The subtle danger of using wealth to boast is explored through the story of King Hezekiah, who treated God's miraculous provision as a monument to his own success. This temptation is not new and can lead to spiritual toxicity. Modern-day stewards must ask whether their wealth is creeping into their identity and check what their possessions are pointing to. Faithful stewardship flips the script and says, 'Everything I have has been entrusted to me by God.' [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie warns against letting the devil gain a foothold in our lives through anger and envy. He teaches from the book of Genesis, explaining how sin entered the world and how the devil seeks to ruin lives. Pastor Laurie emphasizes the importance of mastering sin and seeking God's solution to man's problem, highlighting the power of Jesus Christ to overcome the devil and bring forgiveness and salvation to those who seek it. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie explores the theme of sin and temptation in the Garden of Eden, highlighting the three categories of temptation: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. He also discusses the importance of guarding our thoughts and being careful about what we expose ourselves to, and how we can resist sin and the power of the Lord. [... more]

The White House is considering a housing bill that could lead to high-density housing in suburban areas, potentially changing the voting base and leading to a loss of control in Red America. Meanwhile, tensions are rising in the Middle East as Iran is accused of violating a ceasefire in the strait of Hormuz, with a cargo vessel being attacked in Omani waters. [... more]

The power of the gospel of Jesus Christ can overcome even the most daunting challenges and spiritual attacks. Through the story of Philip and the Samaritans, we learn that the power is in the message, not in the messenger. Christians must be willing to take the next step, even in the face of uncertainty, and trust God with the results. The goal is not to be weird or judgmental, but to live out their faith in a way that is authentic and loving, and to invite others to explore the truth of the gospel. [... more]

Greg Laurie shares the importance of prayer and approaching God with persistence, humility, and childlike faith. He explains that God cares about our problems, is bigger than our problems, and has perfect timing in prayer. Laurie also discusses the dangers of worry and anxiety, and how prayer is God's appointed way for obtaining things. He encourages listeners to model faith for their children and to approach God with complete dependence and honesty, just like children do. [... more]

The story of the toilet reveals a fascinating history of innovation and perseverance, from ancient civilizations to modern times. The development of water-fed toilets, sewer systems, and toilet paper transformed the way people lived and interacted with their environment, leading to significant improvements in public health and hygiene. [... more]

Navigating credit card debt and taxes can be overwhelming, but seeking professional help and understanding tax laws can lead to financial freedom. Planning for retirement, including 401k and Roth IRA options, is also crucial for a secure future. Giving to support the work of the Lord, including tithing, is an important aspect of being a faithful steward of God's resources. [... more]

Nehemiah's journey in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls serves as a model for problem-solving and leadership. He assesses the need, gets a group, expects a fight, and takes a stand, demonstrating faith and perseverance in the face of discouragement. [... more]

North Carolina Representative Sarah Stevens resigns from the state House to run for the Supreme Court, while nearly two-thirds of opportunity scholarship dollars go to lower-income families. Meanwhile, a growing trend of municipal financial distress is being highlighted by State Auditor Dave Bollock, with Rocky Mount facing significant cash flow issues. The case of DeCarlos Brown, who killed a 22-year-old Ukrainian refugee on the Charlotte Light Rail, is also being closely watched as he is deemed incompetent to stand trial and will undergo treatment for up to four months. [... more]

Nehemiah, a cupbearer for King Artaxerxes, travels 900 miles to rebuild Jerusalem's broken-down walls, demonstrating the importance of going the distance, assessing the need, and getting a group to solve problems and achieve goals. [... more]

The power of the gospel of Christ comes through the Word of God, which is alive and powerful, and sharper than a sword. Preaching and teaching the Word of God is essential for a spiritual awakening and the reformation of souls, as demonstrated in the story of Jonah and the people of Nineveh who believed in God after hearing the warning of Jonah's God. [... more]

When encountering someone on the street who is homeless, it's essential to consider the biblical foundation of caring for the poor and the importance of showing love and compassion without enabling sinful behavior. Dr. David W. Jones, a senior professor of Christian ethics, discusses the ethics of giving to homeless people and how to show compassion without causing harm, highlighting the need to consider the root causes of poverty and the importance of long-term involvement in addressing it. [... more]

A professor reflects on the importance of understanding the 'why' behind our actions, particularly in teaching and mentoring students. He shares a personal story of connecting with a student who was struggling with self-doubt and finding value in their work. [... more]

Dave Harvey shares his personal experiences of suffering and weakness as a Christian leader, and how it has shaped his perspective on resilience, ministry, and marriage. He discusses how God's power is displayed through human weakness, and how leaders can embody the gospel by embracing their own sinfulness and vulnerability. [... more]

Debt management and credit counseling can help individuals achieve financial freedom by paying off debt up to 80% faster while honoring financial commitments. Retirement planning strategies, such as delaying annuity payments, can also increase monthly benefits. Understanding annuities, Roth IRAs, and 401k rollovers is crucial for making informed financial decisions. Seeking the advice of a certified financial advisor can provide peace of mind and ensure a secure financial future. [... more]

Busyness can be a spiritually dangerous distraction from financial faithfulness, leading to neglect of habits that build long-term stewardship. To stay financially faithful in a busy season, slow down, prioritize what matters most, simplify, remember that small acts of faithfulness matter, and keep the goal in view. Financial decisions should be guided by biblical wisdom, not just transactions, and every dollar earned, spent, saved, or given becomes an opportunity to express what we believe about God. [... more]

David, the strong and valiant king, fell into a moment of weakness, committing adultery and murder, but ultimately repented and was forgiven by God. This example highlights the universal problem of spiritual weakness, even among the most spiritual of God's people, and the importance of recognizing the root cause of disobedience. A moment of weakness can destroy everything worked for in the past and result in painful and lasting consequences, emphasizing the need to seek God's guidance and direction in times of success, relaxation, and idleness. [... more]

The book of Proverbs offers practical wisdom for living a righteous life, warning against bad behaviors such as laziness, pride, a destructive tongue, anger, revenge, gluttony, and envy, which can lead to negative outcomes, but provides remedies for these behaviors through the application of God's wisdom. [... more]

The professional sports leagues' shift from opposing to embracing sports gambling, and the consequences of this decision, including the rise of problem gambling and addiction among young people. [... more]

Retirement isn't the end of your purpose, but rather a new season to live it out. A biblical perspective on retirement emphasizes finding balance between rest and contribution, and living out one's fourth quarter of life in a way that's God-honoring and fulfilling. [... more]

The Palisades arsonist claims he was inspired by CEO murderer Luigi Mangioni and resentment of the rich. Massive Medicaid fraud is uncovered in Ohio, and congressional Democrats plot the next government shutdown to demand changes to ICE. The 2024 presidential election heats up as Rubio and Vance emerge as potential candidates, with Trump's endorsement potentially making a difference. Chris Nolan's adaptation of The Odyssey sparks controversy over DEI casting, and Islamist bigots are called out in Texas and New York. Meanwhile, climate refugees flee Texas for Maine, only to find homelessness and poverty. Gen Z brings back Hacky Sack, and Netflix is sued for allegedly spying on children. Identity theft is on the rise, and LifeLock offers protection. Allergy season is in full swing, and Kleenex has a new product to help. Kohler cast iron is a timeless and elegant choice for kitchen and bath products. [... more]

The Apostle Paul's reaction to the idolatrous city of Athens is a reminder of the importance of keeping God as the number one priority in our lives. As followers of Christ, we can practice idolatry by allowing good things to take over the place that God should have in our hearts. The power and life of the Christian experience come from being utterly in love with Jesus Christ, and we need to repent and make a U-turn when we lose our first love for Him. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie shares a message about staying cool when things get hot, drawing from the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were thrown into a fiery furnace but were unharmed because of their faith in God. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and endurance in the face of trials and encourages listeners to trust in God's plan for their lives. [... more]

Helping adult children grow in responsibility and independence is a delicate balance for parents, requiring wisdom and grace. The way we offer support can shape not just their circumstances, but their character. Understanding what it means to define 'enough' and making room for maturity are key to strengthening our adult children, rather than sidelining them. [... more]

The American Football Coaches Association recommends changes to the college football calendar, including eliminating conference title games, reducing bye weeks, and increasing the gap between games. The proposed changes aim to streamline the season and reduce the complexity of the current schedule. [... more]

A beached sperm whale on the Oregon coast in 1970 was blown up with dynamite, causing a massive explosion and a cloud of putrid whale fluids to move inland, covering people in a red mist. Meanwhile, a new treatment for moderate to severe eczema has shown promising results in reducing flare-ups, and the US Mint is releasing a new coin collection to celebrate the founding ideals of the country. [... more]

Jesus faces temptation in the wilderness, using the Holy Spirit and Scripture to resist Satan's attempts to lead him astray. He shows us how to deal with the devil by being submissive, patient, and willing to suffer according to God's will, and by being saturated with the Word of God. [... more]

David's heart is a man after God's own heart, pleasing God through his actions and intentions, whereas Saul's problem is not just disobedience but a heart that doesn't care about God's will. David's story serves as an example of how to live a life pleasing to God, while Saul's mistakes demonstrate the consequences of not having a heart for God. [... more]

James Comey's indictment and the implications of free speech, the controversy surrounding Sec War's quote from Pulp Fiction, a list of the 100 best vocalists that has sparked outrage, and the rising tide of hate and disagreement in society, as well as the importance of identity theft protection and the craftsmanship of Kohler cast iron products. [... more]

Understanding the problem of sin and the gift of grace is crucial to truly cherishing the gospel. Paul's explanation in Ephesians 2 reveals that we are spiritually dead, followers of Satan, and children of wrath. However, God's mercy and love led to our salvation, and we are now seated with Christ in the heavenly places, equipped to live a life of good works and faith. Believing the gospel is inconvenient, but it's a burden we should gladly bear, knowing that we've been saved by grace through faith and are now God's workmanship, created for good works. [... more]

Faithful planning is a delicate balance between preparation and surrender, trusting in God's guidance and wisdom. It's about holding plans loosely enough for God to redirect them, embracing the paradox of planning, and finding peace and trust in the one who holds the future. [... more]

Examining current events in the light of God's prophetic word, discussing Iran's threat to Israel, the role of Islamic theology in negotiations, and the importance of sharing the gospel with the Muslim world. [... more]

Prayer is not just a last resort, but a vital part of our relationship with God. When we pray for healing, we should approach God with childlike faith and intensity, asking for what we need without adding conditions or clauses. God wants us to be saved and spend eternity with Him, but He also wants to heal us physically and spiritually. We should pray for healing without making God the last resort, and come to Him as a little child, asking for what we need. God hears the prayers of all people, whether they're saved or lost, and He wants to heal us and show us who He is. [... more]

A Christian worldview is essential to understanding the world and our place in it. The Bible teaches us about God's holiness and the importance of respecting that holiness. The concept of blasphemy is taken seriously in the Bible, and it's not just about disrespecting the Pope or other religious leaders. It's about appropriating God's glory onto ourselves or attributing to God something He did not say or do. A biblical worldview also helps us understand pain and suffering. Pain is a mercy because it alerts us to potential harm, and suffering can be a result of our choices and actions. By understanding the biblical story of creation and the fall, we can see that pain and suffering are not the result of a curse, but rather a consequence of our actions. [... more]

The host discusses various sports topics, including the NBA playoffs, streaming, and the Brewers' recent struggles. He also touches on mental health, WrestleMania, and the impact of AI on the sports industry. [... more]

I have cerebral palsy--what's your problem Whatever difficulties you face you can't help but be encouraged as you hear David Ring describe how God's strength helps him overcome the limitations of his severe disability Receive the book The Boy Born Dead and the audio download of the broadcast Living Joyously for your donation of any amount Plus receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today Your monthly support helps families thrive Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly please give us your feedback [... more]

Scripture calls us to anchor our hope in Christ, trusting him in both abundance and hardship, rather than measuring God's love by our circumstances. The prosperity gospel distorts biblical truth, making health and wealth a measuring stick for spiritual success. Faithful believers have walked through both abundance and hardship, and scripture shows us that faithful giving is an act of worship and thankfulness to God, not a formula to get results in our life. [... more]

David Ring shares his powerful testimony of living with cerebral palsy and finding hope and joy in God's love, despite facing numerous challenges and hardships. He emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ and the impact it has on one's life, relationships, and spiritual journey. [... more]

Discovering true contentment in a world that always pushes us toward more requires a shift in perspective. It's not about reaching a certain number, but about trusting God as our source and recognizing that enough is ultimately a matter of the heart, not a number. By understanding that enough is rooted in stewardship, not ownership, and that it's about purpose, not possessions, we can find peace and security in our financial journey. [... more]