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

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 364: Children of God! Heirs of God! Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

What does it mean to be a child of God—and why does that matter for how we live today? In this episode, Ryan Woods continues unpacking Romans 8:12–17, focusing on verse 16 and the powerful truth that believers are not only sons of God, but also children and heirs of God. Ryan explains the difference between sonship (our relational closeness to the Father) and being children of God (our future inheritance and hope). Through Scripture and creative illustrations, this episode highlights how our identity as heirs—fellow heirs with Christ—gives us a hopeful expectation of what’s to come and reshapes how we see ourselves now. Instead of being defined by our past, we’re invited to live with confidence, joy, and anticipation as members of God’s family.

Listen and Subscribe:

[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify]

Connect with Us:

Website: www.guidedbyfaith.net

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedbyFaithPodcast

Instagram: @guidedbyfaith_podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with friends who might benefit from this message.

***Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavl

Guided By Faith is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Ep. 363: Sons of God, Abba! Father! Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

What does it really mean to be called a son of God? In this episode, Ryan Woods continues walking through Romans 8:12–17, focusing on verse 14 and the powerful truth that believers are sons of God through the Spirit. Ryan explains how “sonship” is not about gender, but about an intimate relational status—one that allows us to cry out “Abba, Father” with confidence and security. Using personal stories and biblical insight, this episode explores how God invites us into a close, loving relationship where He guides, trains, protects, and cares for us like a perfect Father. Whether you had a great dad, a difficult relationship with your father, or no father at all, this conversation points to the healing and hope found in our identity as sons adopted into God’s family.

Listen and Subscribe:

[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify]

Connect with Us:

Website: www.guidedbyfaith.net

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedbyFaithPodcast

Instagram: @guidedbyfaith_podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with friends who might benefit from this message.

***Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavl

Guided By Faith is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Ep. 362: What does 'the Spirit dwelling in you' mean? Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

What does it actually mean when the Bible says the Holy Spirit lives in you? In this episode, Ryan Woods continues through Romans 8:12–17 and helps teens and young adults understand what it means to live with the Spirit dwelling within them. Building on the idea of a new identity in Christ, Ryan explains how the Holy Spirit—God Himself—comes to live in believers as a guide, comforter, and interpreter of truth. Drawing from both Romans 8 and Galatians 4, this episode clarifies how salvation through Jesus leads to adoption as sons and daughters of God, freeing us from fear, slavery, and striving for approval. Rather than focusing on trying harder to avoid sin, listeners are invited to set their minds on the Spirit, discovering true life, peace, and transformation.

Listen and Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with Us:

Website: www.guidedbyfaith.net

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedbyFaithPodcast

Instagram: @guidedbyfaith_podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with friends who might benefit from this message.

***Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavl

Guided By Faith is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Ep. 361: What If We Missed The Whole Point Of Christianity? Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

What if Christianity was never meant to be just a list of rules to follow? In this episode, Ryan Woods continues through Romans 8:12–17 and challenges us to rethink the true purpose of the Christian life. Instead of focusing on simply “not sinning,” Ryan unpacks how the gospel invites us into a new identity as children of God—led by the Spirit, adopted into God’s family, and free from fear. Using practical illustrations and Scripture, this episode explores how real spiritual growth happens when we set our minds on the Spirit and live out who God says we are. If you’ve ever felt stuck, discouraged, or confused about what Christianity is really about, this conversation will help refocus your faith on relationship, identity, and life in the Spirit.

Listen and Subscribe:

[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify]

Connect with Us:

Website: www.guidedbyfaith.net

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedbyFaithPodcast

Instagram: @guidedbyfaith_podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with friends who might benefit from this message.

***Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavl

Guided By Faith is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Ep. 360: The Father Will Free Us From the Presence of Sin Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

***Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavl

In this episode of Guided by Faith, Jay wraps up a powerful week studying Romans 8 by exploring how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together in our salvation. While Jesus frees us from the penalty of sin and the Holy Spirit gives us power to resist sin, the Father promises the ultimate victory: freedom from the presence of sin altogether. Jay encourages teens and young adults who struggle with temptation, guilt, or the ongoing effects of sin, reminding them that one day, through Christ, all believers will be fully transformed and sin will no longer have any hold over them. This episode offers hope and motivation to keep walking in the Spirit today, knowing that the glory to come will far outweigh present struggles, and God will complete the work He started in each of us.

Listen and Subscribe:

[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify]

Connect with Us:

Website: www.guidedbyfaith.net

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedbyFaithPodcast

Instagram: @guidedbyfaith_podcast

If 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

Ep. 359: How Do You Please God? Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

***Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavl

In this episode of Guided by Faith, we continue unpacking Romans 8 by asking a simple but deeply challenging question: How do you please God? Jay explains that Scripture gives a clear answer—love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself—but living this out can feel impossible on our own. This episode clarifies that pleasing God isn’t about willpower or religious effort; it’s about relying on the Holy Spirit. Drawing from Romans 8:11, Jay reminds listeners that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in every believer, enabling us to forgive, resist temptation, and love others genuinely. When we stop relying on ourselves and begin walking in the Spirit, we discover that pleasing God is not only possible—it’s the way we experience true spiritual life and growth.

Listen and Subscribe:

[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify]

Connect with Us:

Website: www.guidedbyfaith.net

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedbyFaithPodcast

Instagram: @guidedbyfaith_podcast

If 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

Ep. 358: Your Eyes and Ears are Windows to the Soul Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

***Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavl

In this episode of Guided by Faith, we continue exploring Romans 8 and what it truly means to be freed from the power of sin. Jay breaks down Paul’s teaching that “to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace,” and makes it practical for everyday life. This episode challenges listeners to consider how what they watch, listen to, and dwell on shapes their desires, thoughts, and spiritual direction. Using the powerful idea that our eyes and ears are windows to the soul, Jay encourages believers to take inventory of their media, conversations, and habits—and to intentionally set their minds on the Spirit. As you learn to be more aware of God’s presence and invite the Holy Spirit into daily moments, you’ll discover how choosing life-giving influences leads to spiritual growth, freedom, and peace.

Listen and Subscribe:

[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify]

Connect with Us:

Website: www.guidedbyfaith.net

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedbyFaithPodcast

Instagram: @guidedbyfaith_podcast

If 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

Ep. 357: The Spirit Frees Us From the Power of Sin Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

***Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavl

In this episode of Guided by Faith, we continue our walk through Romans chapter 8, moving from freedom from sin’s penalty to freedom from sin’s power. Building on Romans 7’s picture of the exhausting inner struggle with sin, Jay explains why Romans 8 is one of the most victorious chapters in the Bible—because it shifts the focus from “I” to the Holy Spirit. While living in our own strength leads to frustration and failure, God has given believers His Spirit to live within them as a true power source. This episode highlights a life-changing truth: the Holy Spirit enables us to follow Jesus, love others, and live in freedom, no longer enslaved to sin. As you learn to rely on the Spirit daily, you can experience real victory, peace, and spiritual growth.

Listen and Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with Us:

Website: www.guidedbyfaith.net

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedbyFaithPodcast

Instagram: @guidedbyfaith_podcast

If 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

Ep. 356: Jesus Frees Us From the Penalty of Sin Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

***Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavl

In this episode of Guided by Faith, we begin a powerful multi-week journey through Romans chapter 8, often called the pinnacle of the book of Romans. Jay unpacks the incredible truth found right at the start of this chapter: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This episode clearly explains the gospel message—Jesus has freed us from the penalty of sin. Even when we fail and feel discouraged, our identity in Christ is no longer defined by condemnation but by grace and freedom. This episode encourages listeners to bring their sin to Jesus, receive His forgiveness, and live with gratitude and confidence as someone who has been set free through Christ.

Listen and Subscribe:

[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify]

Connect with Us:

Website: www.guidedbyfaith.net

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuidedbyFaithPodcast

Instagram: @guidedbyfaith_podcast

If 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

Ep. 355: What Does It Mean To Bless and Build? Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

***Pick up a copy of Jay’s new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavl

In this episode of Guided by Faith, Jay wraps up the week-long series on building a resilient faith by focusing on one of the most powerful ways we love God—through our relationships. Speaking to teens and young adults, Jay explains that loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength naturally leads to loving others well. This episode introduces two simple but transformative relational practices: staying intentionally connected by talking with a friend every day, and living as a giver through the mindset of bless and build. Learn how offering encouragement, using your God-given strengths, and investing in the people around you creates forward momentum in your faith and prepares you to stand strong during life’s storms. This episode challenges you to see relationships not as something to consume, but as a daily opportunity to love God, serve others, and experience the fullest life Jesus offers.

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