A Free Range Faith

A Free Range Faith

by Zack and Kendra Rackovan
Kids & FamilyChristianity

Powerful Prayers for Protection (3 Proven Strategies to Keep Your Family Safe)

How do you truly protect your family in a world filled with fear? With a nonstop news cycle and a booming home security industry, it’s easy to believe protection comes from technology. Cameras. Alarms. Systems. But what if the most powerful protection available to your family isn’t physical — it’s spiritual? In this episode, we dive into what Scripture actually says about protecting your home and your children. We unpack Psalm 91 and other powerful passages to show how prayer becomes your greatest defense. We also share a personal story of a moment when the Holy Spirit prompted us to pray urgently — over an unexpected situation with our own kids. In this conversation, we cover: • What “pray without ceasing” really means • Why gratitude reduces anxiety (even scientifically) • How to use the Word of God as a weapon • Why asking God matters more than assuming • Practical ways to pray protection over your family daily If you’ve ever wondered: Does prayer actually protect my family? How do I pray with more authority? Is God actively involved in everyday dangers? This episode will strengthen your confidence in God’s protection and give you practical tools you can begin using today. 📥 Free Resource: 7 Prayers for Protection We’ve created a simple Scripture-based guide with seven powerful prayers — one for each day of the week — to help you consistently cover your family in prayer. You can download it here: https://afreerangefaith.com/prayers-for-protection/ True security isn’t found in systems — it’s found in the presence of God.
E11
Apr 14, 2026
34:51

God Has a Plan for Your Kids (This is How You Help Them Walk in it)

Are we loving our kids… or avoiding our responsibility? So many parents say, “I don’t want to interfere. I’ll let them figure out who they are.” It sounds supportive. It sounds kind. But what if that mindset is actually setting them up for confusion? In this episode, we talk honestly about the responsibility God gives parents. Not to control our kids. Not to force our dreams on them. But to intentionally nurture the calling He placed on their lives. We discuss: • The danger of passive parenting • Why “I’ll love you no matter what” isn’t the full picture • How to balance guidance without unhealthy pressure • Why eternity matters more than scholarships and status • How to recognize and nurture your child’s God-given gifts • Practical steps for helping them build a strong spiritual foundation Your kids were not created randomly. They were designed on purpose, for a purpose, and entrusted to you on purpose. You can’t take the journey for them — but you are responsible for giving them the map. You only get a short window before they leave your home. Be intentional. Pray boldly. Lead courageously. If this episode encouraged you, share it with another parent who needs this reminder.
E10
Mar 31, 2026
49:15

Why Christian Families Are Rethinking Their Children’s Education

What is the real purpose of education? Is it to get a job… make money… build a successful life? Or is there something deeper that we’ve completely missed? In this episode, we unpack what God actually says about education—and why so many families today feel like something is off with the system. We talk about: Why education was never meant to be separated from God The hidden shift that changed schools over time Why parents are still the primary educators (whether we realize it or not) How kids are designed to learn—and why many are struggling today The difference between memorizing information and actually learning How to raise children who love learning, think deeply, and follow God We also share personal experiences from homeschooling, teaching, and raising a family centered on Christ—and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. If you’ve ever questioned the direction of education, felt overwhelmed as a parent, or sensed that God is calling you to something different… this conversation is for you. ❤️ Final Thought You don’t need to have it all figured out. If God is stirring something in your heart, He will guide you—and make a way.
E9
Mar 18, 2026
53:13

How They Strategically Removed God From Public Schools… And The Destructive Results

Episode #08 The government school system (aka "public school") was literally designed to kill Christianity. The founders didn't hide their agenda at all, they put their plans in writing and set out to conquer overthrow the Christian culture in America during the 1930's by targeting the most vulnerable demographic: our kids. In just 30 years, they executed their plan and were able to remove all traces of Christianity from the classroom. They sold the American public on the idea of a "neutral, but still moral" education, but lurking below the surface of their manipulative words was a demonic design. What these powerful men of academia did was not just remove the Christian religion from the classroom, they actually replaced it with their own religion. In their own words, "The battle for humankind's future must be waged and won in the public school classroom by teachers who correctly perceive their role as the proselytizers of a new faith -- utilizing a classroom instead of a pulpit to carry (our) values into wherever they teach." This extremely organized plan was executed with precision, and has left a wake of destruction in its path. Recent studies show that less than 1% of America's young adults hold to a Biblical worldview (even if they claim to be a Christian.) If you are a parent or caretaker of children, you need to hear this information, Our culture is finally starting to see the rotten fruit of the government school system, but as Christians we cannot take lightly the future of the next generation. We need to ensure they have an education built on God's Truth, and there is no possibility of them receiving that in a public school building. Give your Christian son or daughter a real education that will teach them who they are and what they were meant to be. Foundations are not meant to be rebuilt, make sure you are helping them build theirs the right way. What's in this episode: 00:00 Preview & Intro 01:47 An analogy of the Church 06:31 A note for Christian teachers and administrators 07:53 Neutral does not exist 09:17 A History of Government Schooling 14:32 The religion that Replaced Christianity in the Classroom 15:59 Quotes from the founders of Humanism on the Public School Takeover 18:38 The Tragic Results of No Christian Resistance 24:12 An International Comparison 29:00 Fight for your Children! 33:55 Responding to the Top 2 Arguments for Partnering with Public School 38:47 Education Always Costs Something. Will You Pay it? #christianpodcast #christianliving #christianfamily #powerofprayer #bibletruth #naturalmedicine #medicinegodsway
E8
Mar 5, 2026
41:37

The Reading List Replacing Screens in Our Home (25 Books for Christian Kids ages 5-12)

Episode #07 Finding clean, wholesome content can be really difficult, if not impossible these days. While screens are melting our kids' minds and turning the next generation into robots who just regurgitate their favorite influencers' opinions (or even worse, ChatGPT's opinions!) we are a family of seven who has seen abundant fruit from nurturing a love in our children for reading. Reading develops problem-solving abilities, vocabulary, and empathy for others, it's even lowers stress and helps kids sleep better at night. The benefits of reading are far reaching and long lasting. Even so, although books are a much better and safer option than any device, parents need to be diligent in monitoring the books their kids are reading. Your local library probably has board books written for 3 years olds convincing them they should try casting spells or trying out a new gender. This is where our 3 co-hosts can help you out. On average, they read several hundred books each year! In this conversation, they each share about their 3 favorites, and we round out the list of our Family's top 25 books for Christian kids (age 5-12). Here is our list (in no particular order): 1- The Lighthouse Family- https://amzn.to/4rdqn5u 2- Grandmas Attic- https://amzn.to/4qGUB0Q 3- Kingdom's Dawn- https://amzn.to/4k8OPCY 4- Tumtum & Nutmeg: Adventures Beyond Nutmouse Hall- https://amzn.to/4qIEpMN 5- Happy Little Family- https://amzn.to/49MokhC 6- The Green Ember- https://amzn.to/4rgEdnL 7- Tales from Maple Ridge- https://amzn.to/4a1u2wr 8- The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls- https://amzn.to/4rf453w 9- The Wingfeather Saga- https://amzn.to/3ZyKjE6 10- The Vanderbeekers- https://amzn.to/4bYUpFE 11- Little House 12- Robin Hood 13- All of a Kind Family 14- The Chronicles of Narina 15- Charlotte's Web 16- Prince Warriors 17- The Family Under the Bridge 18- The Baxter Family Children (Best Family Ever) 19- The Tale of Despereaux 20- Little Britches 21- Caddie Woodlawn 22- Alone yet not Alone 23- The Cabin Faced West 24- The Ark, the Reed & the Fire Cloud 25a- Classic Starts: King Arthur 25b- Classic Starts: Anne of Green Gables 25c- Classic Starts: Pinocchio
E7
Feb 18, 2026
38:29

Our Families are being Consumed by Content. This is how we Stop it.

Episode #06 Over 60% of parents feel guilty about the amount of time their kids spend in front of a screen, and 50% of them believe their children may have an addiction to their screens. They probably aren't wrong. America's next generation has a problem: the content they have been consuming is now consuming them. Social anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide have never been as high, and although there is more than one factor, screens are a major factor in this epidemic. It's not hard to figure out when we look at the statistics, the average American, including kids, spends around 8 hours a day in front of a screen. That's 1/3 of our life! Even small children are now hooked on the dopamine hits from this synthetic alternate reality, and being turned into drones who are struggling to function in real life. Join us as we dive deeper into this national, if not worldwide problem, and discuss what our family has done to make sure screens and content will not steal what God intends for our kids' future. What's in this episode: 00:00 Intro 03:04 When Free Time = Screen Time 13:03 Chew & Spit 28:27 What seeds are you planting? 32:16 You've got the Means to Replace the Screens 45:14 Lead by Example 47:17 Three Steps for Success 52:25 Outtake: Kendra can't have a conversation by herself #christianpodcast #christianliving #christianfamily #powerofprayer #bibletruth #naturalmedicine #medicinegodsway
E6
Feb 4, 2026
52:54

Stop Blocking God's Blessings for Your Family

Episode #05 In the last several conversations, we've discussed how we've overhauled some major areas of our life as we've followed the Holy Spirit's lead. Sometimes though, even though we know God has asked certain things of us, the thought of change just overwhelms us. Where do we start? How do we figure it all out? Because change isn't always easy, or maybe even because we convince ourselves that it's unnecessary, we never make those changes, or we make them for a short time and then revert back to what we were doing. This could be true in areas of health and nutrition, of priorities and time management, of disciplines and habits, or really any area of life. But here is the reality: obedience unlocks blessing. In this conversation, we explore how Scripture links these two realities. Over and over again we see that immediate/total/persistent obedience unleashes God's blessings on men and women of the Bible, and God promises to do the same for you and me. We share throughout this episode why we believe these principles to be true and how we have experienced those blessings in our life. It's our hope that this conversation encourages you to be obedient to what God has asked individually of you this year, and that you would see and experience unlocked blessings for you and your family! What's in this episode: 00:00 Intro 03:58 The comfort of Correction (Psalm 23) 07:40 Our Obedience reveals our Trust in God 14:24 Obedience is the Highest form of Worship 18:31 Don't be Overwhelmed! 26:34 Obedience is Customized not Duplicated 30:57 Obedience isn't always easy, but it's always worth it 32:40 Obedience is the Opposite of Compulsion 35:02 What Scripture says about Obedience and Blessing 38:38 Is it OK to question God on what He's asked of us? 41:43 Partial Obedience is Disobedience 48:03 Learn to Love Correction and Obedience! 51:16 What commitment of Obedience will YOU make? 52:07 Outtakes-Brrrats #christianpodcast #christianliving #christianfamily #powerofprayer #bibletruth #naturalmedicine #medicinegodsway
E5
Jan 21, 2026
53:28

Doctors Said There Was No Cure… but God said something else

Episode #04 This conversation is an extension of the conversation we started in Episode #03. We live in a fallen world, and sometimes despite taking care of our bodies the way God expects by eating right and exercising, we still get sick. In this conversation, we look at how we handle healing now, and the journey that God took us on to get to where we are today. Specifically, we faced some very difficult circumstances with our oldest daughter who was diagnosed with chronic lyme disease. As we watched helplessly, our 8-year old went from a bright student who was thriving at life, to a frustrated, drained victim afflicted by brain fog and exhaustion. Medical professionals and modern science had no answers for us. But God did. What the Holy Spirit revealed to us over that time has changed the way we will forever look at modern medicine and is why we treat sickness in our family very differently now. Because we have reverted back to God's original design for healing, we have experienced incredible health blessings and freedom from disease caused both by demonic spiritual forces as well as natural problems that arise in a broken world. What's in this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:35 Pray First 03:30 Our daughter's battle with chronic lyme disease 12:30 A powerful deliverance that changed everything 18:52 Flare-up or Familiar spirit? 23:38 God's design: Natural healing 42:04 Closing in Prayer #christianpodcast #christianliving #christianfamily #powerofprayer #bibletruth #naturalmedicine #medicinegodsway
E4
Jan 7, 2026
45:13

The Deceptive Sin Eating Away Your Family's Spiritual Strength

Episode #03 There is a deceptive sin that is eating away the spiritual strength of millions of families. Have you fallen into this trap of the enemy? As Jesus followers, we are supposed to look different in every aspect of life. The secular world SHOULD look at the church and see leaders in every industry, they should see men and women of God claiming victory over all of life's circumstances, but this undercover sin has crept in to the church and is eating away our individual and collective spiritual strength. 1 in 10 Americans is now considered obese, and unfortunately the church looks no different than the world- we've allowed our belly to become our god. We should be a picture of health and vitality, but instead we are just as sick and weak as the rest of the world. We preach spiritual warfare, but we've ignored physical disciplines. God has given us incredible bodies that know how to heal themselves, but the enemy has hijacked our food supply. Out of convenience, we've partnered with darkness and chosen to poison ourselves, and it is having a drastic impact on our ability to reach the lost. Are you hungry for something that tastes good and is quickly discarded, or are you hungry for God? Join us for this conversation as we share how the enemy overplayed his hand in our lives, and how we have broken free from the bondage of disease and infirmity, for God's glory! What's in this episode: 00:00 Intro 02:03 Our Oldest Daughter's Battle with Chronic Infirmity 07:15 God gave Zack this prophetic dream 10:52 The first steps on a new path to health 18:28 Just because it was ok back then, doesn't make it ok now 25:12 How a zero intake can boost your energy and bring healing 30:35 Be ignorant and weak or be strong and productive #podcast #christianliving #christianfamily #powerofwords #bibletruth
E3
Dec 23, 2025
40:29

The Power of Words as a Parent (Stop Applying These Labels to your Family)

Episode #02 Proverbs 18:21 tells us that the power of life and death are in our tongue. But do you really believe that? We've seen firsthand how our words and the words of those around us have shaped the direction of life. Words really do have power. If you are an astute reader of God's Word, you already know this. But the enemy of your soul also knows this, and absolutely uses words as weapons against us. In this conversation, we expose some of the main ways the enemy comes at us with the power of words to try to steal our peace, our time, and even our entire identity. We are admonished in 2 Corinthians 2:11 to be aware of Satan's strategies; learn to recognize the power of words and begin using your mouth for the building up of God's Kingdom instead of working for the kingdom of darkness. What's in this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:40 Terrible Two's 08:41 Only Children and Middle Children 13:39 Tragic Teenage Years 18:40 The Empty Nest 25:52 Retirement isn't Biblical! 30:23 Other lies and labels 39:45 War on Education 44:45 War on Marriage 47:30 War on your Calling 51:28 War on Medicine 54:07 War on your Faith 57:08 Conclusion and prayer #podcast #christianliving #christianfamily #powerofwords #bibletruth
E2
Dec 11, 2025
59:35
2 of 3