From Fear to Freedom: Trusting God Over People’s Approval

In this final episode of the Choosing Praise series, Emma Mae McDaniel invites listeners into a powerful reflection on how encouragement can stir our hearts toward worship. Walking through Luke 1 and the story of Mary and Elizabeth, Emma shows how God often uses the words, presence, and affirmation of others to lift our eyes to Him. With warmth and biblical depth, she reminds us that our encouragement can silence comparison, strengthen weary hearts, and compel the people around us to praise. Emma closes by sharing about her transition into maternity leave and offers a tender reminder that every season — fast or slow, quiet or full — is a beautiful place to walk in step with the Spirit and live compelled by the love of Christ. https://www.emmamaemcdaniel.com/books - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part three of the Choosing Praise series, Emma Mae McDaniel invites listeners into 1 Peter 1 to explore how the gospel itself compels us to praise—no matter our circumstances. Building on the truths of God’s character and His faithfulness, Emma reminds us of the living hope we have through the resurrection of Jesus, the inheritance that can never fade, and the grace that meets us in every season. Whether you are on the mountaintop, in the valley, or somewhere in the middle, this episode is a call to fix your eyes on eternity, remember the mercy that has made you new, and rejoice in the unshakable hope that is yours in Christ. https://www.emmamaemcdaniel.com/books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this uplifting episode of The Compelled Podcast, Emma Mae McDaniel invites listeners into part two of her four-part series, Choosing to Praise. Emma reminds us that remembering God’s past faithfulness strengthens our present praise. Reflecting on Psalm 63 and the story of her daughter’s bubble baths, Emma beautifully illustrates how God gently reassures us — “I’ve always taken care of you, and I always will.” Through Scripture and personal reflection, she encourages us to recall the moments when God has provided, guided, and carried us, so that memory itself becomes a reason to lift our hearts in worship. https://www.emmamaemcdaniel.com/books - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Praise is a personal choice we get to make, no matter what we feel or face. In this kickoff to the November “Series of Praise,” we dive into Psalm 9 and Psalm 92 and learn how giving thanks, rejoicing in God, and declaring His love strengthens our hearts and fixes our focus on what is true. When we proclaim His goodness in the morning and His faithfulness at night, we’re reminded that He is always worthy, and we are never alone. Let this episode encourage you to choose praise in every season. https://www.emmamaemcdaniel.com/books - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of The Compelled Podcast, Emma Mae McDaniel invites listeners to remember the awe-inspiring truth that their lives are part of something far bigger than themselves. With humility and passion, she opens Matthew 28:18–20 to remind us that all authority belongs to Jesus—and because He is with us, we are called and commissioned to go. Whether across the street or across the world, each of us has a part to play in sharing His love and bringing light to those who’ve never heard His name. Be encouraged to live boldly, love deeply, and go wherever God calls you, knowing you don’t go alone. https://www.emmamaemcdaniel.com/books - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emma Mae McDaniel opens Ephesians 1 to remind us that our identity isn’t earned — it’s received. Before the foundation of the world, you were chosen, loved, and adopted through Christ. In this heartfelt episode, Emma unpacks the beauty of being blessed with every spiritual blessing, redeemed through His blood, and sealed with the Holy Spirit. Let this truth wash over your striving heart and lead you into freedom — because you’re already His. https://www.emmamaemcdaniel.com/books - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Emma Mae McDaniel reminds us that life’s unknowns aren’t interruptions to God’s plan—they’re invitations into deeper intimacy with Him. As she reflects on seasons of uncertainty and the steady truth of God’s promises, Emma shares how prayer, scripture, and surrender transform anxiety into awe. When we remember who walks beside us, we can face what’s ahead not with fear, but with faith—and even excitement. https://www.emmamaemcdaniel.com/books - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of The Compelled Podcast, Emma Mae McDaniel walks through the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10, reminding us that loving God and loving people cannot be separated. With heartfelt encouragement and biblical insight, Emma challenges us to see the people around us, be moved with compassion, and live generously—because this is what it means to be a neighbor. As she unpacks Jesus’ words, “Go and do likewise,” she points us back to the sacrificial, steadfast love of Christ that first saw, pursued, and gave everything for us. https://www.emmamaemcdaniel.com/books - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this heartfelt episode of The Compelled Podcast, Emma Mae McDaniel reflects on five years of God’s faithfulness in her podcasting journey and opens up about the dangers of living for others’ approval. Drawing from Proverbs 29:25, she invites listeners to step out of the “prison” of fearing what people think and into the safety and freedom found in trusting the Lord. With warmth, honesty, and Scripture, Emma encourages you to embrace your God-given identity, walk in true freedom, and live compelled by Christ’s love rather than bound by people’s opinions. https://www.emmamaemcdaniel.com/books - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Compelled Podcast, Emma Mae McDaniel invites you to find steady ground in the promises of God, no matter what circumstances you’re walking through. Drawing from Jeremiah 17 and Matthew 7, Emma reminds us that blessing isn’t defined by ease, but by being rooted in the Lord—the One who makes us like a tree that thrives in drought and a house that stands firm in the storm. With encouragement from Romans 15:13, this episode will refresh your soul, pointing you back to the joy, peace, and confident hope that flow from trusting in Christ. https://www.emmamaemcdaniel.com/books - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices