Churches across the country are hosting Vacation Bible School, a week-long program where children learn about God's word and the gospel. Pastors and volunteers share their experiences and the impact of VBS on their communities, highlighting its importance in evangelism, faith formation, and youth ministry. [... more]

Governor Robert Ray of Iowa took a bold stance in the 1970s by accepting refugees from Vietnam and Cambodia, providing them with a safe haven and a chance to rebuild their lives. His efforts, known as Iowa Shares, raised over $540,000 and helped feed, clothe, and provide medical care to thousands of people. Ray's compassion and leadership inspired a community to come together and make a difference, showcasing the best of the American spirit. [... more]

Complaining can lead to internal strife and hinder progress, as seen in the story of Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem who were rebuilding the walls. Nehemiah's deep, intense anger at the situation is a righteous indignation that drives him to take action and address the problem. [... more]

The transforming power of the gospel is seen in the lives of individuals, reconciling them with God and changing their relationships and perspectives. Paul's examples from Colossians show how the gospel transforms people like Tidicus, Anesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, and Epaphras, who become faithful servants and ministers of Christ, working together for the kingdom of God. [... more]

Discovering your primary apology language can make a significant difference in your relationships, especially in marriage. Dr. Gary Chapman explains the five apology languages: expressing regret, accepting responsibility, making restitution, genuinely repenting, and requesting forgiveness. He also discusses the importance of forgiveness in relationships and how it's a godly response to an apology. Additionally, he shares how to deal with someone who refuses to apologize, including lovingly confronting them, treating them as a pagan, praying for them, and returning good for evil. [... more]

A man shares a personal story of how he came to understand the importance of recognizing God's love and presence in his life, particularly through a meaningful encounter with his cat. [... more]

John Deere, a hardworking blacksmith, overcame adversity and fought his way to success, transforming America's prairies with his innovative plow design and helping to make the country the breadbasket of the world. [... more]

Jesus' approach to interacting with people, including tax collectors and those in darkness, is a model for authentic prayer. This type of prayer involves being real, honest, and vulnerable, sharing weaknesses and struggles with God. By doing so, we can identify with others and share Jesus' love with them, rather than coming across as judgmental or holier-than-thou. [... more]

Chuck Swindahl teaches from Esther Chapter 9, explaining how God transforms pain into celebration and how memorials can be built to turn tragedies into triumphs, providing perspective and significance to our lives. [... more]

Chuck Swindahl describes how God specializes in turning the worst chapter of our lives into the most meaningful ones, using the story of Esther to illustrate the importance of forgetting the past and moving forward to celebrate life. [... more]

Marriage is not about living in perfect harmony, but about two imperfect people sharing a life together. Tension and conflict are inevitable, but they can be addressed with love and character, rather than hatred and resentment. By choosing to cover offenses with love, couples can strengthen their relationships and become more holy and happy. [... more]

Alex McFarland shares his experience reading the Bible cover-to-cover at the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C. with a group of Christian leaders and politicians, highlighting the significance of the Bible's enduring message and its impact on his life and ministry. [... more]

A Canadian man shares his remarkable journey to Christ, overcoming a troubled past and addiction, and finding purpose in serving the homeless through a coffee ministry. He and his family have been serving hot meals and free coffee to hundreds of people every week, sharing the love of God and Christ with those in need. [... more]

Gary and Barb Rosberg discuss the importance of spiritual intimacy in marriage, highlighting the role of prayer and daily time in the Word to strengthen relationships and overcome conflicts. They share personal anecdotes and practical tips, including conversational prayer and praying for one's spouse, to help couples build a stronger connection with God and each other. [... more]

Paul the Apostle reflects on his ministry in Ephesus, where he planted a church and faced opposition from the local population. He writes to the Ephesian church about God's new society, comprised of Jews and non-Jews, and the importance of living out their faith in Christ. Paul's letter to the Ephesians explores the themes of wealth, walk, and warfare, and provides practical guidance for living a life of faith and obedience to God. [... more]

The Christian is alive, living for God, and at peace, with the Holy Spirit guiding their thoughts and actions. The Bible teaches that a true work of God is evident in a person's mindset, with the Holy Spirit's thoughts and priorities becoming their own. As believers grow in Christ, they develop a pattern of responding to the gospel and defaulting to spiritual thoughts, revealing their true identity in Jesus. [... more]

Paul's message in Galatians emphasizes the importance of understanding the gospel and not reducing faith to a list of moral codes or external regulations. He highlights the difference between being a slave and a son, and encourages believers to walk with God in a personal and intimate relationship, rather than relying on external rules and rituals. [... more]

When faced with anxiety, rely on the power of God and recall His provision. Reflect on the purpose of God and renew your mind by meditating on wholesome thoughts, including true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and virtuous things. This practice, combined with prayer and a focus on God's peace, can lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety, and a deeper sense of peace and contentment. [... 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]

God's Word has the power to bring life to dead circumstances, and speaking it out loud can rewire the brain and bring about transformation. Biblical faith is not about speaking one's own will into reality, but about speaking God's will over one's reality, aligning words with Scripture to agree with God's promises of restoration, redemption, and resurrection. [... more]

Young adults starting their careers can set themselves up for long-term stability and generosity by making wise financial decisions, such as creating a budget, building an emergency fund, and avoiding debt. A financial advisor or mentor can provide guidance, and being mindful of common pitfalls like overspending and not saving is crucial. By prioritizing giving and generosity, individuals can experience the joy of giving and find contentment through biblical wisdom. [... more]

Mike Gideon's journey from running a successful car repair shop to founding a non-profit organization, Higher Power Garage, is a testament to the power of faith and community. With the help of his wife and a team of volunteers, Mike has created a space where people can come for free car repairs, but also receive support and guidance to improve their lives. Through education, job training, and spiritual guidance, Higher Power Garage has made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals, including Sam, a veteran struggling with addiction and homelessness. Mike's story is a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on someone's life. [... more]

Your life is shaped by your thoughts, and 95% of them are below the level of consciousness. The law of cognition says your life is molded by your thoughts, and you can't change that by trying harder or more religious services. Transformation comes by renewing your mind, aligning your thoughts with God's truth, and taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. [... more]

Dealing with the father wound is crucial to understanding one's identity and purpose in life. God's love and relationship with us as Father is key to healing and finding direction. A godly father can model this relationship, but even without one, we can learn to recognize God's voice and follow His lead. This understanding can help us respond to life's challenges and make a positive impact in the world. [... more]

Nick Voyacic shares his life story of being born without limbs and finding hope and purpose in Jesus Christ. He discusses how his faith has helped him navigate difficult circumstances and how he believes God has a plan for every life. Nick's story is an inspiration to many, and he encourages listeners to find hope and purpose in Jesus Christ. [... more]

Host Robby Dilmore talks with Lana Silk of Transform Iran about the current crisis in Iran and the realities facing believers under an oppressive regime Lana shares how the underground church is growing despite persecution and how Christians worldwide can pray for the Iranian people The episode also honors the faith and legacy of missionary advocate Larry George [... more]

Marriage is a fundamental aspect of creation, a human thing that brings spiritual unity, but also pain when denying that connection. Understanding how men and women process information differently and recognizing the shame and judgment that comes from self and others can help couples work through difficult times. The key to a healthy marriage is to reinforce unity, showing love and appreciation for each other, and to remember that Jesus Christ is the one who can cover our inadequacies and make us whole. [... 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]

Conflict is inevitable in marriage, but it can be a catalyst for growth when addressed wisely and lovingly. Chip Ingram teaches the two predictable patterns couples follow, the negative dance and the positive dance, and provides practical tools to resolve conflict peaceably, including defining the problem, initiating a time to talk, focusing on the perceived problem, and feeling each other's pain. [... more]

Conflict is normal in relationships, but it can be destructive unless addressed wisely, lovingly, and with rules to govern the process. To resolve conflicts peaceably, one must define the problem, initiate a time to talk, focus on the perceived problem, feel the pain of the other person, uncover the root problem, set things right between each other, and establish a specific action plan to address the issue. [... more]

Malin Burnham, a business leader in San Diego, shares his life story and the pivotal moments that shaped his career and community development. From his early days in sailboat racing to his role in bringing the USS Midway aircraft carrier to San Diego, Burnham's story is a testament to his commitment to making his city a better place to live, work, and play. [... more]

Richard King, a larger-than-life figure, carved out a cattle empire in the Old West, dominating trade on the Rio Grande River and becoming one of the first South Texas ranchers to drive cattle to railheads. With his innovative approach to ranching and his ability to adapt to changing markets, King's legacy continues to shape the beef industry. [... more]

Discovering God's vision for your life requires taking a good inventory of the gifts He has given you, considering your upbringing, and finding where your strengths intersect with your passions and what others affirm in you. It's not about giving the right answer, but about being honest with yourself and God about what you truly want out of life, and then working towards it with His help. [... 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]

Learning to live life from the center, from within, by hearing in silence the voice of God, is a crucial discipline for the Christian life, as it allows us to find refuge, stability, and rest in God's presence, and to wait for His voice to reveal our sins and anxieties. [... more]

Husbands and wives must work together to create a safe and loving environment, where both partners feel valued and respected. This requires a willingness to submit to one another, to communicate openly and honestly, and to seek guidance from God. By following Jesus' example of love and sacrifice, husbands can learn to lead their wives with humility and gentleness, and wives can submit to their husbands with confidence and trust. [... more]

Saul of Tarsus, a zealous defender of Judaism, had a dramatic conversion to Christianity after a spiritual encounter with Jesus Christ. He learned to count his past achievements as loss and trust in Christ alone for salvation, realizing that his heritage, upbringing, and education were not enough to secure his relationship with God. [... more]

Martin Luther, a Catholic monk, struggled with the Catholic Church's teachings on salvation and indulgences, leading him to question the authority of the church and ultimately spark the Protestant Reformation. His discovery of the Bible's message of faith and forgiveness changed his life and the course of history, as he became a key figure in the movement that challenged the Catholic Church's authority and paved the way for the modern Christian faith. [... more]

Managing finances with God in mind requires courage, discipline, and a shift in perspective. By living on one income, saving, and investing in posterity, individuals can achieve financial freedom and have more life. Russ Crossan shares practical advice on budgeting, retirement, and generosity, emphasizing the importance of trusting God's provision and not accumulating wealth for its own sake. [... more]