Explore every episode of the podcast First15 Devotional
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trustworthy | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:12:07 | |
Trust is something we are not created to give away lightly. We value trust like we value our own lives, constantly scrutinizing others to see if they're worthy of our trust. But still we are made to do life with help. We are made to place our trust in that which will provide us with more life, joy, and peace. I pray that this week you and I will discover how trustworthy our heavenly Father is. I pray that we will willingly hand over control of our lives to a capable, loving, and near God. And I pray we will experience the abundant life that can only come through placing our trust in a God who gives up everything for relationship with us. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous $10,000 Matching Grant! More from First15
| |||
| God’s Heart to Meet with Man: John on Patmos | 05 Jul 2026 | 00:11:32 | |
As we wrap up our week on God’s heart to meet with man, today we’ll look at the encouraging story of John on the island of Patmos. Right when we think we’re unusable, a season is too dry or we’re past our prime, God comes and speaks fresh life and vision. If you find yourself like John on Patmos today, I pray God brings a new word of courage and life to you despite your season. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous $10,000 Matching Grant! More from First15
| |||
| God’s Heart to Meet with Man at Pentecost | 04 Jul 2026 | 00:11:18 | |
As we near the end of our week on God’s heart to meet with man, we look today at Pentecost. The day of Pentecost was a major fulfillment of God’s desire to meet with us. On that day, his Holy Spirit flooded the earth and was poured out on ordinary people, just like you and me. We see God’s desire to dwell with a people satisfied as his Spirit fills them and remains with them forever. May you be encouraged today as you look more deeply at God’s overwhelming desire to be one with you in your day to day life. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous $10,000 Matching Grant! More from First15
| |||
| God’s Heart to Meet with Man: The Woman Caught in Adultery | 03 Jul 2026 | 00:11:43 | |
Have you ever believed the lie that your sin makes you unlovable to God? I think we all have at one time or another. We will look today at the story of the woman caught in adultery. For some reason, every time I read this story it surprises me again. God is oftentimes different than we expect, much kinder in fact. May today be no different. I pray you’re met by a generous, kind, merciful Savior as you open your heart to him. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous $10,000 Matching Grant! More from First15
| |||
| God’s Heart to meet with Man: Jesus to Us | 02 Jul 2026 | 00:11:15 | |
As we continue our week on God’s heart to meet with man, today we’ll look at the best example I can think of. Many of us doubt the love of God due to all kinds of circumstances, but I pray today you become even a little bit more convinced and sure of his pursuit and unconditional love for you specifically. Open your heart today and allow God to give you a renewed sense of how much you mean to him. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous $10,000 Matching Grant! More from First15
| |||
| God’s Heart to Meet with Moses | 01 Jul 2026 | 00:13:56 | |
Oftentimes we look at Old Testament stories of man’s encounters with God and grow jealous. We question why God doesn’t show up in the way he did with Moses for us now. There is a portion of relationship, encounter and intimacy available to us with God today that men of the Old Testament could have never dreamed of. It is my hope and prayer that you leave today having experienced the richness, unity and oneness with the Spirit of God you would made for. More from First15
| |||
| God’s Heart to Meet with Gideon | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:11:05 | |
Have you ever felt incompetent for the work God sets before you? The mission and call of God on our lives can seem daunting and impossible. Know that Gideon felt that way, and it’s okay if you do too. But God wants to speak courage and empowerment to our hearts today that he will be with us, moving through us every step of our journey. Open your heart today that God may fill it with fresh fire and excitement for the call on your life. More from First15
| |||
| God’s Heart to Meet with David | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:12:28 | |
Throughout Scripture we see countless examples of God meeting with man and countless lives being transformed as the result. These examples are in Scripture to stir our faith and fill us with a desire to meet with our Creator. When we read about the life of David, we should be filled with a longing to live as he did, centered around meeting with our heavenly Father. When we read about Gideon or Moses, we should long to know our God as they did. When we read about Jesus coming down to us or his heart for the woman caught in adultery, we should respond by pursuing encounters with our Savior. And when we read of Pentecost and Jesus’ second coming, we should seek out the fullness of God’s presence available to us on this earth in preparation for the age that is to come. May your heart be filled with a wholehearted desire to pursue meeting with God this week. More from First15
| |||
| Encountering God through Others | 28 Jun 2026 | 00:11:35 | |
People are messy. We are difficult and challenging. And it’s because of that no church is perfect. But there must be some reason Jesus desires for us to be unified and be one. Today we’ll explore how and why it’s important to encounter God through other people. May your wounds be healed, and your heart be opened to how God wants to use others to lead you to him. Your gift makes First15 possible! More from First15
| |||
| Encountering God through the Receiving of His Presence | 27 Jun 2026 | 00:11:25 | |
Many of us know God’s presence is always available to us, but rarely do we take a second to become aware of how near he truly is. Today we’ll explore what it means to encounter God through receiving his presence. This simple concept has radically changed my life, and it is my prayer it changes yours too. May we learn to practice God’s presence on a regular basis and see his goodness flood our lives. Your gift makes First15 possible! More from First15
| |||
| Encountering God through Scripture | 26 Jun 2026 | 00:11:05 | |
In this world, it’s not difficult to become disheartened, visionless and confused about the direction of our lives or our circumstances. But God has given us a priceless gift to ground and root us in truth and vision for life—his word. If you’re feeling purposeless or lost today, look no further than the wisdom God has graciously provided through the Bible. Today we’ll dive into how we can encounter God through Scripture. Your gift makes First15 possible! More from First15
| |||
| Encountering God through Worship | 25 Jun 2026 | 00:11:32 | |
Worship is essential to a vibrant, thriving Christian life. In worship, much like thanksgiving, we are reminded of who our God is, and who we are. Worshipping Jesus grounds us in our identity because it reminds us whose we are and all that he has done on our behalf. Jesus is worthy of all our worship, and it’s my prayer today that you have a fresh encounter with him through this transformative avenue. Your gift makes First15 possible! More from First15
| |||
| Encountering God through Thanksgiving | 24 Jun 2026 | 00:11:22 | |
Expressing gratitude and thanks to God has a miraculous way of opening and changing our hearts. Today we’ll explore the discipline of thanksgiving, and encounter God in response. May you take away from our time today, timeless principles that quickly get your heart in the right place despite your season or circumstances. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous Matching Grant. More from First15
| |||
| Encountering God through Prayer | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:10:49 | |
Prayer is so simple, but often times our minds convolute and complicate it. Today we’re exploring how to encounter God through prayer, and I pray you take away a simplified, childlike approach to spending time with your heavenly Father. May your heart and mind be at peace today as you encounter the living God. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous Matching Grant. More from First15
| |||
| Encountering God through Faith | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:10:24 | |
Having consistent and transformational encounters with God while on earth is meant to be foundational to the Christian life. Our God has not left us. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we’ve been filled with the very Spirit of God who longs to reveal to us daily the nearness and love of our heavenly Father. We are never alone. There is nowhere we can flee from the presence of our God. May this week be filled with transformational encounters with the living God as we learn what it is to seek the face of the one who has formed us, knows us, and loves us unconditionally. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous Matching Grant. More from First15
| |||
| Overcome Evil with Good | 21 Jun 2026 | 00:12:15 | |
In our final episode of this week long series on the marks of a true Christian, today we’re looking at God’s command to overcome evil with good. May God show us the pathway to his power today, and illuminate specific ways we can overcome evil with good today. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous Matching Grant. More from First15
| |||
| Live in Harmony | 20 Jun 2026 | 00:12:45 | |
As we near the end of our series on the marks of a true Christian, today we’re going to explore together what it means to live in harmony with one another. There’s hardly a better feeling than being in harmony with those that are close to you. We were created for close, thriving relationship with God and others. And God in his power and love wants to equip us to build and keep harmony, even in the midst of our brokenness. May God give us wisdom, and empower us to walk the path of humility and love as we seek to live in harmony today. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous Matching Grant. More from First15
| |||
| Rejoicing and Weeping with Others | 19 Jun 2026 | 00:12:30 | |
In today’s First15, we’re going to continue our series on the marks of a true Christian by looking at Paul’s encouragement to rejoice and weep with others. One of the most powerful acts of love we can make is to follow the way of empathy and compassion. Jesus allowed himself to be burdened by others burdens, pained by their pain. And may we follow the way of our Savior today as we spend time in his word, and in his presence. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous Matching Grant. More from First15
| |||
| Bless Those Who Persecute You | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:12:10 | |
In the middle of our week on the marks of a true Christian, today we’re looking at Paul’s command to bless those who persecute you. Truly blessing those around us that seem to be against us is an incredible act of love, producing fruit not only in the lives of others, but in our lives as well. May God give us insight into his heart for this command today, as well as the courage to live it out. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous Matching Grant. More from First15
| |||
| Rejoice in Hope | 17 Jun 2026 | 00:13:30 | |
In our third episode in this week-long series on the marks of a true Christian, today we’re going to explore together what it means to rejoice in hope. In a world that can so often bring us down, so often appear to be without hope, today we have the opportunity to make room for God to give us his perspective, that we might rejoice in his hope. May God give us wisdom, joy, and eternal perspective today as we make space for him to fill. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous Matching Grant. More from First15
| |||
| Be Fervent in Spirit | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:12:13 | |
As we continue this week on the marks of a true Christian, today we’re going to look at what it means to be fervent in spirit. You were made to live with a fervent faith, zealous in response to God’s passionate love for you. May God fill all our hearts with his love in a meaningful, authentic way. And may we find the courage in him to live our faith passionately. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous Matching Grant. More from First15
| |||
| Let Love be Genuine | 15 Jun 2026 | 00:13:41 | |
This week in the First15 podcast, we're going to take a look at seven principles found in Romans 12 that describe the marks of a true Christian. The intent of studying this passage is not to condemn or lead you to comparison, but instead, let Paul's teaching fill you with a deep, transformative longing to wholeheartedly pursue the life God intends for you. Ask God to help you see yourself as He sees you, to see the grace He's placed upon your life by the blood of Jesus, so that you might walk more fully in the power and anointing of the Spirit. May you discover God's grace and perspective this week as you examine your life in light of this powerful passage of Scripture. More from First15
| |||
| The Power of Faith | 14 Jun 2026 | 00:11:31 | |
In today’s First15 we’re wrapping up our week on faith by looking at the power of faith. Trusting in God changes things. Faith is powerful. As we’re going to discover today, when we choose a lifestyle of faith, our life shifts and comes into greater alignment with God’s desires, his kingdom. May God fill our hearts with faith, and may our lives be filled with the fruit of trusting in our good and able God. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous Matching Grant. More from First15
| |||
| Faith in Trials | 13 Jun 2026 | 00:11:23 | |
Today we’re looking at a topic I think all of us can relate to, how to have faith in the midst of trials. All throughout Scripture we see examples of God’s people struggling with faith in the midst of challenges. Doubt is something so natural, so human. And the world teaches us that when things get tough, we need to take this life into our own hands and sort it out. But God has a better way for us – the way of faith. May God empower us with revelation today that would bear the fruit of steadfast faith, even in the midst of trials. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous Matching Grant. More from First15
| |||
| The Marriage of Faith and Works | 12 Jun 2026 | 00:10:58 | |
In today’s First15, we’re going to look together at the marriage of faith and works. One of my greatest struggles is working with God rather than for God. God cares deeply about our work, our impact in this life, but not because he needs us to serve him or work for him, but because he wants to work with us. He wants to give us a picture of his goodness and love at work in the lives of others, and he wants to deepen our relationship with him by identifying and empowering us in our unique calling. May we gain revelation today that would stick, that would transform our understanding and deepen our experience of the connection, the relationship between faith and works. More from First15
| |||
| Praying in Faith | 11 Jun 2026 | 00:11:27 | |
In today’s First15, we’re going to look at what it means to pray in faith. We have a good Father who listens to every word we pray, and knows every need of our hearts before we even ask for it. May God’s goodness become the foundation of our prayer, that we would learn to pray out of a place of belief instead of begging, and hope instead of doubt. More from First15
| |||
| Living by Faith | 10 Jun 2026 | 00:13:21 | |
We’re in our third day in our series on Faith. Today we’re going to look in greater depth at how we can actually live by faith, experiencing every moment the incredible fruit that comes from trusting in the faithfulness of God. God is with you, and his heart is filled with love for you. May you find the strength and courage to trust in him today with all that you are. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous Matching Grant. More from First15
| |||
| Faith Comes by Hearing | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:10:41 | |
In this week of First15, we’re focusing on faith. Living with our faith stirred up is absolutely foundational to living an abundant life. God is faithful no matter what. But faith allows us to have trust in that faithfulness, producing a peace and calmness in the midst of challenges that we desperately need. I pray that your faith would be stirred today as we look at the biblical principle, that faith comes by hearing. More from First15
| |||
| At the Heart of Faith | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:13:45 | |
Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith is the undercurrent of everything we do as followers of Jesus. Without faith we lose all that Christ died to give us while here on earth. It is by faith we access the peace, joy, guidance, love, and purpose that comes from restored relationship with our heavenly Father. In this week's First15, we’re going to seek an increase in faith in response to God’s faithfulness. May you experience a greater depth of intimacy with your living, Almighty, and loving heavenly Father. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous Matching Grant! More from First15
| |||
| Love Wins | 07 Jun 2026 | 00:12:57 | |
In our final day of this week-long series seeking to put our faith to action, today we’re going to look at the victory we have in God’s love. As God’s people, he’s inviting us into his victory, a victory we so desperately need. May God establish us in his power today, and may chains fall off us and others as God guides us into a lifestyle of victory in him. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous Matching Grant! More from First15
| |||
| Love Hopes | 06 Jun 2026 | 00:11:04 | |
As we near the end of our series on love does, today we’re going to look at the role of hope in putting our faith into action. You and I need hope more than ever. We need God to give us fresh vision for the work he’s doing and will do in the world around us. And we need him to empower us to share that vision with others, that our perspective would be grounded in his goodness. May God fill us as his people with fresh hope in his presence today. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous Matching Grant! More from First15
| |||
| Love Forgives | 05 Jun 2026 | 00:13:30 | |
In today’s podcast, we’re going to look at the role of forgiveness in putting our love into action. In God we have forgiveness for every sin we can commit. And that forgiveness not only washes us clean, but empowers us to become like our great Forgiver. Every day we’re wronged in some way. And every day is an opportunity to show others forgiveness, not because they deserve it, but because loving forgiveness is the way of our Good Shepherd, the author and founder of our faith. May God empower us to forgive as he does today. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous Matching Grant! More from First15
| |||
| Love Encourages | 04 Jun 2026 | 00:12:07 | |
In today’s podcast we’re going to look at the role of encouragement in putting our love into action. In a world that constantly seems to beat us down, we’re in need of some real encouragement. God has an encouraging word to speak to everyone around you. And if we’ll make space to listen, he longs to share that word with us that we might see his kingdom advancing in the heart of another. May God encourage us today, and empower us to encourage another as we make space for his loving presence. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous Matching Grant! More from First15
| |||
| Love Makes Time for Others | 03 Jun 2026 | 00:10:38 | |
In our third day of this series exploring how to put our faith into action, we’re looking at how we can love others by simply making time for them. The busier our schedules get, the harder it can be to make time for the needs of others. But we see in Jesus someone who while holding the power to save and heal the world, made time for the one. May God grant us his perspective and fashion us into his likeness today. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous Matching Grant! More from First15
| |||
| Love is Present | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:10:22 | |
As we continue this week’s focus, seeking to put love into action, today we’re going to look at how simply being present can make all the difference in the life of another. As our world becomes more and more distracted, and takes less time to notice what’s happening in the life of another, may God empower us as his people to simply be present today. More from First15
| |||
| Action Fueled by Love | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:12:40 | |
James 2:26 tells us, “Faith apart from works is dead.” If we are going to experience the fullness of life offered to us through our faith we must be those who put our words into action. We must not profess to love God on Sundays and live as if he isn’t present, real, or good on Monday. May your faith come alive this week as you seek to be a doer of the word. Right now, your gift will go twice as far through a generous Matching Grant! More from First15
| |||
| Loving the Church | 31 May 2026 | 00:11:13 | |
As we wrap up our week on loving people, we look today at how we can love the Church as God does. Jesus says we will be known by the way we love each other. Would people know you’re a Christian by the way you love your brothers and sisters? People are messy, it’s true. We all are. And yet Jesus saw our worth and loved us in the midst of our messiness. How can you mimic that same love today as you seek to love his Church? Today we’ll look at the perspective and affections of Jesus for his people. May our hearts and minds be transformed as a result. | |||
| Loving Strangers | 30 May 2026 | 00:10:49 | |
As we near the end of our week on loving people, today we shift to loving those we don’t know. We are all so busy, and most often unaware of those around us, becoming too focused on ourselves to notice others. Perhaps today God would shift our focus upward to see the faces we pass on the streets or on the elevator. How much could a kind word or smile help someone out having a rough day? Let’s try to take our eyes off ourselves and see those we pass every day and don’t seem to notice. Could God want to use you to minster to someone you don’t even know? Let’s find out. More from First15
| |||
| Loving Friends | 29 May 2026 | 00:11:03 | |
In today’s First15, we’ll be learning about what it means to be a friend who loves well. Think about your dearest friends. What role have they played in your life in the best and in the worst times? Does your heart fill with thankfulness as you acknowledge what a good gift God has given you in them? May we pinpoint exactly what it means to intentionally love our friends well today. May we be filled with the love of Jesus and grace of God to go out of way to love and minister to those special people in our lives today. More from First15
| |||
| Loving Family | 28 May 2026 | 00:11:44 | |
As we continue in our week of loving people well, today we’re going to learn about loving family. For some this is an easy task, but for many this is a little more difficult. The beauty of it is, our God is with us every step along the way. He has purpose and power for you in loving the family in which he’s placed you. Our families have the potential to be our greatest place of influence. How might he use you today to minister for his goodness and glory? Let’s take a closer look. More from First15
| |||
| Jesus is the Model | 27 May 2026 | 00:12:32 | |
As we continue our week on loving people well, we’re going to fix our eyes on Jesus. What better example or model for how to love than the One who laid his life down for the world? Today may you catch a glimpse of this beautiful King who loves perfectly. May you not only get a picture of how you could love others, but experience his incredible love for yourself afresh. More from First15
| |||
| Seeing Past the Brokenness | 26 May 2026 | 00:11:07 | |
We are all broken people, living in a broken world. It’s that simple. Unfortunately, no one is exempt from the effects of sin. The good news for all of us is that Jesus steps into the midst of our brokenness, is near to us and makes us whole in his love. What’s even more amazing is God wants to use you to see past the broken exterior to the hearts of the people in your life. Brokenness can often make us hard, bitter and difficult to deal with. But we’ve been given the call to see past that hard exterior and love people in the midst of their pain. In today’s First15, we’re looking together at how we can see past the brokenness in others to love them well. More from First15
| |||
| Living Without Offense | 25 May 2026 | 00:12:07 | |
Loving others is one of the most important and difficult commands Jesus gave us. We are a messy, needy, and broken people. We constantly have to deal with our own wounds and the wounds of others. But if we can learn to love others well, rich, life-giving relationship will be our reward. May you receive the love of your Father given you by his grace, and be empowered to love others this week as we look to grow in our obedience of Jesus’ command to love others. More from First15
| |||
| The Simplicity of Grace | 24 May 2026 | 00:11:07 | |
As we wrap up this week of simple Christianity, today we look at grace. Many of us are so hard on ourselves and struggle to allow ourselves to taste the grace the Father has for us. We look to earn love and acceptance in this world, but God’s way of grace couldn’t be more different from the world who tells us we are what we do. May today be a breath of fresh air as you encounter the grace of God that requires nothing in return. More from First15
| |||
| The Simple Truth of Freedom | 23 May 2026 | 00:11:31 | |
As we near the end of our week on simple Christianity, we look today at the simple truth of our freedom in Christ. Our sin and bondage often feels like a convoluted web that entangles us. Satan would like nothing more than to keep us foggy and confused about the freedom and righteousness bought for us through the precious blood of Jesus. Today I’m praying that chains are broken in God’s presence. May we gain clarity and deep understanding of the freedom afforded to us as children of God. May we adopt the simple truth of our freedom and truly be set free. More from First15
| |||
| The Discipline of Simplicity | 22 May 2026 | 00:12:20 | |
Today we are going to explore the actual discipline of simplicity by answering questions like, What does it mean to simplify life? How would Jesus have us actually simplify our lives? How can embracing simplicity enrich our day to day experience? May your heart and mind be open to all the wisdom and goodness God has for you today. And may you find comfort in making Jesus your one necessary thing. More from First15
| |||
| Rest in God | 21 May 2026 | 00:12:07 | |
As we continue our week on simple Christianity, we have the joy today of discovering what it means to truly rest in God. In all the stress and hurry of life, don’t we all need to find even just a few moments of rest today? May God reorient the way you see him today, and show you his purpose and pleasure over his children taking time for true rest in him. More from First15
| |||
| A Life of Sacrifice | 20 May 2026 | 00:11:39 | |
On the third day of our series on pursuing simple Christianity, we’re looking at what it means to live a life of sacrifice to God. May we discover what it means for our hearts, minds and will to be fully surrendered to Jesus, and in return may we find the abundant joy he has promised. He is trustworthy and true. And we will find the life God has planned for us when we surrender all to him. Get your copy of Wrestling with God your donation to First15! More from First15
| |||
| Love People | 19 May 2026 | 00:12:39 | |
As we continue our week exploring the simple principles of the Christian faith, today let’s look at what it means to love people. Many of us know that God asks us to love others, but often loving people is easier said than done. God knows our weaknesses, and any command he gives, he has a plan to empower us and give us grace to be obedient. As you explore how God may want you to love people today, may your heart be opened to his profound grace. Get your copy of Wrestling with God your donation to First15! More from First15
| |||
| Love God: It’s All about Relationship | 18 May 2026 | 00:12:45 | |
This week we’re going to focus on the simplicity the Christian life is meant to be marked by. Jesus summed up our purpose with two statements: love God and love people. But in our humanity we have made complex what God designed to be peaceful, purposeful, and simple. A. W. Tozer remarks in The Pursuit of God, “Every age has its own characteristics. Right now we are in an age of religious complexity. The simplicity which is in Christ is rarely found among us. In its stead are programs, methods, organizations and a world of nervous activities which occupy time and attention but can never satisfy the longing of the heart. The shallowness of our inner experience, the hollowness of our worship, and that servile imitation of the world which marks our promotional methods all testify that we in this day, know God only imperfectly, and the peace of God scarcely at all. If we would find God amid all the religious externals, we must first determine to find Him, and then proceed in the way of simplicity.” May we discover the peace and joy that come from pursuing a simple Christianity this week. Get your copy of Wrestling with God your donation to First15! More from First15
| |||