In this episode of the Joy for Today Podcast, we dive into James 4:11–12 and tackle the issue of “trash talk”—gossip, slander, and critical speech that tears others down. James reminds us that when we misuse our words, we spurn the standard of God, scorn His statutes, and even try to supplant His supremacy as Judge. The closer we walk with God, the less we will tolerate gossip and division, choosing instead to love, pray for, and biblically correct one another in the right way and spirit. Words carry incredible power—they can bring life or cause harm—so the challenge is to step back, pause, and use them to build others up rather than break them down. 

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In this episode of Touching Monday, we dive into James 4:9–10 and explore what it really means to be afflicted, mourn, and weep over our sin. Without genuine sorrow, there can be no genuine repentance, and until we see our sin the way God sees it, we’ll never experience the fullness of His grace. Looking at examples like Peter’s bitter weeping and Paul’s cry of desperation in Romans 7, we discuss why turning our laughter into mourning is a necessary step toward lasting joy in Christ. We’ll also examine how humility before God is the starting point for true change—because until we’re willing to submit to Him, we won’t be able to let go of the sin that weighs us down. 

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In this episode of Touching Monday, we will continue our study in James 4.1-10 with part two of "Seeking Grace," exploring what it truly means to "cleanse your hands" and "purify your hearts." We will dig into how our actions, attitudes, and influences reveal the condition of our walk with God. You'll be challenged to stop harmful patters, replace negative influences with godly ones, seek to remove anything between you and God. This episode is a call to self-examination and transformation from the inside out. 

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If someone gave you instructions for a fulfilling life, would you listen and follow? That is exactly what God gives us in James 4; instructions for living this life, and for how to enjoy the grace He so abundantly provides! But are we making that conscious decision each day to follow? Join us as we talk about God's offer and our responsibility from James 4!

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Everybody trusts in something or someone, even if that someone is themselves. We all exercise faith. But does the object of our faith bring us real, lasting peace, or do we just seem to be surviving from one event to the next? Listen in as we discuss the peace only Jesus can provide, even in the midst of tribulation!

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Following Jesus isn’t just about being willing—it’s about surrendering. In this week's episode, we explore the weight of truly following Christ, the difference between emotional willingness and committed surrender, and the things that often hold us back: selfishness, excuses, and the desire to follow on our own terms. Jesus calls us to more than words—He calls us to daily action.

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Coming off the celebration of our nation’s independence, this week’s sermon, and our conversation, shift the focus to something far more essential: our dependence on God. In this episode, we reflect on Pastor’s message from Galatians 6:14, exploring how the Christian life is marked by a  dependence on Christ for our identity, our strength, and our purpose. While culture champions self-reliance, we’re reminded that everything outside of God is fragile and ever-changing. 

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Does what we say we believe match up with how we actually live our day-to-day lives? This is an important concept throughout the book of James and something that God wants us to understand. Join us as we discuss some biblical measurement from James 4 that we can use to properly evaluate our walk with the Lord. 

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What do you feel like when you are having a bad day, a bad week, a bad year, ...or even a bad life? On the other hand, how do you feel when things in life are going great? We usually think of the happy or sad emotions we experience, but what about the lasting joy that can rest in the truth of the goodness of God? Listen along as we talk about the affect God should have on our everyday living! 

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There is more written about David than almost anyone else in the Bible. We get to see how he was called a man after God's own heart, but we also get to see the incredible ways he allowed his family to become divided and dysfunctional. Join us as we discuss David, fatherhood, and the long-lasting impact fathers have in the spiritual lives of their families. 

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