The Bridge Austin

Did you know that the birth of Messiah was revealed in the Hebrew Bible? In this episode, learn how the Messianic Prophecies of supernatural birth can empower your faith in Messiah Jesus today.

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Today, Pastor Jack teaches that when David was anointed with oil as the King of Israel, it wasn’t because he was gifted. It was because God gifts those that He calls into service, and fills them with power of the Holy Spirit to carry out what He calls them to do.

Isn’t it amazing how something written thousands of years ago can still speak directly to our hearts today? Scripture was given to real people in real moments of history; people facing fear, doubt, and struggle just like us. Yet the same words that encouraged them still breathe life and truth into us now. Today, Pastor Chris will tell you how God’s Word is timeless; it never expires or loses its power. Every verse has layers of meaning, rooted in the past, yet alive for the present. It still speaks today.

In today's episode, Mark Gregston dives into listener questions about navigating consequences, teen privacy, anxiety, complex faith and identity issues, and the challenges of connecting with teens who shut down. Through the lens of adolescent development, Mark addresses how parents can become part of the solution — rethinking their own responses while helping teens learn to make wiser choices. From tips on fostering deeper relationships with reluctant teens to navigating cultural shifts and family dynamics, this episode is packed with actionable advice and compassionate perspective.

Have a challenge with your teen you just can't get past? Ask Mark! Submit your question at markgregston.com

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.

It’s one of the most valuable things we have—and one of the easiest to waste. 

We’ve all heard the saying, “Time is money.” But if that’s true, why do we spend it so carelessly? The truth is, time is worth far more than dollars and cents—it’s the most limited resource God has given us. Learning to steward it well isn’t just good productivity advice—it’s an act of worship.

If you’ve ever said, “I just need a little more time,” you’re not alone. Many of us feel the pressure of time slipping through our fingers. Ironically, we often spend our days chasing money, status, or success—only to run out of the very thing we were trying to “buy back.”

We treat time like a renewable resource when it’s really more like a savings account that’s constantly being drawn down. Every hour that passes is one you’ll never get back. Yet our culture tempts us to equate our worth with how much we earn or produce.

Scripture offers a radically different view. In Psalm 90:12, Moses prays, “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” He’s not talking about counting hours on a clock but realizing that our time is limited—and therefore deeply valuable.

From a biblical perspective, time isn’t ours to manage however we wish. It’s a gift from God, entrusted to us for His purposes. Just as money and talents belong to Him, so does our time.

In Ephesians 5:15–16, Paul writes, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” The original Greek phrase for “making the best use” literally means “redeeming the time”—buying it back for God’s glory. It’s the same word Paul uses elsewhere to describe what Jesus did for us on the cross.

Christ redeemed us from sin and emptiness, giving our lives eternal meaning. In the same way, we’re called to redeem our time—to invest every moment, conversation, and decision in what will last forever.

Here’s the catch: if you don’t decide what your time is worth, someone else will. Your job, your phone, your inbox, even social media—all have plans for your time. Unless you set boundaries, your days will fill up with things that seem urgent but aren’t truly important.

Jesus modeled something completely different. Even with the most important mission in history, He took time to rest, pray, eat with friends, and be fully present with people. He had the margin to be interrupted—to stop for the sick, listen to the hurting, and teach those who were searching. He never rushed, yet He always fulfilled the Father’s will.

So how can we live as if our time truly belongs to God?

1. Reevaluate Your Priorities

Every decision is a trade. When you say yes to one thing, you say no to something else. Ask yourself, “What matters most in God’s eyes—and am I giving that my best time?”

2. Measure Time by Meaning, Not Money

Our culture values time by dollars per hour, but God’s economy works differently. A quiet afternoon encouraging a friend may not pay in cash—but it yields eternal dividends. As Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

3. Build Margin into Your Life

Just as financial margin creates freedom to give, time margin allows you to live generously. When you’re not overscheduled, you can pause to listen, serve, or rest. Sabbath isn’t wasted time—it’s holy time that reminds us that God is in control.

4. Steward Small Moments

Eternal impact isn’t found only in big events. It’s in the five minutes you pray for someone, the ten minutes you spend in Scripture, or the conversation that points someone to Jesus. As Colossians 3:17 reminds us, “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord

At some point or another, almost every Christian will wander from God. But once we’ve come home from our spiritual crisis, how can we avoid making the same mistake again? Dr. Robert Jeffress teaches on the single most important part of any spiritual homecoming: perseverance.

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Christmas is often a chaotic season with much that can distract us from celebrating quiet moments and God’s blessings. Award-winning songwriter Tony Wood shares heartwarming reflections on the holiday season, related to our emotions, relationships, and God’s gift of Jesus Christ.

Receive a copy of Manger Throne and an audio download of "Connect with Christ Through Song This Christmas Season" 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!

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