The Praying Pals Radio Program (with Stacie Ruth)

14/08/2026

Devotional: Avoid the trap of overthinking by thinking over God's Word instead.
By Stacie Ruth Stoelting Hudzinski



Avoid "Overthinking" by "Thinking Over" God's Word Instead. Believe Jesus Christ. And experience His peace. Today. -Stacie Ruth

Do you feel like you're at the end of your rope and about to fall off of a mountain? Remember, fellow believers, that you don't rely on your rope: God is holding you. You'll have a mountaintop experience with the Lord again. Trust Him. Enjoy Psalm 118:13 with me: "I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me."

At times when we face obstacles, our tendencies can be to overthink our problems and overthink until we make problems. Rather than overthink, choose to think over Scripture.

Dwell on the Word and He will help you dwell in this world without being conformed to it.

Creative people can tend to overthink -especially if not busy with creative projects. Use your God-given creativity to create things for His glory. And think over how to bless others instead of allowing yourself to overthink.

As Zig Ziglar, a Christian motivational speaker, aptly said, "Overthinking [is] the art of creating problems that don't exist."

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God's workmanship and that He has prepared good works for us, as born again believers, to do. Exciting!

"For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above-spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].

So let's be "thinking over" that Scripture instead of overthinking. Amen?

Read more here:
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Email from PrayingPals.org and UnitetheUSA.org "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Rom. 15:13) no gossip

08/08/2026

Devotional: Serve the Lord Lovingly AND Fearlessly
By Stacie Ruth Stoelting Hudzinski

This world wreaks of fear: People feel soaring levels of anxiety and desperately desire relief. God provides ways to relieve fear (whether it's a medical condition or solely spiritual need). One passage of Scripture leapt off the page: "To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our foes, might serve Him fearlessly" (Luke 1:74).

As always, I recommend reading the entire chapter for context. But let's zoom in for a moment. Three words stood out to me: "...serve Him fearlessly."

How? By knowing Him, His fear-banishing love, and unreservedly believing Him whom we serve. I John 4:18 says clearly, "There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection]."

Some may question if this applies to their life situation. But good news: No type of fear stops His ability to relieve it. No fear overcomes the reality of His love. Exit any area of compromise. Enter God's grace-filled, merciful, loving presence through Christ alone. Experience His freedom from the effects of sin and darkness.

In closing, savor this segment of I Peter 1 with me:

"May grace (spiritual blessing) and peace be given you in increasing abundance [that spiritual peace to be realized in and through Christ, freedom from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts]. Praised (honored, blessed) be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)! By His boundless mercy we have been born again to an ever-living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [Born anew] into an inheritance which is beyond the reach of change and decay [imperishable], unsullied and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, Who are being guarded (garrisoned) by God’s power through [your] faith [till you fully inherit that final] salvation that is ready to be revealed [for you] in the last time."

You are loved by the Creator of the universes. You are welcomed by Christ who paid the immeasurable price on the cross for you. Welcome Him to help you experience His perfect love which casts out fear.

Prayer Tip: Ask Him to help you experience what it means to "serve Him fearlessly" as you share the truth with love. Prioritize loving Him and others as you experience how His perfect love casts out fear.

Read more of Stacie's devotional here:
https://conta.cc/45duKos

Email from PrayingPals.org and UnitetheUSA.org "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Rom. 15:13) no gossip

01/08/2026

Devotional: God is infinitely more than enough.
By Stacie Ruth Stoelting Hudzinski

Many feel tired of waiting for comments or likes/loves/shares or words of praise to make your day. Well, infinitely more amazing and satisfying than millions of likes/loves/shares is the love of Jesus for you.

Are you ready for Jesus to walk in and refresh you within so you'll never be without? Now is the moment. Now is the opportunity to welcome Him to come in and change you into a beautiful new creation, to refresh you deeply, to quench your thirst, to fully satisfy your hunger. Now is the day of salvation instead of stagnation and frustration. Now. Call on Him now.

Yes, the buzz of noisy, glowing screens and constant stimulation of today's technology inundate our senses. People guzzle coffee and push hard until all their buttons are oppressed to the max. Something keeps pressurizing people to conform to the popular.

The pop culture message continues to spread that you are more than enough or to just follow your heart. The problem rests, however, in the fact that we are a frazzled people with sinful hearts and resources that are not enough in our own strength. Not enough.

But then the Lord Jesus enters. And God is infinitely more than enough.

He strengthens us to do what He's called us to do. He never asks us to do things unless He supplies the resources (i.e. the grace, the strength) for us to do them through Him and for Him. He loves us more than our best, wildest dreams!

The Gospel is the only Good News worth sharing at all costs. Christ died for you and me to be set free from sin and to be with Him for eternity. He is the only Way. Freedom in Christ includes freedom from a frazzled life fraught with overtaxing exercises in futility.

Today, people fixate on finding what is wrong with each other or finding ways to rationalize wrong choices. But when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we exit the dark, losing game of comparison and rationalization. We instead experience His loving, bright, holy presence which exceeds our highest expectations and deepest longings! Hallelujah!

Let's pray. And take God's Word to heart. Today. Be made new in Christ! Repent. Call on Him. Experience His eternal win! And, if you already know Him, refocus and refresh. Amen?

"Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (II Corinthians 6:1-2, ESV).

"Therefore You are great, O Lord God; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears" (II Samuel 7:22).

Read more of Stacie's devotional here:
https://conta.cc/4g3Pa9o

Email from PrayingPals.org and UnitetheUSA.org "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Rom. 15:13) no gossip

25/07/2026

Devotional: God loves you. And He knows what to do. Trust Him.
By Stacie Ruth Stoelting Hudzinski

Excerpt:
So what are you facing today? Whatever it may be, look up and seek His face. He still loves you. He knows what to do. And nothing is impossible for Him. Corrie ten Boom, a heroic survivor of a N**i concentration camp, knew this from experience as she trusted Jesus no matter what happened. She said, "The wonderful thing about praying is that you leave a world of not being able to do something, and enter God's realm where everything is possible."

In our time on earth, things can appear totally different to us human beings. But God knows everything. And He provides. Yes, He provides! Most of all, He provides us believers with His indwelling presence.

When we know Jesus, we know security. So, if you feel discouraged, remember this: Even if the facts of a challenge are, indeed, accurate, God's Word never loses accuracy. He is with you. He is for you. He is victorious! Let's trust Jesus together today. Amen?

And remember "...the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining" (I John 2:9, ESV).

Read more of Stacie's devotional: https://conta.cc/4fm9t1I

Email from PrayingPals.org and UnitetheUSA.org "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, ESV). no gossip. just prayer. anytime. anywhere. Welcome! We

18/07/2026

Devotional: God Gives Us Grace to Give Grace
By Stacie Ruth Stoelting Hudzinski

"And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him" (Luke 15:20).

The preceding passage featured a phrase which tugged at my heart about the Father's indescribable compassion, eagerness, and love: "But while he was still a long way off..."

The Father didn't stop looking for the prodigal. And even at a long distance, he saw the son returning after so long.

Be encouraged: Our Heavenly Father sees the lost friend or loved one for whom you are praying so desperately. He sees that colleague whose only reference to Jesus Christ is when he swears. He sees that cousin who was hurt by a Judas and mistakenly rejected Christ instead. The Heavenly Father sees. He sees you. He loves you. And He loves your loved ones.

Are you running to Him or away from Him today? Oh, what compassion, restoration, salvation, love, and joy are found with the Father! Run to Him and lovingly urge your lost loved ones to run to Him with you. Today.

But "so-and-so" is too far gone, you may feel tempted to say. The enemy wants you to doubt so you'll stop praying and loving them to Jesus. But do not give up. Look up and give your cares to Him: "casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]" (I Peter 5:7). But don't give up.

Today, choose to believe Jesus Christ. Pray for the lost. Pray for the found. And share the hope of Christ. God gives us grace to give grace as we wait for others to know or grow in Him. Yes, God gives grace to give grace.

—Stacie Ruth Stoelting Hudzinski

Read more of this edition at https://conta.cc/4f9XaW9.

Email from PrayingPals.org and UnitetheUSA.org "I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4).   Welcome, Praying Pals! We are

11/07/2026

Devotional: In God's kingdom, service to God and others (not power or title) is greatness.

I've been thankful for every opportunity to share the Gospel on major media, sing before world leaders, and experience audiences of thousands. But absolutely nothing compares to Christ. To be frank, the non-Christian people I've met in green rooms have been just as unhappy as non-Christians whom I've met when visiting those in homeless situations.

The outward conditions do not determine inward conditions. If they don't know Jesus, they're lost and empty. But, regardless of outward conditions, those who know Jesus experience resilience and unshakeable hope! It's amazing!

You see, God sees things perfectly and totally differently than what humans view through the lens produced by the world's systems. People think fame, power, money, title, or office define success. Yet God sees service, when done out of love for God and neighbor, to be greatness.

Perhaps the Lord is calling you to Himself today in a similar way that He called the disciples over to Himself in Matthew 20:25-28 (ESV): "But Jesus called them to him and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many'" (Matthew 20:25-28).

Did you notice how our Lord Jesus noted the way that the rulers would "lord it over them"? What a contrast to the loving leading by our Lord Jesus! The world system taunts, takes, and torments those who conform to it. Yet our Lord loves, leads, and lifts us so that we can be complete in Him. Hallelujah!

It's real. When we pattern our lives in accordance with our Lord Jesus Christ, we experience deep joy, unshakeable purpose, and profound peace. But it's up to each of us to look up to Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord. Everyone must repent from sin. When we repent and receive Christ, we win here and hereafter! When we know Him, we know we are God's children and co-heirs with Christ! Think of it! That infinitely and eternally exceeds anything this crazy sin-infested world temporarily offers.

Today, do you hear His still, small voice calling you close to Himself as you read His Word? Listen. Lovingly obey. And you'll glisten with great joy for His glory! Take God's Word to heart: "And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever" (Daniel 12:3).

—Stacie Ruth Stoelting Hudzinski

Read more of Stacie's devotional here: https://conta.cc/4vXr1ab.

03/07/2026

Devotional: In Christ, Experience Freedom
from Oppressive Burdens and
Enjoy True Rest.

“Now I will take the load from your shoulders;
I will free your hands from their heavy tasks." -Psalm 81:6

Have you felt the weight of the world on your shoulders lately? God desires to give you liberty. He doesn't want you to assume the burdens meant only for Christ.

When offering commentary on Psalm 81, Charles Spurgeon noted the following:
"Israel was the drudge and slave of Egypt, but God gave him liberty. It was by God alone that the nation was set free. Other peoples owe their liberties to their own efforts and courage, but Israel received its Magna Carta as a free gift of divine power. Truly may the Lord say of everyone of his freed men, I removed his shoulder from the burden. His hands were delivered from the pots. He was no longer compelled to carry earth, and mold it, and bake it; the earth basket was no more imposed upon the people, nor the tale of bricks exacted, for they came out into the open country where none could exact upon them. How typical all this is of the believer's deliverance from legal bo***ge, when, through faith, the burden of sin glides into the Savior's sepulcher, and the servile labors of self righteousness come to an end for ever."

Do your responsibilities feel heavier with each passing day so that you feel like Israel did when enslaved and heavily burdened in Egypt? Christ offers freedom and rest! We need only to repent and receive Him. Yes, I have good news for you. Actually, the best news of all time for you.

On the cross, Jesus Christ bore the weight of all our sins and burdens. And He invites us to throw all of our heaviest cares upon Him to carry. Yet how often do we look away from Christ and find excuses to assume responsibilities which are only His!

Isaiah 53:4-5 (AMP) makes it clear:

"But [in fact] He has borne our griefs,
And He has carried our sorrows and pains;
Yet we [ignorantly] assumed that He was stricken,
Struck down by God and degraded and humiliated [by Him].
But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our wickedness [our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing];
The punishment [required] for our well-being fell on Him,
And by His stripes (wounds) we are healed."

To rest, we must accept Christ and His role as Savior and Lord. Jesus Christ alone reigns on the Throne and in the position of Savior and Lord. Let me explain what I mean: Sometimes, we forget our roles and God's role. God alone is God. We are created in His image. But God alone is God. He is the One who deserves all of our worship, all of our devotion, and all of our trust.

Sometimes, we begin to assume that we need to bear the weight of what Christ alone can carry. Yes, we must come alongside each other and bear one another's burdens. (Galatians 6:2 says, "Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love].")

Yet we must not assume the full weight of what is to be given to God alone. We must return to the meaning of John 3:16 and embrace I Peter 5:7.

I Peter 5:7 (AMP) reminds you and me to be "casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]."

Take time to focus on this direct quote from God Himself as found in Psalm 81:6 (NLT):

“Now I will take the load from your shoulders;
I will free your hands from their heavy tasks."

Today, let's take advantage of God's tremendous offer to bear our burdens and cares. Let's take God's Word for it. He cares! And He is waiting for us to cast our cares on Him now.

-Stacie Ruth for Praying Pals (www.PrayingPals.org)


Read more here: https://conta.cc/3QACsVZ

Email from PrayingPals.org and UnitetheUSA.org "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, ESV). no gossip. just prayer. anytime. anywhere. Welcome! We

27/06/2026

Devotional:
God's character traits never change.
You can trust Him.


Heads up: No matter what trial you face, the enemy will try to tempt you to doubt God's character traits. The enemy of our souls wants to add pain and problems to your trial through the temptation to distrust our Heavenly Father. Don't fall for it. The Lord still loves you. Our Lord Jesus never forsakes His own. When we repent and believe on Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we are forever adopted by our Heavenly Father who makes us co-heirs with Christ. Take His Word to heart: "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him" (Romans 8:16-17).

With His promises and purposes on our minds and hearts, we must continue to trust Him with our pain: We must remember His incalculable suffering on the cross for you and me. We must repent from letting our lives get cluttered and blurred by the sin and distractions of this world. It is time to remember His victory! He remains good, SO merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and eternally trustworthy.

Yes, things hurt here on earth. There's no denying that. But the most elderly person will attest to how short is this life. In the eternal scheme of things, there remains only the best to come for believers because Christ is coming again!

You can trust your Heavenly Father more than even the finest human parent. Let down your guard fully with God. Pour out your heart to Him. He loves you. Yes, He loves you! With that confidence in Christ, draw near to Him. He will draw near to you. Yes, since we know who He is in His Word, we can get the deepest security knowing we are His dearly beloved children and imitate Him accordingly. So let's look up to Jesus together today and praise our Heavenly Father!

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children" (Ephesians 5:1).

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

-Stacie Ruth for Praying Pals (www.PrayingPals.org)


Read more of Stacie's devotional email here: https://conta.cc/3SPAaTr

Email from PrayingPals.org and UnitetheUSA.org "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Rom. 15:13) no gossip

19/06/2026

Today begins the rest of your life.
Be sure it's God's best for your life.

Many rumors circulate online and offline about living life well. Passivity is not peace. Posting on social media is not a substitution for Christ-honoring actions in life at home and at work. Busyness is not necessarily accomplishing God's business. This is why we must be careful and prayerful to stop and listen to God's Word.

Pray and obey out of love (and not legalism). As Christians, we are to overcome evil with good. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). With God's help, we can!

Ask Him to show you what He wants you to do today. What is it that He has been pointing out to you in His Word yet you've allowed yourself to excuse instead of act? This is a question each of us must ask.

In addition to not equating passivity as peacemaking, we must pause to consider our activity: Is it something which is good or is it God's best? Only God's Word can direct us to His best. He is so generous and gracious to offer us wisdom when we ask Him! "If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5, Amplified Version).

Today begins the rest of your life. Be sure it's God's best for your life. Trust in Christ. And act accordingly. Amen?

Stacie Ruth Stoelting Hudzinski

Email from PrayingPals.org and UnitetheUSA.org "I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4).   Welcome, Praying Pals! We are

13/06/2026

How to Re-Center on our Lord Jesus Christ
"Take God's Word For It" is a weekly devotional by Stacie Ruth Stoelting Hudzinski.

Consider this devotional a prayerful pep talk.

Yes, I know this very well: Many times, God answers prayer in ways we don't understand yet. (Emphasis on "yet.") When we who know Christ see Him face-to-face, everything will make perfect sense in the glory of His holy, loving presence. Experience a taste of His goodness today as He makes known to you the path of life.

Place child-like faith in Him and forsake childishness. His perfect love is what we need. His peace surpasses understanding here on earth. And someday, my fellow believers, we will understand His plan and relish in His perfect presence.

Seek God's face in this season of your life and ask Him to show you His beauty in this season.

As you yearn for answers to prayer, remember that the biggest Answer is Jesus Christ Himself. The enemy likes to distract us through lies spread through bad influences (e.g., dark entertainment sources). Stop watching things that don't point to the truth of Scripture.

Today, let's challenge each other to stop relying on ourselves and instead be Spirit-led and resolute in our devotion to Christ: Be more loyal to the Bible than our phones. Focus on His Word and take a break from social media as needed. Listen to music that helps you focus on worshipping the Lord in the beauty of His holiness. And do you know what? Our perspective will be influenced for the better because we'll be looking at Him more intently again.

Take His Word to heart:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

"Give to the Lord the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come before Him.
Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! (I Chronicles 16:29)"

"You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11).

-Stacie Ruth Stoelting Hudzinski

Read more here: https://conta.cc/4omNVVm

Email from PrayingPals.org and UnitetheUSA.org "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Rom. 15:13) no gossip