LifeAudio

Nowadays it seems like everyone wants to be “successful”—but how many of us actually feel it?

We may know that true success is found in following the One who made us. And yet, in our increasingly polarized and comparison-rife world, many of us find our hearts yearning for an ever-elusive kind of success: in money, power, influence, or accolades.

My guest on this week’s episode of The Love Offering Podcast, Pete Portal, helps us reframe our understanding of what it means to flourish. In his new book, How to Be (Un)Successful: An Unlikely Guide to Human Flourishing, Pete invites us to consider that success is not about what we have—but about how we live.

This conversation is an opportunity to redefine success, choosing:
* Love over efficiency
* Depth over volume
* Real friendship over cold transactions

Jesus’ life and teaching are the perfect antidote for a world sick with the wrong sort of success. And He invites us again to experience a success that truly satisfies our souls.

I pray this episode encourages you to live a life of flourishing, right where you are.

With love,
Rachael

Read the Show Notes: 

https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/

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

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Arguments can spiral quickly—but God’s Word offers a better way forward. In this devotional, Laura Bailey reflects on Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 and shares practical, biblical wisdom on managing conflict, practicing patience, and choosing peace over pride. Through personal stories and Solomon’s timeless counsel, Laura reminds us that unresolved anger leads to broken relationships—but a heart submitted to God leads to reconciliation.

If you’ve ever struggled with wanting the “last word,” this devotional encourages you to pause, pray, and pursue God’s wisdom when emotions run high.

✨ Highlights

• How Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 teaches us to choose patience over pride

• Practical, biblical strategies for handling conflict and avoiding unnecessary arguments

• Why delaying your response can lead to better understanding and restored relationships

• The dangers of letting anger control us instead of surrendering it to God

• Encouragement to prioritize people and peace over proving you’re right

Join the Conversation

When was the last time you paused instead of reacting in anger? How did God guide you through it? Share your story and tag @LifeAudioNetwork using #ChoosePatience to encourage others who are seeking God’s wisdom in moments of conflict.

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Check out other Crosswalk Podcasts: Crosswalk Talk: Celebrity Christian Interviews

Full Transcript Below:

Stopping the Argument Before  It Starts 

By: Laura Bailey

“The end of a matter is better than its beginning,  and patience is better than pride. 

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,  for anger resides in the lap of fools.” 

Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 NIV

I’ll admit it. I am a “get the last word” kind of gal. I could blame my fiery red hair, my explosive personality, or the fact that I received the argumentative gene from both my parents. 

However, the truth is that I am a proud person. 

Not only do I desire to have the final say, but I am also reluctant to admit that I was wrong and delay seeking forgiveness.  Fully aware that this runs counter to the admonishment to “ love your neighbor as yourself, ( Matthew 22:39), I’ve spent a significant amount of time in both prayer and Bible study in the hopes that the Lord will tame my tongue and soften my heart

Do you ever pray about something—big or small—and then wonder if God really heard you? Maybe you’ve asked Him to heal, provide, or even just help you find your keys, and later you’ve questioned if the answer was coincidence or divine response.

Psalm 123 invites us to lift our eyes to God and wait expectantly for His mercy and direction. The psalmist models what it means to watch for the Lord’s hand in everyday life, trusting that He is attentive to both our deepest needs and the smallest details.

Meg Bucher reminds us that recognizing God’s answers often requires training our hearts to notice His presence—in Scripture, in creation, through friends, and even in what the world might call coincidences. God is not silent. He is merciful, attentive, and always at work on behalf of His people.

Main Takeaways

• God calls us to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17), bringing both large and small requests before Him.

• Waiting on the Lord means watching attentively for His mercy and direction (Psalm 123:1-2).

• God’s answers may come in unexpected ways—through people, circumstances, Scripture, or His Spirit’s gentle promptings.

• Choosing to focus on His presence protects us from being overwhelmed by the contempt, arrogance, and chaos around us.

Bible Verse References

• Psalm 123:1 – “I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven.”

• Psalm 123:2 – Watching for the Lord’s mercy as servants look to their master.

• Psalm 123:3-4 – A prayer for God’s mercy amidst contempt and arrogance.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray continually.”

Calls to Action (CTAs)

• Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily encouragement and Scriptural grounding.

• Share this episode with someone who is struggling to see God at work in their prayers.

• Leave us a review to help others discover this podcast and be encouraged by God’s Word.

Resources & Related Articles

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.

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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.

.

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.

Life is filled with transitions—moving homes, changing careers, sending a child into marriage, or walking through uncertain financial times. These moments can feel unsettling, even overwhelming. But as tonight's devotional and prayer remind us, in each shift, God's presence never changes.

The Israelites faced such a season as Joshua prepared to lead them into a new land. They had relied on Moses’ leadership for decades, yet God reassured them: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” His presence, not their circumstances, was their anchor.

That promise is ours today. God does not turn His back or relax His grip on our lives. He goes before us, clears obstacles, and strengthens us to face what lies ahead. Even when the path feels unfamiliar, His guidance and love remain constant. In every transition, we can lean on Him with courage and peace.

Tonight’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:6

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Read more on BibleStudyTools.com

Your Nightly Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your faithful presence through every change. You see our fears, our uncertainties, and even our grief in transition seasons. Thank You that You never abandon us but lovingly guide us forward. Tonight, I choose to rest in Your unshakable promise that You go before me and hold me close. Surround me with Your peace and help me walk confidently into the future You have prepared.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Three Things to Meditate Upon

1. God sees you in your struggles and understands the emotions you carry.

2. His presence brings provision, peace, and strength no matter what changes surround you.

3. He has a good plan for you—and the power to bring it to pass.

Calls to Action

• Sign up to receive Your Nightly Prayer in your inbox each evening: Click Here

• Share this devotion with a friend who is walking through a transition season.

• ✨ Reflect tonight: Where in your current season can you trust God’s steady hand instead of your own understanding?

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

This week’s guest on the Praying Christian Women podcast has an incredible testimony about how one simple gift changed her life forever. Mariel Davenport is a former atheist who was transformed by reading God’s Word, and hasn’t looked back since.

We talk with Mariel about her powerful testimony. She explains her T.E.N.D. method of Bible study, and tells us all about her brand new Bible study through Our Daily Bread, Ruth: Finding Grace in the Unexpected, which releases October 7th.

You can connect with Mariel and sign up for a free 4 week study of Ruth at MarielDavenport.com/ruth

Discover More:

Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com.

Connect with Us:

Stay updated and engage with our community:

On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen

On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen

On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen

On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen

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Today’s Bible Verse:
"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing." — Zephaniah 3:17

Have you ever wondered how God feels about you? Zephaniah 3:17 offers a beautiful reminder of His heart: He delights in you, rejoices over you, and fights for you. You are not just seen—you are deeply loved.

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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

Let Scripture shape your heart today—begin with the Bible Verse of the Day on Biblestudytools.com

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Praying the Scriptures is one of the most powerful ways to deepen your prayer life and strengthen your relationship with God. When we use God’s Word as the framework for our prayers, we don’t just know Scripture—we live it.

In Episode 10 of the Teach Us to Pray podcast, Christina Paterson builds on what we learned in Episode 9 (What to Pray When You Don't Know What to Say) and dives deeper into how to pray the Scriptures. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your prayer life or unsure what to say, this episode will guide you step by step.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ How to choose the right Bible verses to pray
✅ A simple, step-by-step process for Scripture-based prayer
✅ How to build a consistent habit of praying God’s Word

Resources & Freebies Mentioned:
Free 5-Day Prayer Guide: Download Christina’s free guide to help you put Scripture-based prayer into practice: https://www.belovedwomen.org
Join Beloved Women Bible Study: Go deeper into God’s Word and grow your prayer life at https://www.belovedwomen.org/join

Scripture References:
All verses are from the ESV Bible.

About the Host:
Christina Paterson is the founder of Beloved Women, a global ministry helping women study the Bible, embrace God’s Word, and live empowered by His promises.

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We can’t receive the microwaved version of our walk with God. This relationship takes time to develop. It takes time to learn the voice of the Holy Spirit. And it takes God time to continue to mold us to look more and more like Christ.

So, wherever you are in your journey with God, know that this is a journey worth savoring.

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