Words of Life: Weekly Christian Podcast with Testimonies & Teachings from the Salvation Army

In this special bonus episode of Words of Life, recorded live on Veterans Day, we sit down with Major Thomas McWilliams, Metro Atlanta Area Commander for The Salvation Army, to explore the organization's ongoing commitment to serving those who have served our country. Major McWilliams shares the story behind Atlanta's Center of Hope, a facility providing veterans experiencing homelessness with more than just a place to stay. Through dedicated veteran housing, individualized support, and assistance navigating VA benefits, the program helps veterans regain stability, dignity, and a path toward self-sufficiency. You'll also hear the remarkable story of Mr. Lemon, a Navy veteran who spent 20 years homeless in Atlanta before finding a new beginning through The Salvation Army. His journey from living in the streets to becoming a Salvation Army soldier and leader is a powerful reminder of what can happen when people are met with compassion, hope, and the opportunity for a fresh start. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors and serve those in need. This conversation is an invitation to reflect on that calling and remember the veterans and military families who deserve our care, gratitude, and support. To learn more about the Center of Hope click here https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When life gets difficult, prayer can sometimes feel difficult too. We keep praying, but we may begin to wonder if God hears us, if our prayers are working, or if we have the strength to keep going. In this first episode of a four-part series on prayer and perseverance, Words of Life welcomes back author, podcaster, and speaker Rachel Wojo to talk about finding strength through prayer in the middle of life's hardest battles. Rachel shares the story behind her book Praying Through Life's Battles and explains why she wanted to create short, focused encouragement for people who are walking through difficult seasons and may not have the energy or ability to sit and read for long periods of time. Drawing from her own experience of caring for her daughter Taylor through years of illness and loss, Rachel talks honestly about anger, frustration, grief, perseverance, and what it means to bring all of those emotions directly to God. She also shares the Bible verse that became a lifelong reminder for her: "The battle is the Lord's." If you're walking through a difficult season right now, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to face the battle alone. https://rachelwojo.com/ https://rachelwojo.com/praying-through-lifes-battles/ https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this final episode of the parables of Jesus series, Major Cam Henderson delves into one of the most intriguing and thought-provoking stories in the New Testament. This parable, often considered the strangest of them all, is a powerful reminder of the importance of using our resources wisely and being faithful in little things. The story of the shrewd manager is a masterclass in how to navigate difficult situations and make the most of what we have. But beneath its surface-level message, this parable is actually a scathing critique of the Pharisees' behavior. Major Cam discusses the themes of ambition, but also the dangers of being too attached to material wealth and power. As he points out, the Pharisees and religious leaders were more concerned with their own interests than with using their wealth and influence to benefit others. If you're looking for a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of one of Jesus' most enigmatic parables, this episode is a must-listen. STUDY ON THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER A GUIDE TO BETTER UNDERSTANDING PRAYER https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does God expect from our lives? In this episode of our series on the parables of Jesus, Major Cam Henderson explores one of Jesus’ more challenging stories: the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree. Jesus tells the story of a fig tree that has been given time and care, yet continues to produce no fruit. The story is a serious reminder of the call to repentance and the importance of allowing God to transform our lives. But the parable also points to God’s patience and grace. He gives us time, works in us, and calls us to become fruitful through His presence in our lives. Join Major Cam Henderson as we explore Luke 13 and consider what it means to live a life that produces fruit for God and blesses the people around us. STUDY ON THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER A GUIDE TO BETTER UNDERSTANDING PRAYER https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What can an annoying, persistent friend teach us about prayer? In this episode of our series on the parables of Jesus, Major Cam Henderson explores Jesus’ surprising story of a friend who comes knocking at midnight asking for bread. Through this humorous and unexpected parable, Jesus teaches His disciples to pray with confidence, persistence, and trust. But the lesson goes beyond simply getting what we ask for. Jesus reminds us that God is not reluctant to hear us. He is our loving Father who knows what we truly need and delights in giving good gifts to His children. Join Major Cam Henderson as we explore Luke 11, the Parable of the Persistent Friend, and Jesus’ invitation to keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking. STUDY ON THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER A GUIDE TO BETTER UNDERSTANDING PRAYER https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does it mean to truly follow Jesus? In this episode of our series on the parables of Jesus, Major Cam Henderson explores Jesus’ teaching about two builders: one who builds his house on solid rock and another who builds on sand. Both houses face the same storm. The difference is what they were built on. Jesus’ parable challenges us to look beyond simply hearing His words and consider whether we are actually putting them into practice. What foundation are we building our lives, our families, and our futures on? And when the storms of life come, will that foundation hold? Join Major Cam Henderson as we explore Matthew 7 and Jesus’ powerful reminder that real wisdom is not simply knowing the truth, but living it. STUDY ON THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER A GUIDE TO BETTER UNDERSTANDING PRAYER Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What is Jesus asking us to do with the good news we've received? In the first episode of our new five-week series on the parables of Jesus, Major Cam Henderson takes us to Mark 4 and the parable of the growing seed. Jesus describes a farmer who scatters seed, trusts that it will grow, and eventually returns for the harvest. We may not understand exactly how God works in someone's heart, or what the future holds, but we can faithfully do our part. As followers of Jesus, we are called to scatter the seed of the gospel wherever we go, trusting God with the growth and the harvest. Who first shared the good news with you? And who might be waiting for you to share it with them? Join us for this new series as we take a deeper look at the parables of Jesus and what they reveal about the Kingdom of God and our lives as His people. Scripture: Mark 4:26-29Guest: Major Cam Henderson, Atlanta Temple Corps Learn more about Words of Life- https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife Major Cam Henderson's church- https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/ga/brookhaven/n-druid-hills-rd-ne-corps/   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this re-air episode of Words of Life, Bernie Dake revisits a conversation with professor, author, and speaker Jason Thacker about the rise of artificial intelligence and what it means for followers of Jesus. Jason offers a biblical perspective on the questions AI raises about technology, humanity, wisdom, and the way we engage an ever-changing world. Rather than blindly embracing new technology or simply rejecting it, Jason encourages Christians to slow down, ask thoughtful questions, and consider how technology is shaping the way we see God, ourselves, and one another. Here is a link to the original episode- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/following-jesus-in-the-age-of-artificial-intelligence/id1161823629?i=1000736943538 Learn more about Jason- https://jasonthacker.com/ Learn more about Words of Life- https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do our kids really need from us during the school year? As we close our Back to School series, we take a step back from grades, schedules, activities, and expectations to talk about something deeper: what it means to be present for our children as they navigate the challenges of growing up. Our panel reflects on the hopes and prayers they have for their children this school year, from developing gratitude and kindness to knowing who they are, knowing God, and building healthy friendships. But they also talk honestly about the difficult moments that come with parenting, including stress, disappointment, friendship struggles, and the times when our kids simply need a safe place to fall apart. This conversation also explores the importance of community. Parents don't have to navigate the school year in isolation. Teachers, counselors, youth leaders, mentors, friends, churches, and other parents can all play an important role in helping children grow. As this Back to School series comes to a close, join us for an encouraging conversation and a prayer for parents, students, teachers, friendships, and the year ahead. Resources:www.pta.org/home/programs/Healthy-Lifestyles/mental-health/for-familieswww.nami.org/research/publications-reports/guides/navigating-a-mental-health-crisis/childmind.org/resourceswww.schoolsafety.gov/mental-health Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do you do when your child starts asking questions about faith, God, the Bible, or even whether they believe at all anymore? In this episode of Words of Life, our Back to School series continues with an honest conversation about helping children and teenagers develop a faith that is truly their own. As kids grow older, they encounter new ideas, difficult experiences, outside influences, and questions that can challenge the faith they were taught as children. For Christian parents, those questions can be scary. But doubt and questions don't necessarily mean a child is walking away from God. In fact, asking questions can be an important part of developing a mature and lasting faith. Resources:www.pta.org/home/programs/Healthy-Lifestyles/mental-health/for-familieswww.nami.org/research/publications-reports/guides/navigating-a-mental-health-crisis/childmind.org/resourceswww.schoolsafety.gov/mental-health Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.