Podcasts from Ambassador Ministries

Episode 130 is all about helping. Average Boy receives some help from Clubhouse magazine readers who help him recall a few wild tales that Bob doesn’t even remember living! From a fishing trip gone wrong to a rodeo surprise involving mutton busting, this episode is packed with laugh-out-loud moments. And along the way, Bob and Jesse provide helpful thoughts about sharing your faith in Jesus, the importance of asking questions and how to tell the difference between joking with friends and hurting someone’s feelings. The guys end with a helpful reminder that God made you to be the best you, you can be.Click here to see the new Average Boy book title and cover! Click here to visit the Average Boy Store to gain access to books, devotionals, subscriptions to Cl… We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you enjoyed listening to The Official Average Boy Podcast, please give us your feedback.

How do you trust God when suffering doesn't end? Pastor Shane Colwell knows this question intimately. For more than a decade, he and his family have cared for their son Chase, who lives with profound medical challenges, daily seizures, and ongoing uncertainty. Through years of hardship, Shane has discovered that God's faithfulness is often found not in immediate healing, but in His sustaining presence. In this deeply practical and biblically rich conversation, Pastor Shane answers some of the most difficult questions Christians ask about suffering. Together, he and Stephanie discuss lament, unanswered prayers, chronic illness, disability, grief, marriage, community, and how to cling to God's character when life doesn't make sense. Whether you're navigating disability, caregiving, chronic pain, or a season of unanswered questions, this episode offers compassionate encouragement and biblical hope for every believer. Get your copy of Shane’s book: I KNOW IT HURTS: 6 Biblical Truths from a Pastor and Father of a Medically Fragile Child Find out more about Shane and connect with him at ShaneColwellMinistries.com Follow Shane and his son Chase’s story on Facebook at @ShaneColwellMinistries and @TeamChaseColwell Read Shane’s Blog: ShaneColwellMinistries.com/Blog/ Read Joni Eareckson Tada’s thoughts on how Suffering Reveals the Goodness of the Father   KEY QUESTIONS: How can you grow closer to God while suffering?  What is the difference between lament and complaining?  How does God used suffering to refine your faith?  How can you trust God when healing doesn't come?    KEY SCRIPTURES: 1 Peter 1:6-7, "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (ESV) 2 Corinthians 12:9, "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." Psalm 23:4, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (ESV) Galatians 6:2, "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support.<a href="https://joniandfriends.org/podcast/?utm_source=ministry_podcast&utm_med

Do you lean more towards being a rule-follower or wanting to have fun with your kids? Jonathan McKee and Jim Daly discuss why a healthy parent needs both rules and relationship. Danny will follow that up with some thoughts on having good boundaries with your kids during the school year. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.If I Had a Parenting Do OverParenting Resource PageBalancing Bonding and Boundaries as a Parent (Digital)Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster

If your mate is getting on your nerves, it's good to pause and focus on their best qualities. Ted Lowe joins Jim Daly to give couples a framework on seeing the best in each other. Plus, John and the Smalley's share about how you need to have honest and constructive conversations, even if your mate is bugging you. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILYUs in MindFocus on Marriage AssessmentChanging Your Mindset in Marriage (Digital Download)Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Podcast

On this WPN Call #573, Dr. Jim Garlow is joined by three special guests: Oklahoma U.S. Senator James Lankford, Dr. Robert Malone, and reporter Matthew Monfore. They discuss the disgraceful conduct of Dr. Anthony Fauci at his recent Senate hearing.     Dr. Jim Garlow has partnered with Pastor Mario Bramnick and Terry Barnes to bring you World Prayer Network (WPN), which seeks out Holy Spirit given strategies for how to be an effective and contagious Christ-follower in our present national situations. WPN hosts weekly prayer calls to seek out strategies for the transformation of nations, including our own. During these live calls, we share briefings from key leaders and then pray into what we see and hear from the Lord.     Follow us on social media:  facebook.com/wellversedworld twitter: @wellversedworld instagram: @wellversedworld www.wellversedworld.org

According to James 3, the words you use are like fruit that grows on a tree, and the fruit you get match the kind of tree it is. So you need to ask, “What kind of tree am I?”As our thanks for your gift of any amount this month:Finding Beauty in Every Season."Finding Beauty in Every System: 30 Reflections to Start Your Day" invites women to begin each morning with quiet encouragement, biblical truth, and reminders of God’s faithfulness through every season of life.Give today

How can all the Bible be all about Jesus when His name doesn't explicitly appear till the New Testament? From Genesis to Leviticus to Esther, it may be hard to see Jesus on the surface of every page, but he's there—in profound and subtle ways. Dr. Dennis Johnson is a scholar and one of the founding faculty members of Westminster Seminary in California. Today, he joins David Wollen to discuss a christocentric approach to reading and studying God's Word. If you are new to this way of reading the Bible, we encourage you to be patient. It may take some time to learn to see Jesus on every page, but it's important and worth the effort. Because this is not merely a hermeneutical trick of smoke and mirrors ... it's the way Jesus himself taught his disciples to study and teach the Scriptures. 

Love the show? Text us your feedback! A tiny number of living cells can cross the placenta and be exchanged between mothers and babies. These exchanged cells can stay for decades, sometimes for life, turning pregnancy into a lasting biological connection you can’t see with the naked eye. That phenomenon is microchimerism, and it’s one of the most fascinating pieces of pregnancy science we’ve ever explored. This week we’re joined by Dr. Tara Sander Lee, a scientist with more than 25 years of experience spanning public policy, academic research, and clinical medicine. Together, we break down what fetal microchimerism and maternal microchimerism actually mean, how researchers first proved it using Y chromosome detection and fetal DNA in maternal blood, and why scientists now find these cells across many maternal tissues. Learn how modern prenatal screening relies on the reality that fetal DNA can be detected surprisingly early.You will also discover the hopeful medical implications: fetal cells that appear to migrate toward injury sites after a C-section, reports suggesting fetal cells may contribute to maternal heart repair, and the way maternal cells can help train a baby’s immune system. We connect those insights to real-world outcomes like transplant tolerance, why maternal organ donation may sometimes be better tolerated, and what this could mean for future fetal surgery and in utero stem cell transplantation for genetic disorders.Finally, we address the public debate this science touches, including claims that an unborn baby is a “parasite,” and why cellular evidence points to a far more complex and human story. Subscribe for more, share this conversation with someone who loves science and life, and leave a review with your biggest question about microchimerism.Here are resources to discover more about this fascinating phenomenon:Resources: Salt4life.org  Beyond the Biological Souvenir: The Evolving Landscape of Fetal Microchimerism  Forever Connected: The Lifelong Biological Consequences of Fetomaternal and Maternofetal Microchimerism  Voyage of Life: Fetal Microchimerism  Grandmaternal cells in cord blood Support the show

More parents in the Christian community are trying homeschooling. But how do you know if it's the right move for you and your children? Monica Swanson talks to Jim Daly about some of the things she learned from choosing to homeschool her kids. John and Danny will also address parents who want to homeschool but are concerned about their kids' social lives. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.Becoming HomeschoolersTake the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting AssessmentHome Schooling: Giving Your Child a Strong Foundation (Digital)Resources: HomeschoolingPlanning Your Home School

How do you learn to accept the differences between you and your mate even when they rub you the wrong way? John and the Smalley's open up about times they've worked through annoyances in their own marriages. Plus, Joey and Kari Stageberg tell Jim Daly a funny story about how cleaning a sink created a misunderstanding. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILYThe Merge for MarriageFocus on Marriage AssessmentBlending Two Lives into One Flesh (Digital)Dealing with Your Differences: Decide, Don’t SlideSpeak with a Counselor

Week 5 of the Series Cultivated: Fruit of the Spirit. A message by Travis Eades.

In this deeply honest and hope-filled conversation, author Katie Blackburn shares her journey as a single mom of six, raising a son with severe autism. With vulnerability and wisdom, Katie reflects on how God meets us in our limits: not with quick fixes, but with sustaining mercy. From the unexpected joy of a disability baseball league to the power of community in breaking isolation, Katie reminds us that we are not meant to do the hard things alone. She also shares practical encouragement for parents, churches, and anyone longing to better support the disability community. This episode is a tender invitation to embrace grace in the middle of chaos, to find purpose in the present moment, and to trust that even when life looks different than we imagined, God is still writing a beautiful story.   Get your copy of Katie’s book: The Very Best Baseball Game Find out more about Katie and connect with her at KatieBlackburn.com and on Instagram at @katiemblackburn Listen to Jerry Sittser’s podcast episode: How to Grow through Significant Loss and Grief   KEY QUESTIONS: How do you hold onto hope that God has a plan? How can you develop a heart of compassion for those with disabilities?   KEY SCRIPTURES: Romans 8:26-27: “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support.Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on J

Many kids today feel overly pressured to perform well in sports. Brian Smith and Dr. Ed Uszynski speak with Jim Daly on how parents can have a proper perspective on when their kids play sports. Also, Danny gives you some encouragement if you realize you've been putting too much pressure on your kids in athletics. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.Away GameTake the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting AssessmentTeaching Kids Character Through Sports (Digital)Sports from a Christian Family PerspectiveListen to Focus Live on Godcaster

When your spouse is getting on your nerves, it's good to remember the qualities that attracted you to him or her. Karen Leann Murphy joins Jim Daly to share how she reminded herself of the good things about her husband. Also, John, Greg and Erin discuss how dating and engaged couples can focus on the best in their potential mate before they walk the aisle. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY2-Book Becoming a Husband/Wife BundleFocus on Marriage AssessmentBefore the Wedding Bells: Essential Pre-Marital Tips for Couples (Digital Download)Ready to Wed: Pre-Marital Counseling KitSpeak with a counselor

In 1962, Don and Carol Richardson, along with their seven-month-old baby, traveled to a remote tribe known for treachery, headhunting, and cannibalism. Eventually, after living among the people and learning their language, this tribe came to know Jesus. The dramatic story is captured in the classic "Peace Child" book and movie, but what was it like from the perspective of the Richardsons' child who saw it firsthand?  On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, Steve Richardson, the boy who grew up among the Sawi people, joins David Wollen to share the story behind the story, as well as what it's like among the Sawi people today—more than a half century later.

This podcast is only possible with the support of listeners like you. Please consider giving generously to the work of helping women thrive in Christ: Give today

Love the show? Text us your feedback! The hardest part of helping someone in an unexpected pregnancy is not having the perfect argument. It is being there, saying the first kind words, and building enough trust that real help can break through the chaos.We sit down with Lauren Muzyka, founder and CEO of Sidewalk Advocates for Life, and Melissa Yeomans, Senior Regional Programs Manager, to explain what trained sidewalk counseling looks like in real life. They walk us through the rhythm of a typical outreach shift: prayer, a calm and friendly presence, quick conversations at the driveway, and the simple but powerful practice of asking and listening. Because there is always a driver behind the appointment, we talk about how advocates learn to identify the pressure points like money, fear, relationship dynamics, prenatal diagnosis, severe morning sickness, or even signs of trafficking and then connect women to local pregnancy resource centers and practical support.We also address the tough questions people worry about: intimidation, harassment, abortion escorts, and staying law-abiding and peaceful on public sidewalks. Lauren shares why their four-and-a-half-hour training is built to equip ordinary people with a clear method, confidence, and legal basics, plus how men and women can both play meaningful roles in reaching couples and companions.Finally, we look at the post-Roe reality and the rise of the abortion pill and mail-order abortion. Outreach cannot stay only in parking lots, so we explore the idea of “virtual sidewalk advocates,” church ambassador efforts, and meeting abortion-minded women where they search for answers online. If you want practical pro-life outreach tools rooted in compassion, clarity, and real-world experience, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review with one takeaway you want more people to hear.Support the show

When your spouse is getting on your nerves, it's good to remember the qualities that attracted you to him or her. Karen Leann Murphy joins Jim Daly to share how she reminded herself of the good things about her husband. Also, John, Greg and Erin discuss how dating and engaged couples can focus on the best in their potential mate before they walk the aisle. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY2-Book Becoming a Husband/Wife BundleFocus on Marriage AssessmentBefore the Wedding Bells: Essential Pre-Marital Tips for Couples (Digital Download)Ready to Wed: Pre-Marital Counseling KitCounseling Consultation and Referrals

Jim Daly and Pastor J.D. Greear explore how Christians can faithfully engage a polarized culture without losing sight of the gospel. Drawing from J.D.'s book Everyday Revolutionary, he challenges believers to avoid the twin errors of political disengagement and over-identifying Christian hope with political power. He explains the vital distinction between the mission of the church and the calling of individual Christians, urging the church to lead with grace and truth while remaining deeply rooted in community service.Everyday RevolutionaryBOOK: Buy your copy of Jim Daly’s book, ReFOCUS! He shares how believers can engage others in the culture with the love of Christ and reveal the heart of God.SUPPORT REFOCUS! GIVE HERE!Send your feedback or questions to Jim in the Contact Form.

Hello, my friend. I hope you’re having a good day. Did you know God has a goal for you? It’s not that you would preach to millions, or cure diseases, or end wars. God’s goal for you is to think and act like Jesus. That starts in your brain, with what you allow your mind to entertain. So when you think more like Jesus, you begin to act more like Jesus. And then who knows what you might accomplish!

It was a big deal when the Defense Department approved women being in combat roles. And however you feel about that, I’ll tell you this, women being in combat might be new for the military, but they’re not new at fighting a good fight. I’m Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about “Women Fighting for What They Love.” I’ve been there when my wife brought a new life into the world. Believe me, she was a warrior. I’ve been close by when our daughter and daughters-in-law birthed our grandchildren. A battle they fought and won, big-time. I’ve joked that if men had to have the babies, the human race would probably be extinct in a generation. I know women who refuse to cave in to the “everybody’s doing it” pressure to give up one of their greatest treasures – their virginity. They insist – against the tide – that they will keep sex special for the man they will commit their life to. In many cases, that’s a lonely stand – one that merits a moral Medal of Honor. Some will call them weird. I say they’re rare – and, like collectibles, the less there are of them, the more valuable they become. There are the women warriors who fight for their marriage when others would have given up. They believe, as God does, that marriage is for life – while their world bombards them with the notion that marriage is until it gets hard. I just checked my Bible. It still says, “They are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Mark 10:8-9). No matter what the latest opinion poll says, it’s nice to know you’ve got God on your side. Can raising a whole and healthy child in this culture be considered anything less than a battle? Today our kids are navigating a spiritual minefield, and it’s littered with moral IEDs that can blow up a life. But between many a child and those destructors stands a mom who’s fighting for them. Countering the lies of a deceived and deceiving culture with winsome truth about what’s really right and what really matters. Lovingly listening as a son or daughter grapples with the inconsistency between the lies they hear at school and the truth they hear at home. This woman winsomely sows – and models day and night – God’s ways from the Bible. Because it’s “a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” the Bible says (Psalm 119:105). The child who makes God’s ways their way can say with the psalmist, “I run in the path of Your commands.” Oh wait, you mean all bound by rules, right? Hardly. It goes on to say, “For You have set my heart free” (Psalm 119:32). And though the battle that rages for a child’s life can be scary, the medal-deserving mom doesn’t succumb to that paralysis of fear. She knows “God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). She refuses to just play defense, hoping she’ll raise a “survivor.” She plays offense, determined to raise a game-changer. The ultimate woman warrior is not the one with the M-16 and the body armor. She knows the ultimate weapon for winning the battle for a life. She’s a woman, on her knees, crying out to her all-powerful God for someone she’s fighting for. Here’s our word for today from the Word of God, 2 Chronicles 20:15, “the battle is not yours, but God’s.” This woman knows that prayer unleashes God’s power to, in the Bible’s words, “demolish strongholds,” to “destroy the Devil’s work,” to “remove a heart of stone” and “give you a new heart” (2 Corinthians 10:4; 1 John 3:8; Ezekiel 36:26). She releases the ones she loves to the One who loves them so much more. Yes, women have been fighting life’s most decisive battles for a long time. And those who have embraced Jesus as the great love of their life fight their battles with His death-reversing, resurrection power on their side. So if you know one of these women, hono

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Nothing exciting is happening in Average Boy’s life . . . except for a failed attempt to start a bring-your-own-boat water ski school. As Bob bemoans being bored, he remembers back to his first mission trip. From airport misadventures with “Mr. Security Guard” to building a playground in downtown Chicago, Bob shares the story of how a small act of kindness made a big difference for one little girl. Episode 129 wraps up with a listener from Northern Ireland delivering a joke that’s equal parts confusing and hilarious. Click here to see the new Average Boy book title and cover! Click here to visit the Average Boy Store to gain access to books, devotionals, subscriptions to Cl… We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you enjoyed listening to The Official Average Boy Podcast, please give us your feedback.

What happens when the life you've built changes in an instant? Former professional basketball player Patric Young seemed to have everything ahead of him: a successful athletic career, a new job, and a wedding just days away. Then a devastating car accident left him paralyzed from the waist down and forced him to confront big questions of identity, purpose, and faith. In this conversation, Patric shares how God met him in suffering, taught him to surrender what he could not control, and helped him discover that his value was never rooted in his abilities. Together, Stephanie and Patric discuss disability, grief, community, perseverance, and the hope that remains even when circumstances don't change. Whether you're navigating disability, chronic hardship, caregiving, or an unexpected life transition, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for trusting God in the middle of life's hardest seasons. Follow Patric on Instagram: @patricyoung4 Get a copy of Patric’s book, Sit to Rise: Turning Your Darkest Pain into Your Brightest Victory Learn about the Patric Young Foundation   MENTIONED RESOURCES: A Place of Healing, Joni Eareckson Tada Win the Day, Mark Batterson The Circle Maker, Mark Batterson Failing Forward, John C. Maxwell   KEY QUESTIONS:  What does it look like to choose hope when your circumstances haven't yet changed? What is God teaching you in your current season?   KEY SCRIPTURES: James 1:2-4: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." John 10:10: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Romans 8:18: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support.Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through <a href="https://www.joniandfriends.org/jonis-house/?utm_source=ministry_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&u

“Why do bad things happen to good people?” It's a question many of us have wrestled with. On this week's podcast, Charles Morris joins David Wollen to share about his recent medical diagnosis, what it means to face life's final chapter, and the enduring hope he has in Christ. Listen to the new episode: Charles Morris on Facing Life’s Final Chapter.

What happens when fear gets louder than your faith? Dannah Gresh and Suzy Weibel explore the story of Peter walking on water—and what it means to keep your eyes on Jesus when life feels scary.As our thanks for your gift of any amount this month:What Is a Woman?.In this concise, biblical booklet, Mary Kassian points to an unshakeable truth: God created you as a woman intentionally, purposefully, and lovingly. Your womanhood isn’t random, negotiable, or dependent on how feminine you feel.Give today

Hi, friend. I hope you’re doing well today. This week on the podcast, we’re looking at a familiar passage in John 15 that was particularly helpful to me during a season of transition at our church a few years ago. In Jesus’s final message to his disciples before his arrest, he issued to most important call: Abide in Me.

Week 3 of the Series Cultivated: Fruit of the Spirit. A message by Max Lucado.

In this world, suffering touches every life, including those who follow Christ. Why does God allow hardship? And how can we continue to trust Him when life feels overwhelming? Join David Wollen on a new episode of the Great Stories Podcast as he talks with special guest Joni Eareckson Tada to explore how God meets us in our deepest pain and offers lasting hope through every trial.

What does true belonging look like for families living with disability? In this conversation, Carrie Mastenbrook shares her journey as a mom to Andrew, who had a stroke at birth and lives with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. From overwhelming early medical challenges to unexpected moments of joy (like Andrew becoming a Special Olympics champion), Carrie reflects on how God has been present through it all. Now serving with Joni and Friends, Carrie is passionate about helping churches move beyond simply accommodating families with disabilities to truly embracing them. She offers practical wisdom, personal stories, and encouragement for both families and church leaders seeking to build a community where everyone is seen, known, and valued. This episode is a beautiful reminder that even in life’s hard moments, God is near. He is always working to bring purpose, connection, and belonging through Jesus. Connect with your local Joni and Friends U.S. Ministry Office Learn more about Joni and Friends Family Retreat Discover free Church Training Resources Volunteer with Joni and Friends!   KEY QUESTIONS: How can your church move from simply accommodating families with disabilities to truly embracing them? How can your church better include people with disabilities in your current discipleship programs?   KEY SCRIPTURES: Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength. You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support.Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.<

Tall grass - dead mower. That was my sad situation that spring. I tried everything to get my power mower going, but it really didn’t want to start. Of course, that didn’t stop the lawn from growing, no. I went away for a little while, came back, and the grass was now taking over. (Get your machete, Ron.) Well, I played with my mower again and again, and it still didn’t respond. We were starting to look like maybe the set of a “Tarzan” movie. And my mower, oh it didn’t care. So I started looking for alternative equipment to get the job done. Let’s see, my hair clippers. Yeah, how about that uh...the ones you use for your haircuts? I was desperate, but I did not try to cut the grass with my hair clippers. No, they work great on hair; they would not work great on my lawn. But, on the other hand, how would you like to get your hair cut with a lawn mower? I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about “Missing Your Meaning.” Well, you’d have to wonder about someone who tried to use hair clippers to trim a lawn or a lawn mower to trim hair. They both work fine when you use them as they were supposed to be used. But machines don’t work when you use them for something they weren’t designed for and neither do we. And right there is the reason so many of us are wondering what the meaning of our life really is; why we still don’t know the answer to life’s most fundamental question “Why am I here?” We’re missing what we were designed for and things just don’t seem to be working. Even people who are enjoying a lot of success, whose life is pretty smooth, have to admit that in their honest moments it’s still not very fulfilling. The meaning just isn't there. The peace isn’t there. And when we’re not living like we were designed to, things just don’t work very well. Marriage doesn’t work like it’s supposed to, relationships don’t, even our achievements. There’s never enough love, never enough excitement, and never any real peace. Time to break out the Manufacturer’s instructions. Of course I mean the Manufacturer of you and me. Here’s how your Creator says you were designed to live. Put your life next to this blueprint and see how you’re doing. It’s in our word for today from the Word of God in Colossians 1:16. Speaking of Jesus Christ, God says, “All things were created by Him and for Him.” There’s your created destiny in six words, “Created by Jesus and for Jesus.” Like the earth was created to revolve around the sun, you and I were created to revolve our life around the One who made us, but we don’t. The reality is more like this: “Created for Him - living for me. In the Bible’s words, “Each of us has turned to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6). If you’re missing the meaning of it all, it’s because you’re missing the One who gives life meaning; the One who gave you your life in the first place and the One who gave His life so you could get back to your Creator. Jesus died on the cross to pay the death penalty for all of your “me first” choices so that Grand Canyon between you and God could finally be bridged. So you could finally know the peace of being who you were made to be - of belonging to the One whose love you were made for. Maybe you’re ready to begin this awesome personal relationship with your Creator God. It's like coming home. If you’d like to, why don’t you tell Jesus that right now? “Jesus, I’m Yours.” Tell Him you’re putting all your trust in Him to be your rescuer from your sin. And only He had the power to walk out of His grave under His own power and to walk into your life. I’d love to have you visit our website today because there is the information you need to make sure you’ve begun a relationship with Jesus. That site is ANewStory.com. You’ve done enough days without the meaning you were made for haven't you; without the Sav

Have you ever felt like your thoughts were completely out of control? Dannah Gresh and Suzy Weibel head behind the scenes at a theme park to discover something powerful: just because life feels out of control doesn’t mean God is.As our thanks for your gift of any amount this month:What Is a Woman?.In this concise, biblical booklet, Mary Kassian points to an unshakeable truth: God created you as a woman intentionally, purposefully, and lovingly. Your womanhood isn’t random, negotiable, or dependent on how feminine you feel.Give today

On this WPN Call #568, we replay Dr. Jim Garlow's message from July 3 at the Museuem of the Bible in Washington D.C., titled, titled, "Recounting Our Nation's Glorious Founding Under God," in which he gave a 150-year sweep of history, sharing how the Gospel came to, and spread throughout, the Thirteen Colonies, from 1607 to just after the Revolutionary War.     Website: https://www.wellversedworld.org/haym https://www.wellversedworld.org/mtf     Dr. Jim Garlow has partnered with Pastor Mario Bramnick and Terry Barnes to bring you World Prayer Network (WPN), which seeks out Holy Spirit given strategies for how to be an effective and contagious Christ-follower in our present national situations. WPN hosts weekly prayer calls to seek out strategies for the transformation of nations, including our own. During these live calls, we share briefings from key leaders and then pray into what we see and hear from the Lord.     Follow us on social media:  facebook.com/wellversedworld twitter: @wellversedworld instagram: @wellversedworld www.wellversedworld.org

Hello, friend. I hope you’re have a good day. We’re in the throes of summer vacation, which for many of us means more time with our families. Kids at home during the day with no school, summer trips, family reunions. These things bring fun and lasting memories, but they can also bring added stress. The apostle Paul has a word for families in his letter to the Colossians. I pray it encourages you if you find yourself feeling a little tense amidst some extra togetherness.

Week 2 of the Series Cultivated: Fruit of the Spirit. A message by Jenna Bishop.

Worship leader and songwriter Isaac Immanuel shares his powerful story of faith in the midst of suffering. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare brittle bone disease that has resulted in hundreds of fractures and dozens of surgeries, Isaac has learned to see weakness as a platform for God’s strength. In this conversation, he opens up about living with disability, stepping out in faith to embrace God’s calling on his life, and cultivating a posture of humility and worship. Through his story and music, Isaac offers a compelling reminder of what it means to find true identity in Christ and to hold onto hope even through the breaking. He is known for his authentic faith and passion for leading others in worship. As someone who has faced significant physical challenges from a young age, Isaac speaks candidly about the tension between limitation and calling. With a desire to encourage his generation, he shares how God faithfully answers prayers and cares for the desires of our hearts, often in ways that reveal His preparation long before we recognize it. Isaac’s story is a reminder that God’s strength is made evident not in spite of weakness, but through it. Follow Isaac Immanuel on Instagram and TikTok Stream his original song “Out of Darkness”   KEY QUESTIONS: What does “worship” mean to you? How do you live it out in everyday life? How would you encourage your generation to step out in faith and into their calling? What has been the result of saying “yes” to God in this endeavor?   KEY SCRIPTURES: 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (KJV) Proverbs 16:9: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support.Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on <a href="https://www.joniandfriends.org/media/radio/?utm_source=ministry_p

What do you do if your in-laws are making things difficult for you and your spouse? Drs. John Townsend and Henry Cloud talk with Jim Daly about how to respond if an in-law is pressuring you to do things that hinder you from prioritizing your marriage. Plus, Greg Smalley describes how he's learned to focus more on his marriage while not relying on his parents as much. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/marriagepodcast or call 1-800-A-FAMILY.Get today's featured resource, "Boundaries."Take the Focus on Marriage Assessment.Download "Establishing Healthy Boundaries With Your In-Laws."Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment.Listen to Focus Live on Godcaster.

While munching on some giant pretzels at an amusement park, Dannah Gresh and Suzy Weibel discover why anxious thoughts can get SO loud—and how to recognize which voices are actually telling the truth. Because not every thought deserves a microphone.As our thanks for your gift of any amount this month:What Is a Woman?.In this concise, biblical booklet, Mary Kassian points to an unshakeable truth: God created you as a woman intentionally, purposefully, and lovingly. Your womanhood isn’t random, negotiable, or dependent on how feminine you feel.Give today

What is truly worth living and dying for? For Lilias Trotter, this question led her to consider two diverging paths. Would she turn her back on a promising future as one of the greatest artists in the Victorian era? Or embrace relative obscurity in service to her Lord? Lilias Trotter chose the latter, and it defined her legacy that—until recently—was all but lost to history. On today's episode of the Great Stories podcast, David Wollen is joined by Miriam Rockness—a woman who has devoted three decades of her life to researching this little-known artist and missionary. It's in large part thanks to Miriam's diligent work that we can now learn Lilias Trotter's incredible story. When you listen today, you'll hear how this multi-decade journey came about, as well as how Miriam learned that the best life is one that is surrendered to Christ with no reservations, caveats, or holdbacks. For your gift to Haven Ministries, you can dig deeper into Lilias Trotter's captivating story through the DVD Many Beautiful Things: The Life and Vision of Lilias Trotter. Make your gift to receive your copy at haventoday.org.

Love the show? Text us your feedback! If equal protection were applied to the unborn, what would enforcement actually look like in American law? The 14th Amendment promises equal protection, but who counts as a “person” when the law is applied to the unborn? This week we sit down with Princeton’s Professor Robert P George, a leading scholar of jurisprudence and constitutional interpretation, alongside Professor John Londregan, to make a careful case that the Constitution’s guarantees should extend to children in the womb, not only to those already born.The core dispute at the heart of the abortion debate is personhood. We talk through the biological reality of human development, the original public meaning of “person” in 1868, and why Section 5 matters for Congress’s authority when states fail to protect vulnerable lives. Also addressed is the claim that the 14th Amendment was about race rather than abortion. Then we get practical and argue for an approach focused on preventing death, avoiding vengeance, and preserving compassion for women in difficult circumstances, while also taking seriously the claim that abortion ends a human life.If you care about constitutional law, originalism, equal protection, personhood, and the real-world stakes of abortion policy, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this episode with someone who thinks differently, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.Support the show

Week 1 of the Series Cultivated: Fruit of the Spirit. A message by Travis Eades.

Stephanie Daniels, our host of the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast, is gearing up for Season 8. Join her each week this summer to hear from inspiring guests who will encourage you right where you are. Whether you're looking for practical ways your church can embrace people living with disability, you are personally facing a new disability or diagnosis, or you serve as a caregiver, you’ll discover hope through your hardship as you listen! Join us for your weekly dose of encouragement beginning Thursday, July 9th. We'll see you soon! Subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen: Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram for episode updates and more! You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support.Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Among the stories of believers who came before us, there are some who stand out—lives that point to God's faithfulness across generations. Join David Wollen this week on the Great Stories Podcast for "Erwin Lutzer on What Makes Someone a Giant of the Faith." David is joined by pastor and author Erwin Lutzer to reflect on the life and legacy of Warren Wiersbe and the qualities that made his faithful ministry an inspiration to generations of Christians.

Dannah Gresh and Suzy Weibel head to a theme park to discover what Jesus says about anxiety—and why worry can feel a lot like a rollercoaster ride.As our thanks for your gift of any amount this month:What Is a Woman?.In this concise, biblical booklet, Mary Kassian points to an unshakeable truth: God created you as a woman intentionally, purposefully, and lovingly. Your womanhood isn’t random, negotiable, or dependent on how feminine you feel.Give today

Love the show? Text us your feedback! “Don’t look in the toilet.” That warning sits at the center of one of the most intense personal stories we’ve shared. Sarah Huff did look and then could never unsee it. This week we talk with Sarah Huff, who shares how trauma, homelessness, and a promise of “empowerment” pulled her into high-profile feminist activism and a push for abortion. Her chemical abortion experience, medical crisis, and recovery reshape her view of life, faith, and the real options women deserve when pregnancy feels impossible.Her message to women facing an unplanned pregnancy: you are not out of options, and you do not have to do this alone.  If you found this conversation valuable, subscribe, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find Straight Talk on Life Issues. What question do you want us to tackle next?Support the show