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In this second episode of our three-part series on faith and technology, with Jason Thacker, the conversation dives deeper into the tension between innovation and ethics. Today’s world often rushes toward new tools with the belief that “more technology” will fix our problems. But what if the real issues lie beneath the surface?

Together, we discuss how Christians can thoughtfully engage with AI, digital tools, and rapid innovation without losing sight of human dignity and spiritual discernment. Should we adopt every new technology just because we can? Who bears the responsibility of guiding how these tools are used—government, industry, or communities of faith?

From the hype cycle of AI to the subtle ways technology can shape our identity, this discussion asks the tough questions: What does it mean to be human in an age of machines? How can Christians ensure that our use of technology reflects love for God and neighbor?

If you’ve ever wrestled with how faith intersects with the digital world—or wondered where to draw the line with AI—this episode will challenge you to slow down, ask deeper questions, and consider not just what technology can do, but what it should do.

Learn more about Jason at https://jasonthacker.com/

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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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 Ben Little, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Give God the glory for all His marvelous works! Meditate on Romans 11:33-36. 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

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

Gratitude doesn’t come easily for everyone—especially if life has conditioned you to expect the other shoe to drop. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 calls us to give thanks in all circumstances, not because everything feels good, but because God is faithfully at work in every moment. When negativity feels more natural than gratitude, shifting your perspective becomes a slow, intentional surrender. But as God reshapes the heart, thankfulness becomes less of a struggle and more of a steady rhythm.

Highlights

• Early experiences can shape a pessimistic mindset, but God can retrain our hearts toward gratitude.

• Gratitude leads to contentment—and contentment frees us from constantly chasing “more.”

• A simple gratitude journal can refocus your mind on God’s ongoing work, even in small blessings.

• Positive community helps redirect your perspective toward God’s faithfulness.

• Jesus modeled thankfulness—even in pain—and invites us to adopt the same posture.

• Choosing gratitude is a daily decision that transforms the way we interpret trials and blessings.

• Shifting your viewpoint ultimately reshapes your attitude and nourishes a thankful spirit.

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:

When Thankfulness Doesn’t Come Naturally
By: Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

As a kid, I didn't have it easy. I came from a controlling household, plus I faced several health challenges. Life was not easy, even in my childhood. Even though I enjoyed the simplicity of playing with toys, playing outside, and just enjoying life, I endured other issues that made my childhood less than simplistic. My mother was also a negative person. She often saw the glass as half-empty, rather than half-full. 

This taught me to be a pessimistic person, focusing on the negative side of things rather than the positive side. If something good came my way, I often wondered when things would soon turn bad. For years after becoming a Christian, I still felt like this way. Because the Christian life has been full of ups and downs, and I've endured my share of trials, it's easy to look on the negative side of things. 

This viewpoint has caused me to become less grateful and more entitled. As I've matured in my faith, God has taught me that it's essential to be thankful for everything I have. When I'm grateful, I'm content. When I’m content, I'm no longer searching for

Te invitamos a escuchar nuestro devocional titulado, Un nuevo corazón, un mensaje inspirado en 1 Samuel: 10, donde aprenderemos cómo Dios transforma nuestra vida con un propósito especial. Descubre cómo Él renueva nuestro corazón, nos capacita por medio de su Espíritu, y nos llama a vivir una verdadera intimidad con Él, más allá de nuestras debilidades o limitaciones. No te quedes en tu pasado, atrévete a creer en la obra que Dios quiere hacer en tu interior y camina confiado en su voluntad. ¡Acompáñanos y recibe esta palabra que puede marcar un nuevo comienzo en tu vida!

Escrito por el Capitán Carlos Solís

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Waiting rarely feels like a blessing. In today's prayer and devotional, we reflect on how waiting often feels like life is passing us by while our prayers remain unanswered. Whether the longing is for a child, a marriage, healing, clarity, or a breakthrough, seasons of waiting can stir deep discouragement. But Scripture assures us that God is good to those who wait for Him, not only after the answer comes but in the waiting itself.

Waiting is not wasted time — it is often the place where God does His most transformative work. Gratitude during waiting does not minimize the pain; instead, it shifts our focus from what we lack to the God who is present with us. The “soil seasons” are where roots grow deep, character is formed, and faith matures.

The author shares her own story of longing for motherhood — a journey marked by years of delay, painful loss, and a NICU stay that tested her trust all over again. Through that journey, she discovered that the miracle was not only the child she finally held, but the heart God formed within her while she waited. The same is true for us: the waiting shapes us in ways the answer never could.

If you find yourself in the difficult tension of waiting today, know this: you are not being overlooked or forgotten. You are being prepared. God is aligning details you cannot see. Gratitude becomes a doorway to peace, grounding you in His goodness even when the future feels uncertain.

Today's Bible Reading:
“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.” – Lamentations 3:25

Main Takeaways

• Waiting is not punishment; it is preparation.

• God is actively working in the unseen details of your life.

• Gratitude invites God into your ache and strengthens your faith.

• Seasons of waiting shape you for the blessings to come.

• God's timing is perfect — His delays are not denials.

A Prayer to Give Thanks in the Seasons of Waiting

Father, thank You for being with me in the waiting. Thank You for the ways You’re working, even when I cannot see it. Forgive me for the moments I’ve doubted Your goodness or tried to move ahead of Your plan. Teach me to find peace right here — not in the next season, but in Your presence with me now.

Help me choose gratitude even in uncertainty. Thank You for shaping my faith, deepening my dependence, and strengthening my trust. Thank You that Your timing is perfect, and You do not withhold good from those who walk with You.

Help me to rest, to release control, and to trust that Your delays are not denials. Prepare my heart for whatever You have ahead, and help me wait well with a spirit of praise and expectation.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Additional Scriptures for Meditation

• Ps

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

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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.

The closer the holidays get, the more the world around us paints a picture of perfect peace — Christmas cards with glowing fireplaces, sparkling mantles, idyllic families, and scenes blanketed in silent snow. But for many of us, peace feels anything but accessible this time of year.

As Tracie Miles reflects, even though Christmas cards portray a serene and simple season, the reality often feels chaotic. Children grow up, families expand, schedules clash, and gift lists triple. The magic of the holidays can shift into stress, pressure, and exhaustion. In the busyness, we may find ourselves longing to step into one of those picture-perfect cards — even if only for a moment.

Yet the peace we ache for isn’t found in a flawless holiday backdrop. It is found in Jesus.

Tracie reminds us that Christmas was intentionally simple. God could have orchestrated a majestic spectacle filled with grandeur and earthly royalty, but He chose humility instead.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
— Luke 2:14

MAIN TAKEAWAYS

• Holiday “peace” portrayed by culture is often unrealistic; true peace is found in Christ alone.

• Jesus’s birth was intentionally simple, modeling what real peace looks like.

• Busyness and overcommitment can steal our peace and distort the meaning of Christmas.

• Peace becomes accessible when we pause, pray, and refocus on Christ instead of expectations.

• A simple act of love often reflects the heart of Christmas more than any holiday perfection.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

• Luke 2:14

• Isaiah 9:6

• John 14:27

• Philippians 4:7

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Dear Lord,
Help me resist getting swept into the world’s version of Christmas — the pressure, the perfectionism, the pace. When chaos begins to rise in my heart and mind, convict me gently and lead me back t

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 Jennifer Clark, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Win the war against flesh and spirit! Meditate on Galatians 5:16-17. 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

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

Thankfulness can feel surprisingly slippery—especially when the holiday meant to celebrate gratitude often leaves us rushing, coordinating, cooking, or collapsing on the couch. Psalm 100:4–5 invites us to slow down and remember why gratitude matters in the first place: God is good, His love endures, and His faithfulness covers every generation. When our hearts return to that truth, thanksgiving becomes more than a holiday feeling—it becomes a posture shaped by God’s presence, not our circumstances.

Highlights

• True gratitude goes deeper than holiday traditions or surface-level appreciation.

• Thanksgiving can be stressful—travel, expectations, or loneliness—but God steadies our hearts in every situation.

• Being thankful includes recognizing the blessing of people who want us close during the holidays.

• Reaching out to someone who’s alone can ignite genuine gratitude in them and in us.

• A thankful heart grows as we reflect on God’s goodness, salvation, and enduring faithfulness.

• Gratitude is something to cultivate year-round, not just on one busy Thursday.

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:

Having Genuine Gratefulness This Thanksgiving

By Vivian Bricker 

Bible Reading:

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” - Psalm 100:4-5 

Thanksgiving shouldn't be known as just a day of feasting. Rather, it should be a day dedicated to genuine thankfulness. Due to all the preparations that need to be done, it can sometimes feels like the only thing we are thankful for is when the day is finally over. 

Depending on your own living situation, Thanksgiving might look like traveling to three different locations to spend time with family, or maybe it looks like spending time at home alone. When we reflect on our own Thanksgiving experiences, we need to consider what it truly means to be thankful. Sure, traveling all weekend for Thanksgiving can feel daunting and stressful, but we have to ask ourselves, “Isn't it worth it to spend time with my loved ones?”

For those who don't have extended family and aren't traveling for Thanksgiving, traveling would be something to be thankful for, as it means you have people who care about you and truly want you there for the holiday season. Imagine if you had nowhere to or spend the holiday with, and how lonely that would be.

I still acknowledge that spending Thanksgiving on the road can be stressful