CIAM Radio

Read: James 4:13-15

When Journey and her dad clapped their hands and shouted loudly, two barn swallows quickly flew out of the garage, their tails looking like forks against the blue sky. “Why can’t we let them nest in the garage, Dad?” Journey asked as she watched the birds fly over a neighbor’s house and disappear.

“Our garage wouldn’t be a safe place to raise baby birds,” said Dad. “See what happens when the garage door is closed?” He pressed a button to lower the garage door. Instantly, it became dark, and the cool breeze was gone.

Journey nodded. “Our garage would get too hot for them, wouldn’t it?”

“Yes, and not just that. When the door is closed, the mother and father birds wouldn’t be able to go in and out and bring food for the baby birds.” Dad opened the garage door and let the cooler air back in.

“I guess they’ll have to change their plans and find a new home—just like we had to change our plans and find a new home when we moved here.” Journey sighed. “Sometimes I wish our plans hadn’t gotten changed. I like living here, but I miss my old school and the friends I had there.”

Dad nodded. “Mom and I liked where we lived before too. We were surprised when my company wanted us to move here, but I’m sure we’ll grow to like it.” He leaned against the wall and thought for a minute. “We can make our plans, Journey, but like the Bible says, it’s the Lord who determines our steps—and we want to follow Him wherever He leads us.”

“But why would God want us to move?”

“Why did we chase those birds out of the garage?” Dad asked.

“Well, because we know they need to build their nest someplace else,” Journey replied.

“Right. The birds don’t understand that, but we know it’s best. And we don’t know why God would want us to move, but because He loves us so much that Jesus died for us, we can trust Him to know what’s best—even when it doesn’t make sense to us.”

“I know,” Journey said. “And I’m thankful He’s with us and promises to help us through the things we don’t understand.”

Dad smiled. “Me too.”

–Mary F. Watkins

How about you? Is it hard for you to accept a change in your plans? It’s good to plan ahead, but remember that God is the one in control and that your plans may have to change in order for Him to do what’s best. Trust Him to work things out for your good, knowing He’s with you and will always help you through any difficult changes in your life.

Today's Key Verse: We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

Today's Key Thought: Accept God’s plans for you

Find the courage to face your emotional wounds and experience God’s healing touch.

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After years of struggle and crying out in prayer, Frank quit drinking. He attributes his continued sobriety to God’s work in his life. But he also made some important changes. He no longer kept alcohol in the house, watched for warning signs in his thinking and moods, and was wary of certain situations. He leaned on God and knew not to leave an opening for temptation or sin.

“Be alert and of sober mind,” the apostle Peter warned. “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Peter knew we needed to be watchful, because the devil’s attacks are often unexpected—when it seems like our life couldn’t be better, or we think we’d never be tempted in a certain area.

James too warned his readers to submit to God and “resist the devil.” When we do, our enemy “will flee” (James 4:7). The best way to resist him is to stay close to God through prayer and time in Scripture. When we do, God comes near to us (v. 8) through His Spirit (Romans 5:5). James also offered this encouragement: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10).

We all face challenging moments in life when we’re tempted and struggle. We can rest knowing that God wants us to succeed and overcome. He is with us in our troubles.

Banking isn’t usually seen as a place to live out your faith—but it can be. For many, faith-based banking is becoming a compelling opportunity to partner with institutions that support the things they care about most. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Rob West and Aaron Caid discuss why believers may benefit from reconsidering where they bank. Then, it’s on to your calls. That’s Faith and Finance Live—biblical wisdom for your financial decisions, weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio.

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Segment 1

• You’ve been told the Crusades were greedy Christian land-grabs—but what if the real history completely flips that narrative?

• Discover the uncomfortable facts most textbooks skip—including who actually controlled the Middle East before Islam’s expansion.

• Your ability to defend Christianity today may hinge on the truth about the Crusades.

Segment 2

• Were Crusaders motivated by money—or were they bankrupting themselves for a cause they believed in?

• The shocking financial and casualty realities that dismantle the “get rich quick crusader” stereotype.

• What this historical myth reveals about how modern culture reshapes Christianity’s reputation—and why it matters for your faith.

Segment 3

• Assurance, anxiety, loneliness, and pornography—are these the silent struggles undermining believers today?

• Why even faithful Christians secretly wrestle with doubt—and what makes doubt dangerous if left unaddressed.

• Some pastors and churches may unintentionally deepen isolation—and what that means for your spiritual stability.

Segment 4

• When someone confesses doubt, your response can either strengthen their faith, or push them further away.

• Misunderstanding the difference between doubt and disbelief can seriously mislead believers.

• Practical, biblical strategies you can use immediately to help hurting believers regain confidence and spiritual clarity.

___

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While Jesus affirmed the complete authority and accuracy of Scripture, modern Protestant liberalism has abandoned sola scriptura by claiming the Bible contains errors or is merely humanity's search for God. Dr. John Neufeld traces how German scholars began questioning Moses' authorship and denying Jesus' miracles, replacing biblical Christianity with cultural affirmation and self-actualization. Wherever the preaching of Scripture is absent, sola scriptura is disregarded, and the church is hollowed out.

The Case for Sola Scriptura: Is the Bible alone our ultimate authority? In this 5-part series, Dr. John Neufeld defends sola scriptura—that Scripture alone is our final authority for faith and practice. He addresses challenges from Roman Catholicism, Protestant liberalism, and the New Apostolic Reformation. Dr. John demonstrates that the 66 books of Scripture form a closed canon—God's complete and final word.

Listen to today's Laugh Again with Phil Callaway, "Wag More Bark Less." Enjoy!

Marriage is about learning to love your spouse in the way they best understand love—their unique love language. Marriage experts Dr. Gary Chapman and Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott join forces to help you identify your spouse’s love language and become fluent in expressing love in meaningful, personalized ways. Together, they explore the subtle “dialects” within each love language and encourage you to be more intentional and authentic in how you love your spouse.

Know what it's like when anger keeps flying, but nothing changes—because the real hurt stays hidden? Sarah and Matt Hammitt (Sanctus Real) share the raw turning point of their own story, from conflict and defensiveness to expressing mutual need. Discover the unexpected secret that replaces weapons, opens ears, and invites real healing and presence in marriage.

Show Notes and Resources

• Lead Me: Finding Courage to Fight for Your Marriage, Children, and Faith by Matt Hammitt
• Marriage After Dark: the podcast where a real couple answers the questions you’re too embarrassed to ask. Get it at FamilyLife.com/MarriageAfterDark

• Thanks to the Christian Standard Bible for sponsoring this episode. Learn more at CSBible.com.
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