Hope & Faith

Denzel Washington has found his purpose in God and will continue to thank Him daily. The Academy Award-winning actor understands that his role and purpose on Earth is not to act but to be an instrument of God. Watch the short clip to hear Denzel’s powerful words about God and his desire and need to praise and thank Him.

Hollywood is not known for being friendly or welcoming to those of faith and people who believe in and trust God. Many of the movies and television programs produced by Hollywood mock and ridicule people of faith, often making them the butt of jokes. Sadly, this seems to be a growing trend in popular media.

With such an obviously hostile environment toward people of faith, many Christians working in Hollywood are likely to remain quiet about their beliefs. However, one of the biggest names in Hollywood, Denzel Washington, has spoken out about God and religion on multiple occasions. 

A clip posted on YouTube shows the “Training Day” actor saying that he understands that acting and being on the big screen is not his purpose. He knows that God has a much bigger role for him.

“I wasn’t put on this earth to act,” Denzel said. “I was put on this earth to share and to be an example of the power and wisdom and grace and mercy of God in my life.”

Later in the clip, Denzel adds that he is grateful for every single day the Lord gives him. He understands that every day is a gift because we are not promised tomorrow.

“And I appreciate every day that I wake up,” he said. “And I will give thanks to the Lord every day for the rest of my days.”

Hebrews 13:15 “Let us then make offerings of praise to God at all times through him, that is to say, the fruit of lips giving witness to his name.”

It's a popular message in Christian circles — that we need more self control like the Bible talks about. The message implies that food issues are related to the spiritual issue of self control. But, is that what self control is really about, according to scripture? Do we need more self-control to stop eating? That's what many of us have believed. In this part two of a conversation between Heather Creekmore and Amy Carlson, RD -- we break down the spiritual fallacies surrounding applying self-control to wanting to be a "better dieter." Amy and Heather talk about the heart problems surrounding our desire to control our bodies through restricting food and what's really under the surface when we talk about needing more "self-control" to not eat foods we deem may make us gain weight. To find out more or to get Christian body image coaching, Visit https://www.improvebodyimage.com 🔔God made your body on purpose and for His purpose! Subscribe to Compared to Who? for relatable, truth-centered discussions on body image, eating disorders, intuitive eating, and faith. If you want biblical truth around body and food, you're in the right place: https://www.youtube.com/@ComparedtoWho/tutorials?sub_confirmation=1 👋🏻 Stay Connected With Me Take the 5-Day Body Image Challenge: https://www.improvebodyimage.com Join our Private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024 ============================= 🙏🏻Great Videos to Improve Your Body Image for Christian Women 👉 Inspiring Videos to Improve Your Body Image and Get Rid of Body Image Idol https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbyqdRN8NeM&list=PLd0CDQLO0fRZtgISdT2G_7eWpPp6LpyiC&pp=iAQB 👉 Learning How to Love Your Body Well: https://youtu.be/8PdAYBxOWe4?si=xlQrmX6VjEdEpaKQ 👉 New Workbook for Christian Women with Body Image Issues: Get Healthy, Feel Better About Your Body https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ag2jODjSgMM 👉 I Just Want to Feel Okay About My Body: https://youtu.be/fhDjy4BFsR4 👉 Six Things for a Christian Women to Do When She Feels Fat: https://youtu.be/CZjWDB0KSzY?si=g0if4H9OlMT6FExT ============================= 😁 About Compared to Who?. **The Go-to Podcast for Christian women who want to improve their body image and stop comparing!** Are you a Christian woman who is tired of the same old answers to your body image and comparison struggles? Have you "tried everything," yet still feel like your body isn't enough or should be better? Do you know that "you're fearfully and wonderfully made" yet STILL feel like maybe God should have made your body better? If you answered yes, then Compared to Who? A Biblical Approach to Body Image is the show for you! I'm Heather Creekmore, author of four books, podcast host, speaker, and Christian body image coach. My approach to body image issues is relatable, authentic, and truth-driven. Listen to laugh about all the common ways we struggle and find encouragement for our journey. Interested in coaching, connecting, or learning more about the show? Visit: https://www.improvebodyimage.com 📩 Email: heather@comparedtowho.me 🔔Your body is not a mistake! God made you on purpose, for his purpose. Subscribe to Compared to Who? for relatable biblical truth about your body image! https://www.youtube.com/@ComparedtoWho/tutorials?sub_confirmation=1 ================================= #nondietdietitian #dietitiantips #intuitiveeating #dietculture #bodyimageissues #comparedtowho #heathercreekmore #bodyimagefreedom #bodyimagehealing #biblicaltruth #amycarlson #registereddietitian #stopcomparing #stopcomparingstartliving #foodfreedom ⚠️Disclaimer: This show is for informational purposes only. Advice, suggestions, ideas presented here do not constitute or substitute for medical or mental health advice. Please seek counsel from your doctor or mental health provider. Copyright Notice: This video and my YouTube channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Compared to Who? You're invited to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to my YouTube channel is provided. © Compared to Who?

Has life been challenging for you lately? Take a moment to hear some wisdom from a well-known artist who takes time each day to redirect his heart to Christ. This devotional will stir your heart for seeking Jesus. Watch this clip to hear Mac Powell’s moving words which remind us to appreciate God’s blessings in every situation.

Mac begins this devo by sharing about his daily routine to go on a walk every morning outside to breathe and commune with God. He takes this moment to connect with the Lord and thank Him with a heart of gratitude as he looks at the beauty of nature around him. Mac shares that he is reminded of the details that we often miss and forget to have gratitude for the Lord for in our everyday lives.

Mac opens up that he has different types of days but he still goes on walks and practices thankfulness to God regardless. He opens up that he might have hard days or stressful mornings, but he still seeks the Lord walking no matter what. He references James 1:17 that our gifts are from above. He says that his new song, ‘The Giver’ is to encourage us to be grateful for the hard things and the blessings from the Lord. 

Mac shares that His comfort is always with us, and He can grow us in the hard seasons. Mac wants you to practice thankfulness no matter what you are going through. He reminds us that God is still present in our lives regardless of our circumstances. Mac hopes that his new song, ‘The Giver’ will be a motivator to the listener to thank God no matter what the day holds.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17

Tell people about Jesus! This is the time of year when people from all walks if life sing Christmas songs. Tell them to listen to the words! Then listen to Jesus!

An inspiring woman formed a wheelchair dance group after suffering a spinal injury. The woman persevered and refused to let a horrible, life-changing injury keep her from pursuing her goals. Check out the short clip to hear about this inspiring woman and all she is accomplishing despite an injury that put her in a wheelchair.

Life is often an unfair experience, throwing troubling circumstances and obstacles at us out of the blue. Unfortunately, hardships and trials have a way of finding and visiting us all at one time or another. Most of the time, the natural reaction when these unforeseen and horrible situations occur is anger and self-pity.

People often lash out angrily and have a “woe is me” attitude. Again, that is entirely understandable when bad things happen in life. But, for the most part, those attitudes and ways of being do nothing to change or improve the situation. They waste time and accomplish nothing.

A clip posted explains how one woman, Chelsea, dreamed of being a professional dancer. However, while in high school, she suffered a spinal injury that landed her in a wheelchair. For most people, this would have put any dreams of becoming a dancer to rest, but not Chelsea.

As she explains, she went on to pursue dancing, forming a dance group of seven women in wheelchairs – the Rollettes. As Kelly Clarkson mentions, the women have gone on to display their moves worldwide.

The inspiring woman states that she has had the opportunity to do some incredible things because of her perseverance and refusal to quit.

“And then I actually just got to perform in the Paralympics opening ceremony in Paris, which was seriously a dream come true,” she said. “That was the most incredible experience. And also, I actually got to perform in your (Kelly’s) music video,’ Invincible.’”

Chelsea also mentioned how she is helping others. She has created an empowerment camp for women and children with disabilities.

James 1:12 “There is a blessing on the man who undergoes testing; because, if he has God’s approval, he will be given the crown of life, which the Lord has said he will give to those who have love for him.”

One woman shared powerful and profound insights on prayer and God's characteristics and nature. Her words and thoughts about communicating with the Lord and how He responds will definitely get you thinking. Check out the video to hear her thoughts about prayer and God's nature.

Prayer is the most important thing a Christian can do. Communicating with God, the Creator of the universe, is a vital and necessary component of every Christian’s daily walk with Him. Without consistent and constant communication, there is no relationship.

As every Christian knows, prayer lets us express our worries, fears and requests directly to God. However, as every Christian also knows, it can, at times, feel as if God is not hearing or possibly ignoring our prayers. We may earnestly pray about a situation and never hear an answer or see a noticeable change. That can be frustrating, to say the least.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Jackie Hill Perry explains how when we become frustrated when praying about a situation and don’t see any change, that doesn’t change who God is. He is still loving and caring and at work in that situation.

“Cause even the unanswered prayer thing,” she said. ‘Why didn’t you answer me? You don’t care.’ So, now we’re accusing God of apathy. We’re saying, ‘You’re not really as compassionate as You have revealed Yourself to be.’ That’s an accusation on the nature of God.”

Later, she added that He does hear and answer every prayer.

“He is fully alive within Himself,” she said. “So, He has heard you, and He has answered. Sometimes a yes, sometimes a no. Other times, a maybe. But every single one is anchored in wisdom.”

Near the end of the clip, she offers some helpful and sage advice for when we become frustrated while praying over a situation and see no changes or results.

“So, we have to be reminded that God is good,” she said. “So, as things happen in our lives that don’t go according to plan, we don’t allow our circumstances to define God, but we allow God to define Himself.”

Isaiah 40:28 “Have you no knowledge of it? Has it not come to your ears? The eternal God, the Lord, the Maker of the ends of the earth, is never feeble or tired; there is no searching out of his wisdom.”

The woman, Sinach, who wrote the beloved gospel song “Way Maker,” shares the story behind the tune and her faith journey. Sinach’s story is powerful and shows how God is moving and working worldwide. Check out this clip to hear about the origins of the popular song.

There are many talented and recognizable musicians in contemporary Christian music. People like Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, Matthew West and Rebecca St. James have been around for decades, producing and performing songs that bring glory and honor to His name. A lot of those songs are instantly recognizable to many people, often just after an opening note or two.

However, as popular and beloved as those songs are, one contemporary Christian tune stands out from among the rest: “Way Maker.” It’s a song that is constantly covered and performed by other musicians. Additionally, it’s a tune that has become a popular praise and worship song heard in many churches.

In a clip posted on YouTube, Sinach, the woman who wrote the song and the original singer of “Way Maker,” explains how the song came to be. She also talks about how and when she came to know Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior.

“Sometimes God puts a word in your heart that is not only for you, but for the whole world, and that is what happened with ‘Way Maker’ song,” she said. “He put a word in my heart assuring me of who He is, and what he’s able to do, and what He’s doing in my life. And He said, ‘I’m still your Way Maker. I’m a promise; I keep my promises. Every word I’ve spoken concerning you is yeah and amen. And you can be confident, and you can be assured of My word towards you.’”

Later in the clip, Sinach remembers the moment she turned her life over to Him and accepted Jesus Christ.

“1989. That was when I gave my life to Jesus,” she said. “You know, music played a big role because I went to church, and I saw young people just praising God, and I was like, ‘Wow! You can praise God with music like this?’ And I went, the pastor made an altar call. I got saved, and I got filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Ephesians 5:19 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”

Inspirational Video on the biblical principles in God's Plan for our life!

In this week's recap of Your Daily Bible Verse, hosts Joy and Jessica reflect on the powerful lesson of thanking God in all circumstances. Whether we're facing moments of joy or challenges, God calls us to cultivate a heart of gratitude, trusting in His goodness no matter what. Join us as we discuss the key takeaways from the past week and dive into scripture that reminds us of God's faithfulness in every season. 🔗 Tune in to Your Daily Bible at LifeAudio.com for daily encouragement and biblical wisdom! 📺 Find more inspiring videos on https://www.godtube.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more weekly insights on living out God's word in everyday life! ✨ #ThankfulInAllCircumstances #gratitude #faithingod #yourdailybibleverse #biblestudy #godsword #christianencouragement #lifeaudio #GodTube #christianyoutuber

If you experience chronic pain or chronic illness, you understand how impossible it can feel, at times, to hold tight to hope. On our darkest, most painful nights, we can easily feel alone and abandoned by God. Singer/songwriter Katy Nichole understands. In fact, there was a time when she wasn't sure she wanted to hold on and contemplated taking her life. But God met her in that place with a truth meant for us all. 

Christian musician Mac Powell shared heartfelt thoughts on Christ’s loving sacrifice on the cross. His moving, thoughtful and powerful words about how Christ willingly went to, suffered and died on the cross will bring a tear or two to your eyes. Check out the video to hear Mac’s words and thoughts.

If Jesus Christ had not sacrificed Himself by willingly going to the cross, all hope would have been lost. No one would have a future, and everyone would be destined to spend eternity lost. Christ’s ultimate, loving sacrifice changed everything. His death bridged the division, the rupture sin caused between God and man.  

In a clip posted on YouTube, Mac beautifully articulates what Christ’s death on the cross means for you and me. He mentions the intense pain – physical and emotional - Christ endured because of His immense, unyielding love for a bunch of sinners who had willingly turned their backs on Him.

“Jesus didn’t just go through physical suffering on the cross,” Mac said. “His closest friends abandoned Him. Even His Father had to turn away because of the weight of our sin on His shoulders, and He endured all of that, not for Himself, but for you and me.”

Later in the clip, Mac mentions what Christ’s death on the cross means for a lost world, for people who look for answers but come up empty every time.

“The cross is for you,” he said. “It’s for the ones who are lost, for the moments when you feel like you don’t matter and when you wonder if you’ll ever be enough. The cross is God’s way of saying, ‘You are seen. You are loved. You matter, and you were worth it.’”

Near the clip’s conclusion, Mac states that Christ’s love and forgiveness are nothing we deserve or could ever earn. Yet, they are freely offered to anyone who repents of their sins and turns toward Him.

1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the word of the cross seems foolish to those who are on the way to destruction; but to us who are on the way to salvation it is the power of God.”

A mother and son have been reunited after he discovered that his birth mom owns his favorite bakery. A shocking and unexpected turn of events ended with a man reuniting with the woman who gave birth to him. This is such a sweet and heartwarming reunion that all started because of delicious baked goods.

Most people have a sweet tooth. Sure, we would do better to avoid them with more regularity. However, indulging yourself occasionally with a sweet treat here and there isn’t all terrible, right? After all, when it comes to food, is there anything better than that first bite of cheesecake, a chocolate chip cookie or a cupcake?

For Vamarr Hunter, a Chicago resident, the best place to pick up a sweet treat is Give Me Some Sugah on the city’s south side. While that bakery is his favorite, trying to determine the top treat there is another story.

“The lemon bars,” he said. “That was, that was my catch, and the chocolate chip cookies and the lemon pound cake.”

According to the video posted on YouTube, Vamarr has been a faithful Give Me Some Sugah for about a decade. Vamarr has frequently enjoyed the Chicago bakery and always felt right at home.

The clip adds that Vamarr also enjoyed talking to the business owner. After discovering that he was adopted, doing some research and then getting an unexpected phone call from his favorite bakery, he found out why he might have enjoyed the bakery and talking to the bakery’s owner so much. She was his biological mother.

The video adds that Lenore, Vamarr’s biological mother, put him up for adoption when she was 17 years old.

“I left the adoption open, and I said, ‘You know, if he really wants to find me, then he’ll be able to find me. But otherwise, his life must be great. I wouldn’t want to interfere in that life,’” Lenore said.

What an unbelievable reunion. The two have since developed a close relationship. Vamarr now helps to run Give Me Some Sugah, handling most of the responsibilities.

“I love my son,” Lenore said. “And the fact that I have him now in these later years is just, like, I said, that’s just, that’s just God. God is love.”

Proverbs 22:6 “If a child is trained up in the right way, even when he is old, he will not be turned away from it.”

The video featuring John 1:29, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" pairs powerful scripture with a focus on spiritual warfare, particularly involving the dragon and Satan. The video offers several key verses for prayer, guiding viewers through this biblical journey that confronts the reality of evil, including the dragon and Satan, while addressing the consequences of sin. Through powerful verses, it emphasizes the redemptive power of the Lamb of God, providing guidance on overcoming evil and finding spiritual victory. Video link https://youtu.be/v9yclDp_bM0 Channel URL https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeXz4_VQZHrPIMMYpsaGsyQ

Welcome to this special recap episode of Your Daily Bible Verse Podcast! In this video, we revisit some of the most powerful lessons shared in recent episodes, focusing on five impactful Bible verses: Malachi 4:2, Psalms 106:13, 2 Corinthians 13:5, Matthew 8:10, and Psalm 16:7. From the healing rays of God’s righteousness to the call for personal reflection and deeper faith, these verses offer timeless wisdom for daily life. If you missed any of these podcast episodes, this recap is the perfect opportunity to catch up and reflect on how these teachings can guide and inspire your walk with God. Tune in as we break down the spiritual insights and practical lessons from these scriptures! #BibleLessons #YourDailyBibleVerse #Malachi4 #Psalms106 #2Corinthians13 #Matthew8 #Psalm16 #Faith #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianInspiration #DailyDevotion #BibleReflections

A young musician with a physical disability inspires others with determination and perseverance. This young man has refused to give up or make excuses but has persisted when presented with challenges. Check out this video to learn more about this impressive and inspiring young man.

Not every situation in life is a reason to jump for joy or a cause for celebration. In fact, many times, it will be quite the opposite. There will be immensely painful experiences and circumstances that result in intense grief and heartache.

Additionally, if you’re not already aware, life is not fair. For whatever reason, some people seem to have been dealt a much more difficult hand. They come against more than what feels like their fair share of troubles and hardships. Some people will endlessly complain about their present circumstances, believing the world is against them. But then other people persevere; no matter what life throws at them, they rise to and meet that challenge. Isaac Ramos belongs firmly in the latter category.

As the video posted on YouTube points out, Isaac was born with a deformed left arm. However, he has not let that stop him from playing not one but four instruments. He uses a custom-fitted prosthetic, which allows him to play the drums, the guitar and the violin. The middle school student also plays the piano, but as he demonstrates in the clip, he does not wear it when tickling the ivories.

“There’s challenges that may stop me sometimes, but I’ve always learned to overcome them even if it takes a little more,” Isaac said. “At the end, it’s all worth it.”

But music isn’t the only place where Isaac succeeds and impresses. His teachers and school principal praised his character and performance in the classroom.

What a truly impressive and inspiring young man!

John 16:33 “I have said all these things to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world, you have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.”

How has God helped you step out in faith? Has He given you courage? Although most of us want to live bold, extraordinary lives of purpose and eternal impact, fear can hold us back from fully yielding to God. Often our minds jump to that big, possible assignment, not recognizing that the Lord builds our faith muscles and our trust in Him through the little yeses we offer today. But most importantly, our obedience, however timid, also deepens our intimacy with Him, the God who reigns over all and remains with us through every challenge we encounter and overwhelming assignment we embrace. Passage discussed: Esther 4, particularly her courage to risk her life to save her people, and how this reminded us of Jesus’s ultimate hard yes to die on the cross so that we might live. Catch every bible verse discussion on "Your Daily Bible Verse" podcast M-F at Lifeaudio.com #Esther #CourageInChrist #FaithOverFear #ObedienceToGod #JesusSacrifice #PurposeDrivenLife #BibleInspiration #TrustGod #ChristianFaith #DailyDevotional #HardYes #GodsPlan

Many people came to hear Taylor Swift's #erastour concert in Indy and heard the eternal gospel along the way to Lucas Oil Stadium. Please like, share, subscribe, and pray that many people will believe in Jesus before it's too late.

A woman experienced an emotional, tear-filled reunion with the young child she helped to save by donating part of her liver. This is such a sweet, heartwarming story and moment. Be sure to check out this clip!

Life can be an adventure, and that’s putting it relatively lightly. It is a series of unexpected events, most of which we have little to no control over. Life-changing situations and circumstances can crop up out of nowhere and through no fault of our own.

Sadly, many of these unfortunate, life-changing and unforeseen situations involve medical and health challenges. No one is exempt from them, not even the smallest and most vulnerable members of society: children. 

A clip posted on YouTube details a situation in which a child and his family were impacted by a terrible medical situation. Luckily, one woman stepped up in a big way to help save his life, and their reunion will bring a tear or two or three to your eyes.

According to the video, Sunny, the child, was born with biliary atresia, which is a condition that impacts the liver. Eventually, as the text in the video makes clear, doctors determined that the young man needed a liver transplant. It was then that one woman, Sandy Flash, literally gave up a part of herself.

Sandy agreed to donate a part of her liver to young Sunny. The transplant surgery was a success, and the little guy was finally able to leave the hospital after months.

The clip shows Sandy and Sunny’s family in several warm, tear-filled embraces. What an emotional and heartwarming moment. That will be one reunion that Sandy and Sunny’s family will never forget.

“I just feel called to do this, and I asked other people to do this,” Sandy said with tears in her eyes. “And I want to help someone else.”

1 Corinthians 16:14 “Let all you do be done in love.”

Salvation is a pivotal theme in Christianity, symbolizing deliverance from sin and reconciliation with God. It involves belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior, whose life, death, and resurrection offer a pathway to eternal life and restoration. The concept of salvation begins with recognizing sin as a breach in humanity's relationship with God. Sin separates individuals from divine love and purpose. The Bible states, “for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), indicating that everyone needs redemption. At the core of salvation is Jesus Christ. Christians believe His sacrificial death on the cross paid the penalty for humanity's sins, exemplifying God's grace and inviting a faith response. The New Testament clarifies that salvation is a gift from God, not achieved through human effort. Ephesians 2:8-9 reinforces this: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Faith is essential in the salvation process. It is through faith that individuals accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This faith includes repentance—a genuine turning away from sin and a commitment to follow Christ. Believers often describe this transformative experience as being "born again" (John 3:3), marking the start of a lifelong journey of discipleship and spiritual growth. See Full Article: http://simplereflections.home.blog/2024/11/13/salvation-wednesday/

Discipleship is a spiritual journey of learning to follow and love Jesus, and to become more like him. It's a lifelong process that involves growing in relationship with other disciples, and includes: Studying the Bible, Praying together, Witnessing to each other, Fellowshipping, and Mentoring. The term "disciple" comes from the ancient Near East, and in the Bible, it refers to a learner who follows a master teacher. In the New Testament, Jesus expected his followers to become more like him, and told them to "deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me". Disciple-making is a subset of discipleship and involves helping others to follow Jesus as you do. Discipleship is a joy that involves loving and being loved and knowing and being known. It's also about enjoying the beauty of Christ with others, and through them Discipleship is characterized by hard work and study, as it involves a committed effort to learn and grow in one's faith while following Jesus. This journey includes several key elements: 1. Studying the Bible: Engaging deeply with Scripture is crucial for understanding the teachings of Jesus and how to embody them in daily life. This study requires time and effort to comprehend and apply biblical principles. 2. Praying Together: Prayer is an essential component of discipleship, fostering a deeper connection with God and with fellow disciples. It often involves discipline and dedication to maintain regular communication with God. 3. Witnessing to Each Other: Sharing experiences, challenges, and insights with one another can be hard work but is vital for growth and encouragement in the faith journey. 4. Fellowshiping: Building meaningful relationships with others in the faith community requires effort and commitment. This fellowship supports discipleship by providing a space for mutual growth and accountability. 5. Mentoring: Guiding others in their spiritual journey can be challenging, as it requires patience and a commitment to help others navigate their faith experiences. Overall, discipleship is a lifelong process that demands diligence, but it is also filled with joy and growth as individuals strive to become more like Christ and support one another in their spiritual journeys.