Ever asked God for a sign when making a difficult decision or worrying about the future? Bob Shaw has, too. In Judges 6, Gideon asks God for confirmation using a fleece—and God answers. But does that mean we should expect signs whenever we ask? In this FaithFuel devotional, Bob considers Gideon's experience, the warning against testing God, and why we can ask for wisdom and reassurance without making a sign a condition of trusting Him.

I always appreciate hearing from you—feel free to reach out.

Support the show

If you’re enjoying FaithFuel, a quick rating helps more people find it.

Want a little extra encouragement each week?
Sign up here: https://faithfuelpodcast.kit.com/70f267c8b2

We often say “I’m blessed” when we get a promotion, buy a house, or receive good news. And those really are gifts from God. But in Matthew 5, Jesus calls the poor in spirit, those who mourn, and those persecuted for righteousness blessed. How can that be? In this FaithFuel devotional, Bob Shaw looks at the promises Jesus makes in the Beatitudes, James 1:17, and Ephesians 1:3 to explain what God’s favor means—and why believers remain blessed even when circumstances change, jobs disappear, or grief is part of life.

I always appreciate hearing from you—feel free to reach out.

Support the show

If you’re enjoying FaithFuel, a quick rating helps more people find it.

Want a little extra encouragement each week?
Sign up here: https://faithfuelpodcast.kit.com/70f267c8b2

Is it wrong for a Christian to want to win? Bob Shaw shares his own experience as the youngest child in his family who hated losing and admits he still has to watch his reactions sometimes. In this FaithFuel devotional, 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 provides Paul's illustration of athletic determination and discipline, while Philippians 2:3 and Galatians 5 examine selfish ambition, envy, and self-control. Competition itself isn't inherently sinful, but the way we treat people when we win or lose reveals our character. We can give our best effort, handle disappointment, and still show respect to others.

I always appreciate hearing from you—feel free to reach out.

Support the show

If you’re enjoying FaithFuel, a quick rating helps more people find it.

Want a little extra encouragement each week?
Sign up here: https://faithfuelpodcast.kit.com/70f267c8b2

Does God change His mind? Exodus 32 says God relented after Moses prayed for Israel, yet Malachi says God does not change. In this FaithFuel devotional, Bob Shaw looks at the golden calf, Moses’ appeal to God’s promises, and why a new nation through Moses would not have broken God’s promise to Abraham. Jonah 3 and Jeremiah 18 show God relenting from announced judgment while remaining holy, merciful, and faithful. Scripture does not tell us what would have happened without Moses’ intercession, but it does show that God heard and responded to his prayer.

I always appreciate hearing from you—feel free to reach out.

Support the show

If you’re enjoying FaithFuel, a quick rating helps more people find it.

Want a little extra encouragement each week?
Sign up here: https://faithfuelpodcast.kit.com/70f267c8b2

Gossip can betray trust even when every word is true. In this FaithFuel devotional, Bob Shaw looks at Proverbs and Ephesians to consider private information, unverified stories, prayer requests, and advice that turns into tearing someone down. Learn how discernment and discretion can guide both speaking and listening, while recognizing that seeking counsel, reporting wrongdoing, and getting help are appropriate reasons to share difficult information.

I always appreciate hearing from you—feel free to reach out.

Support the show

If you’re enjoying FaithFuel, a quick rating helps more people find it.

Want a little extra encouragement each week?
Sign up here: https://faithfuelpodcast.kit.com/70f267c8b2

What did Paul mean when he wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ”? In Galatians 2, Paul explains that being made right with God rests on Jesus rather than our efforts to keep the law. Bob Shaw considers how Christ’s death changes our standing before God, what it means for Christ to live in us, and how we can depend on the Savior who loved us and gave Himself for us.

I always appreciate hearing from you—feel free to reach out.

Support the show

If you’re enjoying FaithFuel, a quick rating helps more people find it.

Want a little extra encouragement each week?
Sign up here: https://faithfuelpodcast.kit.com/70f267c8b2

You’re enjoying dinner with your family when a friend sends troubling news. Is it selfish to keep enjoying the evening? In FaithFuel’s 200th episode, Bob Shaw looks at Ecclesiastes 3, Romans 12, and First Timothy 6 to consider how gratitude and compassion belong together. We all experience peaks and valleys, and God calls us to care for one another through them.

I always appreciate hearing from you—feel free to reach out.

Support the show

If you’re enjoying FaithFuel, a quick rating helps more people find it.

Want a little extra encouragement each week?
Sign up here: https://faithfuelpodcast.kit.com/70f267c8b2

Could the woman who helped Sherry’s father after a fall have been an angel? We don’t know, but her experience introduces a look at what Scripture reveals about angels. Bob Shaw considers their appearance, their service to God, and familiar beliefs about guardian angels. He also explains why people don’t become angels after death—and why believers can look forward to life with Christ and bodily resurrection.

I always appreciate hearing from you—feel free to reach out.

Support the show

If you’re enjoying FaithFuel, a quick rating helps more people find it.

Want a little extra encouragement each week?
Sign up here: https://faithfuelpodcast.kit.com/70f267c8b2