LifeAudio

John questions the morality of sneaking in outside candy to the movies. Meanwhile, Jonnie joins the podcast remotely from snowy Michigan and tells the history of the phrase “innocent until proven guilty.”

Plus, a conversation about "The Pottery Class Paradox” and why making a lot of things is better than obsessing over perfection.

Today’s episode is NOT sponsored by Co-Pays at the Doctor’s Office: “It’s the money you pay AFTER you pay for insurance, and right before a mystery third amount that you’ll find out about later.”

FOLLOW Jonnie W: https://jonniew.com

FOLLOW John Driver: https://johndriver.com

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WATCH/SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwjExy_jWIdNvGd28XgF2Dg

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This episode is part 38 in a study of the gospel of Luke. Jesus meets 10 men with leprosy. What do you do when God intervenes in your life. One man knew the answer.

https://thebiblestudypodcast.com/luke-17-10-lepers/

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Episode Summary: 

Christmas is often described as the most wonderful time of the year, but for many, it doesn’t feel that way. Whether because of grief, loneliness, financial strain, or painful memories, the holidays can intensify sadness instead of joy. Today on Your Hope-Filled Perspective, Jessica Van Roekel and I want to talk about what we call a ‘Blue Christmas.’ Together, we’ll explore why it’s important to give ourselves and others permission to grieve during the holiday season, how God meets us in our pain, and ways to navigate December with compassion and hope.

Quotables from the episode:

• For some, Christmas brings laughter, lights, and loved ones. But for others, it’s a season that magnifies loss, heartache, or isolation. If you or someone you know is struggling this Christmas, you’re not alone. On today’s episode of Your Hope-Filled Perspective, Jessica Van Roekel and I will share how to give space for what we call a ‘Blue Christmas’—a time when we acknowledge that the holidays can be hard, while also discovering God’s gentle presence and the hope He offers, even in the midst of sorrow.
• I wanted to acknowledge that while Christmas is often referred to the most joyous time of year, it isn’t for everyone, and it’s important for us to acknowledge our thoughts and feelings, but simultaneously continue to put our hope in God.
• Often, Christmas is portrayed as magical, joyous, and full of peace. But for many, that’s simply not the reality. Grief, depression, loneliness, or broken family relationships can make Christmas feel heavy.
• And pretending everything is fine when it’s not only deepens the ache. God invites us to bring Him our honest emotions. Think about the Psalms—David poured out his sorrows, and yet found hope in God’s presence.
• Let’s name some reasons people might struggle at Christmas:
  • Grief from losing a loved one.
  • Family estrangement or broken relationships.
  • Loneliness, especially for singles, widows, or those far from family.
  • Financial hardship that makes gift-giving stressful.
  • Mental health battles like depression or anxiety.
  • Unmet expectations.

• Christmas can amplify those pains. Lights and carols may remind us of what we don’t have. But Jesus came into a world of darkness. Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” His presence is especially near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).
• Sometimes we pressure ourselves to “put on a happy face.” But it’s okay to grieve at Christmas. Lament is part of worship.
• Jesus Himself wept (John 11:35). If the Son of God cried at loss, then tears are holy too. Giving yourself permission to be real is not a lack of faith.
• We can also set boundaries. Maybe we can’t attend every party. Maybe we create new traditions that feel gentler for our souls this year.
• Sometimes the best gift is presence, not presents. Just sitting with someone, listening, or sending a simple “thinking of you” note can mean the world.
• And don’t say, “You should be happy, it’s Christmas.” Instead, validate their feelings. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
• Another practical tip—invite them into your traditions in small ways, without pressure. Even a quiet cup of cocoa together can bring comfort.
• At the heart of Christmas is Emmanuel—God with us. That truth doesn’t change, whether our Christmas is merry or blue.
• We can both acknowledge sorrow and cling to hope.
• One way is through Scripture meditation. Even reading Luke 2 slowly and remembering that Christ entered a broken, chaotic world can remind us we’re not alone.
• Some practical things that help:

• • Create a memory box or light a candle in honor

In today’s episode of The Built Different Podcast, Dr. Zach Clinton sits down with Marq James, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Christian Care Ministry, the organization behind Medi-Share, the nation’s leading Christian healthcare sharing program. Marq unpacks the powerful origin story of Christian Care Ministry, explains the difference between healthcare sharing and traditional insurance, and shares how Medi-Share offers a biblical, community-centered alternative rooted in generosity, stewardship, and the early church model in Acts. Together, Zach and Marq break down why healthcare costs are skyrocketing, what families need to know during Open Enrollment, and how healthcare sharing can create significant financial margin without compromising Christian conviction.

The conversation also dives deep into the issues families are facing right now, from the post-COVID mental health crisis, to the rising need for whole-person care. Marq shares how CCM is meeting these challenges through expanded counseling access, Christ-centered support, and a culture shaped by prayer, Scripture, and spiritual wellness. Drawing from his own battle with long-term COVID symptoms, Marq reflects on how his faith grounded him through recovery and why spiritual health must return to the center of the healthcare conversation. If you’ve ever wondered whether faith-based healthcare sharing is right for your family, this episode provides the clarity, hope, and practical insight you need.

Links:

Find Our More About Christian Care Ministry: https://shorturl.at/aBBDX

Find Out More About Medishare: https://shorturl.at/UIa9l

Get Clinically Excellent, Distinctively Christian Counsel or Care Today: https://christiancareconnect.com/

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Faith-driven endurance stories, Latin worship, and discovering purpose beyond a music career are among the most searched topics in Christian podcasting. Michael Foust sits down with Evan Craft, discussing his 1200-mile cycling journey across the Andes, rock-bottom reinvention, and why comfort can become a hidden spiritual trap.

This conversation highlights the global influence of water well charity efforts, his multilingual worship movement, and the personal stories that shaped his book, The Extra Mile.

Key Takeaways

• Purpose beyond platform: asking God for “more than music”

• Persevering through setbacks: rebuilding identity after band challenges

• Generosity changes lives: prioritizing others in need

• Mirrored ministry: modern parable-style storytelling that sparks questions

• Seeing worship with new eyes outside familiar environments

• The power of congregational worship to unite audiences

• Bringing faith into every sphere, from stage to home life

Cycling Journey Highlights

• Distance: 1200 miles / 1800+ kilometers

• Route: Chile → Argentina (Pacific → Atlantic)

• Terrain: Up and over the Andes Mountains

• Ministry: 10 live concerts mid-journey

• Focus: not personal achievement, but faithful obedience and serving others

About the Book – The Extra Mile

A faith-centered story of surrender, sacrifice, and discovering calling while serving others. The message: purpose blooms when comfort zones shrink and obedience expands.

About Evan’s Music

• Spanish Worship Album: Que Cante La Iglesia

• Global recognition via songs like:

  • “Be Alright”

  • “Desesperado”

Pop to reach playlists. Worship to f

Today’s Bible Verse: “And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” — Luke 1:17

Luke 1:17 highlights the mission God gives to His messengers, both past and present. This verse, referring to John the Baptist, illustrates God’s desire to reconcile relationships, restore hearts, and prepare people for His work in the world. The imagery of turning hearts and guiding the disobedient emphasizes God’s restorative power — not only in the spiritual lives of individuals but in the communities and families around them.

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.

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A Prayer to Look Upon the Light by Stacey Thacker

The book of Job--an unexpected corner of Scripture for the Christmas season. In today's episode, we focus on a reminder spoken to Job by Elihu, who points out that God is both rescuer and redeemer, using suffering not as punishment but as refinement. Elihu lifts Job’s gaze upward, encouraging him to look at the light of God rather than the weight of his circumstances.And for us today, every question whispered in the dark finds its answer in Jesus, the Light of the World. When we fix our eyes on Him, everything changes.

Reference: Job 33:28

Prayer: Father, sometimes we can best see the light in the shadowed times of darkness. Remind me during this season of light to be a testimony to others who are struggling. May I be a good friend who encourages the downtrodden to look up. And if that person is me, continue to remind me each morning where the light comes from. In Jesus' name, amen.

LINKS:

How to Pray God's Word For Your Children Guide

Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms

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

Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon.

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

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

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 Melissa Disney, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Buyer beware! Meditate on Romans 12:2. 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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La influencia no se trata de posición, se trata de oportunidad. A veces es una sonrisa, una palabra de aliento, una defensa en el momento justo. Son nuestros “momentos Esther” de cada día. Nunca subestimes el poder de tu voz. Dios puede usar una sola palabra tuya… para cambiar tu historia o la de alguien más

Escrito por Mercy Cosme

Canal en Telegram: https://t.me/TheSalvationArmySoundcast

Grupo en WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/B8WQJMa1QU9AFAMdmUkwcC

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This week, we’ll hear from Melissa Ferguson, a mother of five whose love for stories and the countryside has inspired her creative life. From her family’s Tennessee farmhouse by the mountains, she writes heartwarming romantic comedies for television and children’s books. Melissa reflects on the lessons she’s learned from farm life, family rhythms, and faith—and why at the end of the day, it all comes down to keeping what’s most important at the top of the to-do list.

Later in the episode, we’ll hear from worship artist Natalie Runion. Natalie grew up as a pastor’s kid watching her parents serve their church, but found herself needing to forgive certain toxic elements that had shaped her upbringing. Today, through her ministry Raised to Stay and her writing, Natalie gives us a glimpse into how she’s helping others reconcile their love for Jesus with the realities of a sometimes imperfect church culture. 

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: Chris and Kelly Janson

Upcoming interview: Theresa Bruno

Melissa Ferguson

Great American Family

Our Friendly Farmhouse Instagram

Homesteading

Jesus Calling for Kids

www.melissaferguson.com

Our Friendly Farmhouse

Natalie Runion

Raised to Stay

Campus Crusade for Christ

2 Corinthians 11 NIV

Hebrews 13 NIV

www.natalierunion.com

I Don’t Even Like Women

Interview Quotes:

“We definitely stepped into [homesteading] slowly and kind of enjoyed getting to know the adventure of each thing because there is such a learning curve there. It’s been an adventure along the way, and I think it’s been really healthy for our children and for ourselves.” - Melissa Ferguson

“It’s important to step back, especially when something feels off. I broke it down by the hours that each activity in that priority order would take, and I realized this is why I’m stressed. I’m stressed because I’ve swapped the extras, the least important priorities in my life, with the things that are.” - Melissa Ferguson

“I have allowed myself to be too busy doing other things and that was a choice not to spend time in the Word or pray because I thought, Oh, well, it doesn’t matter that much. I’m too busy. I’d rather go do this. And I’ve experienced the consequences of what became a growing sense