In this episode of Rise and Shine, Haylee shares a raw and honest conversation about what it means to be intentional in your relationship with Jesus, especially during seasons when motivation feels low.

We all go through times when our spiritual disciplines feel hard — prayer feels quiet, Scripture feels distant, and motivation fades. But following Jesus was never meant to be passive. Faith doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by choice.

Using Proverbs, the words of Jesus, and practical biblical wisdom, this episode explores why we cannot rely on feelings alone and how intentional faith leads to spiritual growth, peace, and deeper intimacy with God.

Haylee breaks down the difference between works-based salvation and diligent obedience, reminding us that we don’t serve God to earn His love — we obey because we already have it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why motivation alone is not enough to sustain your faith

• What it truly means to be intentional with Jesus

• Why following Jesus requires daily decisions, not just belief

• The difference between diligence and works-based salvation

• How apathy leads to spiritual dryness and anxiety

• Why obedience flows from love, not obligation

• Practical ways to rebuild consistency in prayer and Scripture

• How to get back on track when you fall off spiritually

  Key Scriptures Mentioned:

Proverbs 21:5
Proverbs 13:4
Matthew 7:24–27
James 1:22–25
James 2:14–17
James 4:17
Luke 12:47
Galatians 5:16
Colossians 3:23–24
Colossians 4:5
Ephesians 5:15–17
Hebrews 5:14
Romans 12:2

Main Takeaway:

You don’t accidentally grow close to Jesus. A thriving relationship with Him requires intentionality, discipline, and love — not perfection. When you choose Him daily, He meets you with grace, transformation, and peace.

Practical Ways to Be More Intentional with Jesus:

• Make a conscious decision to prioritize God daily

• Find an accountability partner

• Remove distractions that steal your attention

• Bring your burdens to God instead of carrying them alone

• Begin with worship to set your heart posture

• Start with a simple plan for Scripture reading

• When you mess up, don’t quit — start again

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In this episode of Rise and Shine, Haylee reveals her thoughts on AI, and how Christians should respond to it.

We talk about how AI is a useful tool, but all too often people use it as a replacement for relationships, joy, peace, and ultimately, Jesus. The episode reminds us all to use wisdom, be watchful and discerning, and to ultimately, look to Jesus for the answers in your life.

Key Scriptures Mentioned:

Hebrews 4:15

1 Peter 5:8

2 Timothy 4:1-9

Main Takeaway: AI can be a useful tool, but it should not be a replacement for family, friends, or God.

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In 1 Samuel chapters 16 and 17, we see one of the most famous stories in the Bible — David and Goliath — but this account is about far more than a giant being defeated.

In this episode of Rise and Shine, Haylee reads through 1 Samuel 16–17 and pauses to unpack powerful lessons about identity, faith, obedience, and trusting God completely.

We talk about how God does not look at outward appearance, but at the heart, and how David knew exactly who he was in God before he ever stepped onto the battlefield. David didn’t try to be someone else, wear Saul’s armor, or fight in his own strength. He trusted the God who had already been faithful to him.

This episode also addresses how the world tries to twist words, motives, and actions — just as David was misunderstood — and why believers must stay grounded in who God says they are.

Ultimately, this story reminds us that the battle does not belong to us — it belongs to the Lord.

• Why God looks at the heart instead of outward appearance

• How David’s identity in God shaped his courage

• Why knowing who you are in Christ matters when facing opposition

• What it means to be a person after God’s own heart

• Why David refused to be anything other than who God made him

• How the world twists words and motives

• Why victory comes from God’s strength, not our own

1 Samuel 16–17
1 Samuel 16:7
Psalm 20:7
Zechariah 4:6
Romans 8:31

When you know who you are in God, you don’t fight with fear or comparison. You fight with faith, humility, and confidence — knowing the victory comes from the Lord.

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What You’ll Learn:Key Scriptures Mentioned:Main Takeaway:

God is calling His people to take their faith seriously — and this call is not rooted in fear, but in love, urgency, and truth.

In this episode of Rise and Shine, Haylee shares a timely message about moving beyond casual, comfortable Christianity and stepping into deeper prayer, obedience, and boldness in sharing the Gospel. Trusting God is easy when everything makes sense — but true faith is built when we trust Him even when we cannot see what He’s doing.

We talk about why borrowed faith is not enough. We cannot rely on our pastor’s faith, our parents’ faith, or someone else’s relationship with God. God is calling each believer into personal intimacy through prayer and His Word.

This episode also reflects on how past generations prioritized prayer and Scripture, and how God is stirring hearts today — across generations — to return to reverence, depth, and seriousness in following Jesus. The Great Commission was never meant for just a few — it applies to every believer.

• Why God is calling His people to deeper faith right now

• How casual Christianity weakens spiritual discernment

• Why trusting God must go beyond what we can see

• Why borrowed faith is not enough

• How prayer and Scripture strengthen faith

• Why every believer is called to share the Gospel

• What biblical revival looks like

2 Timothy (overview)
2 Chronicles 7:14
Romans 13:11–14
Acts 2:17–18
Joel 2:28–29

God is calling His people to wake up, go deeper, and take their faith seriously — because truth matters, time is short, and the world needs Jesus.

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What You’ll Learn:Key Scriptures Mentioned:Main Takeaway:

In 2 Corinthians chapters 3 and 4, the apostle Paul explains the powerful transformation that takes place when someone truly encounters Jesus. Veils are lifted, hearts are changed, and lives begin to reflect God’s glory.

In this episode of Rise and Shine, Haylee walks through 2 Corinthians 3–4 and breaks down three key truths for believers:

First, we explore why people who don’t know Jesus often struggle to understand Scripture. Without Christ, spiritual understanding remains veiled — but when someone turns to the Lord, clarity, freedom, and life are revealed.

Next, we are reminded that the glory is not ours. Any transformation, wisdom, or fruit we see is the work of God, not human effort. We are jars of clay carrying a treasure that points back to Him.

Finally, we talk about what it means to reflect God’s glory and love to others. As believers, we are meant to live in such a way that others see Jesus through our humility, love, perseverance, and faith — even in suffering.

This episode encourages listeners to stay focused on Christ, rely on the Spirit, and live as reflections of God’s light in a dark world.

• Why unbelievers often don’t understand God’s Word

• What it means to have the veil removed through Christ

• How the Spirit brings true transformation

• Why the glory belongs to God alone

• What it means to be a “jar of clay” carrying God’s power

• How believers reflect God’s glory and love daily

• Why weakness is often where God shines brightest

2 Corinthians 3–4
2 Corinthians 3:14–18
2 Corinthians 4:6–7
Matthew 5:16
John 13:34–35

When we turn to Jesus, the veil is lifted. Our lives are no longer about our own glory — they are meant to reflect the glory, love, and light of Christ to the world.

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What You’ll Learn:Key Scriptures Mentioned:Main Takeaway:

Have you ever felt lonely because of your faith? Left out, misunderstood, or even rejected because you chose to follow Jesus?

In this episode of Rise and Shine, Haylee talks about what it means to be set apart as a believer — and why obedience to God can sometimes feel isolating. While being set apart isn’t always easy, it is always for our good and God’s glory.

We explore how God calls His people to live differently, not to blend in with the world, but to shine as a light so others can see Christ through us. And while the enemy tries to use loneliness to discourage us and pull us off mission, Scripture reminds us that we are never truly alone.

Using the powerful examples of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, this episode shows how choosing obedience over comfort may cost us worldly approval — but it brings God’s presence, protection, and peace. From the fiery furnace to the lions’ den, God proved that He stays with those who honor Him.

This episode also offers practical encouragement for building godly community when loneliness sets in and reminds you that choosing Jesus is always worth it — even when it costs you relationships, comfort, or popularity.

💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What it truly means to be set apart as a Christian

• Why believers are called to be different from the world

• Why obedience can sometimes feel lonely

• How the enemy uses isolation to discourage believers

• Why the world often rejects those who walk in the light

• How God never leaves His people when they choose Him

• Lessons from Daniel and his friends about faith and courage

• Practical ways to find godly community and encouragement

📖 Key Scriptures:

Leviticus 20:261 Peter 2:9John 15:19Romans 8:5–11Daniel 1, 3, and 6

✨ Main Takeaway:

Being set apart may feel lonely at times, but you are never abandoned. God walks with you through every fire and every den — and He is faithful to those who choose obedience over comfort.

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🎧 New episodes every week.

#SetApart #ChristianEncouragement #RiseAndShinePodcast #FaithOverFear #LivingHoly #NotOfThisWorld #BiblicalTruth

Every January, people make goals, set resolutions, and say things like “new year, new me.” But for many of us, those resolutions don’t last — and even when they do, they don’t truly heal what’s broken inside.

In this episode of Rise and Shine, Haylee shares why accepting Jesus matters more than any New Year’s resolution. Goals and self-improvement can be good things, but they are not what save us, restore us, or make us whole. Only Jesus can do that.

This episode speaks directly to those who feel like they’ve failed, drifted from God, or aren’t “good enough” to come back to Him. Through Scripture, we’re reminded that God isn’t looking for perfect people — He’s calling His people to return to Him, no matter how far they’ve gone.

We walk through powerful passages that show God’s heart for the broken, the lost, and the repentant — and the beautiful truth that it’s never too late to come to Jesus.

💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why most New Year’s resolutions don’t truly change us

• Why goals can’t heal what only Jesus can

• How God invites His people to return to Him

• Why salvation is not earned by “doing better”

• How Jesus seeks out the lost and rejoices when one returns

• What repentance really means

• Why anyone — no matter their past — can be saved

📖 Key Scriptures:

• Jeremiah 3 — God calls His people to return to Him

• Matthew 21:28–32 — It’s not about appearing righteous

• Luke 15:1–7 — The parable of the lost sheep

• Romans 8:1 — No condemnation in Christ

• Romans 10:12–13 — Anyone who calls on the Lord will be saved

✨ Main Message:

A new year doesn’t need a new version of you — it needs a surrendered heart. No resolution can save you, heal you, or forgive you. But Jesus can, and He is inviting you to come back to Him today.

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@theriseandshinepodcast | @hayleejacob_

🙏 New episodes every week.

#NewYearsResolution #ChooseJesus #ChristianPodcast #RiseAndShinePodcast #ComeBackToGod #JesusSaves #FaithOverGoals

At Christmas, we often picture Jesus as a baby in a manger — but the story doesn’t stop there. Jesus didn’t remain a baby. He grew into the Savior of the world, the promised Messiah who performed miracles, lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again in victory.

In this special episode of Rise and Shine, Haylee reads through the full Christmas story, moving between the Gospels of Luke and Matthew, and traces the miracle of Jesus’ birth all the way to the greater miracle of salvation.

We also look at the Old Testament prophecies that foretold Jesus’ birth centuries before it happened — revealing that Christmas was not an accident, but God’s divine plan unfolding exactly as promised.

This episode is a reminder that the same Jesus born of a virgin is still alive, still powerful, and still performing miracles today.

💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The full biblical Christmas story from Matthew and Luke

• Why Jesus’ virgin birth was essential to God’s plan of salvation

• How Old Testament prophecy confirms Jesus as the Messiah

• Why Jesus is not just a baby, but the Savior of the world

• How Jesus grew up to live a sinless, perfect life

• Why the cross and resurrection are the ultimate miracles

• How Jesus is still working miracles today

📖 Key Scriptures:

• Luke 1–2 — The birth of Jesus

• Matthew 1–2 — Jesus’ genealogy and early life

• Isaiah 7:14 — The virgin birth prophecy

• Isaiah 9:6–7 — The promised Messiah

• Micah 5:2 — The prophecy of Bethlehem

• Hosea 11:1 — Fulfilled in Jesus

• Matthew 28 — The resurrection

✨ Main Message:

Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and rose again in power. He is not just the baby in the manger — He is the living Savior who still performs miracles today.

📲 Follow for encouragement and biblical truth:
@theriseandshinepodcast | @hayleejacob_
🎧 New episodes weekly.

#ChristmasStory #TrueMeaningOfChristmas #JesusIsSavior #ChristianPodcast #RiseAndShinePodcast #BirthOfJesus #ChristmasBibleStudy