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 11:4 05/18/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 11:4 by David Chadwick “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” Proverbs 11:4 When God pours out his wrath, and that day will surely come, your wealth will mean nothing. When it comes to eternal salvation, the amount of money you have accumulated will not impress God at all. When you die and face the One who owns all the world and everything in it, he is not going to say, “Wow, your wealth is really impressive!” I have often asked people this question, “Have you ever seen a hearse with a U-Haul attached to it?” Of course, the answer is a resounding, “No!” In fact, Rockefeller’s financial overseer was purportedly asked, after Rockefeller died, how much he left behind. Candidly, the financial overseer supposedly responded, “He left it all.” King Solomon himself was a man of riches. He excelled not just himself but also “all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom” (1 Kings 10:23). As someone who experienced great wealth Solomon still knew this truth: “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death” (Proverbs 11:4). Don’t miss the very important second part of this proverb: On the day of God’s wrath, it is righteousness, not riches, that delivers us from death. God’s righteousness is found solely in Jesus. Accepting him gives us forgiveness so that when God looks at our souls, he sees the righteousness of God in Jesus. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). One day, God’s wrath will come. In that moment, there will only be two options: Either you have Jesus’s righteousness or you don’t. Please, my dear friends, make sure you are covered in the robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10), as it truly is life’s most precious possession! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/41147970

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:17, She Makes Her Arms Strong 05/15/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:17, She Makes Her Arms Strong by Marilynn Chadwick “She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.” Proverbs 31:17 ESV The two Hebrew words describing the Proverbs 31 woman, eshet chayil, are translated “woman of valor” (Proverbs 31:10 OJB). From the beginning, God created the woman to be part nurturer and part warrior. Valor means showing courage in the face of danger. So naturally, valor requires a measure of mental toughness. But the Proverbs 31 woman of valor also had to be physically strong: she “works with eager hands…gets up while it is still dark,” provides food and tasks for her family and servants, “buys a field… plants a vineyard”… and “sets about her work vigorously” (Proverbs 31:13-16). Even her arms, we’re told, “are strong for her tasks” (Proverbs 31:17 NIV). Another version reads: “She makes her arms strong” (Proverbs 31:17 ESV). I have to smile when I think about her “strong arms” because it reminds me of my friend Beth. We both loved being mothers and now grandmothers. But we agree—when raising our own children, we were used to the constant physical demands that came with lifting, dressing, and bathing little ones. Our arms grew strong. But lifting grandchildren is a little harder. So Beth started doing 100 pushups a day. “I want to be able to lift all those grandbabies,” she laughed. She does her first set during her normal exercise time—then she drops to the floor for a few more throughout the day. “It’s amazing how they add up,” she said. Beth—and her 100 daily pushups—give us a good mental picture of what it looks like to make our arms strong. The Amplified Bible describes the Proverbs 31 woman’s strength in more detail: “She equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong” (Proverbs 31:17 AMP). Why not begin now to reflect on how to strengthen yourself—spiritually, mentally, and physically? Who knows? Maybe you’ll even want to try Beth’s 100 push-ups challenge! Today’s Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You by Marilynn Chadwick. to order your copy today! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/41147955

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 22:6, Grow Your Child with the Grain 05/14/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 22:6, Grow Your Child with the Grain by Marilynn Chadwick “Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 AMPC Education should be a delight, not drudgery. It’s the same with spiritual training. Children learn differently. Research has shown that some of what were previously thought to be learning disabilities are often just different ways of processing information. The Lord of the Universe seems never to tire of creating unique humans. At birth, every person is “wired” differently from the nearly eight billion people on the planet—and from every other person who has ever lived! Astounding, isn’t it? So as parents, it makes sense that in addition to discovering our child’s unique beauty, we should experiment to see how they best learn. What makes them tick. The kindest way to raise our children is “in keeping with their gift or bent” (Proverbs 22:6 AMPC). Our best clues come simply from watching what they naturally love to do. Our three now-grown children were all very different. Bethany was multitalented and loved to learn. She played volleyball and basketball, but she was also passionate about languages. In third grade, she chose to attend a French Immersion magnet school where English wasn’t even spoken. She learned everything from grammar to long division in French. It’s easy to see why she now loves educating her children at home. David, our older son, was shooting wads of trash through lampshades at age two. It’s no surprise basketball grabbed his heart at an early age. Basketball scholarships paid for both his undergraduate and master’s degrees in college. We’ve watched basketball, along with his good math mind and strategic business acumen, open up doors to his career path in the sports world. Our youngest, Michael, was talented in a variety of sports but gravitated to swimming. He carved his own unique trail as a standout collegiate swimmer and eventually a professional swimmer and world record holder. Our determined Michael used to say, “Swimming found me!” His athletic gifts and work ethic, combined with his high “EQ,” or emotional intelligence, have made him an effective leader who now expresses his gifts through a ministry calling. David and I tried to “grow” our three children “with their grain.” By God’s grace, as they’ve gotten older, they’ve not left the foundation of that training. More importantly, they’ve held tightly to their faith in Jesus. Today’s Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You by Marilynn Chadwick. to order your copy today! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/41147940

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:10, Part Nurturer, Part Warrior 05/13/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:10, Part Nurturer, Part Warrior by Marilynn Chadwick “Who can find a woman of valor?” Proverbs 31:10a OJB A woman of valor is a warrior at heart. She fights for her faith, her family, and her community. But sometimes, her toughest battles are for her God-given dreams. I wonder if some wars are harder than others because the enemy knows the stakes are so high. I think back to our long years of infertility and my fierce fight to have a baby. I couldn’t have known it at the time, but I was waging a battle not just for our firstborn daughter, but also for our next baby, a son. Then another son. And now, twelve grandchildren and counting. Our daughter once said something to me which made me pause: “Mama, you didn’t know when you were going through all those years of infertility that you were also fighting for all these little people to be born,” pointing to our grandchildren. Perhaps my fight was so fierce because the enemy wanted what I had—the promise of children and grandchildren who would glorify God. And ultimately, generations beyond those. But I had something else the enemy wanted. And so do you. He wanted to steal my testimony. He wanted to make it impossible for me to tell the miraculous story of God’s healing that enabled me to have those babies. He wanted to rob me of the chance to encourage others who are waiting for answers to their own prayers. Quite simply, the devil wants to steal the story God is weaving through your dream. Or through this trial you're enduring so bravely. He wants to steal your testimony. In the end, he wants to steal God's glory. Dear friend, don’t give up. God is faithful. One day you will have a story to tell. A story that will cause others to yearn to know this wonderful God Who is the Giver of Dreams. Today’s Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You by Marilynn Chadwick. to order your copy today! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/41147905

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:10, 28, Her Children Rise Up 05/12/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:10, 28, Her Children Rise Up by Marilynn Chadwick “A woman of valor, who can find? Her children rise up and call her blessed.” Proverbs 31:10, 28 JPS The Proverbs 31 “woman of valor” must have had some warrior in her. After all, the Hebrew term chayil, translated “valor,” is a military term. I once asked my husband how he saw me as a fighter. David thought for a minute and said: “You have fought so hard for our children’s dreams.” It’s true. I fought harder to help our kids reach their dreams than I ever fought for my own. This quote says it best: “Reaching your own dreams is fulfilling—helping someone else reach their dreams is sublime.” And when that “someone else” happens to be your own children, it’s joy on steroids. I wonder if the Proverbs 31 woman of valor discovered this same joy in seeing her children succeed. We’re told, “her children rise up and call her blessed,” (Proverbs 31:28 ESV). The Hebrew word, qum, translated “rise up” is very strong. It means, “to accomplish, to build, to establish, to strengthen, to succeed.” I’d like to think her children were now grown, happy, and fulfilled. They had reached their dreams, in part, because of their mother’s impact. She had taught them. Nurtured, clothed, and cared for them. Perhaps they saw their mom in prayer, seeking the Lord and fighting for their dreams. The Proverbs 31 woman poured her life into her children, so I can imagine her satisfaction as she watched them flourish. Nothing makes me happier than when my children, and now grandchildren, “rise up” and succeed. To love our children well calls for self-sacrifice and courage. What are some ways you can encourage your children to dream big? Or is there another child, not your own, who desperately needs your encouragement? “Tread lightly around the dreams of a child,” Mother Teresa once said. “You may be treading on the dreams of God.” As women of valor, let’s dare to fight for the dreams of the next generation. Today’s Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You by Marilynn Chadwick. to order your copy today! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/41147880

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:10, Love Makes Her Brave 05/11/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:10, Love Makes Her Brave by Marilynn Chadwick “Who can find a woman of valor?” Proverbs 31:10 OJB I agree with Indiana Jones: “I hate snakes!’ Or maybe I don’t actually hate them…I’m just not thrilled about having them near our home. Some time ago, I saw a very large snake trying to get into the crawl space under our house. A short time earlier, our older son had found a copperhead while cleaning out our garage. My first thought with this snake was, “Yikes!” My next was, “Go get him!” Like any good soldier, I ran toward the danger. I went after that snake with a vengeance and sent him into the next life. Why? Because he was trying to get into my house, a threat to my home and my family! I’m scared of snakes, but my love for my family made me brave. Maybe you can relate. Is there a time when you did something that scared you to protect someone you loved? If so, you were showing valor. I’m captivated by the Hebrew word chayil, translated “valor,” used to describe the Proverbs 31 woman. “Who can find a woman of valor?” (Proverbs 31:10 OJB). God created woman to be a nurturer. But he also made her brave. Simply put, valor is personal bravery in the face of danger, especially in battle. In its nearly 100 uses in the Old Testament, the word for “valor,” chayil depicts warriors, like King David’s “mighty men.” Other times, chayil describes God as a warrior for his people. It’s the same word used for heaven’s angel armies. I find the term “woman of valor” both compelling and poetic. My daughter, a young wife and mother, likes this expression because it makes her think of courage and strength. Valor is courage. But the woman of valor also embodies honor, strength of character, virtue, and so much more. I believe we need to become women of valor as we face our own battles today. Unlike the woman of Proverbs 31, we enjoy breakthroughs in medicine, science, and travel. But consider the enemies we face in our world: Addiction, divorce, domestic violence, child abuse, poverty, unemployment, pornography, human trafficking, joblessness, homelessness. Daily, we’re bombarded by news of terror attacks somewhere in the world. If this isn’t war, my friend, I don’t know what is. The woman of valor is essentially a warrior, a fighter at heart. She fights not only for her personal world, but also for the world around her. As I listen to conversations with women of all ages, stages, and walks of life, I’m hearing a recurring theme—their heart’s desire to be strong for their families and communities. In short, they long to be courageous women God can use to change their world. Is God calling you to become a woman of valor? Remember, it's love that makes you brave. -Today’s Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You by Marilynn Chadwick. to order your copy today! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/41147855

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:22 05/08/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:22 by David Chadwick “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 What great truths are found in Proverbs 17:22! Let’s take a look at them today. The first truth is that a joyful heart is good medicine. Other translations say a cheerful heart is good medicine. What is the primary lesson here? Choose joy! Seek to focus on what is positive. Raise your faith. Focus on God’s goodness. Remember all God’s benefits to you! Choose to believe that everything will work out for good. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Philippians 4:8 says we are to fix our eyes on, to think about, and to focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. There is a reason why God tells us to do these things! Because there is a clear correlation between what we focus on with our minds and how it consumes our hearts, and thus affects our entire being. The second truth is that if you have a crushed spirit, it can actually dry up the bones and cause poor health. Secular studies even show this truth. We are body, soul, and spirit. If your spirit is crushed, it can affect your physical health. If your body is struggling, your mind can be affected. And so on, and so forth. We are interdependent beings. So, how do you deal with a crushed spirit? The best way is to count your blessings. Each day. If necessary, write them down. Meditate on Psalm 103:3-5. Don’t forget all of the benefits of salvation. Give thanks in all things. This helps you to choose joy and experience the good medicine that comes from it. As a result, your spirit will not just survive but thrive, and your physical health–your bones–won’t ever dry up. For more encouragement, check out the song Choose Joy by Parker Robinson as mentioned in today’s podcast! To listen on Spotify, . To listen on Apple Music, . /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40902555

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:17 05/07/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:17 by David Chadwick “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 God has a high value for strong, biblical, refining relationships all throughout Scripture. Look at the many times God commands what has been referred to by many pastors as “the one anothers.” James 5:16 says to confess to and pray for one another. John 13:34 says to love one another. Galatians 5:13 says to serve one another. Galatians 6:2 said we should carry one another’s burdens. Ephesians 4:32 says to be kind and compassionate with another. The list goes on and on and on. The heart’s cry of every person is to have good, loyal, and true friends. People with whom we can live out “the one anothers.” In a world full of selfish ambition, personal agendas, and performance-based love, friendships that carry this depth of loyalty are so rare. More than loyalty, what is even rarer is a friend born for adversity. A true friend will walk with you through both joys AND trials. He or she is not just there for the good times, the chuckles, and the fun moments. While it is wonderful to share great memories, the mark of real relational depth and strength is found when life is not perfect. When sins are revealed. When you step on each other’s toes. When you let each other down. When you’re broken and have nothing to give. A true friend is always there, in both the good times and the bad, but especially during the fires. That friend is a forever kind of friend. It’s the most wonderful gift when this person is your spouse, the one to whom you have a covenant for all your life! Also, when they are your kids who have moved from children to close friends through the years. Do you have any friends like this in your life? Those who will stand by you no matter what? Those who are there for you no matter what? If so, count your blessings and take a moment today to reach out to them and thank them for being a true friend and brother or sister. You truly have one of life’s greatest joys! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40902515

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:15 05/06/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:15 by David Chadwick “Those who justify the wicked and condemn the righteous are an abomination of the Lord.” Proverbs 17:15 The standard of truth and righteousness are obvious in God’s eyes. The lines are not blurred. And his ways must always be kept apart from the ways of the world. People and cultures, over time, have moved away more and more from God and his truth. This has happened throughout the ages, since the beginning of time. It will continue to happen with greater frequency and intensity until Jesus returns. Go back to the Old Testament and read what the prophets constantly warned against. Isaiah 5:20, for instance, shows us some of what was going on in those times. Isaiah said, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” Do you see the parallels from back then to today? The sin patterns in the Old Testament are the same sin patterns we are facing now. The condition of the human heart has not changed. And you can see them everywhere you turn, right before your eyes. It’s an all-out war against truth, justice, and righteousness. The laws of God that he reveals in nature and the foundational truths of his Word are being jettisoned, discarded, and abandoned frivolously! We are watching wickedness be justified and righteousness be condemned. No nation can stand when it goes down this path. We must be people of prayer. We must be discerning so that we, too, don’t call evil good and good evil. So that we don’t mix up wickedness and righteousness. Until Jesus returns for his bride, our job is to pray earnestly and to call people to return to the Lord. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” One day, the healing that Jesus brings will be eternal. Until that day, may we all seek to contend for glimpses of healing and righteousness as we wait for the soon and coming victory of King Jesus! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40902495

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:14 05/05/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:13 05/04/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:13 by David Chadwick “If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.” Proverbs 17:13 My kids used to listen to a Scripture memory song from Romans 12:21 when they were younger that said, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Do not be overcome by evil. With good. With good. Overcome evil with good.” Hearing them singing this verse will be forever etched in my mind. Evil is everywhere. Our world is broken, and until Jesus returns, evil is an unfortunate reality we all must endure. As followers of Jesus, how should we navigate a world full of evil? Do not return evil with evil! Why not? Because when you return evil with evil, the person to whom you returned the evil will only enlarge his or her response to you. Responding to evil with evil will only escalate the evil. Proverbs 17:13 says, “If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.” In other words, you become a house for evil when you repay someone’s goodness with evil. This same command is repeated in the New Testament in Romans 12:19. “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” It’s called “lex talionis,” the law of retaliation. This Latin principle was what famously became known as “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” The punishment must fit the crime in full! This principle was rooted in vengeance and justice. But Gandhi was correct when he said that this teaching carried out will leave the world blind and toothless. The only thing that can break this law of retaliation is grace, mercy, and forgiveness. The Bible says to forgive 70 times 7. Over and over again. Repeatedly. This is both for your benefit, for the benefit of the others, and for the health of society. The key to you being able to forgive is to know Jesus’s forgiveness of you on the cross. He forgave you a $1 billion debt, one that you could never forgive. Therefore, you should easily be able to forgive the $10 debt someone may owe us. Forgiveness sets you free! It is for your benefit. It stops the endless cycle of revenge. And it's for God’s glory. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40902445

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 11:2, Boasting is Unbecoming 05/01/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 11:2, Boasting is Unbecoming by Marilynn Chadwick “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2 NIV Proverbs 11:2 warns us about the destructive nature of pride. The Message paraphrase provides a commonsense twist, “The stuck-up fall flat on their faces, but down-to-earth people stand firm.” Let’s face it. Boasting is practically a national pastime. It’s as American as apple pie. Our athletes swagger. Our celebrities strut. Bumper stickers flaunt our favorite teams, our super kids, and our alma maters. Our talents, treasures, and triumphs win us bragging rights. At times, we all like to toot our own horn. I grew up in the deep South where we had an expression for the ultimate boast: "No brag. Just fact." What’s so bad about a little dose of healthy pride? After all, it can be satisfying to look at our accomplishments. The dictionary defines ”boast” this way: “To talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities." A healthy sense of pride is not altogether wrong. But when does pride cross into the danger zone? When does pride separate us from God? The Bible warns us we are on shaky ground when we begin to trust our human strength instead of depending on God. The antidote, according to Scripture, is to seek humility. The book of James, often called the “Proverbs of the New Testament,” takes this same warning a step further. He challenges not just our pride of accomplishment, but also our presumptuous plans: “Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a city and spend a year there and carry on our business and make money. You ought instead to say, If the Lord is willing, we shall live and we shall do this or that [thing]. But as it is, you boast [falsely] in your presumption and your self-conceit. All such boasting is wrong.” James 4:13,15-16 AMP Boasting is unbecoming for the believer in Jesus. As James reminds us, we're not in control of our lives. God is God and we are not. If we could gain control of our world for even one minute, we would be shocked at our inadequacy to “run the world.” No wonder Adam and Eve hid in shame after they presumed to become “like God” (Genesis 3:7-10). We can be thankful when the Lord reminds us of our humanity. He is God, and we are not, and most trouble in life comes when we get those two things mixed up. We can rest in the promises of God’s sovereign control of every aspect of our lives. So today, let’s choose to “humble ourselves before the Lord.” We may find in due time that he will “lift us up” (James 4:10) in his way and in his time as we trust in him and not in our own strength. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40902430

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 3:24, The Secret to a Good Night’s Sleep 04/30/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 3:24, The Secret to a Good Night’s Sleep by Marilynn Chadwick “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Proverbs 3:24 NIV I remember the time our children’s school observed that a growing number of students were experiencing symptoms of sleep deprivation. They sent out an email reminding parents of the importance of ensuring our kids got enough sleep—especially those in high school. Today’s world, it would seem, is suffering from a sleep crisis. We are bombarded by the number of supplements and medications promising to help us sleep. Sleepless nights often go hand in hand with the alarming increase in anxiety. This sharp rise in extreme worry, reported among all age groups, has become a mental health crisis. God’s Word has much to say about the importance of sound sleep. It also exhorts us to care for our minds. When we walk in wisdom, as Proverbs teaches, we will be careful to guard our minds from anxious thinking. This, in turn, helps us sleep better. “You will rest without a worry and sleep soundly” (Proverbs 3:24b CEV). According to Proverbs, part of the secret to a good night’s rest is to avoid overwork and excessive labor to gain wealth. We are warned about the dangers of relentless drudgery. “Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich; be smart enough to stop” (Proverbs 23:4 CEB). In its place, the Bible mandates a Sabbath rhythm that both respects our need for rest and honors God (Exodus 20:98-10). Rest is a vital gift for human well-being. The Bible emphasizes a beautiful balance that stresses diligence and hard work while avoiding the anxiety-producing frenzy we see all around us. “Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 4:6 NIV). I like how the Message Bible’s paraphrase of Proverbs 3:21 reminds us of the ways wisdom benefits our body, soul, and Spirit. And especially how trusting God is the real secret to a good night’s sleep and anxiety-free living: “Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don’t for a minute lose sight of them. They’ll keep your soul alive and well, they’ll keep you fit and attractive. You’ll travel safely, you’ll neither tire nor trip. You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry; you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep. No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner, Because God will be right there with you; he’ll keep you safe and sound” (Proverbs 3:21-26 MSG). /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40902400

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 10:8, Don’t Forget to Execute 04/29/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 10:8, Don’t Forget to Execute by Marilynn Chadwick “The wise in heart will accept and obey commandments, but the foolish of lips will fall headlong.” Proverbs 10:8 AMPC In the Hebrew language, the words "listen" and "obey" are represented by the word “shema.” This means to hear, pay attention, and act upon what is heard. It embodies the concept that true listening includes obedience. In Hebrew and Greek, the original languages of the Old and New Testaments, there is no distinct word for "obey." Listening and doing are considered two sides of one action. We see this sentiment expressed in James, often called the Proverbs of the New Testament. “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22 NIV). Another word for translating ideas into actions is “execute.” For any business, the ability to execute is critical to the bottom line. In spiritual matters, we execute when we live out the truths we’ve learned in Scripture—we put feet on our faith. Proverbs and James exhort believers to execute—to be doers as well as hearers of God’s Word. "Faith without works is dead,” James challenges (James 2:26 NKJV). God’s Word calls us to dig deep. Do we really believe our beliefs, or do we merely hold an intellectual assent to the faith? “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like (James 1:23, 24). Do we truly believe that Jesus’ death and resurrection covered our sin? If so, that belief should propel us into a life of action and good deeds. Have we found practical ways to be both a hearer and a doer of God’s commands and his calling? Mother eagles are known to be quite nurturing. Yet their method for teaching their young ones to fly is a swift push out of the nest. They swoop down and catch the baby eaglets as they falter, repeating the flight lesson again and again until the little ones are soaring like... well, eagles! Just like a mama eagle, God sometimes pushes us out of our cozy nest of faith with a call to action. We may hear the Holy Spirit whisper, “Go there, to that one who needs the Father’s love. Serve this broken one over here. Share your living water with this thirsty one.” Our heart begins to beat faster in response to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. We step out...take a risk...and find that our faith takes wings. We become doers, not just hearers of the Word. Our trust grows, and before you know it, we are soaring like an eagle! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40902390

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 3:13, Wisdom’s Reward 04/28/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 3:13, Wisdom’s Reward by Marilynn Chadwick “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.” Proverbs 3:13 NIV People talk a lot about profitable investments and especially the ROI, or “return on investment.” According to Proverbs, there are very few investments in life as profitable as the gaining of wisdom. Threaded throughout Proverbs are admonitions to seek wisdom. The gain from wisdom is “better than gain from silver, and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her” (Proverbs 3:14,15 ESV). Do you want to be wise? King Solomon sure did. And God blessed him mightily for his prayer (1 Kings 3:5-15). If we lack wisdom, we, too, should ask God. It's a prayer he loves to answer (James 1:5). But James warns us about the dangers of mere “earthly wisdom.” He calls this kind of wisdom “unspiritual and demonic” (James 3:15 NIV). He contrasts earthly wisdom with heavenly wisdom: “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17,18). Earthly wisdom has a swagger about it. It is power-hungry. Commanding. In control. “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16). Eve found earthly wisdom irresistible. And tragically sometimes, so do we. James reminds us that true wisdom from heaven produces humility: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (James 3:13). But make no mistake. This wisdom is anything but weak. It comes with its own reward. The Greek word “praus,” translated as “humility,” implies bridled power. Praus is the very same word Jesus used when he said, "I am gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11:29). It’s the only instance in the New Testament where he described himself. Think about it. Jesus, the all-powerful king of the universe, described himself as humble. In his presence, the sick were healed. The dead were raised. Demons trembled. Jesus was true wisdom from God in human form. That’s the most powerful and the most profitable kind of wisdom on earth—the wisdom that comes from above. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40902370

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:22, Joy is Good for Your Health 04/27/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:22, Joy is Good for Your Health by Marilynn Chadwick "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 Can practicing thankfulness actually improve your health? Some think so. I read about a study in which participants were asked to list the things for which they were thankful. They were instructed to write their gratitude list and sustain this exercise for exactly five minutes. The results of the study showed that those who practiced gratitude for five minutes experienced a sharp rise in their disease fighting antibodies. These antibodies remained elevated for several hours! Being thankful can improve our mental health as well. The Bible teaches us that a thankful heart is a joyful heart. And as Proverbs 17:22 points out, a joyful or cheerful heart is “good medicine.” I like this paraphrase from the Message Bible: “A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired” (Proverbs 17:22 MSG). The Bible promises joy when we spend time with Jesus: “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence” (Acts 2:28 NIV). The Greek word for “joy,” euphrosune, comes from two words that mean “well” and “mind.” Said another way, a sound mind. Joy springs from a sound or healthy mind when we’re connected to Jesus. Just spending time in his presence can be healing. That’s good news! When we practice being thankful, we become more aware of Jesus and all his blessings. This naturally (and supernaturally) increases our joy. And who doesn't want more joy? Joy is a language anyone can understand. The story is told of missionaries who went to a tiny village in a faraway place. Even before the missionaries became fluent in the village’s native language, some villagers approached them wanting to hear more about “this Jesus” after hearing the sounds of joyful laughter coming from the missionaries’ tent. So today, let’s exercise our “thank you muscles.” A thankful, joyful attitude promotes physical and emotional health. This, in turn, will help us be filled with more joy. We can pray that thirsty people—especially those who may not even know what they're thirsty for—will be drawn to our joy. Above all, let’s pray they are drawn to our Jesus who gives us this joy! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40902360

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 15:17 04/24/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 15:17 by David Chadwick “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it.” Proverbs 15:17 Better is dinner with herbs, a meager meal, where there is love, laughter, and joy, than a dinner with feasting and luxurious food where there is hatred. I don’t know about you, but some of my best memories with my family of origin were around the dinner table. My dad, mom, brother, and sister all together sharing memories and conversations. My mom would fix great meals, but it was the laughter and great conversation that have had such an impact on my life. Along with my wife, Marilynn, we created those same kinds of memories with our three kids. And today, our three kids are extending the same blessing to our now 12 grandchildren. Now, for just a moment, imagine sitting around this kind of dinner table with people you hate. Even if the food is great, the enjoyment of the moment will fizzle away quickly. How does this apply to all of us today? First, think about your own personal family. Have you put more of a focus on your career, money, and success and, as a result, forgotten to cultivate love? None of these things are inherently evil. But without love, they are meaningless. Are you spending more time on things that will fade away than on the things that remain: faith, hope, and love, the greatest of which is love (1 Corinthians 13:13)? Secondly, think about the local church in which you take part. Are you prioritizing love? Do you have a high value for the bride of Christ? Do you desire the nourishment that comes from a life that follows Jesus? Or are you constantly pursuing things that may fill your flesh in the moment, but leave you lacking spiritually? Celebrate the beautiful moments around a dinner table. But most importantly, feast on love. Seek to be in unified communion with one another. This is God’s heart for his church. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40716495

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:6 04/23/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:6 by David Chadwick “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.” Proverbs 17:6 Grandchildren are the crown of those in old age. And the glory of children is their fathers. This proverb has two great insights. Let’s take a look at them together. First, grandkids are a crown for faithful parents. Marilynn and I now have 12 grandchildren. Yet we vividly remember the years when we were told by doctors that we would never have children. From a barren womb came three children and now 12 grandchildren. In the midst of our brokenness, God was faithful. Now to have 12 grandkids is like wearing a crown! A “well done” from the Lord and a display of his faithfulness in our lives. Our grandchildren make us feel like royalty! And help us see why we were placed on this planet. Second, this proverb states the importance of a father’s relationships with his kids. Dads aren’t add-ons to God’s plan for the world. They are not superfluous. They are a crucial and integral part of family unity and God’s original intent. In fact, I’ve often stated through the years that I can’t think of one time where I have met a dysfunctional adult who had a great, present, and invested dad. A Godly dad who persistently pursued Jesus in his own life, I am sure there may be some examples, but I’ve not personally seen or experienced it. If you’re a father, teach your children God’s Word. Pray with them and for them. Memorize Scripture with them. Imitate Jesus to them. Always remember that kids spell love T-I-M-E. Spend time with them. Be present. Hug them often. Tell them you love them. That you are proud of them. The Father in heaven did this with his Son, Jesus, at his baptism. If Jesus, who was perfect, benefited from his Father’s blessing and affirmation, how much more do our earthly kids need them from us! And our grandkids! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40716480

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:4 04/22/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:4 by David Chadwick “An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.” Proverbs 17:4 Evildoers listen to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. I don’t think any healthy individual would desire to be called an evildoer or a liar. Who has wicked lips? I actually think many could fall into this category. Those who seek to slander and essentially kill someone with their words. Those who spread rumors and lies with evil intent. Those who seek to intimidate and bully others. Those who manipulate you for selfish gain. Those who seduce people into sinful behavior. The list could go on and on. Don’t get near wicked lips! According to God’s Word, evildoers are those who listen to these kinds of wicked and twisted lips. In the same way, you must be careful not to give an ear to mischievous tongues! What are some examples of this? Those who spread folly and seek to disturb peace. Those who aim to be sneaky and devious. Those who enjoy crude joking, filthy language, and foolish talk (Ephesians 5:3-5). An evildoer and a liar both take two people to accomplish a mission. The one doing the evil slandering and lying and the one listening to the slander and lies. If no one listens, the person slandering gets shut down. This is such an important truth to remember. You can squash evil like this dead in its tracks by simply refusing to listen! I will always remember a friend who, when hearing gossip or slander, would quietly say, “I’m not going to be a part of this” and simply walk away. It spoke volumes to the person slandering and quieted his tongue. That is the essence of what this proverb is trying to say. And it’s what my friend modeled. The Bible is explicitly clear in this proverb that in order to not be an evildoer or a liar, we must be vigilant in what we take in through our ears. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40716465

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:3 04/21/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:3 by David Chadwick “The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts.” Proverbs 17:3 Silver is refined in the crucible, as is gold in the furnace. Similarly, our hearts and lives must be tested, purified, and refined by the Lord in whatever ways he sees fit. Titus 2:14 says that Jesus “gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” Jesus sacrificed his life to pave the way for humanity to be reunited with the Father. He died to redeem us and to purify us! Jesus loves us all so much, and at times, he may test our faith to make us more pure. God tested Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22. It’s part of his nature and character to discipline his children. Hebrews 12:7 says, “It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” Every good father who really cares about his children desires for them to be trained up, equipped, and walking in maturity. This is partly why we are to rejoice when trials come our way (Romans 5:3-5). When we walk through trials and are tested, we are given the invitation to grow and mature. Hard times, when handled righteously, produce patience, and patience produces character, and proven character gives us hope, which does not disappoint. How else can God know if our faith is real if he doesn’t test it? Is it only through mere words? No! Words can be cheap. Daniel was proven worthy in the lion’s den. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fire. Abraham and Sarah as they waited for Isaac. Fire always burns off selfish and sinful dross. It purifies the things that are hindering your faith from growing and advancing–that which is keeping you from being pure like silver and gold. Let me challenge you to look at your tests of faith as positive things. Thank God for them! Every time, God is giving you a pop quiz. Be ready WHEN they occur. And pass them well. As you do, feel God’s delight in you. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40716455

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:1 04/20/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:1 by David Chadwick “Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.” Proverbs 17:1 Better is a dry, crusty morsel of bread in a peaceful home than a house with delicious food and delicacies that is full of strife. Strife. Defined as “conflict or an angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues,” strife ruins relationships. It hinders momentum and stops the Gospel from moving forward. Biblically, in James 3:16, strife is also called “selfish ambition.” If pride is the root of all evil, I would argue strife is one of the most wicked fruits that comes from pride. In fact, Marilynn and I know of a pastor who has only one firing offense: causing strife. James 3:16 says, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” This verse should cause all of us to pause the next time we feel tempted to stir up a problem. Strife invites chaos, disorder, dissension, division, and dark, demonic activity. Strife is like an open door to the devil that says, “Come on in and do your dirty work in my life. You can destroy my family, my workspace, my friends, everything!” As followers of Jesus, we must resist strife and selfish ambition with every ounce of our being. It must be avoided at all costs. But how, you might ask? First, guard your words. Don’t respond in anger when someone speaks against you. Do not gossip or slander another person. Secondly, pursue the fruit of the Spirit. Choose to love. Find joy. Seek peace. Be patient and kind. Do good. Be faithful and gentle. Develop self-control! Third, choose to forgive. Living in bitterness and unforgiveness leaves you vulnerable to initiating and tolerating strife. Finally, walk every day in Jesus’s perfect peace. After all, he is the Prince of Peace. Seek his kingdom and experience the benefits of his rulership! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40716450

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 6:10-11, The Value of Hard Work 04/17/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 6:10-11, The Value of Hard Work by Marilynn Chadwick “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.” Proverbs 6:10-11 NIV I am not a naturally self-disciplined person. But I discovered early on that it was impossible for me to take the kids beyond where I had gone myself. If I was undisciplined, it was hard to discipline the children. If my schedule was inconsistent, it was hard to help them follow a schedule. If I quit before I reached the finish line, it was hard to teach our children to persevere. When an airplane loses cabin pressure, we’re told to administer oxygen to ourselves before we give it to our child. There are some lessons we have to “administer to ourselves” before we can teach them to our children. Hard work is one of those. We encouraged our children to see all work as honorable—whether it was waiting on tables, doing weekly chores, or even folding laundry. Sometimes I would point out those who appeared to be “working with all their heart,” like the guy who loaded up our groceries with an especially cheerful attitude. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for man” (Col. 3:23). Hard work is vastly underrated in today’s culture. I’m all for talking about the importance of big dreams. I love dreaming big, and I was passionate about helping our children reach their dreams. But without plenty of hard work, they remain just dreams. I once heard a quote that still is with me. “Insights are beautiful castles, but you can’t live in them.” Proverbs 14:23 puts it this way: "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." God’s Word is immensely practical as well as spiritual. These verses in Proverbs highlight the necessity of action over merely words. Disciplined effort results in gain, while constantly dreaming, and even talking, about our plans—without executing them—results in unfulfilled potential and a lackluster life. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40635745

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 1:10, Choose Your Companions Wisely 04/16/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 1:10, Choose Your Companions Wisely by Marilynn Chadwick “My child, sinners will try to lead you into sin. But do not follow them.” Proverbs 1:10 ICB Proverbs warns about the danger of bad companions. We were careful with our children and who they chose as friends. We made the decision to send our children to secular schools, knowing they would be surrounded by a variety of kids. But a troubled kid was always welcome in our home. Sometimes, even a problem child, when surrounded by a healthy home environment, could make great progress. The phrase "Bad company corrupts good character" is a famous quote from 1 Corinthians 15:33. It warns that close association with foolish peers can negatively influence one's own morals and behavior. However, there was one category of friend that caused us to provide more boundaries of protection. These I would call the “dream killers.” David and I have been more intentional about protecting our children from dream killers than we have from more obvious misbehavior. Children can be taught to recognize the dangers of drinking or drugs. But they may not always see the subtlety of a dream killer. Dream killers can come in the form of peers or even adults at times. This is sometimes called “the crab pot syndrome.” This means when one crab tries to crawl out of a pot, the others will pull him back down. We’ve seen this syndrome play out time and again. Not everyone sees our child’s dream or supports that dream. That’s why we prayed fervently for God to guard our children’s friendships. We prayed the Lord would use those friends to encourage each other to draw our children close to him and then to open doors for their calling to make an impact for Christ on this broken and hurting world. Let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds (Hebrews 10:24 AMP). Every dreamer needs a team. Consider ways to build a good team around your child. Bring teachers, grandparents, coaches, and church leaders into your circle of friends. They can be some of your biggest allies in helping your children reach their dreams. I supported our children’s teachers and coaches and volunteered whenever possible. Coming from a family of educators, I deeply admired the many adults who poured their lives into our children. I prayed for them, encouraged them, even befriended them. But there were times when I had to go to bat for our children. On a couple of occasions, I asked a teacher or coach to consider giving a second chance or a harder challenge to one of our children. In each case, I knew the child was ready. And in each case, the teacher or coach agreed, so I was glad I spoke up. Prayer partners are also key, along with the parents of your children’s friends. It really does take a village. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40635720

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 3:11-12, Love and Limits 04/15/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 3:11-12, Love and Limits by Marilynn Chadwick “My son do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” Proverbs 3:11-12 NIV Children are generally asking two questions: “Do you love me?” and “Can I have my own way?” They seem to thrive on love and limits. So as parents we would say, “Yes, I love you, and “No, you can’t always have your own way.” Focused attention, eye contact, lots of snuggles, a listening ear. There are many ways to say I love you. Unconditional love is a vital ingredient of a healthy home. But limits are important too. Limits provide a sense of security. Here’s a little secret: If it’s necessary to correct your children, give them consequences that are actually beneficial to them. For example, an early bedtime, cleaning the bathroom, finishing a book instead of watching television, doing 50 jumping jacks to get the wiggles out. You get the point. I also learned as the kids reached middle school to go easier on eye contact. Don’t bear down too hard in serious conversations. That’s probably why our best talks—especially the hard ones—happened while driving in the car. They’d tell me most anything I wanted to know if I didn’t intrude. Conversations in the van often turned into spiritual life lessons—I dubbed our drive time “e-van-gelism.” Faith is both caught and taught. I encouraged our kids to be on the lookout for signs of God at work—in big ways and small ones. We dared our kids to dream big and trust God with the results. But mostly, I wanted them to be able to hear God for themselves—to discern his voice from all the others. They didn’t know it, but I continually watched to see if they were shaping their views according to what they were learning at home or what the world was telling them. It really doesn’t matter where I travel. It’s the same in any culture—rich or poor. We can never underestimate the power of a strong and loving home. Home is where humans thrive and grow best. It’s where children should be nurtured. Instructed. Protected. It’s where they catch the faith. And where they’re free to dream. Especially when the home is built on the solid rock of faith in Jesus Christ. When a home is filled with the grace of unconditional love and the framework of strong limits, and when parents seek the Lord with all their whole heart, a home can produce children who are likely to change the world. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40635705

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 11:28, Wealth Never Satisfies 04/14/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 11:28, Wealth Never Satisfies by Marilynn Chadwick “Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.” Proverbs 11:28 Wealth tricks us, tempts us, and promises what it can't deliver. So, we humans buy the lie and exhaust ourselves—chasing after that which fades. Riches. Achievements. Beauty. All are satisfying at first. But they don’t last. Anyone who has watched a loved one age and die knows that the joys we experience on this earth are fleeting. Faded jeans. Faded furniture. Faded memories—mental images grow dim over time. Let’s be honest. Life here on earth fades. The book of James is filled with practical wisdom. That’s why some call it “The Proverbs of the New Testament.” We find this same warning about the fleeting nature of wealth. James beckons us to turn our eyes toward eternity, reminding us how “the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements” (James 1:11b NLT). Let’s look at the complete passage from The Message, a stirring paraphrase: “Prosperity is as short-lived as a wildflower, so don’t ever count on it. You know that as soon as the sun rises, pouring down its scorching heat, the flower withers. Its petals wilt and, before you know it, that beautiful face is a barren stem. Well, that’s a picture of the ‘prosperous life.’ At the very moment everyone is looking on in admiration, it fades away to nothing” (James 1:9-11 MSG). Several proverbs speak about greed, warning us that chasing wealth brings trouble, destroys families, and ultimately steals the life of the greedy person. They emphasize that greedy pursuits lead to ruin, whereas contentment is a source of security and wisdom. "He who is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household" (Proverbs 15:27a ESV). "A greedy man stirs up strife" (Proverbs 28:25a). Overwork and greed are modern-day idols. So it’s wise to be aware that when we set our minds to guard against idolatry, we step into an intense spiritual battle. I believe materialism is the chief rival god of our age. That’s why victory over the bondage to material things and pulling down the stronghold of busyness requires a fierce fight. It’s also why, at its core, our real battle is to believe and take our place in prayer. God wants us to freely enjoy this life. But it’s wise to sit lightly on the world’s fleeting pleasures. We are to build our foundation on the eternal life given to us only in Christ. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40635690

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 23:4, Just Stop 04/13/2026

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 23:4, Just Stop by Marilynn Chadwick “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.” Proverbs 23:4 It’s been said that Americans are the only people who worship our work, work at our play, and play at our worship. Maybe that’s why keeping Sabbath is so hard. Many of us enjoy feeling productive, and taking a day off seems to slow us down. The word “Sabbath,” or sabat in Hebrew, simply means “to cease, desist, rest.” Put another way, Sabbath means “stop.” The very first use of sabat, translated “rest,” in the Bible is in Genesis: “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done” (Genesis 2:2-3 NIV). Proverbs 23:4 warns us to avoid the exhaustion that comes from overwork—the opposite of a Sabbath-keeping lifestyle. Other versions express the same caution in different words: “Don’t exhaust yourself in pursuit of wealth; be smart enough to desist” (Proverbs 23:4 CJB). “Do not work so hard to become rich that you make yourself ill. Be wise and rest when you need to” (Proverbs 23:4 EASY English Bible). Maybe you spend a lot of your waking hours caring for those you love and scrambling to finish your to-do list. But who is telling you to guard your soul and to tend to your spiritual life? You might be surprised at how often the Bible reminds us to care for our soul. God looks at rest as an important part of daily life. He even ordained a weekly day of rest as one the Ten Commandments. He said, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy…” (Exodus 20:8-11 NIV). The Bible includes more instructions about how to keep the Sabbath than all the other nine commandments. Rest is a command. It impacts our worship, our prayer life, and our family. We need to guard our Sabbath rest. Keeping the Sabbath is a good way to protect our marriages. Sabbath makes space for nurturing our families, our church, and our communities. Sabbath-keeping helps us care for our souls in an age when many are desperately thirsty for inner peace. Rest from our work is also a theological theme woven throughout the Bible. It describes the liberating life of grace for the believer who has found true rest in Christ’s salvation. Perhaps St. Augustine could have been hinting at our need for Sabbath rest when he made this famous statement in his Confessions: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40635670

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 16:33 04/10/2026

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 Traditionally, casting lots has been a way to make a decision without bias and outside influence. In biblical history, there are even some cases where the casting of lots was used to determine the Lord’s will, most notably in Acts 1:26. After Judas died, Peter, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, cast lots to determine who the twelfth disciple needed to be. And Matthias was chosen. This proverb reminds us that even the random practice of casting lots is under God’s providential governance. Does this mean that we should regularly throw dice, or cast lots, to determine God’s will? No! But it does mean that everything, ALL things, are under God’s control when done in faith by people who really love God. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” There is not one situation that he is not using for our good and his glory. We should find enormous peace in this truth as we learn to trust God in all things and in every area of our lives. Is there a tough decision you are facing right now? If so, this truth is for you. You need not fear. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Very present. Available. Aware. Accessible. All of these words describe our great God! He is not distant. And keeps all of his promises to his children. The Holy Spirit has been left as a helper to anyone who puts his or her faith in Jesus Christ. John 14:26 says that his job is to teach us and bring to our remembrance all that Jesus said to us. He guides us into all truth, which is one of his major jobs (John 16:13). There is no safer place to be than following Jesus and seeking him with our whole heart. Whatever comes your way, always remember the ultimate decision comes from the Lord! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/40635655

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 16:31 04/09/2026

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

A Moment of Hope

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