CIAM Radio

Read: Matthew 5:14-16; John 1:1-14

“Come on, Dad. We’re ready,” called Lina. They had all gathered for family night. It was storming outside, but in the den, they felt snug and cozy with plenty of games and popcorn.

“Coming,” Dad called from the bedroom.

Just then the power went out. “Oh no!” said Manuel. “No lights!”

“Now what do we do?” Lina asked.

“Honey,” Mom called, “bring that big candle from the bedroom, please. There are matches in the drawer there too.”

“Okay,” said Dad. “I hope I can find them in the dark—ouch! Stubbed my toe on the dresser!” A moment later they saw a glow in the bedroom as Dad lit a match, and he soon arrived in the den with the flickering candle.

“I hope the power won’t be off long,” said Manuel. He was eager to play games and munch on popcorn.

“I don’t even care. I like the room with just the candlelight,” Lina said.

Before long, they all agreed they could see well enough to play a game. “It’s amazing to see what a difference a small light makes, isn’t it?” said Mom.

Lina nodded. “When the lights first went out, the dark seemed kind of scary, but when Dad brought in the candle, it lit up the whole room.”

“A dark room may seem scary,” said Dad, “but it’s not nearly as scary as the darkness of sin. Without the light of Jesus, we’d have good reason to live in fear. But because He came into the world to save us and give us His light, we no longer have to go on stumbling in darkness.”

“Like you were in the bedroom when you stubbed your toe, Dad?” Manuel asked with a grin.

Dad chuckled. “Right. Jesus brings the light of His love into our lives, and we can share that light with others—just like I shared the light of this candle with you by bringing it in here from the bedroom.”

“So we have to let our lights shine, just like it said in the verse I learned at church last week,” Lina said. “We need to tell people about Jesus and let them know how much He loves them.”

–Robert Truesdale

How about you? Are you sharing the light of Jesus’s love with those around you? Don’t hide His light because you’re embarrassed about what others might think or say about you. When we were stumbling in the darkness of sin, Jesus came to save us even though He knew many people would reject Him. If you have His light in your life, share it with those around you. Tell others about Him and show His love in all you do.

Today's Key Verse: Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Today's Key Thought: Share the light of Jesus

When we say "bless you" to someone, what do we really mean? Oftentimes, we use the word "bless" very carelessly. However, we have the opportunity to bless God, bless others, and even things (like a worship service) if God approves of them and is involved in them.

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In 1692, Brother Lawrence’s work The Practice of the Presence of God was first published. In it, he described how he invited God into his mundane daily activities. Brother Lawrence’s words still challenge us to prayerfully seek God in everything we do, like mowing the yard, getting groceries, or walking the dog.

Each day, I take our dog, Winston, for a walk. My goal for him is to exercise. Winston’s goal? Sniffing everything. Calling this time “a walk” is a generous fiction. More often, we’re going for a . . .  stop. Lately, instead of getting frustrated by a lack of forward progress, I’ve been asking God to help me see these moments as a reminder that life is a lot like walking a dog. We experience God’s presence as we faithfully obey Him in life’s everyday activities, including their unexpected interruptions.

In Proverbs 6, Solomon offers a similar lesson, using the everyday, humble example of the ant to call us to work faithfully: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise” (v. 6). Solomon used ants as an example of everyday, patient labor (vv. 7-8).

Our relationship with God needn’t be compartmentalized into designated “spiritual” times alone, like church or a quiet time. Instead, as we faithfully obey Him, God invites us to see His divine fingerprints throughout each day.

Clean water changes far more than health—it restores dignity, opens doors for education and work, and points to the Living Water Himself. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Rob West and Aaron Griggs explain how clean water is transforming communities in Africa. Then, it’s onto your calls and questions. That’s Faith & Finance Live—where biblical wisdom meets today’s financial decisions—weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio.

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Segment 1

• Global elites at Davos warn that “by-the-book” religions could be eliminated by AI.

• Let’s get real: AI can process data, but it can’t be human.

• We can KNOW that AI, machines, and robots can never possess the mind of Christ that believers do.

Segment 2

• AI will replace some roles—but not every vocation or calling will be effected.

• The real question young people must answer: where am I replaceable?

• If we don’t define categories and terms, technology will define them for us.

Segment 3

• Todd reads an intro and entire segment written by AI.

• If pastors use AI to write sermons, biblical shepherding turns into play-acting.

• The real cost isn’t just efficiency—it’s warmth, care, and actual, human, pastoral presence.

Segment 4

• AI has real limits—and real potential for human harm, especially in work and ministry.

• A chatbot can’t read a room, feel tension, respond in love, or function along lines of emotion.

• Final gut check: do you really want a relationship with a computer?

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A wealthy young ruler runs to Jesus with an urgent question: "What good deed must I do to have eternal life?" Dr. John Neufeld explores Matthew 19:16-22, where Jesus exposes the man's real problem—not his failure to keep the commandments, but his failure to trust God completely. When Jesus tells him to sell everything and follow Him, the young man walks away sorrowful, revealing that eternal life isn't about being good enough—it's about trusting Christ with everything.

The Ministry of Our Lord: Join Dr. John Neufeld for a journey through Matthew 19-20, where Jesus makes His final trip to Jerusalem. The crowds are growing, expecting triumph and glory. But what Jesus teaches is startling: humility over greatness, sacrifice over power. This Messiah will not rule from a throne—He will reign from a cross. Discover what it means to follow a suffering King.

Things singles need from marrieds, plus helping a friend stuck in sin, and relationship dynamics for those in white-collar and blue-collar jobs. 

Featured musical artist: JJ Heller

Roundtable: Help From Married Friends

Your married friends might mean well, but when it comes to offering help, they may need a little direction. Whether setting you up on a date, offering encouragement or prayer, or helping with practical needs, a little clarity goes a long way. Our panel of single young adults give their best tips for marrieds on things to say, what not to say, and how to best pour into the lives of their unmarried friends. 

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Culture: Confronting Sin

When you see a brother or sister in Christ struggling with a pattern of sin and they don’t seem bothered by it, what should you do? Pastor Mark Bates joins us to walk through how to lovingly confront someone for their own spiritual benefit. He shares why this is important, what the end goal should be, and ways to approach what can be a tricky conversation.   

Respectable Sins

Inbox: White Collar, Blue Collar

Whether you work a blue-collar or a white-collar job, there are different stressors that come with each one. What must you work through to fire on all cylinders in these areas? Also, what are the unique dating challenges for each type of career, especially if you’re a man? Bryan Gilman weighs in. 

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Listen to today's Laugh Again with Phil Callaway, "Can Church Save Your Life?" Enjoy!

More than forty years ago, Tim and Kathy Bush married but quickly discovered loving each other wasn’t enough. Each brought childhood traumas, abuse and addiction into the relationship, and their marriage was marred by lies, infidelity and secrets. Kathy’s breaking point was when Tim caught her entering into yet another affair at the 25-year mark in their marriage. Tim’s breaking point was the result of a perfect storm: his failing business, the terminal diagnosis of his brother and severe health issues due to anxiety. As a result, Tim and Kathy finally confessed everything to each other and began the process of learning to surrender everything to the Lord. Tim and Kathy offer practical advice about how couples can begin to heal and rebuild their marriages. They stress the importance of fixing yourself first before trying to fix your spouse. And they offer 8 intentional ways couples can help their marriages flourish.