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We all have a tendency to judge others based on what we see—their choices, mistakes, or behavior—without knowing their full story. In this episode, we explore how Jesus modeled a radically different approach: seeing the heart behind the actions.

Takeaways from this episode:

• Jesus saw beyond actions to the heart and story of a person.

• Compassion doesn’t mean excusing wrongdoing—it means responding with grace.

• Listening and praying for others opens the door to healing and transformation.

• True love restores, heals, and transforms, rather than condemns.

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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Learn more about HEARTBEAT- https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/heartbeat

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In today’s episode, Dr. Dondi Costin, retired U.S. Air Force Major General and President of Liberty University joins Dr. Zach for a powerful conversation on what it truly means to lead like Jesus. He shares the lessons forged through decades of military service, higher-education leadership, and life in Christ, offering a blueprint for influence rooted in humility, character, and conviction. In this episode, Dr. Costin unpacks why true leadership begins with serving, how his military experience shaped his understanding of calling, and why resilience, integrity, and spiritual grit are essential for anyone shaping the next generation. He discusses preparing young leaders to stand firm in their faith, navigating high-pressure environments without compromising values, and training Champions for Christ in a rapidly changing world.

Visit Liberty University: https://www.liberty.edu/ 

Read More About Dr. Dondi Costin: https://www.liberty.edu/about/president-of-liberty-university/ 

Read More About the Global Center for Human Flourishing: https://www.liberty.edu/academic-affairs/global-center-for-human-flourishing/ 

Looking for Clinically Excellent, Distinctively Christian Counsel & Care?: https://christiancareconnect.com/ 

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Today’s Bible Verse:
“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them.” — Mark 10:13

Mark 10:13 offers a subtle but sharp reminder: Jesus isn’t looking for bodyguards—He’s looking for followers who reflect His heart. The disciples tried to “protect” Him by pushing people away, but Jesus welcomed the very ones they dismissed. His kingdom advances not through gatekeeping or defending His reputation, but through humility, openness, and love. True disciples make room for others, trusting that Jesus can speak for Himself.

MEET YOUR HOST: Dr. Kyle Norman at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/

The Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman is the Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada. He holds a doctorate in Spiritual formation and is a sought-after writer, speaker, and retreat leader. His writing can be found at Christianity.com, crosswalk.com, ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada, and many others. Rev. Norman has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement.

Find more from Rev. Norman at revkylenorman.ca

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Christmas is one of the most magical seasons for families—but in the midst of the bustle of parties, presents, and Pinterest-perfect traditions, how do we ensure our children keep Christ at the center of it all?

Catherine sits down with national TV host, actress, and best-selling author Megan Alexander to unwrap a timely question: How do Christian families actually keep Christ central during Christmas? Megan, who has been a familiar face on CBS’s Inside Edition for over two decades and the producer of UPTV’s “Small Town Christmas,” brings her unique insights in her newest book, The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning of Our Most Cherished Traditions. This beautiful Advent resource is designed to make celebrating the season both meaningful and manageable—especially for busy parents.

Key highlights from the episode include:

• Reclaiming Christmas Traditions – Megan shares fascinating stories behind beloved customs, revealing their hidden spiritual roots—from the Christian symbolism of candy canes to legends like the poinsettia. Listeners will discover how stockings, Christmas trees, gingerbread cookies, and even bells can point children (and parents!) back to Jesus.
• Making Christmas Memorable & Manageable – The book isn’t just a devotional, it’s a coffee table conversation starter, filled with vibrant visuals and historical nuggets accessible to all ages. Catherine Segars notes, “It’s not a sermon… it’s an invitation to consider,” making it a perfect gift, even for those who might not identify as Christian but need a positive encounter with Christ.
• Practical Family Ideas – From flashlight candy cane hunts to placing candles near loved ones’ pictures, Megan shares creative, simple ways to anchor faith in everyday family traditions. Each activity is an opportunity to discuss the deeper meaning behind symbols and stories—turning ordinary moments into spiritual conversations.
• Honoring Hope and Hardship – The episode thoughtfully addresses the reality that Christmas is not always “roses.” Stories like that of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the tradition of bells remind listeners that even in grief or difficulty, the hope of the gospel and the presence of Christ remain steadfast.

Notable quote:
“You’ll never listen to bells the same. People are gathering; God is alive and well. There is hope in this world.” — Megan Alexander

Listeners will walk away with:

• Fresh inspiration to slow down and celebrate Advent with their kids
• Easy ways to make faith tangible without adding stress to the holiday
• New eyes to see Christ woven through the fabric of their favorite traditions

About the guest:
Megan Alexander is a national TV correspondent, producer, and author. Her book, The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning of Our Most Cherished Traditions, is a heartfelt guide to making Advent meaningful for families. She is also a mom of three and an outspoken believer who brings decades of experience bridging faith and the mainstream entertainment industry.

Call to Action:
What tradition could you reclaim this Christmas to make Christ the focus? How can you use a simple story, object, or moment to share the reason for the season with your children? Tune in, unwrap these ideas, and start a new tradition that keeps Jesus at the heart of your family’s celebration!

Resources:

The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meani

Welcome to "Inside the Epicenter" with Joel and Lynn Rosenberg. In this episode of Inside the Epicenter, host Joel Rosenberg sits down with former U.S. ambassador and veteran Middle East advisor Dennis Ross to unpack Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent visit to Washington and its far-reaching implications. Together, they explore Saudi Arabia’s sweeping social and economic changes, the strengthening U.S.-Saudi relationship, and the critical role of technology, defense, and energy in the kingdom’s transformation. Dennis Ross shares firsthand insights on the prospects for Israeli-Saudi normalization, how October 7th shifted regional dynamics, and what’s at stake for both the U.S. and Middle East allies going forward. If you want a front-row seat to diplomatic strategy, behind-the-scenes stories, and the future of peace in the region, this conversation is not to be missed.

(00:02) "US-Saudi Relations and MBS"
(10:07) "U.S.-Saudi Relations and Strategy"
(12:28) "Biden Administration Defense Treaty Hurdles"
(17:18) Saudi Arabia Opening to Diversity
(24:51) Saudi-Israeli Relations: Challenges Persist
(29:21) "Israel-Saudi Peace & Challenges"
(32:47) Support Joshua Fund Monthly
(38:31) "Saudi-Israel Strategic Convergence Explained"
(43:34) Saudi-Israeli Relations and Coexistence
(48:50) "Path to Palestinian Statehood"
(58:28) "Support Needed for Growing Mission"
(01:00:49) "Support The Joshua Fund Mission"

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:  Romans 15:25-27: But now, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. For they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to do them a service also in material things.

Pray for a much better and more encouraging 2026
Pray that God gives leaders in the US, Saudi Arabia, and Israel the wisdom to deal appropriately with issues that come.

Related Episodes:
Caring for the Needy in Israel’s Darkest Hour #329
Hamas Is Now Slaughtering Gazans — How Should Trump and Evangelicals Respond? #324
Tal Heinrich - Inside Trump and Netanyahu’s Middle East #323
Alaska Epicenter Cruise Session 3: Behind the Scenes at the Bible Society in Israel with Victor Kalisher #315

Donate a generous monthly gift to The Joshua Fund to bless Israel and Her Neighbors now and for the long haul. Become an Epicenter Ally today!

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A Prayer When God Seems Distant

What does it means to welcome God—even when life feels heavy, uncertain, or painfully silent? In today's episode by Amanda Luedeke, we explore how seasons of waiting can test our faith, strain our gratitude, and leave us wrestling with God’s seeming silence.The conversation invites us to consider how we respond when God doesn’t move the way we hoped. Instead of withdrawing or pretending everything is fine, we discover the gift of honest faith: bringing our doubts, frustrations, and disappointments before Him and practicing gratitude as an act of trust.

Reference: Psalm 37:7

Prayer: Lord, here is my open invitation. Take it and keep it and know that You’re always welcome in my heart and life. I welcome You even when it’s hard for me to hear You. Even when I’m frustrated by what’s around me. Even when things don’t go the way I’d like. Show me the ways that I tend to rescind my initiation to You. Work on my heart, O God, so that I trust and follow you even when I don’t understand. Even when I’m waiting for You to move.

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.

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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 Tyler Boss, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. God’s is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever! Meditate on 1 Chronicles 29:11. 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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Sleep better and Stress Less— with Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. We hope this biblical sleep meditation, narrated by Jennifer Clark, helps your body relax and your mind rest on the truth found in scripture. In this sleep story, hear beautiful Scriptural reflections that point to the centrality of Christ throughout creation. Rest soundly in the holy plan and purpose of God through Christ, His Son.

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

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Are you heading into Thanksgiving feeling emotionally blah — tired, unmotivated, or just flat inside?
You’re not alone. So many women enter the holidays carrying the weight of logistics, expectations, and caring for everyone else… while their own soul quietly runs on empty.

Bonnie shares her personal moment of unexpected emotional flatness — and the gentle way God invited her back into peace. It’s a reminder that even our “blah” moments can become invitations to shift our bodies out of exhaustion and stress.

Discover how God meets you with tenderness, how to understand the science behind emotional “shutdown,” and how one small, life-giving soul care practice can help you feel peace and spark again — just in time for Thanksgiving.

This episode will help you breathe deeper, slow down, and find your own quiet moment of restoration in the midst of a busy holiday week. 

Key Takeaways:
 Why emotional flatness is normal during high-stress seasons — and why it’s not a spiritual failure
 How God restores your soul when you feel numb, tired, or “blah”
 The Science: How holiday stress triggers emotional shutdown in the brain One soul care practice to help you feel calm, grounded, and reconnected to yourself — in just 10 minutes
 Simple ways to bring your heart a moment of peace this Thanksgiving weekend (not just everyone else’s!)

 Breath PrayerInhale: You lead me beside quiet waters
Exhale: You restore my soul

 Scripture
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:2–3
 →  Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store

 → Register "Advent Wellness Course" to lower holiday stress with God's peace, hope, joy, and love at mysoulcareschool.com
 → Take the FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com
Get your personal wellness assessment and learn which area of soul care you need most.

Connect with Bonnie:

  Join the Soul Care Newsletter:
https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe

  Watch Weekly YouTube Devotionals:
https://youtube.com/thebonniegray

  Bestselling Books by Bonnie:
https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd

 Follow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:
@thebonniegray

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Life is loud—holiday loud, work-notifications loud, “my brain won’t stop” loud. Psalm 23 reminds us that God doesn’t just suggest rest; sometimes He has to make us lie down so our souls can breathe again. In a world addicted to noise, reclaiming quiet becomes an act of trust and a doorway into genuine gratitude. When we intentionally pause—before the inbox, before the scrolling, before the schedule—we begin to uncover a steadier, quieter thankfulness that anchors us in God’s presence.

Highlights

• God often has to “make” us rest because we naturally resist silence.

• Constant noise—from work, devices, and distraction—can drain the soul.

• Many of us fill forced downtime with more noise instead of inviting God into the quiet.

• Silence can feel uncomfortable, but it’s where God restores, steadies, and speaks.

• Starting with a simple morning gratitude rhythm helps reframe your day.

• Look for small pockets—commutes, showers, quiet moments—to pray and thank God.

• Choosing silence creates space for peace, intimacy, and a thankful heart.

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:

A Heart of Thanks in a Season of Noise
By Peyton Garland​​

Bible Reading:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3 (NKJV)

I recognize that most of the Old Testament was written in Hebrew, and most of the New Testament in Greek, so it’s not only safe but wise to assume that our English translation of each word of Scripture isn’t always an exact cultural match. However, I often chuckle at the verb that leads Psalm 23:2: “He makes me to lie down in green pastures…” (emphasis added). 

I’m quite certain that if Christ didn’t force me to lie down, to take a breath, to drown out the noise, I wouldn’t. Yet, when I push back against His command and allow life’s unfiltered chaos to control me, I become spiritually drained and crawl back to Him in an unhealthy emotional state, begging that He bring steadiness and peace to my loud world. 

Perhaps you can relate. You want to put down your phone and enjoy a family dinner or your kid’s ballgame, but you’re waiting on several important work emails to come through. You have to stay glu