Rocking Chair Devotions: Recent Episodes
Dave Anthold
A weekly devotional to help you jumpstart and encourage you throughout the week, and nourish your soul.
Show Notes
An accountability group thrives when you, me, and others permit others to ask us how we are doing.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- What Is Accountability?
- What Does Accountability Look Like?
- Accountability: Permission
- Accountability: Trust
- Accountability: Challenge
- Accountability In the Church
- Accountability For Board Members
- David & Nathan
- Encouragement & Challenge
- Prayer
- Spread the Word
Links & Resources In This Episode
- The Focus Course
- The Focus Accelerator
Companion Post
Accountability Living
Disclosures & Affiliates
Some links in these show notes are affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you purchase something, but there is no additional cost. I am disclosing this per Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines.
Rate & Review
Please take a moment to drop by your favorite podcast platform, give us a rating, and/or leave us a review so others can find and benefit from this content. Thanks.
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This Thanksgiving, as you gather around your dining table, take a few minutes to reflect on how you can give, serve, and love those around you.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Perspective
- Give, Serve, Love
- A Thanksgiving prayer for you
Companion Post: Coming Soon!
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show, rate it, and review it. Thanks.
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Show Notes
Living a focused life is more than routines and rituals; it is about learning to let God lead us through the highs and lows.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Discipline & Rituals
- The Ritual Lives of Believers
- Why Does This Matter
- Living a Focused Life
- Encouragement
- Prayer
- Spread the Word
Links & Resources In This Episode
Companion Post
Coming Soon!
Disclosures & Affiliates
Some links in these show notes are affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you purchase something, but there is no additional cost. I am disclosing this per Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines.
Rate & Review
Please take a moment to drop by your favorite podcast platform, give us a rating, and/or leave us a review so others can find and benefit from this content. Thanks.
★ Support this podcast ★
Show Notes
Joined by Isaac Smith of The Focus Course for Part Three of our conversation on what it means to live a focused life.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Conversation with Isaac Smith of The Focus Course
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
- Focus Course Academy Opportunity
- Spread the Word
Links & Resources In This Episode
- Focus Quiz
- Focus Course Academy
- Focus Accelerator
Companion Post
Coming Soon!
Disclosures & Affiliates
Some links in these show notes are affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you purchase something, but there is no additional cost. I am disclosing this per Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines.
Rate & Review
Please take a moment to drop by your favorite podcast platform, give us a rating, and/or leave us a review so others can find and benefit from this content. Thanks.
★ Support this podcast ★
Show Notes
Joined by Isaac Smith of The Focus Course for Part One of our conversation on what it means to live a focused life.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Conversation with Isaac Smith of The Focus Course
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
- Focus Course Academy Opportunity
- Spread the Word
Links & Resources In This Episode
- Pause App -guided meditations to help you reset your day
- Resilient - John Eldredge
- Voxer app - push-to-talk communication platform for individuals or teams available on iPhone and Android
- Focus Quiz
- Focus Course Academy
- Focus Accelerator
Companion Post
Coming Soon!
Disclosures & Affiliates
Some links in these show notes are affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you purchase something, but there is no additional cost. I am disclosing this per Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines.
Rate & Review
Please take a moment to drop by your favorite podcast platform, give us a rating, and/or leave us a review so others can find and benefit from this content. Thanks.
★ Support this podcast ★
Show Notes
Joined by Isaac Smith of The Focus Course for Part One of our conversation on what it means to live a focused life.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Conversation with Isaac Smith of The Focus Course
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
- Focus Course Academy Opportunity
- Spread the Word
Links & Resources In This Episode
- Focus Quiz
- Focus Course Academy
- Focus Accelerator
Companion Post
Coming Soon!
Disclosures & Affiliates
Some links in these show notes are affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you purchase something, but there is no additional cost. I am disclosing this per Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines.
Rate & Review
Please take a moment to drop by your favorite podcast platform, give us a rating, and/or leave us a review so others can find and benefit from this content. Thanks.
★ Support this podcast ★
I am happy to announce, for the first time - Dave and Abi Anthold!
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of how we got together
- "Who doesn't have Facebook?"
- Our story
- Wedding Announcement
- Thanks
- Upcoming Podcast Episodes
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/dabi-wedding-announcement.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show, rate it, and review it. Thanks.
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The Lord gives us what we need not necessarily what we want!
Note: Please forgive the audio recording, I will fix it when I am back with my normal setup 😁! Thanks
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A lot is going on in my life right now, and I wasn't able to get this week's episode out on time, but it's coming later this week, so be on the lookout for it when it drops. Thanks.
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Show Notes
Living a focused life helps place guardrails or boundaries around your life to help you achieve your life goals, prioritize what matters most, and build a legacy.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Kick-off of the new Focused Life series
- Where Do You Want to Be In 5, 10, or 15 years?
- Are You Focused?
- The Focus Quiz
- Where You Are Is Not Where You Want To Be
- Jeremiah 29:11
- Encouragement & Challenge
- Proverbs 16:3
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
- Focus Course Academy Opportunity
- Spread the Word
Links & Resources In This Episode
- Dream to Destiny Series
- Focus Quiz
- Focus Course Academy
- Focus Accelerator
Companion Post
Where You Are Is Not Where You Want To Be
Disclosures & Affiliates
Some links contained in these show notes are affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you purchase something, but there is no additional cost. I am disclosing this per Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines.
Rate & Review
Please take a moment to drop by your favorite podcast platform, give us a rating, and/or leave us a review so others can find and benefit from this content. Thanks.
★ Support this podcast ★
Show Notes
God calls us to live courageously. He commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous. How can we live courageously?
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Kick-off of the new Flame Out series
- Be Strong and Courageous
- Joshua 1:6, 7 & 9
- How to Live Courageously
- Encouragement
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
- Spread the Word
Links & Resources In This Episode
- Courageous
Companion Post
RCD 110: Be Courageous and Fearless!
Disclosures & Affiliates
Some links contained in these show notes are affiliate links which means I get a small commission if you choose to purchase something, but there is no additional cost to you. I am disclosing this per Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines.
Curbing burnout starts with a tough first step. We need to recognize burnout in our lives and acknowledge that it exists in us. Rate & Review
Please take a moment to drop by your favorite podcast platform, give us a rating, and/or leave us a review so others can find and benefit from this content. Thanks.
★ Support this podcast ★
Show Notes
Curbing burnout starts with a tough first step. We need to recognize burnout and acknowledge that it exists in us.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Kick-off of the new Flame Out series
- Roadmap for the next ten weeks
- Burnout
- Spiritual Burnout
- Can We Recover From Spiritual Burnout?
- Baby Steps
- Baby Steps: Go To Scripture
- Baby Steps: Ask For Help
- Encouragement
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
- Spread the Word
Links & Resources In This Episode
- The Working Genius Assessment
- The Six Types of Working Genius - Patrick Lencioni
- Jesus Calling - Sarah Young
- Fear Gone Wild - Kayla Stoecklein
- Hope Heals - Katherine Wolfe
Companion Post
RCD 109: Get The Fire Extinguisher
Disclosures & Affiliates
Some links contained in these show notes are affiliate links which means I get a small commission if you choose to purchase something, but there is no additional cost to you. I am disclosing this per Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines.
Curbing burnout starts with a tough first step. We need to recognize burnout in our lives and acknowledge that it exists in us. Rate & Review
Please take a moment to drop by your favorite podcast platform, give us a rating, and/or leave us a review so others can find and benefit from this content. Thanks.
★ Support this podcast ★
Burnout affects anyone and potentially everyone. It does not matter if you are super spiritual or an atheist - burnout knows no nationality, color, race, or religious affiliation.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Kick-off of the new Flame Out series
- Roadmap for the next ten weeks
- Burnout
- Spiritual Burnout
- Can We Recover From Spiritual Burnout?
- Baby Steps
- Baby Steps: Go To Scripture
- Baby Steps: Ask For Help
- Encouragement
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
- Spread the Word
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/108.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show, rate it, and review it. Thanks.
★ Support this podcast ★
Laying our anxiety, worry, and busyness at the foot of the cross is an act of surrender on our part, and that is why He asks us to seek Him first, and commit our day to the Lord.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Kick-off a new series
- Busyness and Worry
- How can we cut through the noise?
- Worry Be Gone
- Encouragement and Challenge
- 30 Second Prayer
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
- Spread the Word
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/107.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show, rate it, and review it. Thanks.
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Jesus routinely modeled how to do and more importantly how to be.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A recap of the Beach Days series
- Self-Reflection
- Getting Things Done
- How To Be
- Making Space For God To Speak with Us
- Encouragement & Challenge
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
- Spread the Word
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/106.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show, rate it, and review it. Thanks.
★ Support this podcast ★
Sabbath rest is important. We need time to refuel and recharge. When we don’t take time to recharge and rejuvenate, we risk burning ourselves up and hurting those closest to us.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Kick-off a new series
- Sabbath Rest
- Where Did Sabbath Rest Originate?
- Jesus Flipped the Script
- Finding Your Sabbath Rest
- The Purpose of Sabbath Rest
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/105.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show, rate it, and review it. Thanks.
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Today is Independence Day in the United States, and we are blessed to live in a country with so many freedoms.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- America's Independence Day
- Military & First Responder Thank You's
- Government Leaders
- Freedom
- Reflection
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
- Spread the Word
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/104.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show, rate it, and review it. Thanks.
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Sometimes...our short-term mission trip is serving those closest to us, and not across the border.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Recap of the Small World, Big Heart series
- Who Am I Serving?
- Who Am I Closest To?
- Parable of the Good Samaritan
- Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover
- Wrapped Up In Ourselves
- How to Serve Those Closest To Us
- Encouragement & Challenge
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
- Spread the Word
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/102.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show, rate it, and review it. Thanks.
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When we walk alongside the hurting and joyful, our hearts and lives are never the same.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Recap of the Small World, Big Heart series
- Dispatch #1 - Porch Lights | Athens, Greece - 2011
- Dispatch #2 - The Love of a Father | Ensenada, Mexico - 2019
- Dispatch #3: Town Square | Warsaw, Poland - 1994
- Dispatch #4: Rotten Teeth and Family Portrait | Petrozavodsk, Russia - 2011
- Dispatch #5: God’s Timing & Tapestry | Kenya, Africa - 1993
- Memories
- Dispatches From The Field Newsletter
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
- Spread the Word
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/102.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show, rate it, and review it. Thanks.
Enjoy this special encore episode of my conversation with my father for Father's Day. It's Father's Day, and today we hear a conversation I had with my Dad as he drops wisdom for fathers but also for men in how they work with people.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Happy Father's Day
- Scripture honoring fathers
- Conversation with my Dad
- How he met my mom
- Investing in your kids
- The leadership of your families
- A Prayer you can pray today or each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/encore-rcd041-fathers-day-wisdom-for-all-men-a-conversation-with-my-dad.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
God rarely has a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to missions, and that is exciting. He uses everyone differently but with the same purpose…to reach people with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- What...no Mexico trip?!
- Kick-off of Small World, Big Heart series
- Stories from the road
- Short-Term Missions
- STM: Local Missions
- STM: Global Missions
- Mission trips can change your life
- Jenette McEntire interview (2021) - Eps. 42, 43
- Serving each other
- Called to short-term missions
- Called: Supporters of Missions
- Who are you?
- What's next?
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/101.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show, rate it, and review it. Thanks.
Today is Episode 100! The Lord continues to do amazing things through this podcast, and I am blessed to be used by our Savior and King.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Celebrating 100 episodes
- Favorites
- Launch Group - My Church Small Group
- Team Treehouse 🏡
- Guests
- Life Changes & Statistics
- My Commitment
- What's Next?
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/100.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
When God wipes out our sin, He doesn’t turn it a lighter shade of white - He turns it a dazzling white as if there was no sin or defect before. There are no tracks that lead back to your previous sin - it’s like a fresh snowfall and we are restored.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Memorial Day Rememberances
- Rest For Your Mind & Soul series recap
- David and Bathsheba
- Restoration
- Psalm 51
- Encouragement
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/099.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Sometimes our hearts want to move towards frustration and anger, but what it needs is to pause and give thanks to God for something or someone.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- How are you doing with rest for your mind and soul?
- Rest For Your Mind & Soul series recap
- Give Thanks
- Help is on the way
- Bookend
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/098.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
A common mistake we make is turning God into a cosmic vending machine. We put our heavenly dollar in and expect God to drop out our heart’s desire with little to no work on our part. We, essentially, tell God you owe me…I told you what I wanted and you didn’t do anything for me except give me more of the same.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Rest For Your Mind & Soul series recap
- Where Have I Heard That Before?
- Heart's Desire
- Rewind
- Trust
- Commit & Be Patient
- Commitment and Trust
- Wait Patiently
- Circling Back To Our Heart's Desire
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/097.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
The inviting green pastures give way to calm waters that nourish our minds and souls. When we pause to drink in the words of the good shepherd, we hear His voice telling us how special we are.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Rest For Your Mind & Soul series recap
- Do We Know How to Relax
- Catch Your Breath
- Everything I Need
- Green Pastures and Calm Waters
- Renewed Strength
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/096.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Silence is deafening at times. We don’t like to be in our heads and minds because it causes us to reflect, which can be painful or uncomfortable.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- New series kick-off - Rest For Your Mind & Soul
- The Lord Is Our Strength
- Reminder #1: God’s Voice Commands
- Reminder #2: God’s Glorious Works
- Reminder #3: Stillness
- Reflection
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/095.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
God’s plan for our lives is usually the best, but we seem to mess it up; however, God allows U-turns. He works to bring about restoration in our lives.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Crossroads series recap
- Changes & Transitions
- Cross Country running
- God's Plan For Our Lives
- Message of Hope
- God's Story For Me
- Crossroad Reflections
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/094.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Instead of keeping the plates spinning, Paul lets the Lord keep the plates spinning. Contentment happens when we surrender to the Lord and His will for our lives.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Crossroads series recap
- Unsettled
- Contentment
- Surrender
- Crossroad Reflections
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/093.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." - Matthew 28:5-6
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Crossroads series recap
- The Tomb
- Christ's Resurrection
- The Guards
- Jesus and the Disciples Meet in Galilee
- Crossroad Reflections
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/092.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Jesus could have called down thousands of angels to destroy His attackers, but He chose silence over action because the road to the cross was part of His redemption plan for you and me.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Crossroads series recap
- The Road to the Cross
- Jesus' Death
- Did Hope Die Today?
- Crossroad Reflections
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/091.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
When we choose to surrender our heartbreak, denial, betrayal, pain or hurt, we tell God we are ready to stop running and allow Him to mold us into who He wants us to be.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Crossroads series recap
- Heartbreak
- Denial
- Betrayal
- Revisiting Denial
- Heartbreak, Denial, and Betrayal
- Crossroad Reflections
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/090.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Many times, we need to meet the needs of people physically before they ever listen to anything we have to say about God.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Crossroads series recap
- Feeding the 5,000
- Feeding the 4,000
- Feed My Sheep
- Crossroad Reflections
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/089.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
During Jesus’ three-year ministry, He healed many people. He cast out demons, made the lame walk, the blind see, the deaf hear, and countless healings of people’s mental, emotional, and spiritual needs.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Crossroads series recap
- Our battle with temptation and what that looks like
- Jesus' healing ministry
- Woman Healed of Her Bleeding
- Blind Man Bartimaeus Healing
- What Happens When Our Prayers Appear To Go Unanswered
- Crossroad Reflections
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/088.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Temptations are all around us. As we will see, some are physical, others surround our need to test God at every turn, while others focus on wrongful worship.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Crossroads series recap
- Our battle with temptation and what that looks like
- Temptation #1: Hunger (Physical, Emotional, Spiritual)
- Temptation #2: Testing God
- Temptation #3: Wrongful Worship
- Crossroad Reflections
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/087.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
We kick off a Holy Week series that bridges the gap between the crossroads we find ourselves at, and the beauty of what Jesus did on the cross for you and me.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Crossroads series recap
- Palm Sunday
- Why Are We Talking About Noise?
- Christ's Preparation
- Shouts of Praise
- Crossroad Reflections
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/086.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Whether you are a believer in Christ or someone who is still wandering or searching on their spiritual journey, you have more in common with each other at times than you realize.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Crossroads series kickoff
- Crossroads
- Commonalities
- The Cross
- To the Weary Traveler
- Meet Me at the Crossroads
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/085.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Mary was chosen by God at a young age to bring Jesus into our world because He would save us from our sins. In a few short weeks, we will see how Mary’s simple act of obedience paved the way for our chance to spend eternity with Jesus.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick review of the past Faith Heroes
- Who is Mary?
- Mary in the Gospels
- Where Was Mary Throughout Jesus' Life?
- Faith Hero
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/084.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
We can take encouragement from Elisha’s faithfulness, his request to receive a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, and his pursuit of living a life sold out for the Lord in turbulent times.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick review of the past Faith Heroes
- Who is Elisha?
- Elisha's ministry
- Miracle: Water Healing
- Miracle: The Widow's Oil
- Miracle: Death to Life in Shunem
- Miracle: Naaman's Leprosy
- Gehazi's Greed
- Miracle: The Floating Ax Head
- Elisha's Death & A Body Revives
- A Life Well Lived
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/083.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Elijah is known for his ascension to Heaven without experiencing death as well as the epic showdown on Mt. Carmel against the prophets of Baal.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick review of the past Faith Heroes
- Who is Elijah?
- Elijah's Ministry Start
- Elijah Performs Miracles
- Showdown on Mt. Carmel
- Here Comes the Rain
- God’s Whisper
- Succession Plan
- Elijah’s Chariot
- Encouragement
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/082.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Rahab was a prostitute, and God uses likely and unlikely characters to accomplish His will and plans. We seem to think that you have to be near perfect to be chosen by God to accomplish His plans, but that’s not the case.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick review of the past Faith Heroes
- Who is Rahab?
- Jericho
- Rahab's encounter with the spies
- Jericho will fall
- It was time - Jericho's fate
- Rahab in the New Testament
- God uses everyone
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/081.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
The parable of the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son remind us that God pursues us and is excited when we find Him.
In today's episode, you will hear:
- Recap of the Beautifully Broken series
- Family is complicated
- Three parables - Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Lost Son
- Lost Son parable
- Encouragement / Challenge
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/080.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
The problem with cover-ups is that they require lies upon lies to maintain or make happen. Restoration happens in our hearts, and God is there to forgive our sins if we truly ask Him to forgive us.
In today's episode, you will hear:
- Recap of the Beautifully Broken series
- Who is King David?
- Poor Choice #1: Wrong Place, Wrong Time
- Poor Choice #2: He Had an Affair
- Poor Choice #3: The Pregnant Cover-Up
- Poor Choice #4: Putting a Hit Out on Uriah
- Restoration Begins
- Encouragement / Challenge
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/079.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
God's love stories fit into His plan for our lives, and we think we see what He is doing, and then He surprises us.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Do you remember your love story?
- Ruth & Boaz story
- What's your love story?
- My story
- Advice for singles and couples
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/078.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Each story is unique, and God works to restore each person differently. There is no one-size-fits-all in God’s restoration plan. However, the one thing that is consistent across all of God’s restoration plans is - His Son dying on the cross for each one of us to bring redemption to our lives.
In today's episode, you will hear:
- Kick-off of the Beautifully Broken series
- What does beautifully broken mean?
- The Beginning of Time - Adam & Eve
- Brokenness
- The Blame Game
- Restoration
- Encouragement / Challenge
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/077.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
“Generosity is a matter of the heart, not the wallet.” You may be surprised how He honors your giving. The giving of your “first fruits” is an act of trust especially if you might be wondering if you can make rent or put food on the table.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Other generosity episodes on Rocking Chair Devotions (61, 62, and 63)
- Series recap
- The importance of generosity
- How much should I give?
- Percentage or designated amount?
- What if I can't give 10%?
- Encouragement and Challenge
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/076.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
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The simplest way to describe prayer is, it’s a conversation between you and God. Conversations can be one-sided, give and take, or a healthy back and forth. God is a big God, and He lets us ramble or He can reach out to us while we sleep.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Series recap
- Start a prayer habit
- A.C.T.S. Model
- Where can I pray?
- Should I have a prayer list?
- Why journal?
- Different journal types
- Encouragement and Challenge
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/075.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Developing a Bible reading habit is the same. Spending time each day in God’s Word allows you to hear His voice especially in your busy seasons.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- What is a Bible reading habit?
- Where to start?
- How much time will this take?
- Accountability
- How to engage with Scripture
- Read thru the Bible in a Year
- Encouragement and Challenge
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/074.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Banish the distractions, and live a focused life in pursuit of what God has laid on your heart for 2022.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- The story of Nehemiah
- The request of Nehemiah to the king
- Jerusalem
- Rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and gates
- What good work are you doing?
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/073.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Thankful hearts are repentant hearts. Thankful hearts are restored hearts. Thankful hearts are patient hearts. Thankful hearts leave space for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Reflective questions
- Thankfulness
- How to be joyful
- We are restored
- Applying thankfulness and gratefulness
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/072.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
It’s 2022, and as we begin a new year, hope is in the air. Every new year offers us a new beginning. We can build on dreams from the previous year, tackle audacious goals, build a business, and continue our spiritual journey.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Happy New Year
- Team Treehouse
- Creating community
- Starting habits and pursuing big, audacious goals
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/happynewyear2022.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
This year has been a fantastic adventure! From home to work and everything in between, I am excited to see what 2022 has in store for me.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- 2022 is just around the corner
- Highlights from 2021 that are the most important to me
- Encouragement to reflect on your 2021
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/071.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Merry Christmas!! 🎄
Jesus was born in a stable, proclaimed by the shepherds, worshipped by the Magi, and grew up to be the Savior of the world. Today, we celebrate the ultimate love gift from God - His Son.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Family Christmas traditions
- Spreading love
- A Christmas Blessing
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/070.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Mary and Joseph celebrate Jesus’ birth, while some local shepherds receive a visit from some heavenly hosts with a familiar greeting. Later, Magi from the East are guided to Jesus by the Bethlehem star.
In today’s episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of the Star of Wonder series
- Jesus’ birth
- Unlikely birth announcers
- Mary linked to the greatest gift in history
- Travelers from the East - Guided by the Bethlehem star
- Gifts fit for a king
- Returning to Egypt by another way
- Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/069.
Please don’t forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
We join Mary and Joseph on their journey towards Bethlehem for the required census, and a lack of rooms provides an interesting backdrop for the birth of a King.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of the Star of Wonder series
- The journey to Nazareth for the Census
- A look back at King David's census
- An unexpected stop at the "Inn"
- No room in the Inn
- A stable for the soon-to-be King
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/068.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Immanuel means God With Us. The Lord wants you to know, especially during this season, that He is with you, and we rest in the hope that God Is With Us.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of the Star of Wonder series
- Immanuel - God With Us (Isaiah 7)
- God's redemptive plan for us - Jesus
- What's In a Name?
- The descriptive names of Jesus
- God's redemption plan is echoed in Isaiah 9
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/067.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
For the next few weeks, we are going to explore the story of Jesus’ birth and the journey of the Magi with a new set of eyes, as we kick off our Christmas series, Star of Wonder.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Kick-off of the new Star of Wonder Christmas series
- The Road to Bethlehem
- Jesus' birth runs through the lineage of Boaz and Ruth, and King David
- Micah 5
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/066.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Today is Thanksgiving in the United States, and I take a few moments to share a few things I am grateful for over the past year.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Reflection on the past 11 months
- Grateful for family, friends, and other things
- A few scripture verses highlighting "thanksgiving"
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
- Bonus: Go to the companion post to find Chris Tomlin's music video he did with Thomas Rhett & Florida Georgia Line titled "Thank You, Lord"
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/065.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, thank Him for all He has provided for you and your family during this year. My prayer for you is that your heart will be overwhelmed with gratitude for all God has provided.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Thanksgiving is here!
- God's Provision - 2 Kings 4:1-7
- Gratitude - 2 Kings 4:8-37
- Reflecting on all God has done
- Are you "overwhelmed with gratitude" this year?
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/064.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
This week, our focus turns to the legacy we want to leave with our generosity. We have an opportunity to shape the next generation with the way we are generous.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of the Heart & Wallet series
- Legacy Generosity
- Parents modeling generosity
- Letter writing at cruising altitude
- The Challenge - Heart vs Wallet
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/063.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Giving, and being generous, should be a joyful and fun experience. We often equate generosity to a financial gift, but generosity (as a whole) is more than just a check - it’s about meeting a need that is before you.
Purposeful generosity is giving to a need or needs that God lays on your heart.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of the Heart & Wallet series
- What Is Purposeful Generosity?
- Do I need to give 10%?
- Examples of purposeful generosity
- What would happen if I don't give?
- Purposeful Generosity - 1 Timothy 6:18
- The Challenge - Heart vs Wallet
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/062.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
A brand new series focused on building your generosity gene. What makes a generous person? Are you a generous person? Take the Heart vs Wallet challenge today.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Kickoff of the new Generosity series - Heart & Wallet
- Highlights of the Focus Course Academy
- What makes a generous person?
- Examples of Generosity
- Do You Consider Yourself Rich?
- Be Richcampaign
- The Challenge - Heart vs Wallet
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/061.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Noah comes from a long line of God-fearing people during the time between Adam & Eve's fall and the ten generations that followed. God used Noah to save the entire world from extinction.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of the Faith Heroes series
- Noah's Geneology
- Noah's Favor
- Time to Build an Ark
- The Flood
- Looking for Land
- The Covenant
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/060.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
We meet Gideon. Gideon is like you and me. He possesses an inner strength known to God, and God prepares him to be a bold leader for Israel when it's needed.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of the Faith Heroes series
- A quick history of Israel
- Gideon's Call
- Who Tore It Down?
- Sign Requests
- Bring It On
- Gideon's application for each one of us
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/059.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
How will you make a difference today? The faith hero story of Esther gives each of us the courage to affect change wherever we are, but we need to act when we are called on.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of Faith Heroes series
- Who is Esther?
- The four beautiful mentioned in the Bible
- What happened to Queen Vashti?
- The search for a new queen
- Conspiracies Abound
- Joining the Story
- For Such a Time As This
- How will you make a difference today?
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/058.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
The book of Ruth is found between the books of Judges and 1 Samuel. It is the story of hope, grace, and redemption.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Start of a new series - Faith Heroes
- Kicking off the series with the book of Ruth
- The Journey
- You Are Safe Here
- Family Redeemer
- Time For A Wedding
- Lineage
- What makes Ruth a faith hero!
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/057.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Mental health is a crisis, and mental health in pastoral ministry is on the rise. Our pastors need support, rest, encouragement, care, and love. This week's episode explores the rise of suicide in pastoral ministry, teenage suicide, and what the church can do to better support our leadership.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Mental health passion
- September is Suicide Prevention Month
- Pastors who have died by suicide
- Statistics of mental health & suicide affecting pastoral ministry
- Statistics of teenage suicide
- How congregants and parishioners can encourage their pastors
- How leadership boards can support their pastors
- Does suicide disqualify you from heaven?
- A prayer you can pray today and this week
A companion post and resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/056.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
When overwhelm and anxiety begins to trickle into our thoughts, you can remind yourself that God created the heavens and the earth, and everything in it and that includes you. You are precious. You are God’s workmanship. You were created with a purpose. You are a blessing.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Mental health passion
- September is Suicide Awareness Month
- The gift of Philippians 4:6-7
- The Lord's promise to Abraham
- The Southern Lights
- You are special
- Cast all your cares on the Lord
- A prayer for the day and week
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/055.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
As citizens of our chosen residence and as Christians, we have a duty (and obligation) to let our voices be heard.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- What you will hear and not hear from me.
- What happened to us?
- Highlights from David Platt's book, Before You Vote
- Insights from Sarah Anderson and Andy Stanley's conversation - The Space Between Us
- Is the battle over politics and religion worth losing family and friends?
- Have we lost sight of God's role in government?
- Where is respect in our conversations or differences?
- How should I vote?
- A prayer for the day and week
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/054.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Work enables us to provide and care for our families. It enables us to bless people during difficult times. And it enables us to live out our God-given talents.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Happy Labor Day!
- Work is different today than yesterday.
- Many crossroads, many paths
- A new way of working
- The double win
- Rest and re-charge today!
- A prayer for the day and week
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/053.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Servant leadership is leading from a place of humility rather than position. Each of us has different roles - some are unique, and others are intertwined, but we must learn to be last to be first.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of the Back to School series
- What is servant leadership, and what does it look like?
- How servant leadership and work go hand-in-hand
- Examples of servant leadership you can do this week
- A prayer for the day and week
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/052.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
When tragedy strikes, where do you turn? Our world seems a bit in disarray right now, but the good news is, there is hope for the world.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of the Back to School series
- Katherine & Jay Wolf story - Hope Heals
- Hope reminder in Psalm 42
- Hope has a name, and His name is Jesus
- A prayer for the day and week
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/051.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
We hear it all the time - the battle belongs to the Lord. Sometimes we need to surrender to win the war, but identifying what we need to need to surrender can be difficult when the noise is deafening.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of the Back to School series
- What do you need to surrender today?
- Take every thought captive
- Sometimes we need to surrender to win the war
- A prayer for the day and week
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/050.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Do you want to live a courageous life? After the death of Moses, Joshua succeeded him as the leader of Israel, and he needed some encouragement to live courageously. We need that encouragement today as well. God wants us to live courageously!
In today's episode, you will hear,
- The kickoff of a brand new series - Back to School
- Definition of courageous
- The impact of photographs
- Joshua's call to lead the people of Israel
- A call to be courageous that works for us today
- A prayer for the day and week
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/049.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Transformation is a process, not a destination. Christ changes us. Whether you have been a seasoned believer for 50 years or accepted Christ yesterday, your transformation is continual.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Sabbatical or vacation?
- Is retirement just a number?
- Transformation is a process, not a destination
- What does your transformation story look like?
- A prayer for the day and week
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/048.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Life is keeping us busy, and if we are not careful, we can live our lives on a permanent pause. We need to live for today. Our past is the past, our future is not written, we only have today.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- How did you do last week?
- Morning fog
- Life is a gift - will you live for today?
- Action: The Penny Challenge
- A prayer for the day and week
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/047.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
We need rest, and we need nourishment. Jesus understood this better than anyone, and He guided His disciples to get away to a quiet place to rest, refresh, and restore their weary souls and bodies. Jesus wants this for us as well.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of our Summertime Reset series - Weary & God Sustains Us
- Seasons for our souls
- Jesus guides the disciples to rest (and eat)
- Soul & Physical nourishment
- Action: Three simple hacks to restore your soul this week
- A prayer for the day and week
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/046.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Are you shouting that you need a break? Are you ready for the spinning plates to slow down? The Lord invites you to rest with Him for a few moments and reset your day and week.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of our Summertime Reset series
- How did you do with your backpack last week?
- Diving into a "soul" question
- A view inside a moment on a 2011 mission trip
- Action: Will you rest for a moment to reset your day & week?
- A prayer for the day and week
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/045.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Is your backpack weighing you down? Do you feel like you are getting close to the ground instead of heaven? If so, your burdens might be weighing you down, but Jesus has the answer.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- The kickoff of the Summertime Reset series
- What good came out of the pandemic
- Why is your backpack weighing you down?
- Jesus' request to cast our burdens on Him
- Action: Will you take Jesus up on His offer?
- A prayer for the day and week
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/044.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Celebrating the United States' Independence day with a few thoughts on freedom, service, and sacrifice.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick history of the USA independence
- How precious freedom is for us
- Thanking the sacrifice and service of our military
- Standing with our military and first responders
- God Bless America!
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/july42021.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
What does family look like? Jenette McEntire is back to share her and Paul's international adoption story that displays the trust in God's perfect plan for their lives.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Reminder to listen to part 1 of my conversation with Jenette McEntire
- A look at Jeremiah 29:10-14a and its relationship to our conversation today
- When the McEntire's met Sanda
- The long road of international adoption
- 12 years of labor
- Update on Sanda's adoption
- Jenette's prayer
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/043.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Short-term mission trips can change our lives. Today, you will hear part one of my conversation with Jenette McEntire as she shares her story of working with local missions in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- How Jenette and I know each other
- Her missions backstory
- Her winding road to her current position
- A Prayer you can pray today or each day
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/042.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
It's Father's Day, and today we hear a conversation I had with my Dad as he drops wisdom for fathers but also for men in how they work with people.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Happy Father's Day
- Scripture honoring fathers
- Conversation with my Dad
- How he met my mom
- Investing in your kids
- The leadership of your families
- A Prayer you can pray today or each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/041.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Short-Term Missions is a great way to serve communities (local or global), and carry the Good News of Christ to all the world.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of Step of Faith - Missions Mindset episode
- The difference between long and short term missions
- Stories from the field
- The "call" for workers
- How you can "answer the call"
- A Prayer you can pray today or each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/040.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Having a missions mindset starts in our hearts, and God uses our experiences to cultivate the Great Commission in each of us.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Mission trip stories
- What it means to have a missions mindset
- Ways to get involved in missions
- Reflecting how God is cultivating a missions mindset in you
- How to sign up for Dispatches From The Field
- A Prayer you can pray today or each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/039.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
A special Memorial Day episode to honor our heroes who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Thank you to our military and first responders for their sacrifice
- Photographing cemeteries is my passion
- Arlington National Cemetery's special place in my heart
- A special prayer of protection for all our military and first responders
- Memorial Day Portraits companion post
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/038.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Are you waiting on God for something? Patient endurance can help you run the race of life to its completion.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Quick recap of run the race to completion & run to win
- Connections in Kenya
- Playing the waiting game, it's tough
- What are you waiting on God for?
- Remembering your waypoints
- A Prayer you can pray today or each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/037.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Run the race of life to win requires discipline, training, a heart for change, and a willingness to be used by God.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Quick recap of run the race to completion
- 600 yard craziness
- Paul's challenge to run to win
- Planters, Sowers, and Harvesters
- A redemption story
- A challenge to run the race to win
- A Prayer you can pray today or each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/036.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
God is at work in you so that He can do great work through you - your journey is still being written. Run your race to completion!
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Life is an ultra-marathon, not a sprint
- Epic 1997 cross country battle
- Paul's life journey to completion
- Creating your "life list"
- You are God's masterpiece
- A Prayer you can pray today or each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/035.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Happy Mother's Day and we celebrate you and the role you play in our lives. Thank you for your love, care, and provision over our lives.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Happy Mother's Day
- Scriptures command to honor your parents
- A conversation with my mom
- A special prayer for all women by my mother
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/034.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
The game of Life led you through an idyllic time with little struggles, today's life feels more like a game of Twister. We can use kind words to change someone's perspective, heart, or outlook on life.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of the Hope For Today series
- Scriptures call to use kind words
- Debunking the belief that the Christian life has no struggles
- A challenge for the week
- A Prayer you can pray today or each day.
A companion post including helpful resources can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/033.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and head over to Apple Podcasts to rate and review the show. Thanks.
To change our life and world, we need kindness, compassion, and to offer forgiveness. If we do these simple acts, there is hope for today and the future.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- The struggles of our society
- Paul's encouragement to believers during his time and ours
- About the Butterfly or Ripple Effect
- A challenge for the week
- A Prayer you can pray today or each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/032.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and head over to Apple Podcasts to rate and review the show. Thanks.
Hope-filled joy is part of the fabric of the Christian life. It guides us when we are challenged, and helps comfort those in need. Our hope for today is resting on Jesus' promises.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of the series Hope For Today
- Paul's affliction & God's grace
- Stories of God's redemptive power & His grace
- When you are struggling, reach out to God
- A Prayer you can pray today or each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/031.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Hope-filled joy is part of the fabric of the Christian life. It guides us when we are challenged, and helps comfort those in need. Our hope for today is resting on Jesus' promises.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Joy: is it a noun or a verb?
- Examples of joy in the Bible
- The story of Petr Jasek
- A challenge to live with hope and joy this week
- A Prayer you can pray today or each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/030.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Our hope for today and the future is Jesus. Jesus can bridge the gaps we face, heal our pain, care for our sorrows, and give hope to the hopeless.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Recap of Holy Week
- Share the tragedy of COVID
- Give hope from scripture
- Share a few modern-day examples of our world in turmoil
- Commission all of us to act
- A Prayer you can pray today or each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/029.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Holy Week concludes with the resurrection of Jesus. He is not dead, He is alive!
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of our journey from Jerusalem to Bethany to Passover to Jesus' Arrest and Peter's Denial, concludes with Pilate's decision to release Barabbas and execute Jesus, and we learned what's so good about Good Friday.
- Insight into some of the redemptive story characters
- Resurrection narrative
- Encounters with Jesus
- How Jesus is the cure for our hurting world
- An encouraging prayer for each of us
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/028.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
It's Holy Week 2021, and the road to the cross ends today; however, that's not the end of the story. New life for you and me begins with Jesus' death on a Roman cross - that's what is so good about Good Friday.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of our journey from Jerusalem to Bethany to Passover to Jesus' Arrest and Peter's Denial and concludes with Pilate's decision to release Barabbas and execute Jesus.
- The Road to Calvary
- What Jesus endured for us
- What Jesus' death means for us
- A prayer of salvation
- Remembering that Jesus loves us
- An encouraging prayer for each of us
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/027.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
It's Holy Week 2021, and the road to the cross continues with Jesus appearing before Pilate and Herod Antipas, and ends with Barabbas being released and Jesus marked for death.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of our journey from Jerusalem to Bethany to Passover to Jesus' Arrest and Peter's Denial
- Jesus encounter with Pilate and Herod Antipas
- Jesus' flogging
- Barabbas gets an early release
- Jesus marked for death
- An encouraging prayer for each of us
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/026.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
It's Holy Week 2021, and the road to the cross continues with Jesus being arrested, the disciples deserting, and Peter denying he knows Christ.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of our journey from Jerusalem to Bethany to Passover
- Jesus discusses the disciples impending desertion
- What went down at the Mount of Olives
- Jesus' arrest
- Where did the disciples go?
- What happened when the rooster crowed three times?
- An encouraging prayer for each of us
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/025.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
It's Holy Week 2021, and the road to the cross continues with the shock of betrayal, the last supper with His disciples, and the birth of communion.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of our journey from Jerusalem to Bethany
- How Jesus secures a Passover meal location
- A brief history of changemakers
- The betrayal shock
- The birth of communion
- An encouraging prayer for each of us
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/024.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
It's Holy Week 2021, and the road to the cross begins with a dinner in Simon's home, an unexpected visitor, and the beginning of Judas' betrayal.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of the triumphal entry
- The importance and significance of Simon's house
- The woman who changed history
- The questions we might be thinking about who she was
- How Judas got the ball rolling for Jesus' betrayal
- What you can do this week to engage with scripture during Holy Week
- A Prayer you can pray today or each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/023.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
It's Holy Week 2021, and the road to the cross goes through the triumphant entry into Jerusalem where Jesus is praised for being their King.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- How Jesus arrived in Jerusalem
- Who the Jewish people thought Jesus was
- What saddened Jesus
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/022.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Our lives are crazy busy, and slowing down is an after-thought. As we conclude our series, Pull Up a Chair and Rest Awhile, we explore Psalm 23:5-6 - it provides nourishment for the weary, and hope for eternity with our Shepherd.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of the series
- The protection and preparation of our Shepherd
- The blessings of being part of the flock
- A prayer to accept Christ in your life
- A Prayer you can pray each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/021.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Our lives are crazy busy, and slowing down is an after-thought. In our series, Pull Up a Chair and Rest Awhile, we explore Psalm 23:4 - hope for the wanderer who may be stuck in the valley.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A quick recap of the series
- The power of the Shepherd's crook
- Why we are paralyzed in the valley moments
- Three starter ideas to help you keep pressing forward
- A Prayer you can pray each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/020.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Our lives are crazy busy, and slowing down is an after-thought. In our new series, Pull Up a Chair and Rest Awhile, we explore Psalm 23:3 - a call to the hurting and hope for the wanderer.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A question of whether you rested or not
- How and Why God refines us
- A call to perseverance
- Two idea starters for building a right path habit
- A Prayer you can pray each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/019.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Our lives are crazy busy, and slowing down is an after-thought. In our new series, Pull Up a Chair and Rest Awhile, we explore the opening verses of Psalm 23.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Who the Good Shepherd is and what He asks of us
- Why rest is important for our soul.
- Three starter ideas to help you change habits, slow down & rest awhile.
- A Prayer you can pray each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/018.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
The Love Is... series concludes with an exploration of what it means to "love your neighbor". Loving your neighbor means bridging gaps with people who may act and think differently than you.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Who's your neighbor
- Why we should love our neighbors
- The parable of the Good Samaritan
- How to "love your neighbor"
- A Prayer you can pray each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/017.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Continuing in our Love Is... series, we explore what it means to love each other. On the heels of Valentine's Day, and a world in crisis, love is what we need right now.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Love's framework that extends beyond family relationships
- What the world needs now
- What love looks like
- A Prayer you can pray each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/016.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Happy Valentine's Day! Traditionally today is the day when lovers all across the world celebrate, but for some, today can be filled with hurt. God loved us first and desires for us to love others.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Happy Valentine's Day
- God loved us first and wants us to love others
- How do we love others when we struggle with love?
- A Prayer for today.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/015.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and love is in the air. Some people will be celebrating while others may be struggling. Jesus is the perfect model of love. In fact, He gave us a new command - "love one another."
In today's episode, you will hear,
- The question Andy Stanley asks in his new book Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets
- Jesus' command He gave in John 13:34-35
- A challenge for the week
- A Prayer you can pray each day this week.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/014.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Today, we kick-off a brand new series title Love Is... God's love is perfect, precious, and powerful. He demonstrated his love for us by sending His Son to die for our sins. The foundation of all love is God.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- The power of His love for us
- A story of God's love in action
- How you can put love into action
- A Prayer you can pray each day
- An invitation to join God's family
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/013.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
We conclude our Fresh Start series with an exploration of goal setting.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Brief intro of goal setting vs resolutions
- Paul's instruction to "do all for the glory of God"
- 3 ways to create your most important goals
- A Prayer you can pray each day this week.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/012.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
We continue in our series titled Fresh Start by developing the habit of prayer and/or journaling; however, starting them may be challenging.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A prayer for our nation and the inauguration
- Understand the verse - "never stop praying."
- What journaling is, and how you can use it
- Practical tips and tools for journaling
- A Prayer you can pray each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/011.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
We continue in our Fresh Start series with an exploration of developing a Bible reading habit.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A special prayer for our nation
- The importance of Scripture
- When you might be called on to use Scripture
- How to get started with a Bible reading habit
- A Prayer you can pray each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/010.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
A new year has begun, and for most of us, we are excited to put 2020 to bed. A new year brings new resolutions, habits, and goals.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- The difference between sleep and Sabbath rest
- Why the day of the week does not matter for Sabbath rest
- The challenge to schedule your Sabbath rest
- A Prayer you can pray each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/009.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Happy New Year! We finally have put 2020 behind us, and we deserve a fresh start.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A fresh start is possible
- New beginnings take us back to the beginning of time
- Apply a fresh start to your life today
- A special prayer for your new year.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/008.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
2020 is rapidly coming to a close, and today we look back on the year that has defined us in so many ways - some good, some not so good.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- A retrospective on the pandemic
- God's goodness
- Adopting a heart of gratitude
- A Prayer you can pray each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/007.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Merry Christmas! Our Advent series, The Christmas Gift, concludes with the birth of the best Christmas gift ever!
In today's episode, you will hear,
- The journey of Mary and Joseph
- Where baby Jesus was born
- A proclamation from the most unlikely characters
- A simple reminder in today's troubled world
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/006.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Christmas is just five short days away, and we continue in our Advent series titled The Christmas Gift.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- The story of John the Baptist's birth
- The intersection of John's and Jesus' mothers
- Application: God has a plan for each one of us
- A Prayer you can pray each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/005.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Our Christmas series, The Christmas Gift, is in full swing and for the past couple of weeks, we have been exploring Old Testament prophesies. Today, we look at the Road to Bethlehem.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- The lineage of Jesus
- Micah's prophesy of a small town playing a huge role in biblical history
- Asking God to bring to mind someone to pray for
- A Prayer you can pray each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/004.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
The air is crisp, and fall is nearly over, which means Christmas is just around the corner. Today, we continue in our Advent series titled The Christmas Gift.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- Isaiah's foretelling of Jesus' birth
- Scholar's commentary on the four attributes of Jesus
- How you can apply the devotional this week
- A Prayer you can pray each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/003.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Christmas 2020 is just around the corner, and many people realize the end is in sight. Today, we kick-off an Advent Series titled The Christmas Gift.
In today's episode, you will hear,
- About God's redemptive plan
- The prophecy of a baby being born of a virgin
- How to apply the spirit of the words - God With Us
- A Prayer you can pray each day.
A companion post can be found at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/002.
Please don't forget to subscribe to the show and review it. Thanks.
Rocking Chair Devotions was born out of the pandemic of 2020 as a way to encourage my church small group. What I found out is that crafting these devotions nourished my soul as well.
In today's welcome episode, you will hear:
- The podcast origin story
- Why a rocking chair
- Frequency of the podcast
- Who this podcast is for
Please don't forget to subscribe to the podcast. You can also read the companion post at https://rockingchairdevotions.com/rcd001-welcome/.
Thanks for listening!
Psalms 23 provides comfort for the struggling and hope for the weary traveler. This bonus episode was a Sunday message I gave at Agoura Bible Fellowship in 2010.