Got a minute? That’s all it takes to listen to HEARTBEAT, a podcast with plain talk about real life. Brought to you by The Salvation Army, HEARTBEAT offers Christian insights on everyday issues. Learn more about the show and our hosts at www.salvationarmysoundcast.org.
Why do we hide the things we’re ashamed of? In this episode of HEARTBEAT, we look at a surprisingly relatable picture from parenting: toddlers testing boundaries, hiding vegetables under the table, and learning what it means to feel guilty. As funny as those moments can be, they reveal something deeply human about all of us. From an early age, we learn to cover up our mistakes, avoid consequences, and pretend we’re more put together than we really are. But God’s grace meets us right there. This devotional explores the balance of truth, consequences, mercy, and love, both in parenting and in our relationship with God. While our instinct is often to hide our failures, God invites us into honesty and healing instead of shame. His grace is not earned by perfection. It’s found when we stop pretending and allow Him into the places we try hardest to cover up. Takeaways from this episode: Shame often causes us to cover up instead of confess. God responds to our failures with both truth and grace. Parenting can reflect God’s balance of correction and mercy. We don’t have to hide from God to receive His love. 👉 Don’t forget: You can also download our free devotional, “Mind, Body & Soul,” designed to help strengthen your walk with God through Scripture, prayer, and practical habits. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP Learn more about HEARTBEAT- https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/heartbeat Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
What does it look like to faithfully shine God’s light in a dark world? In this episode of HEARTBEAT, we reflect on the image of a lighthouse keeper, faithfully tending the light night after night so others can safely find their way. Often unnoticed and unseen, the lighthouse keeper still shows up because the light matters. That picture beautifully mirrors the Christian life. Following Jesus doesn’t always come with recognition or immediate results. Sometimes loving people, speaking truth, showing kindness, and living faithfully can feel quiet and ordinary. But God uses those steady acts of faithfulness in ways we may never fully see. Takeaways from this episode: Faithfulness matters even when no one notices. Small acts of kindness can have eternal impact. Christians are called to shine God’s light consistently. You may never fully see how God uses your influence. Living with love and truth can guide others toward hope. 👉 Don’t forget: You can also download our free devotional, “Mind, Body & Soul,” designed to help strengthen your walk with God through Scripture, prayer, and practical habits. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP Learn more about HEARTBEAT- https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/heartbeat Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
It’s easy to praise God when life feels steady. When the bills are paid, relationships are thriving, and everything seems to be falling into place, declaring “God is good” comes naturally. But what happens when life feels uncertain? In this episode of HEARTBEAT, we’re reminded that faith is often revealed most clearly in the waiting, the storms, and the difficult seasons we didn’t expect. Choosing praise in hard moments becomes more than emotion, it becomes trust. Even when God feels silent, He is still present, still faithful, and still working behind the scenes for our good. Takeaways from this episode: Praise is easy in comfort but powerful in hardship. Faith often means trusting God before you see the outcome. God’s silence does not mean His absence. Waiting seasons can deepen our dependence on God. Even in uncertainty, God is still working for your good. 👉 Don’t forget: You can also download our free devotional, “Mind, Body & Soul,” designed to help strengthen your walk with God through Scripture, prayer, and practical habits. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP Learn more about HEARTBEAT- https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/heartbeat Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
What happens when society forgets someone?In this episode of HEARTBEAT, we’re reminded that no person is beyond the reach of God’s grace, including those behind prison walls. While the world may define people by their worst decisions, God still sees their humanity, their pain, and their potential for redemption. This devotional challenges us to lead with compassion instead of judgment and to remember that every life matters to God. Whether through prayer, encouragement, or simply refusing to overlook people society has written off, we are called to reflect the heart of Christ. Takeaways from this episode: A person’s story is never finished while God is still at work. Compassion often begins when we stop assuming we know someone’s whole story. Christians are called to remember and care for the overlooked. 👉 Don’t forget: You can also download our free devotional, “Mind, Body & Soul,” designed to help strengthen your walk with God through Scripture, prayer, and practical habits. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP Learn more about HEARTBEAT- https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/heartbeat Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Difficult people are part of everyday life, especially in the workplace. Whether it’s constant negativity, tension, criticism, or simply someone who drains your energy, it’s easy to respond with frustration or defensiveness. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to something different. In this episode of HEARTBEAT, we’re reminded that our greatest witness may not be found in what we say, but in how we respond. Patience, kindness, steadiness, and grace in difficult situations can reveal the character of Jesus more powerfully than winning an argument ever could. Takeaways from this episode: How to respond to difficult people with grace Why actions often speak louder than words The difference between reacting and reflecting Christ How patience and kindness become a powerful witness Why Christ-like love is strongest in difficult moments 👉 Don’t forget: You can also download our free devotional, “Mind, Body & Soul,” designed to help strengthen your walk with God through Scripture, prayer, and practical habits. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP Learn more about HEARTBEAT- https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/heartbeat Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Have you ever felt stuck spiritually? Maybe you want a deeper prayer life, but when it’s time to pray, you don’t know where to begin or what to say. In this episode of HEARTBEAT, we’re reminded that growing spiritually doesn’t require perfect words or complicated routines. It starts with simply showing up consistently before God. Takeaways from this episode: Why many Christians feel stuck in prayer The importance of consistency over perfection How creating a dedicated space can help build spiritual rhythms Why guided devotions and prayer apps can be helpful tools 👉 Don’t forget: You can also download our free devotional, “Mind, Body & Soul,” designed to help strengthen your walk with God through Scripture, prayer, and practical habits. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP Learn more about HEARTBEAT- https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/heartbeat Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
As young Christians, many of us pray for dramatic miracles, unmistakable signs, and big moments where God moves in obvious ways. But over time, our faith often matures into something deeper. A desire to simply know that God is present in the ordinary moments of life. In this episode of HEARTBEAT, we reflect on the story of Ruth and the quiet, faithful ways God works through uncertainty, loss, routine, and waiting. Ruth’s story doesn’t begin with a miracle. It begins in hardship. Yet even in the ordinary details of daily life, God was actively weaving together redemption and hope. Takeaways from this episode: What the Book of Ruth teaches about God’s quiet faithfulness Why God often works through ordinary moments Encouragement for seasons of uncertainty and struggle The reminder that God is present even when life feels routine 👉 Don’t forget: You can also download our free devotional, “Mind, Body & Soul,” designed to help strengthen your walk with God through Scripture, prayer, and practical habits. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP Learn more about HEARTBEAT- https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/heartbeat Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Failure has a way of feeling heavier as we get older. As children, encouragement often comes quickly after disappointment. But as adults, failure can feel isolating, personal, and difficult to talk about. In this episode of HEARTBEAT, we’re reminded that failure is not proof that God is finished with us. Throughout Scripture, God continually works through imperfect people- people who struggled, failed, doubted, and still found redemption and purpose in Him. Takeaways from this episode: How God meets us in disappointment and setbacks The reminder that failure is part of being human Examples throughout Scripture of God using imperfect people Why your mistakes and disappointments are not the end of your story 👉 Don’t forget: You can also download our free devotional, “Mind, Body & Soul,” designed to help strengthen your walk with God through Scripture, prayer, and practical habits. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP Learn more about HEARTBEAT- https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/heartbeat Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Preparing for a baby changes everything. From building cribs and organizing tiny clothes to preparing a nursery with love and anticipation, every detail reflects the excitement of welcoming someone deeply loved into your life. In this episode of HEARTBEAT, we connect that beautiful season of preparation to the words of Jesus in John 14: “I go to prepare a place for you.” Just as parents thoughtfully prepare for their child’s arrival, Jesus is intentionally preparing what lies ahead for us. His care is personal, loving, and never rushed. Takeaways from this episode: How preparing for a child reflects the heart of God The comfort found in Jesus’ promise in John 14 Why seasons of preparation matter spiritually Encouragement for parents feeling overwhelmed or uncertain The reminder that God is already preparing what’s ahead 👉 Don’t forget: You can also download our free devotional, “Mind, Body & Soul,” designed to help strengthen your walk with God through Scripture, prayer, and practical habits. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP Learn more about HEARTBEAT- https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/heartbeat Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
It’s easy to get so focused on one moment, one struggle, or one passage of Scripture that we lose sight of the bigger picture. In this episode of HEARTBEAT, we’re reminded that the Bible is not just a collection of disconnected stories, it’s one unified story of God’s love, redemption, and pursuit of humanity. Using the picture of zooming in and out on Google Earth, this episode encourages listeners to step back and see how every part of Scripture connects to God’s greater plan. And even more importantly, it reminds us that we are part of that story too. Takeaways from this episode: Why understanding the “big picture” of the Bible matters How all of Scripture points to God’s redemptive story The danger of focusing too narrowly on isolated passages How perspective can deepen your faith and understanding The reminder that your life is part of God’s ongoing story 👉 Don’t forget: You can also download our free devotional, “Mind, Body & Soul,” designed to help strengthen your walk with God through Scripture, prayer, and practical habits. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP Learn more about HEARTBEAT- https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/heartbeat Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Ed is the Mission and Cultural Ministries Assistant for The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory. He is a husband, father, dancer and Jesus follower.
Bethany Farrell is a beloved daughter of the King. She attempts – with varying degrees of success – to share that love daily with her husband and four young daughters, and with artists of all ages through her work as the Territorial Creative Arts Director for The Salvation Army Southern Territory. Her hands, and her life, are incredibly full.
