July 24, 2025 • 25 mins
What happens when the motivational quotes fade and the self-help strategies stop working? In this soul-stirring episode, we strip away the fluff and explore why Scripture offers what no self-improvement book ever could: transformation that lasts.
Looking beyond quick fixes and temporary relief, we dive deep into how the Bible speaks directly into our chaos, questions, and heartache. This isn't about adding more to-dos to your spiritual checklist—it's about discovering a peace that holds steady when everything else feels like it's falling apart.
We explore the profound differences between self-help culture and biblical wisdom: how one teaches techniques while the other transforms hearts; how one leaves you guessing at your purpose while the other reveals you were intentionally designed; how one relies on fleeting motivation while the other builds lasting endurance.
With refreshing clarity, we examine why God's Word stands firm when cultural messages constantly shift, providing an anchor of truth in confusing times. Unlike resources that push you to improve alone, Scripture invites you into community where authentic growth happens. Most importantly, we discover why the Bible's greatest gift isn't advice for better living—it's a relationship with Jesus who meets us in our mess.
Whether you're spiritually curious, feeling stuck, or simply longing for something more substantial than another motivational quote, this episode offers a perspective that might just change everything. Step away from the noise and rediscover the living Word that speaks directly to your heart.
I would love to hear from you!
For listeners looking to deepen their engagement with the topics discussed, visit our website or check out our devotionals and poetry on Amazon, with all proceeds supporting The New York School of The Bible at Calvary Baptist Church. Stay connected and enriched on your spiritual path with us!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 0 (00:00):
Welcome to the Compass Chronicles Faith, fandom
and Life podcast.
I'm your host, javier, and I'mtruly honored you've chosen to
spend some time with me today.
Whether you're commuting towork or school, taking a break
at home or simply looking forsomething thoughtful to listen
to, I'm glad you're here.
At the Compass Chronicles, wedive into the ways faith weaves
through fandom and everyday life.
Each episode blends powerfulscripture, real stories and
(00:20):
memorable moments from popculture.
Whether that's a movie scene, asong lyric or a comic book
panel, we keep finding God inunexpected places, and that's
exactly why this podcast exists.
So pour yourself a coffee, teaor whatever you love to sip.
This isn't just another show.
It's a space to awaken yourspirit, challenge your thinking
and encourage you to live outyour faith with courage and
grace.
By connecting God's Word, theworld around us and the moments
(00:41):
that shape our days, we'rediscovering what it truly means
to live with purpose.
Usually on this podcast, wetalk about where faith and
fandom meet, digging intoscripture, chatting about pop
culture and trying to find somereal meaning in all of it, but
today's episode is going to be alittle different.
We're not pulling from any popculture or fandom topics this
time.
I wanted to take a break fromthat and just focus on faith in
real life because, honestly,that's just as much a part of
(01:03):
this podcast as anything else.
So if you were hoping for adeep dive into superheroes or
anime, this isn't that episode.
But if you're here for a real,grounded talk about something
important from a biblicalperspective, I'm glad you stuck
around.
My hope is that you'll leaveencouraged and maybe even a
little challenged in your walkwith Christ.
Let's seek God together withour hearts, minds and souls, and
see how his truth meets usright where we are.
Let's take a moment to pray God.
(01:25):
Thank you for today.
Thank you for every personlistening.
Quiet the noise.
Clear our minds and let yourvoice lead.
Speak through this time withclarity and peace In Jesus' name
.
Amen.
Alright, let's dive in.
We're all searching forsomething solid to stand on,
whether it's a book, a sermon, apodcast or even a late night
scroll.
We're hoping to find clarity,peace and something real to hold
on to when life gets messy.
A lot of advice sounds helpful,but let's be honest, it usually
(01:48):
fades when things get hard.
But what if the truth we'vebeen chasing has been right in
front of us the whole time?
The Bible isn't some dusty oldbook, it's alive.
It speaks straight into thechaos, the questions, the
heartache and the doubt.
It doesn't just give us answersfor someday.
It gives us wisdom for today,for the moments when we feel
stuck, for the days when life isloud and our strength is low.
This is about reconnecting withwhat has always been true.
(02:08):
Scripture offers peace thatdoesn't depend on your situation
, joy that won't crack underpressure, strength that holds
when everything else seems tofall apart Through every high
and low.
God's promises don't shake,even when the world does.
Let's take this one step at atime together.
No fluff, no hype, justscripture, real life and a
reminder that God's word stillspeaks right to the heart.
(02:28):
When people dive into self-help,they're usually looking for
some kind of relief, a littleclarity, some calm in the chaos,
a break from all the noise andpressure.
And who can blame them?
The world throws a lot of quickfixes our way.
Maybe it's binge watching ashow to escape for a bit,
scrolling endlessly to numb thenoise, or buying something new,
hoping it'll spark a little joyand for a moment they might help
.
But they don't reach the realstuff the worry, the pressure,
(02:50):
the heaviness that lingersunderneath, because once the
moment passes, all of it comesrushing back.
What we really need isn't justa temporary distraction.
We need something real,something solid, something that
holds us up when everything elsefeels like it's falling apart.
That holds us up wheneverything else feels like it's
falling apart, and that's wherethe Bible is different.
The Bible doesn't give youtemporary relief.
It gives you lasting peace, ofpeace that holds you steady when
the storm hits, when your plansfall apart or when your heart
(03:11):
is heavy.
It gives you more than amotivational quote.
It gives you a firm foundation.
Philippians, chapter 4, verse 7, says and the peace of God,
which surpasses allunderstanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in ChristJesus.
That verse doesn't promise easydays.
It doesn't promise you'll neverfeel anxious or uncertain.
What it does promise issomething deeper, a peace that
stands guard over your mind andheart.
Not a fragile peace, aprotective one.
(03:33):
This is the kind of peace thatdoesn't wait for everything to
be perfect.
It shows up right in the middleof the mess and gently says
you're held, you're safe, you'renot alone.
That's not something you canfake.
That's not something you canread in a self-help book and
instantly apply.
This kind of peace is cultivated.
It's rooted in trust, and thattrust comes from knowing the
character of God, not just Hispower, but His presence.
See, when you spend time inscripture, you begin to
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understand who God really is,not just what he can do, but who
he has always been, and whenyou know that peace follows,
because peace is not the absenceof problems, it's the presence
of God.
One of the most powerful thingsabout the Bible is how real it
is.
It doesn't hide the hard stuff,it doesn't skip over suffering
or pretend that faith meanseverything works out right away.
No, the Bible shows us people,real people, who cried, doubted,
(04:19):
wrestled and waited, andthrough it all, god was with
them.
That is what gives peace itspower.
Not that things are perfect,but that God is present.
Now let's talk real life.
Maybe you've been chasing peacein all the wrong places.
Maybe you said to yourself if Ican just fix this situation,
I'll feel better, or if I canjust get through this week, then
I'll breathe again.
Or maybe you've tried to numbthe stress with screens, with
noise, with overworking or justpretending everything's fine.
But the truth is, peace doesn'tcome from pushing your problems
(04:41):
away, it comes from letting Godinto them.
Isaiah, chapter 26, verse 3,says you keep him in perfect
peace, whose mind is stayed onyou because he trusts in you.
That word stayed is powerful.
It means fixed, focused,anchored, not scattered, not
distracted, not overwhelmed.
It means choosing, day afterday, to return your focus to the
(05:02):
one who holds it all together.
And that's what the Bible helpsyou do.
It doesn't just teach you howto survive.
It teaches you how to be still,how to remember, how to breathe
even when everything around youfeel like it's spinning.
It reminds you that peace isn'tfound in getting your life in
order.
Peace is found in giving yourlife to the one who orders all
things.
Well, this isn't about ignoringyour problems.
It's about inviting peace tomeet you in them.
And that kind of peace, that'swhat makes the Bible better than
any self-help book.
(05:23):
It doesn't just tell you whatto think.
It reminds you of who God isand who you are in Him.
So the next time you feeloverwhelmed, don't reach for
another tip or trick.
Reach for the word, even oneverse, even one moment.
You'll be surprised how quicklythat peace starts to rise again
.
Not from the outside in, butfrom the inside out.
When we talk about self-helpmost of the.
Wake up earlier, set bettergoals, and while that's not all
(05:48):
bad, those things can be helpful.
They only go so far, because ifyour heart doesn't change, your
habits won't stick and if youridentity stays rooted in the
same old wounds, no to-do listis going to fix that.
That's where the Bible standsapart.
It doesn't stop at yourbehavior.
It speaks to your heart.
It gets underneath the surface,down to the places you try to
hide.
It brings healing, not justhelpful tips.
It brings transformation, notjust helpful tips.
(06:08):
It brings transformation, notjust motivation.
It deals with who you are, notjust what you do.
2 Corinthians 5, verse 17 saysTherefore, if anyone is in
Christ, he is a new creation.
The old has passed away.
Behold, the new has come.
That's not language about goalsor productivity.
That's the language of identity.
New creation, not slightlybetter, not a polished version
of your past.
New, and that matters, becauseso many of us are trying to live
(06:30):
new lives with the same oldwounds still bleeding under the
surface.
We put pressure on ourselves toperform, to grow, to be strong,
but we never deal with what'sreally broken.
We think change means actingdifferent.
But God knows that real changestarts with being made new from
the inside out.
That's why the Bible is sopowerful.
It doesn't sugarcoat sin, itdoesn't ignore pain.
It confronts the hard stuff andthen offers the hope that
(06:51):
change is actually possible.
Not just temporary change, butlasting, deep spiritual
transformation.
Let's be honest you can readevery best-selling self-help
book on the market and stillfeel stuck.
You can have the perfectmorning routine, eat clean,
journal daily and still wrestlewith insecurity, anger,
bitterness or shame.
That's because behaviormanagement is not the same as
(07:13):
soul renewal.
Romans 12, verse 2, says Do notbe conformed to this world, but
be transformed by the renewalof your mind.
That's what the Bible does.
It renews your mind.
It shifts how you think, whichreshapes how you live.
And that shift, it isn't alwaysinstant, sometimes it's subtle,
sometimes it's slow, but it'sreal.
One verse at a time.
Your thinking starts to change,your responses start to soften,
your outlook shifts.
You begin to see yourself andothers through the lens of grace
(07:34):
, truth and compassion, notbecause you're trying harder,
but because you're surrenderingdeeper.
Think about this.
A self-help book might tell youto practice gratitude.
That's good advice.
But the Bible doesn't just tellyou to be thankful.
It shows you why gratitudematters.
It roots it in who God is, whathe has done and what he has
promised.
Psalm 100, verse 4, says enterhis gates with Thanksgiving and
(07:58):
his courts with praise,gratitude.
And scripture is not a mood,it's a posture of worship.
That's the difference.
Self-help teaches techniques.
The Bible teachestransformation.
And here's where it gets reallypersonal.
Maybe you've been trying to fixyour life in your own strength.
Maybe you've been striving,chasing, hoping for change and
you're just tired.
You don't need another set ofinstructions, you need a savior.
You don't need more pressure,you need peace.
(08:18):
You don't need behaviormodification, you need heart
transformation.
The Bible points you there.
Every page leads to Jesus and heis the one who says come to me
all who labor and are heavyladen, and I will give you rest.
That's Matthew, chapter 11,verse 28.
Notice what he offers not moreto do, rest.
Let that sink in.
If you're overwhelmed, thesolution isn't to do more, it's
to come to the one who alreadydid everything for you.
Self-help says fix yourself.
(08:38):
Jesus says let me heal you.
Self-help says be strong.
Jesus says my power is madeperfect in your weakness.
Self-help says earn your worth.
Jesus says you are alreadyloved.
So if your heart is weary ifyour habits feel like chains, if
you're trying your best andstill coming up empty.
Open your Bible, let it readyou.
While you read it, let itsearch the deep places.
Let it remind you that realchange is possible, not because
(08:59):
you're strong, but because he is.
You weren't created just to getbetter.
You were created to be madecompletely new.
The Bible leaves you to purposewhen self-help leaves you
guessing.
One of the biggest promises inthe self-help world is that
you'll find your purpose.
Every book, podcast and programseem to dangle that phrase in
front of us like a golden ticket.
And it's no wonder purpose ispowerful.
We were created to live forsomething greater than ourselves
(09:20):
.
Deep down, we all want to knowwhy we're here and what we were
made for.
But here's the problem.
Most self-help approaches startby telling you to look inside
yourself, follow your heart,listen to your inner voice,
trust your instincts.
It sounds nice, but it canactually leave you more confused
than when you started, because,let's be honest, our hearts can
be all over the place.
One day you feel confident andthe next day you're questioning
(09:40):
everything.
One season you're passionateabout one thing, and then that
passion fades.
If purpose is only based on ourfeelings, we'll never have a
solid foundation to build on.
That purpose is only based onour feelings we'll never have a
solid foundation to build on.
That's where the Bible bringsclarity.
The Bible doesn't start with you, it starts with God, and it
tells you that your purposeisn't something you have to
invent.
It's something you were createdfor.
Ephesians, chapter 2, verse 10,says For we are his workmanship
(10:00):
, created in Christ Jesus forgood works which God prepared
beforehand that we should walkin them.
That one verse flips the wholeconversation around.
You are not random.
You are not a cosmic accident.
You are the intentionalworkmanship of a loving God and
he already has a plan for yourlife that changes everything.
Instead of wondering if youmissed your calling, you can
trust that God is guiding youtoward it.
Instead of anxiously searchingfor significance, you can rest
(10:22):
in the truth that you alreadyhave it.
Instead of trying to measureyour worth by your performance,
you can receive your identity asa beloved child of God.
Purpose in scripture isn't aboutfame or success.
It's about faithfulness.
It's not about chasing yourdreams blindly.
It's about walking daily withthe one who gives those dreams
meaning.
Let's get practical.
Maybe you're in a season whereyou feel stuck.
Maybe your job feels like adead end.
(10:42):
Maybe you're raising kids andwondering if you're making a
difference.
Maybe you've got talent andpassion but no clear direction.
The world might tell you tohustle harder, build your brand
and carve your own path.
But God's word says somethingdifferent.
Proverbs, chapter 3, verses 5and 6, say trust in the Lord
with all your heart and do notlean on your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledgehim and he will make straight
your paths.
That means your path isn'tfound by overthinking or forcing
(11:05):
it.
It's revealed through trust,obedience and surrender.
You don't have to figureeverything out on your own.
Your purpose isn't a puzzle youhave to solve.
It's a journey of faith.
You get to walk with God asyour guide and along the way
scripture becomes your map.
It shows you what matters most.
It reminds you of who you are.
It points you back to Jesus,who not only gives you purpose
but becomes your purpose.
Colossians, chapter 3, verse 17,says and whatever you do in
(11:27):
word or deed, do.
That verse blows the lid offthe myth that purpose has to be
flashy or grand.
It tells you that purpose isfound in everything every word,
every action, every moment whenit's done for Jesus.
No matter what you do, yourlife has meaning.
When you live it for God, everyordinary moment is filled with
significance and even your dailyroutines are sacred.
You don't need a big stage tolive out your purpose, just a
(11:48):
willing heart that says yes toGod.
If self-help advice has left youfeeling lost or uncertain about
your purpose, let scripturebring you back to center.
The Bible reminds you that youare called, chosen and
intentionally made.
You're here for a reason, onpurpose and for a purpose that's
anchored in the eternal.
You don't have to guess anymore.
You don't have to chase purposelike it's out there somewhere.
Open the word, ask God to showyou what he's already placed in
(12:10):
your hands.
Then walk in it with boldness,with peace and with joy.
Motivation is great until itdisappears.
You might kick off the weekfired up and ready to crush your
goals, but by midweek thatenergy fizzles out.
Suddenly, reality sets in andthe excitement fades.
The problem with motivation isthat it's unpredictable.
Just like any other feeling, itcomes and goes.
Vision boards and positiveaffirmations are helpful, but
they don't always hold up whenlife gets tough.
(12:31):
That's where the Bible steps in.
It gives you something strongerthan motivation Endurance.
Hebrews chapter 12, verse 1,talks about running the race
with endurance, not justsprinting with a quick burst of
energy.
It's a marathon, not a dash.
In James, chapter 1, verse 12,it says staying steadfast
through trials brings a reward acrown of life.
You'll grind your quietstruggles.
They matter, they're seen.
(12:51):
Self-help might give you a peptalk, but scripture's like a
friend who walks with you,pointing to people who kept
going, not because they weresuperhuman, but because they
trusted God's strength.
That's what keeps you movingforward, even on the tough days.
Think about Joseph betrayed byhis brothers, thrown into prison
, forgotten, but he didn't quit.
He kept trusting God throughthe pain.
Or think about Paul beaten,shipwrecked, imprisoned, and yet
(13:17):
he kept preaching, writing,worshiping.
That wasn't motivation, thatwas endurance fueled by truth.
Here's the amazing thing thatendurance is available to you
too.
You don't have to force it orfind it on your own.
Just stay connected to thesource.
Spend time in God's word, lethis promises anchor you, let his
presence carry you through,because it's not just about
starting strong, it's aboutfinishing well.
2 Timothy, chapter 4, verse 7,says I have fought the good
fight, I have finished the race,I have kept the faith.
(13:38):
That's the kind of life we'reaiming for Not perfect, not
flashy, but faithful.
If you're in a season wheremotivation is hard to find,
don't be too hard on yourself.
You're not failing, you're justhuman.
The best part, you don't haveto do this alone.
God is with you and His word isfor you.
Real, spirit-filled enduranceis possible.
Just keep showing up, keepreading, keep praying.
Take it one day, one verse, onestep at a time.
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This journey is worth it andyou're never running it alone.
The Bible brings truth whenculture sends mixed messages.
We live in a world filled withnoise Social media scrolls,
opinion pieces, podcasts, newscycles.
You can hear five differentvoices in five minutes, all
claiming to have the truth, andmost of them sound convincing.
They speak with confidence,they use the right language,
they pull at your emotions.
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But the more you listen, themore confusing it becomes.
That's the risk of a culturecentered on personal truth.
Phrases like you, do you orlive your truth sound liberating
at first, but they often leadto confusion and emptiness.
When everyone's truth clashes,how do we know what's truly
right?
That's where the Bible comes inlike a breath of fresh air.
God's word doesn't shift withculture.
It doesn't change with thetimes, it doesn't evolve to
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match the latest trends.
It stands firm.
John, chapter 17, verse 17,says sanctify them in the truth.
Your word is truth.
Did you catch that?
Not just that, the Biblecontains truth.
It is truth Every word, everyline, every promise.
And that kind of truth is whatwe need now more than ever, in a
world where everyone's voice isshouting for attention.
The Bible speaks with quietauthority.
(15:03):
It doesn't need hype, itdoesn't use manipulation.
It simply tells the truth aboutwho God is, who we are and what
matters most.
That's incredibly groundingBecause, let's be honest,
culture is exhausting.
One moment it celebrates oneidea, the next it tears it down.
One month you're told to chasesuccess, the next you're told to
prioritize peace.
One week it's hustle, the nextit's rest.
The pendulum never stopsswinging, but the Bible doesn't
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sway with the times.
Psalm 119, verse 105, says yourword is a lamp to my feet and a
light to my path.
That means, even when the worldis dark and unclear, god's word
lights the way.
It doesn't blind you withspotlight pressure.
It guides you with steady,faithful clarity.
Think about how freeing that is.
You don't have to chase everynew philosophy, you don't have
to keep up with every trend.
You don't have to second guessyour values every time culture
(15:46):
shifts.
You can root yourself insomething unchanging, something
timeless, something true.
That doesn't mean the Biblealways says what you want to
hear.
In fact, sometimes it willchallenge you, it will confront
sin, it will correct yourthinking.
But that's what real truth does.
It doesn't flatter, it frees.
Jesus said in John, chapter 8,verse 32, you will know the
truth and the truth will set youfree.
Notice the connection truth andfreedom.
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The more you align your lifewith God's truth, the more peace
and purpose you experience.
It's not about legalism orrigid rules.
It's about living according tothe way life was designed to
work Like a train running ontracks.
You thrive when you follow thepath you were created for.
Truth is not a weapon to winarguments.
It's a foundation to build yourlife on.
When culture says love meansagreeing with everything or that
(16:28):
your worth depends on what youachieve, turn to God's word.
His truth isn't just a set ofrules.
It, his truth, isn't just a setof rules.
It's your lifeline.
It reveals who God is, who youare, and helps you see clearly
when the world feels confusing.
And remember this truth isn'tcold or far away.
It's deeply personal, becausetruth isn't just an idea.
Truth is a person.
Jesus said in John, chapter 14,verse 6, I am the way and the
truth and the life.
When you follow him, you're notjust following an idea, you're
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following the one who is truthin human form.
So if you're tired of the noise, if you're worn out by mixed
messages, if you just wantsomething you can count on, open
your Bible.
Listen closely, read slowly.
Let the word of God quiet thenoise and ground your soul In a
culture full of echoes.
Choose the voice that neverchanges.
Self-help often pushes you to goit alone.
Find your strength, chart yourcourse, be your own hero, but
(17:12):
that can leave you feelingisolated, like you're the only
one struggling to keep up.
The world tells you to dependon yourself, but that's a lonely
road when life gets heavy.
The Bible offers somethingdifferent Community.
It calls you into a familywhere you're never alone.
Hebrews, chapter 10, verse 25,says not neglecting to meet
together, as is the habit ofsome, but encouraging one
another, and all the more as yousee the day drawing near.
That's not just about showingup to church.
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It's about living connected,sharing burdens and lifting each
other up.
Scripture shows us people likeRuth and Naomi, who walked
through loss together, or Davidand Jonathan, whose friendship
carried them through trials.
God designed you forrelationship, not isolation.
Self-help might give you a planto better yourself, but the
Bible invites you into a bodywhere you grow together.
You don't have to carry yourstruggles solo Galatians,
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chapter 6, verse 2, says bearone another's burdens and so
fulfill the law of Christ.
That's community real, messy,beautiful connection that
reflects God's heart.
You're not meant to justimprove alone.
You're meant to belong.
We often talk about what theBible brings peace, purpose,
clarity, strength andtransformation.
But above all, the Bible'sgreatest gift is that it points
us to Jesus.
This might seem simple, but ina world that constantly tells us
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to focus on ourselves, ourgoals, our routines, our
potential, it's actually aradical idea.
Self-help books put thespotlight on you, but the Bible
shifts the focus to someone fargreater.
If your story always centers onyou, you end up carrying
burdens you were never meant tobear.
The Bible is different FromGenesis to Revelation.
Every story, prophecy andpromise is part of a bigger
picture that leads us to Jesus.
He's not just a character inthe Bible, he's the center of it
(18:38):
.
John, chapter 5, verse 39.
Jesus says you search thescriptures because you think
that in them you have eternallife, and it is they that bear
witness about me.
That means when you read theBible, you're not just gathering
good advice.
You're encountering a person,the Savior, the Son of God, the
one who changes everything.
Self-help says you've got this.
Scripture says Jesus alreadydid it.
That's the real difference.
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One puts the weight on yourshoulders.
The other invites you to trustthe true hero who's already won.
You don't have to have all theanswers, fix every flaw or save
yourself.
Jesus already carried thatburden to the cross so you can
live free.
That's the heartbeat of theBible.
The gospel isn't about what youdo for God, but what God has
done for you through Jesus.
The Old Testament points to him, the Gospels reveal him, the
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letters teach us to follow him.
Revelation promises he'llreturn and make all things new.
Jesus isn't just in the Bible,he's the reason for it.
All that changes how you read.
You're not just looking forlife hacks or motivational
quotes.
You're looking for Jesus andhe's there in the stories of
broken people redeemed by grace,in the parables that flip
worldly wisdom upside down, inthe promises that hold you
steady through the storms.
(19:38):
He's on every page if yourheart is open to see him.
Luke, chapter 24, tells thestory of two men walking the
road to Emmaus after Jesus'resurrection.
They're confused, discouraged,unsure of what just happened,
and Jesus joins them, thoughthey don't recognize him at
first.
But what does he do?
Verse 27 says beginning withMoses.
He still does that for youtoday.
When you're confused, whenyou're hurting, when you feel
(20:07):
lost, jesus meets you in hisword and reminds you who he is
and what he's done.
The more you read scripture, themore clearly you'll see him.
That's the kind of foundationthat holds firm when everything
else shakes, because no matterhow much effort you put into
growth, no matter howdisciplined you try to be, no
matter how inspiring your goalsmight sound, if you're not
grounded in Jesus, it won't last.
But when he becomes your center, when his love shapes your life
and his truth leads your steps,everything changes.
(20:28):
You live from a place of grace,not grind.
You work from a place of rest,not stress.
You grow out of love, not lack.
That's the power of knowing whoyou belong to.
So don't read the Bible just tocheck a box or get a quick
boost.
Open it with expectation.
Look for Jesus on every page.
Let him speak into your life,shift your perspective and shape
your heart.
He's not just the way, he's thedestination.
(20:49):
Before we close, I want to thankyou for joining me on this
journey.
Whether you're brand new toexploring faith or have been
walking with Jesus for years, Ihope this episode gave you
something real to hold on to,something solid, something
eternal.
You don't have to navigate lifealone.
You don't have to keep spinningyour wheels trying to figure it
all out.
You don't have to settle forshallow answers when the deepest
truth has already been spokenthrough the Word of God.
(21:10):
If anything you heard todaystirred your heart maybe it
challenged you, maybe itencouraged you, maybe it made
you curious I want to invite youto take a step.
Maybe that step is simplyopening your Bible again
tomorrow morning.
Maybe it's journaling what Godis showing you, or maybe, just
maybe, that step is saying yesto Jesus for the very first time
.
If that's you, I want you toknow this God loves you more
than you can imagine.
He's not waiting for you toclean yourself up.
(21:31):
He's already made a way throughJesus.
All he's asking is that youopen your heart and trust him.
If you've never made thatdecision before and you feel
ready now, pray with me.
God, I know I can't fix myself.
I've tried and I've fallenshort, but I believe you sent
Jesus to die for my sins andrise again so I could have new
life.
I surrender today.
I give you my heart, my futureand my past.
Make me new.
(21:51):
Teach me to walk with you.
Thank you for loving me beforeI even knew how to love you back
.
In Jesus name.
Amen.
Welcome to the family.
Seriously, this is just thebeginning.
Saying this prayer is a powerfulstep, but it's not the only one
.
I encourage you to find aBible-centered church, a pastor
or a Christian friend who canwalk with you as you begin or
renew your journey of faith.
You don't have to do this alone.
(22:11):
Let others support andencourage you as you grow closer
to God, and if you're alreadyfollowing Jesus, let today be a
reminder that his word is enough, not just on Sundays, not just
in crisis, but every single day,for more resources, past
episodes and ways to grow inyour faith.
Visit us atgraceandgrindministriescom.
You can also reach out to usdirectly at graceandgrindnyc at
gmailcom.
(22:31):
We'd love to hear from you,pray with you and walk this road
together.
This has been the Faith CompassPodcast, and I'm your host,
javier.
Until next time, stay rooted,stay real and stay in the word.
Welcome to the Compass Chronicles Faith, fandom
and Life podcast.
I'm your host, javier, and I'mtruly honored you've chosen to
spend some time with me today.
Whether you're commuting towork or school, taking a break
at home or simply looking forsomething thoughtful to listen
to, I'm glad you're here.
At the Compass Chronicles, wedive into the ways faith weaves
through fandom and everyday life.
Each episode blends powerfulscripture, real stories and
(00:20):
memorable moments from popculture.
Whether that's a movie scene, asong lyric or a comic book
panel, we keep finding God inunexpected places, and that's
exactly why this podcast exists.
So pour yourself a coffee, teaor whatever you love to sip.
This isn't just another show.
It's a space to awaken yourspirit, challenge your thinking
and encourage you to live outyour faith with courage and
grace.
By connecting God's Word, theworld around us and the moments
(00:41):
that shape our days, we'rediscovering what it truly means
to live with purpose.
Usually on this podcast, wetalk about where faith and
fandom meet, digging intoscripture, chatting about pop
culture and trying to find somereal meaning in all of it, but
today's episode is going to be alittle different.
We're not pulling from any popculture or fandom topics this
time.
I wanted to take a break fromthat and just focus on faith in
real life because, honestly,that's just as much a part of
(01:03):
this podcast as anything else.
So if you were hoping for adeep dive into superheroes or
anime, this isn't that episode.
But if you're here for a real,grounded talk about something
important from a biblicalperspective, I'm glad you stuck
around.
My hope is that you'll leaveencouraged and maybe even a
little challenged in your walkwith Christ.
Let's seek God together withour hearts, minds and souls, and
see how his truth meets usright where we are.
Let's take a moment to pray God.
(01:25):
Thank you for today.
Thank you for every personlistening.
Quiet the noise.
Clear our minds and let yourvoice lead.
Speak through this time withclarity and peace In Jesus' name
.
Amen.
Alright, let's dive in.
We're all searching forsomething solid to stand on,
whether it's a book, a sermon, apodcast or even a late night
scroll.
We're hoping to find clarity,peace and something real to hold
on to when life gets messy.
A lot of advice sounds helpful,but let's be honest, it usually
(01:48):
fades when things get hard.
But what if the truth we'vebeen chasing has been right in
front of us the whole time?
The Bible isn't some dusty oldbook, it's alive.
It speaks straight into thechaos, the questions, the
heartache and the doubt.
It doesn't just give us answersfor someday.
It gives us wisdom for today,for the moments when we feel
stuck, for the days when life isloud and our strength is low.
This is about reconnecting withwhat has always been true.
(02:08):
Scripture offers peace thatdoesn't depend on your situation
, joy that won't crack underpressure, strength that holds
when everything else seems tofall apart Through every high
and low.
God's promises don't shake,even when the world does.
Let's take this one step at atime together.
No fluff, no hype, justscripture, real life and a
reminder that God's word stillspeaks right to the heart.
(02:28):
When people dive into self-help,they're usually looking for
some kind of relief, a littleclarity, some calm in the chaos,
a break from all the noise andpressure.
And who can blame them?
The world throws a lot of quickfixes our way.
Maybe it's binge watching ashow to escape for a bit,
scrolling endlessly to numb thenoise, or buying something new,
hoping it'll spark a little joyand for a moment they might help
.
But they don't reach the realstuff the worry, the pressure,
(02:50):
the heaviness that lingersunderneath, because once the
moment passes, all of it comesrushing back.
What we really need isn't justa temporary distraction.
We need something real,something solid, something that
holds us up when everything elsefeels like it's falling apart.
That holds us up wheneverything else feels like it's
falling apart, and that's wherethe Bible is different.
The Bible doesn't give youtemporary relief.
It gives you lasting peace, ofpeace that holds you steady when
the storm hits, when your plansfall apart or when your heart
(03:11):
is heavy.
It gives you more than amotivational quote.
It gives you a firm foundation.
Philippians, chapter 4, verse 7, says and the peace of God,
which surpasses allunderstanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in ChristJesus.
That verse doesn't promise easydays.
It doesn't promise you'll neverfeel anxious or uncertain.
What it does promise issomething deeper, a peace that
stands guard over your mind andheart.
Not a fragile peace, aprotective one.
(03:33):
This is the kind of peace thatdoesn't wait for everything to
be perfect.
It shows up right in the middleof the mess and gently says
you're held, you're safe, you'renot alone.
That's not something you canfake.
That's not something you canread in a self-help book and
instantly apply.
This kind of peace is cultivated.
It's rooted in trust, and thattrust comes from knowing the
character of God, not just Hispower, but His presence.
See, when you spend time inscripture, you begin to
(03:55):
understand who God really is,not just what he can do, but who
he has always been, and whenyou know that peace follows,
because peace is not the absenceof problems, it's the presence
of God.
One of the most powerful thingsabout the Bible is how real it
is.
It doesn't hide the hard stuff,it doesn't skip over suffering
or pretend that faith meanseverything works out right away.
No, the Bible shows us people,real people, who cried, doubted,
(04:19):
wrestled and waited, andthrough it all, god was with
them.
That is what gives peace itspower.
Not that things are perfect,but that God is present.
Now let's talk real life.
Maybe you've been chasing peacein all the wrong places.
Maybe you said to yourself if Ican just fix this situation,
I'll feel better, or if I canjust get through this week, then
I'll breathe again.
Or maybe you've tried to numbthe stress with screens, with
noise, with overworking or justpretending everything's fine.
But the truth is, peace doesn'tcome from pushing your problems
(04:41):
away, it comes from letting Godinto them.
Isaiah, chapter 26, verse 3,says you keep him in perfect
peace, whose mind is stayed onyou because he trusts in you.
That word stayed is powerful.
It means fixed, focused,anchored, not scattered, not
distracted, not overwhelmed.
It means choosing, day afterday, to return your focus to the
(05:02):
one who holds it all together.
And that's what the Bible helpsyou do.
It doesn't just teach you howto survive.
It teaches you how to be still,how to remember, how to breathe
even when everything around youfeel like it's spinning.
It reminds you that peace isn'tfound in getting your life in
order.
Peace is found in giving yourlife to the one who orders all
things.
Well, this isn't about ignoringyour problems.
It's about inviting peace tomeet you in them.
And that kind of peace, that'swhat makes the Bible better than
any self-help book.
(05:23):
It doesn't just tell you whatto think.
It reminds you of who God isand who you are in Him.
So the next time you feeloverwhelmed, don't reach for
another tip or trick.
Reach for the word, even oneverse, even one moment.
You'll be surprised how quicklythat peace starts to rise again
.
Not from the outside in, butfrom the inside out.
When we talk about self-helpmost of the.
Wake up earlier, set bettergoals, and while that's not all
(05:48):
bad, those things can be helpful.
They only go so far, because ifyour heart doesn't change, your
habits won't stick and if youridentity stays rooted in the
same old wounds, no to-do listis going to fix that.
That's where the Bible standsapart.
It doesn't stop at yourbehavior.
It speaks to your heart.
It gets underneath the surface,down to the places you try to
hide.
It brings healing, not justhelpful tips.
It brings transformation, notjust helpful tips.
(06:08):
It brings transformation, notjust motivation.
It deals with who you are, notjust what you do.
2 Corinthians 5, verse 17 saysTherefore, if anyone is in
Christ, he is a new creation.
The old has passed away.
Behold, the new has come.
That's not language about goalsor productivity.
That's the language of identity.
New creation, not slightlybetter, not a polished version
of your past.
New, and that matters, becauseso many of us are trying to live
(06:30):
new lives with the same oldwounds still bleeding under the
surface.
We put pressure on ourselves toperform, to grow, to be strong,
but we never deal with what'sreally broken.
We think change means actingdifferent.
But God knows that real changestarts with being made new from
the inside out.
That's why the Bible is sopowerful.
It doesn't sugarcoat sin, itdoesn't ignore pain.
It confronts the hard stuff andthen offers the hope that
(06:51):
change is actually possible.
Not just temporary change, butlasting, deep spiritual
transformation.
Let's be honest you can readevery best-selling self-help
book on the market and stillfeel stuck.
You can have the perfectmorning routine, eat clean,
journal daily and still wrestlewith insecurity, anger,
bitterness or shame.
That's because behaviormanagement is not the same as
(07:13):
soul renewal.
Romans 12, verse 2, says Do notbe conformed to this world, but
be transformed by the renewalof your mind.
That's what the Bible does.
It renews your mind.
It shifts how you think, whichreshapes how you live.
And that shift, it isn't alwaysinstant, sometimes it's subtle,
sometimes it's slow, but it'sreal.
One verse at a time.
Your thinking starts to change,your responses start to soften,
your outlook shifts.
You begin to see yourself andothers through the lens of grace
(07:34):
, truth and compassion, notbecause you're trying harder,
but because you're surrenderingdeeper.
Think about this.
A self-help book might tell youto practice gratitude.
That's good advice.
But the Bible doesn't just tellyou to be thankful.
It shows you why gratitudematters.
It roots it in who God is, whathe has done and what he has
promised.
Psalm 100, verse 4, says enterhis gates with Thanksgiving and
(07:58):
his courts with praise,gratitude.
And scripture is not a mood,it's a posture of worship.
That's the difference.
Self-help teaches techniques.
The Bible teachestransformation.
And here's where it gets reallypersonal.
Maybe you've been trying to fixyour life in your own strength.
Maybe you've been striving,chasing, hoping for change and
you're just tired.
You don't need another set ofinstructions, you need a savior.
You don't need more pressure,you need peace.
(08:18):
You don't need behaviormodification, you need heart
transformation.
The Bible points you there.
Every page leads to Jesus and heis the one who says come to me
all who labor and are heavyladen, and I will give you rest.
That's Matthew, chapter 11,verse 28.
Notice what he offers not moreto do, rest.
Let that sink in.
If you're overwhelmed, thesolution isn't to do more, it's
to come to the one who alreadydid everything for you.
Self-help says fix yourself.
(08:38):
Jesus says let me heal you.
Self-help says be strong.
Jesus says my power is madeperfect in your weakness.
Self-help says earn your worth.
Jesus says you are alreadyloved.
So if your heart is weary ifyour habits feel like chains, if
you're trying your best andstill coming up empty.
Open your Bible, let it readyou.
While you read it, let itsearch the deep places.
Let it remind you that realchange is possible, not because
(08:59):
you're strong, but because he is.
You weren't created just to getbetter.
You were created to be madecompletely new.
The Bible leaves you to purposewhen self-help leaves you
guessing.
One of the biggest promises inthe self-help world is that
you'll find your purpose.
Every book, podcast and programseem to dangle that phrase in
front of us like a golden ticket.
And it's no wonder purpose ispowerful.
We were created to live forsomething greater than ourselves
(09:20):
.
Deep down, we all want to knowwhy we're here and what we were
made for.
But here's the problem.
Most self-help approaches startby telling you to look inside
yourself, follow your heart,listen to your inner voice,
trust your instincts.
It sounds nice, but it canactually leave you more confused
than when you started, because,let's be honest, our hearts can
be all over the place.
One day you feel confident andthe next day you're questioning
(09:40):
everything.
One season you're passionateabout one thing, and then that
passion fades.
If purpose is only based on ourfeelings, we'll never have a
solid foundation to build on.
That purpose is only based onour feelings we'll never have a
solid foundation to build on.
That's where the Bible bringsclarity.
The Bible doesn't start with you, it starts with God, and it
tells you that your purposeisn't something you have to
invent.
It's something you were createdfor.
Ephesians, chapter 2, verse 10,says For we are his workmanship
(10:00):
, created in Christ Jesus forgood works which God prepared
beforehand that we should walkin them.
That one verse flips the wholeconversation around.
You are not random.
You are not a cosmic accident.
You are the intentionalworkmanship of a loving God and
he already has a plan for yourlife that changes everything.
Instead of wondering if youmissed your calling, you can
trust that God is guiding youtoward it.
Instead of anxiously searchingfor significance, you can rest
(10:22):
in the truth that you alreadyhave it.
Instead of trying to measureyour worth by your performance,
you can receive your identity asa beloved child of God.
Purpose in scripture isn't aboutfame or success.
It's about faithfulness.
It's not about chasing yourdreams blindly.
It's about walking daily withthe one who gives those dreams
meaning.
Let's get practical.
Maybe you're in a season whereyou feel stuck.
Maybe your job feels like adead end.
(10:42):
Maybe you're raising kids andwondering if you're making a
difference.
Maybe you've got talent andpassion but no clear direction.
The world might tell you tohustle harder, build your brand
and carve your own path.
But God's word says somethingdifferent.
Proverbs, chapter 3, verses 5and 6, say trust in the Lord
with all your heart and do notlean on your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledgehim and he will make straight
your paths.
That means your path isn'tfound by overthinking or forcing
(11:05):
it.
It's revealed through trust,obedience and surrender.
You don't have to figureeverything out on your own.
Your purpose isn't a puzzle youhave to solve.
It's a journey of faith.
You get to walk with God asyour guide and along the way
scripture becomes your map.
It shows you what matters most.
It reminds you of who you are.
It points you back to Jesus,who not only gives you purpose
but becomes your purpose.
Colossians, chapter 3, verse 17,says and whatever you do in
(11:27):
word or deed, do.
That verse blows the lid offthe myth that purpose has to be
flashy or grand.
It tells you that purpose isfound in everything every word,
every action, every moment whenit's done for Jesus.
No matter what you do, yourlife has meaning.
When you live it for God, everyordinary moment is filled with
significance and even your dailyroutines are sacred.
You don't need a big stage tolive out your purpose, just a
(11:48):
willing heart that says yes toGod.
If self-help advice has left youfeeling lost or uncertain about
your purpose, let scripturebring you back to center.
The Bible reminds you that youare called, chosen and
intentionally made.
You're here for a reason, onpurpose and for a purpose that's
anchored in the eternal.
You don't have to guess anymore.
You don't have to chase purposelike it's out there somewhere.
Open the word, ask God to showyou what he's already placed in
(12:10):
your hands.
Then walk in it with boldness,with peace and with joy.
Motivation is great until itdisappears.
You might kick off the weekfired up and ready to crush your
goals, but by midweek thatenergy fizzles out.
Suddenly, reality sets in andthe excitement fades.
The problem with motivation isthat it's unpredictable.
Just like any other feeling, itcomes and goes.
Vision boards and positiveaffirmations are helpful, but
they don't always hold up whenlife gets tough.
(12:31):
That's where the Bible steps in.
It gives you something strongerthan motivation Endurance.
Hebrews chapter 12, verse 1,talks about running the race
with endurance, not justsprinting with a quick burst of
energy.
It's a marathon, not a dash.
In James, chapter 1, verse 12,it says staying steadfast
through trials brings a reward acrown of life.
You'll grind your quietstruggles.
They matter, they're seen.
(12:51):
Self-help might give you a peptalk, but scripture's like a
friend who walks with you,pointing to people who kept
going, not because they weresuperhuman, but because they
trusted God's strength.
That's what keeps you movingforward, even on the tough days.
Think about Joseph betrayed byhis brothers, thrown into prison
, forgotten, but he didn't quit.
He kept trusting God throughthe pain.
Or think about Paul beaten,shipwrecked, imprisoned, and yet
(13:17):
he kept preaching, writing,worshiping.
That wasn't motivation, thatwas endurance fueled by truth.
Here's the amazing thing thatendurance is available to you
too.
You don't have to force it orfind it on your own.
Just stay connected to thesource.
Spend time in God's word, lethis promises anchor you, let his
presence carry you through,because it's not just about
starting strong, it's aboutfinishing well.
2 Timothy, chapter 4, verse 7,says I have fought the good
fight, I have finished the race,I have kept the faith.
(13:38):
That's the kind of life we'reaiming for Not perfect, not
flashy, but faithful.
If you're in a season wheremotivation is hard to find,
don't be too hard on yourself.
You're not failing, you're justhuman.
The best part, you don't haveto do this alone.
God is with you and His word isfor you.
Real, spirit-filled enduranceis possible.
Just keep showing up, keepreading, keep praying.
Take it one day, one verse, onestep at a time.
(14:00):
This journey is worth it andyou're never running it alone.
The Bible brings truth whenculture sends mixed messages.
We live in a world filled withnoise Social media scrolls,
opinion pieces, podcasts, newscycles.
You can hear five differentvoices in five minutes, all
claiming to have the truth, andmost of them sound convincing.
They speak with confidence,they use the right language,
they pull at your emotions.
(14:21):
But the more you listen, themore confusing it becomes.
That's the risk of a culturecentered on personal truth.
Phrases like you, do you orlive your truth sound liberating
at first, but they often leadto confusion and emptiness.
When everyone's truth clashes,how do we know what's truly
right?
That's where the Bible comes inlike a breath of fresh air.
God's word doesn't shift withculture.
It doesn't change with thetimes, it doesn't evolve to
(14:42):
match the latest trends.
It stands firm.
John, chapter 17, verse 17,says sanctify them in the truth.
Your word is truth.
Did you catch that?
Not just that, the Biblecontains truth.
It is truth Every word, everyline, every promise.
And that kind of truth is whatwe need now more than ever, in a
world where everyone's voice isshouting for attention.
The Bible speaks with quietauthority.
(15:03):
It doesn't need hype, itdoesn't use manipulation.
It simply tells the truth aboutwho God is, who we are and what
matters most.
That's incredibly groundingBecause, let's be honest,
culture is exhausting.
One moment it celebrates oneidea, the next it tears it down.
One month you're told to chasesuccess, the next you're told to
prioritize peace.
One week it's hustle, the nextit's rest.
The pendulum never stopsswinging, but the Bible doesn't
(15:24):
sway with the times.
Psalm 119, verse 105, says yourword is a lamp to my feet and a
light to my path.
That means, even when the worldis dark and unclear, god's word
lights the way.
It doesn't blind you withspotlight pressure.
It guides you with steady,faithful clarity.
Think about how freeing that is.
You don't have to chase everynew philosophy, you don't have
to keep up with every trend.
You don't have to second guessyour values every time culture
(15:46):
shifts.
You can root yourself insomething unchanging, something
timeless, something true.
That doesn't mean the Biblealways says what you want to
hear.
In fact, sometimes it willchallenge you, it will confront
sin, it will correct yourthinking.
But that's what real truth does.
It doesn't flatter, it frees.
Jesus said in John, chapter 8,verse 32, you will know the
truth and the truth will set youfree.
Notice the connection truth andfreedom.
(16:08):
The more you align your lifewith God's truth, the more peace
and purpose you experience.
It's not about legalism orrigid rules.
It's about living according tothe way life was designed to
work Like a train running ontracks.
You thrive when you follow thepath you were created for.
Truth is not a weapon to winarguments.
It's a foundation to build yourlife on.
When culture says love meansagreeing with everything or that
(16:28):
your worth depends on what youachieve, turn to God's word.
His truth isn't just a set ofrules.
It, his truth, isn't just a setof rules.
It's your lifeline.
It reveals who God is, who youare, and helps you see clearly
when the world feels confusing.
And remember this truth isn'tcold or far away.
It's deeply personal, becausetruth isn't just an idea.
Truth is a person.
Jesus said in John, chapter 14,verse 6, I am the way and the
truth and the life.
When you follow him, you're notjust following an idea, you're
(16:52):
following the one who is truthin human form.
So if you're tired of the noise, if you're worn out by mixed
messages, if you just wantsomething you can count on, open
your Bible.
Listen closely, read slowly.
Let the word of God quiet thenoise and ground your soul In a
culture full of echoes.
Choose the voice that neverchanges.
Self-help often pushes you to goit alone.
Find your strength, chart yourcourse, be your own hero, but
(17:12):
that can leave you feelingisolated, like you're the only
one struggling to keep up.
The world tells you to dependon yourself, but that's a lonely
road when life gets heavy.
The Bible offers somethingdifferent Community.
It calls you into a familywhere you're never alone.
Hebrews, chapter 10, verse 25,says not neglecting to meet
together, as is the habit ofsome, but encouraging one
another, and all the more as yousee the day drawing near.
That's not just about showingup to church.
(17:34):
It's about living connected,sharing burdens and lifting each
other up.
Scripture shows us people likeRuth and Naomi, who walked
through loss together, or Davidand Jonathan, whose friendship
carried them through trials.
God designed you forrelationship, not isolation.
Self-help might give you a planto better yourself, but the
Bible invites you into a bodywhere you grow together.
You don't have to carry yourstruggles solo Galatians,
(17:54):
chapter 6, verse 2, says bearone another's burdens and so
fulfill the law of Christ.
That's community real, messy,beautiful connection that
reflects God's heart.
You're not meant to justimprove alone.
You're meant to belong.
We often talk about what theBible brings peace, purpose,
clarity, strength andtransformation.
But above all, the Bible'sgreatest gift is that it points
us to Jesus.
This might seem simple, but ina world that constantly tells us
(18:16):
to focus on ourselves, ourgoals, our routines, our
potential, it's actually aradical idea.
Self-help books put thespotlight on you, but the Bible
shifts the focus to someone fargreater.
If your story always centers onyou, you end up carrying
burdens you were never meant tobear.
The Bible is different FromGenesis to Revelation.
Every story, prophecy andpromise is part of a bigger
picture that leads us to Jesus.
He's not just a character inthe Bible, he's the center of it
(18:38):
.
John, chapter 5, verse 39.
Jesus says you search thescriptures because you think
that in them you have eternallife, and it is they that bear
witness about me.
That means when you read theBible, you're not just gathering
good advice.
You're encountering a person,the Savior, the Son of God, the
one who changes everything.
Self-help says you've got this.
Scripture says Jesus alreadydid it.
That's the real difference.
(18:58):
One puts the weight on yourshoulders.
The other invites you to trustthe true hero who's already won.
You don't have to have all theanswers, fix every flaw or save
yourself.
Jesus already carried thatburden to the cross so you can
live free.
That's the heartbeat of theBible.
The gospel isn't about what youdo for God, but what God has
done for you through Jesus.
The Old Testament points to him, the Gospels reveal him, the
(19:18):
letters teach us to follow him.
Revelation promises he'llreturn and make all things new.
Jesus isn't just in the Bible,he's the reason for it.
All that changes how you read.
You're not just looking forlife hacks or motivational
quotes.
You're looking for Jesus andhe's there in the stories of
broken people redeemed by grace,in the parables that flip
worldly wisdom upside down, inthe promises that hold you
steady through the storms.
(19:38):
He's on every page if yourheart is open to see him.
Luke, chapter 24, tells thestory of two men walking the
road to Emmaus after Jesus'resurrection.
They're confused, discouraged,unsure of what just happened,
and Jesus joins them, thoughthey don't recognize him at
first.
But what does he do?
Verse 27 says beginning withMoses.
He still does that for youtoday.
When you're confused, whenyou're hurting, when you feel
(20:07):
lost, jesus meets you in hisword and reminds you who he is
and what he's done.
The more you read scripture, themore clearly you'll see him.
That's the kind of foundationthat holds firm when everything
else shakes, because no matterhow much effort you put into
growth, no matter howdisciplined you try to be, no
matter how inspiring your goalsmight sound, if you're not
grounded in Jesus, it won't last.
But when he becomes your center, when his love shapes your life
and his truth leads your steps,everything changes.
(20:28):
You live from a place of grace,not grind.
You work from a place of rest,not stress.
You grow out of love, not lack.
That's the power of knowing whoyou belong to.
So don't read the Bible just tocheck a box or get a quick
boost.
Open it with expectation.
Look for Jesus on every page.
Let him speak into your life,shift your perspective and shape
your heart.
He's not just the way, he's thedestination.
(20:49):
Before we close, I want to thankyou for joining me on this
journey.
Whether you're brand new toexploring faith or have been
walking with Jesus for years, Ihope this episode gave you
something real to hold on to,something solid, something
eternal.
You don't have to navigate lifealone.
You don't have to keep spinningyour wheels trying to figure it
all out.
You don't have to settle forshallow answers when the deepest
truth has already been spokenthrough the Word of God.
(21:10):
If anything you heard todaystirred your heart maybe it
challenged you, maybe itencouraged you, maybe it made
you curious I want to invite youto take a step.
Maybe that step is simplyopening your Bible again
tomorrow morning.
Maybe it's journaling what Godis showing you, or maybe, just
maybe, that step is saying yesto Jesus for the very first time
.
If that's you, I want you toknow this God loves you more
than you can imagine.
He's not waiting for you toclean yourself up.
(21:31):
He's already made a way throughJesus.
All he's asking is that youopen your heart and trust him.
If you've never made thatdecision before and you feel
ready now, pray with me.
God, I know I can't fix myself.
I've tried and I've fallenshort, but I believe you sent
Jesus to die for my sins andrise again so I could have new
life.
I surrender today.
I give you my heart, my futureand my past.
Make me new.
(21:51):
Teach me to walk with you.
Thank you for loving me beforeI even knew how to love you back
.
In Jesus name.
Amen.
Welcome to the family.
Seriously, this is just thebeginning.
Saying this prayer is a powerfulstep, but it's not the only one
.
I encourage you to find aBible-centered church, a pastor
or a Christian friend who canwalk with you as you begin or
renew your journey of faith.
You don't have to do this alone.
(22:11):
Let others support andencourage you as you grow closer
to God, and if you're alreadyfollowing Jesus, let today be a
reminder that his word is enough, not just on Sundays, not just
in crisis, but every single day,for more resources, past
episodes and ways to grow inyour faith.
Visit us atgraceandgrindministriescom.
You can also reach out to usdirectly at graceandgrindnyc at
gmailcom.
(22:31):
We'd love to hear from you,pray with you and walk this road
together.
This has been the Faith CompassPodcast, and I'm your host,
javier.
Until next time, stay rooted,stay real and stay in the word.
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