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God delights in answering prayer, yet in our most desperate moments, it can feel as though heaven is silent. On this episode of Know The Truth, Philip De Courcy opens the book of James to uncover biblical reasons our prayers may be hindered.

When life breaks your heart and heaven is silent, it’s okay to ask why—just don’t stop seeking the One who holds the answer.

For centuries, theologians have puzzled over the question of how a person can be made right with God. Paul says it’s by faith alone. James says that faith needs works. So which is it? Dr. Robert Jeffress unravels this apparent contradiction by showing how faith and works exist in perfect harmony.

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

In May, church leaders from 57 countries were invited to attend the European Congress on Evangelism in Berlin, Germany. It was hosted by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. And Pastor Greg Laurie was one of the featured speakers for the gathering. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, we eavesdrop on his message . . . “The Gift and Calling of the Evangelist.” Some truly world-class insights on sharing Christ, and together doing our part of The Great Commission.

Listen on harvest.org

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A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.

Support the show: https://harvest.org/support

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Have you ever felt a quiet sense of pride after giving, like you were just a little more faithful than others?

It’s a subtle temptation, but one we must take seriously. When our giving becomes a way to elevate ourselves rather than glorify God, we’ve missed the heart of generosity—and possibly much more.

Self-righteous giving hides behind good behavior. It’s giving to feel morally superior. Giving to prove we’re spiritually ahead. Giving to show God—or others—that we’ve “got it right.”

Jesus addressed this in Luke 18:

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector… The Pharisee… prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people… I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector… said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.”

The tithing, fasting Pharisee was not justified—not because his actions were wrong, but because he trusted in himself.

Religious acts, even impressive ones, can’t save us. When we give to make ourselves look good, we risk trusting in our performance rather than Christ’s finished work.

There’s nothing wrong with joy in giving—God loves a cheerful giver. But when joy turns to superiority, we’ve crossed the line. As Deuteronomy 8 reminds us:

“Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth…”

Everything we have—even the ability to give—comes from Him.

Jesus warns in Matthew 6 not to give for the sake of being noticed. True generosity is humble, often quiet, and motivated by gratitude. It’s giving that reflects Christ, not ourselves.

John the Baptist put it best: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

So, if you notice pride in your giving:

1. Confess it to the Lord. His grace cleanses and corrects.
2. Refocus on gratitude. Remember how much you’ve been forgiven.
3. Practice hidden generosity. Give anonymously or where no one will notice.

Before each gift, pray: “Lord, may this reflect You, not me.” Because generosity is never about proving ourselves—it’s about responding to the One who gave everything for us.

• I’m 52 and currently have about 71% of my 401(k) invested in company stock, which has been generating returns of 30–36%. When and how should I begin diversifying to protect my retirement savings while still benefiting from my company’s potential growth?
• My husband (62) and I (58) are debating whether to start collecting Social Security now. We still run our own business and earn an income, but I’m concerned about how starting Social Security could affect our Medicare coverage. What’s the best strategy for our situation?
• I own and rent out a three-unit apartment building and want to know if there are any advantages to placing the property in an LLC.

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. F

Take a look at this amazing quilt here.

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