Encouragement for Today

When God Became Man: The Incarnation Explained

Pastors Michael Crenshaw and Lamani Taylor discuss the doctrine of the incarnation — how Jesus is fully God and fully man — and trace its roots through Scripture, prophecy, and Christian tradition.They reflect on the meaning of the virgin birth, the hypostatic union, and why the church must re-center Christmas on the person of Christ amid cultural commercialization, offering encouragement to keep a high view of Jesus.

From Basic Training to Spiritual Triumph — Lucia Claborn’s Journey

In this episode Michael Crenshaw interviews Lucia Claborn's about her life-changing journey from military service and personal loss to renewed faith, prolific writing, and Kingdom service. Lucia shares how revival, daily decrees, and a disciplined "20-minute non-negotiable" helped her write multiple devotionals and build ministries for orphans, widows, and homeless veterans.
She also explains the "already done" vision principle, practical planning steps, and how listening to the Holy Spirit and doing the work turned obstacles into opportunities. Listeners will leave encouraged with faith-based tools for victory, creative momentum, and practical steps for financial and spiritual stewardship.

Boot Camp Brotherhood: Marines Reunite for the 250th Birthday

Host Michael Crenshaw brings together members of Parris Island Platoon 1058 (class of 1983) to celebrate the Marine Corps' 250th birthday, relive boot camp memories, and reflect on how service changed their lives.The conversation covers discipline, camaraderie, family, post-service careers, VA benefits and support, and plans for a reunion — all delivered with humor, honesty, and encouragement.

Marriage Covenant: Can God Resurrect a Broken Union?

Reverend Glenn Burrell joins Michael Crenshaw to explain the biblical meaning of a marriage covenant, why divorce wounds both spouses and God, and practical steps—faith, forgiveness, counseling, and personal growth—for healing or reconciliation after a broken marriage.Listeners are encouraged to trust God, seek godly and professional support, process grief healthily, and move forward with hope and renewed purpose.

From Skin to Spirit: Miraculous Recovery After Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Kim recounts her near-fatal battle with Stevens-Johnson syndrome after an allergic reaction to antibiotics, spending weeks in a medically induced coma, undergoing multiple surgeries, and facing severe skin and eye damage.The episode focuses on the power of faith, family support, and prayer during recovery, the compassionate care of her husband and medical team, and prophetic visions she experienced that awakened her ministry calling.Listeners will hear practical encouragement about persevering through illness, the importance of a godly heritage and community, and hope that God heals, restores, and uses trials to prepare new purpose.

From Surgery to Sanctuary: Michelle Jackson’s Calling to Ministry

Join Brother Michael Crenshaw and Reverend Michelle Jackson as Michelle shares her testimony of answering God’s call to ministry — from growing up in a God-fearing family in Ozark/Hillsborough, Alabama, through medical challenges and Bible college, to surrendering and preaching her first sermon.She speaks honestly about the loneliness and transformation that come with following God, how prayer and study renewed her mind, and offers practical encouragement to trust, be obedient, and seek God’s peace when facing fear and change.

From Vows to Healing: 7 Emotions of Divorce Revealed

Reverend Glenn Burrell joins Brother Michael Crenshaw to walk listeners through the emotional stages of divorce—shock, grief, anger, guilt, anxiety, loneliness, and identity loss—and how faith, counseling, and self-love helped him heal.This short episode offers clear, practical guidance for anyone facing separation, emphasizing unconditional love, staying rooted in God’s Word, seeking wise counsel, and finding hope and reconstruction after loss.

Finding Hope and Healing After Divorce: A Conversation with Brother Glenn

Welcome to the "Encouragement for Today" podcast with Brother Michael Crenshaw. In this special episode, Michael sits down with his good friend and fellow minister, Reverend Glenn Burrell, to discuss a deeply personal and challenging subject - divorce. Reverend Glenn shares his own experience and testimony, having gone through a divorce after 40-plus years of marriage.Throughout the conversation, Glenn emphasizes the importance of communication, forgiveness, and maintaining faith during the tumultuous journey of divorce. He shares insights on how unresolved issues from the past can affect present relationships and highlights the critical role that counseling can play in healing and reconciliation.Listeners will gain understanding of the emotional stages of divorce, as Glenn candidly recounts his journey from denial to acceptance, and the impact the divorce had on his family, particularly his daughter. This episode offers hope and encouragement to those facing similar challenges, reinforcing the idea that God can restore and heal broken relationships if we allow Him to.Tune in to be inspired and encouraged by a story of resilience, faith, and the power of God's love to mend the wounds of a broken heart.

"Discovering God's Will for Your Life: A Journey with Brother Michael"

Join the Encouragement Coach, Brother Michael Crenshaw, in this empowering episode as he delves into the meaningful quest to understand God's will for our lives. Discover why aligning with God's plan is crucial for spiritual peace and fulfillment. Whether it's choosing the right path, seeking guidance, or managing life's timing, Brother Michael offers biblical insights and personal reflections to help you stay focused and find your divine direction.Throughout the episode, Brother Michael references teachings from Romans, 1 Kings, and Acts, sharing stories of biblical figures like Elijah and Paul to illuminate how being in the right place at the right time aligns us with God's purpose. He emphasizes the role of prayer, scripture study, and spiritual focus in connecting with God's perfect will, reminding listeners that the safest place is always within God's plan.This episode is not just a call to introspection but a guide to action, urging you to seek God's will actively in every aspect of life. Tune in and be inspired to walk confidently in the path that God has set for you!

The Healing Power of Touch: How Massage Can Transform Lives

In this enlightening episode of Encouragement for Today's podcast, Brother Michael Crenshaw invites his wife Phyllis and special guest Etete Ababune-Torres, a gifted massage therapist based in Huntsville, Alabama. Together, they explore the profound benefits of massage therapy for physical and emotional well-being. Etete shares her journey into massage therapy, inspired by her mother, and the various techniques she uses to aid in relaxation, deep tissue healing, and pregnancy support.
Listeners will discover how aromatherapy complements massage therapy and how essential oils like lavender and peppermint can enhance relaxation and healing. Etete also discusses the critical care and consideration needed when dealing with clients who have medical conditions, emphasizing the importance of professional guidelines and personal intuition in her practice.
Tune in to learn more about the ministry of touch and the transformative potential of massage therapy and aromatherapy. Whether you're seeking relief from stress, chronic pain, or simply want to explore the wellness benefits of massage, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement.