
Training Versus Trying Part 1
One of the concepts that we teach at Authentic Joy is the idea that in pursuing spiritual growth we need to have a training mindset not a trying mindset. We often use the metaphor of running a mara…
One of the concepts that we teach at Authentic Joy is the idea that in pursuing spiritual growth we need to have a training mindset not a trying mindset. We often use the metaphor of running a mara…
One of the concepts that we teach at Authentic Joy is the idea that in pursuing spiritual growth we need to have a training mindset not a trying mindset. We often use the metaphor of running a mara…
The next generation doesn’t need more noise. They need the Word.
Have you ever faced a tough circumstance and wondered, God, where are you? Maybe you’re in one of those situations right now. I’ve had them too. That was the situation with many of Jesus’ followers after He was crucified and buried. They had lost their hopes and dreams and didn’t know where to turn. Let’s take a look at one story. Read more...
Every so often, I come across a verse or passage in Scripture that hits me in an unexpected way. These verses tend to be in the Old Testament; they ALWAYS make me weirdly self-reflective, as a res…
DALLAS -- Movie director Jon Erwin is someone who has had great success over the years. From October Baby way back in 2011 to Jesus Revolution and back to I Can Only Imagine, the Birmingham, Alabama native has always had a knack for finding and telling stories that resonate with...
Shows like "House of David" and "The Chosen" do not completely stay true to Scripture? Let's talk about it.
Self-esteem is a fragile thing, especially when we don’t base it on what God’s Word says about us. In the past, I based my self-worth on what I did (or didn’t) accomplish or what others thought of me. My relentless need to be loved and accepted drove me to unhealthy relationships, which left emotional scars.
NOTE: This is the third in a series where I consider some of the faith and arts issues surrounding artificial intelligence. Click here to read Part 1: The Issue of Virtuosity or Part 2: The Is…
Before America can have a spiritual awakening, we need church revival. The first step of a spiritual awakening is personal revival.
The prior post emphasized that God’s New Testament building, culminating in New Jerusalem, is composed of Himself and His people. It is not a physical building. After writing that post I bega…
The Apostle Paul said, “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52); “For the
Written by: Marianne White“ You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.” - Isaiah 26:3As we enter August, a month marked by transitions, we’re reminded of the peace that comes from anchoring ourselves in God. The changing season can bring uncertainties, but...
We're halfway through Monopoly Go Summer Escape Album. Have you finished your sticker album, or are you still struggling with a shortage of rare gold stickers? The latest Golden Blitz event is coming soon.The designated gold stickers for the Golden Blitz will go on sale on IGGM on August 3rd,...
If you're diving back into Mists of Pandaria Classic, welcome back to one of WoW’s most visually stunning and nostalgia-loaded expansions. MoP brought us majestic zones, monk class, and—of course—epic world bosses that drop some of the most desirable loot. But here’s the kicker: timing is everything when it comes...
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” — Matthew 7:24 (NIV)When I hear Matthew 7:24 quoted it is most often in reference to building your house on the rock (i.e. building your...
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” — Matthew 7:24 (NIV)Please Pray:Dear Lord, how often I read your words and yet fail to implement them. For all my knowledge of your ways...
(Ecclesiastes 8:14-17) Walking by faith, not by sight, is a universal principle throughout the Old and New Testaments. It is not our task to rationalize everything we see, but we are tasked with resting in God’s greatness over all things. (09185250801)
When your boat is taking on water, your thoughts reveal what you believe about where Jesus is and whether you trust that He’s able and willing to respond to you in the midst of it.
Against Satan's most soul-destroying lies, the antidote is truth. The Lord neutralized my guilt and despair with a kind woman's wise words.
I pulled an old jacket tight around me and slammed the door of my rundown apartment. It was four in the morning—quiet enough that it was safer and easier to make a quick stop at the crack dealer on the corner. That was my life. I lived in darkness, brokenness, and addiction.
The first element of a training mindset is self-compassion. A training mindset recognizes that we are all imperfect beings on a path of sanctification and healing. We are all works in progress. The…
"Listening" for God is often overlooked. We may speak to God frequently, but do we take the time to listen? "Listening" could be a voice, a thought, a feeling, or someone coming into your life to say or do something at the right time. Always be aware for God's response.
Learning to let go of past hurts and move forward with faith is possible when we trust God to help us heal, forgive and embrace our calling.
When you hope in Jesus, you will never be put to shame.
Last week we were camping in the mountains, and I came across the most crazy-looking aspen tree. From a distance, it looked completely normal, healthy and thriving. The leaves were green and plentiful, and it was even supporting a smaller aspen growing up with it. I walked right up to the river bank
By Elizabeth Prata A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead. (Proverbs 21:16). The phrase ‘assembly of the dead’ is especially vivid. Assemb…
We can be thankful that science and medicine have gotten good at fighting disease, but there is one parasite that is particularly pesky and hard to catch—for good reason. It’s a parasite called Ent…
Just as we often thought the much-anticipated milestones on our calendars would never come, but they did, so will the day when we race through the gates of heaven straight into our Savior’s arms.
One generation shall commend Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. – Psalm 145:4I still remember her hands. Wrinkled. Work-worn. And her aprons. She always wore aprons. Most were made from scraps of old dresses pulled from her rag bag. The artist in her, the same creative...
One generation shall commend Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. – Psalm 145:4Please Pray:Heavenly Father, We praise You that You have not left us to navigate this life on our own. Your wisdom is ours for the asking. (James 1:5) Thank you for Your life-transforming words...
You’ll be encouraged by this special July 2025 gathering, which explores the reach and potential of the Wonder of the Word initiative.
Join is in person or by podcast for twelve sessions in the second half of Romans.
We read this phrase repeatedly in the Bible, yet we still struggle with it. This is an invitation to trust God. This is not simply encouragement; it is spiritual truth. Fear can stop us from stepping into our purpose. God is with us always. That is His promise. Trust God.
“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the Lord, “Who execute a plan, but not Mine, And make an alliance, but not of My Spirit, In order to add sin to sin; Who proceed down to Egypt Without consulting Me, To take refuge in the safety of Pharaoh And to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt! “Therefore the safety of Pharaoh will be your shame And the shelter in the shadow of Egypt, your humiliation.” (Isaiah 30:1–3, NASB 95)
Jesus gives you real life for eternity. When you believe in him, though you may die an earthly death, Jesus counts it merely as a sleep.
Over the years prior posts have often been on New Jerusalem being a living composition of the Triune God and His people. Second Corinthians 6:16 is a verse rarely used in these posts. The center of…
Enrich your prayers with patience and joy, trusting God’s enduring love and timing, as seen in Ezra 3:11, to find peace and gratitude in waiting and restora ...
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. -- Proverbs 27:17Have you ever seen that funny meme where it says, "Friendship is so weird, you just pick a human you've met and you're like, yup, I like this one, and you just do stuff with them."Sometimes we think of...
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. -- Proverbs 27:17Please Pray:Father, thank you for the beautiful gift of friendship! Help me always to be an encourager to those around me. Keep me sensitive to your Spirit so I may know when others need strengthening and encouragement in your...
(Ecclesiastes 8:8) If you knew where you were going to die, would you ever go to that place? The truth is, we cannot know how or when we will die. You do what God has given you the power to do today and leave the rest to Him. (09183250730)
The Super Falcons WAFCON victory has brought great happiness to all Nigerians. That can be captured from the way Nigerians reacted to the well deserved victory and also the welcome speech and gifts of Mr. President to the team. Congratulations to the Super Falcons of Nigeria for winning their 10th WAFCON title! Related: Power of […]
Sometimes, we think we're in control. We're not. Everything you encounter on a daily basis is God's will, and He will be with you through everything. Always trust God.
People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Leviticus 23:22 ESV
There are few books on the market as practical and helpful as The AARP Caregiver Answer Book by Drs. Barry Jacobs and Julie Mayer . Barry...
Our pastor preached from the book of Genesis this past Sunday. He spoke about Noah and the ark. I have been to Williamstown, KY., where there is a life-size replica of the ark. One thought that ca…
If there is a loving heavenly Father – and we need not doubt that until rocks rush to form a Taj Mahal or computers without fingers or electricity can churn out a Bible – he would want to talk to us. Because talking must always be a two-way street, all the great characters of the Bible were praying people. Abraham, Elijah, Jeremiah – all the prophets – Samuel, Hannah, Peter, and Paul, were all praying people. No wonder then that the Bible talks about prayer 350 times.
Before we started working with a health coach, our family felt stuck in a cycle of low energy, poor eating habits, and inconsistent routines. Our family knew we needed to make a change however, we weren’t sure how to make real, lasting changes. Since starting the health coaching program with Mrs. Polanco, everything has shifted. We’ve learned how to set manageable goals, stay accountable, and actually enjoy taking care of body and mind. When making health and wellness choices now we are more confident the options/ food choices we select. This journey hasn’t just helped us physically, it’s helped us focus better, …
“You need to do this, or you wife will never come back,” says “friend.” I recently came across a video short on my phone. The speaker talked about how people who insist on you following their advice are not about care. They are about control. Some of us have had such “helpers” in our lives … Continue reading "Requiring You To Follow Their Advice"
A study of John 4:43-54 reveals seeing is not always believing, desperate people turn to God, and belief in God changes your life.
An encouraging word for those whose faith is waning and need to be reminded of the power of pursuing God's presence...
Who needs stressful vacations? Strategies to make your next vacation better —more enjoyable, more restorative, more of what you and your family need.
A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that stir the soul and point us back to the heart of God. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to Noelle Borgia —a worship leader, speaker, and courageous survivor whose story is marked by healing, redemption, and po
Romans Road presentation of the Gospel. The Romans Road is a good and easy to use method for sharing Christ with others. Easier for you to share the Gospel.
“Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand.” – Proverbs 8:1-2 (NIV)Please Pray:Dear Lord, thank you for your written Word, which is a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom. May we never...
“Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand.” – Proverbs 8:1-2 (NIV)Personified as a woman in the book of Proverbs, Wisdom calls a young man to choose the right path, to choose...
God’s word–the Holy Bible–is His living treasure, like pearls for our hearts.
Jesus chose us and called us by name for a specific purpose in our lives. Think about that - our God, who made the world and everything in it, felt we needed to be part of it. Living our lives intentionally, loving ourselves and others, all to fulfill the purpose...
A Biblical View of Work: If you work 40 hours a week for 40 years, you will spend over 80,000 hours at work. The Bible frames work as a calling….
By Elizabeth Prata SYNOPSIS Nehemiah, distressed by Jerusalem’s state, was authorized by King Artaxerxes to oversee its reconstruction against local opposition. He developed a strategic plan,…
AI child porn is exploding, a Christian ministry leader is arrested or exposed every day in the US for sexual crimes/porn/affairs, adult film stars dying an early death, Gooning is exploding, 25% of youth believe that AI girlfriends/boyfriends have the potential to replace human relationships, Read More
Even if our bodies are as good as dead, God is the one who gives life to the dead!
If you are wondering, "Why is my teenager always tired and moody?", this post goes through some possible reasons and how to help.
The prior post presented us as the many sons of God who are being conformed to Christ, who, in resurrection, is the Firstborn Son of God. We have been born of God so we have His eternal life. But i…
I’ve thought for years I should write a book titled: The Ten Most Humble People and How I Mentored the Other Nine. Yeah, right. Humility is a virtue we all know we need, but if we know we have it &…
"Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. Psalm 39:4 That verse says that our days
With the hot Monopoly Go Summer Escape Album in full swing, This album also ushered in the Golden Blitz event.The event will be launched on July 28, and the gold stickers that can be traded this time are "Set12 - Say Strawberry!" and "Set14 - Marmota". Players can send trading...
Floods can happen fast—and when they do, your vehicle is at serious risk. Whether your car was submerged during a heavy storm or caught in rising street water, knowing what to do next can save you from long-term damage and high repair bills.Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you manage...
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity. -- Proverbs 2:6-7Wisdom isn't something we're born with. It's also not something every person has in the same measure. Let's...
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity. -- Proverbs 2:6-7Please Pray:Father, thank you for outlining in your word what real, Godly wisdom looks like. Thank you for...
(Ecclesiastes 8:1) If you want your countenance to be right, first focus on your heart. The beauty of Christ can be seen through a Christian. When you regularly draw near to Him, He will transform you. As He transforms you, your countenace will change. (09181250728)
Think about this for a minute. You realize that God is asking you to do something that scares you. It could be to help someone you don't like, walk with a relative on their final journey, etc. God will give you what you need when you need it. Always trust...
An obsession with self will always end in defeat. It will result in the cry, "Wretched man that I am," and "Wretched woman that I am."
There is no sinner for whom God’s promise of salvation is hopeless as long as they hold onto the promise of God, even believing “against all hope.
By Elizabeth Prata Normally I write about a little-used word but one that we as believers need to know. I’ve written about aseity, omnipotence, and justification, for example. But this week&#…
Enrich your prayers with Ezra 1:3, learning to seek God’s presence for all, trust His surprising work, and praise His steadfast love.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5 (NIV)We are all searching for knowledge. For more information, for more increase in what we know. We pursue degrees, certificates, and absorb...
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5 (NIV)We are all searching for knowledge. For more information, for more increase in what we know. We pursue degrees, certificates, and absorb...
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5 (NIV)Please Pray:Father, thank You that You give wisdom when I ask. Thank You that Your wisdom is true and deep and pure....
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5 (NIV)We are all searching for knowledge. For more information, for more increase in what we know. We pursue degrees, certificates, and absorb...
July 26, 2025 Author: Patrick Blair *** This article is not investment advice. This article takes a long-term view, and advocates diversified investing. It is for educational purposes only. Make your own investment decisions. Carefull
Jesus didn't just talk about kindness; He lived it. Matthew 25:40 sums up Jesus' charge to us to take care of our brothers and sisters: "And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine,...
Matthew 7:11 “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (NIV)“Oh, how I wish we could find some fresh cucumbers,” I lamented to my husband at...
By Greg Laurie: Gen Z is growing spiritually hungry for Jesus, showing up in droves to the Harvest Crusade...
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” -- Ecclesiastes 3:11Please Pray:Dear God, thank you for being trustworthy no matter what I face. I don’t know what’s ahead,...
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” -- Ecclesiastes 3:11I’ve been looking at old family photos lately, scrolling through snapshots that document the years my sons spent...
We all want answers to life’s questions. Usually, we ask them before something happens. “Should I change jobs?” “Should we sell the house?” But then, after something does happen, they change to “Wh…
This Sunday, July 27, is the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The theme for the readings is persistence in prayer. Please share your thoughts in the "Comments" section.Peacehttps://www.patheos.com/blogs/faith4today/2025/07/persistence-sunday-reflection/
God had made Abraham a father, not just of the Jews, but also of the “many nations” of the Gentiles who would believe.
Typically, the church choir would file in from the entrance behind the pipe organ, along the side of the sanctuary.But today, they were marching in two by two down the front aisle. Their voices were raised in bold song as they began the morning service with a joyous flair.We all...
This verse is a call to those who are weighed down by life. Jesus offers physical rest and the peace that only Jesus can give. He invites us into a relationship marked by grace, gentleness, and renewal.
So many of us get caught up with the idea that marketplace ministry is all about evangelism . Is that true? All you have to do is read the Gospels to know that marketplace ministry is about much more than just evangelism. Let’s look at the scriptures. The time that Jesus spent with people in the
So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33 A couple can joyfully talk about their
Monopoly GO Summer Escape Album's second Partner Event is coming, called Fantastic Partners and is expected to start on July 29. I believe many players are very familiar with how to increase the probability of winning the final grand prize in this event. That is to find a reliable partner...
When the slideshow of your life flickers across the screen at your memorial service, what story will be told?
By Elizabeth Prata “I was sinking deep in sin…” goes the first line of an old song. (Love Lifted Me, 1912) No matter how deep in sin a person is, no matter how low…no matter…
This past summer, I was able to travel with my two adult children to four national parks. With the limits of travel due to the quarantine, we made a road trip and went to Yosemite, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, and Glacier. I made a goal of seeing the sunset in each park at least once. As I
Learn what to look for in gospel music promoters. Get tips on Gospel Music Marketing and discover who stands out.
(Ecclesiastes 7:26) Hallelujah, death has no sting on the child of God! However, did you know there is something more bitter than death to a Christian? The Bible states that living in bondage to sin hurts far worse because it creates a divide between you and your Father. (09178250724)
Good day, beautiful people, It’s been a minute, but I am back with some more encouragement from a biblical perspective. I hope you and your families are keeping well and are enjoying the summ…
The old sin just as much as the young, but perhaps they’ve convinced themselves otherwise, or perhaps they’ve just learnt to sin in different ways. God saves us all, God Save the young, God Save the old, God Save The Queen, God Save the King!
Everything we have is a gift from God. Too often, we believe that we have to earn God's love, but God freely gives us His unconditional love. This can be difficult to understand as sinful people, but God forgives and wants us to live abundantly with Him.
When we sin, we should not seek self-forgiveness, but God's forgiveness because sin is against God.
If you’ve been to the movie theatre recently, you’ve probably seen a lot of promotion for the new Lilo & Stitch movie. Despite how you feel about what the internet has dubbed a controversial ending, I want to take a moment to analyze one of the themes in the film. Throughout the movie, Nani, Lilo’s older sister, is trying to make Lilo and Stitch behave so she can maintain a job and keep legal guardianship of her little sister. However, Stitch seems to mess up Nani’s chances of either of these th
This Psalm was written by David during a time of deep distress. It marks a turning point in David's shift from anguish to trust. The call is to release all your worries to the Lord, and He will always walk with you.
A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that stir the soul and awaken purpose. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to Michelle Ule —an author and historian who brings faith-filled stories from the past to life. Through her writing, Michelle reminds us tha