Programs And Podcasts

As adults, we can navigate change pretty well, but younger kids are much more likely to struggle with it. As parents, we need to patiently listen to our children, answer their questions honestly, and shepherd them through the upheaval of change — and ultimately point them to the unchanging love and security of God.
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How do we apply the Word of God to the world around us? Craig and Janet will do just that as they look at what is being “bought and sold” in the marketplace of ideas. Join us to learn how to apply His word to the war of worldviews.

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This world is passing away—but God has prepared a city that will never fall. In this urgent message, Dr. Michael Youssef teaches from Hebrews 13:14, calling believers to stop living for what is temporary and set their hearts on the eternal city of God.

Earthly cities are often built on pride, self-interest, and rebellion against God. But the city to come is marked by holiness, righteousness, and the reign of Jesus Christ. Dr. Youssef warns that many today are trapped in religious routine or distracted by worldly pursuits, while Christ calls His people to seek His Kingdom actively, daily, and without compromise.

This episode calls believers to:

Those who truly seek the city not built with hands will leave a faithful witness in this world—and inherit the glory of the world to come.

Scripture Focus: Hebrews 13:14

 If today’s teaching stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don’t have to walk through it alone. 

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You love your spouse. So why are you experiencing serious trust issues in your marriage, family, and even your faith? Licensed counselor and author Ron Deal and his wife Nan get honest about the hidden places we look for security, validation, and identity—and how those misplaced expectations quietly strain our closest relationships. If you've ever felt disappointed, guarded, or emotionally exhausted, this conversation just might unearth what's really going on.

Show Notes and Resources

• Find The Mindful Marriage by Ron and Nan Deal on our shop.

• Also get Vertical Marriage by Dave and Ann Wilson

• Find information on The Worship Initiative at  theworshipinitiative.com

• Come to a Weekend to Remember Marriage Getaways by visiting weekendtoremember.com

• Thanks to the Christian Standard Bible for sponsoring this episode. Learn more at CSBible.com.
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Your home may be more than a place to live in retirement. For some homeowners, it can also become a strategic financial resource—one that may help manage taxable income, protect investments during market downturns, and create greater flexibility around retirement withdrawals.

Harlan Accola, who leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage, joined the show today to explain how a reverse mortgage—specifically a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM—can fit into a thoughtful retirement income strategy.

A reverse mortgage is not right for everyone. But when used carefully as part of a broader financial plan, home equity may provide retirees with options they would not otherwise have.

One of the most common misconceptions about reverse mortgages is that homeowners sell or give up ownership of their homes. That is not the case. A reverse mortgage is a loan secured by the home, and the homeowner retains title as long as the requirements of the loan are met.

Because the money received through a reverse mortgage is generally considered loan proceeds rather than earned or investment income, it is not typically included as taxable income on a federal income tax return.

That distinction can be significant in retirement.

Many retirees rely on a combination of Social Security, pensions, traditional IRAs, and 401(k)s. Withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement accounts generally increase taxable income, potentially affecting tax brackets and other income-based thresholds.

Home equity can provide another source of cash. Instead of withdrawing every needed dollar from a traditional IRA or 401(k), a retiree may be able to strategically use home equity for a portion of living expenses. That could reduce the amount that must be withdrawn from taxable retirement accounts in a given year.

The goal is not simply to avoid taxes. It is to thoughtfully manage when and how taxable income is recognized.

Taxes in retirement are often about timing.

Withdraw too much from a traditional retirement account in one year, and you may move into a higher tax bracket or cross other important income thresholds. Later in retirement, required minimum distributions can further limit how much control retirees have over taxable withdrawals.

Social Security also adds another consideration. Depending on a retiree’s income, up to 85% of Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax. That makes coordinating income sources especially important.

For some retirees, access to home equity may allow them to take smaller taxable distributions during certain years while drawing on a reverse mortgage for additional cash needs.

Meanwhile, money that remains invested has more opportunity to continue growing.

That does not mean borrowing against a home is always preferable to withdrawing from investments. Reverse mortgages have costs, interest accrues on the loan balance, and using home equity reduces the equity that may otherwise remain available later.

The question is whether strategically combining these resources could produce a better overall retirement outcome.

Home equity may also play a role in Roth conversion planning.

A Roth conversion involves moving money from a traditional IRA or other eligible tax-deferred retirement account into a Roth IRA. The amount converted is generally taxable in the year of the conversion, but qualified Roth withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.

For some retirees, converting portions of traditional retirement accounts during lower-income years can make sense. The challenge is paying the resulting tax bill.

Suppose someone converts a significant amount

Before Covid, few of us had ever been subjected to a quarantine. But that experience effectively isolated us in a bubble. In a spiritual sense, sometimes believers are constantly isolated from the world in a self-imposed quarantine. We don’t want to be OF the world so we try not to be IN the world. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how that neglects one of our most important responsibilities. It’s the kick off of a new series in Acts called The Upside-Down Life.

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Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years.

Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.

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