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.
A recent study suggests that time spent in fellowship with other people is good for our health. People with fewer social ties had significantly higher risks of heart disease and cancer. Doctors claim that social isolation is a source of chronic stress that puts us at risk. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting together for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other…” So, Don’t isolate! If you’ve gotten out of the habit of going to church, maybe you should go back. Social ties that are also spiritual are extra good for your health! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Recently, I was listening to an interview with an Olympic high diving champion. They asked her how she overcame the fear to jump from higher and higher platforms. She said she learned a lesson early on- that when she decides to do something challenging, she leaves fear at the door. She literally pictures herself dropping it off and moving forward. What a great piece of advice. What are you nervous about right now? A job interview? A public speaking event? A high diving competition? Try her advice. Recognize the fear you have about the event and leave it at the door. The apostle Paul gives us some encouraging words in 2nd Timothy “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
A master silversmith was carefully preparing silver for molding. The ore liquefied and came to a slow boil in the large pot hanging over the fire. He scooped off the residue that had risen to the top and discarded it, explaining that he was making sure the silver was pure; free from any impurities known as “dross.” Curious, an onlooker asked how he knew when the silver was pure. The silversmith answered, “When I see my face clearly reflected in the silver.” Jesus wants to see His image reflected in you. Only when you bear the Master’s image are you truly pure. So, let Him remove the impurities so His image can be reflected to the world around you. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
I was on a solo road trip recently that took me through the Appalachian Mountains. I had already been on the road for hours and was getting restless and grumpy. Just ready to be there. I was stressed- thinking of all I needed to do once I arrived. But, suddenly, the highway rounded through the forest and opened up in a valley- surrounded by gorgeous, lush mountains- with pieces of clouds clinging to them like cotton candy. My jaw literally dropped at the beauty. I felt so small. In that moment my petty concerns seemed so insignificant. God has always used His creation to bring me back to Him. In that moment I could hear His spirit telling me to simply breathe. If you’re feeling stressed out, maybe it’s time you disconnected and enjoyed His creation. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
I was walking through midtown on my way to a meeting when I noticed a homeless lady struggling with her bike across the street. The front wheel looked crooked, and I could see she was frustrated. But I was going to be late! I kept walking, until I remembered a quote from author James Clear. “You don’t help people when it’s convenient for you- you help people when they need help”. I turned around and crossed the street- greeting the woman with the bike. I asked if I could help and together, we got the axle back in the right spot and she was good to go. She was so excited that I stopped to help. With all that she had going on- in that moment I was able to remind her we’re all in this together. Sometimes that’s all people need. The omnipresence of our heavenly Father is lived out through us. So, whether it’s convenient or not, go and be His hands and feet. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
When children begin taking swimming lessons, they’re often asked to jump into the water from the pool's edge. But this can be an incredibly scary experience for many kids. It's not unusual to see a small child frozen at the edge of the pool while everyone else encourages them to jump. To ease this fear, swimming instructors often demonstrate the jump themselves, allowing the child to witness someone they know and trust successfully entering the water and resurfacing safely. Similarly, Jesus did the same for us. He faced and endured all the challenges and hardships that we encounter in life. Through His example, He demonstrated that it is possible to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious. He’s given us the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us through the trials we face. So, follow your Savior and jump in! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Baseball legend Yogi Berra was once struggling in a tied game, bottom of the ninth, two outs. The opposing batter stepped into the box and used his bat to draw a cross in the dirt. Berra quickly wiped the religious symbol off the plate. A Catholic as well, he said to the batter, “Why don’t we let God just watch this game?” Can you resonate with Berra? It’s so common to see people trivialize religion by petitioning God selectively and selfishly. However, we can also take comfort today in the fact that God’s involvement in our lives is not simply that of a spectator. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
The Canadian based, multimillion-dollar, Cirque du Soleil is known for its innovation, strategic risk-taking, and pushing the envelope. When looking for new talent, Cirque du Soleil scouts often ask candidates to do something totally unexpected at an audition, such as climb a rope and sing a song at the top. If the candidate shows any hesitation, they’re generally out the door. In the Bible, we see Jesus doing a similar thing. He says, “Drop what you’re doing and follow me.” “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Jesus asks of us - the totally unexpected. So, don’t hesitate! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Have you ever dreamt of receiving an unexpected large inheritance? Maybe some distant uncle you’ve never met somehow leaves you a huge sum of money and a mansion? You’re suddenly wealthy by no effort of your own! As believers in Christ, we’ve received an inheritance. An undeserved, un-worked for inheritance that doesn’t come with unpaid property taxes. The Apostle Paul says in Ephesians chapter 1 that “In Christ we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will” This inheritance is everlasting life. It’s the gift of his Holy Spirit in you, and a peace above all understanding. You may not have a distant, diseased, wealthy uncle- but in Christ, spiritually, you are rich beyond measure! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
I hate making mistakes. Yet, did you know so many inventions we use today were created by accident? Stirring a pot of chemicals in 1826, John Walker pulled his wooden stir stick out of the pot and tried to wipe the glob of chemicals stuck on the table. Instead of wiping off, the chemicals ignited. As a result, matches were born! And simply by using the wrong resistor in a device led medical researcher Wilson Greatbatch to develop the pacemaker. We often make mistakes in life. We’re not perfect. But the good news is that God is in the restoration business. So, if you’ve made a mistake, take your concerns to God and allow Him to turn your failures into a success. 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.
