Ever wondered what would happen if your pet suddenly started talking back to you? In the Bible, one man found out—and surprisingly, wasn't even shocked by it.
Welcome to a fascinating journey through one of Scripture's most unusual encounters: Balaam and his talking donkey. This curious tale from Numbers 22 reveals powerful truths about listening to God's direction that remain startlingly relevant today. As we unpack this ancient story, we discover a prophet who could hear God's voice but struggled to follow divine guidance when money and prestige entered the picture.
How might God be trying to get your attention today? Are there "talking donkeys" in your life—unexpected messengers or circumstances trying to redirect your path? Join me as we explore how to recognize divine guidance and respond with genuine obedience rather than Balaam's half-hearted compliance.

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Have you ever felt overlooked or underestimated because of your position? Today's episode uncovers a powerful leadership lesson from one of the Bible's most overlooked characters.
Meet the unnamed Israeli servant girl from 2 Kings 5 - captured, enslaved, and yet remarkably influential. Despite her circumstances, this young slave demonstrated that leadership isn't about position but influence. When her master Naaman, a powerful Syrian commander, suffered from leprosy, she boldly suggested he visit Israel's prophet for healing. That simple act of courage changed history.
Today's episode challenges us to develop influence through integrity, regardless of our position. Whether you're at the top of your organization or still climbing the ladder, you can impact those around you through faith, credibility, and genuine care for others. Let's become people whose character speaks so loudly that others naturally follow our lead.

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Have you ever considered how your response to life's little imperfections affects those around you? Today's episode of Starting Right unpacks a heartwarming story about burnt toast that carries profound wisdom about compassion, marriage, and thoughtful communication.
We feature a story from Kevin Arthur, who witnessed his father's remarkable response to his mother's burnt toast dinner after a difficult day. 
Whether you're navigating family relationships, workplace dynamics, or everyday interactions, this five-minute devotional provides practical wisdom for showing Christ-like compassion when it matters most. Listen in, be encouraged, and discover how eating "burnt toast" without complaint might be one of the most loving things you do today. 

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What will your family remember about you when you're gone? Will they recall someone obsessed with turning off lights and maintaining the lawn, or will they reminisce about a person who made life wonderfully fun? This thought-provoking question emerges from today's reflection on the power of creating meaningful family memories.
I share the story of  a father who went to extraordinary lengths to surprise his family during their cross-country camping trip. By hitchhiking on the side of the road at the Great Divide, knowing exactly when his family would drive by, he created an unforgettable moment of joy and astonishment for his wife and children. His motivation? "Someday I'm going to be dead, and when that happens, I want my kids and wife to say, 'You know, dad was a lot of fun.'"
 Rather than dwelling on past parenting mistakes, today's encouragement focuses on seizing present opportunities to bring unexpected moments of fun and happiness into our families' lives. What could you plan this week that would bring smiles and create lasting memories with your loved ones? 

Join me tomorrow as we continue finding ways to start each day right.

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What happens when a young boy faces a challenge without his father's help? In this heartwarming episode, we explore the remarkable wisdom of eight-year-old Gilbert, who teaches us all a profound lesson about prayer, resilience, and finding strength in vulnerability.
This powerful story reminds us that true victory isn't always about winning. Sometimes it's about having the courage to show up, do your best with what you have, and trust God for the strength to handle the results with dignity. 

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The boulder in your path might be hiding a treasure underneath. In this thought-provoking episode, Danny Mac shares a timeless parable about a curious king who placed a massive rock in the main road to his kingdom. While wealthy merchants and wise men simply walked around the obstacle, complaining loudly about the inconvenience, one humble peasant chose a different approach. Through persistent effort, he removed the boulder—and discovered a purse of gold coins left as a reward by the watching king.
This simple story brilliantly illuminates how we typically respond to life's challenges. Do we complain about our problems? Blame others? Try to ignore them? Or do we face them directly, putting in the necessary effort to overcome them? Danny connects this parable to the wisdom found in James 1:2, which encourages us to view troubles as opportunities for growth rather than mere frustrations to avoid.
What obstacles are you currently facing? Rather than seeing them as roadblocks to your happiness, Danny invites you to reframe them as essential stepping stones to your personal development. Every problem contains the seeds of growth— your willingness to face challenges head-on might lead to unexpected rewards. Start your day right by approaching obstacles with determination and faith, knowing that each one you overcome equips you with strength for whatever lies ahead. 

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Have you ever considered that your biggest annoyances might actually be blessings in disguise? Today's episode uncovers the remarkable true story of Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsy, whose experience in a Nazi concentration camp reveals an extraordinary lesson about gratitude.
When the Ten Boom family was arrested in 1944 for hiding Jews in Amsterdam, sisters Corrie and Betsy found themselves in the horrific conditions of Ravensbrück. Facing starvation, overcrowding, and a terrible flea infestation, Betsy challenged her sister to practice gratitude for everything—even the fleas. Corrie initially resisted this seemingly impossible task. How could anyone be thankful for parasites that only added to their misery?
Weeks later, they discovered something astonishing: those same fleas were keeping the guards away from their barracks, allowing their secret Bible study to flourish undisturbed. What Corrie had most resisted being thankful for had become their unexpected protection. This powerful revelation from Corrie's memoir "The Hiding Place" challenges us to reconsider our complaints and look for hidden blessings in our difficulties. As the scripture reminds us, we should "give thanks in all circumstances"—not just the pleasant ones.

What "fleas" might you be overlooking in your own life? Subscribe to Starting Right and join me every weekday morning as we discover more insights to help you start your day with perspective, gratitude, and purpose.

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What does it truly mean to be part of building God's kingdom? The answer might surprise you. This episode challenges the common misconception that God sits on His throne magically answering prayers at our demand. Instead, we explore how God works through people—His people—to accomplish His purposes.
The heart of today's message centers on the extraordinary life of R.G. LeTourneau, a 14-year-old school dropout who became one of history's most prolific inventors. With over 300 inventions including the bulldozer, scrapers, and the electric wheel, LeTourneau revolutionized construction worldwide. But what made him truly remarkable wasn't his mechanical genius—it was his unwavering commitment to being "a businessman for God." With Matthew 6:33 as his life verse, LeTourneau considered God the "chairman of the board" of his enterprises and channeled an astonishing 90% of his income into Christian ministry worldwide.
LeTourneau's story challenges us to reconsider our unique roles in God's kingdom. Not everyone is called to be a pastor or missionary, but we can all participate in kingdom-building through our support. Whether you contribute time, talent, or treasure, you become the fuel that empowers ministry to continue. As LeTourneau often said, "You will never know what you can accomplish until you say a great big yes to the Lord." What might happen if you said yes today?

Join us tomorrow as we continue exploring practical ways to start your day right with biblical wisdom for everyday living. Subscribe now to never miss an episode of Starting Right with Denny Mac.

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Dreams can die in the desert. That's the powerful lesson from Kermit the Frog's journey in the original 1979 Muppet Movie—and it might just be the message you need to hear today.
Remember when Kermit's Studebaker broke down in the middle of nowhere? His friends were counting on him, his dream seemed impossible, and quitting felt like the only sensible option. That moment of crisis—when Kermit's conscience appeared to remind him of his purpose—mirrors our spiritual journeys with striking clarity. We all face desert moments when our God-given dreams feel too difficult to pursue.
What makes these desert moments so significant is the profound truth that there are people on the other side of your obedience who need what only you can provide. Your dream was never just about you. 
Today, consider what dream you might be abandoning in your desert. What purpose has God placed within you that feels too difficult to pursue? Take courage from Kermit's story and remember—just beyond your moment of crisis, new resources and companions may be waiting to help you complete the journey. Don't give up on doing good. Your harvest of blessing—and someone else's—depends on it.

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Ever noticed how your exhausted body betrays you the moment your head hits the pillow? Danny Mac tackles this universal frustration in today's episode, offering both spiritual wisdom and practical advice for those nights when your mind races at 100 miles per hour despite your physical fatigue.
Drawing from 2 Corinthians 10:5, Danny unpacks what it truly means to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." With a vivid analogy of calf roping at a rodeo, he illustrates how we can lasso our runaway thoughts—those anxious worries about tomorrow's challenges or unfinished business that seem to accelerate just when we need rest the most. The image is powerful: just as a skilled cowboy can stop a charging calf in its tracks, we can learn to halt our racing minds and redirect them toward peace.
 As you face another night, remember you have the spiritual authority to stop anxious thoughts in their tracks and enter the rest God intends for you.

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