Why does the Apostle John end his letter with a blunt command to guard yourself from the "flashy things" of this world? We define what an idol truly is—anything we seek comfort or trust in that is not God. From bank accounts to our own self-rule, this episode challenges us to stop polishing our idols and instead bow before the living God who loves us as His heirs. We explore worship vs idolatry. "Little children, guard yourselves from idols. Amen." 1 John 5:21. What are you seeking comfort in today that is not God, and how can you begin to surrender that to Him? Join us at the conclusion of this journey and share today’s reflection with someone who needs help identifying their idols.Please check out Marriage is Just Two People Googling Separately: Love Poems that Need Counseling for a fun and humorous look at love and life Available . Pick it up now! Thanks for showing your support!

Learn how to stop driving through life by looking in the rearview mirror and start living with an eternal perspective. We explore the assurance of our identity in Christ and how understanding the "True God" allows us to walk as faithful disciples. This episode serves as an "end cap" to John’s arguments, reminding us that we are securely held by the One who is eternal life. Truth steers our life's trajectory. "And we know that the Son of God has come... This is the true God and eternal life." 1 John 5:20. Which argument are you currently believing—the one the world tells you about yourself, or the one God has written in His Word? Join us today and share this message of assurance with a friend who needs an anchor.Please check out Marriage is Just Two People Googling Separately: Love Poems that Need Counseling for a fun and humorous look at love and life Available now!Thanks for showing your support!

Discover why focusing on the "fight" against evil can actually distract you from the God who has already won the victory. We compare the limited power of the evil one on this "rock" to the grand reality of God’s rule over the universe. This episode encourages us to resist the trap of seeking control and instead yield to the pruning of a Father who loves us. We explore how even the hardest trials are insignificant compared to the Creator’s glory. "We know we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one." 1 John 5:19. Are you trying to fight your battles in your own strength, or are you resting in the delegated power of your Creator? Share today’s reflection with someone who needs to hear that they are on the winning team—Team Universe!Also, please take a look at this title from Dave, Wilderness Whispers: Poems of Solitude, Surrender and the God Who Speaks in Silence.  This books is written from the personal reflections and wrestling and, I believe, will encourage you as you walk through struggles and joys. Thanks so much for your support. We are humbled that you would help us continue bringing this kind of support to other believers. 

Experience the freedom of knowing that Jesus keeps you safe from the evil one, even when you feel the pressure of sin. Using the fascinating analogy of a "vomit comet," we discuss how being in Christ removes the power of sin to hold us. We explore the difference between the "black and white" of perfectionism and the reality of failing forward with a Savior who holds us securely. While sin exists around us, its hold on those in Christ is broken. "Anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one born of God keeps them safe." 1 John 5:18. Does your life feel like you are struggling against a bully, or are you resting in the settled peace of Christ's protection? Join us as we head towards the end of this season and let us know how you are experiencing growth in your spiritual confidence.Songs Between the Storms: Selahs for the Storms is available no, and can be purchased at most major book retailers. Thanks for supporting this work! We are really truly grateful!

Learn why God doesn't "drop the hammer" immediately when we fail, but instead offers a generous extension of grace for our restoration. While all unrighteousness is sin, we explore the beautiful truth that God is patient and longsuffering with us. This episode challenges "perfectionistic" church culture by highlighting how God uses natural consequences and gratitude to lead us back to repentance rather than immediate judgment. We are called to love and encourage rather than obsessing over others' failures. "All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death." 1 John 5:17. Do you find yourself obsessed with the sins of others, or are you focused on the graciousness and generosity of your Savior? Share this episode with a friend and let us know how you are experiencing growth through God's incredible patience.Also, please take a look at this title from Dave, Wilderness Whispers: Poems of Solitude, Surrender and the God Who Speaks in Silence.  This books is written from the personal reflections and wrestling and, I believe, will encourage you as you walk through struggles and joys. Thanks so much for your support. We are humbled that you would help us continue bringing this kind of support to other believers. 

Discover how to pray with confidence for wayward brothers and sisters, knowing God delights in restoring His children to fellowship. We dive into the difficult distinction between sins that lead to death and those that don't, focusing on our call to pray for restoration. Using the heart of the prodigal son, we explore praying for revelation, repentance, and the grace that draws people back into the sanctuary of God's love. We discuss how God hears us when we ask in Jesus' name. "If anyone sees his brother... committing sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will... give life." 1 John 5:16. When you see a friend walking away from faith, do you pray for God to reveal His love or do you focus on failure? Join us in the middle and share today’s reflection with someone who needs encouragement to keep praying for their prodigal.Are you looking for an accessible way to grow in your discipleship, or to help someone in their’s? Check out Made New: New Believers Devotional AndMade New: Discipleship Makers DevotionalBoth of these 31 day devotionals are fantastic resources for anyone looking to continue deepening their faith, trust and obedience to God

Is your prayer life a transactional vending machine, or a heart-to-heart relationship with a Father who knows your needs? We explore why God isn't a "vending machine" for our self-centered desires, but a Baker who wants us to join the family business. When we walk in the light and align our hearts with His will, we gain the assurance that He not only hears us but provides exactly what we need. "And if we know that he hears us... we know that we have the request." 1 John 5:15. Are you asking for things to spend on yourself, or are you seeking to align your heart with the Father's family business? Share today’s reflection with a friend and let us know how you are experiencing growth in your trust.Please consider picking up Dave’s newest title:Rise and Speak: Poetry for Justice and HopeAnd thanks so much for your support!

Do you ever feel like you're yelling at a God who needs a hearing aid, or do you trust He's listening? We discuss the incredible confidence we have as children of God, knowing that our Father gives us His full, undivided attention. Unlike finite parents, God never puts us in a "line" or brushes us off; He hears every request made according to His will with a heart that wants our best. "This is the confidence... if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." 1 John 5:14. Are you taking advantage of your direct "FaceTime" with the Father, or are you letting the noise of the world distract you? Join us in the middle of this season and let us know how you are experiencing growth in prayer.Please check out Marriage is Just Two People Googling Separately: Love Poems that Need Counseling for a fun and humorous look at love and life Available for purchase now!

Does the tenor of your life sound like the joy and love of Jesus, or does it come with a whole lot of "you"? We explore John's mission statement: writing so that believers can have the absolute assurance of eternal life. This episode challenges us to follow this example by being intentional with our own words—writing letters, cards, and notes that encourage others and leave a legacy of faith for future generations. "These things I have written to you... so that you may know that you have eternal life." 1 John 5:13. When was the last time you wrote a personal letter to someone specifically to spur them on in their faith? Share today’s reflection with a friend and let us know how you are experiencing growth in your intentionality.Songs Between the Storms: Selahs for the Storms is available no, and can be purchased at most major book retailers. Thanks for supporting this work! We are really truly grateful!

In a world full of "cute lies" and clever marketing, are you settling for cardboard fries or the exquisite feast of Christ? We tackle the binary reality of 1 John 5:12, where life is found only in the Son. This truth creates an urgency to move past "fig leaves" and share the overwhelming beauty of God with our neighbors, treating every person we meet as a potential future brother or sister. "The one who has the Son has life... who does not have the Son... does not have life." 1 John 5:12. Do you know the names of the eight neighbors surrounding your home, and have you shared the joy of Christ with them? Join us in the middle and let us know how you are experiencing growth in your sacrificial love for others.Also, please take a look at this title from Dave, Wilderness Whispers: Poems of Solitude, Surrender and the God Who Speaks in Silence.  This books is written from the personal reflections and wrestling and, I believe, will encourage you as you walk through struggles and joys. Thanks so much for your support. We are humbled that you would help us continue bringing this kind of support to other believers.