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Praise is not just a worship song or a Sunday morning routine—praise is a lifestyle. As our daily prayer and devotional remind us, Scripture tells us to “pray without ceasing,” and in the same way, we can cultivate a posture of continual praise. God gives abundantly, consistently, and generously. Even in difficult seasons, even in uncertainty, He remains the One who provides every good and perfect gift.

Keneesha Saunders-Liddie reminds us that the greatest gift God ever gave was His Son. Christ came to earth, bore our sin, and secured our salvation—a gift precious beyond measure. But God’s generosity did not stop at the cross. He continues to sustain us daily with strength, breath, provision, relationships, and opportunities.

James 1:17 emphasizes that God does not change. Unlike people who can be fickle or inconsistent, the Lord is steady and faithful. He does not give gifts only to take them back. He does not shift like shadows. His character is constant, and because of that, our praise should be constant too.

Every blessing—big or small—flows from His good hand. Every moment of comfort, peace, joy, and strength is evidence of His loving provision. And even when we walk through trials, His presence and sustaining grace are gifts worth praising Him for. He is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, and the ultimate source of all goodness.

Bible Reading:
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17

Takeaway Truths:

• God is the source of every good and perfect gift.

• His character is unchanging, providing stability in an unstable world.

• Praise is a lifestyle that grows from recognizing God’s constant provision.

Let’s Pray

Oh Heavenly Father,

You are the giver of all good and perfect gifts. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. What a comfort that is to my weary soul. There is evil all around. There are trials and temptations that I have to go through, but You don’t tempt believers with evil.

You are the One who gives perfect gifts to Your children. You lead us through temptation, and Jesus has walked the path that we now must walk. There is no temptation that Jesus hasn’t experienced and overcome while He was here on earth. Thank You for being the giver of good gifts. My soul praises and extols Your matchless name because You are Jehovah Jireh, my Provider.

You give gifts to me that are wonderful, and even when I have to walk through trials, Your constant presence is there with me. You are unchanging, O God, so that I can depend on You. I will continue to praise and magnify You, O Lord. Let my praises always be on the tip of my tongue. I praise You with my body, with my finances, with my lifestyle, and with everything that You have blessed me with.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Scriptures

• Psalm 103:2

When we read Revelation 6, we’re shown a fascinating glimpse of future days. The Lamb (Jesus), who alone is worthy to open the scroll, begins to break its seals. What follows isn't random chaos or meaningless destruction. It’s the righteous unfolding of God’s plan for the world. Every seal opened is a step closer to the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom on earth.

From the theological perspective I lean toward, these verses describe the beginning of the tribulation period. This is a future time when God’s judgment will be poured out for 7 years upon this world that has rejected Him. But even as we see the judgments begin, we can’t miss the central truth: Jesus, the Lamb, is still in complete control.

.

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 at 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.

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

In today’s episode of the Praying Christian Women Podcast, we’re joined by Tammy Franklin, a woman whose extraordinary story embodies the power of redemption and God’s relentless grace.

Nearly 200,000 women in America are behind bars today, many carrying the heavy burdens of trauma, shame, and brokenness. Tammy knows that world firsthand. Once trapped in addiction and incarceration, Tammy cried out one simple prayer: “God, help me.” That desperate plea became the turning point that changed everything.

Now, years later, Tammy oversees Prison Fellowship’s correctional programs across the South Central U.S., helping women discover the same hope and healing that transformed her life.

In this powerful conversation, Tammy shares her journey from trauma and addiction to freedom and faith, and why no story – no matter how broken – is ever beyond God’s redemption.

Whether you’re walking through your own valley or praying for someone who is, Tammy’s story will remind you that God absolutely can create beauty out of ashes.

Learn more about how you can get involved in prison ministry at prisonfellowship.org.

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:

On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen

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Advent reminds us that light is most powerful when it breaks through darkness. In our nightly prayer and devotional, Candice Lucey recalls family Christmases spent with dear friends — nights filled with laughter, good food, and one unforgettable dessert: Cherries Jubilee. In the quiet darkness of the countryside, the flickering flames of the dessert’s fiery display illuminated the room — a vivid picture of light overcoming darkness.

This image beautifully mirrors the message of Isaiah 9:2: those who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The story of Mary and Joseph was one of faith in the midst of uncertainty and hardship. Their obedience to God shone brightly against the shadow of cultural shame and difficult circumstances. Their faith reminds us that God’s light often appears most radiant in our darkest hours.

Candice invites us to resist the temptation to sanitize or sentimentalize the Advent story. It was filled with real fear, misunderstanding, and struggle. Yet it was in that darkness that God’s glory was revealed through the birth of Jesus — the Light of the World.

Just as God guided Mary and Joseph through their difficult journey, He also leads us through our seasons of suffering. When life feels heavy or unclear, Christ’s light still pierces the night, reminding us that He is with us, working in us, and guiding us toward His eternal Kingdom.

Even when we can’t see the outcome, we can trust that the same God who preserved Mary and Joseph is faithfully illuminating our path today.

MAIN TAKEAWAYS

• God’s light shines brightest in the darkest places.

• Advent reminds us to anticipate Christ’s coming — both His birth and His return — with faith and hope.

• Mary’s and Joseph’s obedience reveals how light can emerge from ordinary, difficult circumstances.

• Our suffering is never wasted; God uses it to strengthen faith and deepen empathy.

• Christ’s light transforms despair into peace, fear into hope, and sorrow into joy.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

• Isaiah 9:2

• Revelation 22:5

• Jeremiah 29:11

• Matthew 26:39

• John 8:

Artificial intelligence is everywhere—from classrooms and workplaces to government policies and even family conversations at the dinner table. But how should Christians think about AI, and what does it mean for our faith, identity, and future?

In this episode of Words of Life, we welcome back professor, author, and podcaster- Jason Thacker to discuss the rapid rise of AI since the release of Following Jesus in a Digital Age (Jason's previous book on the subject). Together, we explore how technology is reshaping our worldview, the questions we need to ask before rushing into innovation, and why believers can approach these shifts with both wisdom and hope.

You’ll hear conversations about:

• The hype cycle of AI and why it feels like a cultural turning point.

• How technology shapes our view of God, humanity, and community.

• Why slowing down matters before uncritically adopting—or rejecting—new tools.

• Encouragement that none of this catches God off guard.

If you’ve ever wondered what it means to follow Jesus in an AI-driven world, this episode offers clarity, challenge, and encouragement for the road ahead.

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 Jennifer Clark, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. You have victory in Jesus! Meditate on 1 Corinthians 15:57. 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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Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good practice—it’s a Christ-shaped way of living. Colossians 2:6–7 reminds us that thankful hearts grow strong roots, and Jesus’ life shows us exactly what that looks like. From praising the Father in unexpected moments to giving thanks over a meal that seemed far too small, Jesus modeled a rhythm of gratitude that was thoughtful, generous, and deeply intentional. His example invites us to slow down and notice the countless opportunities we have each day to respond with thanksgiving.

Highlights

• Jesus expressed gratitude with insight—recognizing God’s work even when others overlooked it (Matthew 11:25).

• He gave thanks generously, blessing God for resources that seemed insignificant and sharing them freely (John 6:11).

• His gratitude fueled goodness toward others, shaping a life of compassion and service (Luke 6:31; Acts 10:38).

• Jesus demonstrated thankfulness in everything, from daily provision to His final moments before the cross (Ephesians 5:20; Matthew 26:27).

• His ultimate act of gratitude came through sacrifice—offering His body and blood for our salvation (Luke 22:19).

• A thankful life reflects the heart of Christ and keeps us rooted in God’s faithfulness.

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:

What Jesus Modeled about Gratitude

By Lynette Kittle

Bible Reading:

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” - Colossians 2:6-7

How many times do we miss opportunities to express gratitude to God? Most likely, for some of us, there are too many for us to count. 

So, when it comes to learning how to show gratitude, especially to God, where do we look for a mentor? Of course, Jesus tops the list in demonstrating it to us, being perfect in all His ways and actions.

After all, He is the Savior of the world, along with being fully man and fully God, understanding both how we as humans think, feel, and respond in earthly situations and also how God views and receives gratitude.

How Jesus Modeled Gratitude

In looking at Jesus’ life on earth, we discover ways He modeled gratitude, along with how we can follow His example. The following are five ways we can model gratitude to God and those around us, as Christ did on earth.

1. Jesus modeled insightful gratitude. Often, individuals, some Christians included, may miss opportunities to express gratitude, miss

Gratitude is rarely our first instinct when we’re hurting. In today's prayer and devotional, seasons of loss, grief, or overwhelming uncertainty often make thankfulness feel impossible. Keri Eichberger shares the story of her miscarriage nearly 20 years ago—a season filled with deep pain, grief, and a desperate attempt to regain control. Looking back, she realizes how little gratitude she expressed during that time and how much peace she forfeited by striving instead of surrendering.

Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us that the pathway to peace is not simply prayer, but prayer with thanksgiving. Gratitude in trials isn’t pretending things aren’t painful; it’s acknowledging God’s presence, goodness, and care—right in the middle of our suffering. Thanksgiving guards our hearts and minds, creating space for the supernatural peace we long for but cannot manufacture on our own.

When we thank God—even through tears—we declare by faith that He is working, that He has purpose in our pain, and that His goodness will follow us all the days of our lives. Gratitude doesn’t erase grief, but it anchors us in the truth that God is with us, carrying us, strengthening us, and offering peace the world cannot give.

Today's Bible Reading:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

Takeaway Truths

• Gratitude is a spiritual discipline that guards our hearts with God’s peace.

• Peace does not come from control—it comes from surrender.

• God offers blessings, presence, and purpose even in seasons of deep pain.

Let’s Pray

Father God,

You are my ever-present peace. And though I can become consumed with control, worry, or whatever it is I wish were different, still I know You are there. You are there with perfect peace and boundless blessings, and I am so grateful. Lord, help me acknowledge Your presence. Help me see Your goodness. And help me never forget to express my gratitude to You. You are the giver of all good things; You never stop pouring them out over my life, and I praise You for Your presence and peace that transcend all understanding.

In Your Almighty Name, Amen.

Related Scriptures

• 1 Thessalonians 5:18

• James 1:2-4

• Psalm 34:18

• Isaiah 26:3

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 at 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.