The Bridge Austin

Do you remember when you were a kid and would go to your parents whenever you needed help? As you get older, you often stop asking; you try to handle everything on your own, even in your walk with God. But in today’s message, Pastor Chris reminds you that your Heavenly Father wants you to come to Him for everything, even when asking for more of His Spirit. God delights when His children seek Him and is ready to pour out His Spirit on those who ask. All you need to do is seek God, and He will find you.

The root of fear is doubt. How does God teach us to overcome doubt that leads to fear? Rabbi Schneider shares that Jesus teaches us to seize the Word of God to build our faith, overcome doubt, and build our confidence. In today's episode of Discovering the Jewish Jesus, visit the Sea of Galilee and learn the significance of that place in Jesus' ministry. Holy Land and holy places to help build your faith.

**** BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER - https://djj.show/YTAPartner 

In today's episode, Mark Gregston dives into some of the toughest questions parents face with their teenagers today. From encouraging faith in a 17-year-old son who resists reading the Bible, to setting boundaries with a 19-year-old daughter living at home and finding the balance when communicating with college-aged children, Mark offers practical advice rooted in real-life experiences. He explores the impact of shaming, the challenges of parenting twins with different levels of maturity and how to maintain healthy relationships — even as families navigate new dynamics.

If you've enjoyed our podcast, will you consider making a year-end gift so we can continue to make resources that help more parents and grandparents? Go to parentingtodaysteens.org/year-end-match to double your impact today!

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org. 

Sheila Walsh’s happy childhood dissolved in an instant when her father suffered a devastating brain injury that led to violent outbursts, and ultimately, death by suicide. Sheila couldn’t understand why her dad hated her, but resolved to do better for her Heavenly Father. Hear why Sheila ended up in a psychiatric hospital at age 34, and how Jesus helped her see her truth worth as His child.

Receive a copy of The Six Conversations and an audio download of "How to Have Meaningful Conversations with Your Spouse" for your donation of any amount! Your Gift DOUBLES to Help Deliver Hope and Joy! Save 2X the marriages and families this Christmas with your life-changing gift today!

Get More Episode Resources 

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Christmas is meant to be a season of joy—but for many of us, it becomes a whirlwind of overspending, overcommitting, and feeling overwhelmed. The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way. With a bit of planning and the right perspective, you can slow down, simplify, and savor what truly matters.

Today, Crystal Payne—creator of MoneySavingMom.com—shared practical ways to simplify Christmas while keeping your heart centered on Christ. Here’s a look at her best advice for making this season more peaceful, meaningful, and budget-friendly.

Before diving into logistics or budgeting, Crystal encourages families to anchor the season in what matters most.

1. Practice Daily Advent Reflections

Her family uses Ann Voskamp’s Advent book, complete with ornaments and daily devotionals. The readings are short, kid-friendly, and a gentle, daily reminder of the story at the heart of Christmas.

2. Create a Family Giving Project

Every December, Crystal’s children choose a giving project—something meaningful to them—and the whole family contributes. The kids even make donation boxes and help gather change throughout the month. It’s a hands-on way to practice generosity and keep the focus on others.

For many people, gift-giving is the biggest stressor in December.

Crystal recommends asking yourself:

• Who do I feel I should buy for?
• Who do I want to buy for?
• What budget do I realistically have?

If your list and budget don’t match, consider simplifying:

• Family gifts instead of individual gifts
• Experience gifts rather than items
• Homemade or low-cost gifts, especially for people who “have everything”

Crystal’s free Christmas guide at MoneySavingMom.com includes 15 simple DIY gift ideas—from movie-night boxes to Sharpie-designed mugs to homemade baked goods.

Overspending is easy at Christmas—but planning helps.

Save Throughout the Year

It’s too late for this season, but Crystal encourages starting a Christmas sinking fund in January. A little each month makes December much lighter.

Use Gift Cards as Your Budget

If you shop online, buying prepaid gift cards (or using ones earned through surveys or reward apps) helps you avoid overspending. When the card is empty, the shopping is done.

If money is tight this year, you still have wonderful options:

• Homemade food gifts: cookie dough, loaves of bread, granola, sweet breads
• Experience gifts: monthly treats, babysitting, laundry help, home-cooked meals
• Sentimental gifts: photo books, recipe collections, handwritten letters

These gifts often mean more than store-bought items because they’re personal, thoughtful, and memorable.

Food prep can dominate December, but Crystal suggests planning ahead:

• Make a list of everything you hope to cook
• Shop ahead of time
• Prep and freeze items like cookie dough, rolls, sweet breads, or desserts
• Take shortcuts when needed—premade dough or bread can be inexpensive and time-saving

A few hours of prep can give you more space for the moments that matter.

Crystal offers several delightful ideas to create memories without adding stress.

1. Make a December Bucket List

Each family member chooses one or two special activit

Did you know that secular historians don’t doubt that Jesus is a real, historical figure? There’s too much evidence to deny that He existed! No, the issue isn’t whether Jesus is real—but whether Jesus is who He said He is. Dr. Robert Jeffress shows us the true identity of Jesus Christ.

To support Pathway to Victory, go to ptv.org/donate.

Chip explains how to teach children to work "unto the Lord." He challenges parents: Don't rob kids of growth. Teach responsibility, chores, timeliness, and finishing jobs.

Transferable Concept #2: Teach them to WORK unto the Lord.

A theology of work:

• Work is a CALLING, not a job
• All work is SACRED. -1 Cr. 10:31
• Our work is to flow from God’s unique design and PURPOSE for our lives. -Ep. 2:10, 1 Cr. 15:10
• Old Testament roots: Gen. 2:15
• Biblical profiles: Adam, Paul
• New Testament command: Col. 3:23

How to help them discover God's calling for their lives. Ask…

1. What's your unique S.H.A.P.E.?

• Spiritual gifts
• Heart
• Aptitude
• Personality
• Experience

2. Encourage them to get honest, WISE COUNSEL about who you are, where you fit, and how to move forward. -Pr. 24:6

3. Help them be willing to move out of their COMFORT ZONE to fulfill their divine purpose. -Hb. 11:6

Life message: You were CREATED for a special work!

Broadcast Resource

• Download Free MP3
• Message Notes

Year End Match

• Double Your Gift Today
• Ministry Report

Additional Resources

• Christmas Gifts

Connect

• 888-333-6003
• Website
• Chip Ingram App
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Partner With Us

• Donate Online
• 888-333-6003

In this episode of The Creative Connection, Ed Young explores the theme of submission to authority through the biblical story of Saul and Samuel, emphasizing the dangers of rebellion and the importance of obedience to God's ordained leadership for spiritual growth and fulfillment of purpose.