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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 Bonnie Curry, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Family drama weighing you down? Meditate on Malachi 4:6. 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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Have you ever had a moment when your heart needed something solid to hold onto—something steady beneath your feet when nothing else felt certain? I think we’ve all been there. And in those tender places, there’s nothing more grounding than remembering the promises of God, promises He has never once failed to keep.

That’s why I couldn’t wait to share this week’s conversation on The Love Offering with my friend Rachel Wojo. Rachel has lived through seasons that would shake anyone, yet she has learned—slowly and faithfully—to cling to the unchanging Word of God. Her new journal, Praying the Promises of God: A 52-Week Guided Prayer Journal, is a beautiful reflection of that journey.

Rachel reminds us that while life often hands us disappointment or sorrow, God’s promises remain steady and true. Each page of her journal helps you read Scripture, remember His faithfulness, and reflect on His goodness—all while giving space to write your prayers, process your thoughts, and trace His hand in your everyday life. It’s the kind of resource that becomes a companion, especially in a season where we’re longing for peace.

In our conversation, Rachel shares how praying God’s promises can melt worry into rest, strengthen weary hearts, and draw us deeper into His love. If you’ve been craving a fresh way to connect with the Lord in your quiet time—or if you simply need a gentle reminder that you’re held—this episode will speak right to you.

I’d love for you to listen in today. I believe it will encourage your heart just as much as it did mine.

With love,
Rachael

Connect with Rachel:

https://rachelwojo.com/

Read the Show Notes:

Writing - Rachael K. Adams

Download Your Free Advent Devotional:

Free - Rachael K. Adams

Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/

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In this inspiring conversation, Jennifer Slattery and guest Dawn Cazedessus explore how God heals the generational wounds, shame, and limiting beliefs to create a life of influence, purpose, and freedom. Dawn shares her journey from a trailer park in rural Louisiana to leading thousands as a CEO and regional director. Her story reveals how early adversity shaped her work ethic—but also how God transformed survival-driven striving into purposeful, Spirit-led leadership.

Listeners will hear Dawn’s vulnerable reflections on her positive and challenging childhood influences, scarcity versus abundant mindsets, and the emotional work required to renew her thinking and embrace her true Christ-centered identity. She speaks honestly about the discomfort of stepping into unfamiliar environments, the power of God-given hope, and the role of community in healing. Together, Jennifer and Dawn unpack how Scripture, neuroplasticity, and intentional growth plans help us move from “trailer park thinking” to the abundance mindset God desires for His children.

Whether you’re navigating hardship, battling internal lies, or longing to step into God’s purpose for your life, this episode offers practical wisdom, biblical encouragement, and life-changing hope.

Resource Referenced: Trailer Park CEO: 12 Leadership Cornerstones to Become a Godly Woman of Influence – A Diverse Leadership Tool Kit for Christian Women in Business by Dawn Cazedessus

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. Dawn shared how leaving the trailer park immediately didn't remove her "trailer park thinking". Where do you feel free externally but still stuck mentally or emotionally?

2. What limiting belief from your past most affects how you see yourself today? What does the truth of Scripture say regarding that belief?

3. What recurring thought patterns in your life need to be held up to God’s truth?

4. When have you felt uncomfortable entering a new environment or opportunity? What helped (or could help) you stay present and keep moving forward?

5. Who in your life models the kind of thinking, stability, or faith you want to grow into? What are some ways you can actively learn from them?

6. What situations trigger a scarcity mindset for you?
   What would it look like to adopt an “included” or abundance mindset based on Ephesians 3:20?

7. Dawn said Jesus was the first Person she could fully trust. How has trusting—or struggling to trust—God shaped your own story of growth?

8. What's one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode?

Find Dawn Cazedessus:

On Instagram

On Facebook

In this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, you’ll discover inspiring stories of individuals doing good in the world. Hear from Ken Isaacs of Samaritan’s Purse as he shares the impact of Operation Christmas Child. Evan Dougoud, founder of the Be Heard Movement, talks about his  family background of scarcity and homelessness and how that moved him toward helping others in providing basic needs, and bringing dignity to those who have lost everything. Caregiver and life coach Diane Chew offers insights on finding strength while caring for her husband with Lewy Body Dementia. Finally, multi-platinum country artist Tracy Lawrence talks about his annual Mission Possible Turkey Fry, which feeds hundreds of people at Thanksgiving. These guests live out how faith and a desire to love their neighbors fuel their efforts toward making a tangible difference.

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Ken Isaacs

Evan Dougoud

Diane Chew

Tracy Lawrence

Interview Quotes:

“In my experience, you have yet to fall fully, completely, without reservation into God’s arms and trust Him with everything. Get involved.” - Ken Isaacs

“I’m constantly looking for ways to intertwine all the avenues in such a way as to reach people who are in the ditches of life for the purposes of saving lives, reducing suffering, and doing it in Jesus’ name.” - Ken Isaacs

“It has a profound impact on me, the way that [God] weaves things together beyond the horizon of our vision.” - Ken Isaacs

“God comes through on His promises, but that doesn’t always mean you’re going to have happy endings. What God promises is that He will be with us through the valley of the shadow of death. I find in my most desperate situations is when I most desperately turn to the Lord and seek His guidance.” - Ken Isaacs

“I wanted to present that to those experiencing homelessness—by listening to them, listening to their stories, elevating their voice, it could help save thousands of people. God saved me, and I want to help and go to the same for somebody else.” - Evan Dougoud

“One of the most powerful things you can provide somebody is your ears. So by listening, by affirming to them, by allowing their voices to be heard, by allowing their testimony to be heard, that really is breaking barriers, but also creating a solution of trust.” - Evan Dougoud

“It takes constant practice to look for the blessings, and to stay connected to something bigger than my thoughts and feelings.” - Diane Chew

“There are ways we can take care of ourselves, even as we’re taking care of somebody else. It takes intention, it takes willingness, it takes stubbornness, I think, to not go down with the ship.” - Diane Chew

“Whatever you’re facing that feels like it’s beyond your abil

What if Christmas becomes less about gifts under the tree, and more about hearts shaped for eternity? In this bonus episode from Christian Parent, Crazy World, explore raising generous kids, lasting faith-filled family traditions, and practical, meaningful ways to teach generosity that changes the world.

Catherine welcomes Kristy Graham, host of the On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse podcast and wife to Edward Graham, part of the legacy family behind this renowned global relief ministry. With firsthand experience raising four children and witnessing God’s faithfulness in some of the most challenging corners of the globe, Kristy brings unmatched insight and compassion to this timely discussion.

How do we practically teach our children the virtue of generosity, not just for the holidays, but for a lifetime—and in a way that makes a true, eternal difference?

Answer: Plant seeds of generosity in your family with Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Gift Catalog, a unique way for families to give gifts that can transform lives around the globe.

Browse the catalog and get involved at www.samaritanspurse.org/parent.

Key Moments Covered

• Using the Christmas Gift Catalog filled with life-changing giving opportunities like goats, clean water, and medical aid

• Helping kids choose gifts that meet real needs and spark hope

• Family giving ideas that blend tangible meaning with eternal purpose

• Biblical stories brought to life through everyday generosity

• How giving reshapes young hearts (and ours, too)

This is your invitation to a season where generosity becomes the tradition, the lesson, and the legacy.

This Christmas, will your family give a gift that extends beyond your home?
Explore life-changing opportunities at samaritanspurse.org/parent as a family, and ask your kids: “How can we be part of God’s story of hope this Christmas?”
Let your generosity become a legacy of faith, planting seeds for eternity.

Episode Links:

• Samaritan’s Purse Gift Catalog: www.samaritanspurse.org/parent
• On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse Podcast
• Catherine's Resources for Christian Parents

About the guest: Kristy Graham hosts On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse, a show she launched in 2019 to highlight God’s faithfulness through the ministry’s work. Each week, she brings listeners close to the stories of staff and the people they serve—always pointing hearts to Christ. From missionary doctors in Kenya to military couples in Alaska to families receiving new homes after disasters, Kristy loves witnessing Samaritan’s Purse in action. At home, she and her husband, Edward, are raising their four children in the mountains of North Carolina.

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Fear steals spiritual clarity, but surrendering it opens the heart to God’s personal good news. Whitney Hopler points to Luke 2:8-11, where the angel interrupts panic with a promise of rising joy through Jesus. Keywords like hearing God, good news, fear of failure, and Luke 2 shepherds belong right up front for discovery, because quieting fear is the doorway to actually receiving what God keeps trying to say.

Highlights

• God’s best announcements lead with peace before explanation.

• Fear acts like interference; faith works like the reset button.

• Failure, rejection, and the unknown are common volume knobs stuck on too loud.

• Joy beats relief—it carries confidence, not just the absence of panic.

• Focusing on the Spirit amplifies direction and dials down dread.

• One brave decision at a time rewrites fear’s storyline.

• God’s good news is personal, persistent, and powerful enough to outshine bad thoughts. (Yes, even the dramatic ones… without needing pyrotechnics.)

Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas!

Full Transcript Below:

Overcome Fear to Hear God’s Good News for You
By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’” – Luke 2:8-11, NIV 

On the first Christmas, the shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem were just watching their flocks on a quiet night, when suddenly, the glory of the Lord shone around them, and an angel of the Lord appeared. The angel’s very first words to the terrified were a loving command: “Do not be afraid.” 

The message the angel carried from God was too good to be blocked by fear. The news of a Savior for the world was meant to bring “great joy,” but the shepherds couldn’t fully hear a message of joy if their minds were preoccupied with panic. 

How often has fear kept you from fully perceiving and accepting the good news that God sends your way? </

For many, Christmas comes wrapped not only in lights and celebration, but also in financial pressure. The desire to give generously can collide painfully with a budget that simply won’t stretch far enough. And in a culture where extravagant Christmas mornings dominate social media feeds, it’s easy to feel inadequate or ashamed when the gifts under the tree look different than we wished.

Vivian Bricker speaks honestly into this tension, reminding us that the heart of Christmas has nothing to do with what we can buy and everything to do with the One we worship. Somewhere along the way, many of us have absorbed the idea that Christmas requires excess. But the gospel reminds us that Christmas began in simplicity — a manger, a small town, a humble family, and a Savior who came quietly into the world.

A meaningful Christmas does not require money. It requires Jesus.

If finances are tight this year, remember:

• Christmas joy is not dependent on the number of gifts under the tree.

• Homemade, thoughtful gifts often carry more love than anything store-bought.

• God never measures love by financial ability.

• The people who love you most want you, not what you can give.

And above all, Scripture calls us to shift our focus:
“Seek first his kingdom… and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

When we place Christ at the center, financial pressure loses its power. Instead of comparing, striving, or stressing, we are freed to worship, to give from the heart, and to celebrate what truly matters.

Today's Bible Reading:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33

Takeaway Truths

• Your financial limitations do not diminish your love or your worth.

• Christmas is not about purchasing power — it’s about the presence of Christ.

• Homemade or simple gifts can be meaningful expressions of love.

• God promises provision when we seek Him first.

• A simple Christmas can often be the most spiritually rich.

Let's Pray

Dear Jesus,

Christmas feels a bit tight this year, and I’m struggling with feelings of guilt, fear, and inadequacy. Remind me that these feelings do not come from You. Help me remember that the purpose of Christmas has never been about gifts, spending, or trying to keep up with others.

Teach me to embrace simplicity. Help me find joy in making homemade gifts or offerin

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

.

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.

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.

Welcome to "Inside the Epicenter," where Joel Rosenberg and Lynn Rosenberg share reflections on a year filled with challenges and hope in Israel and nearby regions. Join them as they tell compelling stories from the frontline of ministry—including highlights from their annual retreat for local leaders, the powerful testimony of a former hostage, and the launch of the first modern Hebrew Bible. This episode offers a heartfelt look at the people and projects that inspire the Joshua Fund's mission, encouraging listeners to partner through prayer and generosity to bring hope and blessing to the epicenter.

(00:02) Joshua Fund Annual Leadership Retreat

(08:07) "Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Strength"

(12:35) Exhaustion and Renewal in Ministry

(16:52) Support the Joshua Fund

(24:41) "Sharing a Life-Changing Story"

(29:11) "Refusing Evacuation, Serving the Community"

(33:05) "Faith, Love, and Bold Witness"

(42:18) "Henry's Ministry Journey"

(43:46) "Leadership, Faith, and Collaboration"

(49:52) Modern Hebrew Bible Completed

(57:04) "Support Projects, Donate Today"

(01:00:53) Supporting Families Through Trauma

(01:06:39) "Prayers for Peace and Leadership"

Learn more about The Joshua Fund: JoshuaFund.com

Make a tax-deductible donation: Donate | The Joshua Fund

Stock Media provided by DimmySad / Pond5

Verse of the Day: Matthew 14:13-14 - When Jesus heard about the death, the execution, really the murder of John the Baptist, Jesus withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by himself. When the people heard of this, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he landed, he saw a large crowd, and he felt compassion for them, healing their sick.

Pray that we all— you, us, our team here, and the Joshua Fund— would be moved with compassion for hurting people, those who don't know the love, hope, and healing of Jesus.

Pray that the hearts of people across the Middle East and other regions are open to Jesus and that they accept Him as Lord.

Related Episodes:

Alaska Epicenter Cruise Session 2: Why Jews & Muslims are Coming to Jesus in Record Numbers #311

Remembering John MacArthur and His Love for Israel #304

Grief, Courage, and the Gospel in the Epicenter #330

Caring for the Needy in Israel #329

Support a monthly gift to The Joshua Fund to bless Israel and her neighbors now and in the long term. Become an Epicenter Ally today!

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