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Day by Day - 2 Samuel
The Foolishness Of Rejecting The King
To reject the King is to embrace destruction; to accept Him is to inherit eternal life.
#daybydaylw
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
~~~
Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:6-7 “Worthless men are like thorns that are thrown away, for they cannot taken with the hand.; but the man who touches them arms himself with iron and the shaft and they are utterly consumed with fire.”
Reflection: The worthless are compared to thorns—dangerous, disposable, and ultimately consumed by fire. Rejecting the reign of Christ leads to destruction. The kingdom has borders, and only those who acknowledge Jesus as King will enter.
Many in the world resist Christ’s authority, believing they can rule their own lives. But this passage warns that rejection of God’s kingdom results in separation and judgment. True freedom is found in submission to Christ, not in self-rule.
Thorns are not only useless but also harmful. Farmers do not cultivate thorns; they remove them to prevent destruction to themselves. Similarly, those who reject God’s truth and oppose His kingdom will be cast out. The world promotes self-reliance and rebellion against divine authority, but the end of such a path is separation from God. Scripture is clear that Christ will separate those who belong to Him from those who persist in rejecting Him. It is a sobering reality, but one that should motivate us to seek Him earnestly and call others to repentance. We must evaluate our lives—are we truly surrendered to Christ, or are we living in ways that reject His authority?
3 Prayer Points:
Pray for a heart fully surrendered to Christ’s reign.
Intercede for those who have not yet accepted His lordship.
Ask for boldness in proclaiming the truth of His kingdom.
2 Peoples to pray for Brandon & Brittney Lingle and their family, our missionaries in Thailand The Vietnamese Lifeword broadcast for the people of Vietnam
1 Summary: To reject the King is to embrace destruction; to accept Him is to inherit eternal life.
By: Clif Johnson
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 22, 2025
Show
Day by Day
Duration
00:02:39 min.
00:02:39 min.
Day By Day Expressions
Day By Day Expressions
Truth, goodness, and beauty must be consistently highlighted in academia.
#daybydaylw
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
By: Clif Johnson
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 21, 2025
Show
Day by Day
Duration
00:04:40 min.
00:04:40 min.
Day by Day - 2 Samuel
The Certainty Of God’s Covenant
God’s covenant is secure and unshakable, giving us confidence in His eternal kingdom.
#daybydaylw
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
~~~
Reflection: David reflects on God’s everlasting covenant, one that is "ordered and secure." Despite the failures in his reign, David trusts that God's promises will stand. Our faith must rest in the certainty of God's word, not our circumstances.
Life is unpredictable, and human promises are often broken. Yet, God’s covenant stands firm. When He makes a promise, it is eternal. The covenant with David points forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the King who reigns forever. As we navigate life’s uncertainties, we can rest in knowing that God’s plans for redemption and restoration are unshakable.
David had seen both the highs and lows of leadership. He experienced the blessings of God but also endured deep personal failures. Yet, he knew that God’s promises were greater than his mistakes. This same truth applies to us. Our salvation does not rest on our own efforts but on the faithfulness of God. No matter how unstable life may seem, we can trust that God’s promises remain secure. His kingdom is not dependent on human ability, but on His divine will, which will be fulfilled in its entirety.
3 Prayer Points:
Praise God for His unchanging promises.
Ask for faith to trust in His covenant.
Pray for those struggling with doubt to be reassured by His word.
2 People to pray for Danny & Rita Ballard, our missionaries in the Philippines The T’boli Upper Lifeword broadcast for the people of the Philippines
1 Summary: God’s covenant is secure and unshakable, giving us confidence in His eternal kingdom.
By: Clif Johnson
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 18, 2025
Show
Day by Day
Duration
00:02:14 min.
00:02:14 min.
Life Perspectives
Life Perspectives: Cal Thomas
Our faith should shape our worldview and how we approach current events.
#lifeperspectivespodcast
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
By: Michael Goering
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 17, 2025
Show
Life Perspectives
Duration
00:24:29 min.
00:24:29 min.
Doc Talks
"The Church and Anxiety" - ft. Robert Channing
The church should not approach anxiety as a sin.
#doctalkspodcast
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
By: Brian Sheppard
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 17, 2025
Duration
23:39:31 min.
23:39:31 min.
Day by Day - 2 Samuel
The Life-Giving Rule Of The King
A just King brings life, growth, and renewal—our sustenance is found in Christ.
#daybydaylw
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
~~~
Reflection: A just ruler who fears God is like the dawn breaking through darkness, like rain refreshing the land. The reign of Jesus Christ is our ultimate source of life and nourishment. Abiding in Him ensures spiritual vitality and growth.
Without light and water, the earth becomes barren. Likewise, without Christ’s rule in our lives, we wither spiritually. The righteousness of Christ provides the life we need to thrive. When we submit to His authority, we experience true peace and joy, knowing that His reign is one of justice, mercy, and provision.
This metaphor reminds us of how much we need Jesus daily. Just as a plant cannot thrive without sunlight and water, we cannot grow spiritually apart from Christ. Many times, we attempt to sustain ourselves through human strength, yet the true source of life is found in abiding in Jesus. He refreshes our weary souls, provides direction, and nourishes us with His truth. His justice ensures that righteousness will ultimately prevail in the world, bringing hope to those who suffer under the weight of sin and oppression.
3 Prayer Points:
Thank God for His life-giving rule.
Ask for a heart that abides in Christ.
Pray for the Church to reflect His kingdom reign.
2 Peoples to pray for Doug & Diane Lee, our missionaries in the Philippines The Urdu Lifeword broadcast for the people of Pakistan
1 Summary: A just King brings life, growth, and renewal—our sustenance is found in Christ.
By: Clif Johnson
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 17, 2025
Show
Day by Day
Duration
00:02:11 min.
00:02:11 min.
Stand Firm Parents
Fully Integrated Faith: Lessons from the Global Church
Mission: A Church and Family Strategy for Raising Resilient Disciples
In this inspiring conversation, Jake McCandless welcomes John David Smith, President of BMA Global Missions, to explore how the church and the home can work together to raise a generation of disciples who live on mission. Drawing from global disciple-making experience, John David unpacks the importance of modeling mission-minded living—at home, in the church, and around the world.
This episode casts a compelling vision for why the next generation doesn’t just need Sunday school—they need a faith worth living and a mission worth giving their lives to. Parents and pastors alike will come away with renewed purpose, clarity, and encouragement.
This episode continues the Fully Integrated Faith series.
By: Jake McCandless
(Stand Firm/Lifeword)
(Stand Firm/Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 16, 2025
Show
Stand Firm Parents
Duration
00:31:26 min.
00:31:26 min.
Day by Day - 2 Samuel
Raised By God
Our position in God’s plan is not self-made but divinely established for His glory.
#daybydaylw
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
~~~
Reflection: David was raised from obscurity to kingship, not by his own doing, but by God's sovereign hand. This reminds us that it is not our own efforts that determine our place in God’s plan, but His divine calling. Just as the sun brings forth life, so does the rule of a righteous King.
David’s rise to power is a profound example of how God’s purposes prevail. He was the least expected candidate—merely a shepherd boy—but God saw in him a heart of obedience. This is a comforting truth for us today. We may feel insignificant or unqualified, yet God uses the weak to demonstrate His power. When we submit to His leading, He raises us up in ways beyond our comprehension.
Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly chooses the least likely people to accomplish His work. Moses, who doubted his speaking ability, became the leader of Israel’s exodus. Gideon, who saw himself as weak, was chosen to defeat an entire army with a small group of men. The apostle Peter, who denied Christ, was restored to lead the early church. God’s way of working is different from human wisdom. He does not call based on ability, but rather on His sovereign purpose. If you feel overlooked or insignificant, remember that God sees you and can lift you up in ways you never imagined.
3 Prayer Points:
Thank God for His calling and elevation in your life.
Ask for humility to recognize His hand at work.
Pray for leaders to rule in righteousness and fear of the Lord.
2 People to pray for BJ & Jill Sanders and their family, our missionaries in Papua New Guinea The T’boli Lower Lifeword broadcast for the people of the Philippines
1 Summary: Our position in God’s plan is not self-made but divinely established for His glory.
By: Clif Johnson
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 16, 2025
Show
Day by Day
Duration
00:02:47 min.
00:02:47 min.
Outdoors with Shaun Merrell
Best of the Best
Join Shaun and his son, Hunter, as they share some fun banter and competition out on a hunt for a special kind of bird.
#outdoorswithshaunmerrell
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
By: Shaun Merrell
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 15, 2025
Duration
00:07:55 min.
00:07:55 min.
Day by Day - 2 Samuel
The Comfort Of A Coming Kingdom
Hope is found in the certainty of God’s Kingdom, even in the midst of life’s sorrows.
#daybydaylw
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
~~~
Reflection: David, in his final official words, does not dwell on regret or failure but instead on the kingdom that is to come. His reign as king, though marked by misery and sorrow, is overshadowed by the hope of a righteous King to come and an eternal kingdom.
The human heart often clings to the past, dwelling on mistakes and losses, but David’s perspective is forward-looking. This is a testament to the transformative power of God’s promises. As believers, we can find ourselves bogged down by the hardships of life—our own failures, the brokenness of the world, and the disappointments we face. Yet, like David, we are called to fix our eyes on the coming kingdom, where God’s perfect justice and peace will reign. Even when the world around us is in turmoil, we have the unshakable promise that God is preparing a place for His people. His kingdom is not a temporary rule but an everlasting dominion of righteousness and joy. This perspective strengthens us in times of sorrow and encourages us to live with an eternal mindset.
3 Prayer Points:
Thank God for the certainty of His kingdom.
Ask for a heart that longs for His reign.
Pray for those struggling with regret to find hope in God’s promises.
2 People to pray for Jeremy & Mandy Hambrice and their family, our missionaries in Papua New Guinea. The Telugu Lifeword broadcast for the people of India
1 Summary: Hope is found in the certainty of God's kingdom, even in the midst of life's sorrows.
By: Clif Johnson
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 15, 2025
Show
Day by Day
Duration
00:02:11 min.
00:02:11 min.
Day By Day Expressions
Day By Day Expressions
Christian institutions should reinforce that truth can be found in God’s Word.
#daybydaylw
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
By: Clif Johnson
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 14, 2025
Show
Day by Day
Duration
00:07:21 min.
00:07:21 min.
ADAW
He Sees You
In this episode of Another Day, Another Way, we dive deep into Matthew 4—a powerful chapter where Jesus is tempted in the wilderness and begins calling His first disciples. We get real about what it means to be tested, what temptation looks like in real life (especially in college), and how God still sees us through it all.
🎙️ Expect honest convos about:
Struggles with temptation
Living a double life vs. surrendering to God
What it means for Jesus to see you despite your past
Why Jesus can’t wear jewelry… (spoiler: He breaks every chain 🙌)
Whether you're walking through a wilderness season or trying to figure out your purpose, this episode will speak to your heart. God sees you. He’s calling you. And He’s not waiting for you to clean up before He shows up.
💬 Drop your testimony in the comments — we'd love to hear how you have experienced God seeing you.
📖 Read along with us: Matthew 4🙏 Need prayer or want to learn more about Jesus? Visit follow.lifeword.org
By: Fernanda Posadas
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 11, 2025
Duration
00:32:42 min.
00:32:42 min.
Day by Day - 2 Samuel
The Legacy Of Worship
Worship is not just for today—it’s a legacy that should point future generations to Christ, the eternal King.
#daybydaylw
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
~~~
David’s final words in this psalm of victory point beyond himself:
“Great salvation He brings to His king, and shows steadfast love to His anointed, to David and his offspring forever.”
David wasn’t just celebrating his personal deliverance. He was looking ahead—to the eternal King who would come from his lineage.
This is where David’s song becomes Jesus’ song.
Jesus is the greater David—the anointed one who would bring not just military victories, but eternal salvation. He would not just be delivered from death—He would defeat death itself.
The steadfast love of God to David was ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who now rules and reigns forever.
And here’s the challenge for us:
Are we leaving a legacy of worship like David did?
David didn’t just worship in private—his life and his kingdom were built around the exclusive worship of God. His faithfulness to proclaim who God is ensured that future generations would know the greatness of the Lord.
What about us?
Are we teaching our children and grandchildren to worship God boldly?
Are we pointing others to the true King, Jesus Christ?
Is our life building a foundation of faithfulness for the next generation?
David left a legacy of worship. We should too.
3 Points of Prayer
Lord, help me to leave a legacy of faithfulness and worship.
Show me how to point others to Jesus in everything I do.
Keep me from being silent about the salvation You have given me.
2 People to pray for
Stan & Donna Scroggins, our Asia Pacific Coordinator
The Tagalog Lifeword broadcast for the people of the Philippines
Summary Thought
Worship is not just for today—it’s a legacy that should point future generations to Christ, the eternal King.
By: Clif Johnson
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 11, 2025
Show
Day by Day
Duration
00:02:30 min.
00:02:30 min.
Doc Talks
"God's Place in This Generation" - ft. Michael Hogue
God has a place in every generation, and today's youth have a hunger to know Him.
#doctalkspodcast
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
By: Brian Sheppard
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 10, 2025
Duration
00:34:43 min.
00:34:43 min.
Stand Firm Parents
Fully Integrated Faith: Tools vs End Game
Tools vs. Endgame: Are We Raising Church Kids or Kingdom Disciples?
In this episode of Stand Firm Parents, Jake McCandless challenges a subtle but dangerous mindset in Christian parenting: confusing tools with the mission. Tools like prayer, church attendance, and Bible reading are essential—but they’re not the destination. Jake calls parents to focus on the endgame of raising children who personally know and follow Jesus, not just participate in Christian activities.
He unpacks how churches can unintentionally prioritize appearances over depth and how families can shift from simply checking spiritual boxes to cultivating real faith. With practical tips, biblical grounding, and a bold challenge, this episode equips parents to raise kids with a faith that lasts—even when the world shakes.
This kicks off the new series on Fully Integrated Faith.
By: Jake McCandless
(Stand Firm/Lifeword)
(Stand Firm/Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 09, 2025
Show
Stand Firm Parents
Duration
00:23:28 min.
00:23:28 min.
Life Perspectives
Life Perspectives: Joseph Habedank
Even believers can be subject to addictions, but there is always hope for healing.
#lifeperspectivespodcast
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
By: Michael Goering
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 10, 2025
Show
Life Perspectives
Duration
00:30:39 min.
00:30:39 min.
Lori Cline - Greatest Hits
Lori Cline's Greatest Hits: Pray Till You Pray
We are often guilty of being distracted with our life and not spending time in prayer with God.
#theloriclineshow
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
~~~
Have you ever been invited over to a friends house for coffee and after you walk in, you get your mug, sit down expecting a conversation to begin, but instead your friend does EVERYTHING BUT talk to you? It wouldn’t be much of a visit now would it? It would be a bit odd honestly. You expect to connect, talk about life, share joys and struggles but instead your friends attention is on their phone, then they fold some laundry, binge watch some TV, read a book… all while you’re just sitting there! RUDE right?
Maybe you try to initiate a conversation, but after a while you realize it’s not gonna happen, so you decide to leave.
So what happened? The stage was set. An invitation was extended. Time was set aside. The coffee was hot and the chairs were warm and comfy. Then nothing. No connection or conversation. Barely a greeting and how are you before distractions robbed the moments that could have been. We would hope to never do that to a friend.
But, sadly many of us are guilty of being the distracted one when it comes to spending time with God in prayer. We start our day with a quick ‘thank you Jesus for this day’ and off we go! At some point we might give a quick thanks for our lunch and dinner or shoot up a few quick prayers throughout the day about not being late or that something works out in our favor like a basketball game and then our heads hit the pillow after the kids are down and we’re so exhausted from the day we barely begin to thank God for the day and lift up needs we are aware of before we fall fast asleep. Sound familiar? I’m guilty.
It starts to feel like a drive through, fast food exchange instead of a sit down dinner, face to face kind of soul connection and heart exchange.
Prayer is not something simply reserved for meals and church buildings. It’s an amazing opportunity we have to sit with the Father. We can come boldly to the throne of grace, (Hebrews 4:16) that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. As we stop and begin the conversation we can lay our burdens down, talk about our struggles, share our joys, give thanks for everything we are and have, as well as take time to ask our questions and be honest with what we wrestle with.
Still why can it be so hard to do?
I discovered an old Puritan saying recently I think might help us all. Pray till you pray! Meaning, start somewhere and then get beyond the routine phrases and requests. Make time to sit in God’s presence and keep the conversation going until you find yourself in deep communication and communion with the Father. Maybe you get to a place you don’t say a word, but your heart is still, there are no distractions and you find yourself resting in the presence of God, ultimately trusting Him with everything in your life and all the things consuming your mind. Pray till you pray.
Amazing things happen when we pray. The Apostle Paul knew that first hand that’s why he wrote this to the church in Colossae…
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
I love this short and simple reminder from Paul to be intentional and devoted to taking time to pray. When we come to God daily with attentive hearts and a thankful spirit, no matter how chaotic the conversation may begin or where the location, we can press in, ignore the distractions and find rest and delight in God’s presence. As we do our hearts will open even more and the conversation may go deeper than we ever imagined.
That’s the truth.
Pray till you pray! It’s a conversation that’s long overdue.
I’m Lori Cline.
By: Lori Cline
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 10, 2025
Show
The Lori Cline Show
Duration
00:04:39 min.
00:04:39 min.
Day by Day - 2 Samuel
What Song Is Your Life Singing?
Your life is singing a song—make sure it’s a song of praise to the one true God.
#daybydaylw
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
~~~
David’s song is more than just words—it is a testimony of his life.
Every battle, every trial, every moment of desperation had led him to this place. And now, as he looks back, he sings this:
“For this I will praise You, O LORD, among the nations, and sing praises to Your name.”
But what about you?
What song is your life singing?
Is it a song of complaint and bitterness—a constant focus on your problems?
Is it a song of self-sufficiency—boasting in what you have accomplished?
Is it a song of silence—refusing to acknowledge what God has done?
David’s song was a song of God’s faithfulness. His life was a testimony to the power, mercy, and deliverance of God.
If someone were to listen to the way you live, the way you speak, the way you react to struggles—what would they hear?
Would they hear a song of trust, of gratitude, of faith? Or would they hear a song of worry, fear, and doubt?
David’s life pointed to the grace and goodness of God. Ours should too.
3 Points of Prayer
Lord, help my life to be a song of worship and testimony to Your faithfulness.
Keep me from singing a song of doubt or fear.
Let my words and actions reflect Your goodness to those around me.
2 People to pray for
Mickeal & Sharon Quillman, our missionaries in Zambia
The Pwo Karen Lifeword broadcast for the people of Burma/Myanmar
Summary Thought
Your life is singing a song—make sure it’s a song of praise to the one true God.
By: Clif Johnson
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 10, 2025
Show
Day by Day
Duration
00:02:07 min.
00:02:07 min.
Day by Day - 2 Samuel
The Exclusive Worship Of God
The worship of God is exclusive and public—let your life declare that there is no other King but Christ.
#daybydaylw
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
~~~
David’s song of praise in 2 Samuel 22 doesn’t just acknowledge his deliverance—it declares who God is for all people.
Look at verse 50:
“For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing praises to your name.”
This isn’t a private, quiet, “thank you, God.” This is public, defiant, exclusive worship.
David was surrounded by nations who worshiped false gods—nations who trusted in their own strength, their wealth, their armies, and their idols. Yet, David stood boldly in their midst and declared:
“Your gods are powerless. There is only one true God—Yahweh.”
We need to hear this today.
Our culture tells us, “You have your truth, and I have mine.” People want a god that fits their preferences, a god that doesn’t demand absolute truth or exclusive worship.
But David’s song isn’t just a personal testimony—it’s a declaration of truth to the world.
There is no room for lukewarm worship in the kingdom of God. There is no room for half-hearted allegiance. You either declare that Christ is King, or you remain silent.
We must be like David and boldly proclaim the supremacy of God.
Are you willing to declare, even in a world that rejects truth, that there is no other God but Yahweh?
3 Points of Prayer
Lord, give me the courage to worship You boldly, even when it’s unpopular.
Keep me from being silent about Your greatness.
Help me to reject the false gods of this world and worship You alone.
2 People to pray for
Joshua & Meagan Phiri and their family, our missionaries in Zambia
The Nepalese Lifeword broadcast for the people of Nepal
Summary Thought
The worship of God is exclusive and public—let your life declare that there is no other King but Christ.
By: Clif Johnson
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 09, 2025
Show
Day by Day
Duration
00:02:20 min.
00:02:20 min.
Day by Day - 2 Samuel
God’s Strength, My Victory
God equips, as we step into battle in obedience.
#daybydaylw
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
~~~
Context & Reflection
Who gets the credit for your victories?
David could have said, “I trained harder. I fought smarter.” But instead, he says in 2 Samuel 22:32-40, “God did it.”
Look at how David describes it:
“He made my way blameless.”
“He made my feet like a deer’s.”
“He trains my hands for war.”
David knew that his strength, his success, and his survival were all because of God. But that didn’t make him passive. He still fought. He still pursued.
So which is it? Did God do it, or did David?
Both.
God’s providence and our obedience work together.
3 Points of Prayer
Lord, keep me from the pride of taking credit for what You’ve done.
Help me trust Your power instead of my own strength.
Let me be diligent in obedience while depending on Your grace.
2 People to pray for
Jarred & Megan Etheredge and their family, our missionaries in South Africa
The Mandarin Lifeword broadcast for the people of China & Taiwan
Summary Thought
God equips, as we step into battle in obedience.
By: Clif Johnson
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 08, 2025
Show
Day by Day
Duration
00:01:41 min.
00:01:41 min.
Lori Cline - Greatest Hits
Lori Cline's Greatest Hits: A Whale Of A Thank You
When we see those who are struggling in life, we should be there for them as others were for us.
#theloriclineshow
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
~~~
Have you ever received a ‘whale of a’ thank you?
Well stop your scroll and let me tell you the coolest story that actually was a ‘whale of a’ thank you, because it was actually done by a whale! Seriously!
So let me start with explaining the phrase. Anytime you say a ‘whale of a’ anything, it means an exceedingly good example of a particular thing. So if you were doing a great job, it would be awesome to hear your boss say, ‘you’re doing a whale of a job’! Or if you went to a party you could say ‘I had a whale of a time’! Ok… you get it!
So there was an actual whale that in its whale way, said thank you and showed gratitude.
It actually happened back in 2005. It was in December, six miles from the Farallon Islands, a chain of rocky islands about 30 miles west of San Francisco, California. A 50-foot-long female humpback whale was spotted near the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge and it was entangled in crab fishing gear and nets.
This whale, estimated to weigh 50 tons, was on its usual migratory route between the Northern California coast and Baja California when it became entangled in the nylon ropes that link crab pots. A crab fisherman spotted it first and made the call for help. A team of divers and rescuers located the trapped whale and evaluated the situation.
These whales are huge, but the team seeing how badly this one was trapped, realized the only way to try and save it would be to have divers get in the water, swim up to it and cut the ropes. There were about 20 ropes, which each are 240 feet long with weights every 60 feet, so imagine the stress on this animal with these weights pulling it down, ropes digging into its skin, wrapped around its tail and even one in its mouth. It was a struggle for this humpback to stay above water simply to be able to breathe.
As the whale floated passively in the water, four divers took about an hour cutting away the ropes. The diver that cut away the rope from the mouth of the whale shared it was an epic moment in his life as he and the whale made eye contact while he freed her from the ropes.
Once the whale was free, it swam in circles and then this 50 ton humpback whale swam up to each diver, one by one, and nuzzled them gently, as if to say thank you, before swimming away.
I love this story for a few reasons.
First it reminds me how easy it is to get trapped in sin and the cares of this world and when we do sometimes the tangled mess we find ourselves in, we can’t get out of on our own. We need to welcome loving hearts who are willing to jump in the deep water with us.
Second I’m challenged to remember there are those around me close to drowning. Father, help ME see and hear the cries of help that may be around me and give me the courage to jump into the deep to lend a helping hand.
And third, when I am set free from the ropes that hold my heart in fear, worry or the heavy weight of lies that try to hold me down and keep me from breathing in deep and being all God wants me to be… I need to stop and give thanks to God for setting me free from those chains on a daily basis.
I Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
The victory and freedom we can walk in because of Jesus, is worth a whale of a thank you to God each and every day! That’s the truth.
Be encouraged. You’re not alone. God loves you so much. No matter where you may find yourself, in the water trapped, diving in to help or maybe you need to say thank you… through it all God gives us the victory.
I’m Lori Cline.
By: Lori Cline
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 08, 2025
Show
The Lori Cline Show
Duration
00:04:39 min.
00:04:39 min.
Doc Talks
"Crisis Intervention"
Doc Brian discusses the catastrophic fallout of the March 2023 tornado.
#doctalkspodcast
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
By: Brian Sheppard
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 04, 2025
Duration
00:32:31 min.
00:32:31 min.
Day By Day Expressions
Day By Day Expressions
The ultimate goal of any Christian institution should be to glorify God.
#daybydaylw
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
By: Clif Johnson
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 07, 2025
Show
Day by Day
Duration
00:06:42 min.
00:06:42 min.
ADAW
Am I a Good Person?
"Am I a Good Person?" | Another Day, Another Way Podcast (Matthew 3 – Part 2)
Are we actually good people? Or just broken people trying to do better?
In this episode, we pick up where we left off — diving into Matthew chapter 3 and getting real about what it means to repent, why none of us are truly "good," and how God's grace meets us exactly where we are.
💭 We talk about:
•What repentance really looks like
•Why brokenness isn't the end of the story
•The danger of self-righteousness
•How Jesus transforms our lives — not through perfection, but surrender
📖 Scripture References:
•Matthew 3:2
•Romans 3:10, 3:23, 6:23
•John 3:16
💬 Question of the episode:
Do you think you're a good person? Why or why not?
New episodes every Friday!
By: Fernanda Posadas
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 04, 2025
Duration
00:20:13 min.
00:20:13 min.
Day by Day - 2 Samuel
The Righteousness That Saves
God’s faithfulness meets us in our faithfulness.
#daybydaylw
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
~~~
At first glance, this passage feels a little off. David says:
“The Lord dealt with me according to my righteousness.”
“I have kept the ways of the Lord.”
“I was blameless before Him.”
Wait. Wasn’t David a sinner?
Yes. But David wasn’t claiming sinless perfection—he was claiming faithfulness. He had humbled himself before God, trusted in God’s promises, and lived in obedience to the covenant. That’s why God rewarded him.
The same applies to us. Are we living in a way that positions us for God’s deliverance? Are we trusting God’s word about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus? Do we live in faithful, trusting obedience to his word to us?
3 Points of Prayer
Lord, help me to walk in faithfulness.
Keep me from treating grace as an excuse for laziness.
Let my life reflect true obedience.
2 People to pray for
Our Creative Access missionaries, Jacob & Miriam
The Lushai Chin/ Mizo Lifeword broadcast for the people of Burma/Myanmar
Summary Thought
God’s faithfulness meets us in our faithfulness.
By: Clif Johnson
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 04, 2025
Show
Day by Day
Duration
00:01:49 min.
00:01:49 min.
Stand Firm Parents
Marriage and the Algorithim
In this episode of Stand Firm Parents, Jake McCandless and Kayla Norris dive into the impact of social media on marriage. As a digital strategist and someone with firsthand experience navigating a neurodiverse marriage, Kayla unpacks how algorithms can shape our perceptions—and sometimes lead us astray. The conversation challenges listeners to take control of their social feeds, be intentional about what they consume, and focus on building stronger, healthier relationships offline. From open phone policies to curating positive content, this episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to safeguard their marriage from digital interference.
By: Jake McCandless
(Stand Firm/Lifeword)
(Stand Firm/Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 02, 2025
Show
Stand Firm Parents
Duration
00:25:47 min.
00:25:47 min.
Life Perspectives
Life Perspectives: Mac Brunson
Integrity and transparency are essential qualities of leadership.
#lifeperspectivespodcast
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
By: Michael Goering
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 03, 2025
Show
Life Perspectives
Duration
00:29:15 min.
00:29:15 min.
Day by Day - 2 Samuel
When God Moves, Creation Shakes
When God moves, everything changes.
#daybydaylw
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
~~~
When David called, God moved. And when God moved, creation itself responded.
Read this passage and picture it:
The earth trembles.
The heavens shake.
Fire and smoke billow from the presence of God.
The storm rolls in, the thunder roars, and God comes down.
This is not a God who sits idly by. This is a God who fights for His people.
And we’ve seen this before. When Jesus bore the full wrath of God on the cross, the sky went dark. The earth quaked. Creation came undone.
God still moves. He still fights. And He still responds when His children call on Him.
3 Points of Prayer
Lord, remind me that You are actively working in my life.
Help me to see Your power at work around me.
Thank You for fighting for me.
2 People to pray for
Our Creative Access missionary, AJ
The Korean Lifeword broadcast for the people of Korea
Summary Thought
When God moves, everything changes.
By: Clif Johnson
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 03, 2025
Show
Day by Day
Duration
00:01:40 min.
00:01:40 min.
Lori Cline - Greatest Hits
Lori Cline's Greatest Hits: Good Grief
Grief touches every life at some point, but we can feel peace and comfort from God.
#theloriclineshow
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
~~~
If I say the phrase ‘good grief’, what’s the first thing you think of?
For many, it’s the beloved cartoon character Charlie Brown, who made the saying popular in the 1950’s. Poor Charlie Brown was always bummed out and frustrated and so often nothing ever seemed to go right. He could never kick that football! GOOD GRIEF just seemed to be the right thing to say.
If you think about it though, can grief be good? It’s really an oxymoron. These two words, GOOD and GRIEF placed side by side and used together, which totally contradict each other. When you think of grief you don’t naturally think of it as something good. But should we?
Can grief be a good thing? Grief is deep sorrow as a result of losing someone we love. Looking back at the past year, our world has been stricken with grief as a result of loss due to Covid-19. Over two and a half million people worldwide have died from that alone. That’s in addition to all the other ways people die everyday.
Did you know there is a world death clock? It calculates the number of people who are dying in the world every second. On an average there are 56 million deaths that take place in a year. This is then broken down by month, day, hour and minute. By the time this video finishes, over 400 people will have died.
The gravity of loss our world has faced, and continues to face, leaves an ongoing shadow of grief that covers the hearts of the world. The rain falls on us all and no one is immune to death. There is a time for everything, a time to be born and a time to die.
In my deepest moments of grief recently, God’s promise in Psalm 34:18 to be ‘near the brokenhearted’ has been proven true for me. I’ve felt His peace, His comfort and my hope of heaven has grown stronger than ever. My eyes see this life from a much more eternal perspective. This brings me peace and even joy in the midst of grief. Good grief, you might even say, because my eyes are not consumed with the things of this world. Knowing this life is not the end, my eyes stay even more fixed on Jesus and set on things above. That is where my hope comes from in the midst of grief.
King Solomon understood the good that comes from grief.
Ecclesiastes 7:1-4
A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.
It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart. Frustration is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
Solomon is known for his wisdom. It’s what he asked God for out of anything he could have had. Here he gives us a bit of an oxymoron, like good grief. It is good to go to the house of mourning. But what do we find there? Tears, heartache, loss and grief, yet in the midst of that there are hearts considering what matters most. It’s not the prosperity of life but the grit, strength and perseverance that is forged in the fires of mourning, loss, struggle, not our desired outcome and frustration.
James even tells us to count it all joy. Sounds a bit upside down, but when you consider
the wisdom, grace and comfort that covers your soul in those seasons and the eternal perspective gained… I believe it’s easier to see grief as something God uses for our good.
That’s the truth.
Friends - there will be a time for us all to die. Be wise. Consider your eternity. This world is not the end. Jesus made a way of salvation and for those found IN HIM, the house of mourning becomes a house of celebration and only because of the HOPE we have of heaven, can we truly know GOOD GRIEF.
I’m Lori Cline.
By: Lori Cline
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 03, 2025
Show
The Lori Cline Show
Duration
00:04:39 min.
00:04:39 min.
Day by Day - 2 Samuel
When Death Had Me Bound
No cry of desperation ever goes unheard by God. Call on Him.
#daybydaylw
Interested in learning more about becoming a devoted follower of Christ? Go to follow.lifeword.org!
~~~
David had come face to face with death more times than he could count.
Look at how he describes it in this passage:
“Waves of death encompassed me.”
“Torrents of destruction assailed me.”
“Cords of Sheol entangled me.”
“Snares of death confronted me.”
Ever felt like that? Like you were drowning, tangled up in something too strong for you? That’s where David was. But in the middle of it, he called on the Lord.
And here’s the beauty of it—God heard him.
No matter how distant you feel, no matter how garbled your cry may seem, when you call on the Lord, your voice reaches His throne.
3 Points of Prayer
Lord, thank You for hearing me when I call.
Strengthen my faith in moments when I feel overwhelmed.
Help me to trust that You are near, even when I can’t feel it.
2 People to pray for
Our Creative Access missionary in India
The Kannada Lifeword broadcast for the people of India
Summary Thought
No cry of desperation ever goes unheard by God. Call on Him.
By: Clif Johnson
(Lifeword)
(Lifeword)
Aired on
Apr 02, 2025
Show
Day by Day
Duration
00:01:50 min.
00:01:50 min.
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