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.
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.
Middle school is an incredibly difficult time in life. As a teenager, you’re trying to figure out who you are and where you belong. We may even try on different personalities to see what sticks. Someone who loves to read and play music may begin acting like jock to fit in with the basketball team. Or a kind-spirited girl may start acting mean to fit in with the popular girls. But, to everyone around them, the contrast between who they are and who they’re pretending to be is quite apparent. The Apostle Paul reminds us believers that we no longer live according to the flesh but by the spirit. So, be the uniquely created work of art God has created you to be. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
We often take trees for granted. Maybe we don’t think twice when we see half a forest removed to make way for more homes. But trees serve an important role in the function of our world. As they take in the carbon dioxide that we humans exhale, trees in turn produce oxygen for us to breathe. It’s the perfect symbiotic relationship. Sometimes we’re tempted to think that we can function apart from God. Nothing could be further from the truth! He involves Himself in our lives even when we don’t notice, nurturing and protecting when we’re unable to do so ourselves. This too is a perfect relationship. If you don’t know Him, ask God to make Himself known to you today. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Many Christians, when speaking to unbelievers, may get a little off track as they share specific theologies, doctrines, denominational differences. But the simplest place to start is this- Do you believe in God? Even as believers, most of us have had periods in life where we question. Whether it’s in the wake of a tragedy or doubts in certain interpretations of scripture. If this is you or you want to know how to speak to unbelievers, I want to introduce you to a really cool website. Everystudent.com is a site where you can find answers to all kinds of questions about God and faith. Here you can ask questions of your own or sign up to receive study packets that present the gospel and lay out a beautiful case for the existence of God. So, check it out- https://www.everystudent.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
I think most of us would think of rain as a negative thing. Maybe you planned a camping trip- and as soon as you begin to setup camp it starts pouring. Rain was the last thing you wanted on this trip. But if you’re a farmer and your crops are failing- rain could be the difference between a successful year and financial failure. The Bible says that God pours out His blessings like a gentle rain. What a fitting description of the God of the universe! It gives us a clear picture of the Creator caring for us even in the middle of difficult times. Maybe rain isn’t so bad after all. The next time you’re caught in a storm think of God- constantly pouring out His blessings in your life. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Mountain climbers have a concept called the “false summit”. During a climb they’ll often get to what they think is the peak, only to realize they’re at the bottom of an even larger mountain. This is a great spiritual lesson too. I can think of the times in my life where I wasn’t listening to God. I was trying to go my own way. This is usually the way seems easier, until you realize you’ve only reached the bottom of a much larger mountain. Are you on the right path? Are you listening to God and what He wants for your life? Make sure your peak isn’t a false summit. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Volunteering has a meaningful, positive impact on your community. But did you know that volunteering also benefits you personally? Beyond the intangible benefits such as pride and accomplishment, there is also a strong relationship between volunteering and health. Studies have shown that those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” So consider volunteering! Not only will it strengthen your community and improve lives; it may even transform your own. 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.
