Igniting Hope Ministries

We cannot consistently do what we don't believe we are. One reason many sincere Christians feel unworthy when they read the Bible is that they are reading it with a behavior-first mindset instead of an identity-first mindset. In this message, Steve Backlund gives you insight into this and helps you get excited about Bible reading (and hearing sermons) like never before.

We are called not only to prophesy, but to be a prophetic person - one who sees people, circumstances, and possibilities through Heaven’s lens. Instead of being limited by appearances, past history, or natural probabilities, they choose to believe what God says is possible. In this message, Steve Backlund shares about this higher way of living.

Romans 12:3 says God has dealt to each one “a measure of faith.” The word “measure” comes from the Greek word metron, which is a measured sphere of authority. It’s the area where God has entrusted us with unusual faith, unusual grace, and unusual influence. This podcast is designed to help you find your purpose and calling in a greater way.

Lies smart people believe usually don't make them rebellious; they make them passive. They don’t cause them to run from God; they cause them to expect less from Him. In this podcast, Steve Backlund reveals subtle lies that put on ceiling on the potential of responsible and logical people.

This is a part two to last week's podcast, "I Am So Glad It Was Hard".  In this message, Steve Backlund quotes from James 1:12 and shares how perseverance through trials gives us a "crown of life" (ability to give life away to others in the very areas we are overcoming in). This message will give further purpose to what is difficult in our lives. 

I was talking recently with my wife, Wendy, reflecting on some high-profile leadership messes. These people rose quickly in influence, but their lack of character undermined their influence. In the middle of that conversation, I said, “I am so glad it was hard for us.” This podcast shares the why behind that statement. Get ready to be inspired and equipped for strength and longevity as you listen.

When controversy happens in our lives, our churches, or in our nation, we are very tempted to let our emotions direct our beliefs and responses, but this often leads to division rather than bridge-building. In this podcast, Steve Backlund gives some great insights into navigating controversies in a healthy way.

Steve Backlund gives great insight into how to think and respond to the unexpected happening in our lives. 

The fruit of the Spirit of self-control is vital for so many areas, but it is especially needed for us to not over-react to perceived doctrinal error or rumors about people. In this podcast, Steve Backlund will help you become more balanced in your responses to such things. 

In this message, Steve Backlund makes the case that the third most important question in life is "Who Do We Say the People in Our Life Are?"

"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34. Our beliefs come out through our words. It is fascinating to consider what we believe is hard (hard to do or difficult to experience). The belief that something is hard is usually a bigger problem than what seems to be hard. In this fun, inspiring, and revelatory teaching, Steve Backlund shares what we really need to believe is hard.

Steve Backlund shares prophetically what he is hearing for 2026.

This is a message Steve preached at Valley Church in Caldwell on December 14, 2025, right after Wendy and he moved there. Get ready to be inspired and hear a "now word" for your life.

Steve continues a Christmas podcast tradition of sharing insights into what the birth of Jesus speaks about the circumstances we are facing in our own lives.

This great message will build your expectation to experience abundance in nine key areas to accomplish God's highest purposes for your life.

It has been said that people, on average, heard the gospel 7.4 times before surrendering and believing in Jesus. In this podcast, Seve Backlund shares the importance of repeating things in ministry and beyond. 

In this podcast, Steve Backlund makes the case for "thank you" being the two most important words we can speak. Get ready to be inspired to take your thankfulness to life-changing levels. 

The Apostle Paul told Timothy to "stir up the gift" that was in him (2 Timothy 1:6). It is not automatic that our gifts will mature and bear fruit. In this podcast, Steve Backlund puts on his coach's hat to inspire you and give you insight into how to stir yourself up and see an increase in the gifts and talents you have. 

Those who succeed most seem to fail most. Winston Churchill said, "Success is moving from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm." In this podcast, Steve Backlund helps us practically live out these truths.