Monumental Moments with Melissa Motschenbacher : The Forge Podcast Network

Devo #132: Fear Factor | Facing Your Biggest Fears with Faith Instead of Fear What happens when your spouse gets pulled into a live "Fear Factor" show at Universal Studios? In this episode of the Monumental Moments devotional series, I share a hilarious and unforgettable family vacation memory — my husband being chosen out of a crowd to compete in Fear Factor Live, facing his fear of hei...

Devo #131: There's Just Something About That Name | The Power and Meaning Behind the Name of Jesus What's in a name? In this episode of the Monumental Moments devotional series, I share a deeply personal memory of my grandmother singing the name of Jesus while gardening and walking through her home — and how the way she spoke His name with reverence, love, and surrender shaped my understan...

Devo #130: Count Your Blessings | Why You Need to Start Counting (and Writing Down) Your Blessings Today Were you ever told as a child to "count your blessings"? In this episode of the Monumental Moments devotional series, I share how a morning reading in John 1:16-17 turned into spontaneous worship — and led me to two powerful songs that capture the heart of gratitude: "Counting My...

Devo #129: Last Call | A Firefighter's Funeral, the Sound of the "Last Call," and What It Means to Live Sober-Minded What does a 21-gun salute, bagpipes, and a haunting radio dispatch called the "Last Call" teach us about life, death, and faith? In this episode of the Monumental Moments devotional series, I share my experience attending the funeral of a beloved WWII Army ve...

A cute "Stay Awhile" sign with some not-so-cute fine print sparks a powerful question in this episode of Monumental Moments: are we truly willing to linger in God's presence, or are we rushing off the moment we've gotten what we came for? Looking at Exodus 33:7-11, this devotional highlights Joshua's example — the one who stayed behind at the tent of meeting, unwilling to mis...

Bright red caution tape reading "DO NOT ENTER" surrounding a church parking lot sparks an unforgettable question in this episode of Monumental Moments: have we, God's people, unintentionally put up our own barricades around the church? Through judgment, pride, or condemnation, are we making people feel unwelcome in the very place meant to welcome sinners and saints alike? Walking thr...

There's something about a clothesline full of laundry that tells a story — and in this episode of Monumental Moments, that story becomes a powerful picture of sin, grace, and the cleansing power of Christ. After a drive through the Amish countryside of Lancaster County, PA, watching home after home air their once-dirty laundry to dry in the sun, this devotional unpacks a memorable family story...

It only takes one spark to start a forest fire — and the Bible says the same is true of your tongue. In this episode of Monumental Moments, we explore the striking connection between wildfire science and James 3, where Scripture warns that the tongue is "a fire, a world of evil" capable of corrupting the whole body and setting the whole course of a life ablaze. Using the real-world &quot...

What if the most meaningful moment of your day happened in a hotel lounge between meetings? In this episode of Monumental Moments, Melissa Machenbacher shares a remarkable true story about a chance encounter with a young hotel worker whose name literally means "gift" — and how that moment turned into a powerful, Spirit-led gospel conversation. Melissa walks through what it looked like to...

The latest from Melissa!

The latest from Melissa!

The latest encouragement from Melissa!

The latest encouragement from Melissa!

In this episode of Monumental Moments, Melissa Motschenbacher uses the relatable story of faded denim and distressed jeans to illustrate a deeper spiritual truth about faith and spiritual care. Drawing parallels between caring for clothing and caring for the soul, she reflects on how neglecting God’s Word can cause faith to slowly drift and fade over time. Through Scripture from Hebrews, 2 Peter,...

In this episode of Monumental Moments, Melissa Motschenbacher reflects on aging, purpose, and what it means to continue bearing fruit for God throughout every season of life. Inspired by a group called “OPUS” — meaning “Old People Up to Something” — she shares personal stories about her grandmother’s unwavering faith and challenges listeners to stay spiritually fresh, fruitful, and passionate abou...

Have you ever been completely convinced you were right — until God's Word stopped you cold? In this episode of Monumental Moments, Melissa Motschenbacher shares a relatable and surprisingly convicting story about a dropped phone call, a frustrated rant, and a Proverb that hit a little too close to home. Short, honest, and full of grace, this devotional is a timely reminder that God uses Script...

Where are your eyes right now? In this episode of Monumental Moments, Melissa Motschenbacher shares a late-night drive down a winding country road — and the unexpected moment a rental car's lane assist alarm became a message straight from heaven. Short, convicting, and full of practical truth, this devotional is a timely reminder that we will always travel in the direction we are looking. In t...

You have 31,102 unread messages waiting for you — and they're not in your inbox. In this episode of Monumental Moments, Melissa Motschenbacher draws a clever and convicting parallel between our overwhelming email inboxes and the Word of God sitting unopened on our shelves and phones every single day. In a world of endless notifications and alert fatigue, this short but powerful devotional is a...

What would happen if we responded to spiritually lost people with the same urgency we respond to a physical emergency? In this episode of Monumental Moments, Melissa Motschenbacher shares a gripping firsthand account of following a reckless driver and calling 911 — and the deeply convicting question God asked her in the aftermath. This short but powerful devotional will challenge you to examine th...

The latest from Melissa!

The latest from Melissa!

Are you “playing possum” in your faith—staying silent when God is calling you to speak? In this powerful episode of  Monumental Moments , Melissa Motschenbacher shares a personal story that reveals how fear can cause us to freeze spiritually. Inspired by a moment on the beach and rooted in the story of Philip in Acts 8:26–40, this episode challenges believers to stop hesitating and start obeying G...

Life can move fast — but what if we’re moving faster than God ever intended? In this episode of Monumental Moments , Melissa Motschenbacher shares a striking moment from the highway when a speeding car became a powerful picture of how many of us live our lives — rushing, striving, and flying past the people and moments that matter most. Through this simple but convicting illustration, Melissa refl...

Sometimes our perspective can quietly steal our joy. In this episode of Monumental Moments , Melissa Motschenbacher reflects on a childhood memory from her family horse farm and the familiar saying, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.” What began as a simple lesson about horses becomes a powerful reminder about gratitude and perspective. After a meaningful extended visit with her daughter, Meli...

In this episode of Monumental Moments , Melissa Motschenbacher shares a memorable three-generation horseback ride along the ocean that nearly turned into something much more serious. What started as a beautiful adventure became a powerful reminder about something many believers overlook: the protection God has already given us. Reflecting on Ephesians 6:10–20 and the armor of God, Melissa challeng...