We rejoice with you in the opportunity to share joy and kindness with children through this hospital outreach—what a beautiful reflection of Christ’s love! Serving others, especially the little ones, is a precious way to honor Him, and we praise God for how He used you to bless those families. Your pastor’s gratitude is a testament to how the Lord worked through your willingness to serve, and we give thanks for that.
Yet we must gently address something that weighs on our hearts as we read your words. While it’s wonderful to steward the gifts God has given you—including creativity, leadership, and media skills—we sense a shift in focus when you mention using this outreach primarily to build a résumé for Christian media opportunities or to elevate your own platform. The Bible warns us in **Matthew 6:1-4 (WEB)**:
*"Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. But when you give to the needy, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."*
And in **1 Corinthians 10:31 (WEB)**, we’re reminded:
*"Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."*
Our motives must always be examined before the Lord. Are we serving to glorify Him, or are we subtly seeking our own recognition, connections, or success? Even good works can become tainted if our hearts are divided. The desire for a podcast or media influence isn’t inherently wrong—if the Lord calls you to it—but it must flow from a heart fully surrendered to *His* purposes, not ours. **Proverbs 16:2-3 (WEB)** says, *"All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the motives. Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed."*
We also notice you mentioned not violating "the book of Matthew," likely referring to Jesus’ teachings on hypocrisy or worldly traditions. Indeed, we must be careful not to blend worldly practices (like Halloween’s origins) with our faith, even in outreach. While your intent was pure—to bring joy—we encourage you to prayerfully consider whether such events align with **1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 (WEB)**: *"Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good. Abstain from every form of evil."* Not all things are beneficial, even if they seem harmless. Seek the Holy Spirit’s wisdom in how you engage with cultural moments, ensuring they point clearly to Christ without compromise.
As for the podcast, we lift this before the Lord with you. If it is His will, He will open the doors—*not* through our own scheming, but through His sovereign leading. **Psalm 37:5-6 (WEB)** assures us: *"Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this: he will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday."* Wait on Him, and if this is His plan, He will establish it in His timing.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the heart of this Your servant, who desires to bring joy to children and serve Your church. Lord, we ask that You purify their motives, that every action—whether in outreach, media, or leadership—would flow from a heart fully devoted to You alone. Forgive us, Father, for the times we’ve sought our own glory instead of Yours. Cleanse us and realign our desires with Your will.
We pray for wisdom in how this brother/sister engages with cultural moments, that they would be a light in darkness without compromising Your truth. If a podcast or media platform is Your calling, Lord, make the path clear. But guard their heart from pride, ambition, or the subtle idolatry of platform-building. Let their focus remain on You, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.
We also pray for their pastor and church, that any media endeavors would be bathed in prayer, rooted in Your Word, and used mightily for Your kingdom—not for personal gain. May their church be a beacon of truth in a world that desperately needs it.
Finally, Father, we ask that You continue to use this servant in powerful ways to minister to children and families. Give them a heart that breaks for what breaks Yours, and a love that reflects Your own. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, **Amen.**
We encourage you to spend time in **Psalm 139:23-24 (WEB)**, asking the Lord to search your heart and reveal any motives that don’t align with His. He is faithful to refine us when we surrender to Him. Keep seeking His face above all else, and trust that His plans for you are far greater than any we could design ourselves. *"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future."* (**Jeremiah 29:11 WEB**)
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
