Rise and Shine

Finding Jesus in the Everyday | Shelby Gardner on Faith, Story, and Trust

How often do we miss Jesus because we're looking for Him only in the big moments? In this special episode of Rise and Shine, I sit down with Shelby Gardner, author of Lily Pads, for a conversation about finding Jesus in the everyday moments of life, trusting God's leading when we don't understand where He's taking us, and the incredible power of sharing our stories. So often, we expect God to show up in dramatic ways. We wait for the miracle, the breakthrough, or the clear answer. But many times, God is working quietly in the ordinary moments—the conversations, the struggles, the unexpected detours, and the simple daily opportunities to draw closer to Him. Together, Shelby and I discuss how learning to recognize Jesus in our everyday lives can transform our faith and help us trust Him even when the path ahead seems unclear. We also spend time talking about the importance of testimony. Throughout Scripture, God's people are called to remember and share what He has done. Our stories matter because they point people to God's faithfulness. The victories, the struggles, the seasons of waiting, and the moments when God carried us through all become powerful reminders that He is still at work. You may think your testimony isn't dramatic enough to make a difference—but God often uses ordinary stories of faithfulness to encourage someone who is struggling and remind them they are not alone. We also discuss: * The inspiration behind Lily Pads * Trusting God when you can't see the whole path * Finding Jesus in ordinary, everyday moments * Why testimony is one of the most powerful tools believers have * Sharing your story to encourage others * Recognizing God's faithfulness in hindsight * How to walk alongside loved ones who are struggling * Offering hope without trying to "fix" everything * Learning to trust God one step at a time ❤️ The Heart of This Episode God is not only present in the mountaintop moments. He's present in the everyday. He's present in the ordinary conversations, the quiet mornings, the difficult seasons, and the unexpected turns. And when we share the stories of His faithfulness, we remind others—and ourselves—that He has never stopped working. Your testimony is more powerful than you realize because it points people to a faithful Savior. ✨ Main Takeaway Look for Jesus in the everyday moments. Trust Him when you can't see the whole path. And never underestimate the impact of sharing your story—because your testimony may be exactly what someone else needs to hear to keep trusting God. 📚 Featured Guest: Shelby Gardner, author of Lily Pads Instagram: @shelbyy_gardnerr shelbygardner.com Order the book: https://a.co/d/02O9Estp 📲 Follow for weekly Bible teaching, encouragement, and faith-filled conversations:@theriseandshinepodcast@hayleejacob_

When You're the Only Christian in the Room | Standing Firm in Faith

Have you ever left a church service, conference, retreat, or worship night feeling completely on fire for God—only to struggle to maintain that same passion once you returned to everyday life? In this episode of Rise and Shine, we're talking about what it means to stand firm in your faith when you're no longer surrounded by other believers and how to remain rooted in Christ when facing temptation, opposition, or spiritual pressure. It's easy to worship when everyone around you loves Jesus. But what about: * When you're the only Christian at work? * When your friends don't share your faith? * When your family doesn't understand your beliefs? * When following Jesus costs you something? God never called us to have a faith that depends on a conference, an emotional worship experience, or the people around us. He calls us to be deeply rooted in Christ so that we can stand firm no matter what environment we're in. In this episode, we discuss: * Why faith can feel stronger in Christian environments * The danger of relying on emotions to sustain your walk with God * What it means to be rooted and established in Christ * The Parable of the Sower and the importance of deep spiritual roots * Living out your faith among non-believers * How to respond when your beliefs are challenged * Why persecution shouldn't surprise Christians * Standing firm in a culture that increasingly opposes biblical truth * Being a light for Jesus without compromising your convictions Whether you're facing peer pressure, workplace challenges, family opposition, or simply struggling to keep your passion for Jesus alive between Sundays, this episode will encourage you to stay faithful and keep your eyes on Christ. 🔑 Key Scriptures * Romans 12:2 * Philippians 1:27 * Revelation 3:15-16 * Colossians 2:6-7 * Matthew 13:1-9 * James 1:22-24 * Titus 2:7-8 * Colossians 4:5-6 * 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 * James 4:4 * John 15:19-21 * James 4:6-7 * 1 Peter 3:13-16 * 1 Corinthians 15:58 * Ephesians 6:11 * John 16:33 ❤️ The Heart of This Episode A strong faith isn't built on a conference. A strong faith isn't built on emotions. A strong faith is built on Jesus. When your roots go deep into Christ, you'll be able to stand firm whether you're surrounded by believers, standing alone, or facing opposition for your faith. ✨ Main Takeaway Don't let your relationship with Jesus depend on the people around you. Be rooted in Christ so deeply that your faith remains strong whether you're at church, at work, at school, at home, or facing opposition. Stand firm. Stay faithful. Keep your eyes on Jesus. 📲 Follow for weekly Bible teaching and encouragement: @theriseandshinepodcast @hayleejacob_ 🙏 Subscribe for practical biblical encouragement and deeper conversations about following Jesus in everyday life.

Trusting God When He Feels Distant | Psalm 22 & Jesus on the Cross

In this short episode of Rise and Shine, we read through Psalm 22 and reflect on what it means to trust God even in seasons when He feels distant. Psalm 22 begins with deep anguish and the words: “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” These are the same words Jesus spoke on the cross. This Psalm is a powerful reminder that even in suffering, pain, confusion, and silence… we can still choose to trust God. Jesus Himself trusted the Father through the cross — through pain He fully understood and suffering we could never imagine. And because of that, we can hold onto hope even when we don’t fully understand what God is doing. If you’re walking through a hard season, feeling discouraged, or struggling to sense God’s presence, this episode is meant to encourage you to keep holding on. God is still faithful — even when we cannot see the full picture. 🔑 In This Episode, We Cover: * Reading through Psalm 22 * Trusting God when He feels distant * Jesus quoting Psalm 22 on the cross * Faith in seasons of suffering * Holding onto hope when emotions feel heavy * Remembering God’s faithfulness even in silence 📖 Main Scripture: Psalm 22 ❤️ The Heart of This Episode Faith is not pretending everything feels okay. Faith is continuing to trust God even when you don’t understand, even when emotions are heavy, and even when He feels far away. Jesus trusted through the cross. And we can trust Him too. ✨ Main Takeaway God’s silence is not His absence. Keep trusting. Keep holding on. He is still faithful. 📲 Follow for weekly Bible encouragement and devotionals: @theriseandshinepodcast @hayleejacob_ 🙏 Subscribe for Scripture-based encouragement and honest conversations about faith.

When You Feel Like Giving Up | God’s Strength in Discouragement

Have you ever felt so discouraged that you just want to give up? Like you’re not good enough for what God has called you to do… Like you keep failing… Or like you’re just too tired to keep going? In this episode of Rise and Shine, Haylee talks honestly about discouragement and how even strong believers experience moments of deep exhaustion and doubt. 🔑 In This Episode, We Cover: We look at the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 18–19—a prophet who had just experienced a powerful victory from God… and yet, shortly after, found himself afraid, discouraged, and ready to give up. This episode reminds us of something incredibly important: Discouragement doesn’t disqualify you. Even in Elijah’s fear, exhaustion, and negative thoughts, God didn’t abandon him— He met him, provided for him, and restored him. If you’ve been feeling weary, defeated, or questioning your calling, this episode will remind you that: * You are not alone * You are not failing * And God is not finished with you * Why discouragement often comes after spiritual victories * How the enemy uses fear and lies to make us want to quit * Why feeling tired doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong * The importance of rest and God’s provision * How God meets us in our lowest moments * Why we can trust God to refill what we don’t have * Learning to rely on God instead of our own strength📖 Key Scriptures:1 Kings 18–19 ❤️ The Heart of This Episode You can have a mountaintop moment… and still find yourself in a valley. But the same God who showed up in your victory will meet you in your exhaustion.God doesn’t walk away when you’re discouraged— He draws near. ✨ Main Takeaway Discouragement doesn’t mean you’re failing. It often means you’re human. But your strength was never meant to come from you— it comes from God. And He will refill you. 📲 Follow for weekly encouragement and Bible teaching: @theriseandshinepodcast @hayleejacob_ 🙏 Subscribe for real, honest conversations that help you keep going in your faith.

Serving Over Status | What Jesus Teaches About Greatness

In this episode of Rise and Shine, we talk about something that goes directly against the culture we live in — humility. The world tells us to climb higher, build more, and become greater. But Jesus teaches something completely different. He says: “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” Through passages like Mark 9, Matthew 18, and Mark 10, we see that the Kingdom of God doesn’t operate like the world. Greatness isn’t found in status, recognition, or accumulation — it’s found in humility, surrender, and service. Jesus Himself modeled this perfectly. He humbled Himself, served others, washed feet, and ultimately gave His life on the cross. This episode is a call to examine our hearts: * Are we chasing what looks valuable in the world… or what actually matters in eternity? * Are we trying to be first… or willing to be last? * Are we building our own name… or serving in a way that reflects Jesus? We also talk about the danger of trusting in earthly treasures and why Scripture calls us to seek something greater — treasures in Heaven. 🔑 In This Episode, We Cover: * What biblical humility really looks like * Why Jesus says the first will be last * How pride quietly shows up in our lives * Why worldly success can distract us from eternal purpose * The example Jesus set through serving and sacrifice * Why we shouldn’t place our trust in earthly treasures * What it means to live for eternal rewards instead of temporary gain * How to practically walk in humility and serve others 📖 Key Scriptures: Mark 9:33–37 Matthew 18:1–5 Mark 10:13–31 Psalm 84:10 ❤️ The Heart of This Episode Jesus didn’t call us to build our own kingdoms. He called us to lay them down. In a world obsessed with being first, seen, and successful— God calls His people to something deeper: Humility. Service. Surrender. Because what we gain here won’t last. But what we invest in eternity will. ✨ Main Takeaway If we chase the things of this world, we may gain status—but lose perspective. But when we choose humility, serve others, and seek God first, we gain something far greater: Eternal treasure. 📲 Follow for weekly Bible teaching and encouragement: @theriseandshinepodcast @hayleejacob_ 🙏 Subscribe for Scripture-based encouragement and practical ways to grow in your walk with Jesus.