Guided by Faith: Daily Christian Devotions and Advice for Teens and Young Adults

***Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavlIn this Christmas Eve episode of Guided by Faith, Jay challenges listeners to slow down and truly see Jesus in the middle of all the holiday traditions. By walking through Matthew 2 and the familiar story of the wise men, Jay highlights a surprising and often overlooked truth: the religious leaders of Jesus’ time knew exactly where the Messiah would be born, yet they didn’t travel even six miles to go see Him. With powerful insight, Jay urges us not to fall into the same pattern—knowing all the right verses and attending all the right events while missing the presence of God Himself. As Christmas busyness, family gatherings, and distractions kick into high gear, this devotion helps you refocus on what matters: celebrating Christ, recognizing God’s love, and choosing not to overlook Jesus this Christmas. If you want a meaningful reminder to keep your heart centered on Him, this episode will encourage and ground you.Listen and Subscribe:[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify]Connect with Us:Website: www.guidedbyfaith.netYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedbyFaithPodcastInstagram: @guidedbyfaith_podcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with friends who might benefit from this message.Guided By Faith is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

***Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavlIn today’s Christmas-week episode of Guided by Faith, Jay unpacks a powerful truth from Day 10 of his new 365-day Christian gratitude journal, Renewed: “Grace is not opposed to effort. It’s opposed to earning.” Teens and young adults often struggle with feeling like they must “perform” to earn God’s approval, but Jay reminds us that God’s steadfast love doesn’t rise and fall based on our good days or bad days. Instead, God loves us fully because of Jesus—not our achievements. This episode explores the freedom that comes from working hard in our faith without the pressure of earning God’s love, helping listeners pursue spiritual growth with confidence rather than fear. Jay shares personal reflections, encourages gratitude, and points us back to the unwavering love God displayed at Christmas. If you’ve ever felt like you’re disappointing God or not doing “enough,” this short but meaningful devotion will bring clarity, encouragement, and peace.Listen and Subscribe:Apple Podcasts | SpotifyConnect with Us:Website: www.guidedbyfaith.netYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedbyFaithPodcastInstagram: @guidedbyfaith_podcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with friends who might benefit from this message.Guided By Faith is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

***Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavlIn this Christmas-week episode of Guided by Faith, Jay invites us to slow down and recognize God’s faithfulness in the everyday moments of life. Reading from Day 8 of his 365-day Christian gratitude journal, Renewed, Jay reflects on Psalm 119:90—“Your faithfulness endures to all generations”—and challenges listeners to pause and ask, “Where have I seen God’s faithfulness in the past few days?” Through personal stories of friends who walked through deep grief yet experienced God’s comfort, Jay reminds us that the Holy Spirit never abandons us, even in our hardest seasons. He encourages a habit of spoken gratitude—thanking God out loud and sharing His goodness with others—as a practical way to grow in faith. As you celebrate Christmas, this episode will help you notice God’s presence, practice gratitude, and remember that His faithfulness is real today and every day.Listen and Subscribe:[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify]Connect with Us:Website: www.guidedbyfaith.netYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedbyFaithPodcastInstagram: @guidedbyfaith_podcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with friends who might benefit from this message.Guided By Faith is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

***Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavlIn this deeply personal episode of Guided by Faith, Jay reflects on James 1:2 and what it means to find joy even in life’s most painful trials. He shares the heartbreaking story of losing his young nephew and the grief that followed—while also testifying to the ways God showed His presence, comfort, and redemptive power in the midst of tragedy. Jay reminds listeners that although suffering is not good, God promises to work all things together for good for those who belong to Him. Through Scripture, personal testimony, and reflections on hope, he encourages you to trust that God is shaping your character, strengthening your faith, and walking with you through every valley. This episode offers compassion, hope, and a powerful reminder that even on our hardest days, we are never alone.Listen and Subscribe:[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify]Connect with Us:Website: www.guidedbyfaith.netYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedbyFaithPodcastInstagram: @guidedbyfaith_podcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with friends who might benefit from this message.Guided By Faith is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

***Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavlIn this episode of Guided by Faith, Jay reflects on Psalm 19:1 and the way creation powerfully declares the glory of God. He shares awe-inspiring moments from recent trips to Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Alaska—highlighting one unforgettable encounter with a pod of humpback whales working together in the icy waters of Kenai Fjords National Park. Jay explains how scenes like these reveal God’s creativity, joy, and delight in His own handiwork. As you listen, you’ll be encouraged to slow down, notice the beauty around you, and remember that the same God who crafted mountains, oceans, and whales also made you in His image. This episode invites you to worship the Creator, appreciate His majesty in nature, and live with gratitude as one of His most treasured creations.Listen and Subscribe:[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify]Connect with Us:Website: www.guidedbyfaith.netYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedbyFaithPodcastInstagram: @guidedbyfaith_podcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with friends who might benefit from this message.Guided By Faith is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org