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A surrendered life is built on God's strength and wisdom.

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Jess was getting on in years when he first heard the children’s folktale about the boy and the butterfly. Right away, he understood the story’s lesson on gaining strength from struggle. In the tale, a boy is given a butterfly cocoon but told not to open it. But as the cocoon slowly twists and shudders in his hand, the boy can’t resist using scissors to split it open so the butterfly inside can escape.

Freed from the struggle, however, the butterfly falls to the ground and dies without ever flying. “What happened?” the boy cries. Jess, after a long life, understood instantly. “The boy prevented the butterfly from using the muscles needed to grow strong and fly.”

The children’s lesson may be a fairy tale, but it affirms the bracing biblical truth taught by Paul to persecuted believers in Jesus in Rome. “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).

Paul wasn’t saying to celebrate pain or deny its heartbreak. He confirmed instead that God will use life’s troubles to build our character, growing our hope in Him.

It’s in His strength that God develops our trust in His overcoming power. The butterfly was cheated from growing stronger to fly. But in Christ, we can rejoice as struggles lift us with character to God our deliverer.

The messages we absorb from culture can shape our fears, our goals, and even where we look for security; however, Scripture offers a different foundation—one that brings clarity, freedom, and purpose to every financial decision. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Rob West and Ron Blue explore how the Bible changes everything about money. Then, it’s on to your calls. That’s Faith & Finance Live—where biblical wisdom meets today’s financial decisions—weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio.

Faith & Finance Live is a listener supported program on Moody Radio.  To join our team of supporters, click here.

To support the ministry of FaithFi, click here.

To learn more about Rob West, click here.

To learn more about Faith & Finance Live, click here.

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It’s Witness Wednesday! Join Todd Friel on campus at Kennesaw State University to discuss Jesus Christ, His gospel and THE truth – not my truth, or your truth, but the truth – Jesus Christ himself. Prepare to be challenged and encouraged as real, every day beliefs are put to the test of biblical truth.

Segment 1

• Luke says truth is “whatever works for you.” Todd presses the logic: if truth is personal, could someone justify harming children if it benefits them?

• The conversation exposes the collapse of moral relativism—without an objective authority, right and wrong become mere preferences.

• Todd asks the ultimate courtroom question: If Luke stood before God today, why should he be forgiven?

Segment 2

• Luke wrestles with a common college dilemma: If people grow up in different religions, how can anyone claim Christianity is the truth?

• Todd argues that truth ends the search—if Jesus truly rose from the dead, competing worldviews are eliminated.

• Luke admits he’s still searching, prompting Todd to explain why the gospel uniquely answers life’s biggest questions.

Segment 3

• Malcolm confidently says he believes in God and purpose—but struggles to explain why someone else should believe the gospel.

• Todd walks him through a simple apologetic: complex design points to a Creator and a moral lawgiver.

• The conversation pivots to the core issue: if we are guilty before a holy God, how can justice be satisfied?

Segment 4

• Kenya believes good people go to God by doing right and asking forgiveness—but Todd presses the problem: would a just judge simply overlook crimes?

• Through careful questions, Todd helps Kenya see why Jesus’ death is necessary for God to forgive sinners without ignoring justice.

• The conversation ends with the most urgent question: If someone were about to die, what must they do right now to be saved?

___

Thanks for listening!

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Welcome to episode #259! ️ Pure Victory Podcast: 10 Decisions Away: How Small Choices Shape Your Freedom

What if the difference between freedom and destruction isn’t one massive moment—but a chain of small decisions?

In this episode, we unpack a powerful quote: “Everyone is 10 decisions away from committing murder.” While shocking at first, it reveals something deeply biblical—no one wakes up intending to wreck their life. Destruction happens incrementally. So does freedom.

If sin has momentum… so does obedience.

We explore how tiny compromises lower our resistance over time—and how small, Spirit-led decisions can rebuild integrity, character, and sexual freedom one step at a time.

Key Takeaways

• Decisions don’t exist in a vacuum. Every choice is connected to the one before and the one after it.
• Sin grows incrementally. Tolerance builds. Boundaries shift. What once shocked you becomes normal.
• Addiction rarely starts extreme. One click makes the next click easier. One secret makes the next one simpler to keep.
• But momentum works both ways. Small, deliberate acts of obedience build spiritual strength.
• Freedom isn’t a lightning bolt. It’s a series of wise, repeated choices empowered by Christ.

Scriptural Highlight

James 1:15 – Desire → Sin → Death
A clear progression. Sin grows when it’s fed.

Galatians 6:8 – Sow to the flesh or sow to the Spirit.
Whatever you plant grows.

2 Samuel 11 – The story of David and Bathsheba.
David’s fall didn’t begin with adultery—it began with subtle disengagement. He stayed home when kings went to war. He lingered. He inquired. Each decision linked to the next.
One different choice could have broken the chain.

The same principle applies to us.

️ Action Steps

Instead of asking, “How do I conquer this mountain?” ask:

“What is my next wise decision?”

Consider starting here:

• Pray one honest prayer.
• Leave your phone outside the bedroom tonight.
• Text a trusted friend and check in.
• ️ Get a full night of sleep.
• ️ Move your body.
• Worship instead of scrolling.
• ️ Choose one moment of honesty over secrecy.

You don’t just stop watching porn.
 You become a man or woman who consistently makes wise decisions.

Final Encouragement

You are not “too far gone.”
 You are one Spirit-led decision away from starting a new chain.

When small compromises move you toward chaos, small acts of obedience move you toward freedom.

One choice at a time.
 One step at a time.
 With Christ’s help, you’re not just breaking a habit—you’re building a life.

Subscribe to the Pure Victory Podcast!
Want to help others find freedom? Visit PureVictoryPodcast.com to support the mission.

You are not alone—and freedom is possible.

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Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Porn Recovery Resources

FamilyLife Canada: Resour

Life rarely goes according to plan — and Paul's journey to Rome was no exception. In this message, Dr. John follows Paul as he embarks on his voyage to Rome, tracing how God's providence weaves through every detail, from the kindness of a centurion to the dangers of a worsening sea. A grounding reminder that Christ, not circumstances, directs the lives of those who belong to him.

Jesus Goes Global: A Prisoner of Christ: When we read the book of Acts, we tend to give primary attention to the formation and growth of the Church in the early chapters. We then highlight the three mission trips of Paul. But some of the most profound lessons lie in the final chapters of Acts 25-28. Dr. John will show God extending His Kingdom through the personal struggle and imprisonment of Paul. The world’s worst cannot impede God’s best.

Listen to today's Laugh Again with Phil Callaway, "Mark in the Park." Enjoy!

Jason and Tori Benham equip couples and families to face fear, panic and anxiety that would otherwise prevent us from doing what God has called us to do. They speak from firsthand experience about panic attacks, paralyzing fear and sleepless nights. They also describe a proven biblical and brain-based process that helped set them free from these kinds of debilitating struggles. The 3-step plan of attack involves recognizing what’s happening, renouncing the lie, and replacing it with the truth.

Take a look at 1 Thessalonians 1 with Pastor Chuck Swindoll. Learn from one of Paul’s earliest epistles to a local church.

From the Series: Contagious Christianity

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