Utah's Hope

They still know the worship songs. Their Bible’s still on the shelf. But somewhere along the way, “I believe” became “I’m not sure anymore.” What’s actually happening in Christian deconstruction? Deconversion expert John Marriott joins Dave and Ann Wilson on FamilyLife Today to unpack why faith can unravel—and what someone questioning Christianity may really be wrestling with.

Show Notes and Resources

• How Can I Help My Kids Avoid a Crisis of Faith?.
• John Marriott.

• Thanks to the Christian Standard Bible for sponsoring this episode. Learn more at CSBible.com.
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The trees with the strongest root systems are not those where a breeze blows gently through the leaves. No, the strongest trees face challenging winds which cause their root systems to grow deeper. Could it be that God is revealing a lesson about how winds of adversity affect our spiritual roots? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us see what’s happening when trials and tribulations are blowing against us. We’ll learn how to embrace the growth, and find joy in the journey.

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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.

Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the simplest ways to avoid credit card debt is to save up for major purchases before you make them.

When you plan ahead for expenses you know are coming, you can pay with money you already have instead of borrowing from tomorrow’s income. This simple approach can reduce financial stress, provide greater flexibility, and help you practice faithful stewardship.

The key is preparing for tomorrow's expenses with today's resources.

You may be thinking, Isn't that what my emergency fund is for?

Not exactly. Your emergency fund is designed to cover unexpected expenses, such as a transmission that suddenly fails, an unplanned medical bill, or a temporary loss of income.

Saving for major purchases is different. It means intentionally setting aside money for larger expenses you can reasonably anticipate, like replacing a roof, buying your next vehicle, taking a vacation, or making a major home improvement.

You'll sometimes hear this called a sinking fund, but whatever you call it, the principle is simple: Save a little at a time now so you don't have to borrow later.

That takes patience. And in a culture built around instant gratification, patience can be a powerful financial habit. It can also be an important part of faithful stewardship.

Proverbs 21:20 says, "Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it."

Wisdom doesn't require us to spend everything we have today. Sometimes it means looking ahead, preparing patiently, and allowing time to work in our favor.

First, define what you're saving for and how much you'll need. Let's say you expect to need a new roof and estimate the cost at $7,500. Now you have a specific target.

Next, determine how much you can realistically save each month. If you can set aside $500, you'll reach your $7,500 goal in 15 months.

But what if $500 isn't realistic? That's okay. Perhaps you start with $100 or $200 a month and look for opportunities to increase that amount over time.

You might redirect money from another spending category, put part of a bonus or tax refund toward your goal, or deposit the savings from a canceled subscription.

The important thing is to begin. Each deposit represents progress toward greater financial freedom. Instead of wondering how you'll pay for a major expense when it arrives, you're gradually preparing for it.

That can reduce financial stress and give you more flexibility when the time comes to make the purchase.

Once you've set your goal, consider opening a dedicated savings account instead of mixing the money with your everyday checking, emergency savings, or other financial goals. When dollars have a clear purpose, you're less likely to spend them elsewhere.

Then, automate the process whenever possible. You might schedule a transfer every payday or once a month. This turns saving from something you have to remember into part of your normal financial routine.

Remember, your emergency fund and retirement accounts have different purposes.

Using retirement money for a purchase today can trigger taxes and, depending on your age and circumstances, may also incur penalties. You'll also sacrifice the future growth those funds could have earned.

Your retirement savings are meant to support a future season of life. Whenever possible, let them keep serving that purpose.

Another helpful approach is to make your savings goal S.M.A.R.T.: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

• Specific: Identify exactly what you're saving for and how much you'll need.
• Measurable: Track your progress so you can see how close you're getting

Abuse and manipulation in teen relationships are devastating and sadly often happen without parents ever knowing. Identifying the warning signs and how to support a teen or young adult who is going through abuse is crucial. Dee Dee describes a manipulative, physically and emotionally abusive teen relationship she suffered and offers poignant insight into understanding how a teen or young adult might be feeling amidst abuse, and the thought processes that led someone into that kind of situation.

Get "It Doesn't Start with a Punch" free with your gift.

Praying for Your Teen's Heart and Future -- Lift your child up to God and raise them in Christ with this FREE video series. Jodie Berndt will give you tips on finding peace in God as a parent, rooting your teen's identity in Christ, showing love despite challenges and more.

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Do you have a story or comment on how Focus on the Family impacted you or your family? Leave a message for Jim Daly!

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

Drs. Greg and Erin Smalley welcome Pastor Seth Troutt, author of Authentic Masculinity, to discuss God’s design for masculinity in marriage and parenting, while contrasting it with “the manosphere” counterfeits. If you want to collaborate with your spouse, encourage and understand Biblical leadership, as well as cherish and nurture your life choice in new ways, Seth explains how men and women can work together and live as Godly examples. In a Q&A, we answer a wife's question on how to address a defensive husband. We'll also share how to create a family motto.

Authentic Masculinity: Leaving Behind the Counterfeits for God’s Design

Marriage Assessment

Reactive Cycle Assessment

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Discover how to stay disciplined and have a purpose for prayers to acquire and maintain intimacy with the Father.

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In this week's episode of the Oddcast Rewind, we go back to 2022 where Matthew West interviewed Brant about "The Men We Need".

Find out more about Matthew West's podcast: https://www.matthewwest.com/podcast

Quotes:

"We are on the precipice of looking stupid at any moment, and we have to be okay with that."

"You don't have to be the same person your whole life."

"Don't be afraid of making commitments. Be afraid of not making commitments."

"Just keep showing up with Him."

"Your neighborhood should be safer because you're there."
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What does it mean to live a Spirit-led life? The Bible says, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God” (Romans 8:14). Tune in to this Sunday episode now as Pastor Greg Laurie shares how we can live a life led by the Holy Spirit.

—

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.

Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.