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

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 354: Don't Let Your Emotions Drive the Bus Jan 08, 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 continues the series on building a resilient faith by addressing one of the most powerful parts of who we are—our emotions. Speaking to teens and young adults, Jay explains that emotions are a gift from God, but they were never meant to take control of our lives. Using Jesus’ teaching about building your life on a firm foundation, this episode explores how to love God with your emotions without ignoring them, stuffing them down, or letting them “drive the bus.” You’ll learn two practical, life-giving practices—highs, lows, and buffaloes; and intentional gratitude, that help you identify your emotions, bring them honestly to Jesus, and redirect your heart toward truth and thankfulness. This episode offers biblical wisdom and real-life tools for developing emotional maturity, spiritual resilience, and a faith that remains steady in every season.

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. 353: How Can You Love God with All Your Mind? Jan 07, 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 continues the series on building a resilient faith by tackling one of the biggest challenges facing teens and young adults today: distraction. Rooted in Jesus’ call to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, this episode explores what it truly means to love God with your mind in a hyper-distracted world. Jay shares practical insights on how constant noise and divided attention can weaken our spiritual focus—and offers two simple but powerful practices to help retrain your mind: intentional focus and godly play. Learn how strengthening your ability to pay attention can deepen your relationship with God, enhance your time in scripture and prayer, and help you experience joy, creativity, and wonder as part of your faith. This episode is a must-listen for young believers who want to grow mentally, spiritually, and emotionally stronger in their walk with 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. 352: Take Care of The Body God Gave You! Jan 06, 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 continues the series on building a resilient, unshakable faith by focusing on an often-overlooked part of loving God: caring for your body. Jay explains that loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength includes how you treat the physical body God has given you. Instead of a guilt-driven list of “don’ts,” this episode offers two simple, biblical practices—eating intentionally and moving your body with purpose—that help you honor God out of gratitude and love. Discover why your body matters in God’s plan, how everyday choices can become acts of worship, and how caring for your health prepares you to serve Christ faithfully through every season of life.

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. 351: You Show Your Love For God by Spending Time With Him Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

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

As a new year begins, this episode of Guided by Faith challenges us to build a resilient, “anti-fragile” faith by prioritizing time with God. Drawing from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7 and the Greatest Commandment in Matthew 22, Jay explains that storms are inevitable—but a life rooted in loving God will not crumble. This episode kicks off a week-long series on spiritual practices that help you thrive through challenges, starting with the foundation of all faith: spending intentional time with God through Scripture, prayer, and worship. Learn why connecting daily with God isn’t just a religious duty, but the heart of a real relationship with Jesus—and how this simple habit can shape every other area of your life. Perfect for Christian teens and young adults who want to grow stronger in their walk with Christ this year.

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. 350: Walking Through the Valley Of the Shadow of Death Jan 02, 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 powerful and honest episode of Guided by Faith, Jay closes out the week by addressing fear, anxiety, and suffering through the lens of Psalm 23:4. Speaking directly to teens and young adults who may feel overwhelmed by uncertainty, loss, or anxiety about the future, Jay shares personal experiences of walking through real-life “valleys”—from fear of failure and rejection to grief, loss, and financial hardship. This episode reminds listeners that while anticipation fear often robs us of joy, God promises His presence and grace in the moment we actually need it. If you’re struggling with fear, anxiety, or the unknown as you step into a new year, this devotional offers reassurance that Jesus walks with you through every valley, and that fear does not get the final word.

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. 349: Highs, Lows, and Buffaloes Jan 01, 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 New Year’s Day episode of Guided by Faith, Jay invites us to begin the year with joy, reflection, and intentional gratitude. Centered on Psalm 118:24, this short devotional introduces a simple but powerful daily practice: reflecting on your highs, lows, and “buffaloes”—the unexpected moments that stand out in your day. Jay explains how noticing both your experiences and your emotions can reshape your heart, deepen gratitude, and help you fully experience the good God places in your life. Whether you’re starting a new habit, a new year, or a new season with God, this episode offers a practical tool to help you rejoice daily and recognize God’s presence in every moment.

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. 348: God is Steady and Stable, Even When You are Not Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

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

In this New Year’s Eve episode of Guided by Faith, Jay encourages us to rest in the unchanging faithfulness of God as one year ends and a new one begins. Using Psalm 37 and his devotional Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal, Jay explores how God provides stability and security during seasons of uncertainty especially when facing big life decisions about school, careers, relationships, and calling. Through personal stories about choosing a college and wrestling with God’s will, this episode reminds listeners that God’s love does not rise or fall based on our decisions. If you feel anxious about the future or overwhelmed by choices, this message will help you trust that God is steady, faithful, and deeply loving even when you feel unsure.

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. 347: God Hasn't Given Up on You, So You Shouldn't Give Up Either! Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

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

In this encouraging episode of Guided by Faith, Jay reminds teens and young adults of a powerful truth as the year comes to a close: God is not finished with you yet. Rooted in Philippians 1:6, this devotional challenges listeners to recognize the areas of their lives where God is still patiently at work even in ongoing struggles like pride, insecurity, and spiritual growth. Jay shares personal reflections on how God continues to shape his heart over time and explains the difference between salvation and sanctification, emphasizing that while salvation is by faith, spiritual growth requires our daily participation. If you feel discouraged by slow progress, recurring sin, or personal struggles, this episode offers hope, reminding you that God hasn’t given up on you, and you shouldn’t give up on trusting Him either.

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. 346: God is Patient with You, Be Patient with Him! Dec 29, 2025

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 invites us to reflect on God’s incredible patience as we close one year and step into a new one. Drawing from an A.W. Tozer quote and his devotional “Renewed: 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal”, Jay explores what it means that God never rushes—and why His timing is always rooted in love. Through personal stories about spiritual growth, Bible reading habits, relationships, and waiting on God, this episode encourages listeners to trust God’s process, especially when life feels delayed or frustrating. If you’re struggling with impatience, comparing your timeline to others, or questioning why God hasn’t answered yet, this message will help you see how God’s patience is working for your good—and why learning to be patient with Him can change everything.

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. 345: Every Good Gift is From God Dec 26, 2025

Show notes

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

In this day-after-Christmas episode of Guided by Faith, Jay helps listeners refocus their hearts on the true source of every blessing. Reading from Day 12 of his new 365-day Christian gratitude journal, Renewed, he reflects on James 1:17: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” Jay invites us to think about one gift they recently received—big or small—and consider how recognizing that God is the ultimate giver deepens our appreciation. Through personal stories about meaningful moments with his sons, Jay reminds us that the best gifts in life aren’t things but relationships, experiences, and the grace God pours into our lives daily. This episode encourages listeners to notice God’s generosity, treasure the people around them, and respond with gratitude and generosity as the Christmas season continues. If you want a short devotion that helps you remember God’s goodness beyond the gifts under the tree, this is the perfect episode to end your holiday week.

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