Pure Encouragement

The Ripple Effect / Guest Post by George Smith

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:02:04 +0000

"Once our resources are given to God, He multiplies them in ways we never knew possible.” - Jonny Ardavanis

I was still in college in the Los Angeles area in 1973 when someone I was yet to meet bought a new 1973 Honda 250 Enduro motorcycle. That man was Jay Basham, a fireman in San Diego. We later became good friends as we attended the same church. How could Jay have known at that time that his obedience to God’s call would affect so many lives… with a motorcycle? This is the story of that old motorcycle.

Ruth and I were married in 1973, the same year Jay bought that bike. After college, I was a high school teacher in the small town of Holtville, California, for three years. During that time, God put it on our hearts to be full-time missionaries.

So, I left my position, and we moved to San Diego with little money and no job so I could go back to school for training to be a missionary pilot.

Mission Valley Chapel is the little church where we met Jay and his family and many other great Christian giants of the faith. One was Ed Landry, who recently went home to be with the Lord. He was also a San Diego firefighter and left his career to go to Bible school and on to missionary work in the Philippines and literally all over the world. (If you can, read one of his books, Laughing Into the Wind! You’ll love it.)

But back to the motorcycle. In 1985, after serving with New Tribes Mission, we were once again “civilians,” and I was teaching at a different high school when, out of the blue, Jay called. He offered to give me that 1973 Honda 250! He said he just felt led by God to do that, that we might need it someday if we went back into missionary work.

So, I used it to go to work for a year. Then it got parked for a while, and we eventually joined South America Mission (SAM) in 1986. We moved to San Diego again and then to Tijuana, Mexico, preparing to go to Peru.

Back to Ed Landry in the Philippines. Ed’s son, Dan, was a great volleyball player. So good that he was recruited to play for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he led them to a national championship! He needed a car but didn’t have money for one, so we gave him the Honda to use at UCLA. He drove it all over the country, I think, and then gave it back to us!

While we were waiting to leave for Peru with SAM, I was asked to be the principal of a small Christian school for that year, back in Holtville, where I first started teaching! We ran into one of the young men who was on the wrestling team I coached back in 1977, and… he needed a car but didn’t have any money for one. So we gave him the motorcycle, which he used all that year to go to work. Then he gave it back to us!

We were just getting ready to leave when another former wrestler saw my “For Sale” sign on the bike. I was all set to sell it to him when his mother stopped me! She said her son was a drug addict and urged me not to sell it to him. He was furious when I told him that the deal was off. Many years later, at a small Baptist church, I met him again. He was cleaned up, born again in Christ! And he told me, “Thanks for not selling me the motorcycle!”

So now what? What did we do with it? We just decided to take it with us to Peru. When it finally arrived months later, it became our only means of transportation, other than the rickety public taxis in our town. We used that bike for so many ministry trips! Once, another missionary and I were asked to donate blood because our blood type was rare in that area: B positive. We both rode on that Honda in a very remote area to deliver our blood to a dying woman to save her life!

Later, our family returned to the U.S. on furlough. While we were gone, I left the moto with a good friend, Dan, a missionary with Wycliffe Bible Translators. We were not able to return to Peru, and he was transferred to Papua New Guinea… and took the bike with him!

Since he’s a great mechanic, he completely rebuilt it and used it in ministry there for several years. When Dan was leaving, he found a Christian brother who needed transportation but didn’t have money for it and gave that 1973 Honda 250 Enduro to him. After 50 years, it’s still being used today!

Jay Basham passed away ten years ago. I don’t think he ever knew what an impact was made on so many lives by him just being obedient to what God wanted him to do.

One motorcycle, one act of obedience, one generous gift that God kept multiplying.

George Smith holds a B.A. in Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and an M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Grand Canyon University. He and his wife, Ruth, have been married for 52 years and are blessed with five children who all love and serve the Lord, 19 grandchildren, and one great-grandson. Together, they served as missionaries in Mexico and Peru with South America Mission and Wycliffe Bible Translators. After their time on the mission field, George became a high school teacher and coach, leading both football and wrestling teams. Now retired, George and Ruth live in Florida near three of their daughters and their families, continuing to enjoy a life of faith and service.

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When "Why?" Becomes "Who?" / Guest Post by Kelly Fay

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 16:28:25 +0000

In May of 2014, our family awaited the birth of our last little one, surprising us with her coming. My husband and I, and our eight children, ages 5 to 21, were full of anticipation and joy. What we didn’t anticipate was a series of events that would change us all for the rest of our days.

Beautiful Beatrice Ruby, 7 lbs. 7 oz., emerged in a flurry of emergency on an operating table early that Sunday morning. No clues had been revealed before her birth that she had grown and developed with only half a heart. Baby Bea looked just like all her adoring siblings, but she was on the fast track back to heaven. We got the gift of 49½ hours to love on her for a lifetime.

My faith, solid since my salvation at age 16 by God’s grace, was in for a trial by fire. I still knew He was Sovereign, Present, Unfailing. But could I still say He was Good?

I began a long walk through the valley of the shadow. My companions of fear, sorrow, and even anger were not kind. But after all the wrestling, when I came through to the other side, I saw that my Father had been there all along. And I had learned one of the greatest lessons of my life:

All our questions of “Why?” can be answered in the question, “Who?”

When I was unhappy with God and wanted answers, I didn’t yet know that those answers could only be discovered in the character of my God—who He is. In His patience and lovingkindness, and in His time, the Lord spoke into my darkness. He would not give me a reason for why my baby died, but if He is Faithful, Holy, Righteous, Loving, Just, Merciful, Gracious, and yes, even GOOD, He could do nothing to me that was outside of His character! Circumstances can be very NOT good. I don’t have to like the outcome. But HE is good and can never deny His very nature.

The great 18th-century open-air evangelist, George Whitefield, said it this way: “To explain God’s providence by His promise, and not His promise by His providence, I find is the only way both to get and to keep our comforts.”

In other words, we do not judge God by our circumstances but our circumstances by who God is. Those who base their beliefs about God on what is happening in the world around them create God in their own image. The foundation on which they build their lives is nothing but sinking sand. But what about the children of God? Our lives, no matter how perilous, demanding, or painful, are built upon the Foundation of the Rock, Jesus Christ Himself, secure and never failing.

One day in the fall of that year, I received a large envelope in the mail. Inside was a multi-page sermon/devotional shining a spotlight on the beautiful lyrics and lessons derived from the old classic hymn, “How Firm a Foundation.” A dear friend, whose adult son had died in a car accident the very same day that Beatrice left us, sent it to me, sharing the impact it had in her own grief journey.

What makes this hymn so unique is that the perspective, or “voice,” throughout most of it is of God Himself, as if singing to US!

“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?”

“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy trials to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never forsake."

The words of the last four stanzas are based directly on His promises found in the Scriptures. Isaiah 41:10 and 43:2 each begin with the command, “Fear not.” And then our great and mighty God gives us His promises:

I am with you.
I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
I have redeemed you and called you by name; you are mine.
I will be with you in the waters, the rivers will not overwhelm you, the fire will not burn you, and the flames will not consume you.

Finally, it all wraps up with the promises from Deuteronomy 31:8: “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” This one is very special to me. The reference is engraved in marble on our little daughter’s memorial marker in Dallas.

He gave her His best in heaven. And He gave us His best, too. From those in our family who were eaten up with anger, to the one who stuffed it for years, to the ones who were simply crushed, we are all better for having known her… and for having encountered the healing touch of the Savior.

What is your dark providence, the pain that has shaped you and changed you?

Have you, too, asked the questions for which there are no earthly answers?

Where has Jesus stepped into your broken places and given you more of Himself than anything that could ever be taken away?

If you’re still waiting for that healing to begin, look for His promises! They are stamped all over the pages of our Bibles, filling up His Word. His character guarantees His promise. The two are inextricably linked. “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19)

Ask Him in confidence for eyes to see Him there and everywhere. Keep a running list of each place you encounter the truth of His attributes and His promises. He will not let you down. It’s just not possible!

Praise God, those promises are for our sojourn on this clay, but even more amazingly, for our eternity to come:

“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new….” (Revelation 21:3–5)

Kelly has been married to her husband, Peter, for 35 years and is the proud mom of nine children and grandmother of twelve. She is in her 30th (and final) year of homeschooling and is grateful to be living the dream God placed on her heart as a child.

Kelly enjoys serving in a variety of ways, including being actively involved at Believers Chapel Dallas, participating in the ministry of Hope Mommies, teaching classes in her homeschool co-op, investing in the Pure Encouragement Women's Community, and spending time with her growing family.

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Desperation / Guest Post by Steve Webdell

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:23:52 +0000

When I was studying for a Life Group lesson a little while ago, we were going through the book of Jonah. What really stood out to me was the word "desperation" and how it permeated the entire book. It really got me thinking about my own life and my own desperation before the Lord.

Few experiences are more uncomfortable than desperation. It strips away our confidence, exposes our weaknesses, and reminds us that we're not nearly as self-sufficient as we believe. We spend much of our lives trying to avoid desperate situations, praying for an easier path and smoother waters. Yet throughout the Bible, God repeatedly uses desperation as one of His most effective tools to draw people to Himself.

The book of Jonah illustrates this truth beautifully. Every major character in the story, the pagan sailors, Jonah himself, and even the people of Nineveh, comes to a place of total and utter desperation. In every case, desperation becomes a catalyst for encountering the living God. It really got me thinking about this truth: God is less interested in our comfort than He is in our hearts.

The story begins with Jonah boarding a ship headed for Tarshish, determined to run from God's call, not just to run, but to run 2,500 miles away from where God had told him to go. Then the Lord sends a violent storm upon the sea.

The sailors are seasoned professionals. They have no doubt experienced storms before, but this one is different. Jonah 1:5 says, "Then the sailors became afraid, and every man cried to his god, and they threw the cargo which was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them."

I noticed this progression for the first time. First, they relied on their experience. Then they prayed to their own gods. Finally, they threw away the very cargo that represented their livelihood. One by one, every source of security was stripped away. Desperation has a way of exposing what we trust in most.

The sailors eventually learn that Jonah is fleeing from the God who created both the sea and the dry land. When Jonah tells them to throw him overboard, they hesitate. They do everything they can to avoid it, rowing harder toward shore. Only when every other option fails do they obey.

The moment Jonah enters the sea, the storm stops. The Bible tells us, "Then the men feared the Lord greatly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows" (Jonah 1:16). The very storm that threatened to destroy them became the means by which they came to know the true God.

How often is that true in my own life, and in ours? We tend to seek God most earnestly when our resources, our plans, and our abilities are no longer enough. While we would never choose a storm, God often uses it to reveal Himself.

Ironically, Jonah, God's prophet, appears to be the least responsive person in the story. Instead of obeying God's call, he runs. Instead of praying during the storm, he sleeps. Instead of repenting immediately, he accepts death as the consequence of his rebellion.
Only after being swallowed by a great fish does Jonah finally cry out to the Lord. His prayer begins with these words: "I called out of my distress to the Lord, and He answered me" (Jonah 2:2). Later, he says, "While I was fainting away, I remembered the Lord" (Jonah 2:7). It wasn't until Jonah had nowhere else to turn that he fully turned toward God.

Isn't that often true of us? We trust our schedules, our careers, our finances, our health, and our own wisdom. We convince ourselves that we can handle life on our own. Then something happens—a diagnosis, a broken relationship, the loss of a job, financial hardship, or a painful disappointment—and we suddenly realize how fragile our independence really is.

And God asks us, as He asked Jonah, "How is that working out for you?"

Sometimes God's greatest mercy comes disguised as our greatest discomfort.

When Jonah finally arrives in Nineveh, his message is remarkably short, just five words in Hebrew: "Yet forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown" (Jonah 3:4). Notice what is missing. There are no emotional stories, no persuasive arguments, just a warning of coming judgment. Yet the response is astonishing.

The people believe God. The king steps down from his throne, removes his royal robe, puts on sackcloth, sits in ashes, and commands everyone to fast and cry out earnestly to God. Why? Because they realized their desperate condition. They understood they deserved judgment. They knew they had no hope apart from God's mercy.

Their desperation led to repentance, and their repentance was met with compassion. God relented from the judgment He had announced, and desperation became the doorway to grace.

Jonah's story is not unique. It's a reflection of a pattern woven throughout the entire Bible. When Israel stood trapped between Pharaoh's army and the Red Sea, there was no escape. Only then did God part the waters. When Gideon prepared for battle, God intentionally reduced his army from 32,000 men to just 300 so Israel would know the victory belonged to the Lord, not to human strength. David wrote many of his greatest psalms while hiding in caves, fleeing from enemies, or grieving deep personal failure. Again and again, he cried to the Lord, "Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord" (Psalm 130:1).

King Jehoshaphat confessed, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You" (2 Chronicles 20:12). We see this same pattern in the New Testament. A woman suffering from chronic bleeding for twelve years exhausted every earthly solution before reaching out to touch Jesus' garment. The prodigal son came to his senses only after finding himself hungry, alone, and feeding pigs. Even the apostle Paul received a "thorn in the flesh" so that he would learn to depend on God's grace rather than his own strength.

Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly allows His people to reach the end of themselves so they will discover that He is enough. God never delights in our pain. He is compassionate, merciful, and loving. Yet because He loves us, He is willing to allow circumstances that expose our deepest need.

Desperation teaches lessons comfort rarely can. It reveals what we truly worship, humbles our pride, drives us to prayer, deepens our dependence, and reminds us that salvation belongs to the Lord alone. Most importantly, it shifts our confidence from ourselves to God.
The greatest danger is not the storms we face. The greatest danger is believing we can navigate life without the One who commands the wind and the waves. The greatest act of obedience in history was not ours. It was Christ willingly entering our desperate condition on the cross, bearing the judgment we deserved so that we could receive the mercy we never earned through His death and resurrection.

Our greatest desperation, our separation from God because of sin, has been answered by His greatest act of love. Now, even when we face life's storms, we know they are never meaningless. God is not absent in our desperation. Often, He is doing His deepest work there.

Most of us pray for God to remove the storm, and there is nothing wrong with that. Scripture encourages us to bring every burden to Him. But perhaps we should also pray another prayer: "Lord, if You choose not to calm the storm immediately, do not let me miss what You're teaching me in the middle of it."

The sailors found God because of a storm. Jonah found God inside a fish. Nineveh found God through the warning of coming judgment. Countless believers throughout history have discovered that when everything else is stripped away, they find that Christ is enough.
Perhaps desperation is not the absence of God's presence after all. Perhaps it's the place where His presence becomes most real.

Steve Webdell is a follower of Christ, husband to Claudia, Bible teacher, men's ministry leader, and resident of Bakersfield, California. He serves at Valley Baptist Church, where he is passionate about discipling men to know Christ deeply, live with biblical conviction, and faithfully lead in their homes, workplaces, and communities.

Through Bible studies, devotionals, conferences, and leadership development, Steve seeks to make God's Word clear, practical, and transformative. When he's not teaching, he enjoys investing in church leadership, mentoring men, and helping others discover the joy of walking daily with Christ.

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Interrupted / Guest Post by Tom Parochelli

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:01:24 +0000

Now, I don't know if you're anything like me, but I don't love interruptions. I love to do things when I want to do them: planning out my day the way I want, eating meals when I'm hungry, taking a break when I want to take a break, and doing things in my timing. But I don't think that's how I'm supposed to live.

An Interruption by the Holy Spirit

Last night, I was interrupted. And I believe it was by the Holy Spirit because the thought was better than me, aligned with Scripture, and immediately pointed me to Jesus.
As I lay there, I began thinking about how often Jesus was interrupted during His ministry. He was interrupted while teaching, traveling, resting, praying, and even during personal interactions. Yet time after time, He responded with compassion and purpose. As I was lying there hoping I would fall asleep quickly and not be interrupted again, the story of the paralytic being lowered through the roof came to mind.

The Paralytic at Capernaum

In Mark 2, Jesus had returned to Capernaum, and a large crowd gathered at the house where He was staying. He was teaching the people when four men arrived carrying their paralyzed friend. Unable to get through the crowd, they climbed onto the roof, made an opening, and lowered the man down before Jesus.

Talk about an interruption. But when Jesus saw their faith, He didn't respond with frustration. He stopped, engaged the moment, forgave the man's sins, and healed him. What looked like an interruption became an opportunity for ministry.

Letting the Children Come

Another example is found in Mark 10. Jesus was teaching large crowds and answering difficult questions when people began bringing children to Him. The disciples rebuked them and tried to send them away. But Jesus responded differently:

"Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:14)

It's amazing to think about. Jesus was in the middle of important teaching and serious conversations, yet He stopped to welcome and bless a group of children. Once again, He embraced the interruption.

A Lesson for My Heart

As I reflected on these moments, I found myself thinking, "Jesus, You're awesome. You're always open to interruptions."

Then came the conviction.

"That ain't me, Jesus."

Sometimes I get really frustrated when my plans are interrupted. Earlier this week, I was working on a creative project for Pure Encouragement. While I was focused on it, one of my kids came into my office and started rummaging around looking for a toy.

I didn't say anything, but internally I was thinking, "What are you doing? Can't you see I'm doing ministry here?"

But as I reflected on that moment, I realized something: that sweet child is also my ministry. How often do I become so focused on serving God that I miss the people God has placed right in front of me?

An Encounter at Lunch

A few days later, I was having lunch with some friends. I was excitedly telling them about the Proverbs Journey Group when a man sitting nearby overheard our conversation.
He stood up and said, "Hey, I heard you talking about the Bible and God."

We welcomed him into the conversation, and as we talked, it became clear that he was deeply interested in spiritual things. He eagerly shared about a conference he was involved with and asked questions about what I meant when I talked about a relationship with Jesus. Several times, he responded, "Yeah, but what does that mean?"

The more we talked, the more I realized he was genuinely trying to connect the dots. He was searching for clarity and understanding. Eventually, because my friends and I were on a tight lunch break, I politely ended the conversation so we could finish our meal and get back to work.

But later that night, lying awake, I started wondering if I had missed an opportunity. Could I have taken a few extra minutes? Could I have offered him my phone number and invited him to continue the conversation another time? Maybe I did the best I could in that moment. Maybe not. But I couldn't shake the thought that I had viewed him primarily as an interruption rather than a person.

Trusting the Lord's Steps

My mind then went to Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. When the Spirit prompted Philip, he ran to the chariot. And when Philip asked if the eunuch understood the Scriptures he was reading, the man replied, "How can I, unless someone guides me?"

He recognized his need, and Philip was willing to step into the interruption.

Since that night, I've been asking the Lord to help me see interruptions differently. What if many of the interruptions we resist are actually opportunities to love, serve, encourage, and minister to the people around us?

In our Journey Group, we've been studying Proverbs, and one verse keeps coming to mind:

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)

I can make plans. I can build schedules. I can organize my day. But the Lord often establishes my steps through the very interruptions I try to avoid.

So my prayer is simple: Lord, give me a heart that welcomes interruptions. Help me see people the way You see them. Whether I'm at work, at church, with my family, or simply going about my day, help me remember that serving You often looks like stopping for someone else. And when You interrupt my plans, help me trust that Your plans are better.

Tom lives in Palm Bay, Florida, with his wife, Katie, and their three children. He serves as the Multimedia Specialist for Pure Encouragement, where he passionately merges his ministry training with his extensive creative skills.

An award-winning graphic designer with ten years of experience, Tom brings a vast skillset to his work, including expertise in branding, web design, large-format production, and photo and video editing. Because of his versatility across so many different mediums, he often refers to himself as a "Swiss Army knife creative" who can tackle any design challenge.

Tom holds a B.A. in Theology from Trinity Christian College and a Graphic Design certification from Eastern Florida State College.

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The God Who Leans In / Guest Post by George Smith

Thu, 28 May 2026 15:26:22 +0000

One of the great gifts George Smith has given our Pure Encouragement community is his willingness to share the same wisdom he pours into his grandchildren. Through simple letters, reflections, and Scripture-centered encouragements, George reminds us what it looks like to slow down, seek God deeply, and treasure His Word.

What makes George’s writings so meaningful is not just the insight itself, but the heart behind it. These writings come from a man who has walked with Jesus through many seasons of life and desires for the next generation to know the goodness, nearness, and faithfulness of God.

The following reflection began as something George wrote for his grandchildren after reading Psalm 40:1.

“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined to me and heard my cry.”

I read this today and wondered, “What does it mean that God ‘inclined’ to me?” Did He lean in a little closer so He could hear better? Did He pay attention just a little bit more?

“Inclined” is the Hebrew word natah, which has several meanings, but mostly is used to mean two things:

“Pitched” (like pitched a tent) or
“Stretched out” (like reaching out your hand).

“But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.” - Exodus 14:16

Natah is the word God used to tell Moses to stretch out his hand with his staff to cause the great plagues in Egypt, or to divide the Red Sea, or when he describes how he stretches out his hand to smite the enemies of Israel.

The incredible power of God was unleashed just a bit - and the whole Red Sea split in half and dried up!

Natah also means “pitched”, like pitching a tent:

“And he moved from there to the mountain east of Bethel, and he pitched his tent with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; there he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.” - Genesis‬ ‭12‬:‭8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Abraham pitched his tent, he lived there.

So, when we are struggling, (and who doesn’t?), we need to seek God, wait patiently for him, and remember that he is right there with us, right beside us all the time, stretching out his powerful hands toward us - to help us.

God inclines to hear us! Have a great day today! I love you!

Grandpa

Think about that for a moment.

The same God who stretched out His hand over the sea…
The same God whose power moved nations…
The same God who commands creation…
Inclines toward us and hears our cry.

What a comfort to know that when we wait on the Lord, we are never waiting alone.

George’s words remind us that studying Scripture is not simply about gaining information. It is about discovering the heart of God and remembering that God is not far off or disconnected from what we’re walking through.

He hears us.
He sees us.
And He moves toward us with love and compassion.

No matter what kind of season we’re in, we can trust that we are never alone in the waiting. God is near, He cares deeply for us, and He is always faithful.

We’re so thankful for voices like George’s that continue to point our community back to the goodness and nearness of God. What a comfort to know we serve the God who leans in.

George Smith holds a B.A. in Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and an M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Grand Canyon University. He and his wife, Ruth, have been married for 52 years and are blessed with five children who all love and serve the Lord, 19 grandchildren, and one great-grandson. Together, they served as missionaries in Mexico and Peru with South America Mission and Wycliffe Bible Translators. After their time on the mission field, George became a high school teacher and coach, leading both football and wrestling teams. Now retired, George and Ruth live in Florida near three of their daughters and their families, continuing to enjoy a life of faith and service.

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OH MY WORD / Guest Post by Chris Heaton

Thu, 21 May 2026 14:14:20 +0000

A crucial realization for every believer is that our faith in, obedience to, and fruit we bear for Jesus all stem from abiding. Let me say that again: from the moment we declare Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our level of faith in Jesus, our choice of obedience to Jesus, and the lasting fruit we bear for Jesus all stem from abiding. So, what does that mean!? EVERYTHING depends on our intimacy with Him! In fact, Scripture goes one step further: we must remain IN Him so He will remain IN us. Simply put, abide means to remain in or dwell inside. Abiding is a place as much as it is an action.

We’re on a battlefield right now, and our primary mission is to maintain a constant, intimate, pursuing, and utterly dependent relationship with Jesus. Our relationship with Jesus will single-handedly determine how well we battle the things of the world and glorify the Son with our family, church, friends, teammates/colleagues, and others we encounter. An intimate and abiding relationship with Jesus will be the only thing that satisfies us. An abiding relationship with Jesus also produces the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – Galatians 5:22-23).

My Pure Encouragement Tuesday Journey Group was challenged by one of the men to consume more of God’s Word. This led to an iron-sharpening-iron moment, where dozens of men made the decision to memorize John 15 during the month of May. What better chapter to memorize than the culminating focus of the Journey Group: to ABIDE!

One of the ways we can promote abiding is to write God’s Word on our hearts and seek Him through His Word. If you look throughout Scripture, the act of writing God’s Word on our hearts, meditating on God’s Word, and being obedient to His Word are constantly highlighted as strong desires of His. See below for several references as to why the Lord continually asks us to do the above…

Proverbs 7:1-3

My son, keep my words

and store up my commands within you.

Keep my commands and you will live;

guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.

Bind them on your fingers;

write them on the tablet of your heart.

Psalm 119:9-11

How can a young man keep his way pure?

By living according to your word.

I seek you with all my heart;

do not let me stray from your commands.

I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you.

Deuteronomy 11:18-19

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Joshua 1:8

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

John 15:7

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you.

Romans 12:2 / Philippians 4:8

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (These are calls to action to focus on God, His Word, and things above.)

As I take on the John 15 challenge of writing God’s Word on my heart, here is what I’ve started to notice:

I have a desire to consume more of God’s word and truly write it on my heart.
Verses that I have read several times over in the past have come alive with greater meaning.
I’m finally training again. I’m exercising my mind and heart to be prepared and ready for anything.
My approach, patience, and word choice in parenting have started to see changes for the better.
The importance of equipping, training, and leading my family better is an even higher priority. Their holiness and faith are the constant objective.

Here is how simply including my family in this challenge has already made a huge impact. All four of my kids are in a hybrid homeschool program at a Christian school where they attend classes half the week and homeschool the other half… shout out to my wife, Lindsay, and any other moms who homeschool their kids; not all heroes wear capes, and I have no idea how you do it! Scripture memory is a part of my kids’ curriculum and focus. It’s something they excel at, but they’re still too young to fully understand the weight and importance of why they’re doing it.

My oldest daughter, Hannah (11), has been my accountability partner over the past few weeks of the John 15 challenge. I have been doing my check-ins with her several times a week so she can make sure I am word-perfect and have truly written Scripture on my heart. As I recite more verses every time we connect, she has watched her dad prioritize Scripture memory and commit larger and larger portions of Scripture to meditation. Hannah made a comment: “Dad, how did you memorize all of this? There is no way that I could do that!”

What a rich blessing it was to have a conversation with her about the importance of meditating on God’s Word and truly committing to writing it on your heart. It was in that moment that I got to help shift her perspective on Scripture memory. Thank you, Father, for opening her eyes! I plan on having several more conversations with her and the other three about why Daddy is doing this and what it is accomplishing in me! A reminder for all of us: God’s Word accomplishes much…

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Isaiah 55:10-11

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Let us all hold fast and cling to the Word of God. May we all seek to abide and prioritize our relationship with Jesus above everything.

I encourage you all to start writing more of God’s Word on your heart. Whether you start small with a verse or two or work your way up to an entire chapter, the key is to START if you aren’t already doing it. For those of you who already practice this, I encourage you to take on the John 15 challenge for yourself. It has been such a blessing to me.

Father God,

Thank You for Your spoken and written Word. We praise You that through Your Word, You accomplish everything. Thank You for making clear to us what is important to You and revealing the desires of Your heart through Scripture.

Father, thank You for Your Son, Jesus, and for Your Holy Spirit, who modeled Your Word lived out and continue to reveal to us the treasures found within it. I pray that all of us would continue equipping and training ourselves through Your Word, walking in obedience to Your Word, and finding comfort, peace, and joy in Your Word.

Help us to be wholly satisfied in You and in Your Word, Father. To You be all glory, honor, and praise!

In Jesus’ mighty name we pray,

Amen!

Chris lives in Dana Point, California, with his wife, Lindsay, and their four children. He is a successful Mortgage Advisor and Realtor and serves as a Board Member and Prayer Team member for Pure Encouragement, while also helping lead Journey groups.

A former elite athlete, Chris was a USA Diving National Team member, an Olympic Trials finalist, a USA Diving National Champion, and an 8-time MAC Champion. He was named Miami University Athlete of the Year and holds numerous conference and collegiate records. He has also coached and developed Olympic, World Championship, NCAA, and conference champions.

Chris considers his greatest accomplishments to be a Saint and Child of God, husband, father, and discipler. Outside of work and ministry, he enjoys traveling with his family, surfing, hiking, golfing, fitness, coaching, supporting his kids, and cheering on Ohio State football.

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Living Aligned with Christ / Guest Post by Zeke Kaebel

Thu, 07 May 2026 18:42:22 +0000

Recently, I felt a strong prompting to share a second part of what God has been doing in my life. What began as a personal transformation has become something I can’t keep to myself. At the center of it all is this truth: there is no greater decision you will ever make than surrendering your life to Jesus Christ.

As I’ve grown in my faith, I’ve come to understand how essential boundaries are to living a life that actually reflects that decision. Scripture continually points to the importance of guarding our hearts, our minds, and the direction of our lives. One of the most defining places this shows up is in our relationships. Over time, I’ve realized that who you walk with will shape who you become. That truth forced me to take an honest look at my own life—not just what I claimed to believe, but what my daily choices revealed.

It’s easy to say we’re living for God. It’s much harder to examine whether our lives truly align with that statement. When we consistently place ourselves in environments that lead toward compromise, compromise begins to feel normal. But when we intentionally surround ourselves with people who pursue Christ—people marked by integrity, discipline, and purpose—it begins to shape us in the same direction. Boundaries, then, are not about restriction for the sake of restriction. They are about alignment. They protect what matters most and help keep our lives anchored in truth.

Establishing those boundaries requires intentionality. It begins with spending time in God’s Word, staying connected to a local church, and choosing relationships that sharpen rather than pull you away. I’ve been incredibly blessed to grow up in a Christian home, but at some point, faith becomes personal. It moves from something you’ve been taught to something you’ve chosen to live. That shift changes everything, because you begin to see clearly that this world is temporary, but what Christ accomplished on the cross is eternal.

Following Jesus is not about earning something; it’s about receiving what has already been given. Salvation is a gift. When you place your faith in Him—believing in His death and resurrection—you step into a new identity. From that place, your life begins to change, not out of pressure or obligation, but out of genuine transformation. There is a depth of freedom and satisfaction found in Christ that nothing else can replicate.

At the same time, following Christ is not a license to live without conviction. There is a difference between receiving grace and taking it for granted. We are called to live with purpose—to reflect Christ in the way we think, act, and lead. Not perfectly, but intentionally. Not blending into the patterns of the world, but living in a way that points beyond ourselves. Our lives are meant to be a reflection of something greater.

Eventually, this becomes more than just an idea—it becomes a decision. When you step back and consider eternity, it brings clarity. The greatest moments of joy we experience here are only a glimpse of what is to come with God. And the emptiness or brokenness we’ve felt at our lowest points is only a faint picture of life apart from Him. That reality isn’t meant to overwhelm—it’s meant to bring perspective.

There is more to this life than what is temporary. More than what is visible. More than what culture tells us matters. My hope is that this encourages you to pause, reflect, and consider what you are truly building your life on.

Zeke Kaebel is a 16-year-old hockey player from Lewisville who is passionate about using his platform to share his faith in Jesus Christ. Currently homeschooled, he is able to pursue both his academic and athletic development with focus and discipline. Zeke is set to play left winger in the Western Hockey League for the Edmonton Oil Kings in the upcoming season.

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Remember Whose You Are / Guest Post by Jeff Boettger

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000

“Remember Whose you are.”

If I recall correctly, I first heard those words come from my mum’s heart and proclaimed as I left for grade 12, or 12th grade. My hockey aspirations and faith journey had propelled me to a crossroads of leaving home for the first time, and I remember my father, mother, and brothers standing on the concrete porch waving goodbye.

But you were washed (cleansed), you were sanctified (made holy), you were justified (made right with God) in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)

That day, I reflected while I drove down the long, straight, and intermittently hilly roads on my way toward school, passing the canola fields intermixed with the ‘bush’ of the north. It’s quiet up there… minimal traffic to navigate and loads of time to reflect. Sure, I was super excited about the next step, but if I’m honest, a bit sad and scared of leaving the nest and wading into the unknown. The seas of yellow canola were almost as ripe as I was for pondering life. So, ‘Whose’ was I? Was Mum referring to being a Boettger? I think that this was part of it… but knowing Mum (and Dad too), she was going much deeper. Knowingly or not, she wisely planted in my mind and spirit a statement that has served as a plumb line for my life. Jeff, REMEMBER WHOSE YOU ARE. This was a deep encouragement, also a challenge, and now that I think of it, possibly an edict!

So… whose was I?

At that point in my life, I was 17. I grew up in the church in various denominations and affiliations, but ultimately those that professed Jesus as Savior and Lord of humankind. I made a profession of faith at age 8 at a family Bible camp, but just as most young people do, I dabbled in the pleasures of the world until my own sin brought me pain that served as a strong wake-up call. It was then, at that fork in the road, that I called out to Jesus, honestly and humbly repented of my sin, forgave others for theirs, and submitted my life to Jesus, learning what it is to walk with Him. There is a longer, more detailed story here, but the point is I was totally set free, 100% forgiven, and felt such peace from the love and grace of God!!

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8–9)

I didn’t deserve God’s grace, but that is exactly what grace is—undeserved. He accepts me (us) as I am, setting me free from sin and death, and then embarks on a journey with me/you, changing us from the inside out. What a GREAT, GOOD, GRACIOUS, AND GLORIOUS GOD He is! That is an important next step… knowing who God is. For you cannot remember whose you are unless you’ve come to a place of confession of sin, then proclamation of Jesus as the substitute for us as Savior and Lord. From here, you will learn over a lifetime who HE is, and this is a magnificent journey. So, building upon my mum’s encouragement to ‘remember whose you are,’ may I encourage and challenge you to:

Remember who HE is—know Him!

Now in my 50’s, I’ve enjoyed continuing to share life with a group of guys via a ministry called Pure Encouragement. A big part of that enjoyment has really come from being reminded of what I’ve learned about who God is, His character, and hearing it in different ways. The key points from ‘Influencers, The Journey,’ as we spend 9 months together, are all about seeing who God is through Jesus and the truth of God’s Word. Building on the foundation of grace, the Word reveals God as:

Knowing everything about us. (Psalm 139)

Caring deeply about all those things He knows about us, as a shepherd cares for his sheep. (Psalm 23 / Isa. 40:11 / John 10:11,14 / Heb. 13:20)
God is willing to help us in all these things. (Ps. 66:18–20 / Matt. 21:22 / Luke 18:9–14 / John 14:13–14)
God is fully able to help us in all our needs. (1 Cor. 1:24 / Ps. 68:35 / 1 Kings 9:4–5 / Phil. 2:13)

There are many stories where I look back on my life and see God’s amazing faithfulness to me, to my family, and to His continued work in our lives. I can trust Him in all things because His words are true, and I’ve experienced His love and grace in loss as well as gain. You can too! Just call out to Him—He will meet you where you are and with exactly what you need. If you need to excavate this to a deeper level, do a search on the names of God and what that reveals—He is so good!

Knowing who God is will give you confidence to walk daily in submission to His will and purpose. It will give you unshakable confidence, for you are a new creation and:

You are who HE says you are!

Jeff Boettger lives in Lynchburg with his family and serves as an Athletic Director within the Club Sports department at Liberty University. In his role, Jeff is passionate about investing in student-athletes, helping them grow not only in their sport but in character, leadership, and purpose. He is committed to creating an environment where competition, community, and faith come together to shape the next generation of leaders.

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The Weight I Couldn’t Carry Alone / Guest Post by Ken Hirshey

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:19:27 +0000

I grew up in a Conservative Church of Christ home. Worship was simple, no musical instruments, no fanfare. And the theology I absorbed was equally stark: once you were saved, you weren’t supposed to sin anymore. That was it. No room for stumbling. No space for struggle.

What I had was a very vertical relationship with God, rules flowing downward, and very little horizontal connection with others. I didn’t even know what a personal relationship with the Lord meant. Faith felt like a standard I could never quite reach, a bar set just high enough to stay out of grasp.

I was so burdened by this weight that I basically gave up and walked away from pursuing the Lord entirely during college.

That season cost me. I wasn’t the man, the friend, or the example I should have been. And for a long time, I didn’t know how to find my way back, because no one had ever shown me what the way back actually looked like.

It wasn’t a sermon that broke through. It was men—ordinary men in the marketplace who knew something I didn’t: grace.

Promise Keepers reset my compass and showed me what a Christian man could actually look like. Wild at Heart reinforced it. Then came The Journey, and with it, a revelation of the nature of my Heavenly Father that I had never experienced in all my years of churchgoing. He wasn’t a scorekeeper. He was a Father.

Pure Encouragement has become a daily anchor in this. It reminds me that my purpose and affirmation do not come from the standards of this world—from being the best athlete, the most successful CEO, or the most admired man in the room. They come from who God says I am. That single shift changed the weight I carry. It still does.

I am deeply convinced that marketplace ministries and men-focused mentoring are essential to winning back our families. Men need to step into leadership, strong and courageous, just as Moses charged Joshua before he crossed into the Promised Land. That call hasn’t changed. The battlefield has.

Action Steps: Putting On Your Armor of God Every Day

Seek a good mentor and nourish that opportunity. Don’t wait for a formal program. Look around your workplace, your church, your neighborhood. Pursue men who reflect who you want to become and show up consistently.
Build your three-strand cord. Scripture tells us a cord of three strands is not easily broken. You need all three relationships intentionally in your life:

YOUR PAUL

An older man who can mentor you, speak truth into your life,

and offer wisdom forged through experience.

YOUR BARNABAS

A peer who walks alongside you—someone who challenges

you, picks you up when you fall, and does life with you.

YOUR TIMOTHY

Someone younger you are actively pouring into—sharing your

story, your failures, and your hard-won lessons.

Pursue intentional personal development regardless of your title. It doesn’t matter whether you are an athlete, a CEO, or a college student. Purposeful growth is how you put on your armor each day. Read. Attend gatherings. Engage in ministries like Pure Encouragement that point you back to your identity in Christ.
Let go of the scorecard. If you grew up under a theology of performance—one that said saved people don’t struggle—give yourself permission to lay that down. Grace is real. Your Heavenly Father is not grading you on a curve; He’s drawing you into a relationship.
Invest in Pure Encouragement’s tools. Use the resources available to you to build a stronger relationship with your Heavenly Father. These are not extras; they are essential equipment for the journey.

The road back for me didn’t start in a pew. It started with men who were willing to be honest about their own struggles and bold enough to speak life into mine. That is the ministry of mentorship. That is the cord that holds.

Be strong and courageous. Find your Paul. Be a Barnabas. Invest in your Timothy. And let Pure Encouragement remind you every day: your worth was never yours to earn.

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” - ECCLESIASTES 4:12

Ken Hirshey is a registered Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional with a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Arkansas and dual Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering and an MBA from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he helped pioneer the Management of Technology MBA curriculum. He is the Founder and Chairman of Cyntergy, a full-service architectural and engineering firm established in 1997 that has grown to over 180 professionals, making it the largest AEC firm in Oklahoma. Prior to founding Cyntergy, he served as COO at BSW International and held leadership roles at Carter & Burgess (now Jacobs Engineering), helping both firms expand into full-service architecture and engineering organizations; he began his career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Mr. Hirshey is actively involved in professional and civic leadership, including service on the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality Board, election as a Bixby City Councilman, and board leadership with Discovery Lab, while also contributing to organizations such as Young Life, Influencers, and Hospitality House, reflecting his strong commitment to faith, community, and mentoring others.

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Distracted or Disciplined? / Guest Post by Josh Harrell

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:05:00 +0000

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

What is the one thing you set out to do differently in 2026 that you’ve never done before?

Maybe it was something you wanted to accomplish, improve upon, or establish consistency and urgency in. Maybe it was chasing a championship or making it to the next level. Maybe you wanted to pursue a journey to becoming physically fit or radically changing your diet. Or you might’ve wanted to dedicate more time with your family and implement a better work-life balance. Think about every detail in your life at the moment and what you are in pursuit of. Are you at unrest and blinded by worldly responsibility? Finding your fill in earthly possessions and side-stepping God’s instructions? Are you finding yourself making excuses and spiraling in self-pity because of your circumstances? Distracted with routine and stuck in the hamster wheel of monotonous life? Whatever you are walking through, things become disjointed and disintegrated from the Lord when you are distracted! Lacking discipline goes hand in hand with being distracted from your heavenly assignment.

When you find yourself drifting and distracted from your heavenly assignment, this means an influence has wedged itself in between you and Christ. This could be your big goal, your job, your hobbies, your interests, etc. When you are not walking in constant fellowship with Jesus, beware of these influences! As 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” The enemy loves nothing more than to sabotage your mind with earthly influences that drift you away from the Holy Spirit. God desires us to live a well-rounded life in completeness and joy in Him through Jesus, but there are times when these “good” things that we are in pursuit of are no longer “God” things. The first part of Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me…” This is the only solution to find rest in the things that truly matter, re-establish discipline, and stay in pursuit of your heavenly assignment.

So now what? I’ve gone to God feeling out of order, disorganized, tired, maybe even guilty. The good news is that GOD HAS COMPASSION FOR YOU! He loves you. He knows your heart. He desires you just as you are. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” We can confidently go to the Lord and surrender our dependence to Him. In this moment, we must ask for awareness through the Spirit. Christ-awareness then takes the place of worldly self-awareness… and the Lord gives us rest!

Okay, so now we are given rest. So, does that mean we are to be idle and expect God to do all the work for us? A plan to get everything we want because we have now just acknowledged God? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Remember, you are on a very specific assignment, which requires discipline. Discipline is sparked within your spirit. It starts with a well-rested spirit, intimacy, and passion for Jesus. How can you chase after lofty goals and accomplishments if you are not disciplined in your walk with Christ? Are you disciplined in your worship and praise? In your prayer life and time of devotion with the Lord? God not only requires acknowledgment and surrender, but He requires action and obedience. This is not a mere act of selfish ambition anymore. To be disciplined in the Spirit, God requires sacrifice and obedience to be in oneness and completeness in Him.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:27, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” We must run in a way that wins the prize and sacrifice ourselves in a way that honors God and gives Him the glory! We have to avoid taking a backseat once God has provided rest, vision, and instruction. We are all works in progress, but God finds great joy and blesses those who are obedient, disciplined in the Spirit, and strive for excellence for Christ alone.

Being given awareness, rest, and discipline through the Holy Spirit is something that cannot be done by man alone. 2 Peter 1:3-9 says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these, he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.”

God gives us everything we need to live the life He wants us to live! Your lifestyle, pursuits, or goals don’t have to be detached from God when things get messy and disorganized. When you become distracted, just turn to Him. He will give you rest, which will strongly root intimacy and passion for Him. This sparks discipline, completeness, and oneness with Christ. All God requires is for us to first go to Him.

Josh Harrell is pursuing a Master’s degree in Biomolecular Science from Lipscomb University. He resides in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Emma. Josh graduated from Liberty University in 2025, where he served as the captain for the Men’s D2 Hockey Team. With Josh’s hockey chapter recently ending, God has called Josh to go in the medical field, where Josh will use his Master’s degree to pursue attending medical school and becoming a medical doctor. Josh is incredibly thankful for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He strives to faithfully pursue Jesus and lead others to him.

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The Opportunity to Suffer / Guest Post by Jamie Ramer

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:31:40 +0000

Coming from a Canadian hockey background, I have always been drawn to stories of perseverance through pain and suffering, whether it’s intense training that leads to a championship or someone’s ability to battle back from injury.

In light of this, I have also had a quiet admiration for those who have submitted themselves to American SEAL (Navy Sea, Air, and Land Teams) training, especially those who make it all the way through the grueling process—and even those who experience the disappointment of being eliminated.

I have read a couple of great books that tell incredible journeys and life stories: Fearless by Eric Blehm, Seal of God by Chad Williams, and even a recent Pure Encouragement blog by Corey Owens. Becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL requires passing a two-year training pipeline starting with a 10-week boot camp, specialized prep, and the grueling five-week Hell Week.

I am sure there are many points in that process where one might question the purpose of the suffering. Is it necessary? Is it helpful? Some underwater tests seem to require participants to demonstrate a willingness to stay committed even to the point of death, while at the same time taking every precaution to ensure that doesn’t happen.

The Navy clearly sees this testing and suffering as necessary to prepare future SEALs for life-or-death missions for the greater good. That doesn’t mean they enjoy the training or ask for more hardship, yet they are seen as heroes as they faithfully carry out their assignments—whether they live or die. In my life of faith, I wonder if I need to grow into more of a Navy SEAL perspective on suffering. Why is it that I can understand the purpose of suffering in sport or in SEAL training, yet still think my life as a believer should be free from it?

In recent months, I have had to face some challenging health realities that I didn’t see coming. To be clear, I know many people are facing far greater challenges than I am, but this has forced me to wrestle with my understanding of suffering and the life of a believer. Is this an unnecessary obstacle I just need to get through… or is it actually an opportunity God is using to deepen my relationship with Him?

Navy SEAL applicants are forced to trust their trainers to know what is best for them. How much more should I trust my God, who loves me and cares for me deeply? I should not be surprised by challenges. Jesus said in John 16:33:

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

As God permits or directs challenges in my life, will I allow Him to use them to help me trust, depend on, and glorify Him—and to prepare me for whatever He has ahead? I am certainly more aware now than I was six months ago that my days are numbered and my life on earth is fleeting (Psalm 40:4), whether that means 50 or even 100 years. I may have thought my future was more certain than it really was, but I’ve come to realize that I don’t need to “be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

God does not always remove the problems in our lives. Even in the example of Job, we see that for those who draw near to Him, He provides a supernatural peace in the midst of unfathomable pain and relentless uncertainty (Consider the Lilies, p. 23). I don’t think I’ve arrived at all that God wants to teach me in this season, but I do believe I’ve grown. Part of me wants to move past this season—and I do pray for that—but I also want to embrace what God has for me in it.

Every Day Revolutionary challenged me with this: “Suffering is an opportunity. You don’t have to enjoy it, but don’t waste it.” Joni Eareckson Tada also reminds us in When God Weeps that “God uses suffering to refine, perfect, strengthen, and keep us from falling” (p. 232). If I can trust the training process and purpose behind Navy SEAL training, how much more should I trust God in whatever circumstances I face? He loves and cares for us deeply, and He is present with us no matter where we are.

Psalm 139:7 — “I can never get away from your presence.”
Psalm 46:1 — “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”

I desire to honor and glorify God in both success and failure—whether doors are opening or I am in the middle of difficult circumstances. “Sometimes God is glorified when sick Christians get well; other times He is glorified when sick Christians die well.”

I have not arrived and am still in the midst of working through many knowns and unknowns—but God is faithful. We can experience His peace as we lean into Him and continue to entrust our lives to Jesus. In light of eternity, we have a hope that carries us through this temporary life.

Psalm 30:5 — “Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.”

As we have passed through another Easter season, I was reminded that for Jesus, His life was not His own. He was obedient to the Father in His life, and even through His death and suffering, and as believers, we are so thankful He was. As I continue to follow Jesus and His example, I need to remember: My life is not my own.

Jamie Ramer serves as the Assistant Athletic Director with Briercrest College Athletics, which includes supporting the chaplaincy ministry with their teams. He lives with his wife, Lea-Anne, in Caronport, Saskatchewan. He is a credentialed chaplain and currently enjoys opportunities to encourage and support athletes, chaplains, and others as opportunities present themselves with other organizations and ministries.

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Prayer Day 2026

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 19:17:24 +0000

Get Encouraged! God is Moving!

We asked prayer warriors to leave a comment below about what God impressed on their heart during their prayer time. Check the comments out below!

He Equips the Called / Guest Post by Corey Owens

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:03:55 +0000

In the hockey world, my story is very different from most of my teammates. To understand where I’ve come from and how God has worked in my life, it helps to go back to where it all started, my childhood. I’m from a town called Swedesboro in South Jersey, and I was incredibly blessed to grow up in a family that valued a relationship with the Lord more than anything else. I have two brothers, Matthew and Joshua, and from a young age, hockey was simply something I did.

My brother Matthew was a very passionate hockey fan. My dad, on the other hand, had grown up playing baseball, so hockey was completely unfamiliar territory for him. The only connection he had to the sport was a family friend who played street hockey. Honestly, street hockey wasn’t something I enjoyed until my dad introduced my brothers and me to ice hockey. I was about twelve years old when I stepped on the ice for the first time, and I instantly fell in love with the sport. Hockey quickly became something special to me, and it gave me some of my greatest memories growing up.

In the hockey world, starting at twelve years old is extremely late in the game. However, I saw it as a great opportunity to prove everyone wrong. I quickly picked up skating at a very rapid pace and continued to get better. At this point in my life, hockey started to become my god. God was no longer the Lord of my life. Throughout the next six years, hockey was my idol. I found myself placing my identity in how I played. For most players, that is something they probably struggled with at some point in their lives.

I spent such a long time wrestling with God. I ran so far from God that by His grace alone, He took the one thing that I cherished, hockey. COVID-19 was a time when the whole world went on a pause. I started to realize that the girlfriend I had at the time wasn't the best influence in my life. Along with the crowd I was hanging around. My teammate was paralyzed in our game, and it really shocked me. I was so angry at God that he would allow something like that to happen to one of my friends.

I decided to stop playing hockey, along with losing all of my friends, because I didn't want to go out with them anymore. I was absolutely crushed that everything that I found my confidence in was taken away. Instead of running at the feet of Jesus, I decided to run to find my identity in a career. My life was dedicated to training to become a Navy SEAL. During this time, I was training every day to complete my dream to potentially compete for a spot in the selection process called BUD (Basic Underwater Demolition). Before signing a contract to go into the Navy, I did a physical examination. While I was at the physical, I failed because of a minor hearing loss. I lost all hope in my life. Everything that I once found my worth in was all gone.

At this moment, I knew something needed to change. I decided to stop running from the one thing that was going to make me whole.

JESUS!

I gave my life to Christ after a long fight. I always knew the truths, but never wanted to follow. Once I gave my life to Christ, I still struggled as God was chipping away at my old sin habits. At this time I decided to go to community college and work at a hockey pro shop. For the next two years I didn't step on the ice once.

I decided to come to an open hockey skate one afternoon with my friends. A local college team pulled me aside asking where I play. I proceeded to tell him I haven't been on the ice in two years. He expressed his interest in me possibly playing for his team. I really thought and prayed about it. God put it on my heart to go try out for the team. I worked extremely hard. I would be skating two times a day and working out. I ended up making the team and doing super well that year!

During my time there, I heard about Liberty University and what it stood for. I instantly fell in love with the school and the rink. I decided to take a leap of faith. I would be competing with kids who not only have been playing hockey their whole lives, but most of them played high-level juniors. I was in a really difficult spot. I felt like God was calling me to play at Liberty, but to be honest with you, I did not feel qualified at all.

That summer, going into the prospect camp, I did really well. I was told by the coaches that they weren't certain I was coming and that they couldn't give me an offer at the time. I decided to trust God with the uncertainty of making the team and going to a university where I knew no one. That summer, I gave everything I had to training and trusting God with the rest. At tryouts, I played my heart out for the Lord. The last night approached, and I was just excited to know if I was going to make it or not. After tryouts, I had a meeting with the coaches and they expressed to me that I would have to pray about it one more day. Finally, the next morning, I got the call that I made the team. I was so excited and extremely blessed.

During my time at Liberty, I have grown as a man, and my faith has grown with the Lord. I am so thankful for all of the memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. I write you this story in hopes of giving you light. In life, we are going to seem unfit for the job, team, relationship, etc., but I am here to tell you that when God calls you to be somewhere, you NEVER quit.

God does not call the equipped, He equips the called.

There are so many times in my life where I did not feel worthy or qualified for where God was calling me to be. I hope you find strength in the Lord even when it may be really hard to trust in Him.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

Corey Owens is from Swedesboro, New Jersey, and is a graduate student at Liberty University pursuing a Master’s in Business. He serves as the Assistant Captain of the Liberty University Men’s D2 Hockey Team and is also a Spiritual Leader at Liberty University. Corey is passionate about helping others find their identity in Christ and encouraging others to live boldly for Jesus both on and off the ice.

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Purpose in the Waiting / Guest Post by Rachel Shaw

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:09:12 +0000

Waiting.

Have you found yourself recently in a season of waiting? Maybe you are waiting on an open door or job opportunity. Maybe it’s the desire to be married or to have healing from an injury or sickness. You’ve continued to seek, pray, and ask, but still nothing has changed. You might have asked why God has not answered your prayer.

Is there purpose in the waiting?

One of my first seasons of waiting came the fall after I graduated high school. I had just ended a toxic relationship that spanned over several years and, as a result, brought great heartache. I also walked away from a cheerleading scholarship that would have paid my full college tuition (you can imagine the turmoil my parents were going through). I was feeling lost and confused. How did I end up here?

At a young age, I had accepted Christ and was raised in a godly home with parents who loved Jesus. However, I had allowed so much of the world to disciple me about love, purpose, and value through music, movies, and my peers. In many ways, I thought and looked just like the world. As the late theologian Voddie Baucham has said, “We cannot continue to send our children to Caesar for their education and be surprised when they come home as Romans.” I had unknowingly become Roman.

As the fall was coming to an end, I was feeling broken with no direction. I had been reaping the fruit of what the world had offered (Galatians 6:8). I desperately needed the Lord. Even over the fruitless and often shameful years, I knew He had never left me. As His Word says in 2 Timothy 2:13, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself.” The Lord was bringing me to a place of confession and repentance while drawing me back to Himself. He had forgiven me.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

I still didn’t have direction because my heart and mind had spent years “set on the things of the flesh” (Romans 8:6). I needed to be renewed and transformed (Romans 12:2) before I would have direction. What appeared as waiting was really God renewing me from the inside out.

I began to seek the Lord by studying and meditating on Scripture. Little by little, God was sanctifying me, starting with my mind. His Word brought truth and healing. It exposed so many of the lies that I had believed for so many years. It brought peace and life where there used to be darkness and shame. It did not happen overnight but took time.

Waiting.

As Paul wrote in Philippians 4:9, it also took practice. Through practicing the daily study of Scripture, my knowledge of who God is began to grow—knowing He is sovereign, He is gracious, He is faithful, He is love, He is long-suffering with us, He is King, and He reigns.

As my knowledge increased, so did my trust in God. I think for most of us it’s hard to trust someone we don’t know. When you come to know God, you love Him. When you love Him, you trust Him. I could trustfully receive what He had next for me, but also accept what He may not give.

In His perfect timing, God did open the next door for me. Through His Word, prayer, and the commitment of my parents, God made a way for me to go to Liberty University (something that had never been on my radar before), where I would go on to meet my wonderful husband and where we still reside to this day.

What are some things we can do while waiting?

First, seek Him. Seek Him not just for His hand but for who He is. As David wrote in Psalm 27:8, “You have said, ‘Seek My face.’ Your face, Lord, do I seek.” How do we seek to know Him? By reading and studying His Word (Psalm 119). Meditate upon who He is—faithful, loving, merciful, holy, gracious, and so much more (Philippians 4:8). Spend time each day alone with Him in prayer. Seek to know Jesus more (John 8:32–33).

Next, trust Him and His timing. I once heard Elisabeth Elliot share in a lecture what she does when she has a great need or desire that has continued to burden her. She said she will physically get down on her knees, cup her hands, and offer it up to God. She surrenders it to Him. Then, when fears or doubts start to arise, she simply tells herself, “Oh no! That is not mine anymore. I have given it to God.” Give it to Him. With confident trust, let us receive what He gives and be willing to lack what He withholds. He is worthy to be trusted.

“You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3).

Finally, we obey. Where does God have you today? What has He placed before you right now? Whatever He has given you to do, do it well. Do it faithfully. Do it for His glory.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

If you are not already, find a place in your church to serve. Is there a mission or someone you know who is in need? Give generously. Luke 16:10 writes, “One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much.” Be faithful where God has placed you today as He prepares you for the next season.

I want to encourage you today, friend, to wait upon the Lord. God’s Word tells us in Psalm 25:3, “Indeed, none who wait for You shall be put to shame.” Your waiting is not in vain. There is purpose in the waiting. Seek Him. Trust Him. Obey Him.

Rachel Shaw serves as the Director of Operations for CORE Apologetics, a ministry dedicated to equipping disciples and engaging thoughtfully with those who have doubts about the Christian faith. She is married to Dr. Ben Shaw, President of CORE Apologetics, and together they have three children.
Rachel is a graduate of Liberty University and a two-time World Cheerleading Association (WCA) National Champion. She has worked as a physical trainer for Liberty University’s Men’s Ice Hockey Team (ACHA Division I) as well as for MMA fighters. She also holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

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The Only Play That Matters / Guest Post by Dan Bartel

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:21:19 +0000

Recovering from foot surgery has me sidelined from my normal activity. ‘Tis the season for college bowl games and NFL playoffs, which I usually pay little attention to. However, being confined to a recliner this year, I have watched more football than in the previous decade combined. This has reminded me of my life in the 80’s and early 90’s that was dominated by a marginal football career.

Today’s TV coverage affords hearing the QB’s snap count and calling out audibles. Back in the day, the way a QB let us know that he was changing things up was by yelling two words, “OMAHA, OMAHA!” Why a town in Nebraska known only for corn and steaks was the word used to change the play, I do not know, but it did get our attention.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever ABIDES in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5, ESV)

It dawned on me that our Heavenly Father, the Vinedresser, our Creator, and Sovereign Play Caller has but one play he wants me to execute. While the Playbook may include 66 books, they all point to the effectiveness of one single play - Abiding in Christ. The Playbook describes how player after player sought to change the play for some presumed benefit with dire consequences. Then, it describes the times seemingly mediocre players stuck to abiding and accomplished incredible feats. David, Gideon, Joshua, Moses, Mary, Peter…all trusted God when life’s circumstances seemed so overwhelming.

Rocky Fleming closes a book with this statement, “If there’s one thing that Gabe and I want you to remember from this story, it is: "ABIDE, ABIDE, ABIDE!"

Often, I feel like the Sovereign Play Caller calls a time out, and I jog to meet Him on the sideline where He says, “Remember the game plan?” I sheepishly nod in agreement. “Son, no matter what you think, feel, or even see out there, it’s Abide on 1, you got that?” “Yes, Coach,” I reply with limited conviction. “Son, it’s not just this time but every time. Understand?” “Sure, Coach.” Then, as I run back out on the field, my mind is racing and thinking back to all the plays in which I failed at my assignment, and I think it’s better to just yell, “OMAHA!” and give the ball to someone else, someone far more qualified than I. When in the huddle with my brothers, I say, “Coach says it’s ABIDE on 1, no matter what…ready, break!” Walking up to the line and getting under center, it’s hard not to see how the linebackers are lined up for a full-out blitz, and fear sets in. How about just a quick pass? Why does it have to be this slow-developing play of abiding every time? The defense knows the play, and I’m going to get creamed. What if I just slip off into the crowd, find a comfy bleacher, and simply cheer for someone else?

So what is it going to be, ole boy? “OMAHA” or “ABIDE"? This isn’t a one-and-done deal, as I am coming to realize. Every day when I get up, I’d better review that Playbook because it is the only play that will bear success, no matter what I see facing me. I remind myself that my Coach knows everything and is extremely gracious and that He cares too much for me to ever shout me down. I remember that He is not just on the sidelines but is willing to step on the field and is more than able to handle all the giants I see just on the other side of the line. The Playbook is extremely frank that “ABIDE on 1” is my only hope. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5, ESV). Calling “OMAHA” will fail. Why don’t I just trust the process? I have seen “ABIDE on 1” work miraculously before for me and others, time after time.

That rascal, the devil, knows well the effectiveness of ABIDE and how foolproof it is; he has built his whole defense strategy around getting me to check down. His only hope is to try distraction, intimidation, seemingly easier options, loss of comfort, doubt, fear, shame…whatever it takes for me to abandon running “ABIDE on 1”. I need to be ready and resolute about the Coach’s decision. No ifs, ands, or buts about it, it’s got to be “ABIDE on 1”. Ugh, this is hard.

So what is it going to be, ole boy, the play clock is winding down?

Dan Bartel leads the California chapter of Souly Business. Since launching the first California retreat in 2017, he has helped create space for men to encounter God, grow in faith, and step into greater leadership and purpose.
Visit https://soulybusiness.com/ to learn more.

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What God Did in 30 Days by Pure Encouragement

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:28:49 +0000

Be Encouraged! God is Moving!

Share in the comments how God moved in your life through the 30 Day Identity Challenge. What did He teach you? How was your faith strengthened? In what ways did the challenge impact your daily walk with Him? Your story matters, and your words may be exactly what someone else in our community needs to hear!

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The Truth Battle by Pure Encouragement

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 20:18:18 +0000

Every believer is engaged in a battle, whether they realize it or not. But this battle is not primarily against circumstances, people, or even habits. It is a truth battle.

At the core of nearly every struggle with confidence, fear, shame, or insecurity is a false belief about who God is or who you are in Him. Left unchecked, those beliefs quietly shape your thinking, influence your choices, and slowly rob you of the victorious life Christ has already secured for you.

Many of us carry unspoken “I am” statements—lies that feel true because they’ve been repeated for so long:

I am overlooked.
I am behind.
I am exhausted.
I am insignificant.
I am not good enough.
I am inadequate.
I am a failure.
I am a mistake.
I am overwhelmed.
I am unloved.
I am unforgivable.
I am stuck.

Some of these lies are loud. Others are subtle. Some feel obvious, while others hide beneath the surface, shaping how you show up, what you expect, and what you believe is possible.

I am…
I am…

But the most dangerous lies are the ones left unfinished, the ones you never question.

And this is where the truth battle begins.

Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Freedom does not come from trying harder or fixing yourself. It comes from believing rightly. When truth takes root in your mind and heart, it produces freedom, strength, and courage. When lies take root, they produce fear, striving, and insecurity.

Many believers live their lives striving for significance and security, trying to earn approval, prove worth, or avoid rejection. But when you know who you are in Christ, you live from significance and security. Your value is no longer fragile or dependent on performance. You move through life grounded, confident, and free.

Scripture makes it clear that transformation begins in the mind. Romans 12:2 tells us not to be conformed to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. That renewal doesn’t happen accidentally. It happens intentionally, by confronting lies and replacing them with truth. As your thinking changes, so does your discernment. You begin to recognize what aligns with God’s will, what is good, acceptable, and perfect, and your life follows suit.

This is why understanding your identity in Christ is not optional. It is foundational.

No One Is Stuck

One of the most damaging lies people believe is that they are stuck. Stuck in old patterns. Stuck in fear. Stuck in the way they think or respond. But Scripture directly contradicts that belief.

The Apostle Paul writes, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4–5).

Strongholds are not about a lack of effort or willpower. They are built on arguments, false narratives, and beliefs that oppose God’s truth. Notice the language Paul uses: arguments, opinions, thoughts. This reveals something crucial. The real issue is not power; it’s truth.

Jesus already holds all authority. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Every argument, every thought, every opinion ultimately submits to Him. That means you are not fighting a power battle; you are fighting a truth battle. And truth always wins.

When you stand on God’s promises, strongholds begin to crumble. Lies lose their grip. The mind is renewed. Psalm 119:160 declares, “The sum of your word is truth.” God’s Word is not partially true or situationally true; it is fully and eternally true. And because God’s truth never fails, no one is beyond change. No one is stuck.

Just as light always overcomes darkness, truth always overcomes lies. But truth must be believed, spoken, and applied.

Winning the Truth Battle Daily

Winning the truth battle is not about perfection, it’s about consistency. It’s about daily choosing to align your thoughts with what God says rather than what your emotions, past experiences, or the world tell you. Over time, those daily choices create lasting transformation.

Victory in the Christian life doesn’t begin when circumstances change. It begins when belief changes. When truth becomes your foundation, you stop reacting from fear and start responding from faith. You stop striving for approval and start resting in identity. You stop living small and start walking boldly.

If you feel stuck, weary, or worn down by false beliefs about who you are, you don’t have to stay there. Freedom begins with truth, and truth is available to you right now!

Take the 30 Day Identity Challenge
- This challenge is designed to help you win the truth battle one day at a time by grounding you in what God says about who you are in Christ. Through daily Scripture, reflection, and intentional truth, you’ll begin replacing lies with freedom, confidence, and peace.
Download the Stronghold Buster Worksheet
- If you’re struggling with recurring thoughts, lies, or incorrect “I am” statements that are attacking your identity and destroying your confidence, we invite you to walk through our Stronghold Buster Worksheet. It will help you identify false beliefs, confront them with God’s Word, and actively take thoughts captive in obedience to Christ.

The truth battle is real, but so is the victory! And when truth takes hold, living a confident, victorious life in Christ IS possible!

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His Plan is Greater / Guest Post by Brooke Olson

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 16:40:13 +0000

God’s plan for you is bigger than your most concrete plans. My life has been a true testament to that.

I grew up planning my whole life, and from a young age, I had dreams of playing college hockey one day. I held onto those dreams so tightly until I got to an age where I realized that maybe that wasn’t going to be a reality for me. I told myself that I started too late, I wasn’t skilled enough, played the comparison game, and eventually shut down my hockey dreams. I decided to just plan my life around a career, and before my junior year of high school, I decided where I was going to attend school and how my life was going to go…or so I thought.

“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” — Proverbs 19:21

Have you ever made a plan that didn’t work out? How did you feel? What did you learn, and did you see that God’s plan turned out for the better?

When Plans Fall Apart
As my senior hockey season ended, I felt lost, wondering who I really was and what my plan was now that hockey was over. Something didn’t feel right, and little did I know that what I thought was the end was only the beginning for me.

One day after a game, an opportunity was presented to me to fly from my small town in northwestern Wisconsin to Lynchburg, Virginia, to try out for the Liberty Women’s D1 Hockey Team. I had never heard of Liberty University, nor did I think playing college hockey was in my future. Thankfully, I was surrounded by a coaching staff and my family who encouraged me to look at the opportunities around me and pray about it.

I took a chance on Liberty, and the second I stepped on campus, I knew that this was where God was calling me to be from the very beginning. Everything I thought was my future was gone in the blink of an eye, and a new plan that the Lord had laid before me was set into motion—better than I could have ever imagined.

At first, I struggled to let go and second-guessed if it was just me thinking that the Lord was calling me there. God quickly made it clear to me that He knew the path for my life from the very beginning and knew the desires of my heart. Although I was trying to plan it all out, He had everything fall right into place. I didn’t have to give up on my dreams of continuing to play hockey or my career.

Faith, Community, and Calling
Faith has always been a huge part of my life since I was young. Everything I could have ever wanted, I found at Liberty in an environment that is very uncommon in the hockey world. I have been blessed with amazing teammates who are incredible role models for me. Since the very beginning, the Lord has been shining through them and into me. They have encouraged me and breathed life into my faith journey.

Because I trusted God’s plan, doors opened that I never could have imagined. This year, I was encouraged to become a devotional leader on our team. Through this opportunity, God has shown me how to lead and glorify Him in the sport of hockey—guiding teammates who are new to faith and others who are growing in their journey.

Another door opened through hockey was the opportunity to attend a mission trip to Vietnam this past summer. It was life-changing and opened my eyes to God’s work throughout the world. It put everything into perspective—how God had perfectly aligned my life to this point so I could glorify Him by sharing my faith in another country.

God can see every detour and weaves beauty into the unexpected things in our lives.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will make straight your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

Learning to Trust Daily
I had to release my grip on controlling my life and trust God’s loving hand to shape my future. I am assured that no path is wasted when walking with God by my side.

God’s direction often becomes clearer when we surround ourselves with people who help us see what we cannot on our own. Friends and family have spoken God’s truth into my life and helped shape me to trust Him. When we focus too much on tomorrow, we can miss what God wants to do today.

Staying consistent in reading God’s Word has been essential for me. It helps me hear His voice, especially when life gets busy and distractions grow loud.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” — Psalm 32:8

Finding quiet time to pray has also helped me grow closer to the Lord.

“Come near to God and He will come near to you.” — James 4:8

The Bigger Picture
God has created a masterpiece for each one of us. We see one piece of the puzzle; He sees the whole picture. What feels like a setback may actually be a setup for something far greater.

“For we are God’s masterpiece.” — Ephesians 2:10

If you are struggling with uncertainty, trust that God is working behind the scenes. His timing, His purpose, and His ways are higher than ours.

Pray that God will help you trust His plan, strengthen your faith, and align your heart with His will. Remember that He has plans to give you hope and a future.

I am deeply grateful for who I am today and the life I’ve been given because I chose to surrender and trust the Lord. Once I did, He brought people and circumstances into my life that led to greater joy and fulfillment than I ever imagined.

The apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans,

“From him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever.” — Romans 11:36

Nothing we have, no circumstances we’ve been given, no talents we possess on this road with Christ have been entrusted to us for our own glory. They’re all from him, through him, and to him.

Brooke Olson is a student at Liberty University studying Therapeutic Science and pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy. She is a member of the Division I Liberty Women’s Hockey Team and was part of the 2025 National Championship team. Brooke grew up playing hockey and comes from a family rooted in the sport, with both of her younger brothers also playing. When she’s not on the ice or in the classroom, she enjoys hiking, hunting, and spending time outdoors. Brooke is passionate about faith, athletics, and encouraging others to trust God’s plan—even when it looks different than expected.

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Living For Christ / Guest Post by Caleb Wilson

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 18:31:02 +0000

I grew up always being involved in some sort of competitive sport. From a young age, I learned to take my value and stability from my athletic performance. I wasn’t a naturally gifted athlete when I was younger, so I worked hard to earn the approval of others and prove myself, yet with little success. I competed in cross country and track from sixth grade through high school, but it wasn’t until my junior year that I decided I really wanted to chase the opportunity of running in college. That was also when I stepped into triathlon. My dream was to run D1 for Liberty University. I didn’t realize it then, but that decision also became the moment I attached my entire identity to my performance.

Throughout my upperclassman years, I lived in a constant battle of identity and spiritual warfare. I always pushed myself too hard, ended up injured, and then spiraled into bitterness and resentment. Eventually, I stayed healthy long enough to become a decent runner, but I knew I wouldn’t be fast enough to run D1 at Liberty. Still, Liberty is where I wanted to be. When I learned about the LU Triathlon team, I decided I would try to race triathlon in college so I could still compete there. But even that decision was driven by the need to prove myself, and it kept me in constant inner turmoil.

During my senior year, I got injured again, this time right before conference, and couldn’t run in any championship meets. I vividly remember the night I was told I wasn’t cleared to compete. I told my dad that if I couldn’t race, compete, or run anymore, I didn’t care to live. My entire identity and joy came from performance. I made everything about me, what I could do, what I could achieve, not about others or about God. Even so, I still hoped to get healthy before college tryouts so I could walk on to the LU Triathlon team, but I spent that entire summer making no progress.

Later that summer, I went to a Christ in Youth (CIY) church camp with my youth group. There, the Lord confronted all the arrogance, ignorance, misunderstandings, and idolatry I had been holding onto. The camp focused on identity, relationship over religion, and committing to work for His Kingdom, not ours. I experienced some of the deepest conviction of my life. I had to decide whether I would obey God’s call to fully surrender, even if it meant never stepping foot on another racecourse again. I eventually said yes. I committed myself to discipline, devotion, and serving His Kingdom, even though I didn’t know what that would look like.

For the next two months, God refined me and held me to that commitment, proving it wasn’t just an emotional camp moment. Every day, I woke up choosing to be okay if I never competed again. When I arrived at Liberty in the fall, tryouts came, but I still wasn’t healthy enough to participate. It crushed me, but I remembered my commitment and told God I was at peace. I laid the entire dream at His feet: “If this is Your will, I’m done.”

Looking back, it reminds me of Abraham being asked to sacrifice Isaac. Right as Abraham lifted the knife, God called out, “Stop!” God tested Abraham’s obedience but never intended for Isaac to die. In a similar way, God asked me to lay down the sport completely. And right when I surrendered it for good, He said, “Stop.” I had learned what He wanted me to learn, and now He was ready to turn it into a blessing.

That blessing came through a call from Coach Heather Gollnick, who said she was willing to give me a chance. She let me do a swim time trial, since that was all I could still do, and then put me on the roster so I could start seeing the athletic trainers. I agreed, did the swim trial, began rehab, and slowly got healthy. As soon as I started healing, my athletic performance climbed to a level it had never reached before. I grew both as an athlete and as a person.

At Liberty, we have Spiritual Shepherds and Spiritual Leaders/Disciple Makers who help build the spiritual culture of the team. After everything God had done in me, my coach asked if I would serve as the next men’s spiritual leader. I felt conviction to say yes. My entire sophomore year became a journey of learning how to disciple others and help Christian boys become Godly men. I made mistakes along the way, but I continued to grow. I prayed boldly that God would use me in uncomfortable situations to shape the team for His glory, and He did.

Now I’m a junior on the LU Triathlon team, and God has used me in incredible ways. I don’t receive recognition for much of what I do, but I don’t need it. Seeing the growth in the guys I love is reward enough.

God wasn’t calling me to give up triathlon forever. He framed it that way because I needed my identity to shift completely. The sport still isn’t mine. It’s a gift God allows me to steward. My job is to use it fully for His purposes, knowing He would be completely righteous to take it away tomorrow, and I could live with that because I’m no longer living for myself.

As Christ-followers, we are placed where we are to do His work. Being an athlete is temporary. Serving His Kingdom is eternal. Since my identity shifted, I haven’t relaxed, I’ve redirected my energy, motivation, and drive toward Kingdom work with even greater intensity. Don’t fall into complacency. Don’t fall asleep spiritually. Don’t let the enemy dim your light or keep you from being fully devoted to Kingdom work. Be intense and intentional about your faith. Commit to God’s work with the same passion the disciples had, the passion that made them willing to die for what they believed. Pray that God would remove anything in you that is not of Him, and remember what Paul wrote in Philippians 1:
“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Caleb Wilson is from Bargersville, Indiana, and is in his third year competing for the Liberty University Triathlon Team. This past spring (2025), he helped lead the men’s team to an 8th-place finish at Nationals. God has used Caleb to become increasingly influential in the endurance sports community through the opportunities He provides for Caleb to minister to and disciple other athletes, both within the LU Triathlon team and beyond.

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The Kindness That Changes Everything / Guest Post by Josh Sherley

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:41:32 +0000

Romans 2:4 — “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

Have you ever taken a moment to really think about the power of this verse? Over the last few months I have, and it continues to blow my mind...and here's why.

This verse is completely counterintuitive. My rational mind would think that God's law and harsher punishment is what will make people change their way and ultimately repent. In fact, this kind of thinking has even shaped some of my parenting. Increasing the severity of the punishment until I get the change in the behavior that I desire. But I think at the root of it...it's just that. A change in behavior, but not a change in heart.

God's grace and kindness is ultimately what changes a heart and transforms lives! It is His kindness, His forbearance and His patience that is meant to lead men to repentance!

So now the all-important question is, "Have I experienced His grace and kindness that has changed my life?" I strongly believe that most people are taking the riches of God's kindness, forbearance and patience for granted. Unfortunately, many people are like the 9 lepers who experienced grace and the kindness of Jesus, but never came back to worship and praise Him!

Luke 17:11-19 "While traveling to Jerusalem, he passed between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten men with leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When he saw them, he told them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And while they were going, they were cleansed. But one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned and, with a loud voice, gave glory to God. He fell facedown at his feet, thanking him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Didn’t any return to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And he told him, “Get up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you.”

All 10 men received grace and the kindness of Jesus, but unfortunately only one Samaritan man was truly changed by the grace he experienced. May we be the ones who don’t just experience God’s kindness, but respond to it. May we be the people who return, fall at His feet, give Him glory, and allow His grace to transform our hearts—not just our behavior.

Because when we fully receive His kindness, it leads us to true repentance, deep gratitude, and a life of wholehearted devotion to our King.

Josh Sherley is a former California State Wrestling Champion and Fresno State Football athlete. Most recently, he has left a successful marketplace career in Commercial Real Estate to be one of the Regional Directors with Influencers Bakersfield, a Christian Ministry focused on empowering people to abide in Christ. Josh loves Jesus, sports, and he also serves as a Board Member with Pure Encouragement.

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Shifting Focus to What Lasts / Guest Post by Dan Huntington

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:45:52 +0000

Once upon a time, I was quite serious about my running. I mapped out my training schedule at least 3 months in advance. I picked out the races I would run, my recovery days, my hard days, and my easy days. With 5 kids and a full-time job, I had to schedule tomorrow’s training today to make sure I could get it in. Many times that meant hitting the street at 5 a.m. (or earlier) before the busyness of the day set in.

In addition to focusing on my training schedule, I modified other things to ensure that I was running at my best. I changed my eating habits to support my goals. I stopped playing other sports that might impact my running. I bought the best shoes for my different types of training and high-dollar racers for race days.

My level of discipline for that 12 months surprised me and those around me. What was my goal? I wanted to qualify for and run the Boston Marathon. That was 24 years ago. My wife framed the finisher’s medal and my number. The result of her kind gesture is sitting on a shelf somewhere around here. Maybe my kids will appreciate it for a couple of minutes before they throw it out after I’m gone.

What’s my point? Is there anything wrong with pursuing our passions with diligence? Of course not, but do I pursue God with that same level of discipline and commitment? Is the bulk of my daily routine the pursuit of temporal goals or eternal goals? Am I storing up treasures on earth or in heaven? Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” That can be a tall order.

Paul says in Philippians 1:21, “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” Most of us lean on the second part of that verse. But what does Paul mean when he says “To live is Christ”? Paul is saying that for the believer, Jesus is our focus, our main motivation, and glorifying Him our primary goal. In Philippians 3:7-8, Paul says, “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

What am I to do with these verses and so many others that clearly teach me how I am to live? Can I just commit to using brute mental strength to change my priorities? My goals? My daily life?

Personally, I’ve tried the “grit my teeth, gut it out, and obey” strategy, only to fail over and over again. As I said earlier, I’ve demonstrated in my life that I have the ability to live in a very disciplined manner, yet I have struggled with the discipline of eternal before temporal. What, then, is the answer?

In John 15:1, Jesus says, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” In John 15:4, He says, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.”

So, abiding is the answer, but what does abide actually mean? Bibledictionarytoday.com defines “abide” this way: “It represents a continuous connection with God, signifying loyalty, commitment, and faithfulness.” The only way that I know of to cultivate that continuous connection is through daily time with Him. For me, prayer along with time in His Word initiates, amplifies, and sustains that continuous connection. Just like in running, that daily training is resulting in personal development for me. It is allowing me to abide in Him more and more. Through that abiding, I see my goals shifting from temporal to eternal.

If you struggle with making daily time with God a priority in your life, pray that God would give you a love for just that. While you wait for Him to change that part of your heart, this is one time where “gritting your teeth, gutting it out, and just obeying” will reap huge benefits.

Dan Huntington lives north of Atlanta with his wife of 35 years and their five children, ages 20 to 31. He serves as a captain with Delta Air Lines and has known Gary for 14 years, having first connected through FCA Hockey. Dan’s deepest desire is to abide in Christ fully and faithfully, relying only on the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Saying Yes to God / Guest Post by Wendi Lawlor

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 20:59:30 +0000

God is on the move, and I am humbled to be part of His work through Pure Encouragement. Every week, I see lives transformed, athletes discovering freedom in Christ, men and women walking in victory over fear, and communities being strengthened through discipleship, prayer, and truth.

Since joining the staff in January, I’ve been continually amazed by the stories pouring in. The testimonies I hear daily are powerful reminders that God is changing lives through this ministry. Honestly, I never imagined I’d get to be part of something so incredible. Yet here I am!

When God called me into this work, it required deep surrender, laying down my ego, pride, credentials, and financial goals. At the time, I was a 10-year military veteran with 25 years in higher education and running my own business. Everything seemed set up for me to continue down that path. Yet, God was asking me to release it all for something greater, something He had prepared that was far better than anything I could have imagined.

He was right. Today, I’m using the very same gifts and talents I once used in the world, but now they’re being used for His purposes. Though it’s cost me some worldly pleasures, what I’ve gained far outweighs anything I gave up. This has become the most fulfilling and purposeful work of my life - a true privilege to be part of. As I often say, I don’t have to do this job….I get to do this job!

With that said, my passion continues to grow for this mission to strengthen and encourage people to live confident, victorious lives in Christ and I long for others to experience the same freedom and joy I’ve found. As I near the end of my first year with Pure Encouragement, I’m excited for what’s ahead: being part of our first-ever Giving Day on November 6th, continuing to walk alongside the incredible Women's Community, and helping prepare for the 2026 30-Day Identity Challenge.

I want to invite you to join this mission with the same spirit of faith and obedience by sharing four meaningful ways you can be part of what God is doing through Pure Encouragement.

1. Pray for the Mission

Everything we do begins with prayer. I’m learning daily how vital it is to stay deeply rooted in prayer, and I am inviting you to join us in that mission. Would you take a moment to pray for this ministry, especially for the lives being reached through Journey Groups, Confidence Groups, and our growing network of athletes, coaches, men, and women walking with Christ?

Pray that God would:

Strengthen His people to stand firm against fear, anxiety, and sin.
Provide the resources needed to expand the work.
Send the right team members to help carry the mission forward.

When the people of God are strong, the gospel goes forth in power. Your prayers make that possible.

2. Share the Vision

One of the most powerful ways you can help is by spreading the word. Maybe there’s someone in your circle, a friend, pastor, teammate, or business owner, who would be inspired to get involved.

Tell them about Pure Encouragement and the mission to help people live confident, victorious lives in Christ. Share the Giving Day link or forward this blog to someone who would love to be part of this movement. Every share expands our reach, and every new connection opens the door for another life to be changed!

3. Give Boldly and Faithfully

On November 6th, we’re trusting God to provide $220,000 through our first-ever Giving Day. We hope that it will help us:

Hire new staff to strengthen and expand our reach.
Upgrade curriculum and resources for groups nationwide.
Launch a national weekly livestream to equip and encourage believers.
Host live events that strengthen communities and ignite faith.

Would you pray about giving on November 6th or making a pledge for 2026? If God leads you to give, praise God! And if He leads you elsewhere, praise God for that too. Every gift given in obedience fuels His Kingdom work.

4. Get Involved and Help Reach the Nation

There is too much at stake for the people of God to live under the weight of fear, anxiety, and defeat. Through the Spirit, we are more than conquerors in Christ. Together, we can continue building a ministry that strengthens, equips, and sends believers into the world with confidence and victory.

Join our Prayer Team, get involved in Men’s Journey or our Women’s Community, take the 30-Day Identity Challenge this January, or host a 6-Week Confidence Group in your home, church, or team. Each of these opportunities will not only deepen your roots in Christ but also multiply impact.

When people are strengthened, families are restored, teams are unified, and the gospel spreads with boldness. I hope you’ll join me and get involved!

As I look back on the path God has taken me on, from the military to education to ministry, I can see how every step was part of His preparation. What I once viewed as a sacrifice has become the greatest blessing of my life. God is truly on the move, and I’m so grateful to be part of His work through Pure Encouragement.

My prayer is that you too will experience the same joy I’ve found in stepping out in faith and saying “yes” to whatever God is calling you to. He wants you to be part of His story. Remember, being part of His mission isn’t something we have to do… it’s something we get to do! What a privilege it is to join Him in the work He’s doing to transform lives and strengthen His people.

“By the Spirit we put to death the deeds of the body.” — Romans 8:13
“When the people of God are strong, the gospel goes forth in power.”

Wendi Lawlor is a military veteran, educator, and communication coach with a Master’s in Communication from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. For more than 25 years, she has taught communication and public speaking in higher education while equipping individuals to grow in confidence, clarity, and purpose.

With decades of experience in leadership, instructional design, and team development, Wendi now serves on staff with Pure Encouragement, using her gifts to strengthen and inspire others to walk boldly in faith and live out their God-given purpose.

She and her husband, Moe, have been married for 32 years and are grateful parents of three sons, a daughter-in-law, and another soon-to-be daughter-in-law. Wendi loves investing in people, sharing stories of transformation, and seeing lives changed through encouragement, truth, and the power of Christ.

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Carpe Diem: Using Our Gifts for God’s Glory / Guest Post by Brad Newburg

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Every competitor knows the importance of knowing your role and playing it well. A team only thrives when each player embraces their assignment and gives their best effort for the good of the whole. The same is true in the body of Christ. God has uniquely gifted each one of us, and He calls us to use those gifts diligently and faithfully.

Romans 12 reminds us: “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them…” (Romans 12:6-8 NKJV). Whether it’s serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, or showing mercy, our gifts are not meant to sit on the sidelines. They are meant to be lived out with diligence and zeal.

The Bible makes it clear - time is short. “What is your life? It is even a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:14). We’re reminded to “wake from our sleep” because “salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11). Jesus Himself said, “The Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44).

That means the time to use our gifts is now. Peter urges us: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). The work of God’s kingdom is not something we put off for a more convenient season. Jesus said, “We must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4).

Because the days are urgent, we can’t live with complacency. Hebrews 10 challenges us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together…but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (vv. 23-25).

This isn’t the time to shrink back. As Hebrews 10:39 boldly declares, “We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.”

Instead, we are called to live with zeal and fervency: “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord” (Romans 12:11).

Jesus gave us a clear warning in Mark 13: “Stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come…lest he come suddenly and find you asleep” (vv. 35-36). The Lord has entrusted each of us with work to do, gifts to use, and people to serve.

This is the essence of Carpe Diem - seize the day! Matthew 11:12 reminds us that the kingdom of heaven is advancing, and it takes courage, faith, and action to step into it.

God has placed gifts in your life for a purpose. Maybe it’s teaching. Maybe it’s encouragement. Maybe it’s leading or showing mercy. Whatever it is, don’t bury it. Don’t wait for the “right moment.” The time is now.

Offer your body as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2), fueled by His Spirit, and play your role with diligence and joy. When we each do our part, the body of Christ grows strong, the mission of God advances, and the name of Jesus is lifted high.

Carpe Diem. Seize the day. Use your gifts. And play your role well for the glory of God.

Brad Newburg was born and raised in Bakersfield, California, and attended SDSU, where he met the love of his life and now wife of 18 years, Christy. After college and starting a family in San Diego with two beautiful children, God called Brad in 2014 to return with his new family to Bakersfield, where his faith journey would soon begin.

Two years after returning, the Lord captured Brad's heart through a ministry called Influencers, and it was then that he not only found Jesus as His Lord and Savior, but He began to learn what it meant to walk with Him. Now, whether in his role as a husband, father, Vice President of Trinity Safety Company or as a board member of one of 4 different ministry (Influencers Bakersfield / Black Gold Christian Baseball League) and/or marketplace non-profit organizations (Nobody Fights Alone / Californians for Energy and Science), He seeks to focus His life on abiding in Christ to live out the Great Commandment and Great Commission. Since the day He met the Lord, God has called Brad to tell the world about Christ and to be fisher of men to seek the lost so that they may be found in Christ and come alongside them to walk with them in His ways.

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Playing for a Greater Goal / Guest Post by Callie Shanahan

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 19:11:16 +0000

Growing up playing competitive hockey, I attached my self-worth to my performance and what others thought of me. That’s a common trap in sports — when you’re praised and complimented for playing well, you feel valuable, but when you’re benched or have a bad game, you feel like you don’t measure up. For me, when I played poorly, I would beat myself up and see myself as inferior. When I played great, I was on top of the world.

I poured thousands of hours into training, and hockey quickly became the most important thing in my life. All I cared about was getting better and getting to the highest level I can and being the best I could. By the time I reached college, it was the center of everything in my life. Looking back, Jesus should have been my top priority, but instead I made hockey my idol — without even realizing it.

That all changed at the end of my sophomore year. After a tough season, I dislocated my kneecap not once, but twice, and needed major surgery to reconstruct a ligament in my knee. It felt like a nightmare. I had been ready for a “redemption year,” and suddenly I was staring at the possibility of missing most of the season, if not all of it. How could this be? This curveball was thrown at me, and I crumbled. I even considered walking away from the game. I questioned if this hockey thing was really meant for me, or if this was a sign to stop. Seven months away from the ice — the longest break of my life — felt unbearable. I didn’t know who I was away from the sport. Everyone always associated Callie with hockey, and it was fully my identity at that time. What would I do if I’m not at the rink training or working out?

But what I thought was the end of my hockey career turned out to be the turning point of my life. During rehab, I felt drawn to open my Bible again. I had grown up Christian, but I was lukewarm in my faith. My Sundays growing up were spent at the rink more than Church. As I began to read, God completely shifted my perspective like never before. I realized that everything on this Earth is temporary and fleeting — except for a relationship with Him. I discovered that my identity isn’t defined by performance, praise, criticism, or even a sport, but by Jesus Christ alone. And I finally understood how dangerous it is to let anything, even a good thing like hockey, take priority in my life over Jesus.

I fully believe God took away hockey to pull me closer to Him, since it was such an idol in my life. Nothing should ever come before Him, and I am forever grateful for that adversity.

By His grace, I was able to return to the ice earlier than expected and play half of my junior year. But this time, I played with a completely different outlook. My confidence was stronger than ever — not because of performance, but because I knew who I was in Christ. I realized that the platform I had from hockey was to bring glory to God, not to myself. What I thought would break me actually built me, both physically, mentally, and spiritually.

In the end, what seemed like a career-ending injury became one of the best things that ever happened to me. It saved my life. A few months after returning to the ice, I gave my life fully to Jesus.

God truly does use hard situations for good and for His glory. Romans 8:28 reminds us: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

When we put our identity in sports, success, or anything other than Christ, it will eventually crumble. But when we root ourselves in Him, we find unshakable confidence, lasting joy, and true life. Adversity is a part of sport and life, but can be used for good and God’s glory. When adversity comes now, I know who I am in Christ and realize that a sport doesn’t define me as a person. I play hockey for Him and compete for Him now, instead of getting praise from coaches, teammates, and fans. My goal is to make Him known through my sport - which gives me so much freedom that I am no longer competing for myself.

Callie Shanahan is from Commerce, Michigan, and was recently drafted 28th overall in the PWHL to play for the New York Sirens. She played four years of college hockey at Boston University, where she also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. While hockey has been a central passion in her life, her deepest love is for the Lord. She believes God has given her this platform to spread the Gospel and share His love with others.

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Faith Anchored in the Resurrection / Guest Post by Ben Shaw

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 19:00:02 +0000

What does ice hockey have to do with Jesus’ resurrection?

At first glance, probably nothing, and to most people, it sounds totally unexpected. But what if I told you that the world’s leading expert on Jesus’ resurrection was actually the first men’s ice hockey coach at Liberty University?

I was just as surprised to learn that myself.

Before transferring to Liberty, I was a student at Florida Atlantic University. Someone suggested I check out Liberty, but at the time, I had no interest - until I heard they had a hockey team and an amazing rink on campus. That got my attention. I emailed the coach, got accepted, and ended up making the team.

One day, I was walking on campus with our goalie, Dalton Stoltz, when he introduced me to the former hockey coach, Gary Habermas. I thought to myself, “It’s nice to meet the old coach, but I’m confident the team is better now than it was then!”

In any event, I continued playing and going to classes as a marketing major.
Fast-forward to my senior year. I enrolled in a class called Christian Evidences, and one of the required readings was a book titled The Case for the Resurrection, authored by Gary Habermas and Mike Licona.

Wait… what? The former hockey coach wrote a book on Jesus’ resurrection?

I was stunned. As it turns out, Habermas is far more than a coach. He’s a globally respected resurrection scholar who has written dozens of books, published multiple journal articles, and participated in multiple debates with scholars across the world.

As I began pursuing a PhD, I was fortunate enough to become Habermas’ research assistant. Together we studied and worked on several projects. Our major project was his multi-volume series on Jesus’ resurrection called On the Resurrection. The first volume is over 1,000 pages (!) and covers historical methods and evidence for these facts! The second volume is slightly shorter and covers alternative theories. I was the editor of the third volume, which contains over 7,000 footnotes! While such rigorous study and depth are not for everyone, we should all certainly be encouraged that there is such an overwhelming wealth of resources available to us regarding the foundation of our faith!

Habermas is particularly known for developing the “Minimal Facts Approach” (MFA) to Jesus’ resurrection, which is the most popular approach used today. It is a common ground approach that uses (1) facts that are highly evidenced with multiple lines of historical reasoning and (2) data that is widely agreed to be historical by scholars of all backgrounds—believers and unbelievers alike! The MFA allows for a powerful historical case for Jesus’ resurrection that can encourage believers and plant the seeds of the gospel for unbelievers.

What are these “Minimal Facts” (MFs)? You may be very pleased to learn that you already know most of them:

Jesus died on the cross
The disciples had experiences of the risen Jesus
The disciples were transformed and willing to suffer/die
The skeptical James, the Lord’s brother, became leader of the Jerusalem church
Paul converted from being a persecutor to a preacher of Jesus

I doubt many of these facts, with the possible exception of James, are new to you. However, what may be new to you is the fact that these are minimal facts. This means that these are historical facts that have (1) multiple lines of supporting arguments using historical critical methods and (2) are widely accepted by virtually all scholars, including skeptical ones!

Understanding the historical reality of the resurrection is incredibly powerful for disciples. It grounds our faith in an incredible event in which Jesus has conquered death. As we learn these facts, we are better equipped to share with others the reason for the hope within us (1 Pet. 3:15).

What about those who are doubting the resurrection or unbelievers? You may be surprised to learn that the major alternative theories to Jesus’ resurrection cannot explain or account for the MFs! Alternative theories often include views like the disciples stealing the body, or they hallucinated, or made up the whole thing. These theories have repeatedly failed to account for the core facts of Jesus’ resurrection.

Regardless of our external circumstances- trials, temptations, or tribulations - the reality of the resurrection stands firm. This can bring both comfort and conviction, but either way, it is an event that does not change. It is an anchor for believers, and without it we would be lost (1 Cor. 15:13–19). It is little surprise that Paul refers to Jesus’ resurrection as "of first importance” in 1 Corinthians 15:3.

That’s exactly why Pure Encouragement is partnering with CORE Apologetics to host a 6-week seminar on The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus. Together, we’ll dive into these Minimal Facts, explore why alternative theories fall short, and discover why the resurrection is truly the anchor of our faith. The course began Monday, but it’s not too late to join us! The first session was recorded, so you can catch up easily and jump right in with us next week. Don’t miss this chance to grow in confidence, be equipped to share your faith, and experience the life-changing power of the resurrection.

Click here to learn more or sign up—and come ready to be encouraged, challenged, and equipped!

Dr. Ben Shaw is the President of CORE Apologetics and has worked alongside Dr. Gary R. Habermas—widely regarded as the world’s leading expert on Jesus’ resurrection—for more than a decade. He served as editor of a recent nearly 1,000-page volume with Dr. Habermas on the resurrection of Jesus, which included over 7,000 footnotes.

Dr. Shaw has authored or co-authored more than two dozen publications and has presented at conferences and universities, including the University of Virginia. He has also taught at Liberty University and Colorado Christian University. Outside of academics, Dr. Shaw is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

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