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How can we stay spiritually prepared for life's challenges and resist the temptations that come our way? In today's Daily Word Podcast, Pastor Brandon Dirmann shares from Mark 13 and 14, where Jesus gives His disciples two important instructions: watch and pray. Through these passages, we're reminded of the importance of staying spiritually alert, recognizing the challenges and temptations around us, and remaining connected to God through prayer and His Word. Join us as we're encouraged to live with spiritual awareness, strengthen our relationship with the Holy Spirit, and walk in the wisdom and strength God provides for whatever lies ahead. Today's Scripture: Mark 13–14

Did you know that the power to perform miracles and bring freedom in Jesus' name isn't limited to Jesus Himself? In today's Daily Word Podcast, Pastor Robert Rosales shares from Mark 9:38–39, where Jesus responds to His disciples after they encounter someone casting out demons in His name. Through this passage, we're reminded that Jesus has given His followers spiritual authority through His name and the power of the Holy Spirit. Join us as we're encouraged to grow in faith, step out with confidence, and believe that God can work through us to bring healing, freedom, and hope to others. Today's Scripture: Mark 9–10

In today’s episode, Pastor Jenny shares a devotion from Mark 10:13–16, where Jesus rebukes His disciples for preventing children from coming to Him. While the disciples viewed the children as an interruption, Jesus made it clear that they were precious to Him and just as deserving of His love, attention, and blessing as anyone else. Pastor Jenny highlights two important lessons from this passage. First, children are not merely the future of the Church; they are valuable members of God's Kingdom right now. Jesus desires to have a relationship with them, and as believers, we have a responsibility to create opportunities for children to encounter Him, whether in our churches, homes, schools, or communities. We should continually examine whether our attitudes or actions are helping children draw closer to Jesus or unintentionally hindering them. But Jesus also turns the lesson toward the adults, declaring that whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it. Pastor Jenny reminds us that children demonstrate a beautiful picture of trust, dependence, and reliance upon those who care for them. In the same way, we're called to live in complete dependence upon our Heavenly Father, trusting Him to provide, protect, and guide us. Today, consider how you can help the children around you encounter Jesus while also allowing their example to strengthen your own faith. Come to the Father with the trust and dependence of a child, remembering that His arms are always open to receive you. Today's Reading: November 1 – Psalm 121; Mark 9–10

In today’s episode, Pastor Cory shares a devotion from Mark 8:1–9, where Jesus miraculously feeds a crowd of four thousand people with just seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. While this is one of Jesus' most familiar miracles, Pastor Cory draws our attention to something we might easily overlook: the reason Jesus performed it. In Mark 8:2, Jesus plainly declares that He has compassion on the multitude. These people hadn't come expecting a meal, and while finding food on their journey home would have been inconvenient, their circumstances weren't necessarily an impossible crisis. Yet Jesus saw their need, felt compassion for them, and chose to intervene supernaturally. Not only did everyone eat until they were satisfied, but seven large baskets of food remained! This miracle reminds us that God's compassion isn't reserved for our greatest emergencies, and His power isn't a limited resource that He must carefully ration. Pastor Cory compares this to the compassion a parent feels for their child, even when the child's concern might seem insignificant to someone else. In the same way, our Heavenly Father cares about the details of our lives, including the needs we might consider too small or unimportant to bring before Him. Today, consider whether there are concerns you've hesitated to bring to God because you feel they're not important enough to deserve His attention. Remember that caring for you is not a burden to Him. He has compassion for you, He has more than enough to meet your needs, and He invites you to trust Him with every part of your life. Today's Reading: October 31 – Job 22; Mark 7–8

In today’s episode, Pastor Brandon shares a devotion from Mark 5:36, where Jesus speaks a powerful word to Jairus after he receives devastating news that his daughter has died: “Do not fear, only believe.” Jairus had come to Jesus desperate for his daughter's healing, and Jesus had agreed to go with him. But along the way, their journey was interrupted by a woman who had been suffering from an issue of blood. While she received her miracle, Jairus was left waiting, only to hear that it was now too late for his daughter. Pastor Brandon reminds us how easily we can relate to Jairus when we're believing God for something but find ourselves facing delays, discouragement, or circumstances that seem to contradict His promises. Sometimes we even watch others receive the very breakthroughs we're praying for, leaving us wondering whether God has forgotten us. But Jesus' response to Jairus challenges us to resist fear and continue trusting Him, even when the situation appears hopeless. Rather than viewing someone else's miracle as evidence that we've been overlooked, we can celebrate it as a testimony of God's power and faithfulness. Today, whatever promise you're holding on to or whatever difficulty you're walking through, choose to take another step of faith. Don't allow fear or discouragement to determine your response. Keep trusting God's Word, remembering that His faithfulness isn't limited by the delays or circumstances we encounter along the way. Today's Reading: October 30 – Job 21; Mark 5–6

Are we simply hearing God's Word, or are we allowing it to transform our lives? In today's Daily Word Podcast, Pastor Robert Rosales shares from Mark 4:24, where Jesus challenges us to carefully consider what we hear. Through the Parable of the Sower, we're reminded that spiritual growth isn't just about hearing more of God's Word, but about how we receive it, reflect on it, and put it into practice. Join us as we explore three important questions that challenge us to be intentional about what we're listening to, how we're receiving God's truth, and what we're doing with what we've heard. Today's Scripture: Mark 3–4 | Focus: Mark 4:24

In today’s episode, Pastor Jenny shares a devotion from Mark 1:16–20, where Jesus calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John to leave their fishing nets behind and follow Him. What makes this familiar passage especially powerful is reading it just after finishing the book of Acts, where we witnessed the incredible sacrifices these same disciples would eventually make for the sake of the gospel. James, for example, would become the first of the twelve apostles to be martyred for his faith. Yet when Jesus first called him, there was no detailed explanation of the hardships, challenges, or sacrifices that awaited him. Jesus simply said, “Follow Me,” and the disciples responded in obedience. Pastor Jenny reminds us that following Jesus doesn't require knowing every detail of the journey ahead. So often, we want God to reveal the entire plan before we're willing to take the first step. We want to know where He's leading, what it will cost, and how everything will turn out. But Jesus calls us into a relationship of faith, trust, and surrender, where His voice is enough even when the destination is unclear. Sometimes not knowing every detail is part of what allows us to step forward in faith. Today, consider whether you've been waiting for God to explain the whole plan before responding to something He's already asked you to do. Rather than demanding certainty about the future, choose to trust the One who is calling you. When Jesus says, “Follow Me,” let that invitation be enough. Today's Reading: October 28 – Job 19; Mark 1–2

In today’s episode, Pastor Cory shares a devotion from Acts 27, where the Apostle Paul warns a Roman centurion that their voyage will end in disaster. Despite Paul's warning, the centurion chooses to listen to the ship's crew instead, and they soon find themselves caught in a violent storm. But as the situation grows increasingly desperate, something changes. The centurion begins listening to Paul, recognizing the value of the message God is speaking through him. What he had previously dismissed becomes the very guidance that helps preserve their lives. Pastor Cory draws an important lesson from this story: we shouldn't have to wait until we're in the middle of a storm to start listening to the Lord. Even as believers who regularly seek God, there may be areas of our lives where we've resisted His correction, ignored His direction, or simply refused to give Him room to speak. Whether it's our health, relationships, finances, or personal habits, ignoring God's wisdom can lead to unnecessary hardship. And while God is gracious to help us when trouble comes, there are storms we might avoid altogether by listening to Him sooner. God's correction isn't intended to harm us but to lead us toward life. Today, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of your heart that you've closed off to His voice. Don't wait for circumstances to force you to listen. Invite Him to speak, correct, and guide you now, trusting that His direction is always for your good. Today's Reading: October 27 – Job 18; Psalm 114; Acts 27–28

In today’s episode, Pastor Brandon shares a devotion from Acts 26:19, where the Apostle Paul stands before King Agrippa and declares, “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.” As Paul recounts his encounter with Jesus and the calling he received to preach the gospel, he reveals a powerful truth about what it means to follow Christ: when God calls us, we have a responsibility to respond in obedience. Pastor Brandon reminds us that just as Jesus found Paul and gave him a purpose, He has also called each of us to play a meaningful role in His Kingdom. Every believer shares the calling to build the Church, advance the Kingdom of God, and see souls saved and disciples made. But within that shared mission, God also has specific assignments for each of our lives. Sometimes those assignments are not yet visible in our circumstances, but God has placed a vision in our hearts for what He is calling us to pursue. The question is whether we are being obedient to what He has revealed. If you already know what God has called you to do, are you actively walking in obedience? And if you don't know, are you intentionally seeking Him for direction? Pastor Brandon encourages us to recognize that God wants to use our lives in significant ways. Today, seek His voice, surrender to His purposes, and be willing to say yes to the heavenly vision He has for your life. Today's Reading: October 26 – Acts 24–26

In today’s episode, Pastor Robert shares a devotion from Acts 21:8, where the Apostle Paul and his companions visit the home of Philip the Evangelist. While this brief mention might be easy to overlook, Philip's life offers a powerful example of faithful service, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and a willingness to share the gospel wherever God leads. Pastor Robert takes us back through Philip's story, beginning in Acts 6, where he was chosen as one of seven men to help meet the practical needs of the early church. What began as a ministry of service eventually expanded into a remarkable evangelistic ministry. In Samaria, Philip preached Christ, and many believed as God confirmed His Word through miracles, healings, and deliverance. Later, Philip followed the Holy Spirit's direction to share the gospel with a single Ethiopian official, demonstrating that ministry can be just as significant in a personal conversation as it is before a large crowd. Years later, we find Philip welcoming Paul into his home, with Scripture also highlighting the prophetic ministry of his four daughters. Pastor Robert reminds us that effective ministry isn't limited to a platform or a particular position. It begins with a heart surrendered to God and extends into our homes, relationships, and everyday interactions. Today, ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize the opportunities He's placing before you. Whether you're serving behind the scenes, speaking to a crowd, or sharing Jesus with one person, remain faithful and available for whatever God calls you to do. Today's Reading: October 25 – Job 16; Acts 21–23

In today’s episode, Pastor Jenny shares a devotion from Acts 20:17–35, where the Apostle Paul delivers an emotional farewell to the elders of the church in Ephesus. As he prepares to depart, Paul urges these leaders to carefully watch over themselves and the people God has entrusted to their care, warning that false teachings and divisive influences will threaten the church from both outside and within. Pastor Jenny highlights the responsibility of spiritual shepherds to protect, nurture, and guide God's people while remaining firmly rooted in Scripture. But before leaders can effectively care for others, they must first attend to their own relationship with the Lord. After all, the people they shepherd don't belong to them; they belong to Jesus, who purchased the Church with His own blood. This passage also carries an important reminder for those being shepherded: God has placed spiritual leaders in our lives to provide guidance, protection, and encouragement. Healthy churches require both faithful shepherds who remain connected to Jesus and believers who are willing to receive godly counsel and instruction. And these principles extend beyond church leadership to anyone entrusted with caring for others. Today, consider the people God has placed in your life, whether you're leading them or receiving their guidance. Are you remaining anchored in God's Word, attentive to spiritual dangers, and committed to growing in your relationship with Jesus? As we follow the Good Shepherd together, we can trust Him to strengthen, protect, and build His Church. Today's Reading: October 24 – Job 15; Acts 19–20

In today’s episode, Pastor Cory shares a devotion from Acts 17, where the Apostle Paul finds himself in Athens, a city filled with idols and philosophers eager to hear and debate the latest ideas. When Paul is invited to speak at the Areopagus, he takes the opportunity to proclaim the gospel, even though his audience might seem unlikely to receive it. These were people accustomed to hearing new philosophies, debating them, and moving on to the next interesting idea. Yet Paul didn't allow the possibility of rejection or indifference to keep him from sharing Jesus. And while some dismissed his message, others believed, including Dionysius and a woman named Damaris. Pastor Cory reminds us that we should never underestimate the opportunities God gives us to share our faith, even when they seem small or unlikely to produce results. Sometimes the people we least expect to respond are the very ones whose hearts God is preparing. After all, Paul himself once seemed like an unlikely candidate to become a follower of Jesus! Whether it's a meaningful conversation, a simple expression of faith, or an opportunity to pray in the presence of unbelievers, every opportunity matters. Today, ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize and embrace the opportunities He places before you. Don't allow assumptions about how someone might respond to keep you from sharing the good news. Trust that the gospel has power and that God can work through even the smallest acts of faithfulness. Today's Reading: October 23 – Job 13–14; Acts 17–18

In today’s episode, Pastor Brandon shares a devotion from Acts 16:25–26, where Paul and Silas find themselves imprisoned, facing an uncertain future. Yet in the middle of their darkest hour, rather than complaining or giving in to discouragement, they begin praying and singing praises to God. Suddenly, an earthquake shakes the prison, the doors fly open, and everyone's chains are loosened! Pastor Brandon reminds us that while we can't always control the difficulties we face, we can choose how we respond to them. When life gets hard, it's easy to fall into negativity, frustration, and complaining. But what if we chose to respond with worship instead? Praising God in difficult circumstances is an act of faith that invites His presence and power into our situation. And there's another powerful detail in this story: the other prisoners were listening. Just as those prisoners heard Paul and Silas worshiping, the people around us are paying attention to how we respond when life gets difficult. Our children, spouses, friends, and coworkers are influenced by the attitudes and words we demonstrate every day. Are we modeling faith, gratitude, and dependence on God, or are we spreading negativity and discouragement? Today, consider how you're responding to the challenges in your life. Choose to praise God even in the midnight hour, trusting that He is still able to bring sudden breakthroughs. And remember, your response may not only impact your own circumstances but also encourage faith and freedom in the lives of those around you. Today's Reading: October 22 – Job 11–12; Acts 15–16

In today’s episode, Pastor Robert shares a devotion from Acts 13:2–3, where the leaders of the early church are worshiping, fasting, and ministering to the Lord when the Holy Spirit speaks, directing them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work He has called them to do. Pastor Robert highlights an important detail in this passage: before these men were sent out to minister to others, they were first ministering to the Lord. Their focus wasn't simply on asking God for direction or developing plans for ministry. They were giving Him their attention, worshiping Him for who He is, and seeking His presence. It was in this atmosphere of devotion that the Holy Spirit spoke and provided direction. This reminds us that the Holy Spirit is not merely a power we experience, but a person who speaks, leads, and guides God's people. Pastor Robert challenges us to consider how intentionally we're making room to hear His voice. Are we regularly setting aside distractions to worship, pray, fast, meditate on Scripture, and simply enjoy time in God's presence? Or have we become so consumed with our responsibilities and requests that we've neglected to minister to the Lord Himself? Today, take an honest look at your personal devotion to God. Make time to quiet your heart, put aside distractions, and seek Him not merely for what He can do, but because He is worthy of your love and attention. As you grow in your relationship with Him, trust that you'll also grow in your ability to recognize and follow the Holy Spirit's direction. Today's Reading: October 21 – Job 9–10; Acts 13–14

In today’s episode, Pastor Jenny shares a devotion from Acts 12, where the early church faces intense persecution following the execution of James and the imprisonment of Peter. With Peter's life in danger, the believers respond in a powerful way: they gather together and continually pray for him. What follows is an incredible miracle as an angel leads Peter out of prison, and he arrives at the very house where the church has been praying for his deliverance. Remarkably, when Peter shows up at their door, the believers are astonished that God has answered their prayers! Pastor Jenny draws our attention to Acts 12:5, reminding us of the significance of a church that faithfully prays for one another. Even when our faith feels small or we're uncertain how God will respond, our prayers matter because we serve a God who hears and moves on behalf of His people. This passage also challenges us to remember our brothers and sisters around the world who continue to face persecution for their faith in Jesus. Rather than standing idly by, we have an opportunity to stand alongside them through prayer, asking God for protection, strength, endurance, and boldness. Today, consider who you can lift up in prayer, whether it's someone in your own church, a leader in your life, or a believer suffering for the sake of the gospel. As we join together in faith, we can trust that God is at work, strengthening His people and advancing His Kingdom. Today's Reading: October 20 – Job 6–8; Acts 12