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.
In a classic sitcom, a character's mistake is often met with blame-shifting and denial, but what happens when the truth finally comes out? In this episode of Heartbeat, the speaker explores a pivotal moment in the Book of Genesis where Judah takes responsibility for his actions, marking a turning point in his life and the bigger story he's a part of. This moment of honesty has a profound impact, and the speaker delves into what it means for us today. When we stop making excuses and start surrendering, God can do incredible work in our lives. But what does it take to get to that point? And how can we apply this lesson to our own lives? 👉 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.
Why is it so hard to let go of control? In this episode of HEARTBEAT, we start with something surprisingly relatable: being a passenger in a car. We like feeling in control. And when that control disappears, anxiety and fear can quickly take over. The same struggle often shows up in our faith. Following God requires trust, especially when we can’t see the full picture. Proverbs 3 reminds us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” That kind of trust means surrendering the need to control every outcome and believing that God sees what we cannot. This devotional is an encouragement for anyone feeling anxious about the future, overwhelmed by uncertainty, or exhausted from trying to hold everything together. God is not trying to confuse or embarrass you. He is leading you with wisdom, purpose, and care, even when the path ahead feels unclear. Takeaways from this episode: Our desire for control often reveals deeper fears and insecurities. Faith requires trusting God beyond our own understanding. God sees the full picture even when we cannot. Letting go of control can lead to deeper peace and dependence on God. Uncertainty does not mean God is absent from your situation. 👉 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 so overwhelmed by guilt or shame that you started believing God wanted nothing to do with you? In this episode of HEARTBEAT, we talk about the spiritual tunnel vision that sin can create. Shame has a way of narrowing our perspective until all we can see is our failure, our mistakes, and the distance we feel between ourselves and God. It convinces us we’re alone, uniquely broken, or somehow beyond grace. But that’s not the story Jesus tells. Looking at the woman caught in adultery in John 8, we’re reminded that while others stood ready to condemn, Jesus stayed near. He confronted the brokenness around her with both truth and mercy, then invited her into a new way of living: “Go, and sin no more.” God has not moved away from you. Even in your struggle, He is still calling you toward healing, freedom, and restoration. Shame isolates, but grace invites us to be made new. Takeaways from this episode: Shame can distort how we see ourselves and God. Sin isolates, but Jesus moves toward broken people with grace. God’s response to our failure is not abandonment. Jesus offers both truth and mercy. No one is beyond the invitation to healing and restoration. 👉 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 God do when we feel lost, forgotten, or far from Him? In this episode of HEARTBEAT, we reflect on Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep from Matthew 18; a powerful reminder that God doesn’t abandon those who wander. While the world often values the loudest, strongest, or most successful, Jesus tells the story of a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep behind just to search for one that is missing. That’s the heart of God toward us. If you’ve been struggling spiritually, battling feelings of isolation, depression, shame, or distance from God, this devotional is a reminder that you are not invisible to Him. God does not wait for you to have everything together before He moves toward you. His grace pursues you even in the darkest places. The Shepherd still knows your name. And no matter how far you feel you’ve wandered, you are never beyond His reach. Takeaways from this episode: God personally pursues those who feel lost or forgotten. Your value to God is not based on your strength or performance. Depression and spiritual struggles do not separate you from God’s love. Jesus moves toward us with compassion, not abandonment. No one is too far gone for God’s grace to reach. 👉 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 stepped out in faith only to wonder if it even mattered? Maybe you started something meaningful; a Bible study, a ministry opportunity, a conversation about faith, and the response felt small. Maybe you’ve tried to serve quietly, love people well, or live more boldly for Christ, yet it feels like no one notices. In this episode of HEARTBEAT, we’re reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 13, where He compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed. Small. Ordinary. Easy to overlook. But over time, that tiny seed grows into something strong, life-giving, and impactful. That’s often how God works in our lives too. He doesn’t ask us to produce instant results or impressive outcomes. He asks for faithfulness. If you’ve been discouraged because your efforts feel unnoticed or insignificant, this episode is a reminder that God is still at work in the small things. Takeaways from this episode: God often works through small beginnings. Faithfulness matters more than visibility. Small acts of obedience can lead to lasting impact. The kingdom of God grows in ways we don’t always immediately see. What feels insignificant to you may be deeply meaningful to God. 👉 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.
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.
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.
