Mordecai and Esther face a crisis point when Haman plots to kill all the Jews in Persia, but Mordecai encourages Esther to trust in God and use her position as queen to save her people. He reminds her that God has positioned her for such a time as this and that she has a unique calling to help present the gospel from her own perspective. [... more]

When the disciples saw their Lord crucified on the cross their hopes and dreams were dashed But where they saw an ending God brought a new beginning In this Sunday episode Pastor Greg Laurie explores the defining event of our faith Find out What the Resurrection of Jesus Means to You in this message Notes The cross was Jesus' goal and destination from the very beginning and it happened exactly as Jesus had predicted The crucifixion and resurrection were God's well thought out plan God takes our endings and turns them into new beginnings Read Mark So they went out [... more]

Cecil Wax, a 28-year-old farmer from Iowa, recounts his surreal encounter during World War II, where he was guided by a mysterious voice to safely deliver supplies down a frozen mountain road, leading him to believe that God cared enough to guide him. [... more]

Marriage is a gift from God, and it's meant to be a source of joy and connection. However, many couples struggle with intimacy and communication, leading to frustration and resentment. Dave and Ashley Willis share their insights and experiences in their book 'Do Marriage Better: Seven Simple Shifts for a Deeper Connection.' They discuss the importance of understanding each other's needs and desires, and how to navigate the different seasons of marriage, including the 'beach season' of honeymoon-like intimacy, the 'busy season' of practicality, the 'baby season' of exhaustion and distraction, and the 'broken season' of vulnerability and healing. By applying the seven simple shifts outlined in their book, couples can experience a deeper connection and a more fulfilling marriage. [... more]

Couples can make a 20% improvement in their marital relationship by implementing seven simple shifts, including having curiosity and compassion when communicating, being mindful of tone, and prioritizing their marriage over other aspects of their lives. [... more]

Major General James Mukayama shares his story of moral injury, an invisible wound of war, and how forgiveness and grace can help heal the emotional trauma experienced by veterans. He discusses the importance of addressing moral injury, which is different from PTSD, and how it can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and unworthiness. [... more]

Young men are urged to live like Christians, demonstrating godly behavior, dignified speech, and a commitment to sound doctrine. This pattern of living is essential for a Christian's credibility and the reputation of the church, ultimately glorifying God and demonstrating the gospel to the world. [... more]

Lucille Ball's life story is one of determination and perseverance. Born in Jamestown, New York, she faced years of rejection before her breakthrough at age 40. With her unique blend of physical comedy and charm, she defied the conventions of her time and became a household name. Her marriage to Desi Arnaz was a key factor in her success, and their partnership on the hit show I Love Lucy is still remembered fondly by audiences today. [... more]

George Whitfield, a British preacher, and Ben Franklin, a renowned printer and statesman, formed an unlikely friendship that shaped American history. Whitfield's passionate preaching and emphasis on personal spirituality sparked the Great Awakening, a massive revival that transformed the colonies. Franklin, initially skeptical, was won over by Whitfield's charisma and message, and the two men collaborated on various projects, including a potential colony in the Ohio River Valley. Their friendship, despite their differences, demonstrates the power of spiritual conviction and the impact of Whitfield's ministry on American society. [... more]

Thomas Bennett, a former first lieutenant in an African American regiment during the Civil War, played a crucial role in building the Winchester company into what it is today. He was a successful businessman and gun designer, and his relationship with John Moses Browning, another famous gun designer, was complex and ultimately led to a falling out. Bennett's legacy is a testament to his perseverance and dedication to his work, even as the company faced challenges and ultimately fell into receivership. [... more]

The concept of service starts with the first contact, within nine feet, where a positive decision is made subconsciously. This moment is crucial in creating a welcoming experience for customers, and it's essential to eliminate words like 'hi' and 'okay' to convey professionalism and trust. The story of 'my pleasure' and its origin at Chick-fil-A highlights the importance of small details in delivering exceptional customer service. [... more]

Scripture defines success as becoming more like Christ, not accumulating wealth or possessions. Jesus invites us to measure progress by obedience and faithfulness, not by accumulation or fame. Rob West guides listeners through a 21-day devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure, to realign their hearts and financial decisions with God's purposes. [... more]

A new generation of investors is reshaping the investment landscape with their preferences for cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and ETFs. However, this shift also raises concerns about the motives behind their investments and the potential risks of getting-rich-quick stock investment ideas. Biblical wisdom can guide investors in making informed decisions and avoiding the pitfalls of speculation. [... more]

The story of Thomas Jefferson's unlikely alliance with evangelical Christians to protect churches from the power of the state, leading to the birth of American religious freedom and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. [... more]

Joshua Lionel Cohen's innovative toy trains revolutionized American childhood, but his company's dominance was short-lived as television and changing consumer interests led to a decline in sales, and the company's legacy endures despite bankruptcies and reorganizations. [... more]

God's rescue operation was about more than simply removing their bodies from the land of Egypt. His rescue operation was also about getting the spirit of Egypt out of their hearts. The promised land that God wanted to take them to was not just a place of prosperity flowing with milk and honey. It was a place of trust in God flowing with obedience and faith. [... more]

Faith-based investing continues to grow, with more individuals and institutions seeking to align their investments with their faith and values. Experts like Bob Dahl provide market predictions and investment strategies, emphasizing the importance of economic growth, managing inflation, and making informed decisions about retirement planning and stock market investments. [... more]

John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, grew up in a family of patriots and was deeply influenced by his father's values of service and courage. He traveled extensively throughout Europe as a young man, learning multiple languages and developing a deep understanding of politics and diplomacy. Adams went on to become a skilled diplomat and politician, serving as Secretary of State and eventually president. However, his presidency was marked by controversy and failure, and he was eventually recalled from office. Undeterred, Adams returned to Congress, where he became a leading voice against slavery, introducing petitions and arguing cases before the Supreme Court. His most notable victory came in the Amistad case, where he successfully argued for the freedom of enslaved Africans on a ship that had been seized by the US Navy. Adams' unwavering commitment to his principles and his willingness to challenge the status quo made him a hero of the anti-slavery movement and a lasting figure in American history. [... more]

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry became a national hero with his victory in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812, defeating a British Royal Navy squadron and leading to American control of Ohio and Michigan territories. [... more]

Maurice Sendak, a renowned children's book artist, drew inspiration from his childhood experiences and observations of children to create iconic stories. His most famous work, 'Where the Wild Things Are,' challenged traditional notions of children's literature by dealing with complex emotions like anger and fear. Sendak's unique style and honesty in depicting childhood made him a beloved figure in the world of children's literature. [... more]

The concept of hell is explored as a place of eternal separation from God, where sin and wickedness are punished. The Bible describes hell as a temporary place for the dead, awaiting final judgment, and ultimately as a place of eternal torment, fire, and outer darkness. The question of why a good God would send a good person to hell is addressed by highlighting the importance of God's holiness and the need for purification from sin. [... more]

The story behind the classic film It's a Wonderful Life, told by Jimmy Hawkins, who played Tommy Bailey, and Frank Capra, the film's director. The movie's themes of individual importance, American values, and the power of friendship and love are explored, highlighting the film's enduring impact on audiences. [... more]

The role of the Bible in shaping America's founding is explored through the story of the first Continental Congress's prayer session, where Jacob Duchet's powerful prayer braced the delegates and became a defining moment in American history. [... more]

Mary's extraordinary sacrifice and faith in God's word are highlighted as key characteristics of the kind of person God chooses to use in an extraordinary way. Her purity and willingness to obey God's plan, despite the potential cost, demonstrate the qualities that make her an ideal vessel for God's use. [... more]

Jesus intends for you to have a life that impacts eternity, filled with eternal value and significance. He wants to take the net of your life and fill it with things of eternal importance, but first, you must have a sense of awe for God, be committed to multiplying your faith, and surrender everything to Him. [... more]

President Ronald Reagan delivers a powerful speech at Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, France, honoring the men who fought in World War II and emphasizing the importance of faith, belief, loyalty, and love in the face of tyranny and oppression. [... more]

Jesus' primary purpose in coming to earth was not to stop abortions, but to die for abortion-committing sinners. The heartbeat of the message here at this church is the offer of new life in Jesus. Christians should be united on this issue, as it's not just about politics, but about caring for the vulnerable and speaking up for those who have no voice. [... more]

The Mason-Dixon line, a division between the North and South during the American Civil War, has a complex and fascinating history that spans decades and generations. It began with a mapping mistake by Captain John Smith in 1613, which led to a series of border disputes and conflicts between the colonies of Pennsylvania and Maryland. The line was eventually surveyed by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon in 1763, using a method that was the most accurate way to survey a long distance borderline at the time. The story of the Mason-Dixon line is a tale of palace intrigue, war, and the struggles of the early American colonies. [... more]

Ron Blue shares lessons from his own journey from Wall Street to biblical stewardship, emphasizing how recognizing God's ownership of our finances transforms our lives and relationships. He discusses the importance of setting financial finish lines, establishing a lifestyle, and living with financial margin. Blue also addresses how biblical financial principles can improve communication in marriage and how God uses money to test and build faith. [... more]

The return of the final living hostages held by Hamas marks a historic achievement in the Middle East peace process, with the Trump administration's efforts leading to a ceasefire and the release of 20 hostages. The deal also includes the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, with Israel withdrawing from a demarcation line in Gaza. However, the real challenge lies ahead as Hamas must disarm and cede control over Gaza, a process that will be fraught with difficulties. [... more]

The story of the American Revolution and the journey from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution is one of the most remarkable stories in human history. Dr. Larry Horn and Monty Montgomery discuss how the United States governing document was the Articles of Confederation, which left the states in near total power, but was failing and needed to be revised. They explore how George Washington's leadership and Madison's reasoning helped bring about a better rule of law through example and the creation of the Constitution. [... more]

When struggling with sin, temptation, or weakness, God's faithfulness can be a source of comfort and strength. He promises to forgive and cleanse us of all unrighteousness, and to help us in our times of need. By confessing our sins, bringing our problems to Him, and placing our hope in Him, we can experience true life and growth in our relationship with God. [... more]

God's faithfulness is a steadfast and affectionate attribute that holds us up inside, providing satisfaction and optimism when we experience it, but anxiety and despair when it fails. This faithfulness is revealed through creation, people, and God's character, and is demonstrated in our lives when we face weakness and struggle, but can choose to trust in God's promise to sustain us and meet us in our vulnerability. [... more]

The story of sneakers is a lens into American history itself, from the Industrial Revolution to the present day, with key figures like Charles Goodyear, James Naismith, and Nike's rise to fame, and how sneakers have become a symbol of style, fashion, and identity. [... more]

God's justice is not about being fair in a fallen world, but about being holy and righteous. The Christian life is not about performance, but about receiving God's gift of salvation through faith in Christ. Understanding God's justice helps us to deal with injustice, forgive others, and live a life of stewardship, ultimately leading to spiritual rewards or loss at the judgment seat of Christ. [... more]

God's justice is not meted out in a fallen world as we think it should be, but He is fair and will balance the scales in the end. His justice is revealed through the natural order and the human heart, and it's a sense of retribution, where everyone gets what they deserve. We can trust God in a world that seems unfair because He is just and fair, and He will make everything right in the end. [... more]

God's wisdom is revealed through creation, providence, and redemption, and it's not always easy to understand. However, by bowing the knee and saying 'I'm going to do life your way,' we can tap into God's wisdom and make decisions that honor Him. This requires reverence for God, asking for wisdom specifically, and receiving His Word. By doing so, we can trust that all that comes our way is from the hand of a good and loving God, who is exerting His unlimited power to execute the best possible outcomes. [... more]

Understanding God's wisdom can revolutionize the toughest challenges in life, revealing that He is orchestrating events and circumstances to produce the best possible ends for the most possible people. This concept brings comfort and peace in the midst of difficulties, and can be tapped into through faith and spiritual growth. [... more]

Caregivers often struggle with emotional and spiritual well-being, but finding ways to cope and maintain hope can make a significant difference. Peter Rosenberger shares his insights and experiences as a caregiver for his wife, Gracie, and discusses the importance of spiritual WD-40, faith-based programs, and the impact of hymns on emotional well-being. [... more]

God's holiness raises a couple questions, and one is how can sinful people have a relationship with God. The answer is Jesus made it possible through his death on the cross. When we trust in Christ, we are legally declared righteous, and the penalty for sin is forgiven. However, we still struggle with sin, and the process of becoming holy is a journey. It starts with a commitment to holiness and involves surrendering to God, being in His Word, and living in community. God causes us to be transformed progressively, but it requires effort and a willingness to change. The ultimate goal is to be holy, glorified, and transformed once and for all when we meet Christ. [... more]