Chuck Swindahl highlights five concerns that plague every pastor, including short-term commitments, lingering unresolved conflicts, insufficient time with God, and a reluctance to be real and vulnerable. He turns to 2 Thessalonians to show what holds pastors and flocks together, emphasizing the importance of prayer support and faithful leadership. [... more]

Pastor Jack Hibbs shares his personal story of spiritual deformity, how it brought him pain and suffering, but also taught him to rely on God's power and sovereignty. He emphasizes that deformity can be a strength, and that God uses it to bring us closer to Him and to humanity. Through his experiences, Pastor Jack encourages listeners to trust God and find joy in their deformities, rather than trying to hide or overcome them. [... more]

The story of Samson, a biblical anti-hero, has served as a source of inspiration to those willing to risk life and limb in the struggle for social equality, but his legacy has also been associated with violence and destruction, and has been put aside by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. in favor of a more peaceful message drawn from the Exodus story. [... more]

A Salvation Army pastor and volunteer share practical ways to make a tremendous impact in local communities through acts of kindness, listening, and prayer, highlighting the importance of being a good neighbor and engaging with those around us. [... more]

A common form of lung cancer accounts for 85% of all cases, and patients are living through every single day. Meanwhile, the conversation around it too often stops at the biology. In the Middle East, Iran is trying to get around a blockade, and the United States is taking control of the situation. In Florida, a man is accused of canceling his boss's flight tickets to Vegas by using her personal information. A Florida man was arrested after a truck with a toddler crashed into a Florida church playground. A Florida mayor was arrested for stealing 20 packages of sausage from a Walmart. A Florida man assaulted his mother with ice cream. A 13-year-old boy found royal Viking treasure on a German island, and archaeologists uncovered necklaces, pearls, rings, and 600 coins. [... more]

Prayer is a vital part of a Christian's life, and yet many struggle to see their prayers answered. The Bible teaches that prayer is not just about asking for things, but about having a right relationship with God and living a life of faith. When we pray, we must be earnest, not influenced by unworthy motives, willing to give up known sin, put feet to our prayers, pray in the name of Christ, and forgive others. Without these elements, our prayers can be seen as 'amiss' and may not be answered. [... more]

Pastor Jack Hibbs teaches about the importance of defense in spiritual life, reminding listeners to trust in God's word and protection, and to be confident in His will. He shares personal experiences and biblical verses to emphasize the need to defend one's heart and mind from harmful influences, and to rely on God's strength and guidance. [... more]

As believers, we died to the dominion of sin through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, and we have been raised to walk in newness of life, free from the kingdom of darkness and sin. This new life is not just a new leaf, but a new dynamic for living, with a new identity, destiny, master, purpose, heart, spirit, and battles. We are no longer bound by sin, but liberated by our Savior, and we live by faith in the Son of God who loved us and gave himself for us. [... more]

Pastor Jack Hibbs teaches that waiting on the Lord is a crucial discipline for Christians, allowing them to discern and understand God's will and receive His power and guidance. He emphasizes the importance of standing in the power of God's might, trusting in His eternal word, and not relying on human strength or defense mechanisms. By learning to wait on the Lord, Christians can develop a deeper faith and trust in God, and be better equipped to face the challenges of life. [... more]

Knowing God's perfect will for your life is found in the Bible, and it's easier than you think if you just decide to walk with Him, understanding that your life is in His hands. True dependence means trusting Him in all aspects of life, as opposed to depending on your own wisdom and control. God has a perfect plan for your life, and it's determined by Him, but you can still go against His will painfully so. [... 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]

The Salvation Army's Words of Life podcast explores the importance of being a good neighbor and spreading hope in local communities through faith and community engagement. Guests share personal stories of building relationships and providing support to those in need, highlighting the impact of loving one's neighbors and the transformative power of faith. [... 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]

The Bible teaches that dependence on God is a discipline that Christians need to work on, as it is a key aspect of their relationship with Him. Pastor Jack Hibbs explains that true dependence means trusting God in all aspects of life, rather than relying on one's own wisdom and control. He shares personal experiences and biblical examples to illustrate the importance of dependence on God, and how it can lead to emotional stability, spiritual power, and a deeper relationship with God. [... 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]

God sees us as his special treasure, chosen and royal, a holy nation, and a people for his own possession. We are not ordinary, but extraordinary, made valuable by our belonging to him. We are called to proclaim his excellencies and advertise his heroic deeds, reminding others of our miraculous inclusion and pardon through faith in Jesus Christ. [... more]

Living a deeply spiritual, holy life means having a sacred relationship with God, who rescues us from sin and emptiness, and shapes us to fit His divine purposes. This relationship gives us the privilege of offering various sacrifices to our living Lord, including our bodies, gratitude, good deeds, sharing with others, financial gifts, self-sacrificing love, and prayer. [... more]

Today Pastor Jack teaches that to remain effective and faithful to God in these days of declining strength we are to face it with a greater vision It's a time to take stock of our lives when so much of our younger days are wasted on empty and meaningless endeavors [... more]

Shannon Bream shares her personal journey of faith and overcoming challenges, drawing from her experiences as a family caregiver and her book Nothing is Impossible with God, which features 11 heroes who demonstrate God's presence and power in their lives. Bream discusses how her faith has grown stronger through her experiences, including her husband's health struggles and her own chronic pain, and how she hopes her book will encourage and equip others to trust in God's goodness and presence, even in the darkest of times. [... more]

Aaron Marquez, the founder and CEO of Wildcat Oil Tools, shares his story of integrity and ethics in business. Despite being a minority business owner, he refused to take advantage of special treatment, choosing instead to operate on a level playing field. This decision paid off in the end, as he earned the respect of his competitors and secured a major contract with a big oil company. [... more]

Intentional giving is an act of discipleship that connects our resources to God's redemptive work in the world. It's not just another financial habit, but a response to the favor we've already received. Generosity becomes one of the most exciting things we do with our money when we realize that our work and income aren't just about survival or success, but about joining God in meeting needs and restoring the lives of others. [... more]

The proof of love is not in nice feelings, but in obedience. Dr. Tony Evans explains that true devotion to the Lord is not a matter of emotion, but action. He discusses the importance of building a strong foundation of obedience in one's life, using the parable of the wise and foolish builders to illustrate the point. He also emphasizes the relationship between obedience and fellowship with God, and how it is through obedience that we can experience a deeper level of faith and fellowship with Him. [... more]

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a vindication of his death, but a demonstration of his full humanity and divinity. The concept of hypostatic union highlights the union of God and man in one person, Jesus Christ, who experienced human emotions, had a fully human body, and a human mind. This understanding of Jesus' humanity has profound implications for our understanding of salvation and our relationship with God. [... more]

Pastor Skip Heitzig preaches about the importance of bearing one another's burdens, loving one's neighbor, and sowing to the spirit to reap everlasting life. He emphasizes the law of Christ, which is to love, and the law of sowing and reaping, which states that whatever a person sows, they will reap. He also discusses the marks of suffering that he bears in his body, similar to the marks of suffering that Jesus bore, and encourages believers to rejoice in their scars as a badge of honor. [... more]

God wants to make you stable in your faith like a great oak with deep roots, firmly grounded, so you can withstand the winds and the storms that come your way. He wants to bring stability, make you spiritual, and ultimately, make you stand out and be a testimony of His glory. He wants to display His splendor through you, and He's at work in you to make beauty from ashes in the lives of His children. [... more]

A young boy's harrowing near-death experience and his mother's unwavering support and encouragement teach him the value of resilience and personal growth, inspiring a powerful story of overcoming adversity and the importance of faith in shaping one's identity. [... more]

Protecting your finances is a form of stewardship, and being aware of potential scams and identity theft is crucial. Building a strong credit score without accumulating debt requires intentional steps, such as using a secured credit card or credit builder loan. A more straightforward approach to paying off your mortgage is to send extra payments annually, rather than relying on complicated home equity lines of credit. [... more]

Marriage is a gift from God, and it's meant to be a source of joy and connection. However, many couples struggle with intimacy and communication, leading to frustration and resentment. Dave and Ashley Willis share their insights and experiences in their book 'Do Marriage Better: Seven Simple Shifts for a Deeper Connection.' They discuss the importance of understanding each other's needs and desires, and how to navigate the different seasons of marriage, including the 'beach season' of honeymoon-like intimacy, the 'busy season' of practicality, the 'baby season' of exhaustion and distraction, and the 'broken season' of vulnerability and healing. By applying the seven simple shifts outlined in their book, couples can experience a deeper connection and a more fulfilling marriage. [... more]

Couples can make a 20% improvement in their marital relationship by implementing seven simple shifts, including having curiosity and compassion when communicating, being mindful of tone, and prioritizing their marriage over other aspects of their lives. [... more]

A church is not just a building, but a family where members demonstrate the love of Christ by forgiving, encouraging, and helping one another. The Bible teaches that we should be patient, long-suffering, and not retaliate against others, but instead, seek to help the weak and be a source of encouragement. [... more]

In the family of God, gifts that last, lift, and cost something are essential to strengthen relationships and honor our Savior. Respect for spiritual leaders, living in peace with one another, and admonishing the unruly are crucial gifts to give to fellow believers, as emphasized in 1 Thessalonians. [... more]

Asaph's psalm of despair and anxiety is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, God is present and faithful. He invites us to direct our unfiltered cries to Him, to consider who He is, and to dwell on His covenant faithfulness. Through Asaph's experience, we see the importance of remembering God's past deliverances and His holy character, and how this can bring us peace and comfort in the midst of turmoil. [... more]

Navigating the complexities of caregiving, Peter Rosenberger shares valuable insights on how to effectively communicate with medical professionals, assert caregiver authority, and advocate for loved ones. He emphasizes the importance of being polite, prepared, and aware of one's role in the medical process. [... more]

Living a faithful life to the glory of God is the key to knowing and doing His will. By surrendering to His Lordship and seeking guidance through the Holy Spirit, individuals can navigate life's challenges and find purpose in their daily tasks, whether it's working, studying, or serving others. [... more]

Young adults starting their careers can set themselves up for long-term stability and generosity by making wise financial decisions, such as creating a budget, building an emergency fund, and avoiding debt. A financial advisor or mentor can provide guidance, and being mindful of common pitfalls like overspending and not saving is crucial. By prioritizing giving and generosity, individuals can experience the joy of giving and find contentment through biblical wisdom. [... more]

Paul writes to the Galatians about the difference between the Old Covenant of the law and the New Covenant of grace, emphasizing that faith in Jesus Christ alone is the key to salvation and freedom from legalism. [... more]

In rural Malawi, many children wake up each day unsure if they'll eat and relying on water that can make them sick. Cross International is working to break the cycle of poverty, provide clean water, and introduce families to the love of Jesus. Their long-term approach involves partnering with local ministries to equip communities with vital physical resources and spiritual support. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie shares insights on how doubt can be a passageway to real growth and a stronger faith, using the story of John the Baptist and Jesus to illustrate the importance of understanding God's plan and having a personal relationship with Him. [... more]

God's favor is on your life, and He joins together wisdom with power for influence in the world. You may feel like an alien in this world, but in Christ, you are highly favored. God speaks to you in various ways, and His voice brings strength and confidence to face challenges. [... more]

Investing in companies that prioritize servant leadership and biblical stewardship can lead to long-term business success and positive impact on society. Dolores Bamford, Co-Chief Investment Officer at Eventide Asset Management, shares her expertise on evaluating leadership quality and its role in creating lasting value. [... more]