Every day we make decisions about money but not every decision is made with intention When it comes to generosity many of us wrestle with the same questions Where should we give How much should we give And does our giving really make a difference With so many worthy causes competing for our attention generosity can easily become reactive rather than intentional Yet Scripture invites us to see giving as something much greater than another financial habit Intentional generosity is an act of discipleship that connects our resources to God's work in the world Generosity Is Part of God's Purpose [... more]

Most Christians want to be generous But wanting to give and actually following through are two different things With so many worthy causes competing needs and financial decisions to consider even the best intentions can become overwhelming Without a plan our giving can become reactive rather than purposeful driven more by the requests we receive than by a thoughtful understanding of how God has entrusted us to steward His resources So how can we move from good intentions to meaningful action Kendra VanderMeulen CEO of the National Christian Foundation NCF joined the show today to discuss how developing a thoughtful [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories why do police departments in different parts of the country operate so differently Former LAPD Sergeant Bob Alaniz argues that the answer goes back to two competing traditions reactive policing rooted in Sir Robert Peel's th-century model and the more proactive style that came to define law enforcement in Los Angeles and much of the American West Alaniz explains the difference through an encounter from his own LAPD career involving Richard Ramirez later known as the Night Stalker For Alaniz the episode raises a larger question at the heart of policing should officers [... more]

Share a commentA single insult can reveal what's been building in the heart for weeks maybe years We start with a haunting phrase the disease of me and track how selfishness and resentment can spread through a team a family or a church until people who should be grateful become petty reactive and hard To make it concrete we retell an unforgettable sports moment from the Los Angeles Lakers the team rallies without its star then falls apart when the spotlight returns It's a picture of what happens when recognition matters more than character Then we open our Bibles to [... more]

Alicia Michelle discusses her book Emotional Confidence, exploring three simple steps to manage emotions with science and scripture. She shares personal experiences and practical tools for emotional growth, including the importance of acknowledging and releasing emotions, using physical and spiritual practices to calm the nervous system, and connecting with God through nature, music, and prayer. [... 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 discussion revolves around the recent church shooting in Minneapolis, the role of Christians in society, and the importance of spiritual preparedness in the face of adversity. The hosts and callers explore various scriptures and hymns, emphasizing the need for Christians to stand firm in their faith and trust in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of chaos and opposition. [... more]

A simple weekly review of your budget can help you stay on track and make intentional financial decisions. By asking six key questions, you can identify areas for improvement and make adjustments to align your spending with your values. This approach can help you develop good financial habits and achieve your long-term goals, while also considering the impact of your financial decisions on your relationships and community. [... more]

Recognizing God's ownership of everything is crucial in creating a budget that aligns with biblical principles. By understanding God's role as an active owner, individuals can approach budgeting with a sense of stewardship and responsibility, rather than viewing it as a restrictive or burdensome task. [... more]

Al Mueller, founder and CEO of Excellence in Giving, shares insights on how to approach generosity with both heart and wisdom, evaluating ministries well, and experiencing the joy of stewardship. He emphasizes the importance of intentional and strategic giving, and discusses the key things to consider when deciding where to give, including the ministry's problem-solving approach, measurable outcomes, leadership stability, and donor retention. [... more]

Investing can be a spiritual act that brings joy and honors God when done with Christian values in mind. By viewing investments as opportunities to partner with companies that align with faith-based principles, individuals can create real-world impact and promote human flourishing. This approach involves being an owner, not just a trader, and taking responsibility for the companies they invest in, including influencing their practices and policies through corporate engagement. [... more]

Managing money doesn't have to feel overwhelming or disconnected from your faith. By integrating your financial decisions with your values and faith, you can make wise choices that honor God and lead to human flourishing. [... more]

A pastor and his wife share their experiences with marriage, ministry, and parenting, discussing the importance of community, vulnerability, and spiritual leadership in their relationship and in their roles as leaders. [... more]

Parents can help their kids develop resiliency by allowing them to make mistakes, learn from consequences, and develop their strengths. This involves being present, teaching discernment, and affirming their child's identity. It's also essential to model healthy behavior, such as not being glued to social media, and to teach children how to handle negativity and criticism. [... more]

Healthy boundaries and effective communication are key to a fulfilling marriage, where romance and passion can flourish. Couples can learn to navigate conflicts and emotional intimacy by setting boundaries, practicing active listening, and prioritizing self-care. By doing so, they can strengthen their relationship and deepen their connection with each other and with God. [... more]

Marriage transformation is possible through personal responsibility, recognizing and breaking the reactive cycle, and practicing healthy self-care. God plays a crucial role in marriage, and couples can experience miraculous change when they open their hearts to Him. By focusing on their own personal journeys and relationships with God, couples can build a strong foundation for a healthy and empowered marriage. [... more]

Building a stronger marriage requires fascination and curiosity, not blame and criticism. Healthy boundaries and heart talk are essential for emotional intimacy, while teamwork and communication are key to overcoming conflicts and creating a fulfilling relationship. [... more]

Marriage transformation is possible through tools and principles from Hope Restored, a marriage intensive program. Personal responsibility, self-care, and breaking the reactive cycle are key to a healthy and fulfilling marriage. Christian couples can learn to create a safe and loving relationship by understanding their own vulnerabilities and taking proactive steps to care for themselves and their partner. [... more]

Jesus teaches his disciples, including Peter, to focus on the present and not get hung up on the end times. He emphasizes the importance of being occupied in the meantime and following Him now, while also assuring them of their future in heaven. Jesus also anticipates Peter's failure, but encourages him to use it as a learning experience and to strengthen his brothers. [... more]

Peter's self-centeredness and overconfidence are revealed as he asks Jesus, Lord, where are you going? and Lord, why can I not follow you now? Jesus answers Peter's questions cryptically, revealing an expectation for Peter's present faithfulness and future growth, rather than providing complete and direct answers. [... more]