Who, or what, are you living for? It’s a big question. You might be considering your spouse or children. Maybe your career is a high priority. If you are an artist, writer, or musician, you might feel you live for the pursuit of creativity. Today, we want to remind you of the beautiful message in 2 Corinthians 5:15, which tells us that Christ died for everyone so that those who receive new life through Him will no longer live for themselves, but for the Lord. It's easy to get caught up in our ow...
Mar 20, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1256
Today, we'll be discussing the famous Bible verse John 19:30, which reads, “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” This verse teaches us the power of perseverance, which is crucial in achieving the mission God has set before us in this life. Jesus’ journey to the cross was not an easy one, and He faced numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. However, He remained steadfast in His mission, and persevered until th...
Mar 17, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1255
In John 19:30, we read about Jesus’ final moments on the cross, where He surrendered His spirit to God: “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” Jesus’ surrender teaches us the importance of surrendering our will to God—even when it’s difficult or painful. In life, we often struggle to control every aspect of our lives, but this can be exhausting and overwhelming. When we surrender our will to God, we allow Him to take c...
Mar 16, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1254
In John 19:30, we read about Jesus’ final words on the cross, “It is finished.” These final words before death signify the completion of His work on earth, but this isn’t the end of His story. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, triumphing over death and sin. As believers, we too, have the assurance of victory over death and sin through the resurrection of Jesus. We can boldly face the challenges of life—even the most impossible-seeming situations—knowing that we have victory in Christ J...
Mar 15, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1253
In John 19:30, we read about Jesus’ final moments on the cross, where He let go of His spirit, “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” Jesus’ sacrifice reminds us of the importance of letting go of things that hinder us from fulfilling our purpose. In life, we often hold on to past hurts, failures, and negative thoughts, which hold us back from moving forward. However, Jesus teaches us to let go of all our burdens and c...
Mar 14, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1252
In John 19:30, Jesus uttered three powerful words, “It is finished.” These words signify the completion of His work on earth, the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sins as He gave up His life for us on the cross. What can we learn from Jesus’ willingness to complete His earthly mission on our behalf, despite the personal cost? Often we start projects, tasks, or even relationships and never see them through. But Jesus showed us the power of seeing something through to the end. He remained faithfu...
Mar 13, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1251
We are inspired by epic war stories. Great battles over time become so epic, they almost seem a part of myth. We put warriors on a pedestal and usually, rightly so. They make it possible for the rest of us to live in peace and freedom. Have you ever considered there is only one perfect warrior? His name is Jesus. 1 John 5:4 says, “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” From King Leonidas to Oliver Cromwell to George Washing...
Mar 10, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1250
In May 1962, an intimidating figure delivered a final public speech at West Point Military Academy. Douglas MacArthur, who led America to victory in the Pacific during World War 2, addressed cadets. He told them simple truths, ones that define honor and glory. The hall was completely still as the old general spoke in hushed tones. Everyone heard him speak of the honorable soldier who must rely on “those divine attributes which his Maker gave when He created man in His own image.” Here was perhap...
Mar 09, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1249
A common theme today is that people are just tired of chaos, both public and private. It’s exhausting sometimes dealing with bad relationships. Global problems are with us every day. And we wonder when it will end. There is Good News for you, though. Literally Good News. 1 John 5:4 says, “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” This is a message to us that we don’t have to win the war ourselves. We don’t have to win a battle...
Mar 08, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1248
Today we're talking about grit and determination, which go a long way in helping find success in life. And they're contagious. Winston Churchill was almost 70 when his country needed him most, when he stared down Hitler's war machine. The British Prime Minister's signature line was, “We shall fight on the beaches,” but the essence of his message came with these words, “We shall go on to the end.” Luke 18:1 says, “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray a...
Mar 07, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1247
You want to be a winner, right? You want to be part of a winning team. That’s what we all want. The question is, how do you do it? We just finished another Super Bowl. Hundreds of pro players who want to win it all practice hard every year with that goal in mind. The truth is though, at the beginning of the season, none of them know which team to join to win a Super Bowl. 1 John 5:4 says, “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our fai...
Mar 06, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1246
Usually, when we’re looking for some kind of emotional lifeline to get us through the day, we only want to know what God can do for us. How do we get that peace of mind that we desperately need? One component is obedience. At first, this sounds like a test that’s too hard. We need relief right now! Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and per...
Mar 03, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1245
A huge benefit of being a believer is the knowledge that we can help others after going through the valley ourselves. It’s one thing to endure and overcome and find our joy, but it’s maybe even better when you see a friend emerge into the light because you were there for them. Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” When you’re in the middle of something difficult, it’s hard to even think. Scripture tells us the way out, but it helps to have someone in ...
Mar 02, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 1244
Whenever we have to overcome an obstacle in our lives, we’re thinking about a million different things. Our minds race. We might even be aware that our Creator is there to help. But have you ever considered that even when life gets tough, you can still have joy? Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Sheila Walsh has said that what got her through a bout of depression was the knowledge that God the Father loved her and wanted the best for her. Today, o...
Mar 01, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 1243
Have you ever felt without hope? It’s a pretty desperate place to be. It’s been said that hope is the one thing a human being can’t be without. Beth was once accused of some pretty terrible things. She wasn’t guilty of any of them, but it took two years and serious legal hurdles to clear her name. Her future was uncertain. In the end, she told reporters that her best ally was the Lord. Her story was itself a great witness. Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in...
Feb 28, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1242
Billy Joel says that his hit song, “Pressure” really is about the pressures of daily life: providing for your family, putting food on the table, and career obstacles. Even the way he sings the song, with power and anger, makes the point. It’s quite a statement on life. And we’ve all felt it. 2 Corinthians 1:8 says, “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.” But as believers, we can take heart in the fact that Paul then writes that diffi...
Feb 27, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1241
What is true love? The question has been asked forever. Not everyone agrees. There's a startling answer found in the Bible. The prophet Hosea marries a prostitute named Gomer. She's predictably unfaithful to him, but God tells him something that's strange to us. He told Hosea to take his wife back and restore her. 1 Corinthians 13:4–5 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It doesn't envy, it doesn't boast, it's not proud. It doesn't dishonor others, it's not self-seeking, it's not easily angered...
Feb 24, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1240
Kyle hurt Jenny emotionally many times, and then he left her because he said he wanted to have fun in life. His young wife could barely function at first, but as she got her bearings, she decided to wait before making a final decision about her marriage. Then the day came. A series of circumstances left Kyle broken in spirit, and in body. He had burned so many bridges, no one was coming to help him. Except Jenny. 1 Corinthians 13:4–5 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it doe...
Feb 23, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1239
Have you ever congratulated someone for a huge win in life, and then silently envied them? We all do it. But the problem is that kind of thing can grow into a monster if we're not careful. All of a sudden, we're so focused on what the other person has we lose sight of the wins in our own life. 1 Corinthians 13:4–5 says, “Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy, doesn't boast, it's not proud. It doesn't dishonor others. It's not self-seeking, it's not easily angered, and it keeps no recor...
Feb 22, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1238
We’ve all known kindness. It might have been a Sunday school teacher, or maybe it was Mom listening to our bad day. But how often do you actually think about the importance of kindness? Is it an active part of your day? If not, you’re missing the point. 1 Corinthians 13:4–5 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” Real love compels us to...
Feb 21, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1237
Having the “patience of Job” is a common saying, even if people don’t really know its origins. Job of course was the biblical character that suffered greatly before God restored him. But if you read the book of Job, it’s not at all clear that he really had much patience! Because being patient is really, really hard. 1 Corinthians 13:4–5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily ange...
Feb 20, 2023•1 min•Season 1Ep. 1236
We “love” all sorts of things. We love a friend’s new hairdo. We love pistachio ice cream and travel to exotic places. Many times, the word itself loses all real meaning. It’s like homemade chicken soup without the chicken, and without the soup. 1 John 3:16–18 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God...
Feb 17, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1235
You know, someone may have tried to convince you at some point in your life that we're alone in the cold void of the universe, but that has never been true. It's especially false for the believer who understands what God has done for all people everywhere. He, the Creator of the universe, formed us long ago, and His Word tells us clearly that He never takes a second off in His pursuit of us. Consider this: If you're stuck in a bad relationship, you won't find your way into the light until you're...
Feb 16, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1234
The Bible is famous for speaking in parables and metaphor. One of the most famous is found in one of Paul’s letters, in which he tells us the benefits of a life in Christ. The “Fruit of the Spirit” is a list of nine attributes that a person filled with the Holy Spirit will model for the world. It’s probably no coincidence that Paul starts with…Love. Galatians 5:22–23 says, “By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and sel...
Feb 15, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1233
One of the richest gifts God has given us is healthy relationships. A marriage in balance, friends who mutually respect each other, and most of all a strong “God connection” can be the ticket to a healthy, whole life. The full life that Jesus spoke about! Hebrews 10:24–25 says, “And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works. Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but let us exhort one another, especially as you see the Day appro...
Feb 14, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1232
Love is the essence of God. We know that. At the same time, we can say that there are different kinds of love; we’re talking about that this week. Love for family. Love for our fellow humans. Love for nature. But we can think of what is called Agape Love as “Big-Tent Love.” Agape is an ancient Greek word meaning “Love of God for people, and of people for God.” 1 Corinthians 13:1–3 says, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. An...
Feb 13, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1231
Our world has rich diversity. In nature, we see almost countless stunning animal species. We linger on pictures of beautiful landscapes. Even different cultures give us amazing experiences. There are also many different religions. Some of them offer a measure of peace. Some have reflections that can help us be better people. Today we’re talking about salvation, and that is one thing only Jesus offers. That is a harsh thing to say to some people, but if we are true to God’s Word, we affirm it. Ep...
Feb 10, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1230
Let’s think about something deep today: What is the end game? In this context, we’re talking about what comes after this life we are living now. Believers of course look forward to an eternity with the Living God. And even unbelievers wonder about what comes next after you draw your last breath. It’s the most important element in our discussion this week. Romans 5:3–4 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, char...
Feb 09, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1229
A farmer, perhaps more than most, knows something about faith. Harvest time captures much of our attention and all the good press, but the farmer’s careful planning, toil, and belief in the outcome are all necessary to reach that moment of glory. First, the farmer must decide what to plant in his fields. What do history and the Farmer’s Almanac say about likely weather patterns in a given year? What will various seeds cost right now? Is it a cyclical year for grasshoppers, or other pests? Soil i...
Feb 08, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1228
Of the many gods throughout world history, almost none of them seem to care about individuals. They might alter the weather so that crops can’t grow. Or cause some global upheaval. But only one claims to care about you. Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Isn’t that amazing? The story is that Jesus left His place of royalty in heaven to come to Earth as an innocent baby, then grow into a man ready to carry our sins for us. He came to find you! You! God...
Feb 07, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1222
