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In this conversation, Carl Trueman joins me and Scott Rae for one of the most wide-ranging episodes we've recorded. We get into CS Lewis, Nietzsche's madman, the anthropological question at the heart of every cultural debate, the sexual revolution, pornography, contraception (where Trueman calls himself "a work in progress"), IVF, surrogacy, end-of-life decisions, and how Christians sometimes mirror the secular world's trivialization of death. READ: The Desecration of Man: How the Rejection of God Degrades Our Humanity by Carl Trueman (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DW3LVXQW?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_HNU2TW9LP6RXFBSTXY5M) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf) *USE Discount Code [smdcertdisc] for 25% off the BIOLA APOLOGETICS CERTIFICATE program (https://bit.ly/3AzfPFM) *See our fully online UNDERGRAD DEGREE in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics: (https://bit.ly/448STKK) FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter: https://x.com/Sean_McDowell TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sean_mcdowell?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmcdowell/ Website: https://seanmcdowell.org   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever felt God nudging you toward something—but fear, doubt, or insecurity kept you from taking the next step? Maybe it's having a difficult conversation, starting a Bible study, pursuing a dream, reaching out to a neighbor, or simply trusting God in an uncertain season. Whatever it is, you're not alone. This week on The Love Offering Podcast, I had the joy of talking with author Laura L. Smith about her new book, Brave Women, Mighty God. Together, we explored the stories of women in Scripture who faced fear, uncertainty, and impossible circumstances—yet found the courage to move forward because of the God who was with them. One of my favorite reminders from our conversation was this: bravery isn't about being fearless. It's about trusting God enough to take the next step, even when we're afraid. Laura shared how the same God who empowered women like Esther, Ruth, Hannah, and Abigail is still empowering His daughters today. We talked about overcoming fear, resisting comparison, embracing obedience, and remembering that God's power is made perfect in our weakness. If you've been feeling stuck, uncertain, or hesitant to move forward in something God is calling you to do, I believe this conversation will encourage your heart. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why bravery isn't about your strength—it's about God's power working through you• How fear often keeps us from stepping into God's best• The importance of taking one small step of obedience at a time• How prayer reminds us who God is and who we are in Him• Why comparison can rob us of the unique calling God has given us• How the mighty God of Scripture is still equipping and empowering women today Friend, you don't have to have the entire plan figured out. You only need the courage to take the next faithful step. Because the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. Be sure to share this episode with a friend who could use a little encouragement to be brave. With love, Rachael P.S. I'd love to hear: What's one brave step God may be asking you to take right now?   Connect with Laura L. Smith Learn more about Laura and her ministry at:https://www.laurasmithauthor.com Follow Laura on Instagram:@laurasmithauthor Connect with Rachael Adams Website:https://rachaelkadams.com Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rachaeladamsauthor  Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This Father’s Day week, we hear from two men whose completely different experiences of childhood and fatherhood led them to the same mission: helping dads show up with intention. Jeff Hamilton, pastor and author of Dad Academy, grew up with the rare gift of an engaged, present father. Today, he’s helping dads build stronger relationships with their children through intentional parenting.   Later in the episode, we hear from Glen Henry, known online as Beleaf in Fatherhood, whose story couldn’t be more different—a childhood marked by feeling unwanted and unloved, and a young adulthood spent shifting his identity just to feel accepted. It was becoming a father himself that finally forced the inner work he’d avoided and how he learned the importance of fathering yourself first.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Dr. Meg Meeker Upcoming interview: Dr. Michael Guillén   Jeff Hamilton Dad Academy  Dad Academy: Raising Courageous, Capable, Confident Kids - Book by Jeff Hamilton   Glen Henry  Beleaf in Fatherhood YouTube Channel Father Yourself First: Everything You Need to Become the Father Your Family Deserves - Book by Glen Henry    Interview Quotes: “Kids are going to be kind of self-conscious as they start to compare themselves to the environment or to the relationships that are around them, but our job is not to let their self-worth and value be influenced by an image of what other people want them to be.” - Jeff Hamilton “There’s inherent greatness in our kids, and it’s our job as parents to nurture it within them.” - Jeff Hamilton “I think the greatest thing that we can pass on to our kids is the value of serving. We find a sense of significance by the value and benefit that we bring to others.” - Jeff Hamilton “A dad’s mission is to prepare their kids for life by passing on their values and their skills to their children.” - Jeff Hamilton “The rituals and traditions of your family are the things that give your children a sense of identity and understanding of who they are and the priorities that they need to establish in the course of their lives.” - Jeff Hamilton “[Traditions and rituals] create memorable moments that help our kids understand when they move from one stage to another, and it affirms who they are becoming and the future and the destiny that’s ahead for them.” - Jeff Hamilton   “Once I started to grow as a man by having to apply the things that people were trying to teach me my whole life, I recognized the true gift that fatherhood was.” - Glen Henry  “My thought is that you would father yourself out of that and start to change your inner voice so that you always speak to yourself as a father that loves you, just like you love your children.” - Glen Henry  “The way I have been held as a father, I’ve never felt closer to God than I have being a part of a family. You’re collaborating with God on a masterpiece.” - Glen Henry <

Have you ever felt completely stuck when it comes to body image, or really ANY area where you just can’t get unstuck, no matter what boxes you check? In this episode, Heather Creekmore dives into the underlying reasons we stay stuck and offers a biblically-rooted path toward true freedom. Episode Highlights Why Do We Get Stuck? Exploring the feeling of desperation and stuckness, especially around body image or life circumstancesHeather Creekmore shares the real-life struggle and the “one thing” mindset00:00:09 Parallels with the biblical story of Rachel & Leah’s desperate longing00:03:01 The Root of Stuckness: Envy and Comparison How envy eats us alive—what Rachel and Leah were really longing for, and how this shows up in our own lives00:03:51 The dangerous pattern of “Give me _ or I’ll die!” and how this mindset affects our faith and contentment00:05:10 False Solutions and Chasing Idols Why achieving our desires (like Rachel’s longed-for baby) doesn’t satisfy in the end00:10:17 How “self-improvement” can actually lead to more pride and stuckness instead of freedom00:25:17 The Call to Pure Humility A deep dive into biblical humility vs. pride; why humility is about focusing less on ourselves00:13:15 The example of Mary (mother of Jesus) and her response of true humility and worship00:24:35 Getting Unstuck: Practical Steps Why you can’t do it alone—why Christian community, confession, and honest conversations are crucial00:31:19 How zooming out (not magnifying your own issues) can change everything00:30:26 Final Encouragement Reminder: body image healing isn't just mental...it’s spiritual. It's very difficult, if not impossible, to heal in isolation or alone.00:35:29 Mentioned Episodes and Resources The following episodes and resources are referenced and would be linked in the show notes: Episode: “What if I Just Want a Body I'm Proud Of?”(Heather Creekmore discusses the pitfalls of longing for body satisfaction through surface change. Episode: “I'm Sorry I Got it Wrong: Why Leaning On Your Own Understanding Isn't the Answer”(Discussed at 00:20:35) “Waiting for Weight Loss” Series(A series reframing how we view weight loss and its relationship to body image freedom) “YouVersion Bible Reading Plans” (Summer Body Image Issues and More)(Find Bible-based reading plans tailored to body image struggles) Book: The Comparison Free Life(Learn more about chasing idols and biblical freedom) Book: The 40-Day Body Image Workbook Book: Aging Gratefully: A 30-Day Devotional for Women in Midlife <a href="http

Are you disappointed by someone you love? Maybe your spouse let you down, a friend broke your trust, or a relationship didn't turn out the way you hoped. The truth is, every one of us has experienced the pain of unmet expectations. In this replay episode, we're revisiting a foundational conversation about hope, because the message is just as important today as when it first aired. Disappointment has a way of settling into our hearts if we don't address it. Left unchecked, it can lead to bitterness, resentment, anger, and emotional distance in our relationships. But there is another path. In this episode, we'll explore how to stop avoiding the pain of disappointment, confront the truth about what hurt you, and begin the healing process through forgiveness. When we release our disappointments to God and choose forgiveness, we make room for freedom, healing, and hope to grow. The Beauty of Forgiveness You've probably heard the saying, "Holding onto unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die." While unforgiveness often feels like protection, it actually keeps us trapped in the very pain we're trying to avoid. Forgiveness doesn't excuse what happened, but it does release you from carrying the weight of the offense. In marriage and close relationships, forgiveness isn't optional—it's essential. The people closest to us have the greatest access to our hearts, which means they also have the greatest capacity to hurt us. Yet Scripture reminds us that "love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). What Disappointment Can Teach Us As difficult as disappointment is, God can use it to develop something powerful within us. Romans 5:3-5 teaches that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance builds character, and character produces hope. When we learn to endure relational disappointments instead of being defined by them, we grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient. We begin to trust that God can redeem even the most painful circumstances and work them together for our good (Romans 8:28). If you've been carrying disappointment, hurt, or unforgiveness, this conversation will encourage you to take the next step toward healing and rediscover the hope that God has for you. Resources Mentioned in this Episode:  Learn the 7 Secrets to Build a Lasting Marriage here.  Follow Dana Che on the socials!  Instagram  Facebook  YouTube Like the show? Be sure to SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW the podcast! Then, give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and leave a great review! Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What happens when you achieve everything the world says should satisfy you… and you still feel empty inside? In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, former NFL punter, Super Bowl champion, and 2x NFL’s ‘Fittest Man’, Steve Weatherford joins Dr. Zach Clinton to unpack the hidden emptiness behind fame, performance, achievement, and external success while revealing how true fulfillment can only be found in Christ. Together, they discuss identity, purpose, biblical masculinity, personal responsibility, breaking generational cycles, high performance, leadership in the home, and what it means to steward your mind, body, and spirit God’s way. Steve vulnerably shares how his identity shifted from performance to purpose, why success can never fill the God-shaped void within us, and how God can redeem anyone willing to surrender their life fully to Him. If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you are and who God is calling you to become, this conversation will challenge you to stop living for applause and start living on mission.   Links: Visit Steve’s Website: https://thesteveweatherford.com/ Pick Up a Copy of Steve’s Book: “Wake Up Champion”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZZN67SX Sign Up for the Weatherford Fit App: https://steveweatherford.app/ Register for a Launching Pad Intensive: https://championsinchristministry.com/launching-pad-intensive-details/ Shop Seek First Apparel: https://shopseekfirst.com/ Find Clinically Excellent, Distinctively Christian Care & Counsel Today: https://christiancareconnect.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, we dive into the significance of reverence and awe in our relationship with God: The importance of reverence and awe in the face of God's power The significance of the New Covenant, and how it brings us into a personal, intimate relationship with God. The warning: if the Israelites did not escape God's wrath when He spoke to them from earth, how will we escape if we ignore His heavenly commands? If you're looking for a deeper understanding of what it means to reverence and awe God, this episode is a must-listen. Join Jenn as she explores the book of Hebrews and discuss the importance of reverence and awe in our relationship with God. Related Episodes: Hebrews 12:14-24 - Only 1 Way You Can Effectively Approach God Acts 2:14-21 (From Christ) - We Need to Have More Fear of God Nehemiah 1 - 4 Ways to Have Effective, Biblical, and Powerful Prayers Exodus 20:18-26 (From Creation) - The People Fear God Don’t just check out one… Take a look at them all! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries  Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries  Contact - [email protected]  Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869  Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk  Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop  YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle Check out LifeAudio for other faith-based podcasts on parenting, studying Scripture, and more:www.lifeaudio.com Become a Coffee-Tier member to gain access to The Bible Explained on Fridays: https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In John Bunyan's classic tale, The Pilgrim's Progress, there is a scene where the main character falls into a miry bog called the Slough of Despond. It is described as a place of fear, doubt, and discouraging apprehension. Stuck in the mud, Christian begins to believe that his faith is simply too weak to change his situation. That there is no possible way forward. Most of us have stood in that bog at some point. Maybe we are standing in it tonight. Despite our relationship with Jesus and our empowerment by the Holy Spirit, we can find ourselves in shaky places where the footing feels uncertain and the way forward is impossible to see. And in those moments, it is tempting to read the shakiness as a verdict on our faith, as evidence that something is fundamentally wrong with us. But that is not what Psalm 94 tells us. When the psalmist cries out, "my foot is slipping," God does not respond with disappointment or distance. His unfailing love moves in to support. The shaky places of our faith journey do not testify to weakness or failure. They are the very places where we learn to stand on something more solid than our own resolve. In Bunyan's story, God's promises become the stepping stones through the bog. Not a way around it, but a way through it. Slow going, yes. Hard, certainly. But the promises hold. And as Christian plants his feet on them one at a time, he finds he can move forward after all. The same is true for us. God's unfailing love is spoken precisely for the moments when we most need to hear it. His promises are scattered throughout all of Scripture, extending over every area of life, waiting to become the ground beneath our unsteady feet. Whatever promise you need tonight, find it and stand on it. The path through the shaky ground will begin to steady. And you will walk forward in Christ, one promise at a time. Ponder Tonight God's unfailing love is not a reward for steady faith. It moves toward us in the very moments when our footing gives way, which means our shakiest seasons are also the moments we are most held. The Slough of Despond in Bunyan's story was not a detour from the journey. It was part of it. Our own seasons of doubt and discouragement are not interruptions to our walk with God but often the places where we learn His promises most deeply. Every hero of Scripture experienced seasons of struggle, unknowingness, and fear. Their faith was not defined by the absence of those seasons but by the faithfulness of God within them. God's promises in Scripture extend over every area of life. Keeping them before us daily, on a mirror, a notecard, or a phone screen, is not a small habit. It is how we build a foundation that holds when the ground beneath us starts to shift. Tonight's Scripture "When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' your unfailing love, LORD, supported me." — Psalm 94:18, NIV Your Evening Prayer Heavenly Father, Your promises sustain us. When we feel overwhelmed by the obstacles before us, help us to see Your presence guiding us forward. When our faith feels shaky and uneasy, give us the strength to plant our feet on Your promises and trust that they will hold. When the fears of our hearts stack up, may Your consolations cheer our spirits. You are wonderful and gracious, and Your unfailing love is the light of our lives. Father, we glorify You, for Your presence goes before us, guiding and leading. Jesus, we praise You, for You are eternally beside us, standing with us through every experience of life. Holy Spirit, we rejoice in You, for You are behind us, sustaining, empowering, and holding us up. May our lives be filled with the knowledge of Your unfailing love, O Lord. In the name of Jesus, our Savior, Amen. Want More? Continue your journey at <a href="http

Sam Eaton grew up hiding under tables in kindergarten because he was afraid of the world. His father's alcoholism left deep roots of trauma, and years later, after watching four people in his school community die by suicide, he could no longer stay silent about the pain he had carried alone for years. Sam is the founder of Recklessly Alive, a suicide prevention ministry, and the author of the new book You Can Do This: Daily Affirmations to Live Recklessly Alive. He has spoken at more than 250 events across the country, and he opens up here about his own attempt, what brought him through, and why he believes almost everyone who feels suicidal does not actually want to die. Mental health, the lies depression tells, and what Scripture says to the person who doesn't want to be alive: Sam walks through why suicide at its core is simply pain that has outgrown someone's ability to cope, why talking about it openly makes people more likely to seek help rather than less, and how Job and the Psalms show that this struggle is not new to God and has never been a sign of faith failure. He also shares the one simple daily practice that carried him through the months after his own attempt, why community is essential even when you have to push yourself to show up, and what he wants caregivers to know about how to reach the people they love who are struggling. Highlights Losing four people to suicide in one school community and how that became the turning point that broke his silence Why almost everyone who feels suicidal doesn't actually want to die — they just can't see another way through the pain How social media triples the pressure on young people and why three and a half hours a day doubles the risk for depression The one simple daily practice he used after his own attempt — one small thing a day, photographed as proof that life can get better What Job, Jonah, and the Psalms reveal about God's long familiarity with the pain of not wanting to be alive Why struggling with mental health is not a spiritual failure, and why faith and medicine are meant to work together The police officer video that went viral and what it captures about the power of human connection in a crisis moment What he wants caregivers, parents, and teachers to know about how to reach someone who is struggling without having the perfect words Resources / Links / CTA Sam Eaton website and Recklessly Alive: https://www.recklesslyalive.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recklesslyalive Book: You Can Do This by Sam Eaton If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 — call or text 988 Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There are moments in motherhood when we realize our children are learning far more from what we do than from what we say. LINKS:Join the Summer Book Club!Download How to Pray God's Word for Your ChildrenFollow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms A Prayer for Leaders by Marcie Gourley They're watching how we respond to stress. They're listening to the tone we use when we talk about others. One of the quietest, yet most powerful ways we can shape that understanding is through prayer.Reference: 1 Timothy 2:1-4Prayer: Lord, You see already the world our children will inherit. Yet, teach me to turn to You first, to speak with truth in love, and let my home be a place where praying for our leaders is not just something we say, but something we live. Teach me to hold high the lantern of prayer, that I may pass it on to light the way for others behind me. In Jesus’ precious name, amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website. . If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange . The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh . To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected]. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Preparing for a baby changes everything. From building cribs and organizing tiny clothes to preparing a nursery with love and anticipation, every detail reflects the excitement of welcoming someone deeply loved into your life. In this episode of HEARTBEAT, we connect that beautiful season of preparation to the words of Jesus in John 14: “I go to prepare a place for you.” Just as parents thoughtfully prepare for their child’s arrival, Jesus is intentionally preparing what lies ahead for us. His care is personal, loving, and never rushed. Takeaways from this episode: How preparing for a child reflects the heart of God The comfort found in Jesus’ promise in John 14 Why seasons of preparation matter spiritually Encouragement for parents feeling overwhelmed or uncertain The reminder that God is already preparing what’s ahead Don’t forget: You can also download our free devotional, “Mind, Body & Soul,” designed to help strengthen your walk with God through Scripture, prayer, and practical habits.  CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP Learn more about HEARTBEAT- https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/heartbeat Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website. . If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange . The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh . To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected]. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A thousand times a year, someone sits across the table from Jeremy Stalnecker and says: "I've tried everything. If this doesn't work, I'm not going to make it." How is a gentle and lowly Jesus the answer to that? Dane Ortlund, pastor of Naperville Presbyterian and author of the runaway evangelical bestseller Gentle and Lowly, sits down with Jeremy to break down the Jesus most Christian men have never been taught. The Jesus who, as Spurgeon noted, only once told us what was in his own heart. The Jesus whose default is mercy and whose anger always requires provocation. The Jesus with nail-scarred arms who, according to 1 Corinthians 12, feels your trauma more acutely than you do. This is one of the most theologically rich conversations on the channel - anchored in Matthew 11:28-30, with stops in Hebrews 1, John 14, Exodus 34, and 1 Corinthians 12. If you've ever pictured Jesus as a watered-down, decaffeinated, domesticated version of God, this conversation will reset that picture. RESOURCES MENTIONED• Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers (Crossway): https://www.crossway.org/books/gentle-and-lowly-tpb/• Thomas Goodwin, The Heart of Christ in Heaven for Sinners on Earth - the 400-year-old book that wrecked Dane• Dane Ortlund, Edwards on the Christian Life (Crossway) CONNECT WITH DANE• Website: https://www.daneortlund.com• Naperville Presbyterian Church: https://www.naperpres.org • X (formerly Twitter): @daneortlund KEY VERSES• Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden"• Hebrews 1:3 - Jesus, the exact representation of God• John 14:9 - "If you've seen me, you have seen the Father"• Exodus 34:6 - "The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, slow to anger"• 1 Corinthians 12 - We are the body of Christ Subscribe for more interviews, biblical breakdowns, and conversations with men who've been there: https://www.youtube.com/@MarchOrDieShow?sub_confirmation=1  Hit Subscribe, share this episode with your community, and drop a comment on what landed hardest for you. Want more reinforcement? Subscribe to our newsletter, The Forward Edge, to go beyond the podcast and dig deeper into these topics and more: https://marchordie.substack.com!  Join us daily for encouragement and biblical truth with the Mighty Oaks Daily Devotional, you can sign up for reminders: https://mightyoaksprograms.org/daily-devotional or text JOIN to (832) 333-8794 Follow March or Die:https://instagram.com/MarchOrDie https://Facebook.com/MarchOrDieShow https://TikTok.com/March_or_Die  Follow Jeremy:https://instagram.com/jeremystalnecker https://jeremystalnecker.com  Follow Sean:https://instagram.com/seantopgunkennard https://youtube.com/@SeanTopGunKennard  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever felt like you heard from God but weren't really sure if it was Him? In this episode, we learn how God confirms His word to us so that we can confidently know we are hearing from Him when we pray.  Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Download Christina's Free 5 Day Prayer Guide to help you put into practice the powerful habit of prayer. Take the Prayer Personality Quiz to learn how you best Hear from God and communicate with Him: https://www.prayquiz.com.CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA:Go to her site, www.belovedwomen.org, and study the Bible with her in the Beloved Women app available in the Apple and Google Play stores, where she invites busy women to fill up on God’s love and truth through online Bible study, practical Christian living, and authentic womanhood. https://www.belovedwomen.org/join/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Is there a "secret recipe" for biblical fatherhood, or have we been looking at the wrong map? ️ In this special Father's Day episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ashish Varma sit down to discuss the weight and wonder of Christian fatherhood. Moving beyond cultural stereotypes, they dive into Ephesians 5 and 6 to explore how a father’s role is rooted not in dominance, but in the wisdom of the Spirit and the mutual submission of the household. In this episode, we discuss: Walking in Wisdom: Breaking down Ephesians 5:15-21 and why "making the most of the time" is the foundation of a father’s leadership. ⏳ Beyond the Recipe: Why parenting is an exercise in wisdom, not a set of predictable "inputs and outputs." Mutual Submission: How the command to "submit to one another" in the Spirit reshapes the way fathers relate to their families. Statecraft as Soulcraft: Understanding that how you manage your home is the ultimate training ground for your own spiritual formation. Individualized Love: The call to recognize each child’s unique personality and needs rather than forcing a uniform standard. Fatherhood isn't about being the "boss"—it's about being a disciple who leads by following. Join us for a candid conversation about the challenges and joys of raising the next generation. ⚓✨ Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com. Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian, so you never miss an insightful conversation! #ThinkingChristian #BiblicalFatherhood #ChristianParenting #Ephesians5 #Wisdom #Fatherhood #Discipleship #FaithInTheHome #SpiritFilledLiving Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever felt like you signed up for one thing... only to find yourself on a completely different path? Maybe you thought a challenge would last a few weeks, but it turned into months. Maybe you expected life to move in one direction, and suddenly everything changed. In this episode, Bonnie shares a remarkable story about a race that went unexpectedly off course—and the surprising lesson it taught her about trusting God through uncertainty. You'll learn one of the most important keys to emotional wellness and resilience during difficult seasons based on research in psychology—and it may surprise you. If you're facing a setback, disappointment, delay, health challenge, or season of unexpected change, this episode will encourage you to keep moving forward with Jesus one step at a time.Key Takeaways— What to do when life doesn't go according to plan— Why unexpected detours don't mean you're on the wrong path— How to keep moving forward when a challenge lasts longer than expected— The difference between resilience and simply trying harder— Why support and connection are essential for emotional wellness— How asking for prayer can strengthen you during difficult seasons— A simple soul care practice to help you stop running aloneBreath PrayerInhale: Let us run with enduranceExhale: Looking to JesusScripture"Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith." Hebrews 12:1–2→ CNN: "9-year-old accidentally won a 10K race"https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/01/us/runner-misses-turn-wins-race-trnd →  Free Devotional Gift  Download your free devotional: Bonnie’s FREE “Find Your Joy with Jesus: A 4-Day Devotional.”https://thebonniegray.com/findyourjoydevotional/Prioritize self-care the Jesus way and experience rest, renewal, and encouragement for your soul. →  Take Bonnie's Soul Care Courses: Breathe Joy with Jesus:Create Happy Wellness Rhythms to Cultivate Joy with God's PromisesRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/  →  Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store   Watch YouTube Devotionals:https://youtube.com/thebonniegray  Bestselling Books by Bonnie:https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at <a href="https://w

Larry McCall has been married to his high school sweetheart for more than 50 years and pastored the same church for over 40. He knows firsthand what it takes to enjoy a marriage that lasts. He's also seen the bad things that happen to marriages in the middle and later years. In his book A Seasoned Marriage, he walks couples through the seasons that can quietly undo a marriage: empty nests, adult kids moving back home, aging parents, and the slow drift from spouse to roommate. He and Arlene talk about why putting Christ at the center of marriage matters more than ever as the years go on, and how couples can become closer friends instead of growing apart. If your kids are young, this episode is still for you — what you build now is what you'll have later.  1:28 — Why the gospel has to be at the center of marriage, not just the beginning of it 3:28 — The "happiness trap" — what couples reveal when they pursue divorce 6:39 — When your spouse's faith is weak and you're carrying the marriage alone 8:25 — The story of a woman whose non-Christian husband came to faith after decades of prayer 10:31 — The low point in Larry and Gladine's marriage, and what turned it around 16:02 — Navigating adult kids moving back home without it wedging the marriage 23:38 — The difference between a Christian grandparent and an intentional Christian grandparent   Grab a copy of Larry McCall's book: A Seasoned Marriage Learn more about Walking with Jesus Ministries: http://www.wljministries.org/ More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: SUBSCRIBE to Arlene's newsletter "What I'm Learning This Week" and get the checklist, 7 Warning Signs of Screen Overuse. Check out Arlene's BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Go to Arlene's YouTube Channel How did Arlene's kids adapt to not having phones, video games or social media? Watch the free video, Screen Kids: In Their Own Words. Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Want to invite Arlene to speak to your group? Email [email protected] Not sure about a smartphone for your child? Check out the Gabb Wireless phone for kids and teens (use the promo code ARLENE)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

En este devocional reflexionaremos sobre la enseñanza de nuestro Señor Jesucristo en Mateo 10: 8; “De gracia recibieron, den también de gracia”. Juntos descubriremos cómo el verdadero gozo se encuentra cuando usamos nuestros dones no sólo para trabajar, sino para bendecir a otros sin esperar nada a cambio. Acompáñanos y aprendamos juntos a vivir el servicio como un acto de amor que enriquece el alma y siembra bendición. Escrito por Luciano Goicochea CANAL EN TELEGRAM GRUPO EN WHATSAPP Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do we do when God no longer feels as close as He used to feel? Many sincere believers experience seasons when prayer feels empty, Scripture feels quiet, and God seems strangely absent. For leaders especially, those seasons can feel confusing, discouraging, and even shameful. In this episode of the Unhurried Living Podcast, Alan Fadling sits down with theologian and spiritual formation professor Kyle Strobel to discuss the new book When God Seems Distant, coauthored with John Coe. Together, they explore: Why spiritual dryness is a normal part of mature faith The danger of equating spiritual feelings with God’s presence How suffering and helplessness can become places of formation The subtle ways we avoid God—even through our spirituality Why love, rather than striving, is what truly transforms us This conversation offers a compassionate and deeply hopeful vision for anyone walking through uncertainty, weariness, disappointment, or spiritual distance. Whether you are a pastor, leader, spiritual director, or simply someone longing to remain near to God in difficult seasons, this episode offers wisdom and encouragement for the journey. Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website.  Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The Bible begins in a garden. It ends in a city. Between those two settings, the story of humanity unfolds. Sin enters the world, relationships fracture, creation groans, death spreads, and people spend their lives longing for something better. Every single one of us knows instinctively that things aren't the way they're supposed to be. Revelation 21 gives us a glimpse of the day when God will make everything right. Revelation 21 follows the events of Christ's thousand-year reign on earth described in Revelation 20. Satan has been defeated permanently. The Great White Throne judgment has occurred. The present heaven and earth have passed away. Then comes the eternal state, when God creates a new heaven and a new earth and dwells forever with His redeemed people. This isn't symbolic wishful thinking. This is our future. It's the destiny Jesus purchased for everyone who trusts in Him. . Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website. . If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange . The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh . To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected]. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The fountain nearby was empty. The people around were laughing, taking pictures, celebrating a milestone that had come right on schedule for them. And sitting there on the outside of it all, the feeling was impossible to shake: everyone else had arrived somewhere, and she had been left behind. It was not just the timing of the graduation. It was grief still raw from losing a mother. It was financial difficulties that had quietly accumulated into lost credits and a delayed degree. It was the strange disorientation of watching life move forward for everyone else while your own had slowed to the pace of simple survival. Most of us know that feeling in some form. The sense that the markers of life everyone else seems to hit naturally have somehow passed us by. The "what ifs" that circle back around in the quiet. The worry that falling behind once means being behind forever. But Paul writes from his own experience of loss, failure, and hardship when he says: forget what is behind. Strain toward what is ahead. Not because the past does not matter or the pain was not real, but because holding onto what could have been only hinders us in the long race still in front of us. Each of our lives moves at a unique pace. No one is actually supposed to experience the same milestones at the same time. The comparison that makes us feel behind is built on a timeline that was never ours to begin with. Straining toward what lies ahead requires courage. The courage to believe that what God has planned is better than what has already passed. The courage to loosen the grip on regret and reach instead for hope. With Christ beside us, we can run that race with confidence, trusting that He will bring things to pass in His perfect timing. Your story is not finished. The empty fountain is not the last image. Press on. Ponder Tonight: Paul's instruction to forget what is behind was not written from a place of ease. He wrote it from prison, after years of suffering, which gives his words a weight that comfortable advice never could. Feeling behind in life is often rooted in comparing our pace to someone else's timeline, and that comparison is almost always built on incomplete information about their story. The promise in Philippians 3:20-21 reframes everything. Whatever has been lost, delayed, or missed in this life, a future is coming where every tear is wiped away and all things are made new. Courage in the race of faith is not the absence of grief or regret. It is the decision, made again and again, to strain toward what lies ahead rather than orbit what lies behind. Tonight's Scripture: "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." — Philippians 3:13, NIV Your Evening Prayer: Savior, You know how easy it is to dwell on the feeling of being behind. To replay what was missed, mourn what did not come on time, and quietly begin to believe that this is simply how things will always be. Forgive us for the grip we keep on what lies behind us. Renew our hope tonight. Stir us toward greater faithfulness. Remind us that the things to come are more wonderful than we can yet imagine, and that Your timing has never once been wrong. Cultivate courage in us so that we are not afraid to step forward in the confidence of Your love. The race is not over. Help us to run it with our eyes fixed ahead. Amen. Want More? Continue your journey at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website. . If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange . The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh . To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected]. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website. . If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange . The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh . To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected]. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

My mom used to sing it to me as a kid: "The sun will come out tomorrow." And time after time, whatever I was so upset about the day before seemed a little brighter in the morning. LINKS:Join the Summer Book Club!Download How to Pray God's Word for Your ChildrenFollow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMomsA Prayer to be Clothes in Gladness by Nicolet Bell That's what Psalm 30:5 is — it's a kingdom promise. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.Today we're closing out our Start Your Summer with Psalms series praying this over our kids: that theywould know joy dependent on the presence of God, not happiness dependent on their circumstances. Reference: Psalm 30 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of the Out of Zion podcast, guest host Shelley Neese sits down with Mark Dreistadt, founder and president of Infinity Concepts, to unpack a wake-up call for the American church. Discover the shocking data behind why 50 percent of American evangelicals no longer believe the Jews are God’s chosen people—and why it is more critical than ever for the church to stand with Israel. From the post-October 7 rise of global antisemitism to the quiet spread of Replacement Theology, Mark challenges pastors, leaders, and everyday believers to find their voice, speak biblical truth boldly, and courageously stand with Israel as an essential part of upholding our shared Judeo-Christian values. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

John does the work of 3 grown men and learns why Benjamin Franklin was a lot like Andre the Giant. Meanwhile, Jonnie eats the last ice cream bar while out on tour with another comedian and tells the tale of the Satanic Panic that helped start the Black Plague in the 1200’s.  Plus, a conversation about why it's so hard to make new friends as adults. Today's episode is NOT sponsored by Kleptomaniacs: "We take things literally.” FOLLOW Jonnie W: https://jonniew.com FOLLOW John Driver: https://johndriver.com LISTEN, SUBSCRIBE, SEND MESSAGE, OR SUPPORT at http://talkaboutthatpodcast.com WATCH/SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwjExy_jWIdNvGd28XgF2Dg Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This episode is part 8 in a study of the book of Exodus. After seeing the Egyptians destroyed the Israelites break into a song of praise. Shortly thereafter their faith is tested again when they are without water to drink. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary: When someone you love is living with PTSD, it can leave you feeling helpless, confused, and afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing. You want to help—but what if your well-intended words make things worse? In honor of PTSD Awareness Month, Rev. Jessica Van Roekel and I address the questions so many caregivers, spouses, friends, and family members quietly ask: How do I support someone with PTSD? What helps? What hurts? And how do I walk with them without losing myself? This conversation offers practical guidance, psychological insight, and biblical hope for anyone loving someone through trauma.  On a recent episode of Your Hope-Filled Perspective, I offered an episode discussing Understanding PTSD: What it Is, What It Isn't, and How God Meets Us in the Aftermath of Trauma. We are continuing this important discussion with How to Help a Loved One Who Is Struggling with PTSD: What to Do and What Not to Do. Quotables from the Episode: PTSD is not a character issue or a lack of effort. It's a nervous system injury. What looks like withdrawal, irritability, or emotional distance is often the brain doing its best to keep a person safe. Change does not mean broken beyond repair. The brain is wounded, but it's also capable of healing. When we name trauma responses accurately, we reduce shame and increase compassion. PTSD behaviors are not about a lack of love. They're about a lack of felt safety. A regulated nervous system helps regulate another nervous system. You don't have to fix the trauma, but your calm, consistent presence communicates safety. Validation quiets the brain's alarm system and reduces emotional intensity. Trauma healing doesn't follow a timeline. It follows safety. Loving someone with PTSD is not about doing everything right. It's about doing your best with compassion. Scripture References: Romans 15:1 “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.” Isaiah 42:3 “A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench.” Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Recommended Resources: Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything By Jessica Van Roekel Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson 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 <l

Is our modern definition of "toughness" actually biblical, or is it just a shadow of the ancient world? ️ In this intellectually stimulating episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ashish Varma explore the intersection of virtue ethics and theology. They look back at how the ancient world understood masculinity and femininity in relation to the virtues and ask: How did the early church transform these ideas into a call for all disciples? In this episode, we discuss: Virtue Epistemology: Moving beyond "what we know" to "who we are" as a prerequisite for truth. The Classical Map of Virtue: How concepts like courage, fortitude, and restraint were gendered in the ancient world. Redefining Toughness: Shifting from a "claspable" understanding of physical toughness to the spiritual grit of the person of Jesus. ⚓ The Universal Call: Why virtues like courage and restraint are not gender-exclusive but are intended for everyone conformed to the image of Christ. Character over Culture: Navigating the current cultural tide by rooting our identity in the character of God rather than social stereotypes. Join us as we bridge the gap between ancient philosophy and modern discipleship to find a more robust way to live as men and women of faith. ✨ Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com. Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian, so you never miss an insightful conversation! #ThinkingChristian #VirtueEthics #Discipleship #Theology #AncientWisdom #ChristianLiving #Masculinity #FaithAndIntellect #Philosophy Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today, we discuss the topic of God's approachability. Christians are called to be peaceful, not argumentative or volatile. The story Esau, who sold his birthright for a bowl of stew, illustrating the dangers of instant gratification. God's people were commanded not to touch the mountain - yet everyone's innate desire is to touch the mountain. God is approachable, but we must approach Him in the right way. There's only ONE way we can do it. Related Episodes: John 14:15-31 (From Christ) - Why You May Not be Experiencing the Peace of God John 14:1-13 (From Christ) - Sorry, There's Only ONE Path to Heaven There are so many other things P40 does! Check it out: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries  Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries  Contact - [email protected]  Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869  Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk  Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop  YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle Check out LifeAudio for other faith-based podcasts on parenting, studying Scripture, and more:www.lifeaudio.com Become a Coffee-Tier member to gain access to The Bible Explained on Fridays: https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Family is one of God's greatest gifts. It is also, if we are honest, one of the places where our need for grace is most plainly exposed. Eight people under one roof — teenagers and a baby and everyone in between, each with their own needs, their own personalities, their own moments of frustration and hurt and impatience. Feelings get wounded. Anger flares up. The calendar is always full and the patience is never quite enough. And in the middle of it all, the person who most wants to be an agent of peace sometimes finds herself adding to the tension instead. That is the humbling truth about family life. It has a way of showing us exactly who we are when no one is performing for anyone. Romans 12:18 does not promise that peace in relationships will always be fully achievable. It simply asks us to do our part — as far as it depends on you. That phrase is both a release and a responsibility. A release, because we cannot control what others do, say, or feel. A responsibility, because we can control ourselves — our words, our posture, our willingness to be the one who goes first in humility. Finding peace in family tension requires that kind of humility. The willingness to prioritize right relationship over having the last word. To say sorry even when the fault was not entirely ours. To listen more than we speak. To model forgiveness not because the other person has earned it, but because that is what grace looks like when it is actually lived out rather than simply talked about. We cannot love our people well in our own strength. Not consistently. Not when the hormones are running high and the calendar is overflowing and the same conflict is surfacing for the fifth time this week. But God can do in our homes what we cannot. He can bring conviction where it is needed, soften hearts that have gone hard, and draw a family closer to Himself and to each other. Tonight, release what is out of your hands. Do your part. And trust Him with the rest. What You'll Take Away Discover why the phrase "as far as it depends on you" in Romans 12:18 is both a release from what you cannot control and a serious call to steward what you can You'll learn why humility — not communication strategies or conflict resolution techniques — is the foundation that makes peace in family relationships actually possible Discover what it looks like to be an agent of grace in your home, even on the days when you are the one who needs to apologize first Tonight's Scripture "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." — Romans 12:18, NIV Your Evening Prayer Father, Fill our hearts with love for our families tonight — even the members who are difficult to love right now, even the relationships that feel strained and unresolved. Remind us of the gift we have been given in belonging to one another. Empower us to live humbly — to prioritize right relationship over being right, to control our words and our reactions, to say sorry more freely than we do. Show us how to model forgiveness and grace to the people who live closest to us and see us most clearly. Let Your Holy Spirit rest on our homes. Draw us closer to You and to each other. Do what only You can do in these relationships — bring conviction where it is needed, softness where hearts have hardened, and peace that holds even when circumstances do not cooperate. We cannot do this alone. We need You in this. Amen. Want More? Continue your journey at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at <a href="https://www

Shae Robins had one dream her entire life — Broadway. She worked the hours, joined the union, had friends performing on tour, and was ready to make the move to New York. Then, driving to work one morning past red rock canyons in Utah, God gave her a peace she wasn't looking for, and she let go. She signed with an agent almost immediately, got cast in her first Great American Family film, and has been making faith-forward rom-coms ever since. It turns out God was not closing a door. He was building a different stage entirely. Identity, letting go, and the faith stitched into the seams of everyday life: Shae shares what drew her to Blessings in Disguise, a film about a fashion designer who discovers her grandmother's Bible verse-stitched dresses and finds her way back to what matters, and how those themes led to a seven-day devotional audio series through the Glorify app called The Fabric of Faith. She also talks about the night her daughter called out "Hi Mommy" from the audience while she was playing Belle in Beauty and the Beast, why she believes families are starving for content that doesn't require a filter, and what it means to her to raise two little girls while making films they can be proud of. Highlights The morning God gave her peace about letting go of Broadway and how everything opened up immediately after How her first Great American Family film Destined at Christmas launched a career she never planned for What drew her to Blessings in Disguise and why the themes of identity and self-worth hit close to home The grandmother's Bible verse-stitched dresses in the film and why that detail became the heart of the story The Fabric of Faith, a seven-day Glorify audio devotional tied to Blessings in Disguise covering identity, community, stillness, and grace The night her daughter shouted "Hi Mommy" from the audience during Beauty and the Beast and why it was the highlight of her life Why she believes families are spiritually hungry for content that carries hope and light without compromise Her upcoming film A Christmas Prayer Two, a sequel to the Movieguide Award-winning original Resources / Links / CTA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shae_robins Blessings in Disguise Glorify app: https://glorify-app.com Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Kristian Stanfill has been part of Passion Music for over 20 years. He has seen a lot. But what he is witnessing right now among Gen Z, he says, is different. Not hype. Not emotional. Students showing up at Globe Life Field in Arlington at 3am, lining up around the building with their physical Bibles, just to make sure they could get into the room. Forty-five thousand of them. All hungry for the same thing. Repentance, revival, and a generation that wants something durable enough to build a life on: Christian shares what he believes Asbury 2023 cracked open across college campuses in America, why this move of God is marked by confession and holy living rather than spectacle, and what the new Passion album Just That Good is really about — joy from a life that has been genuinely redeemed. He also gives a preview of the upcoming Passion tour with Taya and Levi Lusko, and why none of them are interested in just doing a show. Highlights What Christian has never seen in 20-plus years with Passion, and why this moment feels unmistakably different How the Asbury outpouring in February 2023 stripped back celebrity culture Christianity and got back to the simple heart of faith The image seared into his mind of students lined up around Globe Life Field at 3am, Bibles in hand, just to get in the room Why this generation is not looking for hype but for something real, durable, and honest enough to build a life on What the title track Just That Good is about and where the joy in it comes from What Watch Him Work, What a Worthy Name, and the rest of the album represent for Passion The upcoming tour with Taya and Levi Lusko and why all three of them are going into every city with faith for something fresh Why Christian says leaving his family is only worth it if God is actually going to show up and do something powerful Resources / Links / CTA Kristian Stanfill's website: https://www.kristianstanfill.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristianstanfill Album: Just That Good Follow, share, and explore more of Crosswalk Talk Follow, share, and subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on Lifeaudio Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

"Wait for the Lord. Be strong and let your heart take courage. Wait for the Lord." — Psalm 27:14LINKS:Join the Summer Book Club!Download How to Pray God's Word for Your ChildrenFollow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMomsA Prayer to Wait Well by Nicolet Bell All throughout Scripture, God is calling His people to be a people who wait on Him. We want our children to learn that practice. We can pray it for them. We can model it for them. And we can teach them to wait in everyday moments — so that when they're in a season of waiting on the Lord, they'll know how. Reference: Psalm 27 Prayer: Father, help my children to not be afraid. Help them to seek your face and lead them on a level path. Teach my children to wait on you and to trust you completely. In Jesus' name, amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This week, we hear from comedian Tim Hawkins, who shares what it took to build a career on clean, relatable comedy—and the surprising lesson he learned when nearly two decades of constant road life led to complete burnout. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from singer-songwriter and pastor Michael Charles Olson, who shares a life influenced by both worship and wounds. Raised in a church where music and faith were woven into everyday life, Michael reflects on how that early sense of sanctuary was later shaken to its core by a church fire that damaged more than just its walls.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Becky Thompson Upcoming interview: Jeff Hamilton   Tim Hawkins Fist Bump - Comedy Special by Tim Hawkins   Michael Charles Olson  Rocketown Records Daddy Set the Church on Fire: A Journey Toward Restoration - Book by Michael Charles Olson   Interview Quotes: “I grew up in a very fun family. We laughed a lot. We enjoyed comedy. I didn’t know what it was. I just know it made me feel good, and it was fun to create it and make people laugh.” - Tim Hawkins “My job is to be funny. People call me a Christian comedian, but I’m a Christian who is a comedian.” - Tim Hawkins “It’s all about connection. Connection is something that we need—and lack. It’s a need that fulfills something in us.” - Tim Hawkins “A thing that I needed to learn was to control my brain, to just shut it down.. And being able to just stop that and be quiet and present.” - Tim Hawkins   “Just like that organ was a really, really intricate instrument of praise, my dad was a beautiful soul, deep soul, and through the power of unforgiveness, our home fell apart.” - Michael Charles Olson “When the heart of the father turns inward on itself through pain, the child is kind of left not knowing what to do because we’re hardwired in the way that we were created in our relationship with God for this openness and vulnerability.” - Michael Charles Olson “I really feel like my role as a worship leader is to create environments where the fire of God is experienced in the church.” - Michael Charles Olson “We all go through seasons of brokenness. We all go through seasons where we feel like we’ve let God down. We feel like we let ourselves down. I think I would just say that I’ve had those seasons, and it’s very, very important to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd speaking to you in the midst of your brokenness.” - Michael Charles Olson “When you’re wounded in the sanctuary, when the thing that you hold most dear burns to the ground, God meets you in a restorative place.” - Michael Charles Olson ________________________   Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw  Jesus Listens: Stories of Pray

La Biblia dice: “El amor fiel del Señor nunca se acaba;…”. El amor de Dios no es una copia, ni algo de segunda mano. Es el amor original, perfecto y suficiente. No algo parecido… sino exactamente lo que nuestro corazón necesita. Escrito por Mercy Cosme CANAL EN TELEGRAM GRUPO EN WHATSAPP Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Psalm 69:32 offers hope for believers navigating seasons of pain, discouragement, and spiritual confusion. In this devotional, Jennifer Slattery explores how emotional wounds, anxiety, and difficult circumstances can sometimes lead us to question God's presence and goodness. Drawing from the life of David, she reminds readers that faith is not the absence of struggle but the continual choice to bring our fears, doubts, and burdens into God's presence rather than relying solely on our own strength. Highlights Emotional wounds and difficult circumstances can lead believers to question God's goodness. David's example shows the importance of turning to God honestly during seasons of pain. Self-reliance often increases discouragement rather than alleviating it. God's presence brings renewed joy, peace, and spiritual strength. Biblical joy is rooted in God's faithfulness, not changing circumstances. The joy of the Lord provides strength for weary and overwhelmed hearts. Prayer, worship, and time in God's presence help restore hope. Christ offers sustaining grace when we lack the strength to carry our burdens alone. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!  Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: When the Wounds We Suffer Cause Us to Doubt GodBy: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading: The poor will see and be glad—    you who seek God, may your hearts live! Psalm 69:32 NIV Lately, I’ve felt bruised and discouraged. I’m trying to honor God, but sometimes find it confusing, particularly in some complicated and highly consequential situations. Unlike David, the ancient Israel king who wrote today’s verse and the surrounding chapter, I’m not facing anything life-threatening. No one is hunting me down to kill me. No one is trying to destroy my dreams or my career.  But I’ve been feeling under attack, just the same—by my thoughts, my pain, and numerous confusing complications that can make life feel so challenging. When I land in this place, I’m tempted to respond in var

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website. . If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange . The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh . To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected]. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It’s easy to get so focused on one moment, one struggle, or one passage of Scripture that we lose sight of the bigger picture. In this episode of HEARTBEAT, we’re reminded that the Bible is not just a collection of disconnected stories, it’s one unified story of God’s love, redemption, and pursuit of humanity. Using the picture of zooming in and out on Google Earth, this episode encourages listeners to step back and see how every part of Scripture connects to God’s greater plan. And even more importantly, it reminds us that we are part of that story too. Takeaways from this episode: Why understanding the “big picture” of the Bible matters How all of Scripture points to God’s redemptive story The danger of focusing too narrowly on isolated passages How perspective can deepen your faith and understanding The reminder that your life is part of God’s ongoing story Don’t forget: You can also download our free devotional, “Mind, Body & Soul,” designed to help strengthen your walk with God through Scripture, prayer, and practical habits.  CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP Learn more about HEARTBEAT- https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/heartbeat Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A brave little dog who faced down strangers and cornering praying mantises without flinching — brought to trembling terror by the sound of thunder. Sophia Bricker uses that tender image as a doorway into one of Scripture's most overwhelming encounters: the prophet Ezekiel falling facedown before the radiant, jewel-bright, fire-filled glory of God. It is a response that makes complete sense. God's power and holiness are not safe, manageable, or containable — and a heart that truly grasps even a glimpse of His majesty should be undone. But the story doesn't end with Ezekiel on the ground. The same God whose glory flattened the prophet reached down, sent His Spirit, and set Ezekiel on his own two feet — then gave him a mission. That pattern repeats throughout Scripture: the same Lord who causes us to fall in reverence is the same Lord who lifts us back up. As C.S. Lewis' Mr. Beaver so memorably put it about Aslan — "Who said anything about safe? Course he isn't safe. But he's good." God is a consuming fire and a tender Father. He is the Sovereign of the universe whose scarred hands reach out to comfort those who tremble before Him. Both things are gloriously, beautifully true. Today's Bible Verse "This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking." — Ezekiel 1:28, NIV Ponder Today Reverence and awe are the right responses to God's glory. Ezekiel fell facedown. John was overwhelmed. A proper understanding of God's holiness and majesty should produce genuine humility and wonder in us — not casual familiarity. God does not leave us cowering on the ground. After Ezekiel fell, God sent His Spirit to lift him up and give him a purpose. Our Lord's glory does not crush those who belong to Him — it commissions them. God is not safe — but He is good. Treating Him like a distant force of nature to be feared misses the fullness of who He is. The same consuming fire is the same God who entered human flesh and died to save you (Romans 5:8). The scars on His hands are the proof of His love. We stand before an infinitely holy God — but we stand covered by the blood of Christ. That is not a small thing. It is the miracle that makes our access to God possible at all. Awe and intimacy are not opposites in God's presence. We can bow in reverence before the Sovereign of the universe and simultaneously receive the gentle hand He extends to us. Both belong together in a full and healthy faith. A Prayer for You Today Great God who stands in radiant glory as Sovereign of the universe, I am in awe of You. No jewel or created beauty can compare to Your magnificence. There are times I feel like Ezekiel — overwhelmed by the knowledge of Your holiness, wondering who I am to stand before You. In my worship and awe of You, help me also remember that You are good. The scars on Your hands, feet, and side testify to Your love. I am a sinner in the presence of a holy Lord, but I am covered by the blood of Christ. May I bow in reverence at the feet of the One who died for me — and receive the hand He lovingly extends. In Jesus' name, Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer left you both humbled and deeply comforted, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to deepen your awe and your intimacy with God every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conver

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website. . If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange . The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh . To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected]. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“The addiction is not who you are. This is not your identity. You are a person first and you are loved by God.” For years, Christina Dent viewed addiction the way many of us were taught to view it: as people being simply too lazy, too selfish, or too indifferent to stop. Then she became a foster mom—and what she saw changed everything. When Christina met the birth mother of one of her foster sons—a woman struggling with addiction—she expected to encounter someone aloof, detached, and uninterested in her child. Instead, she encountered a mother who deeply loved her son but was trapped in cycles she could not break on her own. That experience shattered Christina’s assumptions and launched her into years of research, advocacy, and conversations that radically changed the way she understood addiction, trauma, recovery, shame, and punishment. That has led to a nonprofit called End It For Good and the award-winning book Curious: A Foster Mom’s Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction. And today, Christina and I explore exactly what she learned and how it can especially help family members who are struggling to love someone with an addiction. In fact, this conversation is deeply personal for me. That's because I get vulnerable about my own sister, my regrets over how I treated her addiction, and what it looks like to move from seeing addicts as adversaries to seeing them as image bearers in desperate need of true healing, truth, and grace. This is one of the most nuanced and important conversations we’ve had on the podcast, and I'm excited for you to hear it. Get Christina's book: CuriousWebsite: End It for GoodGet Gospel-centered addiction recovery resources and help: veritasrecovery.orgFollow me: @jonseidlOrder my new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic We explore: — Why punishment and shame alone cannot heal addiction— The difference between addiction as a “moral failure” and a “moral compass failure”— How trauma, shame, and self-hatred fuel destructive cycles— Christina’s foster care story and the birth mother who changed her perspective forever— Why many families become adversaries instead of partners in recovery— The role the church has played in misunderstanding addiction— Why practical tools, therapy, treatment, and community matter alongside spiritual healing— How churches can become places for Gospel-centered recovery instead of outsourcing it— The devastating impact fentanyl has had on relapse and overdose deaths— Why people in recovery are often some of the bravest and most compassionate people Christina has ever met— The importance of helping people “run toward the light” instead of merely focusing on darknessSupport the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/

What do you do when you're exhausted, discouraged, and ready to quit? In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, the brothers of Consumed By Fire share the deeply personal story behind some of the hardest seasons of their lives—and how God met them in the middle of it. Known for hit songs like "First Things First" and "Walk With Jesus," Caleb, Jordan, and Josh Ward open up about growing up in ministry, carrying on a family legacy of faith, life on the road, and the reality of burnout. They share how their father's years-long health battle forced them to confront exhaustion, disappointment, and questions about whether they could keep going. But this conversation isn't ultimately about burnout. It's about faith. It's about learning to trust God when you're tired, letting go of control, and discovering that God's calling doesn't disappear when life gets difficult. You'll also hear the story behind the band's name, why Scripture remains central to their songwriting, what they've learned from decades of ministry together as brothers, and the heart behind their upcoming album, Whole Wide World. If you've ever felt weary, overwhelmed, or tempted to walk away from something God called you to, this episode will remind you that God's faithfulness is often most visible when your strength is gone. Guest Bio Consumed By Fire is a Christian rock band made up of brothers Caleb Ward, Jordan Ward, and Josh Ward. Signed to Red Street Records, the group is known for hit songs including "First Things First" and "Walk With Jesus." Raised in a ministry family, the brothers have spent decades sharing the Gospel through music, performing more than 2,000 concerts across North America while carrying forward a legacy of faith, missions, and ministry. Their new album, Whole Wide World, releases June 12. Episode Highlights • The story behind the band's name and the Scripture that inspired it • How their father's health battle changed their perspective on faith and ministry • What to do when you're spiritually and emotionally exhausted • Why God's calling remains even when you feel like quitting • The importance of Scripture, community, and daily spiritual formation • Lessons learned from over 2,000 concerts and decades on the road • The heart behind their upcoming album, Whole Wide World Pull Quote "There have been moments where we said, 'We're done.' I'm just grateful that God never said He was done." Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software that helps churches schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Learn more at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Listen Now Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music YouTube Watch the full episode on Worship Leader Media's YouTube channel. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This is the last episode of the Book of Ezra, focusing on the issue of Israelites marrying pagan women. Israel was in direct disobedience to God's command. Pagan wives were leading the Israelites away from Yahweh. A critique of Ezra's "solution" to the problem - divorce and abandonment Jenn argues that the real solution was for men to teach their children about Yahweh and love their wives, as Paul advises in Ephesians 5. Related Episodes: Ezra 10:1-8 - God Hates Divorce Ephesians 5:21-33 - Love and Submission in Marriage (Part 1) Ephesians 5:21-33 - Love and Submission in Marriage (Part 2) Hey! Don't go away yet! Also check out these other P40 sites:  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries  Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries  Contact - [email protected]  Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/c-6493869  Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk  Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop  YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle Check out LifeAudio for other faith-based podcasts on parenting, studying Scripture, and more:www.lifeaudio.com Become a Coffee-Tier member to gain access to The Bible Explained on Fridays: https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Life has a way of pulling our attention in countless directions. Responsibilities, deadlines, family needs, and even good things like ministry can slowly crowd out the time and focus we once devoted to God. Tonight’s meditation is an invitation to gently examine where your attention has been resting. God does not desire to be squeezed into the margins of our lives; He longs for a close and consistent relationship with us. As you settle in for the night, consider what it would look like to place Him at the center once again. When we seek Him first, we gain the wisdom, strength, and perspective needed to navigate every other area of life. Ponder Tonight Spiritual distractions are not always bad things; sometimes even worthwhile responsibilities can pull our focus away from God. God desires a relationship with us that goes beyond occasional moments of convenience. Prioritizing time with God equips us with wisdom for our family, work, ministry, and daily decisions. Seeking God first helps us keep the rest of life in its proper perspective. A spiritually focused life begins with intentional choices to make God our highest priority. Tonight’s Scripture “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple” - Psalm 27:4 Your Evening Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience and faithfulness. Forgive me for the times I have allowed distractions to pull my attention away from You. Renew my desire to seek You above all else and help me make room for Your presence in the midst of my daily responsibilities. Give me wisdom to recognize what truly matters and a heart that longs to know You more deeply. As I rest tonight, draw me closer to You and help me walk in Your will tomorrow. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Visit Your Nightly Prayer on LifeAudio.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If you’re walking through a difficult season or wondering where God is in your pain, this conversation will remind you that He is with you, He is working, and He will carry you through: He won’t leave you there! In this episode, I sit down with Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright to talk about her book God Won’t Leave You There and how the story of Joseph reveals God’s faithfulness in the middle of suffering, betrayal, and unexpected detours! my book: the fabric of hope ~ https://a.co/d/00eAvIbM my book: you can be free ~ https://a.co/d/06y2oXLy rachel’s book ~ https://a.co/d/0gEhsszJ free christian resources (devotionals, guides & more) ~ https://kirbykelly.myflodesk.com/kirbykelly start your healing journey (10% off christian counseling) ~ https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/kirbykelly sponsor a compassion child with me ~ https://www.compassion.com/kirbyisaboss all my links ~ https://linktr.ee/kirbyisaboss follow me on socials instagram ~ https://www.instagram.com/kirbyisaboss tiktok ~ https://www.tiktok.com/@kirbyisaboss contact + inquiries podcast questions/guesting ~ [email protected] business inquiries ~ [email protected] ✝️ book me to speak at your event, church, or conference ~ https://kirby-kelly.com/contact Support the ministry!: https://kirby-kelly.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=5d23856d41ec3a0001234376 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Some seasons leave you so worn out that even prayer feels like one more thing you can't get to. You didn't stop caring. You just got to the end of another full day with nothing left. This week we sit with the worn-out kind of tired, the everyday depletion of a season with no margin, and the guilt that creeps in when prayer starts to feel like one more thing you can't get to. Anchored in Exodus 33, where Moses, worn down by the weight of all he's carrying, asks God for the one thing he needs most: His presence. And God answers, My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. That rest is personal, and it doesn't wait for a calmer season. You'll discover: Why your exhaustion doesn't disqualify you from prayer, and what Romans 8:26 says about praying when you have no words How to step out of the guilt loop that drains what little energy you have left The difference between prayer as one more task and prayer as the place you finally get to stop What the singular you in Exodus 33:14 means for the rest God is offering you by name How Corrie ten Boom learned that rest comes from handing the burden over, not carrying it better If you're worn out today, you don't have to gather yourself up before you come to God. He's already in the season with you. Resources Mentioned Praying through Life's Battles: 90 Days to Strengthen Your Faith— preorder now and start reading a digital, watermarked copy today by submitting your receipt at battleprayers.com (releases August 25, 2026) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There's a verse in Psalm 23 that stopped me in my tracks this week. LINKS:Join the Summer Book Club!Download How to Pray God's Word for Your ChildrenFollow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMomsA Prayer for Goodness & Mercy to Follow by Nicolet Bell David doesn't write if I walk through the valley. He doesn't write maybe. He writes even though — when.Our kids will face hard things. Things we can't protect them from, no matter how much we try. But Psalm 23 gives me so much comfort as a praying mom: even when they walk through the valley, they are never alone. God is right there with them — his rod, his staff, his presence. That's what I'm praying over my kids today. That they would know, deep in their bones: I am not alone. Reference: Psalm 23 Prayer: Father, may my children notice and experience you in nature, and bring you praise and honor as a result. When we go outside this summer, may we see you. May I point you out to my children, and may they experience you in your world that you've created. May they delight in your word, in your law. Father, may they desire it more than they desire the finest things in this world. May they desire you more than they desire anything else. Help me to point them to you again and again. And Father, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing and acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. In Jesus' name, amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Heartbreak is something we all experience, whether it's a devastating loss, a painful disappointment, or a season we never saw coming. In this conversation with author and podcaster, Jodi Snowden, we talk about what it really looks like to heal, grow, and deepen your faith when life hurts. Jodi shares the powerful framework God gave her after walking through miscarriage, divorce, and the loss of a dear friend.    If you're carrying grief, disappointment, or unanswered questions, I you'll find hope, practical tools, and encouragement to help you take your next step forward.   And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Key Takeaways: 0:03:04 - Introducing the Book “Depth” and Its Core Question 0:06:20 - Healing vs. Growth: Moving Through, Not Around, Pain 0:15:08 - The STRENGTH Acrostic Framework for Heartbreak 0:28:12 - Vulnerability, Community, and Breaking Shame’s Hold What We Talk About Why heartbreak is a universal part of life The difference between healing and spiritual growth How to lament honestly before God Processing grief in healthy ways The role of counseling, support groups, and community Why vulnerability helps break shame Finding purpose in painful experiences The importance of perspective during difficult seasons How God develops deeper faith through suffering Using your story to help another hurting person The STRENGTH Framework Moving from Heartbreak to Strength in the Lord S - Seek God and Invite Him Into Your Pain Bring your doubts, questions, frustrations, and fears honestly before God. T -Tearfully Allow Yourself Time to Grieve Give yourself permission to process your emotions and heal. R -Replace Your Finite View with God's Infinite Perspective Trust that God sees a bigger picture than you can currently understand. E - Embrace God's Character Development Allow God to grow your faith, empathy, and maturity through the process. N - Never Lose Sight of God's Grace Refuse to let shame define your story and embrace God's forgiveness. G - Give Praise to God Even as Your Heart Breaks Look for God's presence and blessings in the middle of the pain. T - Trust God Is Good When You Don't Understand Choose faith even when circumstances don't make sense. H - Honestly Share Your Story and Help Another Hurting Heart Allow God to redeem your pain by using it to encourage others. Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowled