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.
Pilots say that when flying, for every degree you fly off course you’ll miss your target landing spot by 92 feet for every mile flown. That amounts to being about one mile off target for every 60 feet you fly. The longer you travel off course, the further you’ll be from the intended target. Being only one degree off can make a critical difference in where you will land! But just as it’s hard to recognize being one degree off while flying at 30,000 feet, it’s also hard to realize “one degree failures” in our lives. We need a crystal clear flight plan. And with God as your pilot, your safe arrival at the final destination is guaranteed! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
In most sports, there’s some sort of play-off or tournament to determine the overall champion. Even if you’re not a sports fan, it’s hard to ignore the hard work and dedication that it takes to become the champions. Winning in life takes a lot of hard work and dedication as well. An encouragement found in the Bible tells us to “forget what is behind and press on toward the goal that’s ahead”. When we keep our eyes on the prize, the Holy Spirit will direct our steps. If you’re currently feeling defeated- but you’re hearing this message right now, the race is far from over. Trust God and move forward. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
This past Sunday I saw a little girl raising her hands while we were singing in church. While she was raising her hands, she was looking around to make sure that everyone else was still raising theirs. She was imitating her grandparents- and looking for reassurance that she was doing it right. I wonder how many times you and I were so concerned with what everyone else was doing that we missed out on the opportunity to really worship God. Today, let’s choose to be more responsive to God’s leading in our lives than to the fear of being judged by someone else. What God thinks of us is what really matters. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Researchers asked a group of people to make a list, once a week for ten weeks, of five things they were thankful for. Other groups in the study wrote different kinds of weekly lists, such as five key events. The “thankful” group felt more happiness, excitement, and joy than the other groups. They even reported better physical health – fewer headaches and coughs. Paul tells the Colossians in chapter 2 that they should continue to live in Christ, strengthened in their faith and overflowing with thankfulness. So, try this out! Make a list today of things God has given you to be thankful for. You’ll probably feel better! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Still sleepy, you roll over to check the time. You look at your phone only to realize you never set the alarm! And now it’s 5 minutes before you’re supposed to be at work! Do you know that feeling of defeat as you hurry to make yourself presentable for your already delayed day? In much the same way, people everywhere are missing their “spiritual alarms.” God is at work all around them, yet they remain oblivious to God’s leading and guidance. If this is you, WAKE UP! Don’t miss the opportunity to see God in action! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Counterfeiting is a serious problem in our country. It‘s been estimated that American businesses lose more than 250 billion dollars annually because of it. In 2021 the U.S. Customs and Border Protection made more than 13,000 seizures of counterfeit goods. And believe it or not, footwear comprised 40% of those fake items. Thousands of people are walking around in counterfeit shoes! The Bible says that if we claim to have fellowship with God and yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. It might be easy to fool people with fake shoes, but it is impossible to fool God with a counterfeit faith. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
In ancient Jerusalem, a Rabbi’s teachings were called his “yoke.” His people sat under his teaching while quote- “clothing” themselves in his words. In the Bible, in Matthew 11:29 Jesus tells His disciples, “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.” How good does that sound? Isn’t that what so many of us want? Not just sleep, but rest for our souls – a place to put our burdens. Today, “clothe yourself” with Christ’s teachings, begin to take on His character, and learn to trust Him with your burdens. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
We have 100,000 to 150,000 hairs on our heads, and we spend a great deal of time and money on them. In fact, in the United States, we spend about $7.5 billion dollars a year on our hair. We frequent salons for cuts, styles, perms, highlights, and color. We buy blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons. We routinely use shampoos and conditioners, moisturizers and pomades, sprays and gels. We obviously care about our hair. But as much as we care about our own, God cares even more. The Bible tells us that even the very hairs on our head are numbered. He knows you that well. How well do you know Him? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
If you’re even remotely handy, I’m sure you have a tool drawer if not a proper toolbox in your house. If you’re hanging a picture, you know where to find a hammer. If the hinges to a door are loose, you know where to find a screwdriver. You know right where to look to find the perfect tool for the job. Our relationship with scripture should be like this too. Maybe you’re struggling with a relationship- read 1st Peter chapter 4. Or maybe you’re looking for wisdom about your finances; try Romans 13. Or maybe you’re grieving the loss of a loved one. The Bible is full of encouraging words like Psalm 34: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”. When your spirit is in need of repair, turn to the Word of God and let it be a toolbox for life. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
You’re driving to work on your usual route when you see the dreaded sign- “Road Closed ahead”. There’s a detour. This seems like a plot to ruin your plans. It’s only after you pass the roadblock that you understand the reason for the detour. In the Bible God tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” How many detours have you taken in life? While it may seem that God is placing detours in our life to ruin our plans, He’s really directing us to a safer path, away from danger. When you encounter a detour in life, will you thank God for the opportunity to drive down the safer road that He offers? 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.
