WDAC Podcasts

In this episode, J. Mark explores Revelation 5:1-7, where the sealed scroll is revealed by the Sovereign God. This scroll is God’s complete plan for history and redemption, and no one is worthy to open its seal. As John weeps over humanity’s hopelessness, Jesus—the Lamb who was slain—steps forward as the only One worthy to open the scroll. Join us as we see how Christ’s victory qualifies Him to unfold God’s plan, bringing judgment, redemption, and the promise of Eden restored.

Sometimes it can feel like there isn’t as much life in our Christian walk as there used to be. Dr. Tony Evans shares ways to reignite our spiritual passion so God can bring about a revival in us and through us.

Today’s society is full of sexual expression, gender confusion, and a general disregard about God’s design for sexuality. Dr. Juli Slattery describes how we can live our sexuality in holy and healthy ways by addressing sexual identity, contentment, and true intimacy.

Receive the book Surrendered Sexuality and a free audio download of the broadcast "Understanding Sexuality and Intimacy from a Christian Perspective" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.

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The holidays are behind us; you know what that means—it’s tax season! But before you start gathering your W-2s and receipts, there’s an important question: Do you know who will prepare your taxes this year?

With a nationwide shortage of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and tax professionals, waiting too long to find a preparer could leave you scrambling—and vulnerable to scams. Here’s how to protect yourself and find a trusted tax preparer.

When hiring a tax professional, your preparer will likely fall into one of three categories:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA): These professionals undergo rigorous education, exams, and licensing requirements. Many specialize in tax preparation and can also provide broader financial guidance.
• Enrolled Agent (EA): Licensed by the IRS, EAs are tax experts who can prepare and file returns, represent clients before the IRS, and provide tax planning services.
• Tax Attorney: These legal professionals specialize in tax law and are particularly useful for complex tax situations, audits, or disputes.

Each of these professionals is highly qualified—but the problem is there aren’t enough of them.

There is a growing shortage of CPAs and tax professionals, largely due to fewer young people entering the field. One of the major "Big Four" firms, KPMG, continues to offer high school students internships at $22 an hour to encourage them to become CPAs.

What does this mean for you?

• Longer wait times to book a tax preparer
• Higher fees due to increased demand
• Greater risk of falling into the hands of fraudulent preparers

When people are desperate to file their returns, they can become easy targets for scammers who fake credentials or engage in tax fraud.

To protect yourself, follow these IRS-recommended steps when choosing a tax preparer:

1. Choose a Year-Round Tax Preparer

A reputable preparer should be available year-round. You don’t want your tax preparer to disappear if you get audited.

2. Verify Their IRS Credentials

Ask for the IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). All paid tax return preparers must register with the IRS and enter their PTIN on every return they file.

Check their status using the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers at IRS.gov.

3. Look for Professional Credentials

Ask if the preparer holds a credential such as:

• CPA (Check with the State Board of Accountancy)
• Enrolled Agent (Verify at IRS.gov under "Verify Enrolled Agent Status")
• Tax Attorney (Confirm with their State Bar Association)

Additionally, inquire about continuing education, as tax laws change frequently; professionals should stay current.

4. Be Cautious About Fees

Beware of tax preparers who:

• Charge fees based on a percentage of your refund
• Claim they can get you a larger refund than competitors

A legitimate preparer should charge a flat or hourly rate based on the complexity of your return.

5. Verify IRS E-File Capability

Most tax preparers handling more than 10 clients must file electronically. If your preparer refuses to e-file, that’s a red flag.

6. Ensure Proper Documentation

A trustworthy tax preparer will ask for the following:

• Your W-2 and 1099 forms (not just a pay

Dreading the car ride home after your child's rough game? Research shows those tense, critical moments drive 70% of kids to quit sports by age 13—and they remember the emotional peak and ending more than the score. Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski, authors of Away Game: A Christian Parent's Guide to Navigating Youth Sports, show how to turn youth sports pressure and disappointment into gospel grace by choosing connection over correction, preparing words of unconditional pride, and rebuilding trust when you miss it.

Show Notes and Resources

• Helpful tools and encouragement for parents available at FamilyLife.com/parentinghelp
• "Away Game" by Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith — a thoughtful look at youth sports, identity, and what really matters for families is available at your favorite bookstore. 

• Thanks to the Christian Standard Bible for sponsoring this episode. Learn more at CSBible.com.
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