Divided in the Danger Zone - From Hectic to Holy - 260

The physical symptoms of stress often arrive as messengers, carrying deeper spiritual warnings we've been too busy to hear. When I experienced what I thought was a heart attack during church service—later diagnosed as a severe stress attack—it became a pivotal moment that revealed how dangerously divided my life had become.

Drawing from the biblical story of "the writing on the wall," this powerful episode explores how chronic stress serves as our body's urgent alert system, signaling that something fundamental is misaligned in our spiritual lives. The warning signs are clear: increased vulnerability to temptation, emotional volatility, declining productivity, and difficulty hearing God's voice amidst life's constant noise. These aren't merely symptoms of an overloaded schedule but evidence of a divided heart trying to serve competing priorities.

At the center of this message lies a countercultural truth—the ancient practice of Sabbath rest isn't optional but essential for spiritual wholeness. In our achievement-driven world, intentionally stopping to rest has become a radical act of faith, declaring that our identity isn't found in what we produce but in whose we are. True Sabbath encompasses physical restoration for the body, emotional renewal for the soul, and spiritual realignment for our relationship with God.

Most revealing is the connection between fatigue and spiritual vulnerability. As I share from both scripture and personal experience, "The enemy waits for that opportune moment, that window when you're weakest." Through intentional rhythms of rest and accountability in relationships, we can safeguard our souls against breakdown and division.

Whether you're feeling the pressure of constant productivity or simply struggling to find moments of genuine joy, this episode offers a pathway from hectic to holy—from burnout to the breakthrough that comes when we honor our God-given limits and place our relationship with Him above all else. What warning signs are blinking in your life right now, and what changes might God be prompting you to make?

Daniel Dilemma - CH

Chapters

• 0:00 The Danger Zone: From Hectic to Holy
• 3:29 A Stress Attack Disguised as Heart Attack
• 6:37 Warning Signs of Spiritual Division
• 16:41 Honoring the Sabbath in Modern Life
• 26:05 Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Rest
• 32:46 Preparing for the Enemy's Opportune Time

Transcript

Daniel Moore: 0:05

In today's fast-paced, performance-driven culture, living with intention isn't optional, it's essential. It means listening to the warning signs your body and soul are sending, maintaining a pace that honors your limits and, above all, keeping your relationship with God as your highest priority. This week, on Connecting the Gap, we continue our series on Unshaken holding fast in a culture of compromise. This is episode 13 of that series. We'll be back with that right after this. Welcome back to Connecting the Gap podcast. This is a podcast about marriage, bible and book studies, and we interview people that have a story. I'm Daniel Moore, your host. Thank you, guys, for joining us this week. If not familiar with our show, check out our website at www. connectingthegap. net for our platforms. Our YouTube and Rumble links are there. We're also in the Christian podcasting app, edifi. We're also on your Alexa and Google smart devices. You can also visit us on social on Facebook, instagram and X at ctgaponline. If you're a fan of our show, please subscribe. Feel free to leave a comment on our platforms and give us a thumbs up or a five-star review on Apple podcast and up or a five-star review on Apple podcast, and we'd be eternally grateful to you for doing that. Also, as we've mentioned a few times here recently. If you go to our website, we have a blog there now as well and I try to keep about two to four or so blog posts a week on there new ones and you can subscribe and you can get the new post every week as it releases. So that's something else. If you'd like to read, then you can go the new post every week as it releases. So that's something else. If you'd like to read, then you can go check that out as well and be a part of that community there on our website. Well, as I said here in the intro, we're continuing this week with our extended series on Unshaken, as we study through the book of Daniel and how he stood firm in his culture of compromise and how we can do that today by looking at his example and applying those processes in our own lives. This week we are in episode 13 and we're going to go ahead and get right into it. This week it's divided in the danger zone from hectic to holy.

Daniel Moore: 2:49

I was sitting in church one day on a Sunday morning quite a few years back. It was a really nice day to be in church and just worship. As I sat there in service, something started to feel wrong with me and my chest. It was an uncomfortable feeling that I just couldn't quite pinpoint. And then it started. A sharp pain started pulsating in my right upper chest and the pain kept getting worse as the moments ticked by. I started regulating my breathing, thinking that maybe it would help that pain subside and possibly go away. But it didn't. The longer I sat there, the worse it got. I started squirming around to see if changing positions would help, but it seemed that no matter what I tried, nothing seemed to help at all. It just continued to get worse by the moment. I finally couldn't take it any longer and I told my wife I was going to have to go to the ER and get it checked out.

Daniel Moore: 3:47

I arrived at the ER and checked in With the nature of the issue. They rushed me back to the room pretty quickly to start tests to see if they could pinpoint the problem I was experiencing. They started putting testing pads in place all over my chest and back and started the monitors. An IV was started and they ended up giving me some morphine back and started the monitors. An IV was started and they ended up giving me some morphine to help with the pain.

Daniel Moore: 4:08

The pain had become so intense. I was starting to have spells where it was literally bending me over on each wave that passed. I was only in my upper 30s or almost 40, and all I could think of was is this? It Is this how I'm going out? A heart attack in my prime, when I should be in my best condition of fitness? I was silently praying God, what is going on with me? I need you right now.

Daniel Moore: 4:35

After quite a bit of testing and running monitors, the doctor came in with the results you are experiencing a severe stress attack. Is there something stressful going on in your life right now to cause this kind of stress in your body? Your heart is completely fine. This is definitely not a heart attack. I sat there and let the question run in my mind Is there something stressful going on in your life right now to cause this kind of stress? The doctor had asked. I know I had just come from church, but I looked him in the eye and lied no. I said everything is fine. I guess I'm just having a weird episode today or something.

Daniel Moore: 5:16

As the pain finally subsided due to the painkillers, I called my wife and had her come pick me up. I spent the next several hours on a routine of coding to help with the pain episodes and finally, a day or so later, I was back to normal. The truth was there were issues going on in my life that day. There had been things going on for quite a while prior to that day. Actually, during that season of my life was when my wife and I were having lots of marital issues and we were spiraling very quickly to almost getting a divorce. At this point in my life I was starting to realize what was happening in our marriage and I was starting to panic about what was in our future. Of course, you can listen to episode 199 of this podcast to hear everything about that time in our marriage and how God eventually restored us podcast to hear everything about that time in our marriage and how God eventually restored us. But at this time we were not in that restoration process and I was under a lot of stress. All of that stress that I didn't realize was affecting me physically came to a head and I was in physical pain. I knew at that moment that I was going to have to think more clearly about all aspects of my life. Sometimes even that emotional pain deep inside of us that we think is hidden will come out, and it can have a very dangerous outcome.

Daniel Moore: 6:37

One of the most telling signs of our changing cultural landscape is the rise of constant draining stress that seems to define much of our modern life. We live in a fast-paced world where we are perpetually behind, anxiously striving to catch up, yet never quite feeling like we've arrived. This chronic stress keeps us distracted, preventing us from focusing on what truly matters, leaving a lasting impact on the world around us. Too often we try to fix the external signs of our stress without addressing its root cause, a heart that is pulled in different directions. We convince ourselves that by fine-tuning our schedules, picking up new productivity tools or mastering the art of multitasking, we'll finally gain control over our lives, but in reality, these strategies tend to create only a fleeting sense of order. Personally, I've found that relying on these surface-level solutions often leads me to overcommit, which only deepens the stress I'm trying to escape. The real issue lies deeper, and where our attention and devotion are truly directed.

Daniel Moore: 7:46

The path to genuine peace and purpose begins by examining our inner lives. Although most of us would agree in principle that we want to prioritize our relationship with God, practicing that conviction is another matter entirely, especially in a culture that seldom encourages spiritual focus. Especially in a culture that seldom encourages spiritual focus To live with undivided devotion, we need to consistently invest in and nurture that relationship. Only by doing so can we genuinely reorient our lives around what matters most and gradually relieve the pressure that modern life so often imposes. God's desire for each of us is to encounter Him personally, to grow in intimacy with Him and to develop a deep, abiding love that shapes every area of our lives. When our relationship with God becomes the foundation of our motivations and decisions, everything else begins to take its proper place. He longs to meet us in our places of need and brokenness so he can bring healing, clarity and direction. Through this transformation, we begin to understand our identity and purpose, enabling us to live lives that truly make a positive impact in the world. However, it's easy to lose sight of this when we get swept up in the urgent pace of modern life. Our hearts become torn when we start chasing what society deems valuable, which is constant productivity, career achievements, prestige and self-centered goals, at the expense of what holds eternal value our relationship with God. In a world that often pressures us to conform or prioritize everything but faith. It takes intentionality to remain spiritually grounded. If we truly want to live with strength and purpose in a culture that encourages us to bow to everything but God, we must cultivate a singular focus on Him. From that rooted connection we will not only develop healthier rhythms in daily life, but also nurture a heart that serves from a place of alignment and wholeness.

Daniel Moore: 9:54

Now, you might be familiar with the phrase the handwriting on the wall, often used to describe an ominous sense that something bad is about to happen. This expression actually originates from a troubling moment in biblical history and still carries deep relevance today. In the same way, the writing on the wall warned King Belshazzar of his impending downfall. The stress and burnout we face in our daily lives often signal a more serious spiritual issue beneath the surface. Rather than dismissing stress as just a byproduct of a busy life, we should consider it a divine caution, a reminder of the internal division threatening to pull us apart. In this biblical account, the final word in God's message to King Belshazzar, decoded by Daniel, was parsin, meaning divided. The warning was clear Living a divided life comes with consequences.

Daniel Moore: 10:51

Today, many of us experience the same division within ourselves between our faith and daily responsibilities, between our outward actions and our inner priorities. I've personally felt this through physical and emotional exhaustion. My body was essentially begging for a change. In the same way, god gently but firmly cautions us. When we allow our lives to become fractured, separating our spiritual health from our physical, emotional and relational well-being, we risk deepening the damage. Unless we realign our lives around what matters most, that division can eventually lead to complete breakdown. So how do we stop this downward spiral before it takes hold?

Daniel Moore: 11:35

The first and most crucial step is learning to recognize and respond to the warning signs. For a long time, I ignored what my body was telling me subtle clues like constant fatigue, a deep sense of weariness, restlessness or a racing heart, and chose to simply push through. But ignoring those signals didn't make them go away. Instead, they grew more persistent and intense until I had no choice but to face them. That's often how God works with us too. In His love and wisdom, he tries to get our attention, not to control us, but to guide and protect us. God understands our tendency to follow our own judgment, to act on what we think is best rather than what truly is best. That's why His guidance principles and commandments are meant not as restrictions but as safeguards to nurture our well-being. Like a flashing yellow warning light at an intersection, these gentle prompts urge us to pause, assess and redirect our course before things break down. He invites us to step out of our demanding routines and realign our lives with his better plan, instead of continuing to push our own agenda to the point of exhaustion.

Daniel Moore: 12:52

If you're living and functioning in today's high-paced culture, you've probably already encountered these signals, perhaps in your physical health, your emotional state or the heavy fatigue in your spirit that feels dangerously close to burnout. Your emotional state or the heavy fatigue in your spirit that feels dangerously close to burnout. There's an overwhelming flood of information, an endless to-do list and never quite enough hours in the day to keep up. That internal strain often shows up in our closest relationships too. Your marriage, your family life, your connections feel the pressure as conflicting schedules constantly pull you in different directions. No one sets out with the intention to crash, but if we don't listen to the messages our bodies, our hearts and ultimately, god are sending, we risk exactly that Eventual breakdown. It's not just the inevitable, it's preventable if we pay attention and realign. Here are four key warning signs that may indicate a serious need for change in your life. If even one of these resonates with you, let alone several, you may be operating in a danger zone and on the verge of burnout or deeper spiritual trouble.

Daniel Moore: 14:04

First, sin becomes more appealing than it normally would. When we are physically drained and mentally overloaded, our spiritual defenses begin to wear down. The disciplines we once relied on to stay grounded—prayer, rest and reflection—often give way to shortcuts and compromises. Fatigue duels our discernment, making us more vulnerable to temptation. This vulnerability creates an opportune moment for the enemy to strike. Jesus warned us about this very danger when he said in Luke 21, 34, be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. In times of exhaustion, it becomes easier to justify unhealthy choices that once seemed clearly off-limits.

Daniel Moore: 14:57

Second, your emotions become unstable and harder to regulate. Everyone has rough days now and then, when nothing seems to go right or patience runs thin. But there's a difference between occasional irritability and a prolonged emotional imbalance. You may find yourself asking why am I so reactive? Or where did that emotional outburst come from? When life feels overwhelming and our mental capacity is stretched too thin, our emotions often spiral. Anger flares up more quickly, patience wears down faster and joy feels out of reach. When relationships get strained at home, we're prone to argue more. It's also common to notice that stress in one area, like work, for example, starts bleeding into others, like relationships at home or interactions with friends. You get stuck in a cycle of frustration, allowing circumstances to dictate your outlook instead of anchoring your mind in the peace and stability that God offers.

Daniel Moore: 16:03

This instability is not just a harmless phase. It's a red flag urging us to slow down recenter and address what truly is going on beneath the surface. Sometimes we move through life at such a frantic pace that we fail to pause and appreciate the simple, beautiful moments right in front of us the comforting touch of a spouse, the flavor of a warm meal or the gentle warmth of sunlight on our skin. Our nerves become so overstimulated by the rush that we lose the ability to feel joy. We live in a state of busy distraction where joy gets buried under layers of noise and obligation. Take a moment to reflect and answer this question as honestly as you can. When was the last time that you truly felt joy Not just a fleeting moment of amusement, but a deep, soul-level lightness and contentment? If it's been more than a week, or if you can't even remember the last time you felt that way, let that be a flashing warning light in your internal dashboard. It's a clear indicator that something significant might be out warning light in your internal dashboard. It's a clear indicator that something significant might be out of alignment in your inner life.

Daniel Moore: 17:10

The third warning sign is a noticeable drop in productivity. While we often assume that moving faster means accomplishing more, scripture tells a different story. In Proverbs 19.2, it says a person in a hurry makes mistakes. In reality, when we operate in constant hurry, our effectiveness declines. We cut corners, misjudge priorities and end up spinning our wheels rather than making genuine progress. It's because we neglect an essential principle of lasting productivity. It's because we neglect an essential principle of lasting productivity what leadership expert Stephen Covey called sharpening the saw. This means pausing to refresh, recharge and refine ourselves so we can work with greater clarity and strength. Proverbs reinforces this wisdom in Proverbs 21.5, where it says careful planning puts you ahead in the long run. Hurry and scurry puts you further behind. True productivity doesn't come from speed, but from intentional living rooted in spiritual and practical renewal. And then, lastly, one of the clearest warning signs that something is off is when you find that you can't hear God.

Daniel Moore: 18:23

People often come to me sharing their frustration that God seems silent, especially when they've been seeking His guidance about an important decision or circumstance. But as we begin to talk more deeply, I usually discover a common issue their lives are filled with noise Not necessarily literal noise, but the constant hum of distractions. Not necessarily literal noise, but the constant hum of distractions, responsibilities, digital input and emotional clutter. God is still speaking, but His voice is being drowned out by all other competing voices. In today's world, we are bombarded with information every waking hour Social media, news alerts, texts, emails, notifications and never-ending to-do lists. Our minds are rarely quiet, so it's no surprise that we struggle to hear the still gentle voice of God amidst all that chaos. This may be exactly why Scripture urges us to be still and know that I am God, in Psalm 46, verse 10. There's an obvious truth embedded in those words.

Daniel Moore: 19:27

Stillness isn't just a suggestion, it's a vital spiritual practice. It's in intentional moments of quiet, when we turn down the noise, pause the busyness and center our hearts, that we become more attuned to God's presence and His voice. Without stillness, we can become spiritually deaf, not because God has stopped speaking, but because we've forgotten how to truly listen, be still. When was the last time you stopped long enough for God to speak and you listened? How often do you quiet your soul before Him?

Daniel Moore: 20:22

Once you begin to hear God's voice and respond to His promptings, the next step is to act. What these personal changes look like will differ from one person to another. The Holy Spirit speaks uniquely to each of us, gently guiding us toward what we need to let go of and what new rhythms we should adopt. He may convict you to pull back from overcommitment, shift your priorities or invest more time in areas you've been neglecting. As we learn to quiet ourselves and listen, god lovingly reveals a path that restores, strengthens and realigns us with His purpose. While the specific steps on that path will vary, there are foundational principles that apply to all of us, practices that God established for our well-being and spiritual health. One of the most powerful of these is the command to keep the Sabbath holy. This principle, given more than 3,500 years ago, remains vital for modern life.

Daniel Moore: 21:14

The word Sabbath literally means rest a day intentionally set apart to pause, reflect, worship and replenish. It's not merely about physical rest, but also spiritual renewal and reconnection. God, our Creator, modeled this rhythm Himself by resting on the seventh day after finishing His work of creation in Genesis 2. It wasn't that he was tired. He was establishing a divine pattern showing us that rest is not optional but essential. Just as we are called to trust God through tithing, believing we can do more with 90% than 100, god invites us to trust that six days of work with one day of rest yields more fruit than nonstop striving.

Daniel Moore: 22:01

The Sabbath reminds us that we are not self-sufficient. The Sabbath reminds us that we are not self-sufficient. It's a declaration that we depend on God and that life is not about what we can produce, but about walking in step with Him. In our busy culture, where significance and identity are often tied to achievement, the Sabbath pulls us back into alignment. It strips away the pride and hurry that creep in during the week and centers us in God's presence. It humbles us, making space for holiness by reminding us who is truly at the center of our lives.

Daniel Moore: 22:35

God first gave this commandment to the Israelites as they were delivered from Egypt, where they had lived for generations as slaves valued only for their output, and you can read about that story in Exodus, chapter 20. By instituting the Sabbath, god was doing more than giving them a day off. He was breaking the identity of slavery and establishing their identity as his people. He wanted them, free from the rhythms of the world, set apart, to walk in his ways. The same is true for us today. Practicing the Sabbath sets us apart from a culture that never stops, and it speaks a bold truth we are not owned by this world. We belong to God.

Daniel Moore: 23:17

The Sabbath is a powerful weekly reminder of our freedom, not just from work, but from the pressures and expectations imposed by the world around us. It's a day set apart to celebrate our liberation from human agendas and cultural demands. As children of God, we are not bound to serve the relentless pace and shifting values of society. We are free to live according to a higher calling. The Sabbath invites us to slow down and refocus, reminding us that our ultimate source of security and direction and strength is not ourselves or our accomplishments, but God. When we treat the Sabbath like any other day, we subtly send the message that our efforts are just as essential as God's authority. That our work is of equal value to His is essential as God's authority that our work is of equal value to His. But honoring the Sabbath restores a needed perspective. It reminds us of who we are in contrast to who God is finite beings dependent on an infinite Holy Creator. Setting aside a day for rest and worship helps us recalibrate, humble ourselves and realign our priorities with what truly matters.

Daniel Moore: 24:28

Some people wonder whether the Sabbath is still relevant today, thinking it was only part of Old Testament law. The answer is absolutely yes. The truth found in the first half of the Bible is not obsolete. It lays the foundation for the New Testament. In fact, the concept of Sabbath rest is the foundation for the New Testament. In fact, the concept of Sabbath rest is affirmed in the New Testament, where we read there remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest. That's Hebrews, chapter 4, verses 9 through 11. The message is as clear as ever Rest isn't just permitted, it's commanded and necessary.

Daniel Moore: 25:14

If you've been living without a rhythm of Sabbath rest, it might feel strange, even difficult, when you first try to embrace it. In a culture obsessed with productivity and constant connectivity, resting well actually takes practice. You'll have to learn how to stop. It may take intentional decisions to unplug from your devices and your usual pace, but as you begin to observe the Sabbath, you discover something deeply freeing the art of intentional living. You learn to rest not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually, and in doing so you begin to experience life the way that God intended whole, restored and in step with Him. You learn how to rest again. Now that we understand the importance of honoring the Sabbath, how do we actually practice it? We center our Sabbath rest around three key areas giving our bodies physical rest, renewing our emotional and mental well-being and realigning our spirits with God.

Daniel Moore: 26:18

Let's start by addressing our physical body. Much like the wake-up call I experienced during a stress attack several years ago, you've likely had moments where your body sent you clear signals that it's worn down. Maybe you're even there now. You might feel exhausted, overwhelmed and trapped in a cycle of relentless busyness that leaves you drained and emotionally numb Deep down. You know you need rest, yet you're hesitant to make the priority that it must be.

Daniel Moore: 26:48

Rest doesn't simply mean getting more sleep, although that's part of it. True rest involves a shift in rhythm, slowing down your pace, letting go of the constant pressure and giving yourself permission to stop fully. It's about releasing the physical and mental strain that you've been holding on to for too long. Medical research and clinical experience consistently affirm that our bodies need regular rest to heal. When we rest, our bodies engage in recovery, cells regenerate, muscles relax and our immune systems strengthen. Rest isn't a luxury. It's a necessity. Sabbath rest should be included in this physical restoration, making space for your body to truly rest and recover.

Daniel Moore: 27:36

But Sabbath rest doesn't end with the body. It also involves replenishing your soul. By soul, we're referring to your inner life, your thoughts, your emotions and your mental well-being. Our souls often suffer from the constant demands placed on us. The noise of daily life, full of deadlines, distractions and disruptions, leaves us emotionally drained and mentally scattered. To keep Sabbath well, we must create space for quietness and calm, allowing the soul to regain balance and clarity. Just as a dried-up stream needs time to refill with fresh, life-giving water, our souls require time to be restored by the steady, quiet flow of God's presence.

Daniel Moore: 28:22

One of the oldest and most impactful spiritual practices that aids in this is solitude. In solitude, we create intentional space to silence the chaos, untangle our thoughts and let go of the emotional overload that we carry. It's in this stillness that we recover perspective, reaffirm our values and let go of the emotional overload that we carry. It's in this stillness that we recover perspective, reaffirm our values and reconnect with what matters most, especially our relationship with God. King David expressed this kind of restoration beautifully in Psalm 23, verses 2 and 3. It says he makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. If we neglect to practice this kind of sacred rest and solitude on our own, eventually God may find a way to slow us down, sometimes through burnout, illness or crisis. It's far better to choose intentional rest before that happens, giving our soul the renewal it desperately needs.

Daniel Moore: 29:22

In addition to practicing solitude, our souls are also refreshed through activities that bring us joy, spark creativity and stimulate our imagination. Think about the word recreation. It literally means re-creation. In other words, engaging in hobbies, playful experiences and enjoyable pursuits is not just nice to have, it's essential. We are designed to play, to laugh and to experience delight without the pressure to perform. When we allow ourselves to break free from the constant need to be productive, our souls are recharged. Proverbs 17.22 reminds us A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Joy and laughter are healing, not trivial. Our souls are also replenished through genuine connection with others.

Daniel Moore: 30:16

Think back when was the last time you had an unrushed conversation with a close friend or loved one, one where there was no looking at the clock, no multitasking, just presence. Conversations over a cup of coffee or a slow, meaningful meal can do wonders to revive our emotional and spiritual strength. A pastor was once sharing his story and he was saying one of the reasons that I love visiting Italy is their deep, almost sacred, appreciation for food, relationships and rest, especially during meals. They take great joy in preparing meals with care and serving them in multiple courses for hours, turning dinner into something restorative, he said honestly, for me, pasta has soul healing properties. And just for fun, have you noticed that the word stressed, spelled backwards, is desserts? Maybe that's a sign.

Daniel Moore: 31:11

Finally, honoring the Sabbath is not complete unless it includes time to refocus your spirit. Tree rest goes deeper than physical or emotional relaxation. It's about spiritual renewal. Real refreshment happens when we realign ourselves with God, when we surrender our anxieties and fully trust Him with our burdens. The essence of Sabbath is about setting aside intentional time to reconnect with God in a relaxed, unhurried and deeply personal way. It's a moment to worship Him, not just with songs or Bible readings, but through quiet reflection, gratitude and acknowledgement of who he is our Creator, redeemer and Sustainer. When we center our spirits on God, everything else falls into perspective. That's the heartbeat of Sabbath, remembering where our true rest comes from and letting God restore what ministry for quite some time.

Daniel Moore: 32:28

That doesn't make me an expert, but it does mean that I've walked through a lot of seasons, learned countless lessons and observed repeating patterns, both in my own journey and in the lives of others. One important distinction I've come to understand is this Experience alone isn't a great teacher. Evaluated experience is. Growth comes when we reflect, process and apply what we've learned. With that in mind, here's one of the crucial lessons that I've learned about staying spiritually whole and wholeheartedly focused on God.

Daniel Moore: 33:03

I'm not tempted in the same way every day. My vulnerability shifts with my level of energy and emotional reserves. The truth is, temptation increases when I'm tired. After a full week of working for a ministry, on top of a week filled with study, preparation, prayer for my podcast episodes, I often find myself spiritually spent and emotionally depleted. That's when my defenses are down and that's exactly when the enemy looks to attack, he waits for that opportune moment, that window when you're the weakest. Jesus faced this as well when he was in the wilderness under physical strain and isolation. Satan launched his attack, but Jesus fought back with God's word In Luke 4, verse 13,. It tells us. That verse has stayed with me. It tells us when the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. That verse has stayed with me. So, knowing myself, I've learned to anticipate those moments that the enemy sees as strategic. I prepare for them. I rely on God, not on my own strength, to stand firm.

Daniel Moore: 34:15

After my stress attack, I knew something had to change. That included my entire lifestyle. So I made some non-negotiable decisions. One of the most significant was praying more earnestly and working tirelessly toward reconciliation with my wife. Having accountability is crucial, so I eventually started being open about my vulnerabilities, especially with my wife, michelle. We eventually reconciled our marriage and agreed to become intentional on fixing it all. Now she's more than my spouse. She's my trusted partner in protecting my heart and I hers. We talk intentionally about things that are going on in our lives, including when we are up and when we are down. Michelle serves as both my encourager and protector.

Daniel Moore: 35:03

In today's fast-paced, performance-driven culture, living with intention isn't optional, it's essential. It means listening to the warning signs your body and soul are sending, maintaining a pace that honors your limits and, above all, keeping your relationship with God as your highest priority. I'm not interested in just starting my spiritual race well. I want to finish strong. What about you? What warning signs are blinking in your life right now? What changes is God prompting you to make?

Daniel Moore: 35:39

Never forget your days are finite. Your life will be examined and your heart will often feel tugged in multiple directions. Choosing to put God first helps you. Steward your days wisely, anchor your life in eternal purpose and safeguard your soul so you can live holy and wholeheartedly. Don't wait until you have a breakdown. Do it now. That's going to be it for this week's episode here on Connecting the Gap, and as we go, we always want to remind you that we believe that God's Word never fails us. God's Word has stood the test of time and, through Jesus' death on the cross, he has connected the gap. This is an extension of Connecting the Gap Ministries, and we pray that you have a blessed week.