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The book of Esther comes to a close in this episode, and it's a thrilling conclusion. But what's just as fascinating is the way this story has shaped the Jewish holiday of Purim, which is still celebrated today. The aftermath of Haman's defeat and the establishment of Purim as a national holiday. The significance of the word "Purim" and how it relates to the casting of lots that sealed the fate of the Jewish people.  The traditions surrounding Purim. Reflections on the impact of Mordecai's influence on the Persian kingdom.  The ripple effect of Mordecai and Esther's actions, which may have influenced future generations, including (possibly) the life of Nehemiah. If you want to learn more about the book of Esther and the fascinating story of Purim, tune in to this episode. Jenn shares insights and observations that will deepen your understanding of this important biblical book. Join us as we explore the themes of bravery, cunning, and the power of faith in the face of adversity.   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]  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   Need help memorizing Scripture? Check out Verse in the Chorus: https://www.youtube.com/@VerseintheChrous   Become a 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.

There is a scene in the classic television series The Mary Tyler Moore Show, where Mary sits slumped on her couch, describing her daily routine in a slow, flat monotone. Dream job, stable life, and yet complete boredom with the sameness of it all. Then her co-worker Ted Baxter stands up and repeats her exact description, word for word, but with enthusiasm, energy, and genuine delight, turning the same routine from drab to something that actually sounds worth showing up for. Same day. Same tasks. Completely different posture. Most of us live closer to Mary's version than we would like to admit. The dishes, the emails, the commute, the meetings that could have been emails, the chores that were done last week and will need to be done again next week. The ordinariness of it accumulates, and somewhere in the accumulation, we begin to go through the motions rather than bringing our whole selves to what is in front of us. Ecclesiastes 9:10 does not offer sympathy for that drift. It offers urgency. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. The reason given is stark: there will come a time when there is no more work to do, no more plans to make. Today is the day for faithfulness. The ordinary day in front of us is the day. For those who follow Christ, the ordinary task carries a weight beyond itself. The work of our hands can be offered to God as an act of worship, which transforms it from mere productivity into something with eternal meaning and purpose. The dishes washed, the email answered carefully, the report completed with integrity, all of it offered to God, all of it counting in a way that goes beyond the task itself. It is up to us to decide our approach. The routine will not change simply because we wish it were more interesting. But what we bring to it, the posture of our heart and the intention behind our effort, that we can choose every single day. Ponder Tonight The difference between Ted Baxter and Mary Tyler Moore in that scene was not the content of their days. It was the attitude brought to the same content. That distinction is entirely within our power to choose. Offering our work to God as an act of worship does not require the work to be impressive or exciting. It requires intentionality, the decision to do what is in front of us with all our might, for His glory rather than merely our own satisfaction. Faithfulness in ordinary tasks is not a lesser form of faithfulness. It is where the character of faithfulness is actually formed, in the repetition, in the resistance to going through the motions, in the daily choice to bring our whole effort to unglamorous work. Asking honestly whether we are holding back from giving our all to the everyday tasks, and what is behind that holding back, is one of the most practical forms of self-examination we can bring to the end of a day. Tonight's Scripture "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." — Ecclesiastes 9:10, NIV Your Evening Prayer Father, Help us carry out our everyday ordinary tasks as an offering to You. Help us accomplish them with all our might, doing them unto You, to honor and bring glory to Your name. Strengthen us to see past the everydayness and routine, to look ahead at how they are fulfilling Your purposes and plans in our lives and in the world around us. When we are tempted to go through the motions, remind us that today is the day for faithfulness, and that the ordinary work in front of us has eternal meaning when it is offered to You.

What if the distance you feel from God isn’t a problem to solve, but an invitation to go deeper? In this episode, I sit down with bestselling author Stasi Eldredge to talk about her new book, The Ladder of Love, and how our wounds, shame, and experiences can shape the way we see God—and how Jesus meets us there with healing and truth. If you’ve ever known about God but longed to truly know Him, this conversation will encourage you to move beyond striving and into a deeper, more honest intimacy with Jesus. stasi's book: https://a.co/d/04XgTpv1 my book: the fabric of hope ~ https://a.co/d/00eAvIbM my book: you can be free ~ https://a.co/d/06y2oXLy 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 socialsinstagram ~ https://www.instagram.com/kirbyisabosstiktok ~ https://www.tiktok.com/@kirbyisaboss contact + inquiriespodcast questions/guesting ~ [email protected] inquiries ~ [email protected]✝️ book me to speak at your event, church, or conference ~ https://kirby-kelly.com/contactSupport 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.

Why do bad things happen to good people? Maybe you've asked it about your own life, or someone you love, and never gotten an answer that made sense. This week, we sit with the harder question underneath it: how do I pray when I may never know why? Through Psalm 77, we look at what happens when God stays silent and how remembering what He's done before becomes the way we keep praying now, even in the dark. You'll discover: Why Scripture never hands us a tidy answer for suffering The decision Asaph makes in Psalm 77 that changes the whole prayer How to pray from memory instead of from panic An honest word for any parent still waiting to see fruit they've prayed for Praying through Life's Battles is available now at battleprayers.com or wherever you buy books. Turn to Day 33, "The Way He Moves for You." Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Crying between the pens and craft supplies, and the friend God placed right there to remind her she wasn't alone. New episode by Erin H. Warren on holding onto "I am with you always" in the middle of a family health crisis. LINKS: Freebie: Drive Time Conversations Fruit of the Spirit Download How to Pray God's Word for Your Children Follow Everyday Prayers @millionprayingmoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon.   A Prayer to See the Lord's Faithfulness by Erin H. Warren Reference: Matthew 28:20 Prayer: Father, help my children search for you and see you. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever wanted to pray with more confidence but wondered if you were doing it “right”? Or maybe you’re walking through a transition or watching someone you love struggle through one and you’re tempted to step in and fix everything.   Today, I’m talking with someone very special to me: my daughter, Ashton Jones Weber. Ashton shares how leaving home for college deepened her faith, transformed her prayer life, and taught her to depend on God in a whole new way. We talk about why hard seasons can actually grow us, how to pray Scripture when you don’t know what to say, and why your prayers matter more than you may realize.   Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones or on my website at www.donnajones.org. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Key Takeaways: 0:00:02 - Formed by Prayer: Ashton's Story Begins 0:04:27 - From Fasting to a Decision 0:09:36 - Transition as Formation, Not Something to Be Rescued From 0:12:21 - The Bench, the Bible, and a Stranger's Invitation 0:18:50 - Taking the Pressure Off Prayer What We Talk About How transitions can deepen our relationship with God What our children learn by watching how we handle decisions, prayer, and faith Why helping someone through a struggle can be better than rescuing them from it Ashton’s lonely first day of college—and the simple decision that changed everything Why prayer doesn’t have to sound polished or perfect How a 21-day season of prayer and fasting transformed Ashton’s prayer life Practical ways to begin praying Scripture How to personalize Romans 8 when praying for yourself or someone you love Ashton’s “boxing coach” analogy for listening to God’s truth What it means to pray with confidence and authority in Christ Why we need people around us who elevate our faith and expectation Praying Scripture: Let God’s Word Guide Your Prayers When you don’t know what to pray, you don’t have to invent the perfect words. Start with what God has already said. Choose a passage of Scripture. Romans 8, Psalm 139, and Ephesians are great places to begin. Make it personal. Put your name—or the name of someone you love—into the truth you’re reading. Turn the truth into a prayer. For example, Romans 8 says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Pray that truth over yourself or someone you love, asking God to replace shame, fear, or defeat with the truth of their identity in Christ. Believe what you’re praying. Let Scripture—not your circumstances, feelings, or the voices around you—shape what you believe. The Boxing Coach Picture Think of life like rounds in a boxing match. When you’re tired and catching your breath between rounds, don’t listen to the crowd. Listen to your Coach. Romans 8 reminds us: You are not condemned. You are victorious in Christ. Nothing can separate you from God’s love. You don’t have to live controlled by fear. Life and peace are found in walking by the Spirit. Take those truths into your next round. Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book -  <a href="https:

Únete a nuestro devocional de Palabras de Vida y acompáñanos mientras exploramos qué significa amar genuinamente. Ven y descubre cómo la compasión y la abundancia de Dios transforman nuestra vida y nuestras relaciones. Escrito por el Capitán José Valentín CANAL EN TELEGRAM GRUPO EN WHATSAPP 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.

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.

Tonight, on our final episode of Brad Stine Has Issues Rewound, we look back at one of our first guests, anti-abortion activist Victoria Jackson. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you ever tried to explain how you feel, only to walk away feeling even more misunderstood? In marriage, this can be very frustrating. A simple conversation turns into defensiveness, confusion, or conflict. In this episode, I’m sharing practical ways to communicate what you’re really feeling so your partner has a better chance of hearing your heart. I’ll walk you through how to express yourself with more clarity, stay grounded during difficult conversations, and avoid some of the common communication habits that create unnecessary tension. If you’re tired of conversations going sideways and want to feel more heard, understood, and connected in your relationship, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: How to express your feelings without putting your partner on the defensive Why clarity matters when communicating what you need A funny story of how this works with Shaun and me in real time Common mistakes that cause your message to get misunderstood How to stay grounded when emotions are running high Ways to create more connection during difficult conversations Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Get your FREE Heart to Heart Conversation Starters here.  Start my From Conflict to Connection course today and be on track to better communication immediately! 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.

In this thought provoking episode of Timeless Wisdom, Dennis Prager challenges the common phrase, “God made me this way.” He examines what it means to believe that God determines the way we are born and whether that belief should shape how we respond to our natural tendencies, abilities, and limitations. Dennis explores human nature, free will, morality, and personal responsibility, discussing everything from disabilities to destructive tendencies and the idea that some people may be born with stronger inclinations toward good or evil. He argues that what we are given does not determine how we must live. But if God did not necessarily make us the way we are, what does He actually expect from us? Dennis offers a provocative answer that shifts the entire question from “What did God make me?” to “What does God want me to do?” Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/timeless-wisdom-with-dennis-prager/id1517302239 Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SZEYeH4tuLr2FvG4ok1rl Learn more about Dennis Prager: https://pragertopia.com/ Follow Dennis on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DennisPrager Follow Dennis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedennisprager/ Follow Dennis on X: https://x.com/DennisPrager Learn more about the Salem Podcast Network: https://salempodcastnetwork.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if failure isn’t something to fear, but one of the greatest gifts you’ve ever been given? In this episode, Dr. Zach and Joshua Broome sit down with renowned quarterback coach and cohost of the Built 4 More Podcast, Denny Thompson, to unpack the privilege of failure, the danger of playing it safe, and why the biggest risk in life may be never taking one at all. Denny shares powerful lessons from coaching elite athletes, navigating unexpected adversity, walking alongside his wife through cancer, and learning to surrender the outcomes he simply couldn’t control. Together, they explore how failure can redirect us, discomfort can develop us, and faith gives us the courage to keep moving when life doesn’t go according to plan. Because if you’re lucky, life won’t work out exactly the way you thought it would—and that may be where God does some of His greatest work.   Links: Find Out More About CORTX - Denny’s cutting-edge sports science and performance training programs and facility: About us — Cortx Performance Check out the Built4More Podcast with Denny & Pastor Joby Martin: Built 4 More Podcast Follow Denny on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/dennythompsonjax/?hl=en Wrestling with the Fear of Failure? 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.

The first episode in a series on faith and politics running through the midterms. James Spencer and Ashish Varma set the terms before the guests arrive. Ashish starts with the word itself: polis, the city — the shared life of a community, of which party politics is only a narrow slice. That opens the question the series will keep returning to. Paul had no power to abolish slavery, but he could tell Philemon that Onesimus was returning as a brother, and in doing so redraw a line the empire had drawn elsewhere. That is political work, done without any political agency in the sense we usually mean. James argues that voting is a voluntary right rather than a sacred duty, and explains why he doesn't always exercise it. Ashish tells the story of asking a pastor why the people who filled the building for ESL classes on Tuesday were absent on Sunday. Both land on 1 Corinthians 7: you don't have to change your situation to serve God where you are. Guests across the series include Kevin Flatt, Veronica Ogle, William Cavanaugh, Vincent Bacote, and others. Chapters: 00:00 Why this series, and what it won't do 03:06 What students expect from a political theology class 04:37 Polis: the city, and what "political" actually covers 06:00 Is the gospel political? 08:26 Paul's constraints, and ours  09:51 Political agency without political power 11:35 "The poor you will always have with you" 13:25 Nested authority: everything under God's 16:13 Philemon, Onesimus, and redrawing the line 17:43 Reimagining: children, packaging, and a can of Coke 21:06 Voting as a right, not a sacred duty 25:24 Pro-life advocacy and the children who age out 28:16 A church on the boundary lines of Chicago 32:02 1 Corinthians 7: serve where you're called 36:22 New eyes, new ears 37:39 Who's coming on the series Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This episode of the Bible Explained podcast delves into the topic of husbands submitting to God in their marriage relationships: Husbands must live with their wives according to knowledge - in other words, "In an understanding way." Being a Christian husband means treating one's wife with respect, even if she is difficult, and not pulling away from her or trying to find someone else. The concept of the "weaker vessel" is explained, referring to the physical bodies of men and women, and how men should honor their wives in this regard. Sin immediately ruined the marriage relationship, but this will not be the case forever. Husbands and wives are joint heirs of the grace of life. Treating one's wife with disrespect can hinder one's own prayer life and relationship with God.   Related Episode: Ephesians 5:21-33 - Love and Submission in Marriage (Part 2)   After you're done with that, check out these websites:  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]  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   Need help memorizing Scripture? Check out Verse in the Chorus: https://www.youtube.com/@VerseintheChrous   Become a 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.

Today's Bible Verse: "Then the Lord said to Joshua, 'Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land.'" — Joshua 8:1 What do you do when failure leaves you feeling discouraged or afraid to try again? Joshua 8:1 reminds us that failure is not the end of the story when we trust God. After Israel's defeat at Ai, God told Joshua not to be afraid or discouraged, showing that past mistakes and setbacks do not have to determine what comes next. When we turn back to God, learn from failure, and follow His direction, He can lead us forward with renewed courage and hope. Want to listen without ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe Meet Today’s Host: Jennifer Dotzler Hear more from Jennifer D on Your Daily Bible Verse at LifeAudio Jennifer Dotzler is a passionate Bible teacher and disciple-maker with a heart for helping others grow in their faith. She brings together her love for Scripture and a practical, compassionate approach to encourage listeners through life’s highs and lows. With a deep desire to see believers strengthened in truth and equipped to walk closely with Christ, Jennifer offers thoughtful, biblically grounded insight in every episode. She’s honored to be part of the Your Daily Bible Verse team, where she aims to inspire and uplift others with truth that transforms. Learn more at LifeAudio.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does it even mean for God to be good? Psalm 42 sits with that question. Why are you downcast, my soul? Why so disturbed? It is not a tidy faith that asks that question. It is an honest one. And the answer the Psalmist arrives at is not a resolution of the circumstances. It is a choice to put hope in God anyway, and a declaration that praise is still coming, even now. What gets in the way of that posture, if we are willing to look honestly, is often pride. The quiet belief that we know how things should have gone. That our perspective, shaped by our one limited vantage point in one moment of history, is sufficient to judge what a sovereign and eternal God should have done differently. We are one person, with one lens, seeing one small piece of a story far larger than we can comprehend. And yet we are confident we know better. That is not a condemnation. It is simply what it means to be human. And the humility of recognizing our finitude, of accepting that we are created rather than Creator, is the very thing that opens us back up to the God whose goodness is not diminished by our disappointment in Him. His character is not impacted by our opinion of it. He remains good. He remains for us. And His grace is forever available, not because life is never disappointing, but because He never is. Ponder Tonight Honest disappointment with God, brought to Him in prayer rather than nursed in silence, is a form of intimacy rather than faithlessness. The Psalmist modeled exactly this in Psalm 42. The root of most cynicism toward God, if examined carefully, is a form of pride, the belief that our limited perspective is sufficient to judge His sovereignty. Recognizing that is humbling and ultimately freeing. We are one person with one lens seeing one small piece of an eternal story. The mystery of God is not a problem to be solved by our finite reasoning. It is an invitation to trust what we cannot fully understand. God's goodness is not contingent on life going the way we hoped. His character holds independent of our circumstances, which means our disappointment, real as it is, does not change who He actually is. Tonight's Scripture "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." — Psalm 42:11, NIV Your Evening Prayer Father, In a world filled with disappointments and heartache, remind us that You are for us. You are a good God who delights in blessing Your children. Fix our eyes on You and Your purposes, even amid our pain. Keep us humble as we surrender the prideful tendency to believe we know best. Teach us what it means to be human, to be created rather than Creator. Remind us that our perspective is limited and that Your goodness is not diminished by our inability to see the whole picture. Gift us with Your guidance, wisdom, and hope. We choose to praise You, not because life is without disappointment, but because You are without blame, without blemish, and forever good. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evening Scripture Romans, Chapter 1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God — the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.  First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong — that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed — a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”  The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator — who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and

Natalie Layne grew up with worship leader parents, was playing keys in church by age 12, and gave her life to Jesus at 13. She never had the dramatic testimony — no alley moment, no rock bottom, no radical rescue story. For a long time she thought that made her story less powerful. Her new EP Still Running to You, releasing September 9, is her answer to that lie. Steadfast faith, the gift of being kept, and a hymn that still says everything: Natalie shares why she believes the church kid testimony is just as miraculous as anyone else's, because what God kept you from is just as worth celebrating as what He brought you through. She also talks about writing Big World with horns, saxophones, and a whole room full of musicians recording together at the same time to capture the feeling that nobody is doing this alone, why she still takes scripture and sets it to music the way she did as a kid, and how landing at Belmont University in Nashville — not because she knew she needed to be there, but because she just liked the school — opened every door she has walked through since. Highlights Why she spent years thinking her church kid testimony was less powerful than someone else's dramatic rescue story The realization that what God kept you from is just as miraculous as what He brought you through How growing up running around her parents' worship rehearsals shaped everything about who she became as an artist Big World, recorded with a full room of musicians all tracking together, and why she wants it to open every live show Why she still sets scripture to music the same way she did as a child and why it remains her favorite way to write The decision to put Blessed Assurance on the EP and why those hymn lyrics — this is my story, this is my song — capture her entire testimony How nine years at Belmont in Nashville introduced her to collaborators and opened doors she never could have planned for Meeting Nichole Nordeman at an awards show and what it meant to tell her how much those songs shaped her Resources / Links / CTA Natalie Layne website: https://www.natalielayne.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalielaynemusic EP: Still Running to You 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.

When we fight for control, it's rarely because we have an insatiable desire to play boss. Most often, fear is driving our behavior—especially when we’ve experienced situations that left us feeling powerless, uncertain and deeply wounded. After those experiences, we naturally want to do whatever we can to avoid landing in a similar crisis or painful spot. And so, we might overthink, try to fix other people or work harder to secure a particular outcome, while believing we’re simply being responsible and caring. So how can we recognize when healthy responsibility has crossed into control? In this episode, Jennifer Slattery talks with bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst about her latest release, Making Peace with What I Can't Control, and the fears that can drive controlling behavior and how to respond differently. Lysa shares how to distinguish responsibility from control, recognize the role our perceptions play in fear and focus our energy on what we actually can manage. She also discusses trusting God when we don’t understand what He’s allowing, remembering His past faithfulness and releasing outcomes into His capable hands. Resource referenced: Making Peace with What I Can't Control: Find Relief from the Exhaustion of Overthinking, Trying to Fix Others, and Wanting to Figure It All Out Scriptures referenced: John 16:33; Galatians 5:22–23 Connect with Lysa TerKeurst: On her website On Instagram On Facebook Follow her work on Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The rooms we tend are shaping the lives lived within them. The meals prepared in our kitchens, conversations shared around our tables, prayers whispered beside beds, and people welcomed through our doors all help turn a house into a home. This quiet, faithful work may feel ordinary, but it creates a place of peace, belonging, and love. This week on The Love Offering Podcast, I’m talking with bestselling author Myquillyn Smith about her new book, House Hushing. Myquillyn offers such practical and freeing wisdom for creating a home that feels peaceful, personal, and full of soul—without filling it with more stuff or waiting until everything is perfect. In our conversation, we talk about: Quieting the visual noise that can leave us feeling overwhelmed “Decluttering backward” without immediately getting rid of anything Releasing the guilt attached to sentimental or gifted belongings Creating a home that tells the story of the people who live there Welcoming others before everything feels finished Choosing connection over perfection Myquillyn’s words reminded me that tending our homes is about more than decorating. It is an opportunity to faithfully steward what God has entrusted to us. Our homes don’t have to be perfect to have a beautiful purpose—they can become places where our families rest, friends feel safe, neighbors are welcomed, and Christ’s love is generously offered. I hope this conversation encourages you to see your home, and the faithful care you give it, with fresh eyes. Learn more about Myquillyn Smith: Website: https://thenester.com/Follow Myquillyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenester/Find House Hushing wherever books are sold. Connect with Rachael: Website: https://rachaelkadams.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeladamsauthor/The Love Offering Podcast: https://rachaelkadams.com/the-love-offering-podcast/Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

More than money or possessions, I want my kids to inherit my faith. New episode by Nicolet Bell is up now on what it looks like to faithfully invest in the people God has entrusted to us.LINKS:Freebie: Drive Time Conversations Fruit of the Spirit Download How to Pray God's Word for Your ChildrenFollow Everyday Prayers @millionprayingmomsGet today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use!Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. A Prayer to Live Faithfully by Nicolet BellReference: Matthew 25:21Prayer: Lord, help my children to be faithful servants to you. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

La sal preserva y da sabor; la luz guía y revela el camino. Así también, nuestra Fe cobra vida cuando fortalecemos, consolamos y servimos con un corazón sincero. Ven y permite que la Luz de Jesucristo brille a través de ti; esa Luz que nunca se apaga. 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.

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.

Are you harder on yourself than you would be on anyone else? Whether you're trying to break a bad habit, reach a goal, lose weight, learn something new, it can be easy to focus on how far you still have to go instead of recognizing how far you've come. In this episode of HEARTBEAT, we're reminded that following Jesus doesn't mean expecting perfection from ourselves. We can be quick to extend grace and encouragement to other people while holding ourselves to an impossible standard. When Jesus tells us to “love your neighbor as yourself,” He reminds us that we are also people created and loved by God. Our mistakes don't define us, and our value isn't determined by our productivity, appearance, accomplishments, or failures. God gives us room to grow. We can do the same for ourselves. 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.

Fasting isn't simply about giving something up. Sometimes, it reveals what we've been reaching for when life gets hard—the alcohol, sugar, scrolling, shopping, or whatever else promises a little relief when we're overwhelmed, anxious, lonely, exhausted, or hurting. When we set that thing down, we're often left face-to-face with the discomfort we were trying to escape. Wendy Speake, bestselling author of The 40-Day Sugar Fast, The 40-Day Social Media Fast, and The 40-Day Feast, shares why fasting is about more than giving something up. It can redirect our attention and affection toward God and create space for deeper intimacy with Jesus. Christy and Wendy talk about what happens when the discomfort becomes overwhelming, why lasting transformation isn't about willpower, and how to keep moving forward when you stumble. They unpack why a slip doesn't erase the growth you've already experienced—and why God's grace means you don't have to return to the starting line every time you fall. Wendy also shares the story behind her newest book, A Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving: 30 Days of Rejoicing in God's Goodness, and what it means to praise God without pretending that pain doesn't hurt.  If You’ve Ever Thought… “I know I should turn to God, but I just want something to make me feel better right now.” “If I stop drinking, scrolling, eating, or whatever else I use to cope, what am I supposed to do with the discomfort?” “I made it several days and then slipped. Does that mean I've failed?” “Can I be hurting and still trust God?” The this conversation is for you. What You’ll Learn • Why fasting is about more than simply giving something up • What our coping mechanisms can reveal about where we turn for comfort • How fasting can deepen our attention, affection, and intimacy with God • How to sit with discomfort without immediately trying to escape it • Why transformation requires more than willpower • How to respond when you stumble without starting over • Why God's grace is bigger than our failures • How to praise God while honestly acknowledging pain Check Out Wendy’s Books The 40-Day Sugar Fasthttps://amzn.to/4h6qDQB The 40-Day Social Media Fasthttps://amzn.to/3SYhWQ0 The 40-Day Feasthttps://amzn.to/4yAhMh6 A Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving: 30 Days of Rejoicing in God's Goodnesshttps://amzn.to/4r6iQGI Join the October 40-Day Fast The Love Life Sober 40-Day Alcohol Fast begins October 5th. https://lovelifesober.co.uk/october-fast Order Christy's Book: Love Life Sober: A 40-Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mindhttps://lovelifesober.co.uk/book Follow Love Life Sober on Instagram@lovelifesoberwithchristy Subscribe on YouTube — Come hang out with us! Disclaimer The creators, hosts, and producers of the Love Life Sober Podcast are not healthcare practitioners and do not provide medical, psychological, or professional advice. The content of this podcast and all Love Life Sober communications is intended for informational and e

The doctor looked at Daniel Ritchie's father and asked if they should let him go. Daniel was born without arms, a disability two ultrasounds missed, and he came into the world not breathing and not moving. His dad didn't need a second opinion. Less than two minutes later, Daniel was kicking and screaming. But surviving the delivery room wasn't the hard part. By 13, Daniel hated his life. Bitterness turned into isolation, isolation into depression, and depression into wanting out. Then a friend invited him to a church lock-in he only went to because it sounded like chaos — and a youth pastor spent an hour walking a hostile 15-year-old through the book of Romans. In this conversation with Jeremy Stalnecker, Daniel talks about identity, contentment, and why the modifier we put in front of "Christian" quietly runs our lives. "I'm not an armless Christian," he says. "Christ is the most important part of who I am. The armless piece is just the refining aspect in the story." ABOUT DANIEL RITCHIE Daniel Ritchie is an author and speaker who has spent eight years traveling full-time, sharing his story with churches, conferences, and organizations across the country. danielritchie.com 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.

Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today! Have you ever felt guilty for not sharing the gospel with every stranger you meet, or wondered if "just praying" for someone is an excuse to avoid an awkward conversation? This week, Alana and Jaime dive into an honest and thought-provoking conversation on the complex intersection of evangelism, prayer, and how to authentically share your faith without feeling like a phony. In this episode, Jaime shares a fascinating story about self-proclaimed atheist Penn Jillette (of the magic duo Penn & Teller) receiving a pocket New Testament from a fan—and how that respectful, grounded encounter left a surprisingly positive impression on him. Together, Alana and Jaime unpack the tension between the fear of forced, awkward "cold-call" evangelism and the spiritual danger of using our introverted personalities as an excuse to never share the good news. Alana and Jaime also tackle the profound beauty of discovering your unique "witnessing persona." Drawing inspiration from the quiet, relationship-building approach of the biblical Andrew versus the loud, upfront preaching of Peter, they explain why God has equipped you to share Jesus in a way that perfectly fits your specific design, gifting, and emotional intelligence. You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on how to trust the Holy Spirit's timing, a practical journaling exercise to help you uncover the most effective way you can reach unbelievers, and the beautiful freedom of knowing you don't have to fit a specific mold to be used by God.Watch Penn Jillette video mentioned in the episode here: Penn Jillette "Gift of a Bible" Video: https://youtu.be/6md638smQd8?si=WLKtIxfjUIWbIo-T Discover More: Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts! Connect with Us: Stay updated and engage with our community: On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen On Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prayingchristianwomen/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http

You replay the conversation, reread the text 100 times, re-analyze the comment, Google the symptom, or fixate. The loop promises that if you think hard enough, you can prevent the bad outcome and finally feel safe. But Heather Creekmore explains that the real issue usually isn’t the topic of the thought. It’s the grip it has on your brain. Overthinking often reveals a deeper desire for control and safety, especially when life feels uncertain. In this episode: Why overthinking can feel productive, responsible, or even spiritual at 06:08 How body-image obsession can become an attempt to control one small part of life when everything else feels uncertain at 08:38 Why telling yourself to “stop thinking about it” usually doesn’t work at 12:10 What Martha’s story teaches about setting down the need to hold everything alone  How to exchange a posture of control for a posture of trust  Why obsessive thoughts grow stronger in isolation  Five ways to interrupt the loop - and none of them sound like "just stop thinking about it." A super practical, physical practice for surrender you can start using today! Mentioned in this episode: The final 40-Day Journey starts Monday, September 14th. Join here. Replays are available for missed sessions or if you're learning about it after 9/14/2026. Heather Creekmore’s upcoming book, Did I Say the Right Thing? and a Million Other Micro Fears That Keep Christian Women Stuck, which she says launches in February and is available for preorder on Amazon. (Amazon affiliate link) Meditate on 1 Peter 5:7, casting anxieties on God because he cares for you. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How can we practically pray for our enemies when we’re hurt and it feels unfair. How can believers answer God’s call to pray for those that cure you when it comes more naturally to pay them back. In today’s episode, learn 5 important reminders to empower you to pray for your enemies and how to practically pray for them. Resources Mentions in This Podcast:Download Christina's Free 5 Day Prayer Guide to help you put into practice the powerful habit of prayer. Connect with Christina Paterson: https://www.belovedwomen.orgStudy the Bible with Christina and Beloved Women at https://www.belovedwomen.org/join Scriptures in the Podcast are from ESV.Episode Image Credit: Getty/lemono Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The Jews in Susa defend themselves against their enemies and ultimately emerge victorious. But what's behind this remarkable turn of events? The role of Mordecai, the king's new trusted advisor, and how his influence helped to turn the tide in favor of the Jews. Esther's request to Xerxes to extend the decree for another day for the Jews in Susa was a crucial factor in the outcome. The Jews refuse to take the plunder of the enemies they kill. How Esther parallels with the story of King Saul in 1 Samuel 15, where Saul's disobedience to God's instructions led to the rise of the Amalekites, who would later become a thorn in the side of the Israelites.   If you want to support the Bible Explained: 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]  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   Need help memorizing Scripture? Check out Verse in the Chorus: https://www.youtube.com/@VerseintheChrous   Become a 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.

Have you ever noticed how your surroundings can change the way you feel? Friend, beauty isn’t just decoration. The things we see around us can affect how we feel and even influence the rhythms and habits we create.This week, Bonnie is kicking off a new "Science + Scripture of Wellness Series" on Breathe, exploring one question: What does science tell us about how God designed us, and how does Scripture help us live it?In this episode, Bonnie shares a recent personal story that made her look at beauty—and the way she cares for her own environment—in a whole new way.You’ll discover how small cues of beauty can invite you to slow down, create healthier rhythms, and notice more of the beauty God has already placed around you.In This Episode— Why your surroundings can affect how you feel and behave— How visual cues can support healthier daily rhythms— Why beauty doesn’t have to be frivolous or selfish— What Jesus’ words teach us about beauty and God’s care— One simple way to bring more beauty into your everyday space— How to connect beauty with a soul care rhythm like prayer, journaling, nourishing meals, or restBreath Prayer:Inhale: You make my life beautiful…Exhale: You make everything beautiful in your time Scripture:“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11“Consider how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” — Matthew 6:28–29  → Read Whispers of Rest: 40 Days to Revitalize Your Soul with God's Love, by Bonnie:https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd → Join Bonnie on Instagram @thebonniegray  →  Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store   Watch YouTube Devotionals:https://youtube.com/thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

At some point, every Christian parent finds themselves facing “giants” — immense obstacles and seemingly impossible circumstances that stand between them and God’s promises. How you respond in these moments determines whether you move forward into the life God intends, or let fear and discouragement hold you back. In this deeply personal and practical episode, Catherine invites listeners into her own challenging season—her husband’s unexpected job loss, a year of solo parenting, and a disastrous home renovation that threatened to derail everything. With remarkable honesty, Catherine unpacks the real struggles families encounter as they pursue God’s calling in the midst of overwhelming adversity. But this episode is more than a story of hardship. Catherine shares six powerful, actionable steps for any believer facing a giant—whether in their marriage, career, finances, health, or faith: Gain God’s Perspective: When circumstances look hopeless, seek to see your situation through God's eyes—not just the intimidating physical realities (08:01). Drawing inspiration from Elisha’s story in 2 Kings 6, Catherine encourages listeners to pray for spiritual vision that reveals God’s power at work beyond what’s visible. Keep Your Eyes on God, Not the Enemy: It’s tempting to focus on the size of your problems, but victory comes from fixing your gaze on the God who is bigger than any obstacle (13:10). Stories of Moses and Peter remind us that fear grows when we focus on the enemy, but faith grows when we focus on God. Find Your Fight Songs: Worship is a weapon. Catherine describes how building a playlist of battle songs, like "Greater is He" by Blanca, helped her replace fear with hope—even when nothing changed externally (18:09). She urges parents to let worship shape their outlook during trials. Gather Your Weapons: Know and wield the Word of God. Catherine describes creating lists of personalized scriptures to pray daily over her children, her family, and her battles. She emphasizes the importance of having these spiritual “weapons” ready before the fight comes (22:41). Partner in Prayer: Giants don’t fall through solo efforts—find others to pray with and for you. Whether it’s a spouse, small group, or prayer team, uniting faith with others shifts the battle (27:08). Speak to Your Giant—Prophesy Its Future: Refuse to agree with the enemy’s narrative. Catherine recounts how publicly rejecting the enemy’s threats and speaking agreement with God’s promises led to unexpected breakthroughs—in her bathroom remodel, in her home sale, and in her family’s future (31:05). She clarifies: this isn’t “name it, claim it” theology, but the biblical principle of aligning your words and faith with God's revealed plan rather than fear. By sharing her vulnerability, setbacks, and ultimate victories, Catherine both comforts and challenges parents: your fight with giants is part of God’s story for you. This episode provides not only encouragement, but also a spiritual toolkit you can use immediately—so you can keep moving toward God’s promises, no matter how daunting the battle seems. Resources and Further Support Free scripture resources and faith-building tools available at Catherine’s website Blanca "Greater Is He" For any parent standing at their own “Red Sea,” this episode equips you to see beyond your current circumstances, lean into practical faith, and trust the God who is always greater than your giant. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.c

There are losses that do not announce themselves as grief at first. The gradual realization that the life you had is no longer the life you have. The healthy body that once ran and danced, now struggling with stairs. The relationships that shaped you, now absent. The version of yourself that existed before pain or sickness or sorrow entered the picture, and the quiet, ongoing work of learning to live without what you used to take for granted. Grieving what once was is real and valid. It deserves to be named honestly rather than rushed past. Ecclesiastes does not rush past it either. The writer explores the full range of human experience without flinching, and lands on a truth that is both sobering and quietly freeing: there is a time for everything under the heavens. A time to weep and a time to laugh. A time to mourn and a time to dance. Not a promise that the mourning will be brief, but an acknowledgment that it belongs. That grief has its place alongside joy, and neither cancels the other out. God wastes nothing. That is not a platitude. It is a hard-won conviction that comes from living inside difficulty long enough to see His faithfulness working through what we never would have chosen. Our hardships do not always trace back to personal sin. Most often they are simply the weight of living in a broken world where things are not yet as they will be. And in the middle of that reality, we are given a choice: to point others toward Jesus in the midst of our pain, or to let the pain turn us inward. Not to perform happiness we do not feel, but to hold onto the truth that God can and will use all of it for His good purposes, if we allow Him to. He meets us in the grief. He sits with us in what we miss. And He is not finished with the story yet. Ponder Tonight Ecclesiastes names grief, mourning, and weeping as having their rightful time, which means rushing past loss or performing healing we have not yet experienced is not faithfulness. Honest grief, brought to God, is itself an act of trust. Hardship that comes from living in a broken world is not evidence of God's absence or punishment. It is the reality of a fallen creation that God entered Himself through Jesus, which means He knows what it is to suffer within it. The goal in our trials is not to perform the life of a perfect Christian but to point others toward Jesus from within our genuine experience. That kind of authenticity is often more powerful than any polished testimony. God can use us even when, and sometimes especially when, we are in the middle of missing what was. The unfinished and broken places in our stories are often where others find the most hope. Tonight's Scripture "A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." — Ecclesiastes 3:4, NIV Your Evening Prayer Lord Jesus, We bring You the grief of what we miss. The healthy body. The people no longer here. The hope and trust that existed before pain entered the picture. We do not want to pretend we are fine when we are not. You already know. Even here, remind us that there is a time for everything, and that You can and will use this season for our good and Your glory, even when we cannot comprehend how. As we grieve, comfort us. Give us hope that what You are doing now is good, even when it does not feel good right now. We trust You with the unfinished and the painful. We love You, Jesus. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: <a href=

Evening Scripture Psalm, Chapter 127 Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat — for he grants sleep to those he loves. Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. Evening Reflection Watching endless DIY and cooking shows, it becomes clear that the quality of one’s work can be subjective. There are varying views and opinions on the creator’s skill and expertise. Colors, tastes, styles, workmanship, craft, and more are all up to personal and group evaluations. Even when we do our very best, it may not meet another’s standards or expectations, although we may have wholeheartedly and tirelessly labored and sweated over it. Still, no matter how much effort and time we put into it, or how long we work, it may not meet someone else’s expectations. Yet, we don’t have to be discouraged if we’re entrusting our work to the Lord, doing it unto Him, to the best of our ability. We know that it’s His approval that truly matters. Pleasing God is a higher calling than pleasing others, especially when we realize that their eyes may have varying values, viewpoints, ideas, and expectations, the kind that change over time. Yet God’s standards remain the same, constant, steady, not ever leaving us feeling insecure, wondering if we’ll meet His expectations. When we entrust our work to the Lord – unlike the uncertainties, ups-and-downs, and ever- changing plans that often come when working for men and women – we can trust His calm and stable guidance of our hands, ideas, and skills. We know that He leads us with His wisdom and knowledge so that we can lean on Him, rather than our own understanding. We trust Him to keep us on the right track with our work. Evening Prayer God, Thank You that I can come to You, asking for Your help and entrusting my work hourly, daily, and even minute-by-minute to You. Lead me each day, and throughout the night, too, in my labor to follow Your leading and to yield to Your purposes and plans for my work. Let the work of my hand glorify You in all that I do. Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Arlene's children were not allowed to have social media, play video games, or have personal phones or tablets until their senior year of high school. What did the kids think about this??? Noelle (the middle child of three) is here to represent the kids! Was she left out of friend groups at school because she wasn't on social media? Did she struggle with anxiety as a result? Noelle addresses common concerns parents raise, including whether kids need phones to stay connected with friends, whether delaying phone access affects academic performance, and whether it leaves children unprepared once they leave home. She describes how her parents explained their reasoning rather than simply withholding technology, and how that shaped the boundaries she set for herself once she did get a phone. Noelle also discusses her current use of AI as an engineering student at Oral Roberts University, and how her faith shapes how she spends her time. Arlene's new book, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families is available for FREE while supplies last. Request your copy at TechResetBook.com and begin your do-over with screen time.  02:19 — Noelle introduces herself: senior year at Oral Roberts University, mechanical engineering 03:15 — What she actually did as a kid without video games, tablets, or cable 05:21 — Addressing the myth that kids need phones to stay connected with friends 09:05 — The "time pit" and what she avoided seeing online — comparison, body image, bad news 12:33 — Phone use in the classroom and its effect on attention span 16:04 — Why she didn't "go crazy" once she finally got a phone senior year 18:11 — Her deliberate process for delaying social media after getting a phone 22:47 — How going without a phone gave her more freedom, not less 29:19 — Balancing being a "tech optimist" and AI enthusiast with caution about addictive technology   More Resources from Arlene Pellicane: Get Arlene's new book, The Great Tech Reset: Reclaiming Real Life for Christian Families (free while supplies last!)  Check out Noelle's art on Instagram  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 other BOOKS including Parents Rising, Screen Kids, and Making Marriage Easier. Follow Arlene on Instagram and/or Facebook Watch the podcast on 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.

The Hebrew word for faithfulness, emunah, means firmness, steadiness, staying the course even when it's hard. New episode by Tara L. Cole on what it looks like to practice that kind of faithfulness with our kids, one small commitment at a time. LINKS:Freebie: Drive Time Conversations Fruit of the Spirit Download How to Pray God's Word for Your ChildrenFollow Everyday Prayers @millionprayingmomsGet today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use!Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. A Prayer for Faithfulness by Tara L. ColeReference: Psalm 26:3Prayer: Father, may our children be captivated by your steadfast love and walk in faithfulness.Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Most of us have experienced teaching that gives us a lot to think about, but doesn’t necessarily change much how we live. In this conversation about spiritual formation and Christian leadership, Alan and Gem explore why transformation rarely comes through information alone.   Through their years leading retreats, workshops, and the PACE leadership cohort at Unhurried Living, they have discovered that growth often happens in quieter ways. It unfolds as people learn to listen to God, reflect on their lives, and share honestly with others.   In this episode, they talk about the rhythms that help learning move from the mind into the soul. These include practices like solitude and silence, offering teaching in smaller portions, creating meaningful interaction, allowing a spacious schedule, and paying attention to the dynamics within a group.   If you lead retreats, facilitate small groups, serve in ministry, or simply desire a deeper life with God, this conversation offers insight into how thoughtful learning environments can support lasting spiritual growth.   You may discover that the way we gather and learn together matters more than we often realize. ______________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads 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.

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 book of 1 Samuel begins during an important transition in Israel’s history. The period of the judges is coming to an end, and Israel will soon begin asking for a king. Before the book introduces us to Samuel, Saul, or David, however, it introduces us to a woman named Hannah. Her story begins with sorrow, moves through prayer and faith, and concludes with one of the great songs of praise in the Old Testament. Hannah was married to Elkanah, but she was unable to have children. Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, had sons and daughters, and she regularly provoked Hannah because of her barrenness. This was more than an occasional irritation. Scripture tells us that this happened “year by year” (1 Samuel 1:7). Hannah carried this burden for a long time. Elkanah loved Hannah and attempted to comfort her, but he couldn’t give her what she wanted most. When the family traveled to Shiloh to worship, Hannah’s grief became particularly intense. . 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.

1 Corinthians 13 is most often read at weddings, held up as the standard for the love we give away to another person. And it is all of that. But it is also something else — a love letter from God to us, intended to encourage the kind of self-compassion that most believers rarely extend to themselves. Every time the word "love" appears in this chapter, it translates from the Greek agape — the highest, most unconditional love that requires no relation, no condition, and no achievement. It is the love God has for His creation, including you. When First Corinthians 13:4 says love is patient, it does not only mean patient with a spouse, a difficult coworker, or a frustrating situation. It means giving yourself grace and permission to be exactly where you are. Patient with your own growth. Patient with your own pace. The same verse adds that love does not envy — which means negatively comparing your own progress to someone else's is not a loving act, including when you direct it toward yourself. And love does not boast and is not proud, which invites a searching question: is the impatience with your own progress rooted in a desire for recognition, or a need to feel superior to others? Can you choose instead to be patient with everything you have endured, changed, and overcome, whether or not your journey has been fast, visible, or impressive by anyone else's measure? The qualities of agape love practiced toward yourself are not self-indulgence. They are what make us increasingly capable of giving that same love to others. Bible Verse "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."— 1 Corinthians 13:4, NIV Ponder Today Love is patient — including with yourself. The same grace and patience that agape love extends toward others is meant to be extended toward your own growth, pace, and progress. Harsh self-criticism is not humility. It is the absence of love. Love does not envy — and that includes comparing your progress to others'. Negatively measuring your pace against someone else's is not loving, not motivating, and not from God. Agape love allows you to live the life most suited to who you uniquely are. Impatience with your progress is worth examining honestly. Is it rooted in genuine desire to grow, or in a need for recognition, applause, or superiority over others? The question itself is an act of self-awareness that love invites. Self-compassion is not self-indulgence — it is what makes love for others sustainable. As you learn to extend agape love toward yourself, you grow in your capacity to give it away. The two are directly connected. First Corinthians 13 is a love letter from God to you. Read it as a personal word from the One whose love for you requires no achievement, no condition, and no further progress before it is fully given. You are lovable right now, exactly as you are. A Prayer for You Today God, I catch myself trying to do so many things at once that I start to behave in ways that are less than loving — to myself and, as a result, to others. Please pull me back into Your agape love. Teach me through Your love chapter how to see myself as enough, and how to believe that I am unconditionally lovable. Wash me of the pressure and anxiety I cause myself by feeling like I should be more accomplished or further along than I am. Speak to me that this life of mine is Yours, and that You love me right here and right now. Fill me with self-compassion so that I can practice the kind of love that reflects You to others. Thank You for loving me just as I am. In Jesus' name, Amen. Want More? Sig

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 world measures fruitfulness in results, productivity, and visible evidence of effort. Businesses track it. Organizations evaluate it. Even churches can fall into measuring success by the metrics that are easiest to count. And by those standards, much of what God calls us to do would not register as impressive at all. But God is not looking at the quarterly report. He is looking at eternity. John 15:16 carries a truth worth sitting with tonight. You did not choose Me, but I chose you. Before any effort, any achievement, any evidence of productivity, the choosing came first. And the appointment that followed was not to impressive results by the world's measure but to fruit that lasts, fruit with an eternal shelf life that outlasts every trend and metric and season. Lasting fruit looks different from what the world rewards. It grows slowly, through the patient planting and watering of God's Word in our own lives and in others. It is cultivated through prayer and fasting and selfless service. It shows up as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, the fruit of the Spirit growing in us as we remain connected to the Vine. And here is what liberates us from the pressure of productivity: we plant, we water, but God makes things grow. Paul understood this completely. Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is ultimately responsible for the harvest. We are co-workers in God's service, faithful with what He has assigned, and He takes care of the increase. The fruit that lasts is rarely dramatic in the moment. It is the seed planted in a conversation. The Word watered into someone's life over years. The small, consistent acts of faithfulness that compound into something beautiful long after we have forgotten we were even part of it. You were chosen and appointed for this. Not because of what you can produce, but because of who He is and what He intends to grow through you. Ponder Tonight Being chosen by God precedes any fruitfulness we produce. The identity comes before the assignment, which means our value is never contingent on how productive our efforts appear to be. Lasting fruit grows slowly and is often invisible in the early stages. The seed planted today may not bear visible fruit for years, which is why faithfulness and patience are themselves forms of fruitfulness. The division of labor in 1 Corinthians 3:7-9 is freeing: we plant and water, but God causes the growth. Taking responsibility for the harvest that belongs only to Him is a burden we were never meant to carry. The fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 is not achieved through greater effort. It is produced by abiding in Christ, which means the most fruitful thing we can do is stay close to the Vine. Tonight's Scripture "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit, fruit that will last." — John 15:16, NIV "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." — Galatians 5:22-23, NIV Your Evening Prayer Father, Our hearts are grateful and deeply moved to be chosen and appointed by You to bear fruit that brings You glory and honor. We did not choose You first. You chose us. And that truth alone is worth pausing over tonight. Help us accomplish Your plans and purposes. Lead us this week to plant and water faithfully, trusting You to cause the growth we cannot manufacture on our own. Encourage us to look to You daily for direction, releasing the pressure to produce impressive results and embracing instead th

Evening Scripture Luke, Chapter 15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” Evening Reflection The parable of the Prodigal Son, as it is commonly called, is one of the most prof

Aging can bring mixed emotions, especially for parents watching their bodies change while their children grow into adulthood. The world often treats getting older as something to fight against, but Scripture offers a different perspective. Growing older can bring wisdom, deeper faith, greater compassion, and a renewed appreciation for the life God has given us. For parents entering their senior years, aging can become an opportunity to embrace a new season rather than mourn the one that has passed. Years of parenting, relationships, hardships, and answered prayers can produce a wisdom that younger generations need. As physical strength changes, our dependence on God can grow stronger, shifting our focus from temporary circumstances toward His eternal promises. There is also freedom to slow down, enjoy new adventures, invest in family, and discover simple joys that may have been difficult to make room for in earlier seasons. Highlights: Why parents can view aging as a gift rather than something to fear or avoid How growing older can deepen wisdom, compassion, patience, and grace Why aging can strengthen our trust in God’s eternal promises Learning to focus less on temporary circumstances and more on lasting hope How parents can embrace greater freedom, relaxation, hobbies, and new adventures Finding joy in relationships with adult children, grandchildren, and loved ones How faith can provide strength and renewal even as our physical bodies grow weaker Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword 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: 3 Good Reasons for Parents to Embrace Aging By: Lia Girard Bible Reading:"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." - 2 Corinthians 4:16 We're all living in a world that wants us to believe it’s easy to find the next magic pill, new exercise, or diet strategy that will keep us eternally young—even in our old age. Yet we all know: this earthly life will end. None of us escapes this necessary passage, at whatever age God decides we're ready to stand in his presence.  The longer I live… and the more sweet opportunities I’m given to be present with younger people managing life challenges… the more I understand that getting old is a crown of glory (see Proverbs 16:31). We don't all get to arrive in our senior years. As we near them, we may be feeling the pain of letting go of our own parents. It brings us face to face with the finality of this side of heaven.  I've learned, though, while growing out my silver hair, wearing my glasses regularly, and giving up running for yoga, that life fosters compassion as your body weakens. If you're

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.

Most of us move through the world on autopilot — not because we are incapable of noticing, but because we have stopped choosing to. We walk past the bee covered in pollen, the walking stick on a wooden bench, the osprey motionless in a tree above the path we almost took in the other direction. We are present in body but absent in attention, and in that absence, we miss the evidence of God's glory that Psalm 19 declares the heavens themselves cannot stop proclaiming. Becoming a noticer is not a personality trait reserved for the naturally observant. It is a decision — a deliberate, intentional slowing down to see what has always been there, waiting to be seen. A bee on a flower. The intricate architecture of a dandelion seed head before it is blown apart. The line of sight of a hawk fixed on something in the creek below. These are not small things. They are windows into the character of a Creator who designed every detail with intention and care, and who placed us in the middle of His creation to experience it fully rather than sleepwalk through it. Noticing is gratitude in action. It is a form of worship that requires no special equipment — only the willingness to slow down, engage the senses, and look at the same old thing with new eyes. A life lived with that kind of attentiveness is a life drawn consistently and almost involuntarily closer to God, because every genuine encounter with His creation points back to Him. Today's Bible Verse "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."— Psalm 19:1, NIV Ponder Today The whole earth is full of God's glory — but we have to choose to notice it. Creation does not stop declaring His majesty when we are not paying attention. We simply miss what was always there, waiting for eyes that are willing to slow down and see. A life of noticing is a life of gratitude in action. Observing the world around us with intentionality and wonder is not a hobby for the naturally curious. It is a spiritual practice available to every believer who chooses to engage it. Autopilot is the enemy of abundance. Christ came to give life abundantly (John 10:10), and abundant life is lived in the present tense — participating, observing, engaging. Sleepwalking through creation is a kind of apathy that robs us of what God has placed before us. Noticing sharpens more than observation — it sharpens the soul. Every genuine encounter with the details of creation is an encounter with the Creator who designed those details. The more we notice, the closer we are drawn to Him. Look at the same old thing with new eyes. A dandelion puff ball, a patch of sunlight on the floor, birdsong on the way to the car — these are not interruptions to the important things. They are the important things, if we have eyes to see them. A Prayer for You Today God of Creation, we join with the chorus in heaven and cry, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory." We are grateful for Your majesty all around us. May we have eyes to see and ears to hear. Our hearts are full of awe. May we increasingly notice the gifts of creation around us as we traverse this life of abundance You have blessed us with. With grateful hearts we pray, Amen. Want More? Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/  Discover more Christian podcasts at lif

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.

There is something deeply moving about a newborn baby crying in those first moments of life, overwhelmed and out of control, and then hearing a father's voice speak over him. It is okay, buddy. I am here. You are going to be alright. And the crying slows. The tiny body calms. And then, when the father says I love you, the baby opens his eyes and looks intently at his face, and stops crying completely. That is what it looks like to hear your Father's voice when everything feels out of control. Malachi was writing to a people who knew what it was to feel forgotten. Their lives were anything but stable, and the questions were real: where is God? Has He changed His mind about us? Has He forgotten what He promised? And into those questions, God makes one of the most direct declarations in all of Scripture. I, the Lord, do not change. Not I have not changed recently. Not I have not changed in favorable circumstances. He does not change. His nature, His love, His faithfulness, His care for us, none of it shifts with the seasons of our lives. A diagnosis does not change His mind about us. A friendship ending does not alter His character. Plans falling apart do not make Him less present. He has never been surprised by a single thing we have walked through, never forgotten a promise, and never become less faithful simply because we are exhausted. The second half of Malachi 3:6 holds a truth worth sitting with tonight. The Israelites were not consumed, not because they remained faithful, but because He was. There are seasons when faith is strong and seasons when all we can manage is a whispered, help me, Lord. And in those moments, His faithfulness does not weaken. Faithfulness is not something He practices. It is who He is. If God feels silent tonight, lean in. Listen for the voice that steadies the breath and quiets the crying. He is speaking. And the God who was faithful in your yesterday is present in every tomorrow that follows. Ponder Tonight The Israelites were not consumed because of their own faithfulness but because of His. That reframing is one of the most liberating truths in Scripture for anyone whose faith is running low in a difficult season. God's unchanging character is not an abstract theological statement. It is the practical ground we stand on when everything around us is shifting, the one fixed point in a world that moves at the pace of a freight train. The image of a newborn calming at the sound of his father's voice is a picture of what happens to us when we stop long enough to hear God's voice in the middle of the noise and the turmoil. The recognition itself brings peace. Identifying the areas where we have been trying to handle things in our own strength, rather than allowing God to intervene, and bringing those honestly to Him tonight, is one of the most important forms of surrender available to us. Tonight's Scripture "For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed." — Malachi 3:6, ESV Your Evening Prayer Father, Remind us right now of Your steady love. Help us trust that You are unchanging, even when everything around us feels unsteady. When our faith is strong, we praise You. And when all we can manage is a whispered help me, Lord, remind us that Your faithfulness does not depend on the strength of ours. May we lean in to hear the still, small voice that steadies our walk and allows You to draw close. You are a good, good Father, and we trust You in all the circumstances that surround us tonight, the ones we understand and the ones we do not. We lay them all at Your feet. In Jesus' name, Amen.