Grace 809

Neurosurgeon Dr. Lee Warren, shares insights about the powerful connection between neuroscience and the Christian faith. He explains how our thoughts can physically reshape our brains. By intentionally choosing what we think about—especially gratitude, truth, and hope—we can form new neural pathways that influence our emotions, behaviors, and even future generations. Drawing from personal tragedy, including the loss of his son, Dr. Warren shares how people can better heal from trauma, anxiety, and destructive patterns. The conversation highlights practical ways believers can renew their minds, strengthen relationships, and raise resilient children by aligning their thinking with God’s design for human flourishing.
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Soon after I began following Jesus, I sensed a desire to write Christian books. I cobbled together a manuscript and mailed it to fifteen publishers. Fourteen rejected it. I was beginning to think I should take the hint when one said, “Yes.” Before I knew it, my writing ministry was airborne.

It’s been over forty years and nearly fifty books. I seem to have more book ideas than I have time to write them. I am a testimony to God’s provision. Trust him. If he calls you, he will equip you. He will give you what you need when you need it.

“God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV).

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For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Transcript

Today is Psalms Wednesday. We’ll read chapters 125-127. I’m calling today’s episode “Who Is Building Your House?”

It is believed that Solomon had the building of the temple in mind when he wrote “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” Of course, this thought can be applied to building a family or pretty much any other endeavor. If God is not in it, there will be no lasting value. 

With that in mind, it is always a good idea to seek God’s will and His blessing in any undertaking. Let’s ask God to guide our steps and our decisions. Let’s invite Him to step in and take over in our home, our work, our school, our church and our government. Let’s ask him to build our house, because we don’t want our labor to be in vain. We want the fruit of our labor to last. Don’t you agree?

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 125-127 ESV

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STEVE WEBB – 0:00
We don’t want our labor to be in vain.

INTRO S12E301 – 0:09
Coming to you from Riverside, California, this is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible. Podcasting since 2004, I’m your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily show where we’re reading through the entire Bible in a year. Today is Psalms Wednesday. We’re gonna read chapters 125 through 127. Before reading each chapter, I’ve got a short introduction to you. And then afterwards, of course, I’ve got some comments. I’m calling today’s episode, “Who is Building Your House?” Today’s show notes page
is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e301, if you’d like to comment on today’s show, and my email address is

Todd Evans talks about building back the long-term commitment between a husband and wife even after you’ve hurt each other.
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Parenting special needs children (while bringing many blessings) can also feel like entering the ultimate survival challenge with your spouse. Stress is heightened, and grief is often difficult to bear. Todd and Kristin speak about this struggle and how they pulled through some of the most difficult relational challenges and emotional barriers in their marriage. They bring a message of hope for marriages weighed down by the emotional burdens of life and parenting.
Receive a copy of the "How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities" bundle and an audio download of "Strengthening Your Marriage While Caring for a Child with Special Needs" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.
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“There was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord” (1 Kings 17:15-16 NIV). Each day Elijah, the widow, and her son gathered around a table and had a miracle for a meal. Heaven’s delivery system continued as long as the trio needed it.

Jesus spoke of God’s faithful generosity. “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you…?” (Matthew 6:30 ESV). You aren’t one scoop away from empty. It’s not just you and your depleted energy. It’s not just you and your concerns. You don’t face the assignment alone. If it’s God’s will, it’s God’s bill.

Read more Unbreakable Courage

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Transcript

Today is  History Tuesday. Our reading is 2 Chronicles 29-32. I’m calling today’s episode “Changes.”

Hezekiah was a remarkable king, wasn’t he? 

His father was Ahaz, who reigned before him, and he was one of the most evil kings of Judah. If you’ve been listening along, no doubt you remember him and the heinous things he did, including sacrificing his own children.

That Hezekiah was such a good king is certainly noteworthy. As chapter 29, verse 2 says, “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done.” Bible commentator G. Campbell Morgan said of him, “His mother was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah, probably the person mentioned by the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 8:2) as a ‘faithful witness.’ This possible friendship of his mother for the prophet, combined with the certainty that up to this time he had been under the influence of Isaiah’s ministry, may account for Hezekiah’s action on coming to the throne.” 

Whatever the reason for his devotion to following God, he was a welcome contrast to his father, wouldn’t you say?

Think of the courage that was necessary for Hezekiah to reverse the course of Judah. Pagan altars, idols, and temples were destroyed. The bronze serpent that Moses had made in the desert (Numbers 21:9) was also destroyed, because the people had made it an idol (2 Kings 18:4). The temple in Jerusalem, whose doors had been nailed shut by Hezekiah’s own father, was cleaned out and reopened. The Levitical priesthood was reinstated (2 Chronicles 29:5), and the Passover was reinstituted as a national holiday (2 Chronicles 30:1). 

Instead of Hezekiah being cancelled, revival came to Judah. And God blessed him. 

Beloved, I believe that Hezekiah is a good example for us. He knew that his nation had wandered far from God under the leadership of his father, Ahaz. And when he had the opportunity, he boldly made the changes necessary to make things right. He even confronted the temple priests who had been entirely derelict in their duties. He told them to clean out the temple and sanctify themselves, the temple and everything in it. 

Each of us can do our part to make things right with God. We can pray daily for those in all levels of government. We can pray for our pastors, that they will have the courage to say and do what is right in the eyes of God in the pulpit. We can make our voices heard. 

We are called to be salt and light, beloved. Ask the Holy Spirit to give opportunities to make a difference. He will answer that prayer, guaranteed. Then when He

Tim Shoemaker uses scuba diving as an analogy for navigating tricky conversations with your kids.
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Parenting teens often means navigating some of the most challenging conversations families face—from broken trust to friendships and dating. Tim Shoemaker and his son Mark offer practical, grace-filled guidance to help parents communicate well, build trust, and strengthen their relationship with their teens. You’ll discover how listening well and responding with wisdom can turn difficult moments into opportunities for growth and deeper connection.
Receive a copy of the "What to Say and How to Say It to Your Teen" bundle and an audio download of "Essential Skills for Navigating Tough Conversations with Teens" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.
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Zarephath was a Gentile city occupied by Baal worshippers. The chief of the city had a daughter named Jezebel, Elijah’s archenemy. Elijah arrives with nothing. His purse and tummy are empty. Elijah spots a woman. Emaciated. Destitute. I envision Elijah stepping in her direction, and beneath his beard a smile is taking shape as he reviews God’s blessings. Protection in the court of Ahab, provision in the paucity of Kerith, and a shield of safety during the trek to Zarephath.

In your case would the God who gave you grace last week not give you grace again? Unbreakable courage requires good recall. Spiritual amnesia makes spiritual wimps. Spiritual remembrance makes spiritual giants.

Read more Unbreakable Courage

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.