Grow Closer to God

Jesse Velez
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  • Christianity
  • Updated Daily

Inspirational devotions exploring the transformative power of God's Word, the Bible. Discover how to grow closer to God as we journey together to understand the Story of God's love.

  1. Jul 23

    Judging the Song or Judging the Heart

    Justin Bieber’s performance of “Everything Hallelujah” during the World Cup Final brought openly faith-oriented language onto one of the world’s most visible stages. The moment drew attention to the song and quickly produced competing Christian interpretations. Some called the performance sincere worship. Others dismissed it as little more than entertainment. This episode considers how we can evaluate public words with biblical discernment while refusing to claim knowledge of motives that only God can see.

    Judging the Song or Judging the Heart

  2. Jul 22

    Political Power Is Never Ultimate

    Zohran Mamdani still supports Benjamin Netanyahu’s arrest, but he now acknowledges that New York City lacks the authority to carry it out. His concession raises a larger question: Where does human authority end, and how can Christians rest in God’s sovereignty without ignoring justice, law or responsible government? The episode examines the important distinction between holding a strong conviction and possessing the jurisdiction necessary to act upon it. The central biblical passage is John 19, where Pilate reminds Jesus of his power to release or crucify Him. Jesus does not deny that Pilate holds real governmental authority. Instead, He declares that Pilate’s authority was given to him from above. That exchange reveals the episode’s main spiritual tension. Human authorities exercise real power and remain accountable for how they use it, but no political office, court or institution possesses unlimited or ultimate authority.

    Political Power Is Never Ultimate

  3. Jul 21

    Building a Safer Church

    The remaining claim in a lawsuit involving former Southwestern Seminary president Paige Patterson ended shortly before trial without publicly disclosed terms. Rather than attempting to decide the case, this episode asks what church members must do to create communities where vulnerable people can speak and receive protection rather than becoming threats to an institution’s comfort or reputation.

    Building a Safer Church

  4. Jul 20

    Beyond Confident Masculinity

    Andrew and Tristan Tate’s arrest raises serious legal questions, but it also exposes a larger cultural tension: What kind of strength are influential men teaching others to admire? Through Mark 10:42–45, this episode considers due process, discernment, masculinity, and the difference between controlling others and serving them. This episode does not attempt to determine guilt or innocence. Instead, it asks a broader question prompted by the influence Andrew Tate has gained among young men: What kind of strength are we being taught to admire?

    Beyond Confident Masculinity

  5. Jul 17

    Anger Wearing a Halo

    A former Marine and congressional candidate faces federal charges after allegedly threatening President Donald Trump. This episode examines how political outrage can take on religious language—and why Romans 12 calls Christians to pursue justice without surrendering to vengeance, hatred, or dehumanization.

    Anger Wearing a Halo

  6. Jul 16

    The Dangerous Distance Between Rumor and Truth

    The sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham and the hospitalization of Senator Mitch McConnell produced widespread speculation online—but some commentators moved from asking questions to announcing conclusions that available evidence did not support. This episode explores the crucial difference between suspicion and biblical discernment. Using Proverbs 18:13 and Proverbs 18:17, Jesse examines why believers should resist reaching a verdict before hearing the facts. Scripture does not require Christians to trust every institution automatically, ignore troubling patterns, or dismiss reasonable questions. It does require honesty about what has been established, what remains unknown, and whether new evidence challenges our preferred conclusions.

    The Dangerous Distance Between Rumor and Truth

  7. 03/11/2024

    Witchcraft and The True Magic - 1 Samuel 28

    In today’s podcast, we explore witchcraft through the lense of 1 Samuel 28. Saul turns to the witches of Endor to ask Samuel a question about his future as King. You can read along at: Witchcraft and The True Magic Want more devotionals, go to: Grow Closer to God.

    Witchcraft and The True Magic - 1 Samuel 28

  8. 03/04/2024

    Building Altars of Communication - Joshua 22

    On today's podcast, we take a close look at Joshua 22. War is over and now, three tribes do something incredible suspicious and a priest name Phinehas goes to find out what's going on. If it's bad news, then he's prepared to go to war against his brothers. Listen as we explore the divine outcome when communication in church becomes a deadly priority. You can read along at: Building Altars of Communication Want more devotionals, go to: Grow Closer to God.

    Building Altars of Communication - Joshua 22
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About

Inspirational devotions exploring the transformative power of God's Word, the Bible. Discover how to grow closer to God as we journey together to understand the Story of God's love.

Information

  • Creator
    Jesse Velez
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    126
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jesse Velez
  • Show Website
    Grow Closer to God