Starting Right

Ever noticed how what we expect tends to be exactly what we find? Take the father diving in Bora Bora who, despite swimming among reef sharks, experienced beauty rather than fear because of his perspective. This powerful principle lies at the heart of today's reflection. Joy isn't the absence of problems—it's maintaining the right mindset regardless of circumstances. As Psalm 126:3...

Ever wondered what would happen if your pet suddenly started talking back to you? In the Bible, one man found out—and surprisingly, wasn't even shocked by it. Welcome to a fascinating journey through one of Scripture's most unusual encounters: Balaam and his talking donkey. This curious tale from Numbers 22 reveals powerful truths about listening to God's direction that remain start...

Have you ever felt overlooked or underestimated because of your position? Today's episode uncovers a powerful leadership lesson from one of the Bible's most overlooked characters. Meet the unnamed Israeli servant girl from 2 Kings 5 - captured, enslaved, and yet remarkably influential. Despite her circumstances, this young slave demonstrated that leadership isn't about position but...

Have you ever considered how your response to life's little imperfections affects those around you? Today's episode of Starting Right unpacks a heartwarming story about burnt toast that carries profound wisdom about compassion, marriage, and thoughtful communication. We feature a story from Kevin Arthur, who witnessed his father's remarkable response to his mother's burnt toast...

What happens when a young boy faces a challenge without his father's help? In this heartwarming episode, we explore the remarkable wisdom of eight-year-old Gilbert, who teaches us all a profound lesson about prayer, resilience, and finding strength in vulnerability. This powerful story reminds us that true victory isn't always about winning. Sometimes it's about having the courage t...

What will your family remember about you when you're gone? Will they recall someone obsessed with turning off lights and maintaining the lawn, or will they reminisce about a person who made life wonderfully fun? This thought-provoking question emerges from today's reflection on the power of creating meaningful family memories. I share the story of  a father who went to extraordinary leng...

The boulder in your path might be hiding a treasure underneath. In this thought-provoking episode, Danny Mac shares a timeless parable about a curious king who placed a massive rock in the main road to his kingdom. While wealthy merchants and wise men simply walked around the obstacle, complaining loudly about the inconvenience, one humble peasant chose a different approach. Through persistent eff...

Have you ever considered that your biggest annoyances might actually be blessings in disguise? Today's episode uncovers the remarkable true story of Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsy, whose experience in a Nazi concentration camp reveals an extraordinary lesson about gratitude. When the Ten Boom family was arrested in 1944 for hiding Jews in Amsterdam, sisters Corrie and Betsy found themse...

What does it truly mean to be part of building God's kingdom? The answer might surprise you. This episode challenges the common misconception that God sits on His throne magically answering prayers at our demand. Instead, we explore how God works through people—His people—to accomplish His purposes. The heart of today's message centers on the extraordinary life of R.G. LeTourneau, a 14-y...

Dreams can die in the desert. That's the powerful lesson from Kermit the Frog's journey in the original 1979 Muppet Movie—and it might just be the message you need to hear today. Remember when Kermit's Studebaker broke down in the middle of nowhere? His friends were counting on him, his dream seemed impossible, and quitting felt like the only sensible option. That moment of crisis—w...

Ever noticed how your exhausted body betrays you the moment your head hits the pillow? Danny Mac tackles this universal frustration in today's episode, offering both spiritual wisdom and practical advice for those nights when your mind races at 100 miles per hour despite your physical fatigue. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 10:5, Danny unpacks what it truly means to "take captive every thoug...

Discover the unexpected power of seven simple words that sparked a revival at summer camp. This episode shares an unforgettable story from youth ministry legend Tony Campolo about Billy, a boy with cerebral palsy who became the target of merciless bullying at junior high camp. When Billy was mockingly chosen to lead devotions, something extraordinary happened that left hardened hearts broken open...

Have you ever witnessed a classroom lesson so powerful it left students in tears? Today's episode of Starting Right shares a remarkable story that will transform how you understand sacrifice and grace. Danny Mac tells "The Parable of the Donuts," where a religion professor orchestrates an unforgettable demonstration. Steve, a freshman football player, agrees to perform push-ups so h...

Sacred melodies possess a remarkable ability to transcend time, speaking to our hearts across centuries. In today's five-minute devotional, we uncover the fascinating story behind the beloved hymn "Nearer My God to Thee," written by Sarah Adams in 1841—a journey that takes us from London's theatrical stage to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. The hymn's journey through his...

Ever find yourself drowning in worry, doubt, or fear? You're not alone. Today's episode dives into the powerful antidote God has already provided us through His promises. We explore the profound message behind "Take You at Your Word," a worship song by Ben Hastings and Cody Carnes that serves as a beautiful reminder of God's faithfulness. As Cody himself puts it, "We...

Ever wonder what makes the Bible such a remarkable book beyond its spiritual significance? Today's episode uncovers ten fascinating facts about Scripture that highlight its extraordinary nature as a historical and literary achievement. From its impressive scale (600,000-800,000 words depending on translation) to its diverse authorship (over 40 writers from kings to farmers), the Bible's...

Have you ever wondered how God works through your difficult times? The ancient process of silver refinement offers a profound spiritual metaphor that illuminates God's purpose in our trials. As Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, "We are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works." The refining process, though often painful, prepares us for these divine purposes. Whatever...

What happens when every external support is stripped away, and all you have left are the resources stored in your mind and heart? Danny Mac explores this profound question through the remarkable story of Major Daniel Whittle, a Vietnam War pilot whose life was literally saved by the Bible verses and hymns he had memorized as a child. The turning point came during a violent monsoon rainstorm when t...

Have you ever felt so discouraged that even getting out of bed seemed impossible? We all face seasons when disappointment and setbacks crush our spirits. Today's devotional explores how to move forward when everything inside you wants to give up. The remarkable story of Nehemiah offers a powerful blueprint for battling discouragement. As a Jewish exile serving in the Persian king's court...

Have you ever wondered about the stories behind the hymns we've sung for generations? Today, we uncover the fascinating and unlikely origin of "Oh How I Love Jesus," a beloved hymn with a surprisingly divided history. What many don't realize is that Whitefield originally wrote nine verses, though most hymnals only include four. The five forgotten verses contain some of the most...

Have you ever faced a situation that seemed utterly hopeless, only to witness a last-minute miracle? The remarkable rescue of Dallas Theological Seminary reveals the perfect timing of divine provision. Founded in 1924 by Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer, Dallas Theological Seminary was destined to become one of the world's premier biblical training institutions. Its graduates—including influential lea...

Have you ever been absolutely certain you saw something threatening, only to discover it was completely harmless? That's exactly what happened during a family camping trip at Nicola Lake when what appeared to be a menacing black panther turned out to be nothing more than a burned tree stump. This deceptive encounter serves as the perfect metaphor for how fear distorts our perception of realit...

Technology has exploded at an unprecedented rate. A scientist recently observed that technological advances since 2000 have surpassed all developments from 1900-2000 combined—more innovation in 24 years than the century that brought us cars, planes, television, and computers. Yet amid this stunning progress comes a troubling realization: our satisfaction with life hasn't kept pace with our te...

Ever stood at a restaurant buffet, strategically choosing only your favorite foods while completely bypassing dishes that don't appeal to you? In today's powerful devotional, Danny Mac reveals how this common experience mirrors a dangerous approach many take in their spiritual life. When we only accept teachings that comfort us or confirm our existing beliefs while filtering out challeng...

What can jumping fleas teach us about faith? Today's episode explores a fascinating scientific experiment with profound spiritual implications for believers everywhere. Scientists placed fleas in a jar with a lid, watching as they repeatedly hit the ceiling until they learned to jump only to a certain height. The remarkable revelation came when researchers removed the lid - the fleas continue...