God, Country & the American Story With Billy Hallowell

Celebrity trainer and fitness enthusiast Alec Penix is on a mission to inspire people to think deeper about physical — and spiritual — changes that can help transform lives. Penix, who trains some well-known names in Hollywood, is a Christian whose faith informs his work, as he helps people reach their hopes, aspirations and personal goals.

At a time when many people see politics as the primary means to change culture, Russell Moore, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, is placing his attention on a very different institution: the family.

'Tis the season for…difficult family dynamics. I was pretty intrigued to see how my last podcast and devotional about Christmas chaos so widely resonated. GET UPLIFTED: Sign Up for Billy Hallowell’s Newsletter and Read His Book ‘Fault Line’ My “Christmas survival guide” offered some biblical insights on dealing with tough family members and related problems. So, I want to follow up on that.

The Christmas season is filled with food, fun — and family. Spending quality time with friends and loved ones is many times the most amazing part of the season. Unfortunately, though, many of us have complicated family dynamics. While the holiday season is a time for peace and joy, difficult dynamics can sometimes cloud our festivities. The question is: how should we react to difficult and challenging family members?

Human nature can lead us to some pretty problematic (and even horrific) things, particularly when people avoid adhering to a concrete moral code. Solomon affirms this reality again and again throughout Proverbs, reminding us in Chapter 28, verse 26 that “those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.” So, who are you trusting in?

Today’s devotion is short, sweet and down-to-the-point. As we head into the weekend and most of us have a bit more time to think and be introspective, let’s reflect on Romans 12:2.

We’re all heard the timeless slogans — “There are no guarantees in life,” “We make plans and God laughs,” “Life gives you lemons and you make lemonade” — and the list goes on (and on). The reality is, outside of our own definitive decisions, we have very little control over what happens to us in our lives. From curveballs to unforeseen circumstances, life can get pretty dicey. Here's how to navigate it.

The Bible’s timeless truths are designed to get us thinking deeper about life, love and spiritual matters. Sometimes, a simple verse can spark a deep thought or stunning realization. This is exactly what happened to me the other day when I was doing a morning devotion with my 6 year old and my 3 year old. It was the text of Psalm 24:1 (NIV) that stopped me in my tracks.

Society is tragically losing its ability to win and lose with grace. We’ve come to assume that a brash tone and a harsh tongue are the best methods for winning arguments. But are we wrong? Whether your side wins or loses Tuesday's election, DO THIS.

There’s typically a message embedded deep in each and every mess we find ourselves in. Sometimes, we’ve created these messes — other times these messes have tragically found us. Regardless of how our problems take form, we’re all in need of help and redemption. Here's how we get it.

It’s impossible to walk away after reading the Book of Proverbs without the word “wisdom” standing out in our hearts and minds. Without a doubt, wisdom — defined as “ability to discern inner qualities and relationships” — is at the very core of all of Solomon’s writings. And as we navigate a tattered social structure that has everyone divided and jumping at one another, there are plenty of truths in Proverbs that should sustain and convict us. Here they are.

“TODAY” host Kathie Lee Gifford is an outspoken Christian who never wastes an opportunity to talk about her relationship with God. GET UPLIFTED: Sign Up for Billy Hallowell’s Newsletter During a recent interview on “The Billy Hallowell Podcast” she delivered some powerful biblical lessons worth revisiting. Listen to my devotional about these stunning proclamations.

It’s understandable why some people feel letdown, worried and fearful amid a chaotic culture. With the news cycle and the politics of the day highlighting and perpetuating dysfunction, there’s a statistic that emerged this week that should actually give us all hope: 90 percent of Americans believe politicians “should display peace, kindness, gentleness and self-control.” Here's why this matters.

Humility matters. But don’t just take my word for it. The Bible gives us quite a bit to chew on when it comes to pride. Rather than seeing ourselves above others, we’re called to serve and love those around us.

The world tells us to chase riches, money, fame and “success.” Celebrity homes, cars and hobbies are often center stage in the entertainment press, sparking a strange sense of jealousy among the masses. Meanwhile, social media is focused on selfies and the quest to bring attention to ourselves. Here's why this is breeding a total mess for us all.

Christian singer TobyMac offers up three powerful lessons that are worth pondering as we embark on the day and prepare to head into the weekend.

The social and political horrors that emerge almost ceaselessly can be overwhelming to say the least, as bitterness, division and hate metastasize on a near-daily basis. Here's the solution.

Veteran TV host Kathie Lee Gifford is an entertainer who has found widespread success over the decades, but it’s her deep Christian faith that most defines her. Gifford has made headlines in recent years for openly sharing the gospel in overtly secular spaces. Listen to her break down the gospel, her faith — and the reason why she never hesitates to discuss salvation.

Proverbs is filled with so many important lessons. Each chapter is bursting with a plethora of essential subject matter — simple and timeless truths by which we can live. Here are just five truths from Proverbs 22 that can help us build our faith, while navigating the complexities of life. Read the devotion as well: https://www.pathufind.com/blog/2018/10/24/5-biblical-lessons-you-need-to-survive-today

There’s a lot of talk these days about “winning,” but very little discussion or explanation about what true victory really looks like. There’s certainly nothing wrong with setting goals and trying to persevere to reach them, but there is something off-kilter when our goals and aspirations are sought without God’s guidance. In the end, our motivation — and inspiration — matter.

God gives us the free will to decide for ourselves how we want to live, what we want to say and how we choose to interact with the people and things around us. But free will often comes at a cost. Along with the ability to live and behave as we choose, God has also fortunately given us a blueprint to discern His plan for our lives. This roadmap is the Bible — a timeless book that explains the ins and outs of how human beings are meant to live.

With more than three decades in music under his belt, TobyMac — whose real name is Toby McKeehan — is still going strong. The popular singer-songwriter is out with a new album called “The Elements” and he recently opened up about his life, career and passion for community during an interview with “The Billy Hallowell Podcast.”

Each of us is filled with “desire.” This is a natural human reaction to the world around us; it fuels our goals, aspirations and wants. But the Bible makes it pretty clear that unrestrained desire — desire not based on Christ — is fruitless. Here's how we fix it.

A lot of us find ourselves: stuck, depressed, comparing ourselves to others, unhappy, not where we want to be lost, confused, angry, distracted Perhaps we're all missing the obvious.

Singer Austin French is on a mission to make music that reaches fans’ hearts and souls. French, 24, recently shared his incredible journey from skeptical pastor’s kid to popular Christian musician — an exploration that forced him to question absolutely everything, including his childhood faith.

Hillary Clinton says we can't be civil with political opponents who want to "destroy" what we stand for. Here's why she's very, very wrong.

Culture shouldn't be our guide, yet so many of us elevate society's views over the gospel. In the battle over truth vs. love, where so you stand?

Want your kids to follow God? The Bible has something pretty powerful to say about that.

What does it mean to be smart and have knowledge? You might be shocked to learn that the world has it all wrong.

Should our pasts define us? Culture has a failed understanding of redemption. Here's a reality check for us all -- and perhaps the most compelling argument for Christianity.

People on both sides of the Ford-Kavanaugh debacle are sounding off. But amid the chaos, there's something too many of us have forgotten to do.

No one is perfect, yet culture sells us the lie that we essentially are golden to be doing and saying whatever it is we want to do and say. Here’s an essential reality check, though.

What is truth? Why are we called to embrace it? How can we live, survive and thrive in an era of lies and consternation? We're called to #truth.

What would you say if your days (and words) were numbered? How would you look at the world differently? I received an email this week that left me convicted, saddened — and yet amazingly inspired. It's a message I think everyone needs today.

Ben Shapiro has made a name for himself in conservative circles, appearing daily on radio, TV and at events around the nation. His off-the-cuff and rapid retorts have solidified him as a favorite commentator among politicos — but what’s Shapiro’s backstory? He recently sat down with “The Billy Hallowell Podcast” to talk about free speech, culture and the roots of his career.

Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro shows no fear when he tackles some of the most controversial issues of the day. Abortion is just one of the topics he frequently addresses with passionate fervor; it’s an issue that he firmly believes is “the great moral issue of our time” and one for which history will ultimately judge our society. Listen to him explain why he cares.

People love to talk about forgiveness, but are we getting it all wrong?

Many people walk around talking about Jesus as though he was some kind of hippie who only preached peace and love. While it’s true that he certainly preached peace and love, Jesus did much more than that. Here’s the thing too many people have been missing about Christ. Are you guilty?

The September 11 attacks transformed the world. The horrific events changed the fabric of the nation. Here's one of the biggest lessons we have forgotten 17 years later.

What does it mean to be a fool? You might be surprised how many times you’ve been guilty of not living up to what’s right. This must-hear message is convicting and uplifting all at the same time.

Actor Chris Pratt has wowed crowds with his acting skills, but he's also been going viral of late over his open proclamations about God and faith. Here's a look at his character and faith through the eyes of his brother, Cully Pratt.

Maybe we are doing it all wrong.

Here's my message to everyone freaking out about the Supreme Court (and life in general).

Ready for a new beginning? Here’s where you should start.

The world is imploding — but are you also at fault?

A talent for the arts clearly runs deep in the Pratt family’s DNA. Cully Pratt, Hollywood megastar Chris Pratt’s older brother, recently revealed some fascinating details about the family’s creative genes — and some incredible facts about his own personal journey and his brother's rise to fame.

Embracing Jesus changes hearts — and lives. That’s the lesson that author Ericka Andersen learned after she met her now-husband, Rick, began to discover his backstory and watched as God moved in his life. After growing up in an intensely abusive household and later suffering from the results of that treatment, Rick found Jesus — and his life was never the same.

Music and film producer Mark Joseph knows a thing or two about the entertainment world, having worked for decades in both the Christian and secular arenas. In his new book, “Rock Gets Religion: The Battle for the Soul of the Devil's Music,” Joseph makes the case for Christians to “make their music in the middle of popular culture.” Joseph recently told “The Billy Hallowell Podcast” that he believes it’s important for Christian artists to speak to the broader culture by having a presence in the mainstream.

Pastor Chris Sonksen is on a mission to encourage Christians to “quit church” — but his quest isn’t quite what you’d think. Sonksen, author of the new book, “Quit Church: Because Your Life Would Be Better If You Did,” recently told “The Billy Hallowell Podcast” that he’s concerned over the “common threads of weakening spiritual behaviors in people’s lives.” The preacher, who is committed to offering solutions, doesn’t want people to literally quit worshipping at church as much as he wants believers to rethink their approach to living their faith out.

Evangelist Christine Caine believes it’s essential for Christians who are fearful or struggling in an increasingly secular culture to remember an important reality that sometimes gets lost in the social chaos: it’s essential to find a balance between truth and love. Caine, author of the new book, “Unexpected: Leave Fear Behind, Move Forward in Faith, Embrace the Adventure,” recently told “The Billy Hallowell Podcast” that Americans today might find increased secularization troubling, but that her own experience growing up in Australia previously prepared her for such a dynamic. She said she learned early on what it meant to exist as a Christian in a culture that didn’t embrace faith values. In America, some people are now waking up to that same reality, especially as culture rapidly shifts.