Even our most carefully laid plans can take an unexpected turn Proverbs reminds us The mind of a person plans his way but the LORD directs his steps Vaneetha has walked through polio the loss of an infant son infidelity and an unwanted divorce sorrows she never would have chosen or planned She joins us to share how through each unexpected turn God has faithfully directed her path for her ultimate good and His glory Our lives may not unfold according to our plans but no part of our story is without purpose Even the paths we never planned can [... more]

This was not the plan Not the diagnosis not the heartbreak not the prayer apparently sitting in God's inbox So what does trusting God in suffering actually look like Grammy-winning artist Laura Story author of Stand in Awe joins FamilyLife Today guest host Cheryl Shumake to talk honestly about unwanted stories unanswered prayers and believing God is good when you'd really prefer some supporting evidence Show Notes and Resources Laura Story's book Stand in Awe How Reverence Transforms Our Worship and Our Lives Thanks to the Christian Standard Bible for sponsoring this episode Learn more at CSBible com Follow us [... more]

Share a commentA new king usually cleans house David does the opposite He calls for a nationwide search to find a living relative of Saul the very house that once hunted him and he names his motive without flinching he wants to show the kindness of God That single choice turns Samuel into a masterclass on grace covenant love and what it means to be welcomed when you expect to be rejected We walk through the tension of the search the slippery role of Ziba and the haunting detail that the last heir is crippled in his feet Instead of [... more]

Share a commentA king goes looking for the family of his enemy and what he plans to do with them flips every instinct about power on its head We walk through Samuel and David's decision to show covenant kindness to Mephibosheth the surviving son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul a man hiding in fear and living with a disability he can't undo Instead of asking who is worthy David asks who is left and that single question becomes one of the clearest pictures of biblical grace anywhere in the Old Testament We also sit with a modern story that [... more]

Christians can experience anxiety, but it's not necessarily sinful. The key is to trust in God's providence and guidance, and to remember that we are not alone in our struggles. Pastors and church leaders can encourage their congregations to cultivate a sense of detachment from the world, and to focus on their eternal home in heaven. This can be achieved by living in the present moment, enjoying the blessings of God, and longing for the day when we will be with Him. Ultimately, it's about having a deep trust in God's sovereignty and a sense of contentment in all circumstances. [... more]

David's response to criticism and negative events in his life serves as an example of how to handle reproofs in a biblical manner. He believed that God brought correction into his life for a reason, and that it was a sign of God's love for him. David's story illustrates the importance of expecting reproofs, evaluating them, embracing them, and entrusting them to God. [... more]

The Bible is clear on the issue of life and when it begins, with conception being the work of God. The church's position on abortion is rooted in Scripture, which teaches that life is sacred and that God is the creator and designer behind life and the process of conception. The discussion highlights the myths surrounding abortion, including the idea that it is a means of preventing unwanted children, and the consequences of a society that disregards the authority of God. [... more]

Responding positively to correction is crucial for success, as it allows us to learn from our mistakes and make necessary changes. Solomon's teachings in Proverbs emphasize the importance of listening to reproofs, whether they come through negative events or criticism from others. By understanding the reasons we resist reproofs, such as pride, fear, and laziness, we can develop a more humble and wise approach to criticism, ultimately leading to greater success and a deeper understanding of God's wisdom. [... more]

A Christian woman shares her personal story of divorce and how it affected her faith, marriage, and relationships. She explores the concept of suffering and how it can be used for good, and discusses the importance of trusting God's plan, even in difficult circumstances. [... more]

A single mom shares her personal experience of navigating the challenges of divorce and rebuilding her relationship with her children, highlighting the importance of Christian counseling, faith, and community in the healing process. [... more]

A former pastor's wife shares her journey of healing after an unexpected divorce, discussing the challenges of loneliness, the importance of gratitude, and finding hope in God's presence. She also talks about her experiences as a single mom and how she navigated the difficult process of co-parenting with her ex-husband. [... more]

The concept of the cornerstone, referring to Jesus Christ, is explored in relation to the church and Israel. Peter's writings in 1 Peter 2 emphasize the importance of valuing Jesus as the cornerstone, with believers finding value and treasure in Him, while unbelievers stumble over Him and are condemned. The discussion also touches on the tribulation period, the church's role, and God's covenant promises to Israel. [... more]

A small struggling start doesn't necessitate a limited life, and no measure of success is safe without the presence of God's hand. The story of Jabez, who prayed for divine ennoblement, empowerment, and enablement, shows that God can grant us what we request and help us break free from our past. [... more]

A man named Jabez, born with the name meaning anguish, transforms his life through a desperate prayer to God, asking for divine ennoblement, enlargement of his borders, and divine empowerment, ultimately becoming a person of great influence and faith. [... more]

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is often seen as a heartwarming tale of redemption, but it also contains a deeper message about economics and philosophy. Thomas Malthus' concept of surplus population is explored through the character of Ebenezer Scrooge, who represents a philosophy that is ultimately proven wrong. The story highlights the importance of generosity, private charity, and the value of human life, and serves as a reminder that God is generous, not stingy. [... more]

Stephen Davey shares the story of Abraham, a man who trusted God's promise despite unmet expectations and chronic disappointment, and how his faith in God's character gave him the strength to persevere and find hope in the midst of adversity. [... more]

The Bible teaches that followers of Christ should pursue a reputation of gentleness, even when faced with difficult circumstances. This means being willing to yield to others, being courteous, and putting up with abuse. The Lord is near, and His presence should motivate us to respond with patience, kindness, and compassion. By living out these qualities, Christians can demonstrate the grace of God and advance the gospel in everyday interactions. [... more]

Pastor Jack Hibbs continues his series on First Samuel, exploring the theme of worship as an act of war in the spiritual realm. He discusses the importance of trusting God's plan and the consequences of spiritual leaders losing sight of God, leading to corruption and empty worship. [... more]

The struggle between the flesh and the spirit is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, as Pastor Rick Gaston explains in his teaching on Romans Chapter 7. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible and the role of grace in overcoming sin, and encourages listeners to persevere in their faith despite the challenges they may face. [... more]

The struggle between the spirit and the flesh is a fundamental aspect of the Christian experience. The flesh is prone to sin, while the spirit desires to do good. This internal conflict is a result of the human condition, and it requires the power of grace to overcome. Christians must recognize their own weakness and seek to live according to the will of God, who desires to transform their minds and hearts. [... more]