Your Encouraging 5 Minute Podcast: Recent Episodes
WPER Hosts
A weekly dose of encouragement to start your week off right! Join your favorite WPER hosts every week for uplifting thoughts to keep your eyes focused on Christ and His promises.
That feeling when your heart races, your mind won't quiet, and peace seems like a distant memory.
You're not alone, and -the best news is - there's hope waiting for you!
We're going to dive deep into what Jesus actually meant when He promised, "Peace I leave with you."
Jesus offers us his Peace. Not freedom from any of life's storms but REAL freedom! Freedom from being internally devastated by those storms.
Philippians 4:6-7 shows you how real peace follows surrender, not circumstance change.
Rather than carrying the crushing weight of trying to control everything, we can find relief in giving our anxieties to God, trusting Him long before seeing resolution. The sequence matters: prayer first, peace after.
Ready for a different approach to anxiety? Intentional stillness and trust create space for God's supernatural peace in our lives, space that anxiety may be trying to take over.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and remember you don't need to have it all together – Jesus meets you right in the storm, whispering "Peace, be still" to your troubled heart.
Share this with someone who needs encouragement, and download the WPER app for more spiritual nourishment whenever anxiety strikes.
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Have you ever felt that bone-deep weariness that makes even the smallest things in life feel like mountains?
That mental, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion that settles in like summer fog, leaving you not just tired but feeling hopeless?
First, know this: you're not weak, lazy, or broken – you're beautifully, perfectly human.
And you're certainly not alone.
This kind of tiredness doesn't always come with a neat explanation, but it deserves acknowledgment and gentle care.
Remember the days you didn't think you'd make it through? Yet here you are, still breathing, still moving forward. That's not just survival; that's quiet courage.
Even just wanting to feel better is a sign of hope stirring within you.
Hope doesn't always announce itself with fanfare – sometimes it whispers "try again tomorrow" in the shade of kindness, in a friend's voice, or in the simple act of showing up for your own life when it's hardest. Today might not look like growth on the surface, but trust that beneath it all, God is healing you.
You're not behind or failing; you're becoming stronger, more compassionate, more the person that God designed you to be. Better days are coming. You're doing better than you think, and God sees your effort, He sees your struggle, and - more importantly - He sees your heart.
If you found comfort in these words, please share this podcast with someone who might need encouragement today.
And remember, you can always download the WPER app for more encouragement whenever you need it most.
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Have you ever found yourself wondering where God is when life feels unbearably difficult?
We have to acknowle the reality that sometimes life hurts more than we think we can bear.
The truth is that God's goodness isn't dependent on our circumstances.
When relationships end, doors close, or healing doesn't come as expected, it's natural to question whether God cares.
This isn't about denying your pain or pretending everything is fine—it's about recognizing that God specifically draws near to the brokenhearted.
The most beautiful moments of divine presence often come not through dramatic breakthroughs but through quiet comforts: a timely text from a friend, an unexpected moment of peace, or a familiar Scripture that suddenly speaks directly to your situation.
These are the fingerprints of a faithful God who continues working even when we can't immediately see results.
As Jesus honestly promised, "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world."
Your struggles don't scare God away—they actually draw Him closer.
Whatever you're facing today, remember that your pain is not wasted, your story isn't finished, and God's goodness hasn't changed, even when life isn't good at all.
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Finding hope when we're facing unanswered prayers is one of our greatest spiritual challenges.
God's no doesn't mean he's rejecting us.
God's silence doesn't mean he isn't listening or disappointed in us.
Ultimately, it can pave a path to deeper trust.
Let's talk about:
• Wrestling with feelings of abandonment when prayers seem unanswered
• Understanding that God's vision extends beyond our limited perspective
• Remembering that God's goodness isn't dependent on Him giving us what we want
• Finding growth in the waiting and silence
• Bringing honest questions and pain to God, knowing He can handle them
God's goodness isn't just what He does—it's who He is
Please, share this with someone who might need the encouragement and reassurance that God isn't mad at them, and certainly hasn't abandoned them.
For more encouragement, you are always welcome to listen to WPER, Virginia's home for encouragement. If you're outside the listening area, listen at wper.org, or visit to download the WPER app.
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Letting go of our children as they embark on their own journeys might be one of life's most bittersweet transitions.
Whether they're heading to college, moving into their first apartment, or joining the military, that moment of watching them step forward independently stirs a complex emotional mix of pride, grief, fear, and perhaps even a profound sense of loss.
Ache comes with change - especially the disorienting quiet that follows years of beautiful chaos.
Your feelings don't make you weak; they make you human. And it's in that very humanness where divine compassion meets us.
The transition you're experiencing isn't just an ending; it's making space for something new.
Isaiah 43:19's promise reminds us that God is "doing a new thing" and "making a way in the wilderness." The prayers you've whispered, the values you've instilled, and the faithful examples you've set haven't disappeared - they've become the foundation supporting your child as they build their independent life.
God walks before them in ways even your deepest parental love cannot.
This season may offer unexpected gifts amid the challenges - a chance for rediscovery, new rhythms, and fresh purpose. Your identity has never been limited to your parenting role, though that role has profoundly shaped you. Now, as the shape of your days changes, God invites you into new expressions of your calling and purpose.
If you're struggling with this transition, we'd love to continue walking alongside you. Share this podcast with other parents in similar seasons, and connect with us at WPER, Virginia's Home for Encouragement, for daily inspiration that meets you right where you are.
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Have you ever felt like your life was falling apart and wondered where God was?
There are moments when God's plan seems unclear or even nonexistent, but that isn't the truth.
There is a very real and practical hope for navigating life's most challenging times.
God can transform our most painful circumstances into purpose. Your current struggles might be preparing you for something greater than you can imagine.
Romans 8:28 promises that God works in ALL things for the good of those who love Him—not just the comfortable or pleasant things.
This doesn't mean God causes our suffering.
He masterfully weaves even our darkest moments into a beautiful tapestry of purpose.
We can ask Him the hard questions while we're confused or frustrated —"Why, Lord? Where are you?"— and we can ask God these questions while still holding onto the truth of His unfailing love.
Remember this truth: just because you're in a messy chapter doesn't mean your entire story is ruined.
God is still writing, still working, still faithful.
Keep showing up. Keep praying. Keep breathing. The God who made you sees you and walks with you through every valley.
Your story isn't over—in fact, the most meaningful chapters may still be ahead.
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Have you ever felt God just can't or won't love you?
Maybe it's because of something you've done, thoughts you can't shake, or simply because life feels heavy right now.
Here's the revolutionary truth: Jesus still loves you, right where you are today.
Romans 8:38-39 has one of the Bible's most powerful promises: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither present nor future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." This isn't just beautiful poetry – it's a life-changing reality that stands firm regardless of your current circumstances.
So, what makes us feel distant from God's love? Our emotions, our critical inner thoughts, and our feelings about our past mistakes.
Thankfully, feelings aren't facts!
Your thoughts about your past or your guilt or your shame can't build walls high enough to keep out God's love. Even your sins – past, present and future – cannot separate you from the One who loved you enough to die for you.
This isn't about being tolerated by God. It's about being genuinely, deeply, and permanently loved by Him.
Whether you're walking through a season of doubt, carrying shame from past mistakes, or simply need a reminder of God's unwavering affection, these few minutes might be exactly what your heart needs to hear.
Share this with someone else who could use the reminder that God's love isn't earned – it's given freely, and nothing can take it away.
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Have you ever felt let down by God?
You're not alone in those feelings.
Many of us unconsciously slip into viewing Jesus as a cosmic vending machine – insert prayer, receive desired outcome.
But when life doesn't unfold according to our expectations, disappointment and doubt naturally follow.
The truth is both challenging and liberating: Jesus never promised a trouble-free life. What He guaranteed us was His presence through every trial.
He says in John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world."
This shift in perspective transforms everything.
Perhaps the most profound blessings aren't those that change our circumstances but those that change our hearts – peace during chaos, joy amid sorrow, strength when we feel we can't continue.
Even Jesus experienced a "no" from the Father in Gethsemane, yet He still trusted. Trade expectations for trust, believing that God is working all things for your good.
This isn't wishful thinking – it's solid, anchored hope based on who God is, not what He does for us. Unanswered prayers often lead to unexpected grace.
It reminds us of Tim Keller's powerful insight: "Jesus gives us what we would have asked for if we knew everything He knows."
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Take a deep breath and remember who God is—and who you are in Him.
Our productivity-obsessed mindset keeps us running and trying to "earn" rest! rest!
But rest - real rest - isn't something we earn through hard work; it's a divine gift freely given.
As it says in Romans 8:11, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, bringing life and rest when we need it most - during our most vulnerable moments.
Rest isn't about escaping the difficulties of life through short-term distractions.
Rather, it's an invitation to experience soul-deep rest that reminds us we are loved and never forgotten.
God's presence remains constant whether we're thriving or struggling, accomplishing or failing.
The cultural pressure to fix ourselves before approaching God creates unnecessary barriers to receiving His peace.
Stop trying to prove your worth!
Instead, let His Spirit breathe resurrection power into every cell of your body and every thought that demands perfection.
You can bring your frustrations, disappointments, and confusion to Jesus without fear—He understands your humanity because He lived it.
Even if you once felt close to God but now sense distance, remember this truth: He hasn't moved, left you, or given up on you. He remains as close as a whisper, ready to welcome you home whenever you call His name.
For deeper exploration of who Jesus is and how He really feels about you, visit WPER.org, click "Resources" and then click "Knowing Jesus" to discover His truth directly from His word.
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Feeling weary, overwhelmed, or just plain exhausted?
You're not alone.
Join us as we explore Jesus's powerful invitation from Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Now, let's be clear - this isn't just another pep talk about pushing through tough times.
We dive into the radical nature of Christ's invitation—how He welcomes us exactly as we are, not as we think we should be.
While the world keeps telling us to hustle harder and stay strong, Jesus offers something completely different: genuine rest for your soul.
We also focus on the beautiful truth that God doesn't wait for us to get our act together before drawing near. He came for us "while we were still sinners," meeting us in our brokenness, addictions, and struggles.
If you're feeling like you're barely hanging on, this message reminds you don't have to figure everything out or pretend you're okay when you're not.
Instead, we invite you to breathe deep, be honest with God about where you are, and let Him meet you there.
You are deeply loved by the One who never grows weary.
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Have you ever felt the weight of not being enough? That whisper in your soul suggesting God couldn't possibly love someone like you? If you're carrying those invisible burdens of shame and inadequacy.
Romans 5:8 reveals how God shows His love while we're still in our mess. The profound reality is that Jesus loves you right now—not as you wish you were or hope to become.
This isn't about religious performance or earning divine favor. It's about understanding that God's love precedes our perfection.
Through the powerful parable of the prodigal son, we see how the father's extravagant welcome mirrors God's response to our running to Him. No lectures or probation periods—just pure celebration.
When feelings of unworthiness surface (and they will), remember: feelings are real but not always true. God's love doesn't fluctuate with your emotions; it's anchored in His unchanging character. Perhaps the most stunning truth? Jesus didn't go to the cross because you were perfect; He went because you are precious. He simply didn't want heaven without you.
Whether you're tired, uncertain, or just need a reminder that you're seen and loved, these five minutes will lift your spirit.
God's love isn't a reward for the worthy—it's a gift for the willing.
Take this encouragement with you today, and when doubt creeps in, remember: Jesus sees you, loves you, and will never let you go.
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
The wounds left by people who claim to speak for God can be devastating. When Christians use hurtful words or judgment instead of love, it doesn't just create personal pain – it can distort your entire understanding of who Jesus truly is.
This episode tackles that raw, often unspoken experience head-on. We examine how Jesus himself actually treated people who were hurting, doubting, or living messy lives. Unlike many of his self-proclaimed followers today, Jesus consistently led with compassion rather than criticism. Whether it was the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, or even doubting Thomas, Jesus invited people closer instead of pushing them away.
We make a crucial distinction that can be healing for anyone carrying church hurt: Christians are human and often get it wrong, but that doesn't reflect who Christ truly is. Romans 8:38-39 reminds us that absolutely nothing – including the painful words or actions of imperfect believers – can separate us from God's perfect love. We also explore how forgiveness works as a pathway to freedom without requiring you to accept harmful behavior or remove necessary boundaries. Forgiveness isn't about minimizing hurt; it's about preventing that hurt from defining your spiritual journey moving forward.
Have you been wounded by someone speaking in Jesus' name? Don't bottle it up. Talk to him about it – he can handle your honest questions, doubts, and even anger. And remember, Jesus hasn't walked away from you, and he never will. Share this episode with someone else who might be silently carrying similar wounds and needs to be reminded of Christ's unfailing love.
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Financial anxiety is real, but your security doesn't come from a paycheck.
God sees you in your financial struggles and hasn't forgotten you!
Jake's story of an unexpected job loss and facing mounting bills shares how God provided for him through unexpected means - a neighbor delivering groceries, repaid loans, and a surprising job opportunity.
Philippians 4:19 promises God will meet ALL your needs, and Jesus taught us to pray for "daily bread" because He knows we tend to worry about tomorrow.
Here's the best part: your job isn't to figure everything out—your job is to trust God. His job is to provide!
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Have you ever felt like you've forgotten what real joy feels like? When the cold seasons of life stretch on, it can leave your soul feeling like an endless winter!
The world constantly tells us that joy depends on circumstances—success, comfort, and everything going our way. But there’s a deeper truth: authentic joy isn't determined by what's happening around us but by who lives within us. Jesus promised, "I've told you these things so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
Real, authentic joy isn't fleeting or circumstantial; it's whole and enduring.
For anyone feeling stuck in a winter season right now, this message offers the hope that spring is coming—not just in nature but in your soul.
Joy isn't something you have to desperately chase. It's being held out to you.
Share this message with someone who might need to hear that joy is possible again, because through Jesus, all things become new.
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Grief hits every single one of us. The overwhelming weight of loss, shattered dreams, or life's disappointments. In this intimate five-minute conversation, we explore how hope often intersects with our deepest sorrows.
What makes our faith unique in times of grief is that Jesus doesn't stand at a distance watching us squirm and struggle.
Despite knowing He would soon perform a miracle, Jesus wept at the death of his friend, Lazarus. The shortest verse in scripture - "Jesus wept" reveals our Savior's heart – He steps directly into our pain, feeling every ache right alongside us. When grief whispers that joy will never return, Jesus counters with a promise: "You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy" (John 16:20).
If you're walking through sorrow today, remember grief doesn't play nicely. Some days will feel impossible, triggered by the most unexpected moments, and some days feel quite peaceful. But through it all, you will never walk alone! Jesus remains your comfort, your refuge, your living hope. He promises one day to wipe every tear from our eyes, but until then, He weeps alongside you.
Share this message with someone struggling with grief today, and remember that genuine hope has a name, and His name is Jesus.
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Do you feel like you're drowning under the pressure to have it all? That relentless pursuit of society's definition of success – the thriving career, picture-perfect family, passionate marriage, all while maintaining a flawless appearance – can leave us feeling like we're failing at everything.
Sometimes what we feel to be our biggest failure – that moment when people discover we’re not perfect – can become the turning point that changes everything.
We were never meant to carry such heavy burdens, especially alone. The world tells us to do it all, Jesus offers a different invitation: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
It goes against everything culture tells us, but: What if having it all was never really the goal? What if true peace comes not from balancing every spinning plate but from laying our burdens at down at Jesus’ feet?
Take five minutes today to just breathe, to let go, to stop proving your worth through titles and busyness.
Remember that the God who created the stars, moon, and everything beautiful sees you! Not for what you're doing, but for who you are – His beloved child.
Share this message with someone who needs this reminder that they're not failing; they're simply human, and that's enough because Jesus is.
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Your world can shatter in an instant. Sarah knew this all too well when her father died unexpectedly, her marriage began falling apart, and she lost her job—all within a few months. Sitting in her car as rain poured down around her, she prayed through tears: "God, where are you? Do you even see me down here?"
What happened next wasn't a dramatic miracle with heavenly spotlights. Instead, an unexplainable peace washed over her—God's gentle whisper saying, "I will never leave you. I will never abandon you." Her problems didn't vanish overnight. But something more valuable appeared: hope. Not wishful thinking, but profound confidence that she wasn't alone in her storm.
We're often looking for a divine magician when what we need is a divine healer. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that "the Lord is close to the brokenhearted," suggesting that our deepest pain might be where God draws nearest. The healing Sarah experienced wasn't instant, but it was real—the kind that transforms you from the inside out.
Maybe you're weathering your own perfect storm today. Perhaps you too have whispered desperate prayers, wondering if anyone hears. This five-minute reminder is for you: Hope has a name, and His name is Jesus. He's writing your story even now, walking with you through every valley. You were made for more than just surviving these storms—you were made for a hope that outlasts them.
What storms are you facing today? Remember that sometimes God's presence feels less like lightning and more like unexpected peace in your broken places. He's closer than you think.
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone.
We're here to remind you that everything is going to be okay.
Don't just take our word for it. We find that reassurance in the promises in God's word.
God is working behind the scenes and He speaks to us in myriad ways. Whether it's through scripture, uplifting music, or words from friends, His presence can always be felt.
We'll also encourage you to develop a deeper connection with your faith, recite God's promises during tough times, and hold onto hope as we face challenges together.
Everything is going to be okay.
If you found this episode encouraging, please - share it with someone who might need some encouragement today.
Let's spread the message of the hope and love we find in Jesus, and remind each other that we are never alone in our struggles.
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Hugs play a profound part in reflecting God's love.
A simple embrace can become a source of healing, comfort, and spiritual connection for both the giver and the receiver!
Hugs can help us understand the concept of God's love in our daily lives – and there’s some science about how hugs help us emotionally, and how hugs are a physical manifestation of support and encouragement for someone who needs it!
If this episode encouraged you at all, would you share it with a friend? Maybe someone you’d like to hug today but can’t.
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Feeling overwhelmed by the relentless demands of life? Eric & Heather want to remind you that you were never meant to carry it all alone.
This episode is a heartfelt nudge toward finding peace in the chaos by letting go and trusting that God is at work!
Join us for a five-minute journey of encouragement and, inspired by the comforting words of Matthew 11:28, we explore the liberating act of laying down your burdens.
Strength isn't about doing it all...it's about knowing when to hand it over to God.
Whether you're feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders or you just need a little boost, we'll offer the encouragement you need to face another day with renewed hope, calm, and faith.
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Give us five minutes, we'll give you encouragement!
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
After facing what felt like an insurmountable wave of life’s challenges, Sarah found herself in a moment of sheer vulnerability, whispering words she thought she’d never say: "God, I cannot do this anymore." This episode of the You're Encouraging 5-Minute Podcast with Eric and Heather unravels Sarah’s poignant journey from despair to hope, spurred on by an unexpected message through a song. We explore the transformative power of realizing you are seen and not forgotten, even when everything seems lost. Through Sarah's story, we find the profound truth that in our weakest moments, as reflected in 2 Corinthians 12:9, God's strength shines brightest.
Join us as we reflect on the importance of shifting our focus from weariness to the One who sustains us. We encourage listeners to hold on to their faith and trust in God’s presence, even when the path is unclear. Share this heartfelt message of hope with someone who might need reminding that they are never alone; God's grace is always sufficient. Together, let us lift a prayer for those feeling overwhelmed, asking for renewed strength and a reminder of God's unwavering presence.
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Give us five minutes, we'll give you encouragement!
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Give us five minutes, we’ll give you encouragement!
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Give us five minutes, we’ll give you encouragement!
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Give us five minutes, we’ll give you encouragement!
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Give us five minutes, we’ll give you encouragement!
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Give us five minutes, we’ll give you encouragement!
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Give us five minutes, we’ll give you encouragement!
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Give us five minutes, we’ll give you encouragement!
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Give us five minutes, we’ll give you encouragement!
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Give us five minutes, we’ll give you encouragement!
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Give us five minutes, we’ll give you encouragement!
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Give us five minutes, we’ll give you encouragement!
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Give us five minutes, we’ll give you encouragement!
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Give us five minutes, we’ll give you encouragement!
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Give us five minutes, we’ll give you encouragement!
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Give us five minutes, we’ll give you encouragement!
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
Give us five minutes, we’ll give you encouragement!
Let us know what you think - send us a text here!!
What if a child's simple prayer could bring unexpected blessings? Gather around as we share Sarah's heartwarming tale of faith, where her children's earnest prayers for ice cream led to an unforeseen financial miracle. Discover how a timely check answered not just a small wish but also a mother's deeper faith journey. This episode will restore your belief in everyday miracles and remind you that no prayer is ever too small or insignificant.
Ever feel like your best isn't enough? We discuss the importance of acknowledging your efforts, no matter how they stack up to others. Some days, your A-game might feel like a C-plus, and that's okay. Tune in for practical tips on finding daily wins in all aspects of life—whether it's a short walk or a gym session, every effort counts. You'll leave this episode feeling encouraged to keep pushing forward, even when setbacks occur, and equipped to celebrate small victories along the way.
This is the day that the Lord has made!! It's interesting how God doesn't say which day, it's just this day, and He made it for you. So even if you don't always feel like rejoicing or celebrating, remember that there is something good that God created for you in each day.
This particular scripture is filled with some great promises from God - that He is faithful, that He will strengthen you, the list goes on...but it's also a great example of how every single word in scripture matters. In this episode we'll look at the word "will," and how that single word can carry so much weight.
When you're riding shotgun on the struggle bus, who do you turn to? In Psalm we're told that God is our refuge and our strength, but how do we access that? What does it look like? Let's get into it!
As we enter the month of November, our thoughts tend to turn toward thankfulness - so let's dig into a verse that really highlights that from the book of James!
God's word calls us to give thanks in ALL things - and yes, that "ALL" is intentional. But sometimes it's hard to be thankful in the hard times, so how do we do that? How do we shift our perspective so that we can find gratitude in the daily grind?
Throughout our lives we are influenced by the world around us - by what we see, hear, and read. We can have some control over what we're allowing ourselves to take in, but there are also times when we may not be able to see the negative impact of something. Asking God to show us those areas in our lives where we need to do a little spot clean can go a long way to bring peace of mind.
Forgiveness is more easily received than offered, whether that's when you're dealing with forgiveness of others or yourself. Mike and Megan get into what forgiveness looks like, what are some of the obstacles we face with forgiveness, and how we can more easily forgive ourselves (which is sometimes the hardest thing to do).
In so many ways, God tells us through His word to not fear because He is with us. So many verses speak to this, in fact, it's almost like He's trying to make a point - we have NO reason to fear the world when we are walking with God.
Friends can have such an impact on our life - and choosing the right friends to spend our time with can determine whether that impact is positive or negative.
When we are weary and burdened, God is calling us to come to Him with all our mess and let Him be there for us. So when you feel like you can't keep carrying the weight of the world...stop! Let's talk about it on this week's podcast.
When it comes to giving, many of us feel we don't have "enough." Whether it's time, resources, or financial we get caught in the trap of comparing our offering to those of others. But scriptures tells us that God expects to give of what we have, not what we don't have. So let's take a look at what this means in our lives, and how we can use it to bring that offering to God.
Author John Piper once said "God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them." In this week's episode we unpack that, and for those of us who tend to get frustrated by what feels like inaction on God's part, this is an incredible reminder that we have no idea all that God is up to in our lives.
REST - what a word, right? But it's one we have a complicated relationship...we have trouble finding time to rest, we may even feel guilty taking that time if we're usually "on the go." So perhaps it's time to redefine what rest looks like, and what we can do to make sure we're getting the rest we need?
Blazing our own trails in life can lead to...well, chaos. But when we let God go before us, to make those crooked paths straight, that's when the good stuff happens. What does it look like when we go off course, and how can we make sure we're letting God lead the way? Let's dive in!
This week we're digging into this statement: "You are as close to God as you want to be." On the surface it seems kind of like a dig...a little shade, maybe? But the encouragement in this, is that when we feel distant from God, WE have the power change that!
It's funny how we can talk about what advice we would have given to our younger selves - you know, if we could go back in time and drop some words of wisdom, what would we say? But what if we flipped it to focus on a situation we're in right now? What we imagine our future selves would tell us in this moment? Taking that approach can help frame what seems so big right now, into more of just another issue that will one day be resolved.
God didn't do that...people did. When we're hurt by people in the church, it can be difficult to separate that from our relationship with God. But the reality is we are ALL broken people, not one of us is perfect, and that means we have the capability to cause a lot of harm with our words and actions.
Hard work is just that....hard work! BUT, the work is worth it. And in God's word, it tells us that the hard work is what brings the profit. Let's unpack that a bit for our own lives!
"Cast all your cares on Him" - we've likely all heard this phrase at one point or another in our lives, and maybe it's even become one of those things that we get but we don't get. The truth is God DOES want us to give those to Him - what does that look like, and how do we do it?
When Michaelangelo created the statue David, they say he saw the statue within the marble before it had been formed. It wasn't about adding paint to canvas, it was a process of discovering what was already there, waiting to be found. God is the same way with us - He will chisel and mold and shape until we are what He designed for us to be.
There is SO much to unpack in this verse - "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." Let's dive into what God has for us just in these few words, because it's a lot, and it's ALL good.
The oldest thing in the universe is, believe it or not, a tree! And it's lasted this long not because it's in the perfect environment, but because it's actually in a very difficult environment that has forced it to build resistance. The same thing happens in our own lives, when we walk through tough things.
We'll meet both in life - success and struggle. And we can learn something different in each of them. Sometimes the lessons we learn from the struggles about who we are, though, can be more powerful than anything else. Let's dig in!
For God so loved the world He gave His only son...there is so much wrapped up in these two verses and yet we can often mix up the message and get it wrong. Let's unpack it, dive in, and talk about how we as one body of Christ followers can realign with this message!
Be STRONG and COURAGEOUS! That's what we're talking about this week - taking on new challenges, stepping out of our comfort zones, and doing it fearlessly because our God is with us wherever we go.
There will be times where we may feel we're just going through the motions, or not doing anything of significance, when in reality God could be using your very actions to influence someone else. Just because you can't see the fruit now, doesn't mean God isn't using you!
Between Covid, war, financial struggles, and SO much more - anxiety seems to be an ever-present emotion. But it doesn't have to be - and we don't have to look any further than God's word to find some ways to combat it, or at the very least lesson it. Join Mike & Megan as we dig into anxiety and what God's word says about it.
Mike & Megan are joined by special guest Theresa Mills this week with a fantastic word of God and incredible encouragement - no weapon formed against you shall prosper. Join us as we dig into this scripture and what that means for your life!
When something bad happens, it doesn't mean we are bad - so how do we handle those situations for ourselves, how do we teach our kids to deal with those situations? What are some words we can use or actions we can take to flip the narrative.
CS Lewis once said "There is no neutral ground in the universe" - everywhere we step, God has claimed that territory, and the enemy is also trying to counter-claim it. That means we cannot straddle any fences here, we gotta pick what side we're going to be on!
When our lives are rosy and glowing, it's EASY to rejoice - but this scripture calls us to rejoice in ALL things. What does that look like when "things" are rough?
Let's talk about plants this week! Ok not really but sort of - when you speak kind words to plants, they have better growth opportunities. What does that say about our own human spirits, and what effects can words have on us? Let's get into it!
We ALL battle fears of some kind, but that doesn't mean we have to be captive to them. Mike & Megan talk about that a bit this week, tackling some ways we can think about our fears differently, and things we can do to get past them.
Christ lives in you...that means no matter what you're facing in your week, Christ within you can see you through. Mike & Megan dig into this a bit to talk about what that means, and how you can live that out in your life!
What we allow ourselves to take in each day can have such a profound impact on how we interact with others - our mood, our relationships, our productivity, ALL of it! So what are some ways we can be more cautious of that, and keep our eyes (and ears) focused on the right things?
When God had a mission for Joshua, he didn't encourage him to carefully move forward - no! He said be STRONG and BOLD! And beyond that, He promised that He would be with Joshua. And He makes that same promise to you - let's break it down and see how you can bring this scripture to life today.
Your GIFT is acceptable in the eyes of Christ, because He has given you the gift of life, love and forgiveness. But what does that even mean? How does that look in our lives? Tune into the latest podcast and let's dive into it!
So scripture calls us to be "still" - but how? When? What does that look like? Where can we even find the time?! Tune into the latest podcast as Mike and Megan break this scripture down and talk about ways we can do this in our daily lives.
If we're not careful, we will LOSE our focus! And that can just spiral into so many chaotic situations. But how do we keep our focus on what's true and what matters? Mike & Megan dive into some tips!
When we trust in our perspective on things, life can get messy - that's why we have to rely on God's understanding, and not our own!
Sometimes in order to grow, we need to be broken. God WANTS to do a new thing in us, and even though that may be a painful process, what's on the other side of that growth is a beautiful, stronger, more capable version of you.
If you're the one who carries the weight for your family, your friends, even your job - this is a great word for you! In this episode, Mike & Megan dive into the start of Psalm 116 and talk about how much God loves and SEES us - all of us!
Have you ever found yourself in a place in your life where you're not sure how you ended up here? Whether you slowly strayed, or just flat out bolted, away from Jesus - you're not sure where to go from there? The key is to avoid the bolt in the first place, and we have some suggestions on how to help avoid getting off track. Let's dive in!
After the beauty of the holiday season, January can be bleak in comparison - and that can take a toll on our mental health, especially if we feel alone or isolated. But there is HOPE in Christ, let's talk about how we can lean into that this month.
Those words "fear not" have probably been repeated thousands of times, maybe even you've said them to yourself time and time again. But what does God's word say about it, and what does that actually look like in our lives? Let's talk about it.
As we enter into 2022, maybe this is the year you go easy on setting BIG goals for yourself, and just start the new year focusing on Christ and letting Him lead the way!
'Tis the season....to focus on Him! As the craziness of the holiday season surrounds us, may we not forget what Christmas is all about. Mike & Megan share some ways they keep the real reason for the season front & center.
If you find yourself often feeling alone, forgotten, neglected - THIS is the episode for you. Because in His word it tells us so clearly how God rejoices over us, and you need to know that includes YOU! So listen, and be encouraged.
What would our lives look like if we let every obstacle stop us in our tracks? Zaccheus was a man who didn't let his height hold him back - he climbed a tree to reach his goal of seeing Jesus! What if we also found ways to work around what the Enemy throws in our way?
Too often we spend our time looking in the rear-view mirror, focusing on our past mistakes instead of what God has in front of us. Mike has some helpful tips to keep our eyes ahead!
As a self-proclaimed "fixer," Megan often struggles letting God fight her battles. But that IS what we are called to do! We can't take it all on ourselves, and when we do, it doesn't work out well.
You know those days when you battle fear? Especially in these times, it feels like fear is always trying to creep in. Those are the times we need to hold onto the words of 2 Timothy 1:7 - God has not given us a spirit of fear.