Hi, friend. Happy New Year!

If you’re resolving to pray more this year — and shouldn’t we all? — this episode is for you.

There is a remarkable story in Joshua chapter 10. While in battle, the Hebrews needed more daylight. Joshua asks God to stop the sun from setting, and God does. Verse 14 says, “God took orders from a human voice.” How’s that for a reminder that God listens to our prayers?

Every day we choose who and what to listen to. There are hundreds of channels on our televisions, millions of people sharing their opinions online. But only one voice will guide you to the Promised Land. Choose to trust the voice of God.

Merry Christmas, friend! I pray this season brings you joy and peace and the hope that Christ, who came as a baby, is coming again.

Hello, friend. Thank you for joining me for another Encouraging Word.

What does trust have to do with greed? According to Joshua chapter 7, quite a lot. This passage reminds us that looking for security in anything or anyone other than God will always let us down.

Today’s episode brings us to a familiar story in the Bible. Maybe you’ve sung the old song about Joshua fighting the battle of Jericho. But this story is about more than the Hebrews defeating the Canaanites. This is a story about fighting from a place of victory to defeat the strongholds in your life.

You know what it's like to face difficulty. You have before and you will again. You may be, right now, facing a challenge so great that a solution feels impossible. If that sounds familiar, I encourage you to follow the example of Joshua — before you go into battle, call on your Commander.

Hello, friend. I hope you’re doing well. This week we celebrate Thanksgiving, so I think today’s episode is especially fitting.

In Joshua 4, just as many of us will do this week with family and friends, Joshua and the Hebrew people were instructed to pause and remember all God had done for them. And that act of gratitude prepared them for what came next.