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Today’s Bible Verse: “For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you.” — 1 Thessalonians 1:4

1 Thessalonians 1:4 speaks straight to the heart with a reminder we often forget: we are loved and chosen by God. Paul writes with confidence about believers who may have felt ordinary or overlooked, yet heaven saw them as deeply treasured.

Meet Today’s Host: Reverend Jessica Van Roekel

️ Listen to more daily devotionals with Jessica at Your Daily Bible Verse on LifeAudio

Rev. Jessica Van Roekel is a passionate Christian speaker, author, and worship pastor who shares how God brings beauty from brokenness. Her message centers on God’s power to rescue, restore, and renew, even after seasons of rejection or loss.

She is the author of Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything, a guide to seeing God’s purpose in life’s disappointments.

Jessica and her husband are raising a vibrant family, with two adult daughters, a college-aged son, and a high school daughter. You can explore her teachings, devotionals, and resources at WelcomeGrace.com.

This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today.  Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org

TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org

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When you’re struggling, grieving, or simply worn down, the approaching holidays and a new year can feel heavier than hopeful. In this episode, we’re reminded that God does not ask you to pretend everything is fine—He meets you honestly in the hard places. Deuteronomy points to a tender promise spoken to Israel on the edge of uncertainty: the Lord goes before His people and will be with them. Like a Good Shepherd, God prepares the path, provides what you need, and makes room for rest along the way. Even if you feel alone or abandoned, you are not walking into tomorrow—or into a new year—by yourself. God is already there, making a way.

Main Takeaways:

• Discover comfort in the promise that God goes before you, preparing the road ahead even when you can’t see it.

• Be encouraged that you don’t have to “put on a face” for God—He welcomes honesty in seasons of suffering and grief.

• Reflect on how God shepherds His people by providing, guiding, and giving places of rest during difficult journeys.

• Enter the coming days with renewed trust that God will be faithful in the year ahead just as He has been in the years behind.

Bible Verse References

• Deuteronomy 31:8

• Deuteronomy (book context referenced)

• Job (referenced generally; specific verse not mentioned in the transcript)

• John 10 (Good Shepherd referenced generally; specific verse not mentioned in the transcript)

Your Evening Prayer

Jesus,
Thank You for reminding me that I do not walk alone. When I feel afraid, exhausted, or uncertain, help me hold tightly to what You have promised—that You go before me and You will be with me. Quiet the lies that tell me I’m abandoned, and strengthen me with Your truth. As I look toward tomorrow and into a new year, remind me that Your faithfulness does not change. You were faithful before, You are faithful now, and You will be faithful in the days ahead. Lead me like a Shepherd, provide what I need, and give me safe places to rest as You make a way.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today.  Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org

TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by James Seawood, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. How is your story like Rahab’s? Meditate on James 2:25. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. 

For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace

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A Prayer for Humble Forgiveness with Rachael Hartzell

As moms, our instinct is to protect our kids—especially their hearts. In this episode Rachael shares a tender story about her young daughter navigating hurt and injustice when a peer repeatedly refused to call her by her name. What began as a moment of frustration became a powerful lesson in forgiveness, humility, and love in action.This episode challenges us to examine our own habits of forgiveness. Do we simply say the words and move on, or are we willing to forgive in ways that actively reflect Christ’s love?

Reference: Ephesians 4:31-32

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, it’s so easy for me to give in to my anger and frustration when someone wrongs me, especially my loved ones, and even harder for me to put aside my pride and forgive them. Lord, help me cultivate the same tender love You pour over me every day, despite my sins, and humble my heart so I can live out my faith in love and forgiveness with my family.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

LINKS:

Connect with Rachael Hartzell

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Tal vez la tormenta que enfrentas hoy parece imposible de soportar. No huyas. Abre las alas de la fe. El mismo viento que amenaza con destruirte puede ser el que te eleve a un lugar más alto en Dios. Recuerda: Las águilas no crecen en la calma, sino en las tormentas.

Escrito por Mercy Cosme 

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Pleasing God over people is a tension every believer faces. This Christian devotional explores the difference between people-pleasing and God-honoring obedience, drawing wisdom from Ecclesiastes 3:1–2 and the life of Jesus. True biblical love is not rooted in appeasement or fear of conflict, but in discerning when to speak truth, when to remain silent, and when obedience to God requires courage over comfort.

Highlights

• People-pleasing and peace-making are not always the same

• Biblical love values truth over appeasement

• There is a God-appointed time to speak and a time to remain silent

• Jesus modeled courage, truth, and discernment in every situation

• Fear of man can prevent growth and obedience

• God equips believers with the right words when we trust Him

• Pleasing God sometimes requires speaking up, not staying quiet

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This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today.  Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org

TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org

Full Transcript Below:

How to Please God Above Man
By Kelly Balarie

Bible Reading:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.” –  Eccl. 3:1-2 NIV

I knew if I gave in, the argument would be over. Yet, I also knew if I said, "You're right," I'd be lying.

In reality, there is a difference between people-pleasing and peace-making. They are not always one and the same.

In the past, I'd be inclined to lie to keep the peace. I'd be inclined to brush things under the carpet

Our first guest is Jeremy Rosado, who traced a path from New York City dreams to the bright lights of American Idol and The Voice. But the biggest spotlight in his life wasn’t a stage—it was the decision to lay down his music career for a season to become a father to his niece. Jeremy shares how choosing fatherhood over fame became a pivotal act of faith, and how God used the quiet, waiting years to prepare him for a powerful return to music. 

Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Nashville singer, songwriter, and author Jason Gray. Jason offers a vulnerable look into his life—one shaped by music, but also by instability, a painful childhood divorce, and reckoning with his own difficult divorce. Jason shares how the wounds he incurred became the very doorway through which he met God. He reveals the radical peace found in accepting divine love and unpacks why allowing yourself to be loved is the most radical, powerful act of faith. 

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: nobigdyl.

Upcoming interview: Tim Green

Jeremy Rosado

American Idol 

The Voice

www.iamjeremyrosado.com

The Waiting Room

Jason Gray

Acoustic Story Time

Frederick Buechner

The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence

www.jasongraymusic.com

Sparrows

This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt, call Trinity today. Trinity’s counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps! Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org

TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we’re helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments, Trinity has the knowledge and resources to make a difference. https://trinitycredit.org

Interview Quotes:

“I came off [American Idol] and took a few months—went to Nashville to start chasing this dream of mine. I quickly realized that my life was going to change and that there was a decision to be made [whether or not] to step in and help and become a father.” - Jeremy Rosado 

“Even though that decision [to become a

In this powerful episode, we confront the heavy burden of regret that so often holds us back. Whether it’s a broken relationship, a missed opportunity, or a poor decision, regret can feel like a chain tying us to the past. But God’s Word offers a hopeful promise: in Christ, we are made new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us that the old has gone, and the new has come. This episode encourages you to release your regrets, confess them, and step confidently into a future redeemed by God’s grace. Don’t let past mistakes define you—embrace the hope and purpose God has for your life today.

Key Takeaways:

• Regret can trap us in the past, but it doesn’t have to control our future.

• God promises new beginnings for everyone who is in Christ.

• Focus on the grace, hope, and purpose waiting on the road ahead.

Don’t forget: You can also download our free devotional, “Mind, Body & Soul,” designed to help strengthen your walk with God through Scripture, prayer, and practical habits.

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Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

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If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

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The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected].

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This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today.  Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org

TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

.

If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

.

The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

.

To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected].

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.