What we’re grateful for even in a difficult year, plus biblical dating advice from The Porch, and how important is spiritual fervor?  

Featured musical artist: Austin Stone Worship 

Roundtable: Giving Thanks for All the Hard Stuff

Channeling Alexander from the popular children’s book, many of us describe 2020 as the “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad” year. We’ve faced grief, loss, delays and disappointments in everything from jobs, health, our social lives, the political landscape and more. To say that 2020 has been tumultuous is an understatement. With so much uncertainty and hardship, why should we be grateful? And how do we actually do it? Our guests talk about the struggles they’ve faced this year, but also how they’ve learned to trust God and stay thankful through them all.   

If you going through a difficult time right now, check out our Counseling service.

Culture: Dating Priorities for Christians

In our tech-saturated world, hiding your secrets can be easy during the early stages of dating. But over time, your true character (and your date’s) will come out. How do you steer clear of fake game-playing and choose wisely in conversations and connections? Pastor David Marvin, leader of Watermark Church’s The Porch — one of the largest young adult gatherings in the U.S. — joins us to discuss a recent series on dating they did called Matchmaker. He’ll give practical and biblical advice for dating and relating in today’s culture. 

Inbox: Is He Spiritual Enough?

She met him online and thinks he’s a great guy. He seems to like talking about politics and cars, but when it comes to spiritual topics, something seems off. Is that a problem, or is she too quick to judge? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in.