LifeAudio

A Prayer for the Courage to Follow God's Leading by April Graney

What does it look like to obey God when the path ahead is unclear? In this episode, we reflect on Abraham’s faith-filled obedience and connect it to a modern-day story of trusting God’s leading—even when it doesn’t make sense at first.

Through a personal testimony of a daughter and son-in-law stepping into missionary work in Guatemala, we are reminded that obedience often requires courage, surrender, and trust. God’s call may not come with all the details, but His presence always goes with us.

Reference: Hebrews 11:8

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for the courage to listen for your voice and to obey the callings that you place on our lives. May we also support and encourage that calling in our children’s lives. We release our children into your loving hands, and pray your blessing upon them and those they touch with your love and grace. Amen.

LINKS:

5 Habits of a Praying Mom 

Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms

Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! 

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

Have you ever listened to someone pray and thought, Well… I’ll never sound like that? 

In this encouraging, laugh-a-little-and-breathe-a-lot conversation, I sit down with author and speaker Shellie Tomlinson to talk about the comparison trap in prayer—and how to get free from it. Shellie shares why God isn’t looking for “perfect prayers” or spiritual clones. He wants you. 

We unpack simple, practical habits that help you linger with God, stop quitting when your mind wanders, and remember that prayer isn’t the goal—a deeper relationship with Jesus is. 

Shellie shares one simple reminder about approaching God in prayer that I’m sure I’ll never forget. You don’t want to miss it! (Hint: it’s toward the end of the episode, so listen all the way to the end.)

And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Xo,

Donna

Listen in to learn more :

(2:40) Embracing Individual Prayer Styles
(7:36)  Overcoming Distraction and Lingering in Prayer
(20:17) Conversational Communication with God
(25:24) Remembering Jesus is the Way to God

Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my latest book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith.

Connect Shellie 

Website -https://belleofallthingssouthern.com/ 

Shellie’s new book  https://belleofallthingssouthern.com/dont-try-to-pray-like-her/

Pre-order before February 3 and email proof of purchase to: [email protected]. You’ll receive Shelley’s introduction + first chapter (“Remember to Use the Door”) immediately.

Connect with Donna 

Instagram: @donnaajones    

Website: www.donnajones.org    

Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/    

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Fear doesn’t wait for permission—and neither do life’s hardest moments. This Christian devotional offers biblical encouragement for finding strength in Christ when you’re facing overwhelming circumstances. Rooted in Philippians 4:12–13, it reminds us that big faith isn’t about our ability to endure—it’s about trusting the God who carries us through big things.

From unimaginable loss to prolonged suffering, many believers face trials that seem impossible to survive. Yet again and again, Scripture and real-life testimony point to the same truth: Jesus is the source of strength. Like the apostle Paul, we learn that contentment and perseverance don’t come from personal resilience, but from leaning fully on Christ’s power when ours runs out.

Highlights

• Big faith isn’t self-generated—it’s rooted in trusting Jesus

• God’s strength carries us when our own strength fails

• Contentment is learned through dependence on Christ

• Faith grows deeper when life grows harder

• God remains present in both abundance and need

• Jesus is faithful to do exactly what He promises

• Your faith is enough because God is more than enough

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Full Transcript Below:

When You Need Big Faith to Face Big Things
By Keri Eichberger

Bible Reading:
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:12-13

I’ve watched people face things I can’t fathom. I’ve seen young friends lose spouses and parents and babies. I’ve watched couples on the brink of divorce after extreme betrayal, then bounce back. I’ve sat with women who have battled more health issues than I can imagine. I’ve witnessed others who have taken on more tragedy in a couple years than I hope to endure in an entire lifetime. And I’ve wondered time and again how in the world they kept it together. Because they certainly seemed too. I have a strong faith. But how would my faith stand up against some of the hardest things I can hardly even contemplate. 

And I’m going to go ahead and tell you the common thread in these si

El encuentro entre Dios y Moisés en la zarza ardiente nos invita a pensar en los llamados de Dios para nosotros. Primero, dejemos claro que Dios nos llama a todos a una vida de misión. Dios nos llama a diferentes vocaciones donde podemos ayudar a expresar esta misión. Dios también llama a algunos de nosotros a la vocación de liderar al pueblo de Dios;

Presentado por Luciano Goicochea & Mercy Cosme

Canal en Telegram: t.me/TheSalvationArmySoundcast

Grupo en WhatsApp: chat.whatsapp.com/B8WQJMa1QU9AFAMdmUkwcC

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In this heartfelt episode of Words of Life, the panel dives into the reality that even believers wrestle with challenging Scriptures. They explore how verses like James 1:2-4 — which calls us to "consider it pure joy" amid trials — can be both a comfort and a struggle, especially when facing difficult seasons. The conversation highlights the journey of faith through hardships, emphasizing honesty with God about our feelings, embracing vulnerability, and trusting Him even when the outcome is unclear.

Listeners will hear reflections on the raw emotions expressed in the Psalms, the power of God’s sustaining grace during exile and rebuilding in the Old Testament, and the essential role of trust in faith. The discussion also tackles a commonly misunderstood passage from Ephesians 5 about submission in marriage, unpacking its meaning as mutual love, respect, and sacrifice rather than cultural misconceptions or abuse.

This episode encourages believers to lean into God’s Word authentically — with all its challenges and comforts — and find hope and perseverance in the walk of faith.

Here are several links to resources and studies to help you in your Bible study journey. But if you have any questions- send us an email at [email protected]

https://www.youversion.com/

https://www.thebiblerecap.com/

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/41061-52-weeks-in-the-word

https://bibleproject.com/

https://lectio365.com/

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Our hearts are always looking for something to satisfy them. In a world built on instant gratification, it’s easy to assume that the next experience, achievement, relationship, or possession will finally make us feel full. But this devotional gently challenges that pursuit by asking a deeper question: have you truly found satisfaction in Jesus—and do you believe He is enough?

The devotional points out that many things promise to satisfy, yet so often they leave us empty. Even good things can become substitutes when we expect them to fill a God-sized longing. Only Jesus can meet the deepest needs of the soul. The author highlights the Samaritan woman as an example of someone searching in all the wrong places until she encountered Christ. Once Jesus met her need, she was changed—so changed that she ran to share Him with everyone else. True satisfaction doesn’t just quiet our craving; it transforms our lives and reorders what we desire.

Satisfaction also involves perspective. Comparison can quietly poison contentment, making us resent what others have and overlook what God is already doing in our lives. The devotional reminds us that God provides daily bread, sustains us, protects us, and gives new mercies each morning. When we remember the cost of the cross and the gift of salvation, gratitude grows—and that gratitude becomes a pathway to contentment.

This prayer is an invitation to return your focus to Jesus, especially if you’ve been feeling empty, restless, or distracted by what the world offers. Even when prayers remain unanswered and life feels incomplete, you can trust that God is still good, still present, and still satisfying. Jesus doesn’t merely add something to your life—He becomes the One who fills it.

Main Takeaways

• The world offers many substitutes for satisfaction, but only Jesus can truly fill the heart.

• Contentment begins with believing Jesus is enough, even when life feels lacking.

• Comparison steals joy; gratitude restores perspective and peace.

• God faithfully provides, sustains, and shows mercy day by day.

• Satisfaction in Jesus can remain steady even while you’re still waiting on unanswered prayers.

Today’s Bible Verse:

For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. - Psalm 107:9

Your Daily Prayer

Here is a brief excerpt from today’s prayer:

“Help me to keep my gaze and focus fixed on you always… Help me to be completely satisfied in you, no matter what prayers remain unanswered in my life.”

You can listen to the full prayer here or read the devotional at the links below.

Want More? Relevant Links & Resources

Looking for more daily encouragement and faith-filled content?

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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. “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. 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/ 

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.

“We’re not just making art — we’re shaping theology.”

In this deeply honest and thought-provoking episode of The Walk, musician, producer, and hymn scholar Andrew Osenga unpacks the surprising discovery that reshaped his faith: ancient songs still speak today. From his early years in Caedmon's Call to his executive work at Integrity Music, Andrew has always wrestled with what the Church sings — and what it doesn't.

He shares how old hymnals, Anglican liturgies, and honest songs about suffering reconnected him to Jesus after a season of spiritual burnout. You'll hear why songs about doubt, the future, and loving our enemies are urgently needed today, and how Gen Z is leading a revival of ancient rhythms. If you’ve ever longed for worship that tells the whole truth — this is your episode.

Guest Bio

Andrew Osenga is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter, producer, and A&R veteran known for his work with Caedmon’s Call, The Normals, and artists like Steven Curtis Chapman and Andrew Peterson. He currently leads the collective Anchor Hymns, hosts the podcast The Pivot, and serves his community through songwriting, spiritual formation, and Anglican liturgy. He lives in Nashville, TN with his wife and three daughters.

Episode Highlights

• What songs are missing from modern worship?

  “We don’t sing about suffering, doubt, or the future. And that shapes how we see God.”

• Why hymns still matter:

  “Nobody’s making a dime off of ‘Amazing Grace.’ And we feel that difference.”

• What drew Andrew to Anglicanism:

  A flooded house, an elderly Bible study, and the quiet beauty of written prayers.

• Why Gen Z loves liturgy:

  “In a world of marketing, old words feel trustworthy.”

• What’s next for Anchor Hymns:

  A new collection of songs based on Every Moment Holy, funded by a grant from the Lilly Foundation and Samford University.

Pull Quote

“We typically don’t leave church with the sermon in our head — we leave with the songs. And they teach us what we

Are we witnessing a scientific revolution that challenges materialism and points to God? According to French thinker Michel Yves Bollore, the answer is a resound YES. What is the evidence for such a revolution? At the beginning of the 20th century, many believed science would eventually replace the need for God. But today, modern discoveries in cosmology, physics, and origin-of-life studies point to a Cosmic Designer. We discuss the evidence in this episode and respond to common objections.

READ: God, the Science, the Evidence by Michel-Yves Bollore & Olivier Bonnassies (https://amzn.to/4sY22T8)

*Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf)

*USE Discount Code [smdcertdisc] for 25% off the BIOLA APOLOGETICS CERTIFICATE program (https://bit.ly/3AzfPFM)

*See our fully online UNDERGRAD DEGREE in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics: (https://bit.ly/448STKK)

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