In this episode of Pivotal Decisions, Stan discusses the latest update from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists on the Doomsday Clock, which has moved to 89 seconds before midnight. With global threats increasing, many are asking: Are we at the end? What is going to happen? Stan explores God’s plan for the end times, focusing on the biblical event known as the Rapture.

Through scripture, particularly 1 Thessalonians 4, he explains what the Rapture is, why it matters, and how believers can find hope in God’s promises. This episode provides a biblical foundation for understanding the end times, offering clarity and comfort in an uncertain world.

Looking Ahead:

• In the next episode, Stan will discuss different views on the Rapture and why he believes in the pretribulation perspective.

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Are we living in the last days? In this episode of Pivotal Decisions, Stan kicks off a compelling series exploring end-time events from a biblical perspective. Discover what Scripture reveals about signs of the times, the return of Jesus, and how we can live with confidence and hope in uncertain days. Join us as we break down complex prophecies, dispel common misconceptions, and focus on the ultimate victory found in Christ.

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In this episode of Pivotal Decisions, Stan explores why so many people struggle to make lasting changes in their lives. Reflecting on studies that show most resolutions fail by mid-January, Stan dives into the reasons people get stuck in life and how to break free. He highlights insights from an MSN article that outlines 8 daily habits of unsuccessful people who can’t seem to get unstuck, including procrastination, blaming others, and neglecting self-care.

By recognizing and addressing these behaviors, you can take control of your mindset and actions to create meaningful progress. Tune in to learn practical strategies to rise above your circumstances and make real, lasting change.

8 Daily Habits Of Unsuccessful People Who Can't Seem To Get Unstuck In Life

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Life can often feel exhausting and overwhelming, filled with pressures, responsibilities, and an endless stream of distractions. In this episode of Pivotal Decisions, Stan explores the emotional, spiritual, and mental tiredness that weighs many of us down. He shares practical ways to simplify life and reduce the overwhelming burden of stress.

Drawing from an article by Joshua Becker, Stan highlights 10 Key Areas to simplify—including possessions, time commitments, negative thoughts, and screen time—to create a more joyful, balanced life. He also offers biblical wisdom from II Chronicles 20:15, reminding us that we don’t have to fight life’s battles alone—God is in control.

If you're feeling drained and desperate for change, this episode is for you.

📌 Life is Overwhelming – We are constantly moving, thinking, and processing—no wonder we’re tired!📌 Emotional & Spiritual Fatigue is Real – Anxiety, regret, grief, and insecurity can weigh us down.📌 Simplify Your Life – Removing distractions and unnecessary burdens can lead to peace.📌 10 Things to Simplify (from Joshua Becker):

The 10 Most Important Things to Simplify in Your Life

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✅ Share this episode with a friend who may be feeling overwhelmed.

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In this episode of Pivotal Decisions, Stan explores one of life’s most painful experiences: betrayal. Whether it’s a close friend, a family member, or even a trusted leader, betrayal cuts deep, leaving emotional scars that are often difficult to heal. Stan examines historical, psychological, and biblical perspectives on betrayal, offering practical steps for navigating the hurt and finding a path toward healing.

Resources Mentioned:

• Chuck Lawless’ article: Steps to Consider When You Face the Pain of Betrayal12 Steps to Consider when You Face the Pain of Betrayal | ChuckLawless.com
• Scripture References:
  • Ephesians 6:12 (Recognizing the true enemy)
  • John 18:5 (Judas’ betrayal of Jesus)
• Neurolaunch research on betrayal trauma

Thank you for listening to this episode of Pivotal Decisions. If you found this discussion helpful, please share it with someone who might benefit. Be sure to subscribe on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform for more insightful episodes. Remember, the decisions you make today determine your tomorrow. See you next time!

In this episode of Pivotal Decisions, Stan challenges listeners to make the most of the time God has given them in 2025 by embracing five transformative habits. Drawing from personal reflections, biblical wisdom, and practical insights, Stan encourages his audience to live with more faith, reduce stress, invest in meaningful relationships, listen more while talking less, and cultivate a heart of gratitude. With thought-provoking anecdotes and actionable steps, this episode inspires listeners to align their priorities with God’s purpose, equipping them to make decisions today that shape a better tomorrow.

• Live with more faith.
• Don’t be so stressed.
• Focus on relationships.
• Listen more, talk less.
• Live with gratitude.

8 simple ways to improve your life in 2025 - Fast Company

Welcome to the first episode of 2025! Stan dives into the topic of goal-setting, emphasizing its importance for a productive and purposeful year. In this episode, Stan shares insights on why New Year's resolutions often fail and provides a better alternative: the process of setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. Rooted in biblical wisdom and supported by practical strategies, this episode will inspire you to approach your goals with humility, intentionality, and faith.

Key Takeaways

1. Why Resolutions Often Fail
   • Statistic: 60% of people abandon resolutions within six months; 25% quit after only 7 days.
   • Insight: The key to lasting change lies in setting clear priorities and writing them down.
2. The Power of Writing Goals
   • Dr. Gail Matthews' study shows individuals are 42% more likely to achieve their goals if they write them down.
   • Written goals create accountability and clarify vision.
3. Biblical Perspective on Goal-Setting
   • Referencing James 4:13, Stan highlights the importance of submitting plans to God.
   • Planning isn’t unspiritual; arrogance in planning without God is.
   • Approach goals with humility, recognizing God’s sovereignty.
4. Benefits of Setting Goals
   • Keeps you from wasting time (Ephesians 5:16).
   • Helps overcome distractions.
   • Simplifies decision-making by clarifying priorities.
   • Builds determination and resilience.
5. The SMART Approach to Goal-Setting
   • Specific: Clearly define your goals to know exactly what actions to take.
   • Measurable: Track progress to stay motivated.
   • Achievable: Ensure goals are realistic within your resources and time.
   • Realistic: Set goals aligned with your abilities and environment.
   • Timely: Set start and end dates to create urgency and accountability.
6. Additional Insights from James Clear
   • Goal-setting is not just about the rewards but also about the sacrifices required to achieve them.
   • Environmental influences, or "choice architecture," play a significant role in achieving goals.
7. A Call to Prayer
   • Cover all plans in prayer, seeking God’s guidance and blessing for the year ahead (Colossians 4:2).

Resources Mentioned

• James Clear’s Atomic Habits
• Gail Matthews’ study on goal-setting
• Bible passages: James 4:13, Ephesians 5:16
• Goal Setting: A Scientific Guide to Setting and Achieving Goals

Episode Challenge

Take time this week to write down at least one SMART goal for 2025. Share it with a trusted friend or mentor for accountability and pray over it, asking God to guide your steps.

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In this episode, Stan explores the Habits of Perpetual Underachievers and the behaviors that hold people back from moving forward in life. Drawing from research, biblical wisdom, and practical insights, Stan highlights the importance of making the best use of our time and overcoming mindsets that lead to regret. Learn how habits like procrastination, fear of failure, lack of discipline, and poor time management can prevent you from fulfilling your God-given purpose. This episode challenges you to examine your priorities, take intentional steps forward, and trust God’s plan for your life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Regret Research:
   • Research by social psychologists Tom Gilovich and Vicki Medvec reveals that, in the short term, we regret actions (mistakes) more than inactions (missed opportunities), 53% to 47%.
   • However, in the long term, 84% of our regrets are about inactions, the opportunities left on the table.
2. Habits That Lead to Underachievement:
   • Procrastinating: Delaying tasks creates stress, a backlog of responsibilities, and missed opportunities.
   • Fretting Over Potential Failure: Fear of failure keeps you in your comfort zone, preventing growth and forward momentum.
   • Not Setting Goals: Without clear, measurable goals, you drift aimlessly and waste time.
   • Blaming Others: Shifting responsibility keeps you from learning and growing.
   • Chasing Perfect: Perfectionism leads to inaction or wasted time obsessing over unnecessary details.
   • Being Undisciplined: Motivation is fleeting; discipline keeps you moving toward your goals.
   • Talking Themselves Down: Negative self-talk sabotages success and becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
   • Avoiding Feedback: Fear of criticism prevents learning from others’ experiences and expertise.
   • Making Excuses: Excuses deflect the need to try and hold you back from problem-solving.
   • Managing Time Poorly: Time mismanagement wastes precious hours that could be used to pursue your purpose.

12 Habits Of Perpetual Underachievers Who Never Move Forward In Life

1. You don’t have time to do everything, but you have enough time to do what God has called you to do. Don’t let distractions or unhelpful habits keep you from moving forward. Trust God’s promises, take the next step, and make the best use of your time. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others who might benefit from it. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Pivotal Decisions Podcast for more insightful discussions that will help you make better decisions, lead stronger, and live with purpose.