Outshines CircumstanceMidnight Worship is not about knowing all the answers. It is about having strong trust that God is there and good, even when situations or what others think make us doubt.00:12:06 - Freedom Breaks Chains for AllWhen we worship in our prisons, it creates changes that can spread to others. As we're transformed, it affects our families and communities, too.00:17:03 - Your Breakthrough Becomes LegacyNo matter if you feel free or still trapped, choosing to worship through the tough times creates a legacy of hope and freedom for your kids and future generations.00:23:38 - Redeemed for a PurposeGod's greatest miracle isn't just breaking chains but redeeming lives. Sometimes He leaves us in hard places for the sake of someone else's salvation, showing that personal freedom is designed to multiply into community restoration.https://springhouse.captivate.fm/episode/midnight-songsSubscribe & Follow the PodcastDownload our appOur WebsiteOnline Tithes & OfferingsJoin our LivestreamGathering TimesSundays, 9:00 AMSundays, 11:00 AMWednesdays, 6:00 PMContact InfoSpringhouse Church14119 Old Nashville HighwaySmyrna TN 37167615-459-3421CCLI License 2070006

A grater awareness of God comes out of our mountaintop experiences. 

Episode Summary: Today’s episode is a powerful one. We’re joined by Jonathan M. Seidl—author, speaker, and previous Editor-in-Chief of the widely followed nonprofit I Am Second—as he courageously shares his personal journey detailed in his latest book, Confessions of a Christian. Alcoholic. It’s a raw, honest, and redemptive conversation about how a man of faith found himself battling addiction, the shame that came with it, and what it took to break free. If you—or someone you love—have ever struggled with hidden pain, addiction, or the pressure to keep up appearances, this conversation is for you. Jon’s story is a testimony to the power of grace, truth, and the freedom found in Christ. The Christian community loves stories of salvation but often struggles with stories of sanctification—especially messy sanctification. Today’s guest, Jonathon Seidl, is breaking the stigma with a radically vulnerable work that’s not only for those struggling with secret sins, but also for every person on a journey to overcome nagging issues (which is really everyone). In this episode of Your Hope-Filled Perspective, we’re going to delve into one man’s story about the raw and messy details of his secret battle with addiction, and how to break free from hidden addictions. Quotables from the episode: Alcohol was the solution to my problems, a bad solution, but an easy one, a quick one so now you took away my solution, and now I had to deal with everything that I was using alcohol to numb or escape from. Anything that is mis-ordered is disordered. I did have a rock-bottom moment and there's a lot of people that do-and I know in your work I'm sure you've heard a lot of those stories-I've had my own, but what I want to encourage people that you don't have to have a rock bottom moment in order to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol or food or gambling or work or exercise. The drinking was a symptom of something else going on. You must get to the root. When you know that something is bad for you, and you know that what you're doing is unhealthy right and you still do it anyways there's something deeper, there's always something deeper. But what happens as a child, is when those things happen, your brain literally cannot make sense of them. So, you look to escape and at six that's tonka trucks. At 36 that's tequila. What I'd come to find is, I was never able to completely give up drinking because I was always trying to give up drinking. And so, I wrote this article, "How were you able to stop drinking?" I said, “ I stopped trying to stop drinking." If you are someone who has gone through addiction, there is a difference between worldly shame and godly grief. Yes. Worldly shame beats yourself up, and I beat myself up for years. And you know what I did with that worldly shame? I drank it away. Like I just kept going back to the bottle, right? But when I finally got to the point of godly grief, that very quickly led me to repentance. I think an overarching message is don't fall under the lie that you have to do this recovery journey alone because Satan thrives in isolating us, but that could be AA, it could be celebrate recovery, it could be a therapist, it could be a church mentor, but please share it with a trusted individual. Millions of people have gotten sober without Jesus, but you're not going to live the most flourishing and fulfilled life without Jesus and that's what I want for you, and I'm telling you that's available on the other side. Recommended Resources: Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: A Candid Conversation on Drinking, Addiction, and How to Break Free by Jonathon M. Seidl Finding Rest: A Survivor’s Guide to Navigating the Valleys of Anxiety, Faith, and Life by Jonathon Seidl and Kirk Cameron Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Jon Seidl: Website / Instagram / Facebook / X Connect with Dr. Bengtson: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Guest: Jonathon M. Seidl has been telling stories his whole life. In fact, he’s written over 10,000 of them, first after helping start a successful news website and then as the editor in chief of the popular nonprofit I Am Second. He’s the author of the new book Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic, a radically vulnerable story of being the Christian who became an alcoholic and his climb out of addiction and how others can break free from life’s entanglements. He currently runs the popular daily devotional website The Veritas Daily (theveritasdaily.com), where he writes on faith, culture, and addiction while also completing his master’s in theological studies from Southwestern Seminary. Originally from Wisconsin, he lives in Frisco, Texas, with his wife, Brett, and their children, Annie and Jack. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Ashton Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

1 Kings 19:1-15

1 Kings 19:1-15

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