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In this episode of Daily Devotions, Pastor John reflects on 1 Peter 5:10-11, offering a hopeful perspective on suffering. He reminds us that our present struggles are temporary and that God is using them to refine our character and teach us to trust in Him. Pastor John encourages listeners to look at their suffering from an eternal perspective, knowing that God has called them to His eternal glory in Christ. He prays that we would be sustained in difficult seasons, trusting in God's faithfulness and the truth of His promises.

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].

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We have a schedule change announcement for Words of Life beginning January 2026. Instead of dropping new episodes on Sundays, we will begin launching new episodes every Wednesday at 12am.

After a lot of research, it seems that releasing new podcast episodes during the weekend can drastically reduce potential listenership. So, after conferring with our partners at Salem Media we are going to move Words of Life to Wednesdays and see what happens.

If it turns out to be a terrible idea- we’ll move it back LOL. But it seems this is the general advice for successful podcasts.

Thank you so much for listening. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss any of the very exciting and powerful series we have planned for 2026.

Merry Christmas and God bless you and your families.

https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife

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Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!

What happens when the "most wonderful time of the year" feels overwhelming due to grief, family hurt, or a devastating diagnosis? How do you find peace when your natural instinct is to fight harder against the quicksand of life?

In this devotional on Psalm 46, we explore the profound invitation to "cease striving" and "be still and know that I am God." We look beyond the surface of this famous passage to encounter the "Lord of Hosts"—the Commander of Angel Armies—and learn why our desperate attempts to save ourselves often make it harder for Him to rescue us. Through the lens of a lifeguard saving a drowning swimmer, we discover that true safety is found not in struggling, but in spiritual surrender.

Join host Jaime Hampton for this encouraging scripture meditation on the Praying Christian Women podcast. Whether you are battling holiday anxiety, financial hardship, or just the noise of a busy season, discover how to turn away from fear and embrace the God who is your refuge and strength. Come ready to surrender your plans and rest in the presence of the One who makes wars to cease.

Discover More:

Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com

Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Connect with Us:

Stay updated and engage with our community:

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“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is not what most people would consider a typical Christmas carol. Its somber melody and chant-like tone feel out of place among upbeat tunes and festive imagery. Yet this ancient hymn, drawn from the “O Antiphons,” beautifully captures the heart of Christmas: longing, waiting, and hope breaking into darkness.

Scripture contains a similar song—the prophetic praise of Zechariah after the birth of his son, John. In Luke 1, Zechariah proclaims that the Messiah is the rising sun or morning light who will shine on those living in darkness. Jesus is the Light of the World, the One who rescues us from the kingdom of darkness and brings us into His eternal kingdom of life and peace (John 8:12; Colossians 1:13).

The words of O Come, O Come Emmanuel echo this truth as they draw from Isaiah 9:2:
“O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light.”

Jesus entered a world marked by darkness—and the darkness could not overcome Him (John 1:5). For those sitting in darkness today, whether due to grief, illness, loss, or uncertainty, Christ’s coming brings real hope. We are not abandoned. Death does not have the final word. God is still at work, even when His purposes feel hidden.

This is why Christmas is more than a celebration—it is an interruption. The Light has come. Our Savior, Immanuel, is with us now and will come again. And that is reason to rejoice, even in the night.

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

“Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”
— Luke 1:78–79, NLT

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Thank You, Jesus, for coming into the world to bring salvation and light. You are the Light that darkness cannot overcome. I trust You to shine into the shadowed places of my life, bringing healing, peace, and renewed hope. You are my living hope, the One who conquered death itself. Help me remember that You, Immanuel, are with me no matter what I face.
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. Light in the darkness
   Light a candle or turn on a light in a dark room. What does this simple act stir in your heart about Christ’s presence and power?

2. Anchoring promises
   Reflect on a Bible verse that brings you comfort—perhaps one about God’s presence (Matthew 28:20), restoration (Revelation 21:1–4), or Jesus’ return (Revelation 22:20). How does this promise steady you during times of sorrow?

3. Names of hope

Charles Murray is a Harvard and MIT-trained policy analyst and the author of Taking Religion Seriously. He joins me to explore why many educated people never seriously consider God—not because they’ve disproven the supernatural, but because they’ve quietly learned to dismiss it. Charles describes his journey from “happy agnostic” to “Christian,” wrestling with questions like “Why is there something rather than nothing?” and “Why does consciousness seem to reach beyond the brain?” This isn’t the story of an aggressive atheist changing his mind. It’s about the subtle assumptions that shape what we think is reasonable and what we hesitate to question.

*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)

FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Twitter: https://x.com/Sean_McDowell

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Website: https://seanmcdowell.org

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Diane Canada is a national television commentator, author, speaker, and the Founder of the Lady Up America movement. She is the host of the Lady Up America podcast, which has featured guests including Marsha Blackburn, Riley Gaines, Lee Greenwood, Kevin Sorbo & Dr. Carol Swain. Diane was the 2020 Republican Nominee for the Tennessee State House of Representatives District 56 & honored with an extraordinary citizen award from the TN State Legislature and the “She Leads Tennessee” organization for her Lady Up America movement.

Tonight, she and Brad discuss the history of her brief stint into the political world and answers a question you never knew you needed answered!

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Would you risk everything for your faith, even if it meant facing failure? On today’s episode of The Greg Laurie Show, Pastor Greg sits down with acclaimed screenwriter and director Randall Wallace—the visionary behind iconic films like Braveheart, We Were Soldiers, and Heaven Is for Real—for an intimate conversation about faith, creativity, and the courage to stand firm when the world tells you to compromise.

From the emotional roots of Braveheart’s legendary story to the spiritual battles that shaped Randall’s creative journey, the two explore what it means to pursue calling over comfort in both film and life. You’ll hear firsthand how a simple trip to Scotland sparked the inspiration for Braveheart, and the little-known story behind the prayer that set Randall on the path to writing one of the most enduring screenplays of our time. Plus, don’t miss a preview of Randall’s next groundbreaking project: a long-awaited sequel to The Passion of the Christ, exploring the mystery and power of the resurrection.

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Want more from Greg Laurie? Visit:  

https://harvest.org/.

Find Pastor Greg on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/greglaurie/

https://x.com/greglaurie

https://www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie

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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Randall Wallace’s Braveheart Prayer and Life Philosophy
01:17 Discovering William Wallace and the Birth of Braveheart
05:36 Faith, Family, and Facing Failure in Hollywood
10:25 Braveheart’s Enduring Message and Personal Meaning
13:00 Braveheart as a Christ-like Figure
15:35 Embracing Uncertainty and the Creative Process
16:04 The Highest Calling: Finding Your Unique Purpose
21:06 Film as Art and a Vehicle for the Gospel
22:06 The Power of Authentic Storytelling
26:42 Writing the Resurrection: Sequel to The Passion
33:02 Living the Braveheart Life: Lessons and Live Show
38:08 The Importance of Physical Action in Spiritual Living
40:05 Every Reading, a New Perspective on Faith
40:22 Closing Reflections and Wallace’s Lasting Impact

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I’m joined by my husband, Shaun, to discuss the sometimes complicated world of gift-giving in a relationship. If you’ve ever found yourself debating with your spouse or partner over how much money you spend on gifts, how much is “too much,” or how to honor each other's money habits, this conversation is for you.

Shaun and I get real about our different financial personalities—me as the frugal saver who values experiences over things, and Shaun as the generous giver who believes in creating smiles through thoughtful presents. We share how our upbringings shaped these perspectives and how they lead to “spirited” conversations around the holidays, birthdays, and everyday giving.

Key Takeaways:

• Value and respect each other’s approach to giving

• Don’t go into debt for holiday gifts—find ways to bless your loved ones within your means

• Set a simple holiday budget or gift limit to relieve stress

• Recognize when old money stories (like scarcity thinking) are influencing your present

• Focus on connection—sometimes a heartfelt note means more than any wrapped package

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

My new book, Tried and True, is releasing in January 2026! Get on the list to get your FREE 5-day devotional companion at danache.com/triedandtrue.

Still looking for simple ways to build connection with your mate? Get my "Ultimate Couple's Playbook" here. 

Follow Dana Che on the socials! 

Instagram 

Facebook 

YouTube

Like the show? Be sure to SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW the podcast! Then, give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and leave a great review! 

Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/

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In this episode, we explore the surprisingly powerful world of micro-habits—those tiny actions that take less than five minutes but, when repeated, create meaningful and lasting change in your marriage. From simple daily rituals to small moments of gratitude to chore-based love notes, you’ll discover how small things practiced often can strengthen connection, build warmth, and shape the overall direction of your relationship.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• What micro-habits are and why researchers say they matter
• How 1% improvements compound into significant transformation over time
• Why micro-moments help keep couples from slipping into “roommate mode”
• Three daily micro-habits that build connection, gratitude, and emotional safety
• Practical examples of how we use these habits in our own marriage

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Small habits practiced consistently create meaningful change over time.
• Micro-moments protect connection and help couples avoid “roommate mode.”
• Specific gratitude (“Thank you for…”) shifts focus toward what’s working.
• Everyday chores can become tangible expressions of love.
• Simple rituals—like hello, goodbye, and goodnight kisses—strengthen emotional and physical connection.

US TIME CHALLENGE

Choose one micro-habit and practice it every day this week. It can be one of the three we shared or be a micro-moment unique to your relationship. Consistency is the goal, not size. Let the small thing do its quiet, steady work.

STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST

• Follow Ashleigh: Instagram @teamuspodcast | Facebook @ashleighslaterauthor
• Subscribe to Team Us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen so you don’t miss an episode.
• Join our community: Get updates, resources, and encouragement for your marriage by signing up for Ashleigh’s weekly email newsletter at AshleighSlater.com.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear (https://a.co/d/9kNsP4L)
• “5 Micro-Moments That Predict the Health of Your Marriage” by Shlomo and Rivka Slatkin at the Marriage Restoration Project (https://themarriagerestorationproject.com/5-micro-moments-that-predict-the-health-of-your-marriage/)
• “The Art of Micro-Routines: How 5-Minute Habits Can Transform Your Day” by Glossy Magazine (https://theglossymagazine.com/the-art-of-micro-routines-how-5-minute-habits-can-transform-your-day/)
• “12 Micro Moves for Your Marriage” by Ted Lowe (https://allprodad.com/12-micro-moves-for-your-marriage/)

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

In today’s special year-end holiday episode, host Heather Creekmore welcomes author and speaker Cynthia Ruchti to the show for an uplifting conversation perfectly suited to the busy woman navigating the Christmas season. As the holidays approach, the to-do lists are long, and the “reason for the season” can easily get lost amid shopping, family obligations, and endless tasks. Heather Creekmore and Cynthia Ruchti encourage listeners to pause, ponder, and rediscover the wonder of Christmas, focusing on spiritual renewal rather than exhausting productivity.

Together, they discuss Cynthia’s Christmas devotional, her insights on noticing God’s presence, embracing lingering and pondering, and shifting our attitudes to receive what God has truly prepared for us—even in the midst of chaos, disappointment, and the “distribution of labor” that often falls to women during the holidays. The episode is packed with relatable holiday circumstances, biblical reflections, real-life stories, and practical encouragement to rest in the joy, awe, and wonder that Christmas offers.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why slowing down and observing brings more spiritual refreshment than staying busy

• The power of “lingering”—with God, with loved ones, and in the moment

• God’s upside-down kingdom and the abundance found in trusting Him with our time and resources

• Noticing God in both the seen and the unseen aspects of the Christmas story

• The message of redemption woven throughout Scripture, from Isaiah to the nativity

• What holiday mishaps (yes, even broken goblets!) can teach us about perspective and joy

• Reframing holiday serving as a gift for ourselves, not just for others

• How to keep awe and wonder alive in our hearts, even when Christmas feels like another item on the checklist

• Practical encouragement for busy moms and grandmas feeling the holiday load

• Using Cynthia’s 26-day devotional for a richer, more intentional holiday season

Resources & Links:

• Get Cynthia’s Christmas devotional book, Spirit of Christmas: Discovering His Presence (available on Amazon and hemmedinhope.com) *Amazon affiiate link, a tiny portion of your purchase will support this ministry.

• Connect with Cynthia at hemmedinhope.com or cynthiaruchti.com

• Explore Cynthia’s other books—fiction and nonfiction—through her website

• Sign up for the next 40-Day Journey at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Don’t forget: Whether you’re listening on your way to pick up gifts, hauling kids to their next party, or just stealing a quiet moment, this episode will leave you refreshed and ready to focus on what matters most this holiday season!

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