Amber Albee Swenson, one of our Time of Grace writers and bloggers, will help you navigate through some of life’s challenges and struggles by using Scripture and her own experiences of being a mom, wife, speaker, teacher, and forgiven child of God ... Because in God's kingdom, the little things ARE the big things.
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How fast do you have to have "IT"? Our culture tells us to find a microwave to speed up the process. C.L. Whiteside, a man who sees and hears multiple perspectives through his life of coaching sports, serving in education, and attempting to conform to Christ, searches for the nonmicrowaved truth. C.L. gets that what’s cool and acceptable now, may not be cool and acceptable tomorrow—and most importantly, may not be what’s best.
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Time of Grace exists to point people to what matters most: Jesus. Using a variety of media (television, radio, podcasts, print publications, and digital), Time of Grace teaches tough topics in an approachable and relatable way, accessible in multiple languages, making the Bible clear and understandable for those who need encouragement in their walks of faith and for those who don’t yet know Jesus at all.
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Unwind from a long day with Pastor Jeremy's evening devotions, bringing you comfort and perspective.
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Helping the Hurting: A Conversation About Domestic Abuse
17:07
17:07
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17:07Trigger warning: Amber hosts a vital conversation about domestic abuse with Dr. Brandon Hayes of Christian Family Solutions and Lori Kinsley of Kingdom Workers.The conversation thoughtfully explores the complex realities of domestic abuse within faith communities, offering insight into recognizing signs and supporting those affected. With expertise…
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Almost Honest Isn't Honest Enough: Still Need to Confess
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33:10
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33:10You likely think of yourself as honest. So why is there that one struggle you keep to yourself? Here's the problem with that: Unconfessed sin doesn’t go away—it grows. In this message, you'll see why God calls you to confess—not just to him but to others—so you can find the freedom, healing, and grace he wants for you. Because almost honest isn’t h…
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Behind the Series: Almost Honest Isn't Honest Enough
48:53
48:53
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48:53Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson explore the vital roles of honesty, vulnerability, and courage in the Christian journey, as they preview Pastor Mike's upcoming sermon series, "Almost Honest Isn't Honest Enough." They candidly discuss why confessing sins, engaging in thoughtful confrontation, and asking sincere questions are essential steps for …
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Why Your Pain Feels Louder Than God’s Blessing
17:46
17:46
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17:46What was Paul’s thorn in the flesh—and could it be the same kind of thorn you're dealing with today? Whether it's a hidden struggle, sexuality, a chronic condition, rebellious kids, a strained marriage, or unanswered prayers, this episode will unpack why God allows persistent pain to remain. Paul never names his thorn … maybe because God wanted you…
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Sneaky Lies Christians Believe: A Conversation With Pastor Mike
20:35
20:35
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20:35Amber is joined by Pastor Mike Novotny as they unpack a few of the subtle but powerful lies many Christians live by. From personal habits to cultural clichés, they explore "Sneaky Lies Christians Believe"—how small compromises can erode faith and relationships quietly. With a mix of humor and honesty, Amber and Pastor Mike challenge listeners to re…
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What if you feel too broken with too much baggage? Can you still be saved? Pastor Mike walks us through the account of one of Jesus' closest female friends and shows us that no matter our stories, our struggles, or our secrets, it doesn’t matter how broken we might be—because the broken belong with Jesus.…
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Weaponized Traditions: Trends Hurting the Church
27:15
27:15
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27:15In this episode we'll confront some of the most overlooked yet damaging trends in the modern church—practices and portrayals that have become weaponized traditions. From the image of “White Jesus” to the interesting practices some churches have normalized, we'll explore why it matters that churches reflect the truth and not traditions that exclude …
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Taboo Talk on Little Things: Toxic People and Boundaries
35:48
35:48
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35:48Unpack the tangled realities of toxic relationships with this raw, thoughtful conversation between Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson. They challenge the casual use of “toxic,” sharing real stories of emotional sabotage, relentless criticism, and the silent damage that wears on your spirit and mental health. Pastor Mike and Amber go beyond buzzwor…
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Anger can do real damage to our relationships and our lives. So, Pastor Mike says, we need to ask ourselves: how are we going to deal with our anger? Or more important, what is God going to do with us before we blow up his blessings with our anger issues? Pastor Mike looks at the story of two brothers and how Jesus dealt with their anger—and how he…
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From Tribute to Trap: Are You Worshiping What You Built?
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21:43
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21:43Culture constantly tells you to build—your brand, your business, your platform, your legacy. And while building isn’t wrong, there’s a quiet danger in letting what you built for God become what you worship instead of him. In this episode, we'll dive in to the subtle shift from honoring God to honoring ourselves. We won't call out the obvious idols …
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True value isn't about feelings or what others say about us but about the unique gifts God has given each of us. Amber and Pastor Mike share their personal struggles with self-esteem and confidence. They give practical advice on finding confidence through honest friendships and trusting in God's love, offering hope to anyone feeling uncertain about…
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ME on Team Jesus? : Even if I'm Stressed?
27:31
27:31
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27:31We all know a highly organized person who loves checking boxes, planning everything, and getting things done, and we are blessed to have them in our lives. Maybe we ARE that person. But what happens when these strengths of organization and productivity are turned up too high? Diving into the account of two sisters in the Bible, Pastor Mike gives us…
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Don't Quote 'Do Not Judge' if You Don’t Know the Rest
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26:05
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26:05In this episode, we'll challenge the cultural confusion surrounding judgment. Judgment isn’t inherently wrong. In fact, we make over 35,000 judgments a day! The key difference is whether we’re judging to condemn or judging to restore. So stop misusing “do not judge,” and start learning how to judge correctly—because you're going to judge whether yo…
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Taboo Talk on Little Things: When Your Marriage Gets Stuck
43:10
43:10
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43:10When you stood at the altar and took your vows, neither one of you envisioned now being in what Pastor Mike calls a "C- marriage." So . . . how do couples end up there? And if you are there, how do you get out of this rut? Pastor Mike and Amber aren't afraid to dig into the issues that can cause marriages to get stuck. We are pressing pause on "Lit…
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ME on Team Jesus? : Even if I'm Prideful?
27:31
27:31
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27:31We often have to be among the best to be chosen. But what if we're not the best? Or even close to it? Good thing for us that Jesus isn't like that. He didn't choose the best and the brightest. Instead, he picked people just like us: sinful, complicated people who sometimes aren't even considered good. Or, in the case of the apostle Peter, Jesus pic…
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Are You Choosing Better or Busy? The Idol of Bustling
22:48
22:48
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22:48In this episode we'll confront our addiction to activity and ask a hard question—Are we truly productive or just distracted? We'll explore how even good intentions can become spiritual roadblocks when we choose busyness over what Jesus calls “better.” From social media scrolling and constant multitasking to the pressures of family, work, and expect…
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Taboo Talk on Little Things: The Tension Between Christianity and the World
29:18
29:18
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29:18We are pressing pause on "Little Things" this month to give our staff a much-needed rest. In the meantime, we're introducing you to "Taboo Talk," a monthly podcast conversation from Amber and Pastor Mike from his podcast "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny." They talk about topics many Christians don't want to talk about. We hope you enjoy th…
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The impact of generosity can transform your life and those around you. Pastor Mike concludes the series on money, teaching about the power of giving—whether through financial support, your time, or acts of kindness. By being generous, you become a reflection of God's own generosity to you.By Time of Grace Ministry
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Hold Your Applause: To Congratulate or Not
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23:46
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23:46In this episode we'll challenge a culture that celebrates and claps for empty victories. Are our compliments reinforcing pride, vanity, and disobedience? We'll wrestle with how worldly applause can lure us into spiritual traps and explore how to develop discernment. It's time to rethink what (and whom) we celebrate—and ask if we're addicted to appl…
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Today you'll get a chance to meet Christine Doebler. She and her husband, Pastor Matt Doebler, are missionaries in Australia. She'll talk about the journey that took their family from Texas to Hong Kong to Thailand—and now to Australia. We'll talk about clinging to what matters and walking alongside people whatever season they are in. Amber talked …
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We're facing a "generosity crisis." There's a staggering decline in charitable giving despite an increase in wealth. Why are people consumed by getting instead of giving? Pastor Mike looks at the famous verse from 1 Timothy 6 that talks about the love of money being the root of all kinds of evil, warning us of what happens if greed gets to our hear…
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Lip Service & Lame Sacrifices: Malachi's Message Still Matters
27:53
27:53
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27:53Is your faith full of fire—or are you just going through the motions? God sent a bold messenger, Malachi, to confront the issues that are still plaguing us today. Malachi’s message wasn’t just for ancient Israel. It’s for anyone who’s tired of surface-level faith or burdened by spiritual compromise. Discover why Malachi’s message still matters for …
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Today you'll hear an interview with Marilyn Sievert, a Bible studier, prayer warrior, and mentor to many. If you're looking to fall more in love with the Word or to pray more boldly, look no further. Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected] If you have questions and want to know more abou…
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The Bible talks about money. A lot. So should we. Pastor Mike delves into the vital yet often overlooked conversation about money, exploring its dual nature as both a blessing and a potential challenge to your faith. Understanding the key principle of stewardship—everything you own is ultimately God's on loan—can transform your relationship with mo…
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Money. It's a topic many would rather avoid. But Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson tackle it head on, addressing the fears and challenges many face in managing finances. They emphasize the spiritual nature of money struggles, encouraging listeners to view money as a tool entrusted by God rather than personal property. They also highlight practica…
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Starving in a Feast: When "More" Isn't the Answer
27:03
27:03
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27:03We say we want more clarity from God, more detail in Scripture, more proof to believe. But what if we're starving, not because God hasn’t spoken or provided enough evidence but because we haven’t listened? This episode challenges the idea that we need “more” and instead asks: What are we doing with what we’ve already been given? You’ll be reminded …
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Faith Journeys: Pastor Jeremy Mattek
1:29:00
1:29:00
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1:29:00Pastor Jeremy Mattek joins Amber to share his insights on leadership and faith. With over 20 years of pastoral experience, Pastor Jeremy dives into navigating the complexities of family and church leadership. Discover how to foster a supportive environment, build up those around you, and ensure the dynamics of respect and encouragement thrive in yo…
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World Gone Mad: Obeying God = Blessings AND Hardships?
39:28
39:28
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39:28What kind of life do you expect God to give his most faithful followers? In Pastor Mike's last message from the book of Daniel, he explores your expectations of God through the story of Daniel in the lions' den. Drawing from Daniel's story, he helps you understand the importance of having unwavering faith—because you can expect both blessings and h…
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The Balanced Believer: Mind, Body, Bank, Spirit
34:09
34:09
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34:09Is it possible to be spiritually on fire but physically, mentally, or financially falling apart? This episode confronts a dangerous myth in Christian circles—that holiness means neglecting other parts of your life. We will dive into why followers of Jesus should stop settling for dysfunction in areas God clearly cares about and examine how imbalanc…
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Liz Schroeder shares the struggle that brought about a dramatic life change in 2021. Amber and Liz talk shame, accountability, and moving out of the brokenness in order to rescue others. Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected] If you have questions and want to know more about God, like w…
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What happens when you have to choose between pleasing others and staying true to your biblical faith? In Pastor Mike's second message from the book of Daniel, he uses the story of the three men in the fiery furnace to encourage you as you face your own tough decisions: What happens when you disappoint people by choosing to prioritize your faith? Le…
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In this episode, we'll confront a hard non-microwaved truth: Not everything culture celebrates is harmless. From viral mantras like “live your truth” and “do you” to deeper societal shifts around race, justice, identity, and pleasure—have we been drinking poison dressed in the clothes of freedom, fun, or fairness? Matthew 24:38,39 Proverbs 6:27–29 …
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Bridget Weber talks about her trip to the red-light district in India where she serves women who are caught in human trafficking as sex slaves. To find out more about how you can help with Bridget's work, email her at [email protected]. Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected] If …
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World Gone Mad: Stand Firm in Faith; Don't Conform
43:36
43:36
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43:36The societal pressures to conform to the way the world does things can be overwhelming. But Jesus calls us to be in the world, not of it. In this first message from Pastor Mike's new series from the book of Daniel, he encourages you to stand firm in your faith against the pressures to go along with cultural beliefs and behaviors that are not biblic…
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Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson preview the next sermon series that looks at the book of Daniel. They explore how Daniel faced immense challenges—from assimilation pressures to standing firm against idolatry. They highlight Daniel’s unwavering faith, humility, and courage as powerful examples for Christians today living in a world that often fe…
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Is your diet pulling you closer or further from your purpose? In this episode, we’ll examine if food is serving as a fuel and a connector or as an idol and a distraction. With biblical insight and honest reflection, this episode challenges you to ask: Are you glorifying God with what you eat and drink? 1 Corinthians 10:31 Philippians 3:19 Proverbs …
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The final part of this four-part series will remind us that a good wife is a good neighbor. But what does that mean, and what does that look like in practical terms? Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected] If you have questions and want to know more about God, like what does he think of …
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For those who are sick of something—sick of sins, sick of aches and pains you can't fix, sick of the worry in your life, sick of the injustice in the world—Pastor Mike's final message from the book of Revelation gives you the Bible's final promise: There's a whole new world at the end for the people of God where everything is good and perfect. Wher…
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We’re at War: Should We Make Friends With Our Enemies?
20:37
20:37
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20:37In this episode, we will confront the real battle lines in life—spiritual, internal, and relational. Are you fighting the wrong enemies while compromising with the ones who truly oppose God's will? Discover why loving your enemies doesn’t mean befriending them and how compromising with darkness always leads to loss. It's time to stop seeking approv…
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In the third part of this four-part series on Proverbs 31, we'll look at the qualities of a good mom. Don't worry; there's no mom guilt here, only suggestions and opportunities for how to parent with eternal significance. Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected] If you have questions and …
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The struggle seems real. Surveys show a growing disconnect from the church, and there's a stark decline in spiritual leaders, all while more people identify with no religion. You also wonder why you struggle so much with your own personal challenges. But instead of letting you live with the tension and suspense of what will happen amidst all this s…
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Call Out or Lift Up? When to Rebuke and When to Restore
24:19
24:19
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24:19Do you naturally lift people up—or feel called to call them out? In this episode, we'll wrestle with the tension between calling out arrogance and lifting up the ashamed, because both require Spirit-led wisdom. One of the worst things we can do is kick someone when they’re already down—but just as dangerous is empowering someone who's stuck in sin …
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What does a Christian man look for in a wife? In the second part of this four-part series on Proverbs 31, we'll examine the verses that pertain to marriage to see! Not surprisingly, it has far less to do with having your nails done and being the right size and more to do with how you treat him and how you look out for him each day. Amber wants to h…
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How far would you go for Jesus? In a world where you will always be tempted to compromise, to sell out, and to cut theological corners, Pastor Mike's message today from the book of Revelation encourages you to stand firm in your faith so you know you are not marked by the beast and this world, but instead you are marked by God. Where do you turn to…
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Families are avoiding godly conflict in the name of comfort, but real love demands real battles for truth. Silence and compromise open the door to deeper sin. If you’re tired of watching your family drift from God while everyone smiles and stays silent, this is for you. It’s time to battle in the Spirit, not avoid in fear. In this episode we'll dig…
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This is the first of a four-part series on the Proverbs 31 woman. Don't run away. She's not an elusive woman, too perfect for any of us to aspire to be. She's a woman just like you and me, doing a lot of the things we already do. Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected] If you have questi…
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Here's a hard truth: Satan knows you. The father of lies knows what tempts you and what will lead you astray. How do you combat him? In this new series that looks at the book of Revelation, Pastor Mike teaches that though the devil will attack you in various ways, you can overcome him. Uncover practical insights on how to protect your spirit and em…
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Who do you say God is? A friend? A jerk? A judge? A healer? A provider? So often, we reduce the Creator of the universe to a single role that suits our comfort, our desires, or our limitations. In this episode, we’ll dive into how we limit God's identity—choosing his mercy but rejecting his justice, calling him Father but ignoring his discipline, s…
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Any chance you are sabotaging your own happiness? Are you trying to control things you weren't meant to control? Are you praying for the people who are making decisions that affect you rather than letting their decisions create chaos in your life? Get your copy of "The Key to Confidence" at timeofgrace.org! A special announcement for all you "Littl…
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Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson are back with a preview of the new upcoming sermon series, "Revelation." They dive into the book of Revelation, a book many Christians avoid out of confusion or fear. But instead of avoiding it, Pastor Mike and Amber discuss how you should approach it: with the end in mind. Be comforted by how your story ends so …
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