Christ Quarter

Send us a textDiscover the timeless teachings of the Lord's Prayer and unlock a deeper connection with God as we journey together through its profound messages. Imagine prayer as a beautiful moment of intimacy, much like a child seeking solace in a parent's arms. We'll explore how recognizing God as our perfect Father can transform our lives, guiding us to align with His will and understand our roles in His grand design. Embrace your dependency on God for daily needs, and experience the fulfillment that comes from living out His purpose with joy and devotion.Our discussion takes a turn as we focus on the power of Christian behavior, especially through the lens of forgiveness and grace. Personal stories illustrate how negative interactions can deter others from the path of faith, emphasizing the need to be beacons of light in our communities. Mistakes are human, but striving to embody and reflect Christ's love can shift perceptions and invite others to explore the beauty of a Christian life. We close with a call to prayer, inviting you to reflect on the Lord's Prayer as a constant source of strength and guidance, inspiring us to be true examples of love and grace in the world.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

What if a simple gift could speak volumes about your love and commitment? Discover the power of gifts as profound symbols of love in our brief reading of Gary Chapman's Love Language Minute devotional, focusing on the theme for October 25th, "Gifts as Symbols of Love." This episode offers a heartfelt look into how these tangible tokens can reassure our partners of their importance in our lives. We navigate the emotional significance of gifts, much like the Israelites' offerings in Exodus, and their potential to fill love tanks and strengthen marital bonds.Join us as we read the day's prayer and consider the impact of thoughtful gestures. Whether it's a small token from a trip or remembering a special day, understanding the love language of receiving gifts can transform your relationship. We challenge you to communicate your love more effectively, ensuring your loved ones feel cherished and prioritized. Tune in for an enriching episode that will deepen your understanding of love languages and enhance your connection with your spouse.Support the show

Have you ever considered the true depth of the Lord's Prayer and what it means to call God our perfect Heavenly Father? This episode takes you on a spiritual exploration of these central Christian tenets, guiding you through an intimate understanding of our role in manifesting God's will on earth, akin to joining the “family business”.I delve into the layers of “daily bread”, urging you to look beyond mere physical sustenance and embrace the full spectrum of spiritual and practical nourishment essential for a life anchored in the teachings of Christ. Together, we'll uncover the profound impact of viewing every aspect of our existence, from our careers to our talents, as a testament to God's providence and our duty to mirror His love and grace in the world.As your guide, I extend a heartfelt invitation to this spiritual podcast experience, where the power of scripture and prayer unite us in our communal journey of faith. This episode is an opportunity for us to strengthen our collective resolve and find solace in our shared devotion. Ending with a recitation of the Lord's Prayer, we seek not just to nurture our individual spirits but to fortify the bonds that hold us together in faith. Join me for a time of gratitude, reflection, and connection, as we reinforce our beliefs and celebrate the teachings of Christ that guide our shared path.===Matthew 6:9-149 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread.12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:===Exodus 20:77 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.===Matthew 18:33 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

When the waves of grief washed over me more than a decade after my father's passing, I was caught in the riptide of sorrow when I least expected it. It's with these personal, often raw moments in mind that we bring you our latest bonus episode, hoping to touch hearts and offer solace to those who have experienced the sting of loss. With the diverse perspectives of Tolstoy's reflection on love and grief, to the grounding words of Joan Didion on our complicated mortality, we seek to provide a beacon of hope and understanding. We don't pretend to have all the answers, but together, we traverse the rugged terrain of mourning, finding comfort in shared experiences and the promise of healing that time brings.===Illustration by Elena KaminskaiaBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Embark on an enlightening odyssey through the Book of Revelation, where the shadow of fear is replaced by the radiance of hope as we anticipate the triumphant return of Jesus.   This series is an invitation to witness the profound connection between Jesus' parting words to His apostles and the vivid prophecies that offer solace and guidance. We'll unpack the powerful symbols that echo through time—the seven stars and candlesticks, the keys to life and death held by Jesus Himself—and how these images inspire a steadfast journey of faith.  As we see the ascension of Jesus and His promise of the Holy Spirit, feel the comforting embrace of the scripture, promising victory in Christ for every believer.Journey with me as we seek out the blessings promised to those who read, hear, cherish this text. Let's embrace the scripture's transformative power, drawing us ever closer to the divine, and let our session be a catalyst for reflection, prayer, and a life led with love and purpose. There are no guests in this episode—just an impactful conversation, ready to uplift and guide your path as you navigate the complexities of life with a heart aligned toward God's eternal wisdom.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

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Genesis Chapter 51 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;2 Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.3 And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, and after his image; and called his name Seth:4 And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters:5 And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.6 And Seth lived an hundred and five years, and begat Enos:7 And Seth lived after he begat Enos eight hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters:8 And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died.9 And Enos lived ninety years, and begat Cainan:10 And Enos lived after he begat Cainan eight hundred and fifteen years, and begat sons and daughters:11 And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years: and he died.12 And Cainan lived seventy years and begat Mahalaleel:13 And Cainan lived after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons and daughters:14 And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years: and he died.15 And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared:16 And Mahalaleel lived after he begat Jared eight hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters:17 And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred ninety and five years: and he died.18 And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years, and he begat Enoch:19 And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:20 And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.21 And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah:22 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.25 And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech.26 And Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech seven hundred eighty and two years, and begat sons and daughters:27 And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died.28 And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son:29 And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord hath cursed.30 And Lamech lived after he begat Noah five hundred ninety and five years, and begat sons and daughters:31 And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy and seven years: and he died.32 And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth.Support the show

Hebrews 11:1Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Support the show

Live every day with intention!  Tomorrow is not promised!Support the show

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What is Jesus saying in John 15:1-6 when He refers to branches being taken away?=========John 15:1-6   King James Version (KJV)=========1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

The verses for today are a warning for us as well as a great hope.  The Chaldeans here are described as a lawless people who do not care about the weak nor the poor.  They are probably happy in their day to day lives taking care of themselves and their families.  Working and living their lives with no concern for those around them on whom their ease heavily sits.  Can this be said of us?  Are we enjoying our lives while intentionally ignoring those who make our lives possible?  Do we intentionally look away from them, so as to not be reminded of their existence?  Let us look inwardly at our own hearts and be sure we're not exhibiting some of the same characteristics that the Chaldeans are forever known for.  Happily, we have the examples given here today and we know how that worked out for them.  Which leaves us no excuse for not changing course, moving closer to God, getting more in line with what God has for us and improving our lives.6   Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay! 7   Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them? 8   Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein. 9   Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil! 10  Thou hast consulted shame to thy house by cutting off many people, and hast sinned against thy soul. 11  For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the timber shall answer it. 12  Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity! 13  Behold, is it not of the Lord of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity? 14  For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

The verses today are are addressed to leaders and to the Christians who are under their leaders' influence.  In both cases, they know what God expects of them.Micah is talking to God's people who should know better.  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

The verses for today are: straightforward and plain spoken.These two verses leave very little room for misunderstanding.  And yet, so many of us do not understand it.  Or at least we do not live our lives as though we understand it.For example, the sinner's prayer.  Is it a good phenomenon?  Is it true?  Many churches around the world have a version of the sinner's prayer.  In my life; it seems as though Billy Graham's version is the most famous:"Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. Amen"How many people have said this prayer?  I said a version of it when I was very young.  My mother sent me up to the front of the aisle, I don't remember what she said or what the preacher said to me.  I just remember being scared and not wanting to be there.  Was I saved that day?  Did the angels smile and write my name down in the Lamb's book of life?  I don't think so.  I imagine the angels smiled at my Mom for trying, but my write my name down?  No.  Why not?Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

God commands us to not worry and to not stress. Given the broken world we live in, how is this possible?  We see people dying, losing their homes, losing their jobs while many others live quiet lives of unhappiness and desperation until they die and are placed in lonesome graves where they will be forgotten and removed as soon as enough time has gone by.Our world is broken, and we have to make our way through it as best we can.  No one gets out of here alive.  And God commands us to not worry and be happy?  How?  And what does this have to do with soup?This will be a good one.  Let's get right to it.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

In our scriptures for today, we see God's people in exile in Babylonia.  Their holy city has been ravaged and their lives have been turned upside down and inside out.  They are in a foreign land surrounded by other gods and have begun to wonder if God, the one true God, still remembers them or cares about them.  And if He does remember them, and care about them, is He able to take care of them?  Is He able to protect them?  After years of existing in this situation, the people have decided that it's just not their fault.  They are being punished for the sins of their forefathers.  The popular saying of that time was "The fathers have eaten sour grapes and the children's teeth are set on edge." meaning that the current uncomfortable situation they are in, is their father's fault and they are blameless.  God is being unfair because it's just not their fault.But is it?  Is God being unfair in punishing these innocent. blameless exiles?  Well, let's get right to it!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

Our verses for today are from the period of about 586 BC to 538 BC, about 50 years.  During this time Israel is under the rule of the Babylonians, and the people are suffering greatly.  Their leaders have been largely executed, publicly executed.  Their children have been forced into slave labor, they are being abused sexually, and are being starved, starved to the point that they resorted to cannibalism.For many years they were warned that God would judge them for their disobedience. but they ignored the many warnings.  Like a child with a loving father who does not want to punish his child, they mistook God's continued patience to mean that they would never be punished.  God gave them many warnings over many years but at a certain point, the time for patience ended, and the time for punishment began.How did the Israelites react to being punished?  How do we react when God punishes us?  How should we?Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

Today, we the church have found ourselves in a place we never thought we would be in.  At least not in the United States of America.  In 2019, we were able to freely gather together as Christians and worship God in peace and happiness.  I felt, even then, that we were a little complacent in this and were taking it for granted.  After all, there are many places in the world where Christians are persecuted and even murdered for practicing or even voicing their faith.  We have been aware of it but untouched by it.  Even during slavery and Jim Crow, African Americans were able to freely attend church.But somewhere along the way, complacency began to slowly turn into a slight fear.  Churches began to be targeted for theft, attacks, and even murder.  As churches started to turn their shoulders toward God and their faces toward the world, the world stopped respecting the church and stopped fearing God.And now we have Covid-19.  Many churches are unable to hold services, whether directly because of Covid-19 or because of government restrictions.  Funerals are even affected.  A member of my church family just died and was unable to have a proper funeral service.  This was almost unimaginable just two years ago.But there is good news.  As the false churches fall away and the false Christians bow to the soft pressure of excuses, the real church and the true Christians are highlighted.  As many sit down, the few who remain standing are more easily seen.So we are in a situation.  But we have the power of who we are in Christ and in who our Father is.  What should we do?  Well ... let's get right to it!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEInstacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Most of us are familiar with the Passover story.  The story of Jesus Christ's prayer in the garden, His betrayal. His torture and execution and His triumph over death when He rose from the grave on that Sunday. We generally refer to this celebratory time as Easter.  And we celebrate it each year, which is fine but we generally end our celebration there.  Did Jesus step out of His grave, say hello to His friends and then go home to wait for us all to catch up with Him?  If you took our celebrations for an indication you might think so. But Jesus was quite busy after His resurrection.  So what did He do?Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEInstacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

The verses for today are: instructive.I ran into a friend of mine the other day, her name is Jerri.  She is a member of Bethel United Methodist Church.  We talked a bit and she started telling me about the eight words they are discussing in her church group.  The words to look out for are Envy, Covetousness, Pride, and Anger.  She told me that they were chosen because envy leads to covetousness.  Covetousness leads to pride and pride leads to anger.  And of course anger leads to all kinds of bad things.  I like the way she laid that out because it helps you to stop moving in the direction of anger, and other bad things, before you get too close to them.She also had a list of good words.  They were humility, patience, meekness and surrender.  All good words and good words to meditate on.Our talk got me thinking though, what are the words that Jesus would have us meditate on?  I did find some but were they the same as the words Jerri gave me?  There's only one way to find out.  Let's get right to it!Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

Our verses for today are also some of the most horrifying verses in the Bible.  Especially as a parent, it is difficult for me to put myself in Abraham's place of being obedient when God has commanded him to sacrifice, also known as murder, his only son.We can admire Abraham in that he was obedient to God and we can take hope from his experience in that God did not actually want Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, God was giving us an example of true faith and obedience.  God was giving us an example of how He will provide what we need if we put our faith and trust in Him.But what about that ram, where did it come from?  How did it get in that bush?  Today, let's look at the ram and the bush and see what we can learn from them.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Our verses today are said to have been written by Jeremiah who is often referred to as the weeping prophet.  And he does cry quite a bit in our scriptures today.  He seems to have lost all hope in his life ever getting better or improving in any way.  He even says that he has forgotten prosperity.  Have you felt this way in your life?  Many people feel this way today as we are going through a worldwide pandemic and our lives have been upended and forever changed in ways we could not have imagined.What should we do when we find ourselves in such a bad, hopeless situation.  What did Jeremiah do?Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

In this new year; I have decided to update my podcast.This podcast was born out of a desire to help my church continue to study their Sunday School lessons despite not being able to attend Sunday School.  Over the months since that time, my church, and many others, have adapted to this pandemic and are now having regular Sunday School services and even Wednesday night Bible Study.  I know of a number of people who are now studying the Word of God and hearing the Word of God more than they had been prior to the pandemic. God has a way of making any situation work out for the good for those who love Him and seek Him.  ( Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. )So let's talk about that for a few minutes.  How is the church doing in all this?  What is God doing?  And what will our response be? Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

In our scriptures for today, we see Jesus going about the Galilee area doing good.  Now when we discuss Jesus going about and doing good, what image comes to mind?  Are you visualizing a sandal wearing Jesus in a brown robe followed by 12 men wearing a similar outfit?  That's what most of us think of.  The problem with this is that that is an incomplete picture.  Jesus traveled with his 12 disciples, yes, that's true.  But they were only His “core” group.  He also traveled with other people.  And in that group of “other people” were women.  Many of whom we know nothing about but we do have a little information about some of these ladies.Our scriptures for today involve several of them.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

In our scriptures today we see an unknown woman who has chosen to get a bucket of water from the local well at a time when she can expect that no one will be there, about six in the morning.  She is a Samaritan, a known adulteress and somewhat of an outcast in her own group.  As a Samaritan she was viewed as better than a Gentile but not at all on the same level as the Jews.  Because of this, the Samaritans and the Jews had a deep dislike for each other and rarely interacted.Despite this we see Jesus, who is a Jew at this time, approach the woman and speak with her.  Jesus the Jew and Jesus the man broke protocol when he did this and, by so doing, showed us all the Jesus, our risen savior, can use anyone to bring people to Him.Today we see this in very clear, understandable terms that we can all understand.  This is one of the things I like and enjoy about the Bible.  The Bible is consistent, it proves itself and it's not very complicated.  It is extremely deep but not very complicated.So what did this unnamed woman at the well do?Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

In today's scriptures we see five women of God at different ends of life.Ana, a great woman of God, a prophetess and a widow who lived in the temple, serving God through weekly fasting and daily praying.And the four daughters of Philip, an evangelist.  His daughters were virgins and had the spiritual gift of prophesy.Sandwiched in between these two, in today's scriptures, we see a quote from the prophet Joel that in the last days the Lord would pour out His spirit upon all flesh, young and old, male and female.What does this mean to us today though?  We see that five faithful women were doing God's work in the first century church.  That's really good but what is it saying to us today?2 timothy 3:16 tells us that “all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”.===BlackHatToday@GMail.com * CashApp - $BlackHatToday * Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The verses for today are unusual.This is a rare moment that we have the privilege of seeing.  Jesus is about to leave His friends, His earthly home and return to His true home and we see His reluctance to leave His friends behind.  Not only that but we see that He is worried about them.  Here we see the heart of God, that He loves His friends, and us, this much.Imagine you have a friend who has a very ugly but extremely expensive car.  Even though you don't understand it and even though you would never pay any price for that particular car, you still respect your friends valuing the car and you treat his car with deference and respect.  We should look at other people like that.With that in mind; I have two five letter words for you  -  Biden and Trump  -  okay, five letter names.  Can you love both of these men?  Not for what they do or do not do.  But for the fact that they are human men, born in sin and shaped by sin, just like the rest of us.It is God's desire that they choose Him and become saved men.  Is it your desire to see Biden in Heaven?  Or to see Trump in heaven?  Your reaction to that question may be an indication of whether or not you will be seen in heaven.Let's get right to it.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

In our narrative today, we see a small group of friends, one of which is not able to walk.  These friends have heard of Jesus and the miracles he has done and they know that Jesus will heal their friend if they can get to Him.I can just see these friends talking about how to get their impaired friend to Jesus.  Perhaps one of them first saw or heard Jesus and brought the news to the others who then grew in faith.  They then decided to go to where they had heard Jesus was teaching only to find that the crowd was too great.It is easy to imagine the people in the back of the crowd, straining to hear Jesus and ignoring these loud people with the impaired friend and his bed.  They may have been told to go home, there was no way they were going to get to Jesus today.  They probably sat down on the ground in despair and frustration.What happened then?  Did they give up?  Did they make it to Jesus?  Let's find out!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

Today's narrative paints the picture of a frustrated group of people who have worked all day and done all they could and have failed.  The have failed at their work which means that they and their families are at risk of not having anything to eat and not having anywhere to live.  They have failed, they have accepted that they have failed and they are preparing to go home to their families with nothing.Then Jesus tells Simon Peter to try again.  Simon knows that there is no point to this.  He has proven it.But he has faith enough in Jesus, even though he is doubtful, to be obedient to Him and casts his net out again to catch fish.So what happened?Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

The four verses we have today are very powerful, especially when we are starting something new.  They show God creating and they show at least one way for us to create.In verses one and two, God looked over His creation.  In verse three He took a step towards sculpting His creation and making it more as He wanted it to be.But, why did God show us these steps?  He could have created the earth in its final form to begin with.  Why go through these steps?  I believe one reason for His doing this, is to show us how to plan and how to work.If we were to follow God's procedure here, we would choose our task or idea.  Review it carefully and then, when we're ready, speak it into the light.  Speaking it into the light is giving voice to what we are going to do, what we are going to create.  Literally speaking it into reality.Speaking our intentions out loud to ourselves is a very powerful action, especially if we do it everyday.  It makes our plans real and motivates us to work towards fulfilling them.  Thinking about your plans is daydreaming and fantasizing, speaking your plans out loud is planning.  I'm not the type of person to tell all my friends and family what I'm working on, people tend to throw cold water on plans that are not theirs - even if they don't intend to.  Some plans I keep between me and God.Which brings me to verse 7.  When we have reviewed our plans, goals, intentions and tasks, give them to God.  Ask God to guide you in what to do and how to go about doing it.  Expect God to provide you with whatever it is you're looking for.  Expect God to open doors that you didn't even know needed to be opened.  Give your plan to God, work on your plan and execute your plan to His glory.Once you have given your work to God, He will guide you.  Be careful what you ask for though because you will find that God will move your life towards that goal.In the beginning of this new year, take time to carefully look over your life and situation.  Is there something that you need to take to God?  Is there a part of your life that needs to be worked on?  Is there some work that you know God wants you to do but you haven't been working on it.  Take time today to pray, make your plans and speak them into the light.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

As I'm talking today, it is Christmas Eve 2020.  Many of my family member and friends are out and about buying last minute presents, traveling, and spending time with the ones they love.  This is a joyous time for many people, even in the worst of times.  2020 has been a very rough year for many people but we still find joy in the little things of life.  I hope that many of us have found new joy and new peace in time spent in quiet reflection, solitude, and time, a lot of time, spent with loved ones.As a Christian, I have peace and joy regardless of my situation.  I am not saying that I always embrace that peace and joy, but it is always there for me whenever I remember to turn back to Jesus.  While this year has been a strange one for me and I could not have predicted many of the paths I have walked this year; it has been a very good year for me.  I would expect that it has been a very good year for many Christians who place their hope, joy, peace, and source in God through Jesus.  By source I mean our material goods and day to day source of provision.As we reflect back on 2020, on Jesus, His birthday and what He has done for us; I ask that you also reflect back on Jesus and what He went through for us.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

In today's narrative, we see the birth of Jesus, the plot to kill him, His earthly father protecting Him, some gentiles worshiping Him and others pretending to worship Him.  That's a lot of activity and concerns to juggle for a young family, especially given that they were far from their home.This is of course a great time for us and we celebrate the birth of Jesus.  But we should never forget the burden that Joseph, Mary and of course Jesus had on their shoulders.  I believe that little baby Jesus was unaware of what lay before Him, as were Mary & Joseph not fully aware of their futures but even at the time of Jesus' birth, forces were seeking to kill Jesus forcing Mary and Joseph to act to keep their precious child safe.So what were these forces and who were these gentiles?  Well . . .Let's get right to it.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

Matthew  1:18 - 25 (NIV)18  This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about[a]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet[b] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.20  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins.”22  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[d] (which means “God with us”).24  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.= = =We usually look at today's scriptures as part of the Christmas story, which they are, and we look at them in a festive celebratory way.  From our perspective, that works.  Christmas is a time of celebrating our savior's birth and our salvation through Him.  But as soon as we are born, we begin to die.  We have only a certain amount of time before we die.  So it is also with Jesus.  He was born into this world in order that He would die a horrible death for us.This is where Jesus's earthly journey to the cross begins.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

The verses for today are introductory, we are given Jesus' family line in three 14 generation chunks starting with Abraham.  Keeping them at 14 generations probably helped with memorizing all the names. This is very important to know because it gives us another picture of who Jesus is in His humanity, and it shows the fulfillment of scripture. But what I like about our scriptures today is the latter part in Hebrews where we are reminded that, while in the past God spoke through prophets, in the present God speaks to us through His Son Jesus. Today's scriptures are a brief introduction to the Heritage of Jesus.  They are also an announcement of our heritage.  The heritage that is there for us if we accept Jesus and self-adopt ourselves into the family and into the family business.  The family business of spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ; fully equipped with the family privilege of having our own Private line to God through Jesus.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEInstacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The verses for today are clarifying.Most of us have heard that God is not a respecter of persons, but what does that mean?  Does it mean that rich people are all bad and poor people are all good?  Does it mean that a wealthy person cannot be a Christian?  Does it mean that we have to give away all our worldly possessions to actually, honestly, authentically follow Jesus?  That we have to wear simple plain clothes and only eat basic non-fancy food?  No, none of that is true.So what does it mean?It means that, to be short and to the point, God knows who we are.  He sees through our disguises to our true selves.  We cannot hide from Him.  Of course, there's more to it than that, so let's discuss what Mary's other son has to say and dig a little deeper.= = = = = = =Boris Kirk  *  $BlackHatToday  *  BlackHatToday@GMail.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Our scriptures today focus on fraud, deceit and lying in the early church.  It's difficult to imagine members of the early church having these characteristics but we humans haven't changed all that much over the centuries and wherever there is the exchange of money, there is the very real likelihood that people will behave badly.The fact that, in our scriptures today, this bad behavior resulted in punishment is not surprising.  It is instructional.  The fact that the punishment was immediate death is disturbing, and off putting.  In my experience, scriptures like we have today can be reasons why many people choose to not be Christians.I am disturbed by these scriptures as well but many people pull the wrong message out of them.  Was the punishment of immediate death applied because of not giving enough money?  Did God strike two people down for not giving enough money to the church?Yes.  And no.  The real and very important reason can be found in our scriptures today.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEInstacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

In our verses today Jesus is telling us to live in Love, to bear fruit and to experience joy.  Jesus is telling us that we can do this by abiding, living, in Him, by being in sync with Him.  But how do we know when we are in sync with Jesus.  We must read and listen to His word and follow His commandments.  If we marinate ourselves in God's word, and grow in our understanding of the Word, we will soften our hearts and live our lives more like Jesus lived His and be more in sync with Him.  We will then experience greater, longer lasting joy in our lives.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Most of us are familiar with the story of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples.  This was an example of service and love that Jesus wanted to make perfectly clear to His disciples and to us.  The act of washing the disciple's feet was made even more powerful by the fact that Jesus would soon begin the final stage of His mission by willingly going to the cross as a sacrifice for us, covering our sins with His own blood.  We can all understand that the act of washing other people's feet is an act of service and humility, but over the many years since Jesus washed the disciple's feet we have lost some of the context of this event and the way in which it affected Jesus, the disciples and other people of that time.Let's take a few minutes here today to emphasize what Jesus wants us to learn from his actions and to understand how foot washing was viewed by the people of that day.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Pretty much everyone knows the story of the good Samaritan.  All the supposedly good people walked by this person in need but the good Samaritan stopped and helped him out.  But do we ever really hear this story anymore.  Have we heard it so many times that we no longer get the message?  Have we heard it so many times that we no longer hear what Jesus was saying here.Today on the Christ Quarter, we're going to look at this story in a little more detail and, hopefully, make it fresh again.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

The verses for today are counter intuitive.  We are told to love our enemies and to do good to the people that hate us.  We are to bless the ones that curse at us and pray for those that use us.  Now I understand praying for those that use us.  If we pray for them and they get into a better place in their lives they'll be better to us.  Or at least move away and leave us alone.  That makes sense to me because benefits me.  That fact that it benefits me by helping someone who doesn't like me and is using me doesn't matter, at all.  But, according to our scripture today, it should.  I should be happy for that person because their life has gotten better, period.  That's a tough one.  Is it even possible?That's our topic today.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

The verses for today illustrate how we are to show love to others in a difficult situation.  Having said that, our narrative does not start out in a difficulty.  It actually starts out in victory over a powerful enemy and in love.  Most of us have heard of the story of David and Goliath.  David was the only one brave enough to face Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, and he killed Goliath with his slingshot.But what happened after that?  When the Israeli army saw what David had done, they were revitalized and routed the Philistine army.  After the victory, David became a part of Saul's royal household and become very good friends with Saul's son Jonathan.  More than that David married Saul's daughter Michal.  This sounds like a typical Disney Happily Ever After ending.  Unfortunately, as the people began to place David's accomplishments above those of Saul, Saul began to envy him.  This envy slowly grew into anger and suspicion.  It grew in intensity until Saul tried to kill David himself and tried again by trickery, 1 Samuel 18 verses 17 and 25.  Having failed in both, Saul now gives the order to his son Jonathan and to his servants that David must be killed.This is where our narrative picks up today.  How will Jonathan react to this order that his friend be killed?Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

As today's scene opens, we see Joseph crying aloud, so loud that the other members of the household heard him.  But why is he crying?  Here's a little background.Joseph, having risen from slavery to Governor, and having completed his job of preparing for the famine, the famine which he, through God given dream interpretation, predicted, is now in charge of distributing grain during a famine.The famine has affected the areas around Egypt and as these areas heard of Egypt's plenty, many of them went to Egypt asking for grain.  Among these countries were Joseph's home country Canaan.  Joseph's father Jacob sent all his son's, except for Benjamin, to Egypt to ask for help.Can you imagine the look on Joseph's face when he looks up from his seat of power and sees his brothers?  His brothers who harassed and bullied him and had sold him into slavery about 20 years earlier.  His brothers who are now kneeling before him in submission and respect asking for food to save their home.Joseph was shocked but he managed to maintain his composure.  He decided to keep his true identity from his brothers and to put his brothers through several tests to see if their hearts had changed.  Joseph needed to see if they had grown into good men and if they regretted what had done to him.Joseph held one brother in prison while the others went home to get the remaining brother.  Before they left, Joseph had their money, which they had paid to get their grain, put back in their sacks.  This made them appear to have stolen their money back.  This was forgiven and the brothers were sent back home with grain a second time.  This time Joseph had his silver cup placed in their sack. [Genesis 44:1 & 2]  Once the brothers had been gone a while, Joseph sent his steward to catch up with them and accuse them of stealing the cup.When the cup was discovered in the sack of the youngest brother all the brothers were upset and tore their clothes.  They were nonetheless brought back to Egypt to face Joseph.  When they all stood before Joseph, he told them that the youngest brother who had the silver cup would remain in Egypt as Joseph's servant.  When Judah heard this, he plead for his brother and even offered himself in exchange.  This was the opposite of how he had treated Joseph those many years before.  [Genesis 37:26 & 27]At this Joseph begins to cry aloud and today's scene opens.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

The verses for today are emotionally touching and funny.As today's scriptural scene opens, we see Joseph, having risen from slavery to Governor, and having completed his job of preparing for the famine predicted in Pharaoh's dreams, is now in charge of distributing grain.The famine has affected the areas around Egypt and as these areas heard of Egypt's plenty, many of them went to Egypt asking for grain.  Among these countries were Joseph's home country Canaan.  Joseph's father Jacob sent all his son's, except for Benjamin, to Egypt to ask for help.Can you imagine the look on Joseph's face when he looks up from his seat of power and sees his brothers?  His brothers who harassed and bullied him and had sold him into slavery about 20 years earlier.  His brothers who are now kneeling before him in submission and respect asking for food to save their home.What will Joseph do?Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

The verses for today are strengthening.Through this increasing strength, they also give us the ability to patiently persevere knowing that God is always with us.  We sometimes go through times when it seems that God has abandoned us and left us to our own devices.  It would certainly be understandable for Joseph to have felt this way during his hard times.  Joseph was sold into slavery and stayed in that situation for 13 years.  During that time he remained faithful to God and did not become bitter.  Because of this, God continued to bless Joseph in his hard situation.  Joseph may have thought that this was to have been his future, to live and die as a slave but we know that Joseph was being prepared, the path for him was being prepared as well as the people around him.  God had the whole situation well in hand.  One interesting thing to me about God's plan for Joseph is that when God decided to put him on to his path for redemption and fulfillment, God did it by allowing an evil thing to happen to Joseph.  Joseph's situation went to bad but stable and maybe tolerable to extremely bad.  He went from the frying pan on slow burn directly into the fire.  But we know that this was the best thing for him and that God was putting him exactly where he needed to be.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The verses for today are encouraging.They draw a picture of a dysfunctional family filled with tension, strife, envy and hatred.  Mothers plotting to have their sons put into positions of power and favoritism.  Brothers plotting against one another.  Fathers placing one son over the others in blatant ways.  This sounds more like a scandalous movie than a section of the Bible.  And very discouraging.So why did I say that the verses for today are encouraging?  Because while many of us can see our own histories in Joseph's family, many of us can identify with the pain and disruption that comes from it, we also have the advantage of knowing how the story ends.  We know that even though this family's life is full of turmoil and Joseph is probably at his lowest point with no obvious way to avoid being a slave for the rest of his life, we know that God is in control of the entire situation and everything is moving along according to His plan.God knew how Joseph's early life would unfold and how he would be treated.  We have free will and we will mess up, we will sin.  People will do mean, even evil things to us.  But God knew they would before their Great, Great, Grandparents were born and He had already prepared a way for us to fulfill our purposes and to prosper anyway.That's why today's brief narrative is so encouraging.  It shows us once again that God is not only in control, but that he has made wonderful, amazing  plans for us.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The verses for today are instructional.James is instructing us to be wise and patient.  Wisdom and patience walk together hand in hand.  When we have the wisdom that comes from God, we have an awareness and confidence that everything will work out in the end.  Even while things seem to be falling apart we know that things are really falling together, we just can't see all the pieces.Wisdom and patience together also guide us away from false prophets.  We don't even have to know that they are false prophets, their character will make them distasteful to us and we will naturally move away from them.False prophets can be in a hurry to learn how to perform miracles and will try to get you to follow their methods.  The fact that they are in a hurry and are trying to learn these things by themselves rather than being led by God and trusting in God, shows their character.The sorcerers of Egypt were able to turn their staffs into snakes just as Aaron did.  But while the Egyptian sorcerers learned to performs these acts seemingly on their own with spells and enchantments, Aaron had been led by God and was simply throwing down his staff trusting in God to do the rest.  God's greater power was shown in that the snake from Aaron's staff ate all the other snakes.  Even when the sorcerers tried to perform miracles, God received the glory and Moses' and Aaron's faith was strengthened.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The verses for today are humbling.  What are we to do about our tongues, our speech life?  The sinful private thoughts that enter our minds and are, hopefully, pushed far away, are still there, lurking in the shadows.  It only takes a moment for one of them to leap from the shadows, land on our tongue and leap out into the world.  Too late  -  , we realize what we have done and we try to repair the damage.  But it is impossible.  We cannot unspeak a spoken word.  Worse still is the fact that if we believe what we said, we will be insincere in trying to “take it back”.  As Clara said on Andy Griffith, “Many a truth is said in jest”.  This is true, but hurtful truths are often said in anger.  We must be extra careful to be slow to speak when we are angry, irritated, or even just tired.This is true of everyone, but it is especially true of teachers.  In today's lesson, James in especially talking to those who are masters or who wish to be.  The use here of the word master, is referring to teachers of the word of God.  Teachers of the Word of God have a respected position and duty.  Because of this there are many people who wish to become teachers for that reason only.  Of course, if this is their only or primary desire for teaching, they should not become teachers.  At the same time, there are many people who have the heart of a teacher but are hesitant to become teachers.  Sometimes, in my opinion, these hesitant people make the best teachers.  If they are hesitant because they are aware of the very real responsibility being a teacher brings with it, then they are equipped with the right heart to teach.  In my opinion, the teacher who takes the act of teaching very seriously and is careful to accurately provide God's word to their students while also carrying themselves in a Godly manner knowing that they are being watched, is the right type of teacher.In our verses today, James is speaking to us all in that we should all be careful in what we say and how we act.  All of us are teachers in the sense that someone is watching us and learning from our example.  But I feel that he is speaking primarily to those who have accepted the position of teacher, those who are actively spreading and explaining God's word.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

In this episode, James is very directly telling us that we must take action in our faith and do the work that God has for us.  He is pointing out that those who say they love God and believe in the resurrected Jesus but do not take action in their faith are similar to Satan's fallen angels.  That's shocking.  Have you ever thought of yourself as having anything in common with the fallen angels?  Similarly to how Jews, Muslims and Christians have Abraham as a pivotal figure in the lineage and structure of their faiths but differ greatly otherwise, satan and his fallen angels believe in God and probably know the bible better than anyone you know.  But rather than worship God and work for His kingdom, they follow satan and work in his kingdom.  Like many Christians, they believe in the resurrected Jesus and the take action because of it.  In this way they are more faithful than many Christians.  Why?  Because they take action in their faith to work against the kingdom of God and to harm the people of God.  No wonder it falls on us to have more than faith ut to act.  The very devils themselves know who God is and recognize Jesus.  Mark 1:24 makes this clear when the demon spoke to Jesus: “Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.” So believing in Jesus alone does not save us.  We must join the team, God's team, put on our armor and get to work.  Can we be saved with just faith in God?  John Chapter 3, verse 36 says: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him”. If you believe on Jesus, you have everlasting life.  It doesn't say if you believe on Jesus and do five faith-based acts every week, you'll have everlasting life.  Belief and faith alone can save you. But what kind of faith does the person have who does not wish to help those around him who are needy, who does not want to do the will of our Father? Even the demons do as much for satan. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The verses for today are a kick.James starts off by immediately telling us to listen more, speak less and to not get really angry.  These are sound bits of advice that we would all do well to take to heart.  But taken in the context of James letter, I feel as though he is preparing us for what he is about to say.  His message probably ruffled a few feathers back then and I am sure it ruffles a lot of feathers today.Some of you are hearing these verses all together for the first time.  Maybe you're hearing them and actually getting the message for the first time.  Or maybe you need a reminder of what God is saying to us here.  Regardless, let's get into God's Word for us and do our best to understand how it applies to us.Just don't get offended if there's a kick in there.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)

In our scripture today, James is speaking to those formerly of the Jewish community who have accepted Jesus.  They are scattered throughout the area and likely do not have the strong support system that many of us enjoy today.  I imagine James letter is a much needed and much appreciated encouragement.  I would also say that it is a much needed and appreciated encouragement to us today.These early Christians did not have access to the Bible as we do today and did not have the many support systems we have available to us today.  But we still find ourselves in similar situations.  Many Christians feel scattered, lost, and ostracized.  Many of us are afraid to even acknowledge our Christianity to our friends for fear of being rejected.I personally know of Christians who have publicly spoken out against Christianity to cement their position in their group of non-Christian friends.  This is all to common, but it is understandable; that a weak or wavering Christian would bend to the harsh winds of the world and deny their own faith.  Where's an old rooster when you need one. Today's scripture points out that we Christians will be tested and tried but that this is a good thing.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BorisKirk)