A Moment of Hope

Begin your day with a "Moment of Hope." This podcast is a compliment to David and Marilynn's weekday devotional - providing deeper insights and encouragement. Featuring Jenn Houston.

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 16:25 04/08/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 16:18 04/07/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 15:3 04/06/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 15:18, Temper, Temper! 04/03/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 15:18, Temper, Temper! by Marilynn Chadwick “A hot-tempered person stirs up strife, but one who is slow to anger quiets contention.” Proverbs 15:18 Be slow to anger. The book of Proverbs has lots to say about the problem of anger. Over fifteen different verses warn of the dangers of an unbridled temper. Anger is described as foolish and destructive. Being slow to anger is a sign of moral strength. So dangerous is anger that we’re warned to steer clear of close friendships with hot-tempered people to avoid letting them influence our behavior. “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared” (Proverbs 22:24, 25 NIV). Several verses in Proverbs give us a tutorial on how to avoid the anger trap. We’re encouraged to replace anger with a virtue, such as patience: Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly (Proverbs 14:29). A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1). Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins (Proverbs 10:12). Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice (Proverbs 13:10). A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense (Proverbs 19:11). Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin (Proverbs 17:19). That last tip in Proverbs 17:19 gives me pause. I confess I’ve been known to enjoy “verbal jousting” at times. And friendly debates are not all bad. But it’s good to remember that debates can become quarrels. I don’t want to “love a quarrel,” which this verse calls “loving sin.” Ancient Jewish rabbis were so aware of the potentially destructive nature of anger that they elevated the virtue of love even above the highly prized virtue of truth. Anger can be bad for our health, cause us to make rash and unwise decisions, and even lose at war. Someone once advised soldiers to “never enter a sword fight angry.” Proverbs 16:32 teaches that true strength is found in controlling one's spirit rather than winning an argument and a patient person is “stronger than a warrior.” Let’s remember that God hates strife, especially in families and the family of God (Malachi 2:10). I don’t know about you, but I’m thankful that love covers a “multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40445955

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 26:17, Don’t Be a Busybody 04/02/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 26:17, Don’t Be a Busybody by Marilynn Chadwick "Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.” Proverbs 26:17 My husband, David, recently addressed Proverbs 26:17, but I find it so important that I want to expound upon it again today. Proverbs 26:11 says that if someone repeats their folly, they are fools. So, in an effort to walk in wisdom, let’s look at this concept again. It is the danger of meddling in another’s affairs, sometimes referring to the sin of being a “busybody.” This kind of intrusion includes entering into someone else’s argument. It doesn’t take much imagination to see how grabbing a “stray dog by the ears,” as described in Proverbs 26:17, will cause us certain pain in the end. Just as a dog will snap at you if you grab its ears, people in a fight will sometimes turn their anger on the person who meddles in their quarrel. The word “busybody” seems a bit old-fashioned. I’ve always thought of a busybody as a term for the frivolous but rather harmless gossip caricatured in a comedy. But the Bible paints a more serious picture. Scripture warns that being a meddler or busybody comes with its own form of danger, even suffering. “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters” (1 Peter 4:15 NKJV). Did you catch that? Being a busybody, or meddler, causes suffering. Let’s look at a different version of this verse in its context: “If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name (1 Peter 4:15-16 NIV). Life is messy, and sin causes pain. But if we suffer, it shouldn’t be as a murderer or thief. Or even as a busybody. The New Testament term for “busybody” is defined as “one who oversees that which belongs to another.” Also described as “factious,” the busybody, or meddler, causes trouble for himself or herself and spreads trouble and division to others. That’s why it’s not a minor offense. Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes the wisdom of avoiding the temptation to stir up strife. It warns that “fools constantly meddle and bring trouble on themselves” (Proverbs 20:3). Bottom line? Mind your own business! And when you’re tempted to take charge of something that’s not your own, remember the Bible’s warning to avoid the suffering that’s sure to follow. Next time I’m tempted to meddle, I’ll think back to that image of a dog snapping at me and try to resist the temptation to “fix everybody and everything.” /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40445920

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 16:8, A Common but Dangerous Sin 04/01/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 16:8, A Common but Dangerous Sin by Marilynn Chadwick “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” Proverbs 16:8 NIV The Bible mentions gossip and its related behaviors, such as slander, backbiting, and whispering, over 150 times. The sin of gossip is often mentioned alongside more seemingly serious sins, like theft or murder. “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy” (Romans 1:29-32 NIV). Gossip is pretty serious stuff. The book of Proverbs paints a picture of the dire consequences of gossip and gives ample warnings to avoid its sting: “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret” (Proverbs 11:13 NIV). At its core, gossip is simply another lust of the flesh. And like any lust, gossip can seem temporarily satisfying. “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts” (Proverbs 18:8). The New Testament strongly warns us about the dangers of gossip. It’s as if gossip is an appetite all its own. "But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another!" (Galatians 5:15 NKJV). This passage is addressed to Christ followers and warns against destructive conflict, gossip, and strife within the church. The solution is found in Galatians 5:16: “Walk in the Spirit and you will not obey the lusts of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16 NIV). When we follow Jesus, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit. Living by the Holy Spirit’s guidance, or “walking in the Spirit," enables us to overcome sinful, fleshly desires, like the temptation to gossip, rather than giving in to them. This requires continual abiding in Christ and trusting his power within us, rather than simply fighting the temptation through sheer willpower. Remember, the flesh and spirit continually war against one another (Galatians 5:16-17). When it comes to the sin of gossip, it pays to be alert. To realize temptation can come disguised as a “prayer request” or “verbal processing” with a friend. Walk in the Spirit daily. Keep up your guard. Be alert to the devil’s methods. Don’t use your freedom to “indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:14). Sometimes the best defense is a good offense. Replace gossip with something stronger. Pray. Try fasting from gossip. Take it to the cross. Find accountability with a fellow believer. And remember, love covers a multitude of sins. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40445880

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:25, Dress for Success 03/31/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:25, Dress for Success by Marilynn Chadwick “Strength and honor are her clothing.” Proverbs 31:25 CSB The woman of valor in Proverbs 31:10 (CJB) is also described as a woman of “honor” (v. 25). Throughout the Bible, valor and honor go hand in hand. David's Mighty Men of Valor were an elite group of roughly 37 warriors in the Old Testament (2 Samuel 23, 1 Chronicles 11). They were renowned for exceptional loyalty, strength, valor, and honor. To honor someone is to treat them with admiration or respect. Honor conveys dignity, honesty, and integrity. Years ago, I wrote an editorial in our local newspaper honoring my husband’s legendary basketball coach, Dean Smith, at his passing. Along with great basketball, Coach Smith taught David about honor. Responses to my article, some from well-known leaders in our community, caused me to wonder if our culture is thirsty for honor. Perhaps it’s because honor is sorely lacking in many of our homes. Marriages are breaking up at an alarming rate. Sadly, the percentage of wives leaving their husbands has risen significantly. Over the years, I’ve discovered that honoring my husband in today’s culture requires something of a fight. It helps to realize that we have an enemy. Not just of our soul, but also of our marriages. In addition to waging a war with the devil, our battle for a strong marriage is also against our own selfish tendencies. Honoring our husband or wife sometimes goes against the grain of our flesh. If we truly want to honor our spouse, we’ll find ourselves resisting a world that degrades and disrespects marriage. I’ve learned I can best fight for my husband and honor our marriage most powerfully by interceding for him in prayer. The tone we set in our homes when we honor our husband or wife inspires our children to honor their parents and each other. It feels good to get respect. To be honored. But it also feels incredibly good to honor someone else. We find that as we give honor, we get it back. But giving honor, especially in a world that has largely forgotten this concept, doesn’t come easy. It takes practice. David and I have written companion books exploring ways this lost art of honor can be reclaimed in our marriages, our families, and our culture. I believe our world today is thirsty for honor. Honor requires self-sacrifice and humility. I’ve learned that home can be a wonderful laboratory for cultivating honor. My hope is that the culture of honor we create will spill over into the culture around us. to download a free copy of 8 Great Ways to Honor Your Wife by David Chawick and 8 Great Ways to Honor Your Husband by Marilynn Chadwick. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40445865

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 10:5, This Book is Alive 03/30/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 10:5, This Book is Alive by Marilynn Chadwick “Every word of God is flawless.” Proverbs 30:5a NIV I was around fifteen when I concluded God did not exist. I was not angry or rebellious. I simply no longer believed God was real. I had grown up in the church, attending Sunday School and Vacation Bible Schools. I was “confirmed” as a twelve-year-old. I even went on a couple of high school retreats. But over the years, I gradually stopped believing, and by college, I had stopped going to church altogether. I would occasionally attend our family’s church out of respect for my parents when I was home from college. Out of curiosity one day, I picked up the Bible to try and read a few words. Nothing made sense. From then on, I saw the Bible as nothing more than a “dead book.” I had a dramatic encounter with Jesus as a 21-year-old college student while reading C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity. I accepted him as my Savior and have never looked back. Suddenly, when I began to read the Bible, it was as if words jumped off the page. They were true, and they were speaking directly to me. This book is alive! I began to seek the Lord wholeheartedly, engaging in Bible studies and learning from Christian mentors. One thing became clear: God’s Word is the truth and every word in the Bible is true. Or as Proverbs 30:5 puts it, “Every word of God is flawless.” Other versions say “tried,” “tested,” or “pure.” A friend wisely encouraged me. You can’t believe one part of Scripture but throw out the parts you don’t like. If you do that, you’ll never be able to confidently stand on God’s promises when you need them. I began to lead a group of young wives in a Bible study, all recent college graduates like me. They knew even less about the Bible than I did but were eager to learn. “Hey girls,” I said, “it says we are supposed to tithe, so let’s do it!” Or “the Bible tells us to respect our husbands as spiritual leaders of our home.” “Well, if the Bible says it,” they chimed in, “let’s do it.” Thus began a life-changing Bible journey. I’ve learned firsthand Paul got it right when he instructed young Timothy: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Friend, it takes time to become “fluent” in Scripture. But let’s remember, once we accept Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit as our indwelling teacher who promises to make all things clear (1 John 2:27). /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40445835

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 13:20 03/27/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 13:20 by David Chadwick “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but if you walk with fools, you will become foolish. 1 Corinthians 15:33 has a similar teaching, which says, “Bad company ruins good morals.” If you have never heard this principle before, hear it today: who you choose to work with, spend time with, marry, and be influenced by really, really matters. Once again, I have to give a nod back to my dad, who said it this way, “Your friends are like elevators; they will either take you up or bring you down.” What a profound truth this is! It is so important to be discerning and careful as you choose companions. The book of Proverbs is so clear. One option will make you wiser, and the other brings destruction and harm. The people you keep company with will either propel you toward greatness or tear you down. Your friends and your companions will either make you foolish or wise. There really is not an in-between, lukewarm option to this principle. For those of you who are parents, you should seek to implement this truth with your kids and teens. Peer pressure is real, and you, as parents, have every right and responsibility to guide your children in choosing their friends. Intervene when necessary! Talk to them. Be honest with them about what you notice in other people. Use Proverbs 13:20 as a guide to help teach your children this very important life lesson so that they can lead lives of wisdom. Too often, parents hesitate to interfere with their children’s decision-making because they don’t know how it will be received. But healthy stewardship of the children God has given you is not control. Remember you have been called to lead your children in the wisdom and instruction of the Lord (Deuteronomy 11:19). No matter what age you are, walk with wise people. Avoid fools. And encourage others to do the same. This principle will keep all of us safe and growing in wisdom. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40445805

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 13:15 03/26/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 26:17 03/25/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 26:17 by David Chadwick “Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.” Proverbs 26:17 Today’s proverb gives some very wise advice: Don’t meddle in other people’s affairs. You’ll often get caught in the middle, and your own life will be hurt or even ruined. One or both of the parties involved might even turn against you! A meddler puts their nose where it doesn’t belong. Proverbs compares it to someone who grabs a passing dog by the ears. Can you picture the end result of that decision? A lot of thrashing, frustration, and chaos. A great biblical example of this truth is found in the story of King Josiah. God blessed him because he was a righteous and good king who led well. But he got caught in the crosshairs of a battle between Egypt and Babylon. Egypt’s King Neco was taking his army north to battle against Babylon. King Neco told King Josiah that his battle was not with Israel, and he promised to pass through Israel without any intention of harm to Josiah’s people (2 Chronicles 35). Instead of staying out of the fray of the fight, Josiah decided to take on King Neco in battle. He put on his armor and led his people into battle and ended up being killed. Had he refrained from meddling in something that wasn’t his business, he would have lived. Dear friends, you are not meant to fight every battle. My dad used to say to me often, “Choose your battles wisely. Not every battle is yours.” These were such wise words from my dad, and his words perfectly aligned with Solomon’s wisdom. It is one of the most important lessons to learn. Every situation that arises is not your mountain to climb. Too many people get themselves in trouble when they think they are supposed to fix every problem that pops up. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to put your head down, stay in your lane, and let God be God. Surrender. Let go of control. This puts God back in the driver’s seat. And choose faith! Today and every day until Jesus returns! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40445745

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 13:12 03/24/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 13:12 by David Chadwick “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12 Hope is a powerful weapon. It provides the motivation to keep persevering, keep moving forward, and keep believing. In fact, hope is so powerful that Proverbs says hope deferred makes the heart sick. Have you ever hoped for something and had to wait upon the Lord? Have you desired something that took a long time to come to pass? What do you do when God’s answer simply doesn’t come in the period you have wanted to see it happen? What happens when you wait and wait and wait some more? Many of us are all too familiar with this reality. So what do you do? Believe. Have faith. Trust that the delay has purpose. Know that delay does not equal God’s denial. Sometimes hope must be cultivated alongside patience and endurance. When a desire takes a long time to be fulfilled, it is important to be long-suffering while contending in hope. God may be doing something in you, in your eternal character, that he couldn’t do without the waiting. Do you know how to be long-suffering? If not, let me share a few tips that will help you cultivate the fruit of patience in your life. First, remain childlike. Jesus said to let the little children come to him because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like them (Matthew 19:14). Children have pure hearts and believe that anything is possible. Secondly, memorize verses like Isaiah 40:31, which says that our strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord. Don’t allow waiting to deter your faith and hope, but rather use the “wait room” much like a physical “weight room” to build your spiritual muscles of faith and hope. Third, pray and fast. The Bible is clear that some breakthroughs only come through prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29). There must be a reason Jesus practiced this spiritual discipline himself and encouraged us to do the same. After all of this, when the final victory comes, you will see how much you learned during your waiting period. You will praise God not just for the prize of the “desire fulfilled,” but for all that you learned in the process. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40445705

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 16:33 03/23/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 16:33 by David Chadwick “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Proverbs 16:33 God is in control of everything. Absolutely everything. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is outside of his control. Every single part of creation bows to his authority. Proverbs says that even the drawing of straws is under the sovereign hand of God. Biblically, the number 12 holds tremendous significance. It means spiritual perfection. In the Old Testament, there were 12 tribes. Then in the New Testament, Jesus had 12 disciples, or apostles. In light of that, let me share a New Testament story with you where we see this proverb come to life. When Judas hung himself, the apostles began to look for his replacement. They decided they needed a 12th to be complete. As they waited for Pentecost, they thought this might be a reason for God’s delay. So the disciples drew straws. And Matthias was selected to replace Judas. The drawing of straws may seem like a strange way to decide the 12th apostle, but God oversaw it. His sovereign hand guided and directed this process exactly as he saw fit. Whether it’s a political election, a historical event, a moment of victory, or a time of loss, we must always step back and remember with full confidence that God is in control. He is sovereign in both the practical and the spiritual. God oversees all of creation, but for those of us who are called by him to serve him, he is not just overseeing our lives; he is working everything together for our good and for his glory (Romans 8:28). We can and should wholeheartedly trust him with every detail of our lives, every decision we may make, and every twist and turn along the way. We may not draw straws anymore, but we are always making decisions about our lives and our futures. Through prayer, through wise counsel from others, through the Word of God, and through the power of his Holy Spirit, we must trust that he is guiding us and overseeing everything for our good and his glory. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40445685

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 16:28, The Dangers of Gossip 03/20/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 16:28, The Dangers of Gossip by Marilynn Chadwick “A devious person spreads quarrels. A gossip separates the closest of friends.” Proverbs 16:28 GW The Bible mentions the sin of gossip nearly a dozen times. Over half those instances occur in the book of Proverbs. Previously, I shared how one of my wise young friends is intentional to speak well of her husband when talking to others. “I try to compliment my husband in front of others when he is present, but also when he is absent. In situations where it is tempting to criticize publicly, I try to say nothing and follow up on the conversation when we are at home in private. Then, I choose my words wisely—and above all, prayerfully.” The Bible cautions us about the seriousness of harming someone’s reputation, warning us to “slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone” (Titus 3:2 NIV). The word translated “slander” is the Greek term blasphemeo. It comes from two words—blapto, which means “to injure,” and pheme, or “speech.” It can be translated as “to hurt another’s reputation through slur or insult.” The Anglicized version, “blasphemy,” is often used to describe the offense of speaking abusively against God. But it also addresses speaking against others. “For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly” (Mark 7:21-22). Let’s look at three more examples of Proverbs wisdom regarding gossip: “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much” (Proverbs 20:19) “Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down” (Proverbs 26:20). “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts” (Proverbs 26:22). In the New Testament, Paul warns the church at Corinth: “I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish...that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder” (2 Corinthians 12:20). It’s sobering to see gossip and slander right up there with what we might consider “more serious” offenses. That should make us think twice when we are tempted to speak ill of another person—especially a fellow believer. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40257600

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 15:18, This Hinders Prayer 03/19/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 15:18, This Hinders Prayer by Marilynn Chadwick “A hot-tempered person stirs up strife, but one who is slow to anger calms a quarrel.” Proverbs 15:18 TLV Faith in Jesus is serious business. But God’s Word also calls us to a type of “faith” in each other as members of the body of Christ. Scripture warns us that to “break faith” with one another can greatly impede our prayers. Ancient Israel had broken faith with each other and then cried out to God, wondering why he was displeased with them. The prophet Malachi accuses them of covering God’s altar with “tears, with weeping and with sighing, because he no longer looks at the offering or receives your gift with favor” (Malachi 2:13 CJB). “Don’t we all have the same father?” he continues. “Didn’t one God create us all? Then why do we break faith with each other, profaning the covenant of our ancestors?” (Malachi 2:10). Next, Malachi addresses their marriages: “The Lord is witness between you and the wife of your youth that you have broken faith with her, though she is your companion, your wife by covenant” (Malachi 2:13, 14 CJB). Breaking faith is serious business in God’s eyes. “I hate divorce,” says the Lord God of Israel...” (Malachi 2:16 NIV 1984). Peter seizes upon this connection between marital harmony and answered prayer, exhorting believing husbands and wives to treat each other in a godly way as “heirs together of the gracious gift of life” (1 Peter 3:7 NIV). “Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives so that nothing will hinder your prayers” (1 Peter 3:7). Enkopt, translated “hinder,” comes from the idea of cutting or striking. It conveys a strong interruption or stoppage. Marital strife can literally derail answered prayer. Malachi gives us a practical prescription to protect both our marriages and our relationships with fellow believers: “So guard yourself in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth” (Malachi 2:15b NIV 1984). And again, regarding fellow believers, he says, “So guard yourself and do not break faith” (v. 16b). The word translated “guard” means “to keep, preserve, protect; to keep watch.” Let’s be mindful and prayerful, therefore, to guard against strife in our marriages, our families, and our church family. I wonder if we’d keep a closer watch on ourselves if we truly believed that strife hinders prayer. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40257585

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 4:25-26, Fight Forward 03/18/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 4:25-26, Fight Forward by Marilynn Chadwick "Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established." Proverbs 4:25-26 CSB The book of Proverbs is filled with tips on how to persevere as we pursue a dream or fight through a trial. James, sometimes called “The Proverbs of the New Testament,” gives us similar encouragement: "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life" (James 1:12 ESV). But let’s face it. Waiting is hard! "How do I hold onto my hopes and dreams when God seems silent?" This question came from a sincere follower of Christ. How do we handle those times when we have prayed and prayed, but the answer is so slow in coming? Perhaps we sense that a particular dream is God's plan for us. But the days, weeks, months, and even years go by. How do we keep our dream alive? How do we learn to wait well? I think back to what I refer to as my season of "wait training." In our early years of marriage, David and I looked forward to the day we would have children. But nothing happened, month after month. Months became years, and by the end of the fourth year, waiting had become a way of life. I hovered between my dream of having a child and the dailiness of living life well in the moment. But I wanted my life to count, even while I waited. I decided to get my master’s degree in counseling and spent time working in vulnerable communities. I later worked at a Crisis Pregnancy Center with young women caught in problem pregnancies. An infertile woman trying to have a baby caring for women who didn’t want to be pregnant? It was an odd assignment, but strangely healing. I used to remark that I was like a recovering alcoholic serving drinks at a bar—surrounded by that which I could not have. During this time, a door was opened for David and me to go on a short-term missions trip. My first trip to Africa would be our first of many short-term missions experiences. Even after our children finally came, this lesson remained etched in my mind: When you are hurting, fight forward. We eventually partnered with organizations delivering aid, education, and hope on six continents. Some say we should live to give. I discovered that I could give to live. I would sometimes pray, “Lord, I’m entrusting my business into your hands. While you are caring for my business, I will put my hands to work on your business.” Even today, fighting forward never fails to fill and heal my own soul as I give hope to someone else. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40257565

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:8-9, A Voice for the Voiceless 03/17/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:8-9, A Voice for the Voiceless by Marilynn Chadwick “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV “The Sayings of King Lemuel” is how some Bible translations refer to the famed 31st chapter of Proverbs. Scripture calls the words an “oracle” taught to the king by his mother. She begins by referring to her son as an answer to her prayer. “Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!” (Proverbs 31:2b NIV). She goes on to teach him important life lessons about the kind of king he should be and dangers to avoid. We catch a glimpse into the heart of this mother who had prayed for her son and devoted him to the Lord. Let’s look closer at the teachings that were foremost in her mind as she trained this son who would be king (Proverbs 31:1-9). Like any good mother, she warned him about the dangers of immoral women and overindulgence in alcohol. But her cautions appear to have had more to do with his calling as king rather than mere morality. For example, she warns him that loose women “ruin kings” and drinking can cause a king to forget laws and deprive the oppressed of their rights. She challenges her son to use his power to help the broken, “[speaking] up for those who cannot speak for themselves” and “[defending] the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:3, 5, 8-9). Clearly the queen mother saw the potential dangers of royalty. She demonstrated her foremost concern that he would be a just and kind ruler to the poor. If King Lemuel’s mother prayed for this son before he was born and during his lifetime, surely, she also prayed for his wife. So, the description of the Proverbs 31 “woman of valor” (Proverbs 31:10-31) could easily reflect the heart’s desire of a mother as she prays for her son’s future wife. This makes her instructions about seeking a woman of valor all the more meaningful. And isn’t this the prayer for every mother of sons? That he would be kind and just, a voice for the voiceless, a defender of the weak. That he would find a godly and noble wife? I’d like to think these verses not only represent a mother’s specific hopes for the kind of woman her son would marry, but also the kind of woman her own daughters would one day become. We can learn a few tips from the Queen Mother in Proverbs 31 on how to pray for our sons and daughters, grandsons and granddaughters. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40257550

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 11:25, The Secret to Being Set Free 03/16/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 11:25, The Secret to Being Set Free by Marilynn Chadwick “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 NIV I love surprises. It’s fun to stumble upon an unanticipated blessing. A sudden bend in the road, a departure from routine, or a change of pace. My kids were well aware of my love for surprises. They used to tease me about “Mom’s adventures” and my fascination with back roads and byways. “One day that woman is going to get herself killed,” laughed my youngest to the other two, as I steered the car off the main road one day to explore yet another inviting rabbit trail. Throughout many years of following Jesus, I am continually surprised to bump into what I like to call “God’s odd economy.” It is surprising to discover that we truly find our life when we give it away. Proverbs 11:25 promises that when we are generous to others, we will be refreshed. Here’s the same verse paraphrased in The Living Bible. “It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. Yes, the liberal man shall be rich! By watering others, he waters himself.” Following Jesus is sure to surprise you. He asks us to serve but also to rest. “Come to me all you who labor and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest…” (Matthew 11:28). Instead of laying more pressure on our shoulders, Jesus promises us tasks well suited to the way he made us. Instead of bondage, we’ll find freedom. This comes as a surprise to many religious people who have thought God calls us to live a life of exhaustion. But just when we’re beginning to like the idea of resting as one of his “sheep” and hanging out with some pretty good “sheep brothers and sisters,” he jolts us with this challenge: You’ll only find true rest for your soul when you are willing to lose this soul of yours… You’ll only find real life when you are “willing to give your life away” (Matthew 16:25). There it is again. God’s odd economy. I like the way Isaiah 58:10 puts it: “If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” It’s like Jesus told us. We find life as we give it away. I’ll leave you with this question: Is there somewhere you can say “yes” to God right where you are today? As mentioned in , for more information on . Join City of Hope for volunteer opportunities that allow you to participate in one-time events or short-term projects, serve alongside others while building community, and get to know and support your neighbors in need. No matter your schedule, you can make an impact. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40257535

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 11:14 03/13/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 11:14 by David Chadwick “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14 God says there is wisdom in an abundance of counselors, but he also says there is safety. Without it, people are vulnerable to falling. We live in such an isolated, self-sustaining society. In many ways, I think we have lost the need for one another. We don’t live interdependently. It is becoming increasingly common to only look out for yourself. To make decisions without considering others. To live without the influence, insight, and perspective of other trustworthy believers. Jesus predicted in Matthew 24:12 that in the end times “lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” We can see this happening around us now. Where wisdom is lacking, lawless behavior rises up. I see a direct correlation between a love for guidance, wisdom, and insight, and preserving the love Jesus died for us to have within the bride of Christ. There are many times in life when you just don't know what to do. A difficult decision. A troubling diagnosis. Confusing news. Bewildering interactions. Inevitably, in this broken world, someone or something will confront you that requires guidance. Yes, go to the Lord. Seek him above all else. But then what? Go to a wise and godly friend. Find someone who has walked and lived life and who knows God's Word. And then another. And another. Go to as many wise friends as you can find. How many? As many as you need to. Seek all of their wisdom and counsel. If they are all being led by the same Holy Spirit, their collective wisdom should be similar. With time, through an abundance of counselors, you will eventually find peace to move forward. Philippians 4:7 says that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The conglomerate wisdom of many will give you a good idea of what you should do. It will help reveal God's will for you in a particular situation. This brings peace and keeps love at the center of your heart. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40257520

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 5:18 & 12:4 03/12/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 5:18 & 12:4 by David Chadwick “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth.” Proverbs 5:18 “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband.” Proverbs 12:4 Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” The word “rejoice” means “to feel or show great joy or delight.” There is a biblical command to both FEEL and SHOW joy in the Lord. The Gospel of Jesus prompts a response from us. There is a biblical command to not just declare our joy but to demonstrate the joy of our salvation! Do you know where else God instructs us to rejoice? It is a command to husbands, and he says to rejoice in the wife of your youth. That is today’s proverb. A long-term marriage where two people have fought and contended for unity and closeness yields tremendous glory. Where they have shared life together over the years. Where they have together fought through and overcome multiple adversities. Where they have collective memories that are full of trials and triumphs. Where they still hold hands after decades of marriage. Where they have become one flesh! I am so thankful for my wife, Marilynn. Her love and commitment have shown me so much about the love of Jesus. After all, that’s the goal of marriage. It is a physical representation on this side of eternity of the love Jesus has for his bride, the church, and vice versa. Proverbs 12:4 says that an excellent wife is the crown of her husband’s life. I know this to be true as well! Marilynn is so excellent in how she loves and lives. I’m so honored to be married to her. She truly is a crown I wear in life. We know the joy of two becoming one. My dear friends, if you are married, keep working on your marriage. It is hard work, and there will be trials, but remain committed. Make sure the back door of your marriage is locked from the outside. Share your lives with one another. Care for one another. Commit to walking through life's struggles together. Situation by situation, moment by moment, step by step, life will draw you closer and closer with Jesus at the center. And your years together will be joyous! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40257480

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 19:17 03/11/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 19:17 by David Chadwick “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” Proverbs 19:17 God loves the poor and needy. In fact, the majority of Jesus’s life and ministry was spent with the least and the lost. He ran toward the sick, the hurting, the poor, and those in need. Those with no future nor hope. And encountered them with his love. There are many verses throughout Scripture that reflect God’s heart to defend, deliver, protect, and provide for the poor and disenfranchised. 1 Samuel 2:8 says that “he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor.” Psalm 12:5 says, “Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs,” and Psalm 69:33 says, “For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.” Even the apostle Paul said that his passion was to preach the gospel but made sure to remind all believers that they should never forget the poor (Galatians 2:10). I believe those who love God will serve him by serving others, especially those in poverty. This proverb reminds us again of God’s heart for the poor. In fact, it says that giving to the poor is like lending to God. Today’s proverb even says that God repays those who are generous to the poor! And I’m sure God’s rate of return on our investment is greater than any bank’s. Do you remember how Mary and Joseph had to purchase two turtle doves to pay for their purification after Jesus's birth? This verse is an indicator that they were not very wealthy. Yet God sent wise men from far away who gave them expensive gifts they could use during their years in Egypt! He is the provider of all our needs. And once you are saved by Jesus and have the gift of eternal life, may we all continue to have a heart for the poor, remembering that when we give to them, it's like loaning to God, and he will repay us with interest on our generosity to the poor. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40257455

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 9:10 03/10/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 3:9-10 03/09/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 3:9-10 by David Chadwick “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10 Marilynn and I are continuing to go through some of our favorite biblical proverbs. The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom and insight for how to live a godly life. In a world where there are so many opinions and so little wisdom, we think it is more important than ever to return to God’s Word to see what he says. Today we are looking at Proverbs 3:9-10. Did you know that wealth and money are very frequently discussed throughout the Old and New Testaments? God cares so much about seeing his people develop hearts of generosity. The message in today’s verse is to always give God our first fruits. He should get our best gifts, not the leftovers. If we do, our “barns” will be overflowing! In other words, we will have more than we need. Have you ever heard the old illustration of eating a banana when it comes to biblical financial stewardship? So many followers of Jesus treat generosity like eating a banana. The first bite is our mortgage, the next bite is our car payment, then our clothes, then our enjoyment and entertainment. After filling all of our fleshly desires, we give God the banana peel! But in the kingdom of heaven, God gets the first bite. He gets the first of everything we own. He gets the best! Malachi 3:8-15 gives a profound description of the beautiful reality of living a life surrendered to generosity. God says to test him with our tithe, our first fruit of giving, 10%, and that if we trust him with it, he will “pour down blessing until there is no more need.” The tithe, the first 10%, represents our first and best gift to God. Biblically, this is the gift that will open the windows of heaven for us. The tithe is the only place in the Bible where God says to test him! He’s saying, “Just try it and see if my promises are true!” Marilynn and I have so many miraculous stories of practicing the tithe over the years. I would encourage you to practice this biblical command. Just try it for one year. See if God doesn't meet your every need as he promised! And as you practice, remember his promise is to meet your needs. Not your greed! Over time, I believe you, too, will have so many stories you can share with your kids and grandkids in the years to come to create generational generosity for your future legacy. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40257430

Our Favorite Proverbs: Wine Not? Proverbs 20:1 03/06/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Wine Not? Proverbs 20:1 by Marilynn Chadwick “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1 A good friend once noticed I didn’t order wine at a meal. She asked me whether I ever drank alcohol. Interesting question for a pastor’s wife and one I’ve been asked before. Back in the seventies I attended a large Southern university. I was active in sorority and fraternity life. I attended my share of parties and had occasions to drink. In those days, I didn't even believe in God. So, I obviously didn't look to him for guidance about behaviors like drinking. But near the end of college, I had a radical conversion to Christ while reading Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis, the famous Oxford scholar and former atheist himself. Everything changed. Soon after, I met and married my husband, David. We will soon celebrate 48 years of marriage. Over the years in ministry together, we have both come to the conclusion that it’s better that we do not drink in public, so as not to put a stumbling block in front of someone who may struggle with alcohol. It’s not that moderate drinking is immoral. Or even wrong. But here’s the thing: I want to be alert to hear God’s voice. I know this might sound silly. But I want to remain mindful of those little nudges to pray for someone. Aware of the Holy Spirit's guidance, or conviction, or instruction. I especially want to hear his whisper—that still small voice that’s so easy to miss. I find even one glass of wine can dull my “spiritual hearing." Moreover, the Bible tells me that as a believer in Jesus, I have an enemy. He continually prowls around looking for someone to devour. As long as I live on earth, I’m at war. It was George Washington who once said, “To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.” One of the best ways to prepare for our spiritual war is to remain alert to the wiles of the enemy. The Bible says it this way: "Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8 AMP). I want to win my spiritual battles. To hear what the Lord wants to reveal. In short, I want to stay fully awake. For me, I’ve come to believe it’s not wise to use wine as my method to deal with worry, stress, or anxiety. For those, I think I'll choose to be "filled with the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40170390

Our Favorite Proverbs: The Secret is the Guard, Proverbs 13:3 03/05/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: The Secret is the Guard, Proverbs 13:3 by Marilynn Chadwick “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3 I have a friend who raised five amazing boys. All her sons were excellent football players, receiving scholarships to play in various colleges around the country. She also happened to be a real prayer warrior—probably a requirement for raising all those strong sons. She used to remind me that just like in football, the secret to winning in spiritual warfare is the “guard.” The Bible takes the importance of “guarding” very seriously. In various places, the book of Proverbs reminds us to guard our words, our thoughts, and even our manner of daily living. It gives clues as to the root of strife, which it tells us is often driven by pride (Proverbs 13:10). Proverbs strongly warns us to guard our temper and our words—which usually go hand in hand with outbursts of temper: “A hot-tempered person stirs up strife, but one who is slow to anger quiets contention” (Proverbs 15:18 NIV). “When words are many, sin is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is wise" (Proverbs 10:19). "Where there is no wood, the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases" (Proverbs 26:20). In summary, the book of Proverbs teaches us that true strength is found in controlling our own spirit rather than winning an argument (Proverbs 16:32). I’m especially drawn to this convicting piece of wisdom: “It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling." (Proverbs 20:3). When we let our guard down and say things that are disrespectful, hurtful, and demeaning, we damage our relationships and open the door to strife. And you can be sure that wherever you find strife, you’ll find many other kinds of evil (James 3:16). I guess my friend got it right. She truly discovered the key to good football and to winning our spiritual battles. The secret is the guard! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40170380

Our Favorite Proverbs: Laughing at our Fears, Proverbs 31:25 03/04/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Laughing at our Fears, Proverbs 31:25 by Marilynn Chadwick “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Proverbs 31:25 One of the things I love most about my husband David is the way he would always encourage our three children to laugh at the very things they were afraid of. He referred to their fears as “fret flies.” He used to say that fear and worry attract the devil, just like honey attracts flies. I’ve never forgotten those words. I’ve always been glad David is not a worrier. But that doesn’t mean he’s unaware of danger. He just doesn’t overthink imaginary scenarios. What’s more, he doesn’t spend needless energy looking back at the “if onlys” or ahead to the “what ifs” of life. Like any pastor, he’s had to deal with all kinds of tragedies and emergencies throughout our years of ministry. But I’ve seen firsthand how his faith has strengthened him. I’ve often told him that the greatest gift he has to give others is his faith. And sometimes his laughter! When our daughter was very young, she struggled with various troubling fears. I leaned into David’s strengths to help her learn to overcome these early fears by finding ways to laugh. One evening, our family went to an amusement park. She was especially scared of riding the Ferris wheel. David challenged her to conquer her fear and told her he would ride with her. With Daddy cheering her on, she was overjoyed to finally defeat another “fret fly!” Every time she would defeat another fear, her courage muscles would grow stronger and stronger. Eventually, she became my child who would fly all over the world by herself and fearlessly tackle all sorts of challenges. If you are a parent, I would encourage you to be careful about coddling your children’s fears. The Bible tells us not to fear over and over again. This is a discipline that must be developed from a young age. Like learning to walk or learning to ride a bike, we all must learn to conquer fear. David really is right. It is incredibly liberating to laugh in the face of fear. Laughter is a healthy way to lighten up. I wonder if the secret to having such strong faith in the Lord is that we really can laugh at our fears. Like our young daughter battling her fears, we may discover greater joy than we ever thought possible when we conquer our “fret flies!” /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40170360

Our Favorite Proverbs: He Will Make Your Paths Straight, Proverbs 3:5-6 03/03/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: He Will Make Your Paths Straight, Proverbs 3:5-6 by Marilynn Chadwick “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV When I became a follower of Jesus many years ago, I was intrigued to notice how the words in the Bible suddenly made sense to me. What I had dismissed as a “dead book” in my early twenties suddenly came to life. Two verses that became anchor verses for me over the years are found in Proverbs 3:5-6. They promised that if I would trust God, something very new for me at the time, and not lean on my understanding, he would direct my paths. Since I had leaned heavily on my own mind and problem-solving ability, this was a radical shift. The Bible challenged me not only to trust God but also to depend upon his mind. The promise that followed was powerful: He would direct my path, my “way of life.” Moving from an unbeliever to a devoted follower of Jesus was a huge adjustment. So, I memorized these and other Bible verses as I continued to immerse myself in God’s Word. Fast forward to more than a decade later when we finally had our children. As our three children grew, I was passionate about helping them understand God’s Word from the earliest days. I would find verses that were easy to memorize and make up simple songs to go with them. I happened to ask my now grown son the other day if he could remember Proverbs 3:5-6. I had to laugh when he immediately sang the verses, complete with hand motions to go with them: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight!” He knew the verses by heart. And I’d like to think he has applied them over the years when he faced decisions or needed wisdom. I know I have. But here’s the thing. Since I have hidden these words in my heart (Psalm 119:11), they are ready and available whenever I need them. Just the other day, I was talking with a young technician trying to solve our internet issue. When he finished, we struck up a conversation. Turns out he was trying to decide about whether to make a career change that would involve a big move. I casually quoted these verses from Proverbs and explained how I’ve turned to them when needing guidance. He was visibly moved and asked if I would pray for him. I prayed a simple prayer and encouraged him to read Proverbs 3:5-6 on his own. God’s Word is living and active, so you never know. Two short verses from Proverbs may just open the door for this young man to “trust God and lean not on his own understanding.” /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40170350

Our Favorite Proverbs: Words of Life, Proverbs 14:1 03/02/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Words of Life, Proverbs 14:1 by Marilynn Chadwick “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” Proverbs 14:1 NIV Did you know that women talk more than men? It’s a proven fact. The average woman speaks about 20,000 words each day to the average man’s 7,000, or nearly three times as many! So if women want to use our words to build our house, we certainly have no shortage of building materials. As wives, we sometimes forget the weight our words carry. I’ve discovered that one of the most powerful ways to build up my husband, David, is with my words, both the words I speak to him and the words I speak about him. Careless words can easily tarnish our husband’s reputation in the eyes of others. Proverbs 14:1 reminds us that “the wise woman builds her house,” but a foolish one “tears hers down.” In the Bible, the term “house” is often synonymous with “family.” So when we build up our husbands, we strengthen our family, our “house.” This principle applies to both men and women. The Bible talks about two kinds of words—words of life and words of death. It repeatedly cautions us about the dangers of the tongue and reminds us that our words have great power for good or evil. We should pause here to consider that God holds us accountable for the words we speak. Think about it. Families and friendships are broken apart by words. Wars are started with words. Our tongue “sets the whole course of one’s life on fire and is itself set on fire by hell,” according to James 3:6. We are warned that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21 KJV). So it naturally follows that our words would be some of our most powerful tools for building up or tearing down our marriages. One of my wise young friends with a very strong marriage sums it up this way: “I try to compliment my husband in front of others when he is present, but also when he is absent. In situations where it is tempting to criticize publicly, I try to say nothing and follow up on the conversation when we are at home in private. Then, I choose my words wisely—and above all, prayerfully. Think about it. Our words can give life and encouragement. Or they can bring death and discouragement. Which will you choose? /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40170340

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 15:22 02/27/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 15:22 by David Chadwick “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22 My wife Marilynn and I are taking a look at some of our favorite verses from the book of Proverbs. In a world where everyone has an opinion, but few have wisdom, we find this book of the Bible to be of utmost importance. What do you do when you have to make a hard decision? When you are faced with a dilemma and must act in wisdom? The first thing you should always do is turn to the Lord and to his Word. Pray for the power of his Holy Spirit to lead and guide you to truth that will encourage, strengthen, and fortify you. Secondly, you should seek the invaluable support of trusted friends and advisors who love God and seek his will for their own lives. Solomon specifically said to seek a multitude of these kinds of advisers to succeed. Do you know why he suggests this? Because sometimes it takes many different people’s perspectives to give a full picture of understanding. God often uses other wise individuals to help you navigate difficult decisions because trusted people can help you discern the right thing to do. Having many advisers helps you to see through your blind spots in order to make the right choice. May I add one other insight here? Proverbs 16:31 says that gray hair is a crown of glory that comes from a righteous life. Do you know what this means? It means that people who have gray hair have learned certain things that only life could teach them. They have come face-to-face with situations, trials, and dilemmas that give them unique perspectives. They often have some of the best wisdom simply because they've lived life the longest. Glean from these people. Lean into their perspectives. They have invaluable resources. In summary, when making a difficult life decision, here are some things to remember. Read God's Word. Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring you both wisdom and knowledge. Seek counsel from a wise friend. Give trusted advisers the ability to speak into your situation, especially those with gray hair. Then with humility, make your decision. And trust God with the outcome. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40170330

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 15:1 02/26/2026

A Moment of Hope

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