Middle school is an incredibly difficult time in life. As a teenager, you’re trying to figure out who you are and where you belong. We may even try on different personalities to see what sticks. Someone who loves to read and play music may begin acting like jock to fit in with the basketball team. Or a kind-spirited girl may start acting mean to fit in with the popular girls. But, to everyone around them, the contrast between who they are and who they’re pretending to be is quite apparent. The A...
Aug 17, 2023•1 min•Ep. 485
We often take trees for granted. Maybe we don’t think twice when we see half a forest removed to make way for more homes. But trees serve an important role in the function of our world. As they take in the carbon dioxide that we humans exhale, trees in turn produce oxygen for us to breathe. It’s the perfect symbiotic relationship. Sometimes we’re tempted to think that we can function apart from God. Nothing could be further from the truth! He involves Himself in our lives even when we don’t noti...
Aug 14, 2023•1 min•Ep. 484
Many Christians, when speaking to unbelievers, may get a little off track as they share specific theologies, doctrines, denominational differences. But the simplest place to start is this- Do you believe in God? Even as believers, most of us have had periods in life where we question. Whether it’s in the wake of a tragedy or doubts in certain interpretations of scripture. If this is you or you want to know how to speak to unbelievers, I want to introduce you to a really cool website. Everystuden...
Aug 10, 2023•1 min•Ep. 483
I think most of us would think of rain as a negative thing. Maybe you planned a camping trip- and as soon as you begin to setup camp it starts pouring. Rain was the last thing you wanted on this trip. But if you’re a farmer and your crops are failing- rain could be the difference between a successful year and financial failure. The Bible says that God pours out His blessings like a gentle rain. What a fitting description of the God of the universe! It gives us a clear picture of the Creator cari...
Aug 07, 2023•1 min•Ep. 482
Mountain climbers have a concept called the “false summit”. During a climb they’ll often get to what they think is the peak, only to realize they’re at the bottom of an even larger mountain. This is a great spiritual lesson too. I can think of the times in my life where I wasn’t listening to God. I was trying to go my own way. This is usually the way seems easier, until you realize you’ve only reached the bottom of a much larger mountain. Are you on the right path? Are you listening to God and w...
Aug 03, 2023•1 min•Ep. 481
Volunteering has a meaningful, positive impact on your community. But did you know that volunteering also benefits you personally? Beyond the intangible benefits such as pride and accomplishment, there is also a strong relationship between volunteering and health. Studies have shown that those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” S...
Jul 31, 2023•1 min•Ep. 480
When a disaster strikes- it impacts everyone. When a hurricane makes landfall- it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from- everyone is suddenly in the same boat. It’s often during these tragedies that we see neighbors lean on each other in a way they never have prior. But what if we learned to live life as a community without the impending destruction of a storm? Dependence tends to have a negative connotation in American society where individualism is praised above all else. But relyi...
Jul 27, 2023•1 min•Ep. 479
In the old fable, the rabbit wins the race against the fox. Following the race an owl asked the fox “Why didn’t you catch that rabbit?” “Well,” panted the fox, “I was running for fun, but that rabbit was running for his life!” Why are you running the “race of life?” Maybe you just want a good time. Maybe your goal is prosperity or fame. Maybe you run without knowing why. If you’re looking for some direction in life, reach out to God. He has a plan for your life- to give you hope and a future. We...
Jul 24, 2023•1 min•Ep. 478
One question I hear often is, “If God really loves me, then why am I going through such a hard time?” Well, God never promised us that life would be without difficulty. He’s given each of us a free will. And like a rock, when thrown into the water makes ripples over the entire pond, frivolous choices made by us or others can cause problems. But be encouraged because the Bible tells us that God “…causes all things to work together for our good.” So the next time a problem comes your way, ask God ...
Jul 20, 2023•1 min•Ep. 477
Recently, I’ve gained a new hobby in gardening. We built a raised bed and planted kale, peppers, tomatoes, and peas from seeds. Through daily watering, cleaning of debris, and a ton of patience- last night we made a salad from vegetables we grew in our own backyard! That was so rewarding- and delicious. I’ve often found that in my walk with God, patience is key. It takes time to see what He’s growing in our lives. And it takes our participation to move as His Spirit guides us. If I planted those...
Jul 17, 2023•1 min•Ep. 476
I have a friend who is an incredibly talented artist. He works in wood and metal- making beautiful pieces like tables, chandeliers, and kinetic sculptures. The thing that sets him apart though, is that he only works with material that was destined to be trash. Broken wood slabs, rusted bike parts, you name it. Digging through piles of dilapidated materials, he sees the beauty in the broken. I am so grateful that God sees the same in us. Life is hard. But He gets us. Maybe you’ve felt like scrap ...
Jul 13, 2023•1 min•Ep. 475
We live in a culture obsessed with beauty. Not long ago, an 8-year-old girl and her mother appeared on Good Morning America to explain why the girl was receiving Botox injections. The child, who was a participant in child beauty pageants, believed she had wrinkles on her face, and she wanted them gone. The Bible says that “man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” God’s concern is who we are on the inside. Are we loving, caring and kind people? Or are we too self-cen...
Jul 10, 2023•1 min•Ep. 474
Many drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs require their patients to invite a member of the family to the facility to listen to them confess their weaknesses. A nurse told the story of a man who invited his father to one of these meetings. The father, after hearing his son’s confession, stood up and said to the group, “I have never loved my son more than I do right now.” The son received the strength he needed to move forward in his life. What if you had the unconditional love of a father? We...
Jul 06, 2023•1 min•Ep. 473
Is there a story behind your name? Often, the names we were given are family names. Carrying the memory of a loved one in the next generation. But no matter where your name came from, names are important. The actor and poet Jude Idada said, “Names are powerful and are prophecies of the future. The name you are called is a sign of what you are and what you would become.” Throughout the Bible names have always had tremendous significance. None more important than the name of our Savoir. Isaiah 7:1...
Jul 03, 2023•1 min•Ep. 472
What do you love? What’s something that you’d pay anything to experience? A concert? A car? A sporting event? And have you ever been in a place where the enthusiasm is just so contagious that you can’t help but join in? Whether you realize it or not, this is worship. Whatever it is that you pour yourself into and place the highest possible amount of value on is the object that you worship. You were made to worship. So what do you worship? Hopefully it’s not a car, a sports team, or an entertaine...
Jun 29, 2023•1 min•Ep. 471
Has something good happened to you recently? Have you taken the time to tell someone about it? Or. Are you experiencing some difficulties in your life? Have you been brave enough to share them with a close friend? No matter what you’re going through- the good and the bad, it’s important to have people in our lives we can share with. We humans were designed to be in community with each other. We were meant to share life together – to help each other bear the weight of the bad and to celebrate the...
Jun 26, 2023•1 min•Ep. 470
In Psalm 139 verse 14 the psalmist writes, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” In today’s culture, we’re lead to believe that the way we look dictates our worth. If we’re not thin enough or muscular enough, or if we don’t look like the person on the cover of a magazine, then we’re not worth much. The truth is we’re created by God and made in His image. We should be celebrating His work. That’s us – you and me. He loves who ...
Jun 22, 2023•1 min•Ep. 469
Some people look at faith as a set of religious exercises: attend church, do good deeds, pray, and read the Bible. But that’s not at all God wants for us. He wants a relationship. He’s set on redeeming a fallen world. He gave his life to make that possible, and He’s promised to stay with us forever. When Jesus returned to heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit to be our helper, comforter, and friend. He knew it wouldn’t be easy to do what is right in a fallen world. His Holy Spirit is right...
Jun 19, 2023•1 min•Ep. 468
Having a bad day? How about a bad week or a bad month? Whether it’s an uncomfortable paper cut or a car accident, we can always find hope in the middle of our struggles. In the Bible, the Book of Hebrews tells us that if we believe God then we know we have the things we hope for. So take heart. We have a rescuer in God. He cares about all of our concerns, and He understands our trials. So find peace in the words of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John, “In this world you’ll have trouble. But take ...
Jun 15, 2023•1 min•Ep. 467
In a court of law, the defendant stands before the judge and jury while evidence is brought forward meant to either convict or acquit. Lawyers prepare their cases and make their presentations with the hope that jury will rule in favor of their client. I’m so glad that in life, I have the opportunity to see everything I’ve done wrong acquitted. The Bible tells us that Jesus stood in our place so that we wouldn’t have to bear the punishment for our sin. Today accept the grace and forgiveness offer...
Jun 12, 2023•1 min•Ep. 466
We’re encouraged to dream as children. Often, we’re asked questions like what we’ll be when we grow up, or who we’ll marry. However, somewhere in the middle of life, we find it hard to dream because life gets in the way. But God is asking you to resume dreaming, not for wealth or possessions but for the richness of life only He can provide. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future...
Jun 08, 2023•1 min•Ep. 465
Harvard researchers conducted a study that showed how giving is such a powerful immune booster that it can be experienced just by watching someone else in the act of giving. In this well-known experiment, students who watched a film of Mother Teresa as she tended the sick in Calcutta got an increase in immune function. In the book Healthy Pleasures, psychologists described what they called the “helper’s high,” a warm glow and a sense of vitality that comes from being energized and calm. So, Go h...
Jun 05, 2023•1 min•Ep. 464
Aromatherapy uses the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, and stems to enhance our psychological and physical well-being. The inhaled aroma from these essential oils is soothing, and is widely believed to stimulate brain function. The Bible says that believers are the aroma of Christ to the people we encounter. As we produce the fruit of His Spirit, God uses us to enhance the spiritual well-being of the people around us. He uses our witness to stimulate soul function, just like essential ...
Jun 01, 2023•1 min•Ep. 463
I can’t see the wind, but I’m keenly aware that it’s all around me. I feel a gentle breeze brush against my face or rustle through my hair. Or I see its massive strength through powerful gusts that become hurricanes or tornadoes. Likewise, I can’t see God the Holy Spirit; but I know that He’s with me. I can feel His presence all around me. The word for “spirit” in both Hebrew and Greek means “breath” or “wind.” Like the worship song says, “You are the air I breathe, Your Holy Presence living in ...
May 29, 2023•1 min•Ep. 462
It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Think about some of the more stunning photos that you’ve seen lately. What have those pictures communicated to you? The photographer searches for the perfect shot just so she can speak through her lens. Did you know that God created the earth and all its beauty to try to communicate to us? I’m sure you’ll agree that while a picture of the Grand Canyon can be great, it will pale in comparison to the real thing seen with your own eyes. So, l...
May 25, 2023•1 min•Ep. 461
Have you ever said or done something that you regret? Maybe in the heat of the moment, you’ve lashed out at a co-worker because of something relatively insignificant. The feelings of guilt that are generated by regret don’t feel good. We long for ways to take back what was said or done. Author Tony Campolo once said that “the past has a way of draining energy from the present.” What’s been done in the past, while regrettable, needs to be forgiven and forgotten. Ask for forgiveness then, move ahe...
May 22, 2023•1 min•Ep. 460
Our sun is just one among more than a billion stars in our galaxy. One of these stars alone, the Pistol Star, could contain a million stars the size of our sun within its sphere. And our Milky Way is not even a huge galaxy! Our neighbor, the Andromeda Spiral, contains about 400 billion stars. Scientists estimate that there are billions of galaxies, each containing even more stars. Scripture tells us that our Creator God determined the number of stars and that He calls them each by name. Not only...
May 18, 2023•1 min•Ep. 459
There’s a beautiful image from the Celtic tradition called Thin Places. A “thin place” is a place where the boundary between heaven and earth is especially thin. It’s a place where it’s possible to touch and be touched by God; a place where He seems more readily present. This begs the question: Do you have enough Thin Places in your life? If not, you’re not alone. Artist Georgia O’Keefe once said: “Nobody sees a flower, really; it’s so small. We haven’t time, and to see- takes time.” We live fre...
May 15, 2023•1 min•Ep. 458
A sliced carrot looks exactly like the human eye; particularly the pupil, iris, and radiating lines. And science shows that carrots greatly enhance both the blood flow to the eyes and their function. A tomato has four chambers and is red, just like the heart. Plus, tomatoes are loaded with lycopine, which strengthens the heart. Is this mere coincidence? I don’t think so! You see, God as our Creator made and provided what we would need even before we were born. Scripture tells us that this same G...
May 11, 2023•1 min•Ep. 457
The human body is amazing! It contains sixty trillion cells that have all been carefully organized to perform life’s various functions harmoniously. The nose can recognize up to 10,000 different aromas. The tongue has about 6,000 taste buds. The body has so many blood vessels that their combined length could circle the planet two-and-a-half times. Did you realize that you are such a masterpiece? Psalm 139: 13 and 14, says, “You are the One who put me together inside my mother’s body, and I prais...
May 08, 2023•1 min•Ep. 456
