CIAM Radio

Raising kids is neither an easy task nor for the faint-hearted. Here are a few humorous tests to determine if you're ready for kids. New parent? You're going to love this LifeTrac!

Tatum Green and Annie F. Downs describe the heartbreaking loss of Tatum’s 2nd child, TJ, who only lived for 56 days. In addition to navigating her own grief, Tatum had the extra challenge of helping her 2-year-old son Sam deal with the loss of his baby brother. A powerful program about trusting God and finding joy even in devastating grief.

I have to confess, I didn't exactly go storming into the Computer Age. I was sort of carried into it. Yeah, you know, back in the days when I was getting into that world, I was returning from my first trip to an Indian reservation, and I had a heart full that I wanted to write into a report. So, as usual in those days, I pulled out my trusty pen and paper and handwrote my report. It took the whole trip from Arizona to New Jersey. Well, after one of my friends read my report, he called my wife and said, "I don't want Ron wasting any more time writing things like this by hand. He has to get a computer." My wife agreed, but she indicated we didn't have the funds to get a computer. My doctor friend said, "That doesn't matter. I intend to buy a computer for him!" I was stunned, and shortly thereafter, the owner of a wonderful personal computer. Ever since then, what a difference, huh? I mean that's greatly impacted my life!

I'm Ron Hutchcraft, and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Biggest Spiritual Mistake In the World."

I couldn't have afforded to buy a computer. The only way I got one was that someone who cared about me gave it to me as a gift. Had I tried to pay my friend for it, had I tried to work for my friend to earn it somehow, it would have no longer been a gift. Right?

Tragically, most of the religious people on this planet are making the mistake of trying to earn from God what He says we can only have as a gift. In fact, I believe that's why so many people observe their religion's ceremonies, attend their religion's meetings, and try to live by their religion's rules. They are trying to earn eternal life in heaven by doing good things and being good people. And it's a good thing to live a good life, but it's a deadly thing to depend on your good life to get you into heaven.

That's the message of much of the Bible, including our word for today from the Word of God in Romans 6:23. God says, "The wages of sin is death." In other words, what we get paid for running our own lives is spiritual death--eternal separation from God. That's the bad news. But then God says, "But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Now, notice - eternal life isn't the reward of God that we earn with a good life. It's the gift of God which we cannot possibly earn. We can earn hell; we can't earn heaven.

In fact, God says in Ephesians 2:8-9, "It is by grace (which that's undeserved love) you have been saved. It is the gift of God - not by works..." Could it be any plainer? We can't get to heaven by Protestant works, or Catholic works, or Jewish works, or Moslem works, or Buddhist works, or Hindu works. God couldn't make it any clearer. It's not by works! The computer my friend gave me could have only been mine if someone else paid for it. The heaven you want to go to when you die can only be yours if someone else pays the death penalty for your sin - and someone did! Jesus, God's only Son!

All I could do to get what my friend had purchased was to accept it. All you could do to have the eternal life Jesus purchased with His life is to accept it. So the eternity-deciding question is this, "Has there ever been a time when you have told Jesus, 'Lord, You are my only hope of having my sins forgiven...of going to heaven when I die. I'm turning from the running of my own life and I'm welcoming You into my life right now - the One who died for me, the One who walked out of His grave under His own power. I know, Jesus, you have the power to change me. I know you love me enough to have paid for my sin. I'm putting all my trust in you.'"

If your trust is in anything else - including your religion or your goodness - you'll never see heaven. Only Jesus can take you there. So tell Him right now. Put your total trust in Him. Tell Him you're putting your trust in Him

When we look at Jesus' example of submission to the Father, it's revealed that partial obedience is the enemy to obedience.

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In the early 1930s, Cleo McVicker came up with a product that could be used as wallpaper cleaner. Back then, most homes were heated by coal, and walls became covered in soot. Cleo’s invention could be rolled over wallpaper and would pick up the grime. Well, the wallpaper cleaner never became popular, but decades later, a teacher used Cleo’s product in her classes to create Christmas ornaments. From that was born a new company—Rainbow Crafts—and the wallpaper cleaner was repurposed as a children’s toy, “Play-Doh.”

On a far greater scale, God has a way of repurposing people. We remember the biblical story of Joseph and his “coat of many colors. As a young man he was a lowly shepherd and was sold into slavery by his brothers. But God led Joseph through great difficulties and into the top ranks of government. Eventually, Joseph became “repurposed” as “the ruler of all Egypt” (Genesis 45:26). Yet we must note the end of the story: Joseph’s calling was not about power but about grace, Jacob’s son, Joseph, extended grace to his brothers, forgiving them. Reuniting with his family, Joseph “kissed all his brothers and wept over them” (v. 15).

In a sense, all of us are “failed products.” It’s through “the grace of a Son,” Jesus, that we are repurposed into greater things. As you do life today, think of your higher purpose and remember to extend grace to others, just as Christ does for us.

The most generous people give what money can’t buy—their time, their presence, and their love. Generosity reaches far beyond finances. It shapes hearts, strengthens families, and builds communities of grace. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Sharon Epps joins Rob West to talk about the long-term impact of big-hearted living. Then, it’s on to your calls. That’s Faith & Finance Live—biblical wisdom for your financial journey. That’s 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!

Two students claim to know God — until one question reveals the truth about what it really means to be born again.

Segment 1

• Connor agrees that design points to a Creator—but doubts anyone can truly know Him.

• The Law exposes his heart as Todd walks him through the Ten Commandments.

• Connor admits Jesus paid for sin—but isn’t sure he’s personally been saved.

Segment 2

• Todd explains that salvation is more than forgiveness—it’s receiving Christ’s righteousness.

• Connor wrestles with whether his belief is genuine or just learned behavior.

Segment 3

• Tim believes Christianity gives direction and values—but leaves out the gospel.

• Todd presses: what’s the true core of Christianity?

Segment 4

• Todd helps Tim trace how all of Scripture points to Jesus.

• Tim finally connects the truth of the gospel with real assurance of salvation.

___

Thanks for listening!

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Welcome to episode #243! ️ Pure Victory Podcast: Are You Too Noisy? Finding God in the Quiet

In this episode of the Pure Victory Podcast, Braden takes on something that surrounds all of us but often goes unnoticed — noise. Not just the sounds around us, but the mental clutter, constant scrolling, and nonstop stimulation that fills our lives.

What if the reason we feel disconnected — from God, from others, even from ourselves — is because life has simply become too loud?

Braden explores how both external and internal noise can block our ability to hear God’s voice and experience peace. Using Elijah’s encounter with God in 1 Kings 19, we see that God often doesn’t speak in the earthquake, fire, or wind — but in the gentle whisper.

Through personal reflection and practical insight, this episode challenges listeners to intentionally make space for stillness — to stop numbing pain with distraction and instead invite God into the silence, where true healing begins.

Key Points:

• Noise isn’t just sound — it’s soul clutter.
  From constant scrolling to mental chatter, our lives are filled with distractions that drown out God’s voice.
• Silence can feel uncomfortable — but it’s sacred.
  Stillness forces us to face reality, our thoughts, fears, and pain. But it’s also where transformation begins.
• Noise delays healing.
  We often use noise to avoid facing what’s really going on. It numbs us instead of nourishing us.
• Elijah’s story reminds us where God speaks.
  In 1 Kings 19, Elijah didn’t meet God in the wind, earthquake, or fire — but in the gentle whisper.
  God isn’t silent; He’s just often quieter than our world.
• Quiet makes room for God’s whisper.
  When we remove distraction, we make space for peace, freedom, and joy. Silence isn’t empty — it’s full of God’s presence.

Practical Takeaways:

• Create intentional quiet.
  Turn off notifications. Go for a walk without music. Sit with God for 10 minutes a day in stillness.
• When uncomfortable thoughts surface, don’t run.
  Invite God into them. Ask, “Lord, what are You showing me here?”
• Stop numbing, start listening.
  If you’re battling shame, addiction, or distraction — meet God in the quiet, not the chaos.
• Remember: God isn’t shouting.
  He’s whispering grace, love, and truth — if we’ll just pause long enough to listen.

Scripture Highlight:

“And after the fire came a gentle whisper… When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.” — 1 Kings 19:12-13

Challenge for the Week:

This week, take 10 minutes a day to turn off every noise — no phone, no podcast, no music — and sit in silence with God. Ask Him to speak, and just listen.

Help Set People Free: Support the Podcast that Fights Porn Addiction

At Pure Victory Podcast, we believe in the power of God’s grace to heal and restore lives. Pornography addiction is a silent struggle for many, but with Christ, there is hope for freedom and transformation. Through biblically-based guidance, real-life testimonies, and expert advice, we’re helping individuals break free from the chains of addiction and walk in the fullness of God’s plan for their lives.

But we need your help to continue this vital work. Your donation will support the production of future episodes, reach more people with the life-changing message of freedom in Christ, and provide resources to those in need of healing.

Why Donate?

• Bring Hope to the Hurting: Your gen

Listen to today's Laugh Again with Phil Callaway, "Bye Bye Stuffed Shirt." Enjoy!