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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@theriseandshinepodcast | @hayleejacob_

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