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This episode is part 33 in a study of the gospel of Luke. Jesus is threatened by Herod. Jesus attends a party given by a Pharisee and has some advise for the crowd at the party about humility.

https://thebiblestudypodcast.com/luke-13-14-party-healing-and-advice/

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In this special backstage episode of The Built Different Podcast, recorded live from the AACC 2025 United World Conference in Nashville, TN, Dr. Zach Clinton and Joshua Broome sit down with best-selling author and renowned global minister John Bevere for a powerful and prophetic conversation. In today’s conversation John brings a timely word to the Church, addressing the spiritual realities shaping our culture and calling believers to stand firm in this critical hour. The conversation dives into: the divided culture we find ourselves in and how the enemy uses offense and division to disarm believers; exposing how distraction and compromise weaken the Church; a stirring challenge for men to rise up as spiritual leaders in their homes and communities; exploring Ephesians 2:10 and how every believer has God-given gifts to fulfill their divine purpose; why it’s time for the Church to prepare for the return of Christ with urgency and purity; how one of the most important things in life may not be what you do but who you raise and the legacy you leave behind; and a final word of hope, encouragement, and motivation for leaders to live boldly and intentionally in this cultural moment. This episode will stir your spirit, sharpen your focus, and strengthen your resolve to live faithfully and courageously in the days ahead.

Mentioned in this episode:
Find Out More About John: https://johnbevere.com/
Pick up a Copy of one of John’s best-selling Books: https://store.messengerinternational.org/collections/books-by-john-bevere?__hstc=200411057.a8e2129780919694fa9b8c08bca59855.1761337852882.1761337852882.1761337852882.1&__hssc=200411057.1.1761337852882&__hsfp=1542494017
Find Out More About Messenger International: https://messengerinternational.org/
Subscribe to John’s YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@johnbeveretv?si=GtPelJKWlNjweTsA
Struggling with Purpose, Anxiety, Addiction, etc.? Get Help Today: https://christiancareconnect.com/

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Are you holding onto things that weigh you down—both physically and spiritually? In this episode, we explore the danger of clinging to material possessions and the freedom that comes when we focus on what truly matters. Drawing from Luke 12:15, we’re reminded that life isn’t about accumulating more “stuff,” but about living fully, investing in relationships, and deepening our walk with Christ. 

Key Takeaways:

• True joy doesn’t come from things—it comes from experiences and meaningful relationships.

• Clinging to possessions can distract us from God’s purpose in our lives.

• Living intentionally allows us to invest in what lasts: faith, love, and purpose.

Listen, reflect, and start creating space for what truly matters today.

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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Episode Summary:

Have you ever found yourself saying yes when you really wanted to say no? Or have you ever felt overwhelmed and exhausted because you were trying to meet everyone else’s expectations? If so, you are not alone. In recognition of National Stress Awareness Day, today, we’re going to explore how to move from overwhelmed to overjoyed by learning to say no without feeling guilty. We’ll dive into Scripture, explore research on overcommitment, and I’ll share five practical ways to set God-honoring boundaries.

Quotables from the episode:

Many of us, especially as women, have been taught that saying yes is the godly thing to do. We associate busyness with productivity, and productivity with worth. But the truth is, constantly saying yes can leave us drained, distracted, and distant from God’s best for us.

For many years, I said “Yes” every time something was asked of me because I believed it was the godly response. Until God impressed upon my heart that he never told me to do that much, and had I sought him for wisdom, He would have readily guided my path! That was totally on me, but God was so gentle in getting my attention.

Psychologists have long studied the effects of people-pleasing and overcommitment. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that chronic overcommitment leads to stress, anxiety, and even depression. Emotionally, people-pleasers often struggle with self-worth, believing their value is tied to what they do for others rather than who they are in Christ.

Chronic Overcommitment and Overwhelm

Chronic overcommitment and overwhelm can take a serious toll on physical health, leading to conditions such as:

1. Adrenal Fatigue & Hormonal Imbalance – Constant stress can dysregulate cortisol levels, leading to exhaustion, brain fog, and difficulty managing emotions.
2. Cardiovascular Issues – Chronic stress increases blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation, raising the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and stroke.
3. Weakened Immune System – Prolonged stress suppresses immune function, making the body more susceptible to infections and slower to heal.
4. Gastrointestinal Problems – Overwhelm can contribute to acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, and digestive issues.
5. Chronic Pain & Inflammation – Stress triggers inflammation, which can exacerbate conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and migraines.
6. Sleep Disorders – Overcommitment often leads to insomnia, poor sleep quality, and chronic fatigue.
7. Weight Gain or Loss – Stress-related eating patterns can lead to unhealthy weight fluctuations, metabolic dysfunction, and insulin resistance.
8. Muscle Tension & Headaches – Persistent stress can cause tight muscles, tension headaches, and even TMJ (jaw pain from clenching).
9. Burnout & Mental Fog – Long-term overwhelm can impair cognitive function, reducing focus, memory, and decision-making ability.
10. Autoimmune Disorders – Chronic stress has been linked to the development or worsening of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

Managing stress through rest, boundaries, and self-care isn’t just about mental well-being; it’s essential for physical health.

Jesus himself set boundaries. In Luke 5:16, we read, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” He didn’t heal every person or meet every need. He sought the Father’s will first. If Jesus set boundaries, then we should, too.

Addressing the spiritual and scientific aspects of restoration

To counteract the physical effe

Award-winning Christian filmmaker John Erwin (creator of Jesus Revolution and I Can Only Imagine) shares what’s next in House of David Season 2 — an epic retelling of David’s journey from shepherd to warrior to anointed king. Explore how faith-based entertainment, storytelling excellence, and biblical truth are transforming Hollywood and inspiring a new generation to rediscover Scripture. Erwin reveals how the show balances creative storytelling with biblical integrity, the powerful friendship of David and Jonathan, and why he believes we’re witnessing a “renaissance” of Christian entertainment.

Highlights

• House of David Season 2 expands the story from shepherd boy to warrior and future king.

• The heart of the season centers on David and Jonathan’s friendship — a powerful model of sacrificial love.

• John Erwin explores how faith and storytelling can shape culture and inspire spiritual curiosity.

• Biblical themes of courage, destiny, and patience come to life as David learns to wait on God’s timing.

• The rise of biblical entertainment — from The Chosen to Resurrection — signals a new era of faith-driven media.

• Erwin’s streaming platform, Wonder Project, aims to become the “HBO for faith and values” — offering curated, high-quality family content.

• Learn how entertainment can point audiences back to Scripture — not replace it.

Join the Conversation

What do you think makes a great faith-based film or series? Have shows like The Chosen or House of David changed the way you see the Bible? Share your thoughts using #LifeAudioPodcast and join the discussion!

Resources & Links

• Watch House of David on Wonder Project (Prime Video)

• Listen to more faith-driven conversations at LifeAudio.com

Discover more Chri

Today’s Bible Verse:
"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires." — Ephesians 4:22

Ephesians 4:22 challenges believers to actively leave behind their old ways and the patterns that no longer align with God’s truth. Transformation is not passive—it requires conscious effort to reject sinful habits and embrace a new life in Christ.

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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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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 Keaver Brenai, helps your body relax and your mind rest on the truth found in scripture. Take a Scriptural journey to the riverbank where a life was changed by the Gospel message. Be encouraged by this story, and let it rekindle the joy of your salvation — the day your life changed!

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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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 Lonein Lara, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Find hope in the darkness. Meditate on Acts 16:25-26. 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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A Prayer to Practice by Nicolet Bell 

Just like physical training strengthens our bodies, spiritual training strengthens our hearts and faith. The habits we repeat daily become second nature, shaping our reactions and responses when pressure comes.In today's episode by Nicolet Bell, she encourages us to consistently practice prayer, gratitude, worship, and scripture reading. When we implement habits, they become our spiritual reflexes—helping us stand firm and respond with faith in life’s big moments. God uses the quiet, unremarkable moments of obedience to prepare us for greater challenges and opportunities ahead.

Reference: 1 Timothy 4:8

Prayer: Father, help us to not be afraid to put in the practice of spiritual discipline. We know that the quiet, ordinary moments are preparing us for the big moments and the challenges we will face. Show us when and where we need to put the reps in, knowing that we don’t work to earn our salvation but we do work out our salvation, each day drawing closer to you. 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.

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

This week, we’ll hear from actor Michael Iskander who currently portrays King David on the House of David series. Michael opens up about his unconventional route to acting, the prayer and fasting that became his ritual as he waited to hear whether or not he would be cast in his dream role, and what portraying David has taught him about trusting God in every moment and in every decision. 

Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Christian Dearman—a professional baseball player with the Savannah Bananas, a team known not just for their show-stopping performances, but their heart for people. Christian shares how his journey toward the big leagues was nearly cut short by a career-threatening injury and how that difficult season became a turning point in his faith. 

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: Erin Hicks Moon

Upcoming interview: Jason and Erica Redman 

Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season 

Michael Iskander 

House of David 

The Chosen 

Jon Erwin

Psalm 8:3-6 NIV

Christian Dearman

Savannah Bananas

latissimus dorsi tendon

Jake Peavy

Florida International University

Jesse Cole

Interview Quotes:

“Even in the mundane, God has a will for us, even in something that we think is unimportant or that doesn’t have a big impact. Maybe it feels like we’re throwing a tiny rock in the ocean and it has no ripple effect. God wills for that to happen, because He is pruning us and training us for something bigger.” - Michael Iskander 

“Prayer is extremely important, and always having a moment of reflection of why we’re doing this is vital. For me, the show is not about David. The show is about God. I think even in the acting process of this, God was teaching me just to let go of any sort of idea of control that I have and just to surrender to Him and to trust that prayer is powerful.” - Michael Iskander

“I’m just so grateful that God had put me into a positive mindset, because through reading Scripture, I was learning a lot of verses that I was looking at as motivational quotes.” - Christian Dearman