Alive & Sober

Trusting God When You Feel Nothing | Psalm 34:18

In this episode of Alive & Sober with Reno Collier, Reno dives deep into the feeling that silence from God can sometimes feel like abandonment. Using Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit," Reno shares his personal experiences of seeking God during times of pain, confusion, and anger. He discusses the struggle of trusting God’s presence even when you can’t feel Him, and the importance of faith when answers don’t come right away. Reno reminds listeners that God is never too busy for us, and that silence doesn’t mean absence—God is always near, especially in our hardest moments.Read: Open your Bible to Psalm 34:18 and reflect on its promise that God is close to the brokenhearted.Reflect: Think about times when you felt alone or unheard. How can you trust that God is still with you, even in silence?Respond: Pray, “God, help me to trust that You are near, even when I can’t feel You. Strengthen my faith and help me surrender to Your love.”Reveal: Show someone else God’s love today by reaching out to someone who may feel alone or abandoned, reminding them they are not alone.If you need encouragement to keep believing when you feel nothing, or want to know how to hold on to faith in silence, this episode is for you. Remember, God is nearer than your fear, and you are loved.Keywords: Reno Collier, Alive & Sober, Christian podcast, Psalm 34:18, faith in silence, God’s presence, brokenhearted, spiritual encouragement, trusting God, prayer, Bible reflection, Christian recovery, hope, surrender, God’s love, overcoming loneliness

You’re Carrying Too Much—Give It to God

Join Reno Collier on Alive & Sober as he explores the powerful message behind Psalm 55:22—“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.” In this heartfelt episode, Reno shares personal stories and relatable analogies about the weight we try to carry for those we love, and the importance of trusting God with the burdens that are too heavy for us. Discover why trying to shoulder someone else’s struggles can leave us overwhelmed, and how surrendering those burdens to God brings true relief and strength.Read: Dive into Psalm 55:22 and consider what it means to truly cast your burdens on the Lord.Reflect: Think about the loads you’re carrying for others. Are you trying to take on more than you’re meant to? How can you trust God with the things that feel too heavy?Respond: Pray along with Reno—“Dear God, give us the wisdom to recognize that you are the fixer, and we are your instruments. Help us not to overload ourselves, so we can be a light to others. Thank you for loving us. Amen.”Reveal: Show someone else the truth of this passage by sharing your own story of letting go and trusting God, or by encouraging a friend who’s struggling under a heavy load.Listen to Alive & Sober with Reno Collier for honest conversation, spiritual encouragement, and practical steps to live lighter and trust deeper. Keywords: Reno Collier, Alive & Sober, Christian podcast, Psalm 55:22, cast your burdens, faith, trust God, letting go, spiritual encouragement, Christian community, prayer, Bible study, recovery, hope, inspiration

From Deep Pain to Deeper Faith | Char Cole’s Story

In this powerful episode of Alive & Sober with Reno Collier, Reno sits down with Char Cole to share her deeply moving story of loss, faith, and hope. Char opens up about living through every parent's worst nightmare—not once, but twice—and how her journey through unimaginable pain led her to a deeper relationship with God. Together, Reno and Char discuss the challenges of parenting through addiction, the signs parents might miss, and the guilt and questions that follow tragedy. Char shares how her faith, family, and even horses played a role in her healing, and how God’s comfort can reach us in our darkest moments.Read: 2 Corinthians 1:4 – "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."Reflect: Consider how God has comforted you in your own struggles. How can you use your experiences to support others who are hurting?Respond: Lord, thank You for being with me in my pain. Help me to trust You with my hurts and to offer Your comfort to others who are suffering.Reveal: Reach out to someone who is struggling today. Share a word of encouragement, your story, or simply listen. Let God’s comfort flow through you to others.Keywords: Reno Collier, Char Cole, Alive & Sober, addiction recovery, Christian podcast, faith and loss, parenting and addiction, grief, hope, 2 Corinthians 1:4, God’s comfort, healing, testimony, overcoming tragedy, support for parents, substance abuse, Christian encouragement, recovery stories

The Hardest Kind of Love | The Prodigal Son

In this episode of Alive & Sober with Reno Collier, Reno dives into one of the toughest aspects of loving someone in addiction: knowing when love means letting go. Using the story of the prodigal son from Luke 15:20, Reno explores the pain and hope in releasing the illusion that we can save others, and the importance of keeping our hearts soft even when our hands must let go. Reno shares personal insights on how we often wish we could control the actions of those we love, but ultimately, we can only control our own choices and trust God with the rest.Read: Luke 15:20 – "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion."Reflect: Consider how the father’s unwavering love in the parable mirrors God’s love for us, even when we make mistakes or go astray. How can you keep your heart open while letting go of control?Respond: Pray, “Jesus, help me to love others as you love me. Give me the strength to let go when I need to, and trust you with the outcome. Amen.”Reveal: Show compassion and support to someone struggling, not by trying to fix them, but by being present and loving, just as the father welcomed his son home.Listen to Alive & Sober with Reno Collier for honest conversations about faith, recovery, and the real challenges of loving others well. Keywords: Reno Collier, Alive & Sober, addiction recovery, prodigal son, Luke 15:20, Christian podcast, letting go, faith, compassion, family, prayer, Bible study, recovery support, Christian encouragement, sobriety, spiritual growth

If Fear Is Running Your Life… Watch This

In this episode of Alive & Sober with Reno Collier, Reno dives deep into the struggle of loving someone battling addiction while facing overwhelming fear. Reno shares personal experiences with anxiety and fear, especially the paralyzing worry that comes when a loved one is in crisis. Drawing from Isaiah 41:10, "Fear not, for I am with you; I will strengthen you and help you," Reno explores how faith can be a source of strength and peace when fear feels uncontrollable. He discusses the tension between fear and love, and how trusting God can help us move forward even when we feel powerless.Reno encourages listeners to take practical steps using the 4 R’s:Read: Open your Bible to Isaiah 41:10 and let the words sink in.Reflect: Think about a time when fear took over and how you responded. How can you invite God into that space?Respond: Pray—“Dear God, when fear overwhelms me, help me remember your love and strength. Thank you for never leaving me, even when I feel alone. Fill my heart with your peace today. Amen.”Reveal: Show love to someone struggling with fear or addiction. Share your story or offer a listening ear, demonstrating the truth that love is stronger than fear.If you’re struggling with fear for a loved one or your own anxiety, this episode offers hope, practical faith, and a reminder that you’re not alone. Reno’s honest conversation and prayer will encourage you to lean on God’s love and strength, even in the darkest moments.Keywords: addiction recovery, faith and fear, Christian podcast, Reno Collier, Isaiah 41:10, loving an addict, overcoming anxiety, prayer for fear, hope in God, Alive & Sober

Why Enabling Isn’t Love (And What Is)

Join Reno Collier on Alive & Sober as he dives into the tough but loving topic of boundaries, especially when it comes to loving someone struggling with addiction. In this episode, Reno shares personal stories and hard-earned wisdom about why setting boundaries is an act of love, not rejection. He discusses the challenges of being judged for stepping in, stepping back, or stepping away, and how these choices are often misunderstood by others. The conversation centers around Proverbs 4:23, "Keep your heart with all vigilance," and explores how protecting your own heart is essential to truly helping others.Reno reflects on his own journey to sobriety, emphasizing that real change must come from within and that enabling behavior can be more harmful than helpful. He encourages listeners to recognize the importance of healthy boundaries, not as a form of punishment, but as a way to love with clarity and give both parties space to grow. The episode closes with a heartfelt prayer and a reminder that healthy boundaries are a form of enduring love.Take action with the 4 R’s:Read: Proverbs 4:23 – "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."Reflect: Consider how setting boundaries in your relationships can protect your heart and help you love others more effectively.Respond: Pray, "God, help me to protect my heart and soul so I can love others with strength and clarity. Give me the courage to set healthy boundaries and the wisdom to know when to step in or step back. Amen."Reveal: Show someone what healthy boundaries look like by being honest, consistent, and loving in your actions, even when it’s difficult.Keywords: Reno Collier, Alive & Sober, addiction recovery, setting boundaries, Christian sobriety, Proverbs 4:23, healthy relationships, loving an addict, faith and recovery, spiritual growth, emotional health, sobriety support, Christian podcast, recovery journey, boundaries and love

The Kind of Love That Endures Addiction

In this episode of Alive & Sober with Reno Collier, Reno dives into the challenges of loving someone struggling with addiction. With honesty and vulnerability, he shares his personal experience as an alcoholic and the confusion and pain that both addicts and their loved ones face. Reno discusses the kind of love that endures even when it doesn’t make sense, referencing 1 Corinthians 13:7—“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” He emphasizes that while there’s no perfect solution, turning to God is essential when the situation feels impossible.Reno encourages listeners to keep loving, keep praying, and keep going, even when it feels like you’re being tossed around in a dryer. He acknowledges the pain and endurance required to love someone in addiction, and offers hope that faith in God can help you hold on to love, faith, and hope.Read: Open your Bible to 1 Corinthians 13:7 and reflect on what it means for love to endure all things.Reflect: Think about a time when loving someone felt impossible. How did you respond? What did you learn about yourself and about love?Respond: Pray—“Dear God, please be with all those who are struggling. Give us the strength to love, endure, and trust You, even when it’s hard.”Reveal: Show someone today that you care, even if it’s difficult. Share a word of encouragement or a simple act of kindness to demonstrate enduring love.If nobody told you they love you today, Reno does.Keywords: addiction recovery, Christian podcast, Reno Collier, loving an addict, faith and hope, 1 Corinthians 13:7, sobriety, prayer, encouragement, endurance, God’s love, Alive & Sober

The Mind Games of Addiction — And How God Breaks Them.

In this powerful episode of Alive & Sober with Reno Collier, Reno sits down with Arnie Cole to share his raw and honest journey through addiction, loss, and ultimately, redemption. Reno opens up about what rock bottom really looked like for him—losing his home, marriage, and career in a matter of months—and how even at his lowest, he kept finding new bottoms. Together, Reno and Arnie discuss the mind games of addiction, the physical and emotional toll, and the struggle to find hope when everything seems lost.Reno reveals how the support and prayers of his wife, the encouragement of friends in recovery, and the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ helped him begin the climb out of despair. They talk about the importance of recognizing guilt, making amends, and understanding that true change comes from addressing the reasons behind addiction—not just quitting the substance. Reno shares how Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble," became a lifeline, and how faith provided the tools to move up from rock bottom.This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with addiction, feeling hopeless, or searching for a way up. Reno and Arnie’s conversation is filled with honesty, encouragement, and practical wisdom for building a new life on a strong foundation.Take action with the 4 R’s:Read: Dive into Psalm 46:1—"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Let this verse remind you that you are never alone, even at your lowest.Reflect: Think about your own "rock bottom" moments. What have you lost, and what have you learned? How can faith and community help you start moving up?Respond: Pray—"God, I need Your strength. Help me to trust You as my refuge and guide me out of my lowest places. Thank You for never leaving me, even when I tried to leave You."Reveal: Share your story or this message with someone who may be struggling. Let them see the truth that rock bottom can be the foundation for a new life, and that hope is possible through Jesus.Keywords: Reno Collier, Arnie Cole, Alive & Sober, addiction recovery, Christian podcast, rock bottom, faith, sobriety, Psalm 46:1, hope, testimony, overcoming addiction, mental health, spiritual growth, recovery journey, Bible, prayer, encouragement, life change, redemption, alcoholism, sobriety stories, Christian encouragement, support, transformation, Jesus Christ, recovery tools, making amends, guilt, forgiveness, new beginnings, inspirational stories

If You Feel Far from God… Watch This

Join Reno Collier on Alive & Sober as he shares a heartfelt message about God’s unwavering presence, even when we try to run from Him. Drawing from Deuteronomy 31:8, Reno reflects on his own journey of faith, addiction, and recovery, reminding us that God never leaves or forsakes us. Through honest storytelling and humor, Reno encourages listeners to reach out to those struggling with addiction, pray for them, and support each other in growing closer to God.Read: Dive into Deuteronomy 31:8 – "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."Reflect: Consider times when you’ve tried to hide from God or felt distant. How has God shown you His love and presence, even in your lowest moments?Respond: Pray, asking God to help you be honest with Him about your struggles and to guide you in cleansing your heart and spirit.Reveal: Reach out to someone you know who is struggling with addiction. Let them know you’re thinking of them, pray for them, and remind them they’re not alone.Listen in for real talk, encouragement, and practical steps to strengthen your faith and recovery journey.Keywords: Reno Collier, Alive & Sober, Christian recovery, addiction support, Deuteronomy 31:8, faith journey, sobriety, God’s love, prayer, Bible reflection, spiritual growth, recovery podcast, Christian encouragement

Her Faith Saved My Life: Reno Collier’s Recovery Story

Join Reno Collier on Alive & Sober as he shares a heartfelt story about the power of having someone believe in you during recovery. Reno opens up about his journey to sobriety and the unwavering support of his wife, Sandy, whose daily love, patience, and faith in Jesus helped him push through the toughest moments. This episode centers on Galatians 6:9: "Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Reno reflects on how one person’s belief can make all the difference, especially when you struggle to believe in yourself. Through personal anecdotes, football analogies, and honest prayer, Reno encourages listeners to keep fighting the good fight, trust in God’s timing, and never give up.Read: Dive into Galatians 6:9 and consider its message about perseverance and doing good.Reflect: Think about the people in your life who have supported you, or how you can be that support for someone else. How does having someone believe in you change your journey?Respond: Pray along with Reno, asking God for strength, gratitude for those who support us, and the courage to keep moving forward even when it’s hard.Reveal: Show the truth of this passage by reaching out to someone who needs encouragement today, or by sharing your own story of hope and recovery.Keywords: Reno Collier, Alive & Sober, recovery, faith, Galatians 6:9, sobriety, support, Christian podcast, addiction recovery, hope, perseverance, prayer, Bible study, encouragement, mental health, spiritual growth