Leaving home one morning Dean found some friends waiting with balloons His friend Josh stepped forward ldquo We entered your poems in a competition rdquo he said before handing Dean an envelope Inside was a card that read lsquo First Prize rsquo and soon everyone was crying tears of joy Dean rsquo s friends had done a beautiful thing confirming his writing talent Weeping for joy is a paradoxical experience Tears are normally a response to pain not joy and joy is normally expressed with laughter not tears Italian psychologists have noted that tears of joy come at times of [... more]

Golfers know the meaning of the world mulligan Bad golfers know it very well A mulligan is a do-over Take that swing over again you're good Well thankfully the Lord allows mulligans in the spiritual life If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sins Today on A NEW BEGINNING Pastor Greg Laurie helps us follow the biblical account of a certain spiritual failure We'll see what it was that led to the sin and how that sin was forgiven and fellowship restored Listen on harvest org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates [... more]

Genevieve had to be the ldquo eyes rdquo for her three children each born with congenital cataracts Whenever she took them into their village in the Republic of Benin she strapped the baby onto her back and held onto the arm and hand of her older two always looking for danger In a culture where blindness was thought to be caused by witchcraft Genevieve despaired and cried out to God for help Then a man from her village told her about Mercy Ships a ministry that provides vital surgeries to honor Jesus rsquo s model of bringing hope and healing [... more]

Listen to the full-length version or read the manuscript of this message here https wfth me pap Physical sight doesn't guarantee spiritual insight Physical blindness doesn't limit spiritual vision Jesus demonstrated perhaps the ultimate Messianic power when he restored sight to a believing blind man But many people in the crowd had perfectly good vision but couldn't see their Savior standing right in front of them Stephen Davey teaches on Bartimaeus' miraculous healing [... more]

Infidelity can rip a marriage apart and it's hard to imagine a betrayal more painful than finding out your spouse is involved with someone else Josh and Katie Walters share the story of Katie's affair with the husband of their good friend couple and how Katie vacillated for quite a while torn between doing the right thing ending the affair and still feeling love for the other man Meanwhile Josh was convinced by God that divorce was wrong and he needed to love Katie as Christ loves the Church which meant pushing through the pain and hoping against hope to [... more]

ldquo Please clean the front room before you go to bed rdquo nbsp I said to one of my daughters Instantly came the reply ldquo Why doesn rsquo t she have to do it rdquo nbsp Such mild resistance was frequent in our home when our girls were young My response was always the same ldquo Don rsquo t worry about your sisters I asked you rdquo In John we see this human tendency illustrated among the disciples Jesus had just restored Peter after he had denied Him three times see John ndash ndash Now Jesus said to Peter ldquo [... more]

The pictures coming from a friend rsquo s text stream were stunning Photos of a surprise gift for his wife revealed a restored Ford Mustang brilliant dark blue exterior sparkling chrome rims reupholstered black interior and a motor to match the other upgrades There were also ldquo before rdquo pictures of the same vehicle mdash a dull worn unimpressive yellow version While it may be difficult to envision it rsquo s likely that when the vehicle rolled off the assembly line in it was also an eye-catcher But time wear and tear and other factors had made it ripe for [... more]

Oceanographer Sylvia Earle has seen the deterioration of coral reefs firsthand She founded Mission Blue an organization devoted to the development of global Hope Spots These special places around the world are ldquo critical to the health of the ocean rdquo which impacts our lives on earth Through the intentional care for these areas scientists have seen the relationships of underwater communities restored and lives of endangered species saved nbsp In Psalm the psalmist acknowledges that God spoke everything into existence and ensured that all He made would stand firm vv ndash As God reigns over generations and nations vv [... more]

In this episode of Clearview Today Dr Shah talks with special guest David Lane about the importance of returning to our nation apos s Christian foundation Support the showIf you like this content and want to support the show you can visit us at clearviewtodayshow com Don apos t forget to rate and review our show To learn more about us visit us at clearviewbc org If you have any questions or would like to contact us email us at contact clearviewtodayshow com or text us at - - See you tomorrow on Clearview Today Link for Reviewing the Show [... more]

Read the manuscript or listen to the full-length version here https wfth me sj ctN It's easy for us to think that God hears only the prayers of the most devout Christians isn't it But in this message Stephen proposes that if God only paid attention to the saintliest of saints none of us would ever be heard Join him now as he encourages us with the truth that God accepts Ordinary Prayers from Ordinary People [... more]

I never saw the ice But I felt it The back end of the pickup I was driving mdash my grandfather rsquo s mdash fishtailed One swerve two three mdash and I was airborne flying off a fifteen-foot embankment I remember thinking This would be awesome if I wasn rsquo t going to die A moment later the truck crunched into the steep slope and rolled to the bottom I crawled out of the crushed cab unscathed The truck was utterly totaled that December morning in God had spared me But what about my grandfather What would he say In [... more]

ldquo The baby birds will fly tomorrow rdquo My wife Cari was elated about the progress a family of wrens was making in a hanging basket on our front porch She rsquo d watched them daily taking pictures as the mother brought food to the nest Cari got up early the next morning to look in on them She moved some of the greenery aside covering the nest but instead of seeing baby birds the narrow eyes of a serpent met hers The snake had scaled a vertical wall slithered into the nest and devoured them all Cari was heartbroken [... more]

Ever heard of The Sewing Hall of Fame Established in it recognizes people that have made ldquo a lasting impact on the home sewing industry with unique and innovative contributions through sewing education and product development rdquo It includes individuals like Martha Pullen inducted into the hall in who is described as ldquo a Proverbs woman who never failed to publicly acknowledge the source of her strength inspiration and blessings rdquo The Sewing Hall of Fame is a twenty-first-century invention but had it been around during the first century in Israel a woman named Tabitha might have been a lock [... more]

Choices made in a moment can have repercussions that last for generations King David made an impulsive choice regarding Bathsheba which led to ongoing family dysfunction and sin In this message Pastor Lutzer points to two blessings from God amid the consequences Cover-ups don't work because God sees everything This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount Get yours at rtwoffer com or call us at - - - [... more]

In his wonderful book Art Faith A Theology of Making renowned artist Makoto Fujimura describes the ancient Japanese art form of Kintsugi In it the artist takes broken pottery originally tea ware and pieces the shards back together with lacquer threading gold into the cracks ldquo Kintsugi rdquo Fujimura explains ldquo does not just lsquo fix rsquo or repair a broken vessel rather the technique makes the broken pottery even more beautiful than the original rdquo Kintsugi first implemented centuries ago when a warlord rsquo s favorite cup was destroyed and then beautifully restored became art that rsquo s highly [... more]

There's a special form of Japanese pottery called Kintsugi It means golden joinery Broken ceramics are restored with a lacquer resin mixed with powdered gold silver or platinum The repairs are obvious and beautiful The Bible speaks of us as God's workmanship We may have some cracks and chips but God can heal us in a beautiful way and make us vessels of honor And today on A NEW BEGINNING Pastor Greg Laurie explains how we can be fit for the Master's use Listen on harvest org --- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest org A New [... more]

When you listen to their stories it becomes clear that perhaps the most difficult part of being a prisoner is isolation and loneliness In fact research reveals that in the state of Florida regardless of the length of their incarceration most prisoners receive only two visits from friends or loved ones during their time behind bars Loneliness is a constant reality It rsquo s a pain I imagine Joseph felt as he sat in prison unjustly accused of a crime There had been a glimmer of hope God helped Joseph correctly interpret a dream from a fellow inmate who happened [... more]

One day a sixth-grade student noticed a classmate cutting his arm with a small razor Trying to do the right thing she took it from him and threw it away Surprisingly instead of being commended for her act she received a ten-day school suspension Why She briefly had the razor in her possession mdash something not allowed at school Asked if she would do it again she replied ldquo Even if I got in trouble I would do it again rdquo Just as this girl rsquo s act of trying to do good got her into trouble at her school [... more]

Sometimes we have to get out of the way and allow God to intervene in a situation Author Sharon Jaynes has seen this truth played out in many ways especially in her parents' tempestuous relationship which went from rocky to restored Tune in for an inspiring message that illustrates God's power to work in our lives Receive a copy of When You Don't Like Your Story and an audio download of Getting Real With God and Finding Salvation For My Family for your donation of any amount Get More Episode Resources We'd love to hear from you Visit our Homepage [... more]

Gil and Brenda Stuart offer advice and hope to remarried couples as they address the difficult challenges stepfamilies face Part of Receive a copy of Restored amp Remarried and an audio download of Encouragement for Remarried Couples for your donation of any amount Get More Episode Resources We'd love to hear from you Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail If you've listened to any of our podcasts please give us your feedback [... more]

Gil and Brenda Stuart offer advice and hope to remarried couples as they address the difficult challenges stepfamilies face Part of Receive a copy of Restored amp Remarried and an audio download of Encouragement for Remarried Couples for your donation of any amount Get More Episode Resources We'd love to hear from you Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail If you've listened to any of our podcasts please give us your feedback [... more]

What if you could have deep satisfaction in your heart even in the hardest circumstances What if our joy did not hinge on having what we want and being rid of what we don't want in our lives Peter - reminds us of the truths that when we fully embrace them will bring that kind of joy and satisfaction The kind that we find only in the person of Jesus [... more]

Thinking more positively of your spouse can change your marriage Ted Lowe helps you better understand how a shift in your thoughts toward yourself and your spouse can give you a healthier and more loving marriage By looking at your spouse through the filter of Philippians you'll learn ways to examine your mindset and embrace a positive perspective Receive the book Us in Mind for your donation of any amount Through your support of Focus on the Family you'll save marriages through efforts like our Hope Restored marriage intensives And right now DOUBLE YOUR DOLLARS to impact twice as many [... more]

Man's original destiny to rule the world was forfeited because of sin but is restored by Jesus Christ Pastor Greg Barkman continues his expositional teaching series in the book of Hebrews [... more]

What will we look like in eternity after our broken bodies are restored Believers are promised a glorious incorruptible body In this message Pastor Lutzer discusses three matters we should not minimize as we prepare for that day One day we will become like Jesus with a heavenly body like His This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount Get yours at rtwoffer com or call us at - - - [... more]

Carey and Toni Nieuwhof's marriage wasn't always happy and filled with love There was a time when they were on the brink of divorce and though they tried to make amends they kept falling into a cycle of fighting anger and distance Today Carey and Toni say they can't imagine considering divorce Through their honest and vulnerable stories and advice they'll help encourage couples considering divorce to save their marriages and take a path toward healing Part of Receive Before You Split for your donation of any amount Through your support of Focus on the Family you'll save marriages through [... more]

Carey and Toni Nieuwhof's marriage wasn't always happy and filled with love There was a time when they were on the brink of divorce and though they tried to make amends they kept falling into a cycle of fighting anger and distance Today Carey and Toni say they can't imagine considering divorce Through their honest and vulnerable stories and advice they'll help encourage couples considering divorce to save their marriages and take a path toward healing Part of Receive Before You Split for your donation of any amount Through your support of Focus on the Family you'll save marriages through [... more]

The letter from ldquo Jason rdquo an inmate surprised my wife and me We ldquo foster rdquo puppies to become service dogs assisting people with disabilities One such puppy had graduated to the next training phase which was run by prisoners who have been taught how to train the dogs Jason rsquo s letter to us said ldquo Snickers is the seventeenth dog I rsquo ve trained and she is the best one When I see her looking up at me I feel like I rsquo m finally doing something right rdquo Jason isn rsquo t the only one with [... more]

Dr Gary Chapman offers seven principles that will radically transform your relationship with your in-laws By learning and practicing these basic communication skills you will build and strengthen the connection you have with your spouse's parents and siblings It's not an overnight process but a journey that will revive and improve any relationship Part of Receive Happily Ever After for your donation of any amount Through your support of Focus on the Family you'll save marriages through efforts like our Hope Restored marriage intensives And right now DOUBLE YOUR DOLLARS to impact twice as many marriages through a MILLION matching [... more]

Dr Gary Chapman offers seven principles that will radically transform your relationship with your in-laws By learning and practicing these basic communication skills you will build and strengthen the connection you have with your spouse's parents and siblings It's not an overnight process but a journey that will revive and improve any relationship Part of Receive Happily Ever After for your donation of any amount Through your support of Focus on the Family you'll save marriages through efforts like our Hope Restored marriage intensives And right now DOUBLE YOUR DOLLARS to impact twice as many marriages through a MILLION matching [... more]

Born legally blind Karen Wingate saw her life from what she would describe as an industrial-strength shower curtain Karen lived her life without sight as a wife and a mom until at fifty-five years old she went into surgery and came out with her vision miraculously restored She explains how she started to view God creation and her own life differently in light of the miracle happening in her life Receive a copy of lt em gt With Fresh Eyes lt em gt and an audio download of Seeing Life with New Vision for your donation of any amount Get [... more]

Dr Ron and Jan Welch will talk about communicating well choosing forgiveness and unselfishness and challenging unspoken truths If couples can learn to show respect honor and love each other a lot of their conflict will go away Receive Dr Welch's book Choices Successful Couples Make for your donation of any amount Through your support of Focus on the Family you'll save marriages through efforts like our Hope Restored marriage intensives And right now DOUBLE YOUR DOLLARS to impact twice as many marriages through a MILLION matching opportunity provided by generous friends of the ministry Get More Episode Resources We'd [... more]

In a tsunami struck the Indonesian island of Sumatra killing more than four hundred people But the deaths could have been prevented or minimized had the tsunami warning system been working properly The tsunami detection networks buoys had become detached and drifted away Jesus said His disciples had a responsibility to warn fellow disciples to things that could harm them spiritually mdash including unrepentant sin He outlined a process in which a believer who rsquo s been sinned against by another can humbly privately and prayerfully ldquo point out rdquo the sin to the offending believer Matthew If the person [... more]

What should motivate believers in daily life As we mature in the faith we come to realize more and more that life is not about us it's about God In this message from Exodus we see God's glory defined withdrawn and restored When we see our lives as part of a much larger plan we understand that giving God glory is what life is all about This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount Get yours at moodyoffer com or call us at - - - [... more]

Have you ever messed up big time - like such a major failure that even years later you cringe when you think about it Chip shares how you can begin again - how you can be restored and discover the joy God has ready for you [... more]

Christ did the great work on our behalf clearing the way for us to have a restored relationship with God - our sins forgiven Our suffering brought our healing Now He calls us to take up our cross and follow Him Peter says quot For you were called to this because Christ also suffered for you leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps quot Those who follow Christ are called to a life of sacrifice kdying to self and willing to do what is difficult and costly for the sake of our Savior [... more]

Christ did the great work on our behalf clearing the way for us to have a restored relationship with God - our sins forgiven Our suffering brought our healing Now He calls us to take up our cross and follow Him Peter says quot For you were called to this because Christ also suffered for you leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps quot Those who follow Christ are called to a life of sacrifice dying to self and willing to do what is difficult and costly for the sake of our Savior [... more]

The crime was shocking and the man who committed it was sentenced to life in prison In the years that followed the man mdash in solitary confinement mdash began a process of mental and spiritual healing It led to repentance and a restored relationship with Jesus These days he rsquo s been allowed limited interactions with other inmates And by God rsquo s grace through his witness some fellow-prisoners have received Christ as Savior mdash finding forgiveness in Him Moses though now recognized as a great man of faith also committed a shocking crime After he witnessed ldquo an Egyptian [... more]

Christ did the great work on our behalf clearing the way for us to have a restored relationship with God Our sins forgiven His suffering brought our healing Now He calls us to take up our cross and follow Him [... more]

Before we dive into our next series we wanted to share an interview we had a little while back In this episode Bernie Dake will be speaking with Ron Day Ron has been the host of a local radio show in Knoxville TN But today we are announcing that we will now be offering this show as a podcast through the Soundcast Network Visit https salvationarmysoundcast org to learn more and listen [... more]

A news reports told of seventeen missionaries that had been kidnapped by a gang The gang threatened to kill the group including children if their ransom demands weren rsquo t met Incredibly all the missionaries were either released or escaped to freedom On reaching safety they sent a message to their captors ldquo Jesus taught us by word and by His own example that the power of forgiving love is stronger than the hate of violent force Therefore we extend forgiveness to you rdquo Jesus made it clear that forgiveness is powerful He said ldquo If you forgive other people [... more]

Researchers in Fujian China wanted to help intensive care unit ICU patients sleep more soundly They measured the effects of sleep aids on test subjects in a simulated ICU environment complete with bright hospital-grade lighting and audio recordings of machines beeping and nurses talking Their research showed that tools like sleep masks and ear plugs improved their subjects rsquo rest But they acknowledged that for truly sick patients in a real ICU peaceful sleep would still be hard to come by When our world is troubled how can we find rest Scripture rsquo s clear there rsquo s peace for [... more]

Drs Greg Smalley and Bob Paul describe how cultural myths and fairy-tale expectations about marriage have a detrimental effect on couples and how knowing and applying biblical truth can help those couples develop a thriving marriage Part of Receive the book Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage for your donation of any amount Plus receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today Your monthly support helps families thrive https donate focusonthefamily com don-daily-broadcast-product- - - refcd Get more episode resources http www focusonthefamily com episodes broadcast combating-the-lies-that-can-destroy-your-marriage-part- -of- featured-resource-ctaIf you've listened to any of our podcasts please give [... more]

Raj had trusted Jesus as Savior in his youth but soon afterward he drifted from the faith and led a life apart from God Then one day he made the decision to renew his faith in Jesus and go back to church mdash only to be scolded by a woman who berated him for being absent for all these years The scolding added to Raj rsquo s sense of shame and guilt for his years of drifting Am I beyond hope he wondered Then he recalled how Jesus had restored Simon Peter even though he had denied Him Luke ndash [... more]

Drs Greg Smalley and Bob Paul describe how cultural myths and fairy-tale expectations about marriage have a detrimental effect on couples and how knowing and applying biblical truth can help those couples develop a thriving marriage Part of Receive the book Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage for your donation of any amount Plus receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today Your monthly support helps families thrive https donate focusonthefamily com don-daily-broadcast-product- - - refcd Get more episode resources http www focusonthefamily com episodes broadcast combating-the-lies-that-can-destroy-your-marriage-part- -of- featured-resource-ctaIf you've listened to any of our podcasts please give [... more]

The Bulmans' marriage almost shattered when Rick discovered his wife Tiffany was having an affair The day after the revelation Rick remembered a conversation from their premarital counseling where the minister said if adultery necessitates divorce then God is not big enough to fix a broken relationship In this interview Rick and Tiffany will share how their marriage was restored and offer hope to other couples Receive the book Mended for our donation of any amount https donate focusonthefamily com don-daily-broadcast-product- - - refcd Get more episode resources http www focusonthefamily com episodes broadcast overcoming-the-betrayal-of-an-affair featured-resource-ctaIf you've listened to any [... more]

A short story by Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges tells of a Roman soldier Marcus Rufus who drinks from a ldquo secret river that purifies men of death rdquo In time though Marcus realizes immortality wasn rsquo t what it was cracked up to be life without limits was life without significance In fact it rsquo s death itself that gives meaning to life Marcus finds an antidote mdash a spring of clear water After drinking from it he scratches his hand on a thorn and a drop of blood forms signifying his restored mortality Like Marcus we too sometimes [... more]

Sin always breaks human relationships Resolving conflicts with others can be as painful as it is necessary In this message we hear practical counsel on reconciliation making things right with God and others What does it take for trust and respect to be restored after a destructive conflict This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount Get yours at rtwoffer com or call us at - - - [... more]

See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

Sheena Rodriguez there is a crisis at the border and the numbers are staggering Child trafficking terrorists CCP Cartels and angry young men that are bringing their wars to these small American towns It is a crisis that is only getting worse under this regime Mayor David Rubin shares how the latest election in Israel has restored the traditional religious values to the Israeli people through their government for the first time in its present-day history Traditional family values and a push back against the LGBTQ agenda are the path America needs to follow to get back to her greatness [... more]

Bob Gonzalez update on the Ian Hurricane live from Florida Followed by Steve Slepcek live from Florida Please pray for Floridians to be safe and to be restored Ward Connerly discusses the attitude of the left and their commitment to the ideology His assessment of the upcoming elections and the issues before us [... more]

We'd like to think that our Christian leaders always walk on the mountaintop and never have times far from the Lord But it's not so Like King David they fail In this message we take away three lessons from David's experience of doubt and despair We too can come out of a deep spiritual ditch This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount Get yours at rtwoffer com or call us at - - - [... more]

In a car executive visiting Denmark learned that a Buick Dual Cowl Phaeton was owned by a local resident Since the car never actually went into production it was a rare find mdash a one-of-kind vehicle Delighted with the discovery the executive bought the car and spent his time and money to have it restored Currently this unique car is featured in a world-renowned collection of classic vehicles Hidden treasures can take many forms and in the book of Chronicles we read about another discovery of a lost treasure Eighteen years into his reign as king of Israel Josiah began [... more]

Habits are powerful things They can produce unbelievable pain or lasting blessings So how do we develop great habits that cultivate the very best that God wants for us [... more]

Military veteran Chad Robichaux and his wife Kathy discuss his former struggles with PTSD which led to the couple's separation and how God helped Chad overcome PTSD and restored their marriage Part of Receive the book Fight for Us for your donation of any amount https donate focusonthefamily com don-daily-broadcast-product- - - refcd treatment one-time-gift Get more episode resources https www focusonthefamily com episodes broadcast how-god-saved-a-military-marriage-part- -of- featured-resource-cta If you've listened to any of our podcasts please give us your feedback https focusonthefamily com podcastsurvey [... more]

Sometimes we are drowning in shame because we cannot change the deep failures of our past That's where Jesus found Peter after he vehemently denied even knowing Jesus In this message we listen to Jesus' three restorative questions In Christ we have lasting incentives to be restored to Christ and His service This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount Get yours at rtwoffer com or call us at - - - [... more]

Military veteran Chad Robichaux and his wife Kathy discuss his former struggles with PTSD which led to the couple's separation and how God helped Chad overcome PTSD and restored their marriage Part of Receive the book Fight for Us for your donation of any amount https donate focusonthefamily com don-daily-broadcast-product- - - refcd treatment one-time-gift Get more episode resources https www focusonthefamily com episodes broadcast how-god-saved-a-military-marriage-part- -of- featured-resource-cta If you've listened to any of our podcasts please give us your feedback https focusonthefamily com podcastsurvey [... more]

Episode Adriel Sanchez and Bill Maier answer caller questions Show Notes CoreChristianity com Questions in this Episode What does it literally look like to put God first in your life Is Calvinism a false doctrine Why did God forgive David but not Saul Can I be restored even after leaving God [... more]

Many years ago Joni Mitchell wrote a song called ldquo Woodstock rdquo in which she saw the human race trapped in a ldquo bargain rdquo with the devil Urging her listeners to seek a simpler more peaceful existence she sang of a return to ldquo the garden rdquo Mitchell spoke for a generation longing for purpose and meaning Mitchell rsquo s poetical ldquo garden rdquo is Eden of course Eden was the paradise God created for us back in the beginning In this garden Adam and Eve met with God on a regular basis mdash until the day they made [... more]

As believers in Christ we often view our lives through the prism of our failures rather than through the prism of what Christ has done for us by His death and resurrection --thetruthpulpit comClick the icon below to listen Related StoriesThe Mature Christian WomanRise and Shine Through the Psalms Psalm That Precious Unity [... more]