Faith When Hope Seems Gone

AMY TURNER

In Mark 5:35–36, we read how messengers told Jairus that his daughter had died and suggested there was no reason to trouble Jesus any further. On the way to Jairus’s home, Jesus had been delayed by a woman seeking healing. This interruption might have seemed to cost the girl her life. Yet Jesus turned to the grieving father and said, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

This moment shows that God’s mercy is not limited. His care for one person does not take away from another. Even when it appears too late, God is still able to work. In John 11:40, Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” Faith in Him means trusting that delays and difficulties do not limit His power.

Faith is not about ignoring reality but about trusting God’s ability beyond it.

And looking at them, Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:26

The Certain Hope of Christ’s Return

AMY TURNER

The Bible teaches that Jesus will return one day, and this event will be very different from when He first came to earth. In Revelation 19:11, it describes a powerful image of Jesus riding a white horse, called “faithful and true,” coming to judge fairly and wage war against evil.

The first time Jesus came, He arrived in humility, choosing a life of suffering to pay the price for humanity’s sins. As foretold in Isaiah 53:5, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities.” His mission then was to offer salvation and open the way for people to be part of God’s kingdom.

However, when Jesus comes again, it will be with authority and majesty. This time, He will defeat all evil and complete the work He began. His second coming will mark the fulfilment of God’s plan, bringing the kingdom of God into its fullness.

and they said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

Acts 1:11

God as the Shepherd We All Need

AMY TURNER

The opening words of Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd,” remind us that every person needs care. While some may claim they can manage alone, life shows that at different times we all rely on others. Parents, friends, doctors, teachers, and many others help meet our needs in different ways. These people are important, yet they can still make mistakes or fall short.

God is different. He never fails to provide what His people require. He gives guidance, protection, and correction. His care is not only for this life but also for eternity. Just as sheep depend on their shepherd, people depend on God to lead them. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11, NASB)

When we trust God as our shepherd, we find the care and direction no one else can fully give.

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

How Angels Care for Believers

JEFF TURNER

Some people have heard the idea that each believer is assigned a personal guardian angel. This thought often comes from Matthew 18:10, where Jesus speaks of “their angels” watching over “these little ones.” But is that what the passage really teaches?

Looking closer, Matthew 18 is not about young children in a physical sense. Instead, it speaks of believers. It talks about those who have entered God’s kingdom with childlike faith. Jesus often called His followers “little ones” to show how they depend on their Father.

The verse in question points out that the angels of these believers are always near to God, seeing His face. It does not say each person has a unique angel. Rather, it shows that angels are involved in caring for all believers. It’s a group idea, not a personal one.

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to provide service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?

Hebrews 1:14

Joe Mullins to Step Back from Touring in 2026, But His Musical Journey Continues

JEFF TURNER

After nearly two decades of life on the road with The Radio Ramblers, Joe Mullins has announced that his time as a full-time touring musician will come to a close in early 2026. But for the banjo player, bandleader, and broadcaster, stepping off the touring bus doesn’t mean stepping away from music.

As Mullins approaches his 60th birthday later this year, he’s taking time to reflect on a career defined by melody, family, faith, and radio. “I’m grateful for the music, the miles, and the memories,” Mullins says. That spirit is at the heart of The Radio Ramblers’ most recent Gospel release, Thankful and Blessed, which dropped in March. The album title, Mullins explains, perfectly sums up this season of life. Among its tracks is “Even Better When You Listen,” a song that highlights the group’s trademark harmony and heartfelt sound.

For Mullins, music and broadcasting have always been intertwined. “We’re called The Radio Ramblers ’cause I’ve combined the two,” he explains. “I’ve been on radio and on stage with the banjo for over 40 years. My dad did this. Dad was a fiddler, a broadcaster, and a concert promoter. He did all that on the way to the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.”

While Mullins is quick to clarify that he isn’t chasing accolades, he acknowledges that the combination of radio and live music has been key to the band’s success. In 2006, he assembled a group of local singers and pickers to meet the growing demand for bluegrass in southwestern Ohio. With his radio network already reaching listeners across the region, Mullins saw the opportunity to create a band that could perform anywhere. From this, The Radio Ramblers were born.

When he’s not on the road, Mullins continues to host daily programming on his Real Roots Radio network. “I do a hymn hour at one and a bluegrass hour at two, Eastern time,” he says. “The combination works well. I also figured out, as did my dad years ago, that if you are a hillbilly picker and you want your records played on air, it helps a lot if you have a radio show or own a couple of stations.”

Though the touring chapter of his career is nearing its close, Mullins shows no signs of slowing down when it comes to sharing the music he loves. As he looks to the future, Mullins sums up his journey with a simple message: thankful and blessed.