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During his church’s fall retreat at a nearby camp, Pastor Jeff took a walk with my son, who led him through a wooded trail to the outdoor chapel. Suddenly they came upon the ark of the covenant! Of course, it wasn’t the real ark, but a life-sized, gold-colored replica begun by my husband years ago, with Jeff’s encouragement, and recently completed by my son as a surprise.

Jeff was so thrilled, he hurried to enlist others to help him bring the ark to the camp dining hall. What a sight to see the men carrying the ark down the road as two of the pastor’s little grandsons trailed behind hand-in-hand!

Scripture tells of the joyous occasion when the real ark of the covenant, which symbolized God’s presence with His people, was brought from the house where it had been kept into its proper place in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:12). King David was so overjoyed he danced “before the LORD with all his might” as the people shouted and trumpets sounded (vv. 14-15).

Years later, the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon and Jerusalem was destroyed (2 Kings 25). Scripture doesn’t tell us what happened to the ark. Legends abound, but we no longer need the ark to enjoy God’s presence (John 14:16-17). Through Jesus’ death, resurrection, and sending of the Spirit, God is with all who believe in Christ. That’s an excellent reason to rejoice!

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Grieving with Hope – In Grieving with Hope, Randy gives perspective and practical advice to help readers on the grieving journey, so that in time, your grief will be accompanied by joy and hope. Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!

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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.

Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.

Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

“Do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say… For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you’” (Matthew 10:19-20 ESV). Best I can tell, this promise of Jesus has not been rescinded.

On the day Brenda Jones went to see the plastic surgeon, she was in a battle with breast cancer. She asked if she could share a story, and Dr. Pete politely said “yes.” He listened to the story about the God who became a baby, then a man, and then a sacrifice for humanity. “He died for you, Dr. Pete,” she told him. The fifteen-minute conversation changed Dr. Pete forever!

The promise of Pentecost. The Spirit turns common folk into uncommon forces, and turns those who are lost into those who are saved. Might the Spirit do the same with us? With you?

Read more Help Is Here

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

In his book From the Pit to the Pulpit, John Stroup shares about powerful, unfriendly forces of life that battered and bruised him physically, sexually, and emotionally. He notes, “I started using drugs before I could drive a car. . . . I quit school and began to get farther and farther into the criminal lifestyle.” Eventually, John’s crimes landed him behind bars. While serving a five-year sentence, the Bible became real to him, and he was humbled before God. By God’s grace, he was liberated from habits that were previously stronger than he was.

Ancient Israel’s experience often included oppression and sometimes captivity “from the hand of those stronger” than them (Jeremiah 31:11). Even when their predicaments were because of their own folly, God Himself exercised His mercy and might on behalf of His wayward people. Renewal—including joyful singing, abundant harvests, and celebration (vv. 12-14)—was to be expected when God exercised His superior strength for their good.

John Stroup’s life is a testimony to God’s might on behalf of those who place their faith in God’s Son, Jesus. The Gospels witness to Christ’s power to counter the ugly forces of evil in human life. And the strength and power of Jesus can be accessed today through sincere, faith-filled prayer, and heartfelt surrender for all who call on Him (see Acts 2:21).

Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page: 

Grieving with Hope – In Grieving with Hope, Randy gives perspective and practical advice to help readers on the grieving journey, so that in time, your grief will be accompanied by joy and hope. Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!

*Limit one copy per person*

--------

Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.

Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.

Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place” (Acts 2:1 NIV).

Pentecost was one of the three feast days on which all the Jewish men were required to appear in Jerusalem at least once in their lifetime. The divine timing was precise. Now, with the apostles gathered in one place, awaiting the power of the Spirit. Now, with representatives of at least fifteen nations gathered in one city…it was time. The Spirit came suddenly and from heaven! Because of the Holy Spirit, each prayerful follower could speak with such power that people from all over the world heard the story of Jesus in “their own language” (Acts 2:6 NIV).

Compelling communication was the first fruit of the Holy Spirit.  He empowered and empowers Christ followers to declare the wonders of God in the heart languages of the world.

Read more Help Is Here

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

“Traction is always good; distraction is always bad.” Wondering how you can maintain your focus in leadership, even during challenging times? In this episode, John Maxwell is sharing 5 things to put behind you and 5 things to put before you that will help you fix your energy on the things that matter most! 

After his lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow sit down to talk about what John has shared and offer practical ways to apply it to your life and leadership. 

Key takeaways:  

• Dwelling on what you can’t do breeds frustration.

• If you’re persistent, you will get it. If you’re consistent, you will keep it.  

• Don’t count your losses; count your lessons.  

Our BONUS resource for this episode is the How to Increase Your Focus worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/IncreaseFocus and clicking “Download the Bonus Resource.” 

Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team member.

On a warm evening, I met up with friends in a downtown area. We were excited to eat at a restaurant that offered live jazz music outside, but when we arrived the patio was full. Disappointed, we left and had to walk several blocks to find another place to eat.

On earth, disappointments come in all sizes, both big and small. Beloved pets pass away. Careers fizzle. Health problems occur. We lose relationships with loved ones. In our setbacks, we have God’s comfort, but our life stories don’t always contain the blissful endings we long for. Believers, however, have the hope of a joyful eternity.

The book of Revelation records God giving John a breathtaking vision. John saw “the Holy City, the new Jerusalem” (21:2). “Prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (v. 2), it radiated God’s glory. God would inhabit the place along with all His people. In His city there would be no crime, no darkness, and no fear (vv. 25–27). Light, peace, and goodwill would abound.

On the night I met my friends for dinner, we ended up walking back past the first restaurant. White lights lit the sidewalk, and we stopped to listen to the music as we ate ice cream. I savored the moment, but we know that no earthly joy can compare with the ultimate ending believers will enjoy forever.

Every leader wants a thriving culture—but it starts with getting uncomfortably honest about the one you already have. In this episode, Jenni unpacks the LeadCulture Framework with the first and most courageous step: assessment.

She’s joined by pastor, author, and podcast host Adam Weber, who shares his raw and vulnerable journey of discovering how his leadership was unintentionally shaping a culture that wore his team out. From staff turnover and painful lessons in self-awareness to rebuilding trust and creating a healthier environment, Adam’s story is a powerful reminder that culture begins with us as leaders.

Together, Jenni and Adam explore:

• Why assessing culture is deeply personal, not just organizational
• The role of self-awareness in shaping healthy teams
• How feedback (even painful feedback) can become your best ally
• Practical rhythms that foster honesty, care, and long-term faithfulness in leadership

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to create a thriving team culture, this conversation will challenge, encourage, and equip you to take the first step.

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Matt Smethurst has listened to and studied more hours of Tim Keller's preaching and teaching than almost anyone alive.

In this conversation, Matt gets us inside Tim Keller's mind, breaking down what...

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