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/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 a...

***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 relig...

***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”...

***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 generat...

***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 prese...

***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...

***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...

***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 momen...

***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 share...

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...

In this episode, Jay explores the transition from the struggles of sin discussed in Romans 7 to the liberating message of Romans 8. He emphasizes the freedom from condemnation that believers have in Christ Jesus, encouraging listeners to focus on their identity in Christ rather than their failures. Jay shares personal anecdotes to illustrate how self-criticism can hinder spiritual growth and highl...

In this episode, Jay discusses the concept of identity in relation to sin, drawing from Romans chapter seven. He emphasizes that for believers, sin should not define their identity, but rather their identity is found in Christ. Jay explores the powerful nature of temptation and the importance of recognizing it without allowing it to dictate one's identity. He encourages listeners to understand...

In this conversation, Jay explores the complexities of the Christian experience, particularly focusing on the ongoing struggle with sin even after salvation. He emphasizes that while believers may face temptations and battles with sin, there is hope and freedom in Christ through confession and repentance. Jay encourages listeners to understand that struggles with sin are a normative part of the fa...

Today’s episode is a little different — and I’m excited to share this with you. I’ve just released a brand-new resource called  Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal . This journal was created to help you build a simple daily rhythm of gratitude through Scripture, reflection, and prayer. Each day includes a Bible verse or meaningful quote along with a thoughtful prompt to help you slow...

In this conversation, Jay explores the themes of Romans chapter 7, discussing the struggles Christians face with sin even after salvation. He emphasizes the dual nature of believers, the importance of understanding one's identity in Christ, and the freedom from condemnation that comes through faith. The discussion highlights the ongoing battle between the desire to do good and the reality of s...

In this episode, Jay discusses deep theological concepts surrounding sin, grace, and the practical implications of baptism. He emphasizes the importance of using one's body as an instrument of righteousness rather than destruction, illustrated through the analogy of a hammer. The conversation highlights the consequences of sin and the call to live a life that reflects God's glory and goodn...

In this episode, Jay discusses the significance of baptism in the Christian faith, emphasizing its role as a command of obedience following salvation. He explores scriptural references, particularly from Romans 6 and Matthew 28, to argue for the importance of being baptized soon after accepting Jesus. Jay addresses common objections, including the practice of infant baptism, and encourages listene...

In this episode of Guided by Faith, Jay explores Romans 6, discussing the significance of baptism and its implications for living a life of faith. He emphasizes the importance of understanding baptism not just as a ritual, but as a profound representation of Jesus' death and resurrection. Jay highlights the physical act of baptism and its connection to the redemption of the body, encouraging l...

In this conversation, Jay discusses the implications of salvation and the significance of baptism as explained by the apostle Paul in Romans chapter six. He addresses the question of whether one can live freely after being saved and emphasizes that salvation is not a license to sin. Jay explains the spiritual realities represented by baptism, highlighting the transformation that occurs when one pu...

In this episode, Jay delves into the themes of grace, salvation, and the implications of living a life reflective of God's goodness as discussed in Romans 6. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the gospel, the costly nature of grace, and the call to live righteously in response to God's gift of salvation. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about grace and sin,...

In this episode of Guided by Faith, Jay emphasizes the importance of maintaining an attitude of gratitude, especially following Thanksgiving. He reflects on the transient nature of material possessions and encourages listeners to focus on the eternal hope found in faith. Jay discusses the assurance of a hopeful future for those who believe in Christ, highlighting the significance of gratitude for...

In this episode of Guided by Faith, Jay reminds us to pause and thank God for one of His greatest gifts — the people in our lives. Whether it’s family, friends, mentors, or even those who’ve challenged us, every relationship has a purpose in God’s plan. Jay dives into Philippians 4:8, encouraging us to “think about these things”, to focus our hearts on what is pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. He ex...

In this episode of Guided by Faith, Jay discusses the importance of gratitude, particularly in the face of trials. He emphasizes that our thoughts shape our attitudes, which in turn influence our experiences and outcomes. Drawing from biblical references, he encourages listeners to embrace their trials as tests of faith that can lead to spiritual growth and resilience. Jay reminds us that even in...

In this episode of Guided by Faith, Jay discusses the themes of gratitude and truth, emphasizing the importance of having a stable foundation in absolute truth. He reflects on the significance of thanking God for the truth that exists in a world where many deny its existence. Jay uses metaphors to illustrate how God's truth provides guidance and boundaries, ultimately leading to a more fulfill...

In this episode, Jay discusses the importance of gratitude, especially during Thanksgiving week. He emphasizes the need to reflect on the goodness of God and to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Using the metaphor of aviation, he explains how one's attitude can determine their altitude in life, encouraging listeners to focus on positive thoughts and blessings. He shares personal practices fo...