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The highest motivation in life isn't a reward or a fear—it's simply the desire to please God.

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We all tend to treat people differently based on their appearance or social status. Maybe we’re a little more friendly to the well-dressed person or the person who drives an expensive car. Dr. Robert Jeffress explains why preferential treatment isn’t just rude—it’s actually sinful.

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Parents often notice an invisible roommate in the house known as “Not Me.” “Who dumped cereal all over the floor?” “Not me.” “Who left the water running in the bathroom?” “Not me.” This mystery guest never appears but somehow causes all the mess! Yeah, kids quickly learn that blame-shifting can be a handy trick. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie explains that, while we may fool others, we can’t fool God. But if we repent, He forgives.

Join us on August 16 for the annual Jesus Revolution Baptism, a celebration of new life in Christ at Pirate’s Cove with Pastor Greg Laurie!

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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.

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Based on his book, Renaissance, Os Guinness calls the current generation the “crunch generation” because the many challenges facing today’s world are converging quickly and need resolution. He asks Christians to pay “focused attention” to listening to non-believers around them in order to connect. Os advises believers to think deeply for themselves when it comes to loving God with their minds. When witnessing, they must ask questions to those questioning Christianity, rather than making statements, allowing the non-believer to think and come to their own discovery of salvation in Jesus.

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Jim Elliot once wrote, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

“Generous” might not be the first word that comes to mind when you think about pro athletes, but Kirk Cousins is rewriting that playbook. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback in the NFL is using his platform—and resources—for eternal impact. Today, we’ll hear how his faith shapes everything from football to finances.

Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons and a veteran leader in the National Football League (NFL). He previously spent six seasons with the Washington Commanders and six with the Minnesota Vikings. A four-time Pro Bowler and outspoken man of faith, he is also the cofounder of the Julie & Kirk Cousins Foundation, which supports families and youth through faith-based initiatives.

Growing up as a pastor’s kid, Cousins remembers how his parents modeled generosity long before he had a bank account of his own.

“My mom had the gift of hospitality,” he says. “Even when I didn’t think I needed money, she’d hand me two twenties before I went out with friends. There was just this open-handedness.”

While his dad managed the family finances with intentionality, it was his mother’s willingness to give freely that left the deepest mark. “It was caught, not just taught,” Cousins reflects, emphasizing how their example shaped his understanding of stewardship early on.

When Cousins was drafted into the NFL, his first check—a six-figure signing bonus—was a wake-up call.

“As a college kid who had never earned more than minimum wage, I didn’t know what to do,” he recalls. “I called my dad, and he said, ‘I don’t know either!’”

That moment marked the beginning of a stewardship journey—one that included learning to give, save, and live below his means in a world of excess. It wasn’t easy, especially when surrounded by peers embracing a more lavish lifestyle. But Cousins understood that as an athlete, his income had a shorter runway.

“You’re approaching a cliff,” he says. “So it’s scary to give when your career has an end date. But that’s where faith comes in—trusting that God will provide beyond your own earning power.”

It would be easy, Cousins admits, to treat financial obedience like a checklist—give, save, repeat. But biblical stewardship isn’t about rules; it’s about surrender.

“I’ve done that—just checked the boxes. But that’s not the abundant life Jesus promises. It’s not religion, it’s relationship.”

He points to Jesus’ parable of the treasure in the field (Matt. 13:44): “Once you see Jesus as the treasure, everything else becomes a logical response. Of course you’d sell everything to have Him. Stewardship flows from seeing Him clearly.”

The tension for Cousins lies in balancing the enjoyment of God’s provision with wisdom about the future.

“I actually enjoy those moments that require more faith. When I give, and I don’t know what’s next, it puts the pressure back on God—where it belongs.”

But he’s quick to acknowledge the gray areas. “What’s wise versus what’s excessive? There’s no formula. You have to walk with God and ask for His guidance daily.”

One of the most valuable pieces of advice Kirk received early in his career came from a generous mentor: “Always give in unity with your wife.”

That advice stuck.

“When Julie isn’t comfortable, I pause and pray. Her perspective might be the Holy Spirit speaking. Giving together strengthens our marriage and our stewardship.”

Cousins sees their giving not only as a financial decision, but as a spiritual discipline of u

Today on Bold Steps, Pastor Mark Jobe shows us how to move beyond failure. No one wants to talk about their failures … in fact we'd rather ignore them, wouldn't we?  And when we experience a setback, we tend to go back to the place where we had success … before the most recent failure.  That's what the apostle Peter did.  One minute he's a devoted disciple … and the next he's back to fishing and living a normal life.  But how should we respond to failure and disqualification?  That’s the topic of today’s message, which comes from our series on Breaking Free.

Bold Step Gift: MOVING FORWARD AFTER MESSING UP: A NEW FUTURE WITH THE GOD OF SECOND CHANCES

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When we don’t acknowledge or worship God, we are living in sin. Only the Holy Spirit can show us our need for Christ. In this message, Pastor Lutzer shows how to partner with the Spirit in His transforming work. Discover why conviction of sin is actually God’s gift—the first step toward experiencing His freedom and peace.

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The post “Will Jesus blot me out of the Book of Life?” appeared first on Key Life.