Ep. 359: How Do You Please God?
Jan 15 • 7:58
Ep. 359: How Do You Please God?
Episode:

Ep. 359: How Do You Please God?

January 15, 2026 • 7:58 • Jay Holland

***Pick up a copy of Jays new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavl

In this episode of Guided by Faith, we continue unpacking Romans 8 by asking a simple but deeply challenging question: How do you please God? Jay explains that Scripture gives a clear answerlove God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourselfbut living this out can feel impossible on our own. This episode clarifies that pleasing God isnt about willpower or religious effort; its about relying on the Holy Spirit. Drawing from Romans 8:11, Jay reminds listeners that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in every believer, enabling us to forgive, resist temptation, and love others genuinely. When we stop relying on ourselves and begin walking in the Spirit, we discover that pleasing God is not only possibleits the way we experience true spiritual life and growth.

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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with friends who might benefit from this message.

Guided By Faith is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Guided by Faith is your go-to daily devotional podcast for teens, students, and young adults looking to strengthen their faith and Biblical worldview. In just five minutes every weekday, dive into essential topics like identity, life purpose, friendships, dating, decision-making, handling temptation, coping with grief, and living out your mission for Jesus. Parents will also find valuable insights to support their teens on their faith journey. Join Jay Holland for inspiring and practical advice that equips you to navigate life’s challenges with a strong faith foundation.
All Episodes:
Mar 4 • 5:59
Ep. 393: God Demonstrates His Love - Romans 5:8

In this episode of Guided by Faith, Jay continues the Romans Road by focusing on Romans But God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. After learning from Romans that all have sinned and from Romans that sin earns death, this devotional reveals the heart of the gospel: God didnt wait for us to clean ourselves upHe loved us at our worst. For teens and young adults wrestling with doubt, fear, suffering, or questions about Gods goodness, this episode offers a powerful reminder that the cross is the ultimate proof of Gods love. Instead of viewing God through the lens of lifes hardships, we are challenged to view lifes hardships through the lens of Jesus death and resurrection. Perfect for Christian students wanting to understand Gods love more deeply, strengthen their faith during difficult seasons, and confidently share the gospel message with friends.

Listen and Subscribe:

[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify]

Connect with Us:

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with friends who might benefit from this message.

***Pick up a copy of Jays new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavl

Guided By Faith is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Mar 3 • 7:14
Ep. 392: Our Wages, God's Gift - Romans 6:23

In this episode of Guided by Faith, Jay continues walking through the Romans Road by unpacking Romans and its powerful contrast between what we earn and what God freely gives. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Building on Romans, this devotional helps teens and young adults understand that sin earns a paymentspiritual and physical deathtracing this truth back to the fall in the Book of Genesis. But the message doesnt stop at bad news. The heart of the gospel shines in the second half of the verse: salvation is not something we earn, but a free gift made possible through Jesus perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection. This episode challenges students to memorize Romans 6:23, reflect on the seriousness of sin, and grow in gratitude for the gift of eternal life. Perfect for Christian teens wanting to understand salvation clearly, share their faith confidently, and deepen their appreciation for Gods grace through Jesus Christ.

Listen and Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with Us:

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with friends who might benefit from this message.

***Pick up a copy of Jays new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavl

Guided By Faith is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Mar 2 • 6:35
Ep. 391: All have sinned - Romans 3:23

In this episode of Guided by Faith, Jay begins a powerful week-long walk through the Romans Road, a simple and biblical way to explain the gospel from the book of Epistle to the Romans. Focusing on Romans For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God this devotional challenges teens and young adults to understand the seriousness of sin and why the bad news is actually the first step toward the good news of salvation. Through a personal story about his sons leukemia diagnosis, Jay illustrates why truth matters, even when its hard to hear. Just as a doctor must honestly diagnose a life-threatening illness, Scripture clearly diagnoses the human condition: every person has sinned, missed Gods perfect standard, and stands in need of grace. This episode encourages students to memorize Romans 3:23 as part of the five key verses of the Romans Road (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9; 10:10), reflect honestly on their own sin, and grow in gratitude for the gift of salvation through Jesus. Perfect for Christian teens wanting to share their faith, understand the gospel more clearly, and build a strong biblical foundation.

Listen and Subscribe:

[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify]

Connect with Us:

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with friends who might benefit from this message.

***Pick up a copy of Jays new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavl

Guided By Faith is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Feb 27 • 7:54
Ep. 390: From No Condemnation To No Separation!

In this hope-filled episode of Guided by Faith, Jay wraps up Romans chapter 8 with one of the most powerful promises in the Bible: what begins with no condemnation ends with no separation. Speaking directly to teens and young adults, Jay explains how Romans 8:3739 assures believers that nothingdeath, life, demons, failure, fear, or even your worst sincan separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. This episode dives into eternal security, the difference between professing faith and truly trusting Jesus, and how understanding Gods unshakable love gives you freedom to run toward Him instead of hiding in shame. If youve ever wondered whether youve messed up too badly for God to still love you, this message is a powerful reminder that in Christ, you are secure, forgiven, and forever held by His grace.

Listen and Subscribe:

[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify]

Connect with Us:

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with friends who might benefit from this message.

***Pick up a copy of Jays new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavl

Guided By Faith is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Feb 26 • 8:46
Ep. 389: Can You Trust God's Love During Persecution?

In this powerful episode of Guided by Faith, Jay unpacks Romans 8:3537 and tackles a difficult but real question for teens and young adults: If God loves me, why do I suffer for my faith? Walking verse by verse through Pauls words Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Jay explores persecution, rejection, loneliness, and even martyrdom, reminding listeners that being more than conquerors doesnt mean escaping hardship but staying faithful through it. Drawing from stories of persecuted Christians around the world and the example of the Apostle Paul, Jay challenges young believers to trust that nothingmockery, exclusion, temptation, or trialscan separate them from Christs love. Whether youre facing peer pressure at school, fear of sharing your faith, or deeper struggles, this episode encourages you to rely on the Holy Spirit and live boldly for Jesus, knowing your faithfulness matters now and for eternity.

Listen and Subscribe:

[Apple Podcasts] | [Spotify]

Connect with Us:

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with friends who might benefit from this message.

***Pick up a copy of Jays new Journal: Renewed: The 365-Day Christian Gratitude Journal https://amzn.to/3MLWavl

Guided By Faith is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network.

For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

About the Host

Jay Holland

Jay Holland is a follower of Jesus, a husband to Emily, and the biological and adoptive father of four children. For more than two decades Jay has served as a pastor in family and student ministries, and has walked through multiple special needs challenges within his own family.

Jay’s personal and pastoral experiences led him to launch the weekly Let’s Parent on Purpose podcast to equip and empower moms and dads to build thriving families. He serves at Covenant Fellowship Baptist Church in Stuart, Florida and is also on the board of Hopegivers, a ministry that cares for children and churches in India.

More from Jay →