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

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 344: Merry Christmas! Dec 25, 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 special Christmas Day episode of Guided by Faith, Jay celebrates the birth of Jesus with a short but meaningful devotion centered on Psalm 98. As he reads this joyful psalm, Jay invites us to pause amid the presents, plans, and family gatherings to remember why we celebrate at all: God’s steadfast love revealed through Christ. From the manger to the cross to the empty tomb, this episode highlights the incredible story of salvation and the proof of God’s deep love for His people. Jay closes with a heartfelt Christmas prayer, reminding listeners that Jesus—our Savior and reigning King—came to rescue us and will one day return. If you want to start Christmas morning with worship, gratitude, and a renewed sense of wonder, this brief devotion is the perfect way to begin the day.

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Website: www.guidedbyfaith.net

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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. 343: Don't Miss God This Christmas! Dec 24, 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 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.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. 342: God's Grace Helps Us Work Without Worry Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

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

In 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 | 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. 341: Noticing God's Faithfulness Every Day Dec 22, 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 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.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. 340: Grateful that God Is With Us Through Our Hardest Days Dec 19, 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 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.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. 339: Grateful to Experience the Majesty of God in Creation Dec 18, 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 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.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. 338: Grateful God Makes us into a New Creation Dec 17, 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 explores 2 Corinthians 5:17 and the life-changing truth that anyone in Christ becomes a new creation. He shares how God transforms our desires, our character, and even the way we see people. Jay reflects on his own story—how God reshaped his heart from wanting isolation to loving and serving others—and encourages listeners to recognize the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Just like a master builder restoring a worn-down house, God patiently shapes us into who He created us to be. This episode reminds you not to be discouraged by your imperfections but to be grateful that God is still working on you, making you new day by day through His grace.

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. 337: Grateful that Jesus Pursues Us! Dec 16, 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 reflects on Luke 19:10 and the incredible truth that Jesus personally seeks and saves the lost. He invites us to slow down and recognize the intentional, specific ways God has pursued them—through people, Scripture, unexpected provision, and moments of clarity that point directly to His love. Jay shares stories from his own life, reminding listeners that their faith is not an accident but the result of God’s providence working through generations of believers. This episode encourages you to express gratitude for the spiritual influences God used to reach you and to rest in the truth that Jesus’ pursuit of you is deliberate, faithful, and full of grace.

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. 336: Grateful For God's Steadfast Love Dec 15, 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 you to slow down and recognize the depth of God’s steadfast love. Reflecting on Psalm 145:8, Jay explains how God’s “hesed” — His covenant, mercy-filled, unwavering love — anchors us even when our emotions and decisions fluctuate. He shares how gratitude shapes spiritual growth and introduces his new 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal, designed to help you see God’s goodness in everyday life. If you’ve ever wondered whether God’s love remains steady even when you fall short, this episode will encourage you to rest in His mercy, remember His faithfulness, and practice daily thanksgiving as you follow Jesus.

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. 335: Which Power Source Will Run Your Life? Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Guided by Faith, Jay discusses the struggles Christians face with sin, drawing insights from Romans 7 and 8. He emphasizes that while believers will continue to struggle with sin, their identity is rooted in being children of God, free from condemnation. Jay contrasts the power of the flesh with the power of the Holy Spirit, encouraging listeners to stay connected to the Spirit for strength in their daily lives. He provides practical advice on how to walk in the Spirit and maintain a constant awareness of God's presence.

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