If you have walked through deep grief you have likely experienced seasons of anger anger over suffering someone else caused anger at circumstances you never wanted or perhaps even anger toward God Shepherds in the Valleys pastor Todd Smith joins us to explore a biblical view of anger where it comes from when it becomes sinful how we can respond to it and how God brings healing to hearts wounded by suffering [... more]

What happens when you put your faith in God take a leap of faith and trust Him to guide your future On this episode of If Not For God with Mike Zwick Mike sits down with entrepreneur restaurateur and fellow Christian Troy Bone to discuss faith overcoming life's challenges and discovering how God can use ordinary people to make an extraordinary difference Troy shares his journey from serving in the United States Air Force to spending more than years in the restaurant industry before taking the risk of opening his own restaurants in East Tennessee He discusses the challenges of [... more]

Have you ever avoided talking to a grieving person because you didn't know what to say This episode with one of our Shepherds in the Valleys is filled with wise advice for how to be a blessing to the hurting and avoid wounding them with thoughtless words [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories at years old Victoria Arlen's body began shutting down Eventually she lost the ability to move or communicate and spent nearly four years in a vegetative state while doctors told her family she would never recover What they didn't know was that Victoria was still there She could hear them understand them and remember everything Then one day she blinked twice for her mother and proved she had been there all along Victoria would go on to win Paralympic gold become a world record holder and broadcaster learn to walk after a decade [... more]

The spiritual awakening of the United States is attributed to George Whitfield, a man who played a pivotal role in the country's founding. His story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, particularly in times of weakness and grief. A spiritual experience, as described by theologian A.W. Tozer, can be a profound and life-changing event that prepares one to touch the lives of others. [... more]

In this episode of Q A with Koloff Nikita Koloff welcomes pastor and ministry leader Ken Kline for a powerful conversation about faith ministry and perseverance Ken shares lessons from planting churches building a diverse congregation and finding purpose in retirement while continuing to impact lives through ministry and Spartan races Together they discuss pivotal moments of saying yes to God navigating seasons of wilderness and loss and discovering how God uses life's toughest trials to shape our character and deepen our trust in Him This encouraging episode reminds listeners that even in the darkest valleys God is faithful and [... more]

Guiding children through trials and sorrow, parents can help their kids process grief by being aware of their emotions, responding with love and care, and teaching them how to think biblically about difficult situations. [... more]

David, the author of Psalm 23, shares how he relates to the psalm despite his difficult life experiences, including persecution, family rejection, adultery, and loss, demonstrating that the Good Shepherd's comfort and protection are available to all, regardless of circumstances. [... more]

Catherine Wolf shares her personal story of overcoming a massive stroke and finding hope and treasure in the darkness. She discusses how suffering impacts finances and the importance of surrendering to God's plan. Catherine also talks about her ministry, Hope Heals, and how it provides a sacred space for people with disabilities to belong and find community. [... more]

Dark Valleys, a book by Pastor Todd Smith, explores the intersection of depression and Christianity, offering a compassionate and biblical perspective on the struggles of believers. The book delves into the experiences of King David and Charles Spurgeon, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and addressing depression within the church. Pastor Smith emphasizes the need to create a safe space for open discussion and to view depression as a friend, rather than an enemy, allowing individuals to walk through the valley of the shadow of death with the shepherd. [... more]

God's mercy and blessing are not based on our merits, but on the promise He made to Abraham. Isaac's story shows how we can struggle with fear and disobedience, but God's goodness and faithfulness remain, leading us to green pastures and refreshing waters. [... more]

A mother shares her story of losing her daughter to stillbirth and how she found hope and healing through her faith, highlighting the importance of community, presence, and the resurrection in navigating grief and motherhood. [... more]

When faced with life's challenges, Christians can find comfort in God's presence and guidance. The Bible teaches that God chooses the route for us, even in difficult times, and that His strength is sufficient to overcome any obstacle. By relying on God's strength, staying in His house, and keeping working in the valley, Christians can find spiritual growth and renewal, even in the midst of adversity. [... more]

David's Psalm 23 is a remarkable guide to the Christian life, reminding us that God is our Good Shepherd who provides rest, leadership, and restoration. He protects us from harm, even in the darkest valleys, and leads us to paths of righteousness. David's faith and trust in God's goodness and mercy give us hope and comfort, encouraging us to look at life through a wide-angle lens and trust in God's plan. [... more]

Couples can strengthen their marriage by prioritizing spiritual intimacy, communication, and prayer. By acknowledging God's presence in their relationship, couples can develop a deeper connection and create a stronger, healthier marriage. [... more]

David's psalm 143 describes the pain of darkness, depression, and despair, but also the prize of repentance, remembrance, and reliance on God, highlighting the importance of prayer and seeking God's guidance in times of struggle and uncertainty. [... more]

When faced with discouragement, it's essential to remember God's love and compassion. By focusing on His character and heart, we can shift our perspective and find hope. Chip Ingram shares practical steps to overcome discouragement, including getting our endorphins working, praising God, and helping others. He also shares a personal story of how he overcame his own discouragement and depression during the pandemic, and how God used it to bring about a powerful experience in his life. [... more]

Chip Ingram shares his personal struggles with discouragement and how he overcomes it by remembering God's benefits and blessings. He encourages listeners to keep a journal to track their journey and focus on God's goodness, even in difficult times. [... more]

Jesus predicts the failure of his disciples, but also promises them peace and victory in the midst of tribulation, emphasizing the importance of being in Christ and finding refreshment in the fire, rather than just compensating for the world's difficulties. [... more]

Our faith is unreliable, and we all know what failure is. The key is getting up and having a deep sense of peace in our life and having victory. Jesus' disciples were in for a fall, but they would get up again. We can learn from their story and apply it to ourselves, recognizing that our failure is understandable and that we must hold fast to our faith, even in the midst of storms. [... more]