Making Your Life Count

Lecrae says the best way to stay centered at Christmas is to remember the bigger story behind it. Each year, he walks his family through Advent by starting all the way back in Genesis. God created a beautiful world, it was broken, and people longed for the One who would restore it. That is why Christmas matters. It marks the beginning of God’s restoration through Jesus. Hear Lecrae share how remem...

Tricia Thornton reminds us that we don’t have the power to disappoint God. Many of us carry pressure to be perfect, but real freedom comes when we release that lie and allow ourselves to be vulnerable before Him. Hear Tricia’s story of letting go of perfection and embracing God’s unconditional love on Making Your Life Count. Go to cru.org/life for many helpful resources!

Donna VanLiere reminds us that Christmas is for everyone, not just the polished or perfect, but the hurting, overlooked and broken. She points us back to the Nativity story, where God chose ordinary outsiders like shepherds to hear the good news first. Hear Donna’s reminder of the Savior who came for all of us on Making Your Life Count. Go to cru.org/life for many helpful resources!

Filmmaker Colby Barrett shares how God used unexpected skills from earlier chapters of his life to help bring a powerful story of faith to the screen. His time in Ukraine opened his eyes to believers whose faith is vibrant, costly, and fully alive. Hear Colby’s story of courage and wholehearted trust on Making Your Life Count. Go to cru.org/life for many helpful resources!

Many people in the church carry hidden shame or lingering questions about their past. On today’s Making Your Life Count, Dr. Juli Slattery says healing begins when we bring those struggles into the light and walk with others who point us back to God’s truth. Honest community helps move forgiveness from an idea to a lived reality and reminds us of our identity in Christ. Go to cru.org/life for many...

Perry LaHaie knows following Jesus isn’t about having it all together. It is about grace. He says Christ met him at his lowest, loved him there, and began reshaping his life from the inside out. Discover how God’s grace can meet you in your weakness and lead you forward on Making Your Life Count. Go to cru.org/life for many helpful resources!

David Decker says nothing compares to introducing someone to Jesus. It’s a joy beyond anything this world can offer. And that kind of life begins with a simple order: God first, others second, yourself last. When you live that way, people notice. Genuine compassion stands out in a self-focused world, opening doors for meaningful relationships and conversations about faith. Discover how God can use...

Success and recognition may impress the world, but God looks for something different. Author Glenna Marshall reminds us that when we stand before Him, the words we long to hear are well done, my good and faithful servant. No platform, no spotlight, just steady trust and daily obedience. Even when life feels small or unnoticed, God equips us to be faithful right where we are. Hear how faithfulness...

Jesse Pruett wants his life to shine for Christ, but he knows he can’t do it on his own. Strength grows in community… trusted friends who pray, offer wisdom, and walk with him through real life. And as Jesse pours into others, he discovers the joy and surprise of God using ordinary moments to encourage someone who needs it. Learn how standing strong starts with standing together on today’s Making...

Jenn Chenoweth knows prayer matters, even when it feels hard or uncertain. Her reminder is simple: when life presses in, call on God. He meets you right where you are. And as Jenn learned growing up under the pressure of others’ expectations, our identity isn’t found in what people think of us, but in who God says we are. Find strength, freedom, and confidence in Him today on Making Your Life Coun...

The holiday season can be exciting, but also hectic. On today’s Making Your Life Count, Mark Gauthier shares how a few minutes each day in an Advent devotional can help you slow down, reflect, and focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Advent prepares your heart for the birth of Jesus, and spending time in scripture, prayer can make this season more meaningful. Start your Advent  journey today ....

Loving others as Christ loves us is a great action point in experiencing life change. Today on Making Your Life Count, music artist Tauren Wells describes what this can look like.   Go to cru.org/life for many helpful resources!

Thanksgiving is full of tradition and joy, but it can also bring stress or loneliness. Mark Gauthier reminds us that Scripture calls us to give thanks in every circumstance, because gratitude lifts our eyes to God’s goodness. This year, look beyond the meal and let simple acts of  encouragement point others to Christ. Discover practical ways to live gratefully on today's Making Your Life Coun...

Kristen Hatton says simple conversations with people can lead to life-changing discussions. On today’s Making Your Life Count, listen as Kristen gives us an example. Go to cru.org/life for many helpful resources!

God knows the details of your life and he cares deeply for you. On today’s Making Your Life Count, music artist Sean Rodriguez says prayer is a powerful way to connect with God daily.  Go to cru.org/life for many helpful resources!

Many people don’t see Jesus in the world, but they see Him in you. Annie McCune says real hospitality isn’t about a perfect home, it’s about an open heart. The Bible calls us to “love strangers as family.” That simple act can change lives and show the world what Jesus’ love looks like. Hear more about that today on Making Your Life Count. Go to cru.org/life for many helpful resources!

Chris Maxwell reminds us that everyone carries wounds, but Jesus meets us in the middle of them. After facing his own traumatic brain injury, Chris discovered a deeper connection with the One who understands every scar and every disappointment. Instead of rushing past our pain or denying it, we can bring it to the Savior who was wounded for us and offers hope, healing and presence. Experience how...

God is always at work behind the scenes, guiding our steps and placing people in our path at just the right moment. What may feel like a random conversation or an unexpected encounter can actually be an opportunity God prepared long before we ever saw it coming. These moments invite us to listen, encourage, and share the hope of Jesus in simple but meaningful ways. Stay open to the people God brin...

Peter Rosenberger has learned that when God says no, it is complete in itself. For caregivers facing daily challenges, that kind of trust can change everything. Instead of praying only for a way out, Peter encourages caregivers to rest in God's presence and pursue spiritual, emotional, and physical health. When caregivers grow healthier, they serve with greater strength, clarity, and peace. D...

Mark Walker discovered that God is not distant but deeply involved in every decision and season. As he learned to trust God as his CEO, he saw how each job, challenge, and quiet moment was preparing him for what came next. By seeking God daily and listening for His prompting, Mark found clarity, direction, and confidence for his work and life. Learn how trusting God to guide your steps can reshape...

Preston Poore reminds us that real spiritual growth happens when we stay close to Jesus and close to others. When we spend time in Scripture, prayer, and fellowship, God shapes us and works through us in powerful ways. Accountability is part of that strength. It keeps us grounded, protects our hearts, and draws our focus away from ourselves and back to God and the people around us. Discover how st...

As a shy kid, Nathan Sheridan never imagined stepping forward during a church altar call. But when he first heard the gospel, the Holy Spirit stirred something deep inside him, giving him the courage to say yes to Jesus. That moment didn't fix everything, but it started a lifelong journey of faith, healing, and discovering who God truly is. Hear more of Nathan's story on Making Your Life...

11/13   Finding Freedom in Healing ( 1 MIN & 2 MIN ) Dawn Damon discovered that real healing begins when you stop running from your past and let God meet you in your pain. After years of hiding deep wounds, Dawn surrendered her life back to God and began an honest journey toward freedom. Facing her story wasn’t easy, but it brought peace, restoration, and purpose. She now helps others find the...

11/12   One Life, One Calling ( 1 MIN & 2 MIN ) Chris Whittington believes every part of life, from work and worship to family and daily routines, matters to God. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live with excellence and let Him shape every thought, action, and attitude. Growing in faith is not instant, but God is faithfully transforming us to reflect Christ more each day. Discover how...

Prayer That’s Personal ( 1 MIN & 2 MIN ) Kyle Winkler says prayer isn’t about fancy words or formality; it’s about a real conversation with your Father who is near. Because of Jesus, God lives in you and hears every word you say. Whether you’re driving, working, or resting, you can talk with Him freely and honestly. Prayer becomes powerful when you realize you’re speaking with the God who know...