Have you checked your heart lately? Pride—that silent destroyer—might be blocking your blessings without you even realizing it.

In this profound spiritual exploration, we dive deep into the dangers of hidden pride and why God explicitly states He "resists the proud but gives grace to the humble." The truth is, pride isn't always obvious or loud. It often lurks quietly in our accomplishments, our independence, and even our good intentions, making us resistant to correction, unable to receive help, and blind to divine truth.

Looking at Pharaoh from the book of Exodus, we witness the ultimate case study of how pride hardens hearts against God's miracles and messages. Despite witnessing supernatural signs, Pharaoh's pride prevented him from heeding God's command until devastating personal loss finally broke through his resistance—a sobering reminder of pride's destructive potential in our own lives.

Jesus, by contrast, shows us the perfect model of humility. Though King of Kings, He washed feet and served sacrificially, demonstrating that true greatness comes through surrender, not self-exaltation. This paradoxical spiritual principle—that the way up is down—offers us freedom from pride's suffocating grip.

What might God be trying to show you that pride is blocking? How might your spiritual growth accelerate through genuine humility? It's time for an honest heart check. Remember, pride can't go where God is taking you. Stay low so He can lift you high, and watch as doors open that pride once kept firmly shut.

Take five minutes today in stillness before God, asking Him to examine your heart and uproot any pride He finds there. Your breakthrough might be closer than you think—just on the other side of surrender.

Have you ever found yourself at a spiritual crossroads, unsure which path to take? In this deeply moving episode, host Stephanie L Harrison returns to the studio after a brief hiatus, bringing along her daughter PJ who celebrates her 17th birthday on Juneteenth. Together, they navigate profound biblical truths about faith, patience, and authentic relationship with God.

The conversation opens with a powerful devotional about life's journey, emphasizing that spiritual growth isn't instantaneous but requires consistent effort and patience. PJ offers a remarkably mature perspective, comparing spiritual development to relationships: "God doesn't work like that. If you were in a relationship with someone for three days, you wouldn't move in with them on day three." This insight sets the tone for an exploration of how God prepares us for blessings we don't yet realize we're not ready to receive.

Mother and daughter delve into Psalms 21, revealing God as our ultimate source of strength and joy, before exploring Jeremiah 33:3 – what they call our spiritual "911 call." This divine invitation to direct communication with our Creator promises wisdom beyond human understanding. The discussion reaches its zenith when examining Matthew 7's teachings about judgment, seeking truth, and bearing authentic spiritual fruit.

Perhaps most compelling is PJ's candid assessment of her generation as "lost in a maze," contrasted with her passionate declaration that "this side is better" – referring to life guided by faith. Her fresh perspective challenges listeners across generations to examine whether their spiritual lives display merely leaves or true fruit. "Some people might have leaves on their tree but they ain't really bearing no fruit," she observes with wisdom beyond her years.

Whether you're beginning your spiritual journey or seeking renewal on a well-traveled path, this conversation reminds us that God's love drives out fear, nothing is too difficult for Him, and the narrow gate, though challenging to find, leads to abundant life. Start your mornings with gratitude rather than screen time, and watch how even small steps toward spiritual growth transform your perspective on everything.

Picture this: you're standing at the beginning of a new year, 2025, eager to start fresh and align your life with a higher purpose. That's the journey we're embarking on together today. I'm Stephanie L Harrison, and we'll explore the profound insights from Psalms 111:7, focusing on trustworthiness and spiritual alignment. Through my personal journey and the unwavering support of the Iron Sharpens Iron group, who have been faithfully seeking God every morning for the past eight years, we tackle how doubt can be the stumbling block to spiritual growth and the transformative power of aligning our goals with divine purpose.

We also tackle the intense challenges of spiritual warfare, using the story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness as our guide. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, Jesus' experience after fasting for 40 days serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual nourishment and obedience to God. We draw comparisons to the trials faced by Elijah and Elisha, delving into stories of miraculous provision and the battle against skepticism and pride. These narratives not only highlight the power of faith and divine intervention but also offer lessons on the strength found in obedience to God's word.

Our discussion wouldn't be complete without addressing Jesus' profound proclamation of Jubilee and His mission of liberation and transformation. As we reflect on the enduring challenges of skepticism that Jesus faced, we realize that faith and forgiveness are the cornerstones of living a life aligned with God's word. Through the lens of Israel's vine imagery, we emphasize the essential act of trusting Jesus to lead us. As we step into 2025, it's about embracing new beginnings with faith, allowing Him to drive our lives towards purpose and fulfillment. Join me on this journey of faith, trust, and spiritual renewal.