Podcasts about Amen

On the first day of each month, we release Grace & Knowledge, a more in-depth article from Paul that allows him to expand on biblical truths beyond his weekly Wednesday's Word.Our prayer is that this resource helps you “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).In this month's Grace & Knowledge, Paul wraps up our focus on forgiveness by reframing marriage as two flawed people living in a fallen world with a faithful God who gives grace in the midst of struggles.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:Exodus 30-32 ; Acts 8 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! In today's episode, we're celebrating the start of a new month together and diving deep into the transformative power of Scripture. Join Hunter as we journey through Exodus 30-32 and Acts 8, exploring the story of covenant, rebellion, forgiveness, and the persistent love of God. We'll see how the Israelites, fresh from the promise of God, falter and how Moses intercedes, reminding us that our relationship with God is rooted in faith and His steadfast promises. We'll also witness the early church facing persecution, yet spreading the good news of Jesus with joy and power. Whether you're reading along for the first time or returning for encouragement, this episode offers honest reflection, heartfelt prayer, and a reminder that God's grace is always reaching for us. Settle in for Scripture, prayer, and inspiration to carry you through your day—you are loved, no doubt about it! TODAY'S DEVOTION: Aaron and the people are getting carried away. In fact, the ink hasn't even dried yet on this covenant agreement between God and his people before they go ahead and break it. And boy, do they break it. They break it in such grand fashion that it's almost comical. In fact, Moses even notes that the enemies of the people stand at a distance, amused. They saw this dark humor, that these people who had been delivered by God were abandoning him so early and worshiping a god made out of their own earrings. The treachery of the human heart is no laughing matter, however. And Moses pleads with God. He appeals to God, to the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, based on the relationship that he had with these people that he knew by name. He does not appeal to the covenant law. He doesn't appeal to God as judge. No. He appeals to his relationship and to the relationship he had with the three patriarchs which was established in faith. Abraham believed that God would make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, just like God told him. He believed that all the nations of the earth would be blessed through his seed, through his descendant. That a champion, a Messiah would come through him. And that this Messiah would transform the treacherous, law-breaking, idol-worshiping hearts of every human being. He would do it by invading our humanity and putting on flesh. He would accomplish what we could not do. He would remain faithful where we have been faithless. And he would offer himself as a perfect sacrifice on our behalf that we might have that relationship with God that we were created for, restored and renewed. And he would do this on behalf of all. And that includes you, my friend. He has come to draw you into his very life—the vicarious humanity of Christ. Christ being faithful where you have not been faithful. Christ being obedient when we failed to be obedient. Christ forgiving when we have failed to forgive. Christ being all in all on behalf of all. And the prayer of my own heart today is that I will see it. I'll catch a greater glimpse of that good news that Philip saw, of the good news that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob saw. That I will see it and that I will know his freedom and his joy. And that's a prayer that I have for my family too, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260201dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion It pleased the LORD for the sake of his righteousness to make his law great and glorious. Isaiah 42:21 A Gift Worth Opening You receive a gift. You open it up. The gift may tell you something about the person who gave you the gift. Are they a big spender? Do they have a solid grasp on current fashion? Do they know you well or not? The same happens when you open God’s gift to you–his Word found in the Bible. Each day as you open that gift, what will you learn about your God? You will learn that he is wise and powerful and loving. And, as the prophet Isaiah writes in our Bible passage today, you will see that the God who loves you is righteous. God wants you to know his righteousness. So, God made his Word great and glorious. He did this, not to make it a “great read” or best seller (although it is). He made his Word great and glorious so that you would clearly see and know his righteousness. And the One who is righteous makes you righteous, too. Perhaps one of the most important clues you may pick up from a gift you receive is a clear indication of what the giver thinks of you. But many gifts from others often don't accurately reflect this. Perhaps they like you, but not as much as their lavish gift seems to indicate. Or they deeply love you but are lousy gift givers. In the Bible, you clearly and repeatedly see that God loves you. That's a gift that’s worth opening every day! Prayer: Gracious Lord, thank you for the great and glorious gift of your Word. Give me the time and desire to regularly read and study your Word. May the Holy Spirit give me understanding, wisdom and increased faith in you. Empower my faith to shine in a life of love for you and others. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Life doesn’t always give us time to plan—and that’s often where God’s provision becomes most visible. This Crosswalk Devotional centers on Exodus 12:31–39, reminding us that when preparation is impossible, God still provides exactly what we need. The Israelites left Egypt abruptly, carrying unfinished dough into an uncertain future, yet God faithfully supplied every step of their journey. Their hurried departure wasn’t an oversight—it was an invitation to trust. This Christian devotional speaks to seasons of disruption, loss, and uncertainty, when routines fall apart and control slips through our fingers. Whether facing sudden change, grief, or exhaustion, Scripture shows us that God uses moments of unpreparedness to reveal His character. When we can’t rely on our plans, we learn to rely on His promises. Highlights God often works powerfully in moments when we feel least prepared The Israelites’ rushed escape reveals God’s intentional provision Loss of control can become an invitation to deeper trust God’s provision is not limited by our circumstances or planning Seasons of uncertainty help us remember we are God’s children, not slaves Dependence on God strengthens faith and reveals His faithfulness When preparation fails, prayer becomes our lifeline Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: God Provides When We Cannot Prepare By Deidre Braley Bible Reading:During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me.” The Egyptians urged the people to hurry and leave the country. “For otherwise,” they said, “we will all die!” So the people took their dough before the yeast was added, and carried it on their shoulders in kneading troughs wrapped in clothing. The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing. The LORD had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians. The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Sukkoth. There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. Many other people went up with them, and also large droves of livestock, both flocks and herds. With the dough the Israelites had brought from Egypt, they baked loaves of unleavened bread. The dough was without yeast because they had been driven out of Egypt and did not have time to prepare food for themselves. - Exodus 12:31-39 Our family recently traveled 300 miles north to spend the holidays at home, where my husband and I both grew up. Though we had planned for an extended stay, we did not sleep well on the first or second night, and on the following morning, my husband woke with a terrible bout of food poisoning. Exhausted, exasperated, and with a terribly achy back, I couldn’t imagine being away from home for even another moment. Before the sun had even risen, I announced, “That’s it. We need to leave—today.” In a rush, I threw apples and slippers and dog food into any spare bag I could find. I stuffed dirty clothes back into suitcases and rummaged in the fridge for anything that could qualify as breakfast for the kids. I promised myself we’d all brush our teeth later. And then, with our odds and ends shoved into every spare crevice of the car, we sped off, not even stopping to say goodbye to our family on the way out of town. All day, I felt unsettled. Our luggage was disorganized, we were subsisting on a bag of chocolate-covered espresso beans, and, as I discovered later, two out of our three kids weren’t even wearing socks! Our careful routines—and my sense of any control—had gone out the window. And it was deeply uncomfortable. It made me sympathize with the Israelites, who were pushed out of Egypt in such a hurry that they weren’t even finished making the dough for their bread; they swept it up onto their shoulders and lugged it off into the great unknown. They did not have time to prepare provisions for themselves. But their journey was more than just one long day down the interstate. It was forty years of wandering. Forty years of being unsettled. Forty years of not being in control. Forty years of having to depend on Someone Else to provide for them. I think their rapid departure from Egypt was an intentional move on God’s part. I believe he wanted to make sure they did not have time to prepare—not because he wanted them to feel uncomfortable, but because he wanted to show them that he would provide everything they needed. He wanted to show them what it meant to be the people of the One True Living God. He wanted to position them to understand that they were not slaves any longer: they were his children, and they could trust him to take care of them. Intersecting Faith & Life: There are times in our lives that we simply cannot prepare for. A loss of a job. The death of someone we love. Or maybe just a husband waking up with food poisoning. Though we might despise the situation and wish to cling to control with everything we’ve got (which are very natural and human responses!), in moments of disquiet, may we find the courage to look at God and ask him what he wishes to show us about his character in these times. When he puts us in positions of total abandon—where our illusions of control and carefully measured procedures have been stripped away—may we learn to pray: God, Show me your goodness. I have nothing. You are in control. I need you. Please provide. Amen. Further Reading:Throughout the Bible, people find themselves in situations where their only hope is to trust God to provide. Consider: Daniel telling Nebuchadnezzar the meaning of his dream (Daniel 2) Joshua’s army marching around the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6) Mary learning that she will give birth to Jesus (Luke 1) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Lord God, in these winter months, when the days are shorter and the world grows quiet, help me to find Your presence in all things.In the cold air, remind me of the breath of Your Spirit.In the stillness, open my heart to Your gentle voice.Give me a heart of gratitude for the warmth I have been given, and compassion for those who face winter's hardship.Teach me to see Your grace at work—in the silence, in the waiting,and even in the challenges of the season.May this season of rest deepen my trust in You, renew my spirit, and prepare me to meet spring with a heart awakened to Your love. Amen.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! In today's episode for January 31st, 2026, Hunter guides us through the final day of January with a deep and meaningful journey into Scripture. We continue our exploration of Exodus, digging into chapters 28 and 29, where God gives detailed instructions for Aaron and his sons to be set apart as priests. We witness the sacred garments, rituals, and ceremonies that marked their consecration, pointing to themes of holiness and representation before God. Switching to the New Testament, Hunter reads from Acts 7, recounting Stephen's powerful defense before the high priest—a sweeping narrative that ties together the story of Abraham, Moses, and Israel, culminating in the revelation of Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise to liberate and redeem all of humanity. Stephen's words serve as an invitation to embrace God's story—a story of hope, freedom, and love—and to recognize Christ's work in drawing us into a life that is full and free. The episode closes with heartfelt prayers for peace, unity, purpose, and love, reminding listeners of God's presence and faithfulness as they step into a new month. If you're seeking encouragement and spiritual rhythm in your daily life, join Hunter for Scripture, reflection, and prayer—knowing that you are loved, no doubt about it. TODAY'S DEVOTION: The story is not over. Stephen is giving us a sweeping historical account to open the eyes of people trapped in a story that does not give them life. And that, my friend, is so easy to do. We so easily get swept up into our pride, our ambition, our past, our shame, our regrets. We can be so buried and blinded by our story that we fail to see that we have been drawn into the story of God—a story of liberation, of freedom, a story of hope, a story of love. Stephen has shown us that all of history is pointing to Christ, who has come for all humanity to set us free from slavery and to make us his own. And Christ has given himself that he might drag all of humanity into the story that we were made for. So let us humbly agree and say thank you for what Christ has done, for what you have become in him. You are his child and you are free. So let us live in the light and the freedom of what God has done in Christ—for you, for me, for the whole world. That's the prayer that I have for my own soul. That's the prayer that I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's the prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Gospel Mark 4:35-41 On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: "Let us cross to the other side." Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!" The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, "Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?" They were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” Reflection What is fascinating about the life of the disciples is that they really didn't understand fully who Jesus was until He died and rose and the Holy Spirit descended upon them. So throughout their life with Jesus, you see them at times being absolutely astonished or afraid. They were either overwhelmed by what he could do or afraid that he wouldn't do what he promised to do. They're so human. And that is the journey. The journey is not that we accept God and then all of a sudden we become perfectly attuned with him or that we understand fully who he is or who he is invited us to be. Keep his patience in this growth process. It is what the kingdom is made up of. People growing, not people having achieved everything, but people growing into who they are meant to be. Closing Prayer Father, you have power. More power than we could ever imagine, yet at times we seem timid in asking your power to be used through us to accomplish what we ask. We ask with a fear that you will not listen or that you can't do this or you're too busy to do this. Give us confidence in your power. You want to share it with us. Let us invite it into our lives and we ask this In Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260131dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 The Lamb of God Takes Away Our Sins Matthew uses the word “kingdom” fifty-four times in his Gospel. The “kingdom” Jesus is talking about is not a place, but rather the saving activity of God. For example, in Matthew 13:24, we see that “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed seed…” This is a picture of the way God gathers people into heaven by means of the gospel. The “good news (gospel) of the kingdom” is the message about how God gathers us to be his people. Part of the message is repentance—sorrow for sins and turning to Jesus for forgiveness. Another important part is God’s assurance that our sins are forgiven. For people living in an uncertain world, a world filled with tragedy, disaster, war, anger, fear, doubt, loneliness, and guilt, the assurance from God that our sins are forgiven is the only remedy. Jesus spread this remedy around and also gave people convincing proof that his message was true by performing miracles. No wonder people came from all around. He spoke words that gave people eternal life and true hope. Jesus has also spoken to us. We have his gospel message, which assures us that our sins are forgiven. We are not held accountable before God for our sins because the guilt of all our sins was laid on Jesus. As our Savior, he rescued us from the death we deserved for our sins. He fully completed the work of our salvation. Yet the activity of God's kingdom continues. The message about Christ and his completed work still needs to be spread through the saving Word of God. Who better to do that than you and me, who have the peace of Jesus in our hearts? Prayer: Jesus, amid many difficulties and challenges of my life, I am so grateful for the peace that comes from knowing you as my Savior. You established your kingdom in me by faith, now rule my life always with your loving power and tender mercy. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Here Isaac is not giving us a technique for moral improvement. He is unveiling an icon. Behind his austere language of toil and Scripture and withdrawal stands a single, luminous vision: the human heart being slowly remade into the dwelling place of God. Asceticism is not a set of behaviors aimed at self mastery. It is the patient clearing of space so that the Trinity may come to rest within us. Everything Isaac names flows from this one mystery. He begins with what looks like a chain of practices. Bodily toil guards purity. Scripture sustains the toil. Hope and fear steady the soul. Prayer and withdrawal from men protect the heart. But Isaac is not describing a ladder that climbs upward by human effort. He is describing how the soul is held open until it can be seized by the Spirit. These disciplines do not save. They keep us available for salvation. They prevent the heart from sealing itself against grace. This is why Isaac speaks so soberly about the Scriptures. Until the Comforter has come and taken up His dwelling in the depths of the person we need the written word to keep us from drifting into forgetfulness and fantasy. The Scriptures are not information. They are a form of remembrance. They press the shape of Christ into the memory of the heart so that when our mind is scattered and the passions begin to speak their lies we are not carried away from our true homeland. But Isaac also knows that even Scripture is provisional. There comes a moment when the teaching no longer comes from without but from within. When the Spirit penetrates the noetic powers of the soul the heart itself becomes the book. The same Word who once spoke in letters now speaks in fire. This is not a rejection of Scripture but its fulfillment. The written Gospel gives way to the living Christ engraved upon the heart. Here we touch the heart of Eastern Christian mysticism. Salvation is not merely a verdict. It is a transformation of perception. The center of knowing shifts. The ego no longer stands as the interpreter of reality. The Spirit becomes the teacher. And because this teaching comes from God Himself it is not lost. It does not evaporate under distraction or suffering. It remains as a living memory of communion. Isaac then strikes at something that terrifies the ego. He distinguishes between good thoughts and a good heart. We are accustomed to judging ourselves by the surface weather of the mind. We watch our thoughts rise and fall like waves and imagine that our worth before God is decided by their movement. Isaac says this is an illusion. Thoughts come and go like sea winds. They stir the waters but they do not constitute the depths. The heart is the foundation. It is the place where we truly consent or refuse. A person may be flooded with thoughts and yet remain rooted in God. Another may have refined ideas and yet be inwardly turned toward self. What matters is not the agitation of the surface but the direction of the ground beneath it. This is a devastating word for the controlling ego. We want to manage our thoughts. We want to produce holiness by technique. We want to ensure our standing before God by monitoring every inner movement. Isaac tells us that this entire project is misguided. If judgment were passed on every thought we would be condemned and justified a thousand times a day. That is not how God sees us. God looks at the heart. He looks at where we have placed our deepest trust. And here the abyss opens. To let go of the ego is not to become passive or vague. It is to cease making ourselves the measure of reality. It is to fall into the love of God without conditions. The heart that consents to this fall becomes a foundation of peace even while the mind continues to be stirred by many winds. This is why the saints can live in such freedom. They are no longer organized around self protection. They have entrusted themselves to the Paschal mystery. For Isaac all of this is Christological. The Spirit who teaches the heart is the Spirit poured out by the crucified and risen Lord. The abyss into which we fall is the same abyss into which Christ descended in His self emptying love. To enter this path is to be drawn into the very life of the Trinity. We are no longer managing ourselves toward virtue. We are being re created from within by divine love. This is the beauty of the ascetical mystical tradition of the East. It does not offer self improvement. It offers transfiguration. It does not promise control. It invites surrender. It does not measure us by the turbulence of our thoughts but by the quiet yes of the heart. Isaac shows us a humanity that has learned to rest in God even while the winds still blow. A humanity no longer driven by fear or fantasy but grounded in the living presence of the Spirit. This is what we have become in Christ. And this is what the desert still calls us to be. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:01:01 Jonathan Grobler: Evening father 00:02:20 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Good evening 00:02:50 Ryan Ngeve: Good evening Father 00:04:37 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 175, # 19, final paragraph 00:04:49 Adam Paige: Happy feast day of Saint Isaac the Syrian to all ! New movie from the writer & director of “Man of God” (about St Nektarios) coming out this weekend: “Moses the Black” ! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_the_Black_(film) 00:05:49 Anna: There was a run on bananas with this last storm 00:06:06 Anna: What movie 00:06:35 Anna: Thanks 00:08:08 Anna: Movie theater for Moses the Black... https://www.fathomentertainment.com/releases/moses-the-black/ 00:08:19 Anna: It's in theaters 00:09:35 Anna: That doesn't look like it 00:10:11 Jonathan Grobler: Excited for Lent, will hopefully be confirmed this Easter 00:10:41 Jessica McHale: 16th of Feb 00:10:41 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 175, # 19, final paragraph 00:10:53 Angela Bellamy: Is there a resource some place on how Lent is traditionally observed? 00:11:18 Anna: That link is the movie playing on the 30th and so on 00:11:18 Janine: Yes 00:11:22 Anna: https://www.fathomentertainment.com/releases/moses-the-black/ 00:11:30 Janine: Alexander 00:11:45 Jessica McHale: Great Lent: Journey to Pascha by Father Alexander Schmemann 00:14:22 Angela Bellamy: Reacted to "Great Lent: Journey ..." with

The devil is actively working in this world against the Word of God. He wants nothing more than for us to ignore the Word, hold onto a guilty conscience over our sins, and to question the full sufficiency of Christ's cross. “Your will be done and not the devil's!” is our prayer without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). The Lord gives us prayer as a gift to be able to say with confidence, “Amen”, knowing that His grace is sufficient. Rev. Bob Hiller, pastor of Community Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 7th Petition of the Lord's Prayer. To learn more about Community Lutheran, visit clcfamily.org. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org. 

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Exodus 25-27 ; Acts 6 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! In today's episode for January 30th, Hunter guides us on a journey through Exodus 25-27 and Acts 6, inviting listeners to move beyond just reading pages and instead open their hearts to the life-changing love of Jesus. You'll hear detailed readings from scripture—diving into the intricate instructions for the tabernacle and witnessing the early church's challenges and growth as Stephen steps into leadership. But this episode is more than just scripture; Hunter reflects on how the tabernacle was a foreshadowing of Christ, who now invites us all into a deeper, abiding relationship with God. Together, we'll pray, meditate, and remember that each day is an opportunity to experience God's mercy, joy, and peace. No matter where you are in your journey, you'll leave this episode encouraged, reminded that you are loved, and inspired to continue walking in God's grace. TODAY'S DEVOTION: What's it all about? The seemingly endless list of tabernacle instructions are so specific, so exact, it can leave a person wondering what it's all about. The tabernacle was a place where God would meet man in a unique way. It was an intersection between heaven and earth, between God and man. The covenant between God and his people was affirmed there. The stone tablets of the covenant were stored there in the ark. The lid of the ark was the place of atonement. All these things were taking place in the tabernacle. And we are told that the tabernacle was a pattern of things that were in heaven. The tabernacle helped tell the story of God, of his love and salvation that he brings to the whole world. This was an important place. These are important symbols. But it was only a shadow of something far greater, of things yet to come. It was a shadow of Christ. Christ came to be the intersection between heaven and earth. He came to tabernacle and dwell with us. He was the place of atonement—the person of atonement that takes away the sins of the world. In John 2:19, Jesus says, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." He's referring to himself there, his own body, because he's the fulfillment of the shadow we see in Exodus. We're not only reconciled to God through his body, he's also given us his life right here, right now. We see this in Stephen. He was full of the Spirit and wisdom, so full that his countenance is being lit up. He's dwelling, he's abiding in the tabernacle, if you will—in Christ. He's abiding in Christ at that very moment. And we too can experience this abiding life in Christ. We can abide in the greater tabernacle—in Him. We can live from this place of forgiveness in his presence. And we too can find the power for life and healing here and now. And the prayer of my own heart today is that I will see this through the shadows of these pages and that I will see it even through the shadows of day-to-day life, that I'll have ears to hear, eyes that are wide open to abide in the mercy and the grace of this given day, to abide in Him. That's the prayer that I have for my soul. That's the prayer that I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Gospel Mark 4:26-34 Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.” He said, “To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private. Reflection Jesus often uses in parables the idea of a seed that is entered into us and the seed itself, when it is there, begins to break apart and then bursts into life and something grows that becomes rich and bountiful. It's a beautiful image of the Yes that he asks us to say to him when we grow and understand what it is that he's offering us. The new life, the new way of seeing ourselves in the world. It's not that we say yes to something we fully understand. We say yes to a promise, and when that promise is held within our hearts, trusted in and believed in patiently waiting for the fruitfulness to show. Then we've truly entered the Kingdom of God. Closing Prayer Father, give us patience. Understanding. That when we say yes to you we are believing in a process that takes time. That seems to go forward. Seems to go backwards. Seems that we get better then we get worse. All of that is part of what it takes to be in the Kingdom of God. It's we who say yes, it's God who does the work. And we ask this In Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260130dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 1 John 2:14 Renewed by the Light Before you go camping in the woods, be sure to check that your flashlights all work properly and the batteries are all new. You will be far away from the artificial lights illuminating the cities and suburbs. Many thick trees can block the natural light of the stars. Unforeseen clouds and rain might also douse the light of a campfire. Before facing a new day in this dark world, be sure to check that your spirit is recharged with the truth and grace of Jesus. We are still living far away from heaven's glorious light. The things of this world that are supposed to bring us happiness are merely artificial lights that quickly burn out. Unexpected temptations threaten to plunge us into sinful decisions and right back into the darkness of fear and shame. We constantly need to recharge the lights of Jesus' truth and love in our hearts. John tells us how: “I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” The evil one still accuses, deceives, and seeks to destroy faith. Yet John dares to speak in the past tense: “You have overcome the evil one.” This victory is not based on present feelings or visible success, but on Jesus' finished work. By his cross and resurrection, Jesus has already defeated Satan. Faith clings to that victory. In ourselves, we are weak. Our faith wavers, our resolve collapses, and our obedience is imperfect. But in Jesus, we are strong. Those who live in the word of God will have the word of God living in them. It will renew your faith in Jesus’ victory. It will continually rekindle the joy in your heart that Jesus has overcome the darkness of evil for you. Keep living in the word of God, and the word of God will live in you, reminding you daily that in Jesus, you are strong. Prayer: Jesus, Light of the world, shine in my heart. Forgive my sins and fill me with your love so that I may walk in your ways and love my neighbor as you have loved me. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

A Prayer to be a "Telling Family" Jesus didn’t add qualifiers to the Great Commission. He didn’t say go and tell only if you’re outgoing, confident, or know all the right words. He simply said… go and tell. The beautiful part? We all tell His story differently. At the ball field. In the car line. At work. Around the dinner table. In everyday conversations with ordinary people.This week, let’s keep it simple.Who around you needs to hear about the hope and love of Jesus—from a regular person in a regular place?Let’s be telling families. Reference: Matthew 28:18-19 (msg) Prayer: Father, thank you for entrusting your good news to us. Help us not to take that responsibility lightly. Help us to be telling families. Families who are looking for ways and opportunities to share your hope, your love and your light to a world that is hurting. In doing so, may our children be tellers of your good news as well. In Jesus' name, Amen. LINKS: Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As Christians, we believe by faith. But did you know that even evolutionary scientists believe by their own kind of faith? Scientists early in this century, like scientists today, had no evidence that humans had evolved from ape-like creatures.In 1922 in Nebraska, a tooth was discovered that was said to have belonged to a missing link between human and ape. But what did this creature look like? As is done today, paleontologists began to "reconstruct" "Nebraska man." They reconstructed what the jawbone around the tooth might have looked like, and then the bone touching those bones, and—well, you know how the song goes: "The head bone's connected to the neck bone; the neck bone's connected to the back bone…"Before long, they had constructed, from that one little tooth, not only what "Nebraska man" looked like, but also what his wife looked like. And they put this "proof" in museums and textbooks. Eventually, they discovered more parts of the animal from which the tooth had come. It turned out to be the tooth of an extinct pig! But even this was wrong—in 1972 living herds of this very pig turned up in Paraguay!Anyone, including scientists, can make mistakes. But what this true story shows is how, by rejecting God's account of creation, a pig could be made into a human. You see, even the evolutionist's belief is not based on scientific fact but on his own faith in nature rather than in the Creator. We Christians should not be ashamed to admit that we believe by faith, because our faith is built on the solid statements of the uncontradicted Scriptures!Hebrews 11:1"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."Prayer: Dear Father; I thank You that You have allowed me to hear Your Word and that You have given me faith in Your promises. Teach me, though Your Word, so that I am better able to identify false religious beliefs and carry Your witness. In Jesus' Name. Amen.Image: Forestier Nebraska Man 1922, Amédée Forestier (1847-1930), PD, Wikimedia Commons + Nebraska Man Tooth, PD, Wikimedia Commons. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111

Today, we live in a world that has lost the true biblical concept of grace and forgiveness. We turn on the news to hear another horrible stat and see that evil somehow seemed to win again. Yet, many passages in the New Testament encourage us that, no matter how bad anyone else gets, how bad the culture gets, we must keep steady in our faith and follow God even if that means walking against the grain and walking alone.Listen to 2 Peter 3:17-18:My dear friends, you have been warned ahead of time! So don't let the errors of evil people lead you down the wrong path and make you lose your balance. Let the wonderful kindness and the understanding that come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ help you to keep on growing. Praise Jesus now and forever! Amen.Scripture warns us that we have to stay away from evil to keep our balance and stay on the right path. How? By growing in the wonderful kindness and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.What is one area of your life that you tend to follow the ‘path' of the world? We all struggle with this.What would it look like to apply these principles of 'kindness and understanding' to that situation or area of your life?Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, one thing about the world getting worse is that the disparity between good and evil, right and wrong, You and Satan, are quite clear. Help me every day to stay away from evil by staying close to You. With You, in You, I have nothing to fear and everything to gain. As above, so below.”

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is 1 Corinthians 2:15. Ever notice how following Jesus changes the way you see everything? Not overnight… but steadily. Quietly. Deeply. You start noticing things you'd never noticed before. You sense dangers you used to walk right into. You feel conviction where you once felt nothing. You recognize truth in places you once ignored. Paul captures that shift in a single verse: The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. — 1 Corinthians 2:15 This isn't about superiority. It's about spiritual awareness—the ability to discern what's really going on under the surface. Paul is saying: If you're walking by the Spirit, you're going to see things others can't evaluate. People who don't have the Spirit can't measure your decisions accurately. They can't fully understand your values. They can't interpret your motives. They can't perceive the spiritual reality behind your choices. To them, your obedience might look extreme. Your boundaries might look unnecessary. Your convictions might seem outdated. Your faithfulness might feel foolish. But it's simply because they're judging from the outside while you're walking with insight from the inside. And that should free you—you don't need applause, validation, or agreement from people who can't see what the Spirit has shown you. You're seeing more than they know—because God is shaping your vision. This also means something else: If the Spirit is helping you discern what's true, then you don't have to second-guess every step. You can walk with quiet confidence. Not arrogance—not "I know better." But a grounded assurance that the Spirit's wisdom is guiding you. What used to confuse you now has clarity. What used to tempt you now has weight. What used to distract you now looks empty. That's not pride. That's growth. DO THIS: Identify one decision you've hesitated on because you're worried about what others will think. Ask the Spirit for clarity—then act on what He shows you. ASK THIS: Where do you fear being misunderstood for obeying God? What area of your life requires Spirit-led discernment right now? How have you seen your spiritual "vision" grow in the past year? PRAY THIS: Spirit, thank You for opening my eyes. Give me compassion for those who can't yet see what You've shown me. Use my life as a gentle witness today. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"

Have you ever worried that following Jesus would mean losing what makes you unique? Actually, the opposite is true. Jesus restores you to who you were created to be—He helps you discover the truest version of your unique self, in Jesus. Jesus encouraged His followers when He said, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” So, He doesn't erase your uniqueness—He wants to shine through it. He gives purpose to your gifts and to your talents. And He brings freedom from fear, and joy that lasts through difficult days. Jesus wants to give you life to the fullest. If you want that, you can pray to Him and just ask Him, “Jesus, I give You my life. As I learn to follow You, make me the person that You created me to be. And thank You. Amen.” Always remember, there is hope with God. Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:14 radio.hopewithgod.com

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260130dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 1 John 2:14 Renewed by the Light Before you go camping in the woods, be sure to check that your flashlights all work properly and the batteries are all new. You will be far away from the artificial lights illuminating the cities and suburbs. Many thick trees can block the natural light of the stars. Unforeseen clouds and rain might also douse the light of a campfire. Before facing a new day in this dark world, be sure to check that your spirit is recharged with the truth and grace of Jesus. We are still living far away from heaven's glorious light. The things of this world that are supposed to bring us happiness are merely artificial lights that quickly burn out. Unexpected temptations threaten to plunge us into sinful decisions and right back into the darkness of fear and shame. We constantly need to recharge the lights of Jesus' truth and love in our hearts. John tells us how: “I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” The evil one still accuses, deceives, and seeks to destroy faith. Yet John dares to speak in the past tense: “You have overcome the evil one.” This victory is not based on present feelings or visible success, but on Jesus' finished work. By his cross and resurrection, Jesus has already defeated Satan. Faith clings to that victory. In ourselves, we are weak. Our faith wavers, our resolve collapses, and our obedience is imperfect. But in Jesus, we are strong. Those who live in the word of God will have the word of God living in them. It will renew your faith in Jesus’ victory. It will continually rekindle the joy in your heart that Jesus has overcome the darkness of evil for you. Keep living in the word of God, and the word of God will live in you, reminding you daily that in Jesus, you are strong. Prayer: Jesus, Light of the world, shine in my heart. Forgive my sins and fill me with your love so that I may walk in your ways and love my neighbor as you have loved me. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Daily Dose of Hope January 30, 2026   Scripture: I Corinthians 6   Prayer:  Lord Jesus, We come before you this morning, thanking you for a new day.  Lord, you are good and we rejoice in your holy and powerful name.  As we begin our day, Lord, help us focus on you.  Help us set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on your Word and what you want us to learn today.  We get so distracted and self-consumed.  Forgive us for that, Lord.  In these next few moments of silence, help us have laser focus on your voice... In Your Powerful Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We have been journeying through Paul's letters.  Today, we are continuing through our fourth pastoral letter, I Corinthians. Today's reading is I Corinthians 6.  Paul continues to press this issue: Jesus-followers should look different than the culture around them. Why were they allowing secular courts to decide issues that should have been worked out in the church? Why were they getting pulled into disputes that distracted them from the mission in the first place? And then Paul presents a list of wrongdoings which have no place in the church. He is imploring them, "You know better!" You've been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ. You are different now, new creations, so behave like it. The second half of the chapter is the discussion about sexual misconduct in the church.  Some of the Christians in Corinth were saying they had been freed from the law and now could do whatever they wanted.  Remember, this was a very sexualized society.  People from the church were still having sex with prostitutes and they were saying it was no big deal.  Afterall, they weren't living under the law. Paul says that you were freed from the Law to love God and love others.    But the issue went deeper.  The Corinthians were kind of like, "eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we may die."  They thought that their bodies were temporary and eventually God would be doing away with them, so who cares if they have some casual sex?  It's just biology, just our bodies, right?  Not our souls.  So, what's the big deal?  Well, Paul tells them what the big deal is.   The Corinthians believed in the immortality of the soul. But Christians believe in the resurrection of the body. Because the resurrection of the body is a core doctrine of the Christian faith, we take a very high view of the human body. Paul reminds them of this. The human body is sacred.  God created you, God values you.  We firmly believe that our soul and physical body are interconnected, we can't just separate the two so easily.    This is what Paul is saying:  You can't have sex with someone and not become one flesh with them.  You can't separate body and soul. Sex is not just biology; there's something deeply spiritual about it.  Souls are connecting with one another.  I read this and it feels like Paul is in parent-mode. He is telling the Corinthians to remember who and whose they are! He even tells them he is ashamed of them.  Two thousand years is a long time and yet people are still people. We aren't any better today; I do hope everyone realizes that. Yes, we think we are quite sophisticated. We think we are quite knowledgeable. But, just like the Corinthians, we still forget what it means to belong to Jesus. We still allow the values and temptations of the world to seep into our lives. How often we blend so neatly into the world around us. How often have you believed the same lies that the Corinthians believed? Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Friday, 30 January 2026   When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” Matthew 16:13   “And Jesus, having come to the allotments – Caesarea, the Phillipi, He entreated His disciples, saying, ‘Whom they say, the men, Me to be, the Son of Man?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the disciples finally clued in to what Jesus was trying to teach them. His words about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees were speaking of their evil doctrine. Matthew now continues the narrative of their time after arriving on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, saying, “And Jesus, having come to the allotments – Caesarea, the Phillipi.”   A new word, Kaisareia, Caesarea, is introduced. It is derived from Kaisar, Caesar, a Latin word referring to the title of the Roman Emperor. Caesarea refers to two places in the area of Israel. The first is this location, Caesarea Philippi. Of this location, Albert Barnes says –   “There were two cities in Judea called Caesarea. One was situated on the borders of the Mediterranean (See the notes at Acts 8:40), and the other was the one mentioned here. This city was greatly enlarged and ornamented by Philip the tetrarch, son of Herod, and called Caesarea in honor of the Roman emperor, Tiberius Caesar. To distinguish it from the other Caesarea the name of Philip was added to it, and it was called Caesarea Philippi, or Caesarea of Philippi. It was situated in the boundaries of the tribe of Naphtali, at the foot of Mount Hermon.”   Having come to this general area, “He entreated His disciples, saying, ‘Whom they say, the men, Me to be, the Son of Man?'” Translations consider His words in one of two ways. One is “Whom do men say that I am? The Son of Man?”, or “Whom do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”   The latter is correct. Jesus has referred to Himself as the Son of Man nine times already, making this the tenth. Peter's answer will also show that He is not asking if people say He is the Son of Man. Rather, He is asking what He, the Son of Man, is called by others. He is preparing them for a great pronouncement by asking this probing question first.   Life application: Jesus came to His own country in Matthew 13:53-58. He was rejected by them. In Matthew 14:1-12, the account of the beheading of John the Baptist was given. That was followed by the feeding of the five thousand in Matthew 14:13-21.   Jesus then walked on the sea, as is recorded in Matthew 14:22-33. From there, they came to the area of Gennesaret, at which time He fully saved all who simply touched Him. In Matthew 15:1-20, it then noted the traditions of the Jews which Jesus condemned, explaining that what comes out of a man is what defiles, not what enters into him.   That was then followed by His journey to the allotments of Tyre and Sidon, where the faith of the Canaanite woman was noted, and her daughter was saved. After that, Jesus went around the Sea of Galilee to the eastern side of it. There, He healed many and eventually fed four thousand. After feeding them, they crossed the Galilee, coming to the region of Magdala.   While there, He was accosted by the Pharisees and Sadducees who looked for a sign from heaven. He told them no sign would be given but the sign of Jonah. Once that was complete, they once again crossed the Sea of Galilee to the eastern side, being instructed on the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Now in the account, they have remained on this eastern side and gone north to the area of Caesarea Philippi.   This crisscrossing of the land and the Sea of Galilee all has a purpose. Jesus' movements are being used as a walking instructional tool in what God is doing in redemptive history. It is good to stop and reconsider where He has gone and where He is at any given time. By considering these things, we can follow what God is doing in reconciling the world to Himself through Jesus.   Each area visited, each topographical marker that is mentioned, and each thing Jesus does is being woven into a marvelous tapestry for us to ponder and learn from. Keep paying attention to the details, both from a micro and macro viewpoint. God is telling us a story of humanity's long trek back to Him, and it is all centered on Jesus.   Lord God, it would make no sense for You to send Your Son into the world unless there was something to be gained from it. His life of trials and burdens, culminating in His cross and resurrection, tells us that there is a great plan that has been put in place to bring Your people to a place we cannot even imagine at this time. We are grateful to be on this journey because of Jesus! Thank You for the sure hope we possess. Amen.

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. — Psalm 126:5 The journey of life isn't always easy. We face struggles, setbacks, and moments where it feels like our efforts are in vain. But the beautiful truth of Psalm 126:5 is that God does not waste our pain. The tears we shed are never in vain, for they are like seeds being sown for a harvest of joy. I remember a time when I was going through a season of difficulty. It felt like everything was falling apart, and I couldn't see how any good could come from it. Yet, looking back, I realize that those moments of struggle were the very things that cultivated a deeper joy in me. God used the pain to refine me, teach me, and ultimately bring me to a place of greater peace and happiness. We are promised that, even in our sorrow, God will bring forth joy. The joy doesn't always come immediately, and at times we have to endure some hard moments. But when the harvest comes, it's sweeter than we could have imagined. It's a joy that only God can bring—a joy that comes from knowing that he is with us through it all. As we walk through life, let's remember that the joy that follows the tears is a new joy. It's a joy that comes from trusting God with our struggles and waiting patiently for his work to be completed in us.  God, thank you for the promise of joy in our life's journey. Help me to trust you through the difficult times and to hold on to the hope that we will be filled with joy in you. Amen.

"...behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt...'" - Matthew 1—2 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Exodus 23–24; Psalm 14; Acts 5 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! On this January 29th episode, join Hunter as he guides us through day 29 of our year-long journey through the Bible. Together, we'll explore the guidelines given in Exodus 23–24, reflect on the heartfelt cry of Psalm 14, and witness the early church's challenges and triumphs in Acts 5—including the powerful and sobering story of Ananias and Sapphira. Throughout the episode, Hunter, your Bible reading coach, helps us see how these passages all point to the Living Word, Jesus—the One who offers us abundant life. We'll be reminded how easily the simple message of Christ can be missed or manipulated, and invited once again to say yes to the true message: life in Him. We finish with meaningful prayers and practical encouragement for our spiritual journey, all wrapped in a spirit of gratitude and community. Thank you for joining us as we walk this pilgrim road together—let's dive into today's reading and let the Word do its work in our hearts. TODAY'S DEVOTION: The message is so simple. And yet, as we read today, Ananias and Sapphira got that message so very wrong. The High Council and the religious leaders, too, missed the central truth. And that's pretty much true to form for most religion—the simple message of God can often be missed, misused, or manipulated. Ananias and Sapphira thought this message was about getting—position, influence, prominence. They wanted to manipulate, to use the message for gain, not for giving. The heart of what God offers was missed in their striving, their attempt to appear generous when it was really driven by self-interest. Then we see the religious leaders; they saw the message as a threat to their control and their standing. They tried to stop it, seeing it not as good news of life but as something that threatened their systems. And isn't this true for us as well? Inside and outside the church we often take the message of life and shape it into something else—a tool for manipulation, or a means to gain acceptance or justify ourselves, or a way to maintain power or status. But the message is so simple, and we see it again today, spoken with clarity by the angel to Peter and John: "Go to the temple and give the people this message of… life." That's it. Life. You've been included into the very life of God. Let go of all the false messages, let go of the need to control, to pretend, to justify. Just say yes to this simple truth, and experience life—here and now. Jesus himself tells us, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). In him was life, and that life was the light of all people (John 4). It's not about power, or prestige, or gaining influence. It's about participating in the abundant, eternal life that God gives freely. Among all the twisted manipulations of the human heart comes God's invitation: Step into life. Don't miss it; receive it, enter and awaken to the life offered to you. Walk with him. Participate with him. You can start right now, simply by turning your heart toward God in gratitude—"Thank you for life, Lord Jesus. I walk with you today." That is the prayer for my soul, for my family—my wife, my daughters, my son—and that's the prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Gospel Mark 4:21-25 Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible;  nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you,  and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given;  from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Reflection Many people wonder why God allows evil in the world, but what it is is an opportunity for us to face the illusion of what evil promises. To expose evil as corrupt and destructive. But the way it exists is usually below the surface, it's not noticed, and it has tremendous power when it's not seen for what it is. And so the Kingdom of God is about exposing evil for exactly what it is. And that's the light of the Holy Spirit comes in and gives us wisdom, understanding, a way of seeing the world where evil makes no sense. That's the reason it's there, because it needs to come into the light and be named for what it is. Closing Prayer Father, give us the courage to look at things that are often hidden. Help us to reflect and see who we are and what we're doing, and ask the spirit to awaken us to what is true and what is false, what is helpful and what is harmful. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260129dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light. 1 John 2:8-10 Walking in the Light Anyone who has spent too long cooped up in one place knows what cabin fever feels like. At first, it’s comfortable, safe, familiar, and predictable. But slowly, irritation creeps in. Small things start to bother us. Our patience shortens. Our perspective narrows. The walls begin to feel closer. What once felt like shelter starts to feel like confinement. Spiritually, cabin fever can happen, too. When people remain inward-focused and demonstrate by their attitudes and actions that they love themselves more than others, darkness closes in. Our hearts become disconnected from loving relationships with God and with others. That is what the apostle John addresses in our Bible reading when he says, “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.” The best way to overcome cabin fever is to step out of your place of confinement, breathe in the fresh air again, and, best of all, go where the sun is shining. John reminds us that the true light is already shining. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, continues to shine the light of God’s mercy and forgiveness into our darkened hearts. The good news that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead in victory, enlightens our hearts to believe that God's love for us will overcome the darkness of evil. In the end, spiritual cabin fever fades when we remember that life in Christ was never meant to be lived in isolation or fear. His love replaces our impatience with peace. His Word and promise of life with him forever, replaces our weariness with renewed purpose—to love one another as Christ loved us. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light. Where Christ-like love is practiced, the darkness lifts, the cabin fever fades, and life opens up again. Prayer: Gracious Savior, you are the true Light shining in the darkness. Drive hatred and bitterness from my heart. Fill me with your mercy so that my life reflects your love to others. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is 1 Corinthians 2:14. You've probably felt this before—trying to share something God is doing in your life, only to be met with a blank stare. Maybe they look confused. Maybe uninterested. Maybe they just don't feel what you feel. Paul explains exactly why that happens. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. — 1 Corinthians 2:14 This verse is both clarifying and comforting. Clarifying because it explains the disconnect. Comforting because it reminds you the issue isn't you. Paul's point is simple: spiritual truth requires spiritual sight. Without the Spirit, the gospel sounds odd… Grace feels unnecessary… Obedience looks restrictive… Conviction feels offensive… And spiritual wisdom seems foolish. It's not that people are too smart for God. It's that without His Spirit, they simply can't see what you see. You can't expect natural eyes to recognize supernatural truth. And here's the part we often forget: The fact that you "get it" is evidence that God opened your eyes. You didn't figure out the gospel — the Spirit revealed it. You didn't create a hunger for truth — the Spirit stirred it. You didn't suddenly value holiness — the Spirit changed your heart. What feels obvious to you now was once impossible for you to understand. So instead of frustration with those who don't get it, let this verse shape you toward compassion. Toward patience. Toward prayer. Toward hope. God opened your eyes. And He can open theirs. And this truth also builds confidence in your own walk: You're not crazy for believing what you believe. You're awakened. Spiritual things make sense because the Spirit is at work in you. You see what you never used to see. You value what you never used to value. You understand what you never used to understand. That's not foolishness. That's transformation. DO THIS: Think of one person who doesn't "get" your faith. Pray, "Spirit, open their eyes the way You opened mine." Then show them patience today. ASK THIS: Who in your life doesn't understand spiritual things — and needs patience instead of pressure from you? What spiritual truth used to seem foolish before God opened your eyes? How does this verse grow compassion in you? PRAY THIS: Spirit, thank You for opening my eyes. Give me compassion for those who can't yet see what You've shown me. Use my life as a gentle witness today. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)"

Daily Dose of Hope January 29, 2026   Scripture: I Corinthians 5   Prayer:  Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently journeying through Paul's letters.  Right now, we are working our way through I Corinthians.   A significant problem in the church of Corinth was both sexual immorality and sexual deviancy, which simply underscored their shallow discipleship. Corinth was a port town that was home to the Temple of Aphrodite, a pagan temple with many, many prostitutes. Sexual immorality was rampant and almost a way of life in the city. To say that Corinth was a very sexualized society would be a massive understatement.  It's estimated that one in every thirty people were prostitutes. You really see this when you visit there.  It touches every area of their culture.  So, it isn't surprising that the church was dealing with it.  What the culture deals with seeps into the church and the church is tasked with figuring out how to deal with it based on God's truth. The apostle Paul was trying to develop a holy church, based on commitment to Jesus rather than the pagan gods and ways of being. We see the struggles over these first few chapters.   In chapter five, today's reading, Paul addresses a case of incest in the church, specifically a man sleeping with his father's wife (presumably his stepmother). While this might have been acceptable in Corinthian society, it is absolutely deplorable among God's people. This kind of behavior was forbidden in the Torah and that translated into the church. The people of Jesus were also supposed to seek holiness and sexual morality was part of that. They are the body of Christ.   The issue isn't just the incest – yes, that is really bad – but it's that there are no boundaries whatsoever for sexual behavior.  And they are bringing those values, or lack thereof, into the church.  God's people have to call sin what it is and recognize it as a problem.  So, there was that.  Paul is appalled - why does this not bother them?  Their arrogance is hard to take.   Let's be real. This is just as much as issue in today's church as it was 2000 years ago in Corinth. Why don't we behave like the body of Christ, holy and blameless? We tolerate all kinds of stuff!  Do we demonstrate the same kind of arrogance and complacence? Certainly something to think about.   I do want to at least touch on what Paul says at the very end of the chapter, verses 12-13, What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked person from among you."  Basically, Christians are not called to judge those outside the church.  If someone is not a Christ-follower, then we can't hold them to the same standards.  They don't know any better really.  But, those inside the church have to be held accountable.  Paul is holding the Corinthians responsible for not dealing with the man having sex with his stepmother.  That kind of sinfulness has no place in Jesus' church.    Now, if someone committed a sin and then was repentant, that would be a different story.  Afterall, Jesus gives us all second chances and third chances and fourth chances.  If someone is serious about forgiveness and wants to change, then the church welcomes them.  If they are arrogant and refusing to change, that's when church accountability has to occur.    We struggle with this.  Accountability in general is something we struggle with in our culture.  What if this same situation were to happen at New Hope?  It would be uncomfortable and awkward but I couldn't, as the pastor, allow this man to sit in the pew with his arm draped around his stepmom for all to see.    What other situations might also require a response?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260129dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light. 1 John 2:8-10 Walking in the Light Anyone who has spent too long cooped up in one place knows what cabin fever feels like. At first, it’s comfortable, safe, familiar, and predictable. But slowly, irritation creeps in. Small things start to bother us. Our patience shortens. Our perspective narrows. The walls begin to feel closer. What once felt like shelter starts to feel like confinement. Spiritually, cabin fever can happen, too. When people remain inward-focused and demonstrate by their attitudes and actions that they love themselves more than others, darkness closes in. Our hearts become disconnected from loving relationships with God and with others. That is what the apostle John addresses in our Bible reading when he says, “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.” The best way to overcome cabin fever is to step out of your place of confinement, breathe in the fresh air again, and, best of all, go where the sun is shining. John reminds us that the true light is already shining. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, continues to shine the light of God’s mercy and forgiveness into our darkened hearts. The good news that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead in victory, enlightens our hearts to believe that God's love for us will overcome the darkness of evil. In the end, spiritual cabin fever fades when we remember that life in Christ was never meant to be lived in isolation or fear. His love replaces our impatience with peace. His Word and promise of life with him forever, replaces our weariness with renewed purpose—to love one another as Christ loved us. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light. Where Christ-like love is practiced, the darkness lifts, the cabin fever fades, and life opens up again. Prayer: Gracious Savior, you are the true Light shining in the darkness. Drive hatred and bitterness from my heart. Fill me with your mercy so that my life reflects your love to others. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Thursday, 29 January 2026   Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Matthew 16:12   “Then they comprehended that not He said to caution from the leaven – the bread, but from the teaching – the Pharisees and Sadducees” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus explicitly told the disciples that He didn't speak to them about bread, but about the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. With His words spoken to them, the light bulb came on. Matthew says, “Then they comprehended.”   Jesus took the disciples through an instructional process to help them learn how to think clearly. Instead of just saying what He was talking about, He asked them questions that would help them to think through the matter.   With the questions complete, He then told them what He was talking about while still using the leaven metaphor. From there, they would have to make the final leap from the metaphor to the matter He was addressing, which was, “that not He said to caution from the leaven – the bread.”   They now know it isn't leaven of bread. Jesus told them He was referring to the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. As Pharisees and Sadducees are not loaves walking around, either leavened or unleavened, Jesus had to be referring to something else while using a metaphor.   With this understood, they were able to deduce that it wasn't really leaven He was addressing, “but from the teaching – the Pharisees and Sadducees.”   This is their lightbulb moment. Jesus has successfully schooled them on a matter while giving them a warning about that matter. What the Pharisees and Sadducees had asked from Jesus was hypocritical, wicked, and adulterous according to Jesus' words to them.   Understanding this, Jesus then let the disciples know that such people, who ask for signs when there are already signs galore to confirm what they had wanted, are false teachers. As false teaching comes from a sinful heart, their doctrine itself is sinful.   Jesus told the disciples to beware of their doctrine, meaning concerning the things of God, because the source of what they taught was corrupt. This is essentially the message Jesus conveys to them. It is somewhatone analogous to what He said to them earlier concerning false prophets –   “From their fruits you will recognize them. Not any, they gather from thorns a grape or from thistles figs? 17Thus, every good tree, it produces good fruit. And the rotten tree, it produces evil fruit. 18Not, it can, a good tree, bad fruit produce, nor a rotten tree good fruit produce. 19Every tree not producing good fruit, it is exscinded, and it is cast into fire. 20Hence, from their fruits you will know them.” Matthew 7:16-20   Life application: These leaders in Israel were to be obeyed in accordance with the law. Jesus will make this explicit in Matthew 23. However, the disciples were told to beware of what they taught, as it was an infection that would only lead people away from a sound relationship with God.   Nothing has changed with Israel's religious leaders since then. The rabbis teach what is contrary to what God has determined, meaning salvation by faith through grace, as is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is what God is doing. If they are teaching contrary to that, they are not teaching what God is doing.   This is such a sad situation for the people that many rabbis over the years have been proclaimed the Messiah. Today in Israel, there are billboards and banners along the highways proclaiming one person or another is the Messiah.   Until they get this right, as a nation, they will remain under the curse of the law. However, isn't this what has happened in Christian circles many times as well? Throughout church history, a litany of false teachers has claimed they were God's representative on earth.   There are people who have started aberrant cults and sects. There are those who claim the Messiah is alive today and he lives in the Philippines, Russia, Miami, and elsewhere. Why is this the way it is? It is because in both Israel and throughout the rest of the world, people don't take the time to learn the Bible.   In not knowing the Bible, we cannot know if what we are being told is true or not about what God is doing. All we have to lean on is what we are told and whatever discernment we possess. Unfortunately, quite often those who claim the “gift” of discernment are the ones lacking even a modicum of it.   It is important for us to read the Bible. It has been given to keep us from being led down the primrose path. Be sure to use wisdom, pick it up, and read it!   Lord God, You have said in Your word that there is a proper path leading to restoration with You. If there is a proper path, then not being on it will not lead to that restoration. Help us to be wise and discerning concerning such things. May we be willing to put in the effort necessary to hold fast to You alone by knowing how to do so through Your word. Amen.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” — John 13:34-35 When Jesus gave this new command to his disciples, he wasn't simply telling them to show kindness or to be nice to each other. No, Jesus was calling his followers to something deeper—a radical, sacrificial love that mirrors his own. This is a love that goes beyond feelings and extends into actions. Jesus' love is the kind of love that says, “I will put your needs above mine, even when that is difficult.” Think about how often we hear of “love” in the world today. It's talked about in the context of self-love, romantic love, and the love we feel for family and friends. But what sets the love of Christ apart is its foundation in sacrifice. Jesus loved us to the point of laying down his life for us all. This is the love he calls us to show to others. This command is new in the sense that it is not about loving people as we want to love them, but as Jesus loved us—unconditionally and without limit. It's a love that challenges us to love the unlovable, to forgive when that is hard, and to extend grace when it seems undeserved. When we walk in the love of Jesus, we bear witness to the world about who Jesus is and the transformation he brings. Let's love as he has loved us.  Jesus, thank you for showing us what true love looks like. Help me to love others with the same sacrificial love you have shown me. And may my actions reflect your love. Amen.

"Jesus said to them, 'Come and have breakfast.' Now none of the disciples dared ask him, 'Who are you?'  They knew it was the Lord." - John 20–21 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What’s Next: Section Two WEEK THIRTY FIVE: WEEKLY READING PAGE 116 Naso “lift up” Torah: Numbers 4:21–7:89 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: 2 Chronicles 27-36 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Isaiah 15-21 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Philemon 1; Hebrews 1-2 Scripture Memory: 2 Corinthians 2:14 “Now thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph in Christ and through us reveals the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” Revelation 1:5-6 “Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

What’s Next: Section Two WEEK THIRTY FIVE: WEEKLY READING PAGE 116 Naso “lift up” Torah: Numbers 4:21–7:89 Ketuvim: Writings-Narrative: 2 Chronicles 27-36 Nevi’im: Prophets/Poetic: Isaiah 15-21 Brit Chadashah: New Testament: Philemon 1; Hebrews 1-2 Scripture Memory: 2 Corinthians 2:14 “Now thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph in Christ and through us reveals the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” Revelation 1:5-6 “Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men.Vos estis sal terrae. Quod si sal evanuerit, in quo salietur? ad nihilum valet ultra, nisi ut mittatur foras, et conculcetur ab hominibus. 14 You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid.Vos estis lux mundi. Non potest civitas abscondi supra montem posita, 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house.neque accedunt lucernam, et ponunt eam sub modio, sed super candelabrum, ut luceat omnibus qui in domo sunt. 16 So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.Sic luceat lux vestra coram hominibus : ut videant opera vestra bona, et glorificent Patrem vestrum, qui in caelis est. 17 Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.Nolite putare quoniam veni solvere legem, aut prophetas : non veni solvere, sed adimplere. 18 For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled.Amen quippe dico vobis, donec transeat caelum et terra, jota unum aut unus apex non praeteribit a lege, donec omnia fiant. 19 He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.Qui ergo solverit unum de mandatis istis minimis, et docuerit sic homines, minimus vocabitur in regno caelorum : qui autem fecerit et docuerit, hic magnus vocabitur in regno caelorum.St Francis, Count of Sales, Bishop of Geneva, patron of Catholic writers, preached the word of God to the Calvinists and brought back sixty thousand to the Catholic faith. He founded with St Jane Fremiot de Chantal the Order of the Visitiation. He died A.D. 1622.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, Hunter guides us through a thoughtful reading of Exodus 21-22, Psalm 12, and Acts 4. As we journey through some of the most challenging laws in Exodus, Hunter encourages us to see these ancient rules in their historical context and, even more importantly, in the context of our fallen humanity. We're reminded that the Bible is not just about rules, but about the transforming love and freedom found in Jesus Christ. We'll witness the bold faith of Peter and John as they proclaim the life-changing power of Jesus, and explore how the early church began to embody a new kind of community—one marked by generosity, unity, and sharing. Hunter calls us to wake up to this new reality in Christ, turning from the lies that bind us and stepping fully into our identity as dearly loved children of God. Alongside our time in Scripture, today's episode offers heartfelt prayers, a spirit of gratitude, and a gentle reminder: you are loved. Join us as we establish life-giving rhythms in God's Word and begin this day together with hope and purpose. TODAY'S DEVOTION: It's hard to make sense of these laws in Exodus. They're hard on the ears. They're hard on our souls. These rules we hear dictating the treatment of slaves and women seem so cruel and barbaric. They're hard to hear. In understanding them, it's important that we try to see them in their historical and cultural context. But maybe even more important is that we see them in the context of the fallen human heart. These hard and confusing laws that are being described here are a result of a fallen human heart living in a fallen world. And God in many respects is conceding to this state of affairs through giving us these laws, but only for a while. He will not tolerate this forever. And we should not, as some Christians have in the past, interpret these scriptures in such a way that we say God is okay with slavery. To say that is to misread what the whole Bible is about. To say that is to misunderstand who Jesus himself is. He has come to set humanity free, to break the bonds of our slavery. God is not okay with slavery. Period. He's done something about this. He has given us himself, the promised Messiah that Peter so boldly proclaims in this chapter in Acts. Peter is living out of a new heart. He's a part of a growing community—at this point, 5,000—who are waking up to a new reality in Christ. This new community we see in Acts is so different than the one that's being formed in Exodus. In this new community, God is no longer conceding to hard hearts. Instead, he has drawn them into his own heart, into his own life. And out of this place of wholeness and life in God, they are learning to walk in this new reality as the new people of God. Not living out of a place of dominance or superiority or fear or ownership of one another that we see all over in Exodus. Instead, we see a community that is self-giving, it's generous, compassionate, and loving. In Exodus, we see only a shadow, glimpses of the heart of God in these laws that are described. But in Christ we see the very face of God—his unfiltered and perfect reflection of the nature and the character of God, fully seen, fully known. In the Son, you have been invited to wake up, to wake up to the new reality in Christ. Through him you have been enveloped into the triune life of God. You are free, you are holy, you are his and you are loved. This is what's true. This is what is ours. Ours is to agree with God. To turn from the lies that keep us living like a slave and begin to live in the truth, in the light, as the daughter that you are, the son that you are. The prayer of my own heart is that today I'll be fully awake. That I'll live in this new reality that I've been swept up into. And that's a prayer that I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's the prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Gospel Mark 4:1-20 On another occasion, Jesus began to teach by the sea. A very large crowd gathered around him so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down. And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land. And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them, "Hear this! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep. And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain. And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold." He added, "Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear." And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables. He answered them, "The mystery of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven." Jesus said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown. As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once and takes away the word sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, receive it at once with joy. But they have no roots; they last only for a time. Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Those sown among thorns are another sort. They are the people who hear the word, but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit. But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.” Reflection There's a theme that runs through all the parables, through all the teaching of Jesus. Something is offered and that which is offered must be received, longed for, and one should be open and ready to go through any transformation that is necessary for this truth to take root within them. But Jesus pointing out many people do not really want what it promises. They don't want to be changed. They don't want something new. He said, That's why I speak in parables, because I want them to have to look for and try to figure out what I'm saying. And if they're not interested in the depth of what's behind and hidden in these parables, they're not going to listen to anything that is explained to them perfectly. He longs for a quest inside of us all, to hunger for his message, for his truth, and to be willing to be radically changed by it. Closing Prayer Father, create in us a longing, an awareness perhaps of the emptiness that our life might have when we aren't really understanding the role that God has given us in this world. Give us a sense of the emptiness that might be there so that we can find that which fills us, that which gives us purpose and meaning and enthusiasm for all that we are called to be to the people around us. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260128dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Matthew 4:19 Come, Follow Me “Follow me.” Those two words changed Andrew and Peter’s lives forever. Up to that point, they were regular, ordinary men working at their job. But then, Jesus came to them and changed their lives forever. Notice that Jesus does not say to them, “Become something extraordinary, and then, come, follow me.” He does not demand specific qualifications, spiritual maturity, or proven obedience. Instead, he calls them as they are. And he promises that he will change them: “I will make you…” The power to change lives exists not in the disciples themselves, but in the Word of Jesus that creates what it commands. Just as God once spoke light into existence, Jesus now speaks faith to follow him into the hearts of fishermen. “Follow me.” Those two words continue to be heard in unlikely places by unlikely recipients. Jesus’ call continues to be passed down through the Word of God to reach the ears and the hearts of the most unworthy people imaginable—you and me. Jesus does not wait until we have sorted out our lives, cleared our nets, or resolved every spiritual question. He calls us as we are. He steps into the middle of our ordinary routines and says, “Come, follow me.” His call is an act of grace. Jesus’ call continues to change countless hearts, minds, and lives still today. “I will make you fishers of men.” This is the noble purpose Jesus has given to us in our lives. Notice again who does the work. Christian living is Jesus shaping us, through his Word, into people who naturally reflect his mercy and speak his gospel. The disciples left their nets, but they gained a Savior. They left their boats, but they received a life-changing mission. They left their security, but they entered the kingdom of heaven opened to them by Jesus. We, too, follow Jesus daily as he continues to call us through his Word of truth and grace. We trust him to continue forming us into his people and sending us out on his loving, life-changing mission. Prayer: Jesus, thank you for calling me by your grace. Give me ears to hear your Word, a heart to trust you, and hands willing to serve. Shape my life according to your will. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Did life form all by itself, without a Creator, in some warm little pool of water or a clod of mud many billions of years ago? Some scientists would like us to think so. Over the years, newspaper headlines have declared that life has been created in the laboratory. We are told that life is no mystery and that the chemicals that cause life are common.Such claims have a lot of "hype" and little science to them. There are some things you should know about these experiments. First of all, scientists don't end up with life. They do end up with some simple chemicals that are like those found in our cells. But the chemicals they make, called amino acids, are a mixture that is quite worthless to form life.In order to get these amino acids, which are supposed to show that life could form by itself, researchers use a special combination of gases that they believe formed the earth's atmosphere millions of years ago. They must also carefully control the kind of light that enters the experiment and protect in a special container anything that is produced. It is obvious that a lifeless earth did not offer all these advantages.It seems silly to invest millions of dollars worth of equipment, dozens of years of specialized training, more years of research and then say that we are proving that no intelligence or design was needed to create life! What these experiments do show is that life cannot happen by itself—it took a Creator with much more power and wisdom than we have to create life!Job 10:9"Remember, I pray, that You have made me like clay. And will You turn me into dust again?"Prayer: In Your wisdom, dear Lord, You have created life in such a way that even those who are most intent on denying You cannot comfortably do so. Use my voice and life to help them see that this is because You have loved them and would be their Savior too. Amen. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is 1 Corinthians 2:13. There's a kind of truth you can pick up in a classroom, and then there's the kind you can only receive from the Spirit Himself. Paul makes that distinction in one verse that's easy to skim past but huge in meaning. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. — 1 Corinthians 2:13 Paul is saying something simple and weighty: You can't learn spiritual truth without the Spirit who teaches it. Human wisdom can teach: strategies skills principles common sense logic reasoning But it can't teach spiritual reality. You can study Scripture academically and miss its power. You can memorize a verse and miss its voice. You can hear a sermon and miss the Spirit who's speaking. Why? Because what Paul taught wasn't merely information — it was revelation. It wasn't human insight dressed up in religious language. It was truth carried by the Spirit to people awakened by the Spirit. And that changes everything for you today: If the Spirit lives in you, you can understand what the Spirit wrote for you. This is why some verses suddenly come alive. Why conviction hits at the perfect moment. Why Scripture feels personal at times. Why you can sense when something is true—even before you can fully explain why. It's not vibes. It's not intuition. It's not "being deep." It's the Spirit doing what Jesus promised — leading you into truth. So the next time you open the Bible and something clicks. Or you hear teaching that hits differently. Or you sense clarity you didn't have a moment ago. Remember this: That's not you being smart. That's the Spirit being faithful. DO THIS: Before reading Scripture today, pray one sentence: "Spirit, teach me what I can't learn on my own." Then read slowly and notice what stands out. ASK THIS: Have you been trying to understand spiritual truth with human effort alone? What Scripture has the Spirit been highlighting in your life lately? How might your Bible reading change if you expected the Spirit to teach you? PRAY THIS: Holy Spirit, You are the One who teaches truth. Open my mind, soften my heart, and help me understand what You've written for me today. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Spirit of the Living God"

Today's Passage: Jude 20-25But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.NOTES & LINKS:21 Days of Prayer & Fasting WebsiteSubscribe to the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting NewsletterPDF Guide to Prayer & FastingAs Part of the 21 Days, we are committing to 24/7 prayer during this time. Sign up for a time slot here.

Daily Dose of Hope January 28, 2026   Scripture: I Corinthians 4   Prayer:  Almighty Father, Thank you that your mercies are new every morning.  Thank you, that no matter what this week has held, we can come to you and start over.  We are grateful for your forgiveness.  We are so very grateful for your care and your love.  Help us, Lord, to set aside our distractions, to set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you right now.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers...  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently journeying through Paul's letters.  Right now, we are working our way through I Corinthians. Today's reading was I Corinthians 4.  You have to love the apostle Paul's sarcasm! He has really had it with the Corinthian church's arrogance. You see, they think they are mature, healthy, and effective. They think they have arrived. But Paul is making it quite clear: No, you have not! Why? Because they are worldly in their thinking, they are full of themselves, they have no desire to make sacrifices or suffer. They are comfortable, concerned more about status, popularity, and reputation than about serving Jesus. This passage is always convicting for me.  How mature are we?  What would Paul think of us?  Are we willing to make sacrifices for our faith or are we more concerned with comfort?  Paul makes this interesting argument that a servant is not greater than his master. The Corinthians clearly think they are better. Jesus said in Matthew 16:25,"For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." Part of the Christian experience is giving up one's life, one's wants, one's desires, and even one's comfort, basically the things of this world, in exchange for the things of Jesus. What things of this world might you still be holding onto? If you were to be brutally honest with yourself, can you relate to the Corinthians? Spend some time in prayer about this today. How might God be speaking to you through this chapter? Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260128dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Matthew 4:19 Come, Follow Me “Follow me.” Those two words changed Andrew and Peter’s lives forever. Up to that point, they were regular, ordinary men working at their job. But then, Jesus came to them and changed their lives forever. Notice that Jesus does not say to them, “Become something extraordinary, and then, come, follow me.” He does not demand specific qualifications, spiritual maturity, or proven obedience. Instead, he calls them as they are. And he promises that he will change them: “I will make you…” The power to change lives exists not in the disciples themselves, but in the Word of Jesus that creates what it commands. Just as God once spoke light into existence, Jesus now speaks faith to follow him into the hearts of fishermen. “Follow me.” Those two words continue to be heard in unlikely places by unlikely recipients. Jesus’ call continues to be passed down through the Word of God to reach the ears and the hearts of the most unworthy people imaginable—you and me. Jesus does not wait until we have sorted out our lives, cleared our nets, or resolved every spiritual question. He calls us as we are. He steps into the middle of our ordinary routines and says, “Come, follow me.” His call is an act of grace. Jesus’ call continues to change countless hearts, minds, and lives still today. “I will make you fishers of men.” This is the noble purpose Jesus has given to us in our lives. Notice again who does the work. Christian living is Jesus shaping us, through his Word, into people who naturally reflect his mercy and speak his gospel. The disciples left their nets, but they gained a Savior. They left their boats, but they received a life-changing mission. They left their security, but they entered the kingdom of heaven opened to them by Jesus. We, too, follow Jesus daily as he continues to call us through his Word of truth and grace. We trust him to continue forming us into his people and sending us out on his loving, life-changing mission. Prayer: Jesus, thank you for calling me by your grace. Give me ears to hear your Word, a heart to trust you, and hands willing to serve. Shape my life according to your will. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Wednesday, 28 January 2026   How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?—but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16:11   “How not you recollect that I spoke not concerning bread to you! Caution from the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus continued His reminders to the disciples concerning His miracles, specifically the giving of the bread to four thousand, which was followed by collecting seven large hampers of leftovers. Because of this, He incredulously asks, “How not you recollect that I spoke not concerning bread to you!”   He had multiplied bread to feed many thousands on two separate occasions. And more, there was enough bread left over that people could have grabbed a snack for the journey on the way. So why would He care about the disciples not bringing bread? He wouldn't. Something entirely different was on His mind. That is stated with the words, “Caution from the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”   There are two small changes in some of the texts –   How not you recollect that I spoke not concerning bread to you, but to caution from the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. How not you recollect that I spoke not concerning bread to you! Caution from the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.   Either way, the sense is understood. In the second example, there seems to be a bit of impatience implied in the response, something that would be completely understandable. Jesus' words in verse 6 said, “You behold, and you caution from the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”   Not getting the metaphorical nature of His words, they had assumed He was upset that they hadn't brought bread. But now, after reminding Him that He could multiply bread at will, He restates what He had originally said to them, if not a bit more impatiently. He wants them to contemplate the metaphor without His having to explicitly explain it.   Life application: What Jesus is doing is instructional. Instead of just outright telling the disciples what He means, He gives them a chance to think through the words. Teachers may do this in class.   Instead of saying what the answer to a problem is, they may restate it as a question. In doing this, it forces the students to think through what the teacher intends to say. Otherwise, the students may hear the information in one ear, and it will go right out the other.   However, when confronted with the chance to appear smart or refrain from looking uninformed, the question will cause each person to pay attention and contemplate what is on the teacher's mind.   An even more subtle approach is what Jesus did. He didn't ask a question. Instead, He said something intending for a metaphor to be considered, but knowing that probably wouldn't be understood at first.   Then, after seeing the frustration of the disciples, He takes time to explain why their thinking is askew, and then He restates the original question, implying a demand for them to think again about what they had originally considered.   Suppose a person who owns a bell factory is getting married. He walks into the company and says, “I hear bells ringing soon.” The employees may say, “We are working on the whole new line. They should be ready soon!”   But the owner repeats his original statement, “I hear bells ringing SOON.” By repeating the same thing, he is letting them know he didn't mean what they thought he meant. By adding stress, he asks them to reconsider the entire paradigm. Searching the recent past, they remember that the boss has been doting on Polly Pretty a lot lately.   Suddenly, the bells in their own minds ring clearly. The boss is talking about getting married. The metaphor is not only understood, but it has also been highlighted for them to joke about and reconsider in the years ahead. Jesus has used such a tool. That has now been reiterated to us in millions and millions of copies of the Bible for the past two thousand years.   We have learned, explicitly, what leaven is to be equated to when we read the Bible.   Lord God, we love how Your word instructs us. Again and again, teaching techniques are used that are intended to help us perfect our doctrine and also remember lessons that may otherwise escape our memories. But because of the way the word is laid out, we will remember many details as clearly as the ringing of a bell. Thank You for this. Amen.  

Famous Last Words #RTTBROS #Nightlight"Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." — Proverbs 27:1You know, history is full of ironic moments, but few are as sobering as the story of Major General John Sedgwick. He came from a family with a long military tradition, graduated from West Point, and served with distinction in the Mexican-American War. During the Civil War, he was twice wounded in battle, recovered, and was placed in charge of the VI Corps of the Army of the Potomac.In May of 1864, during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Sedgwick was directing artillery placements when his troops came under fire from Confederate lines. The men began ducking for cover, and Sedgwick scolded them. "What? Men dodging this way for single bullets? What will you do when they open fire along the whole line? I am ashamed of you. They couldn't hit an elephant at this distance."Those were the last words Sedgwick ever spoke. Just seconds later, he was hit in the head and killed by a bullet. He became the highest-ranking Union officer to die during the Civil War.Now, I don't share that story to be morbid, but because it illustrates something we all struggle with. Sedgwick's confidence became presumption, and presumption is a dangerous thing.Solomon writes in Proverbs, "Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." That's not pessimism, friend, that's wisdom. There's a world of difference between confidence and presumption. Confidence trusts in God's sovereignty. Presumption assumes we're in control.We make plans, and we should. We set goals, and that's good. But the moment we start talking like we know what tomorrow holds, we've crossed a line. James puts it this way: "Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow" (James 4:13-14).I'm too soon old and too late smart about this one, but I've learned that life can change in a heartbeat. The job you thought was secure, the health you took for granted, the relationships you assumed would always be there, they can all shift before sunset.So what do we do? We hold our plans loosely and hold onto God tightly. We make our decisions with wisdom but recognize that ultimately, "a man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps" (Proverbs 16:9).Don't boast about tomorrow. Instead, trust the One who holds tomorrow in His hands.Let's pray: Father, forgive us when we presume to know what only You know. Help us walk humbly, plan wisely, but trust completely in Your sovereignty. Teach us to number our days and live with grateful hearts. In Jesus' name, Amen.#Faith #Wisdom #ChristianLiving #DailyDevotion #TrustGod #Humility #BiblicalWisdom #RTTBROS #NightlightBe sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros

If anyone is in Christ, that person is a new creation. The old has gone, the new is here! — 2 Corinthians 5:17 Becoming a new creation in Christ is one of the most beautiful transformations we can experience. But it doesn't always feel like a sudden change, does it? I've found that, at times, I don't always see the immediate evidence of my transformation, and that can lead to discouragement. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “I'm still the same person I was before.” But here's the truth: When you come to faith in Christ, you are a new creation, and that is the beginning of a radical shift. The old ways, the old habits, the old mindset—these things begin to fade away. You are not just improving on who you were; you are becoming someone entirely new. I remember when I first came to this realization. I was trying to change my behavior to match what I thought Christ wanted from me. But it wasn't until I embraced my new identity in him that I started to experience real change. Instead of striving in my own strength, I learned to rest in the truth that Christ had already made me new. Embrace your new identity in Christ. When you're tempted to go back to old patterns, remind yourself that the old has passed away. The new has come, and you are a new creation in him! Lord, thank you for making me a new creation in Christ. Help me to fully embrace my new identity in you and to live out the transformation you have begun in me. Amen.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Exodus 17-20; Acts 3 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, we continue our journey through the Scriptures on this 27th day of January, focusing not just on reading the Bible, but on experiencing the transforming life and love of Jesus. Hunter guides us through pivotal passages in Exodus and the book of Acts, revisiting powerful stories such as Moses striking the rock at Massah, the Israelites' encounter at Mount Sinai, the giving of the Ten Commandments, and the miraculous healing at the temple gate in Acts 3. As Hunter reflects on these stories, we're reminded that faith isn't just about history or transaction—it's about a deep, personal relationship with God, one that lifts us up and invites us to stand upright in His love. Along the way, Hunter invites us to pause for moments of prayer, gratitude, and reflection, encouraging us to keep taking steps toward Jesus and to allow God's love to flow through our lives and into the world around us. Whether you're joining in for the first time or you've been with us from the beginning, this episode is a call to embrace your place in God's story—a story where you are loved, you are seen, and you are never alone. Let's dive in together! TODAY'S DEVOTION: He sees you and calls you to walk upright. As Peter and John made their way to the temple, they encountered a man who had never walked. He was sitting at the Beautiful Gate, hoping for a little help—maybe a few coins from a kind passerby. What he was really searching for was someone who would stop, see him, and take notice in the midst of the crowds. Peter and John did just that. They looked at him intently—not with eyes of pity or indifference, but with the same eyes Jesus had for those who were hurting and in need. They saw him, really saw him. In that moment, Peter didn't offer silver or gold. Instead, he offered something far greater: the life and power of Jesus. "In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk." This was no transaction. This was not about what the man could earn, believe, or accomplish on his own. It was a declaration—a gift rooted entirely in Christ: who he is and what he has done. So often, we can see ourselves in that beggar at the gate—waiting and hoping, feeling unseen and unworthy, longing for scraps when Jesus is offering wholeness. The good news is, the Gospel is not a sales pitch or an exchange. It doesn't depend on what we put forth, but on what Christ has done. He reaches down, takes us by the hand, and invites us to stand—fully loved, fully included in God's covenant promises. You are not a beggar at God's table. You are his beloved child, meant to walk upright, embraced by the love of the Father. Let Jesus look into your heart today. Let him lift you up. Walk confidently in the reality of who you are in Christ. This is not just for a select few—it is for you, for your family, for all who would receive him. The life that is being given to you, in Jesus, is not about merit but about his finished work and his love that calls you by name. That is my prayer for my own soul. That is my prayer for my family, for my wife, my daughters, and my son. And that is my prayer for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Gospel  Mark  3:31-35 The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house. Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, "Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you." But he said to them in reply, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” Reflection Jesus is underscoring a frightening thought that what it takes for us to be able to receive what God is offering through Jesus. We need to know who He is and we need to accept all that He gives. He is our brother. He is the mother that gives us a life. He is the father who has created us. He sees so clearly in his work that his work is the most important thing in his life, more important than himself or his family or anything. He longs to do the work of God, and that is to awaken everyone to God's intimacy with them. Closing Prayer Father, your intention, your longing, is to transform us into being part of a family, a union, a communion that can never be broken. It is life. It is like a family's life to us as a child. So this teaching of Jesus is a life to us as we grow, evolve, and grow in our understanding. Bless us with receptivity. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260127dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17 Turn to the Light Driving at night on winding, unfamiliar roads, we rely heavily on our GPS to get us where we need to be. On a recent drive, navigating the roads as they twisted and turned, I diligently scanned for deer and watched for broken tree limbs that might have come down on that windy night. I realized that the GPS guiding me was extremely important, but there was something else I was relying on. Without it, I would never have made it home. Even a perfect map would have done me no good if I did not have headlights to show me where the turns were, where the dangers were. Light is a good thing—it exposes the dangers around us that we need to avoid. It shows us where we are headed. The light of Jesus is very good. In Jesus, God himself came into the world and promised: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Believing in Jesus is the way to the kingdom of heaven. He is the one who endured sin’s curse for us, removing it forever. And he is the one who rose from the darkness of his own tomb, bringing to light the way to everlasting life. But until we reach heaven, many dangers still lurk in the darkness. Often, it feels like we’re driving at night with the lights turned off. So, Jesus preached: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” By calling sinners to repent, Jesus is urgently pleading with us: “Turn to me in faith! Turn on the Light of the world! I will expose the dangers around you. I will guide you on the way of peace and bring you safely to the kingdom of heaven.” When you are uncertain of where your life is heading, turn on the Light of the world. Turn to Jesus and trust his promise: “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Prayer: Gracious God, thank you that your kingdom has come among us through Jesus. Turn my heart toward you in repentance and faith. Let your mercy and forgiveness guide my life today. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

God’s favor is often revealed through obedience, not comfort. This Christian devotional explores what it truly means to be highly favored by God, using Mary’s willing response to God’s calling as a model of surrendered faith. Rooted in Luke 1:38, it challenges believers to say yes to God—even when obedience comes at a high personal cost. Highlights God’s favor is often revealed through obedience and surrender Mary’s willingness shows faith that trusts God despite uncertainty God qualifies those He calls when they respond in humility Obedience may require sacrificing comfort, security, and reputation Saying yes to God can lead to lasting spiritual impact God honors hearts that are willing to serve at any cost Faith grows when we trust God beyond what we can understand Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Highly Favored by GodBy: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” - Luke 1:38 Several years ago, my husband felt a calling to plant a church. He came to me one day and talked to me about the change, as we were already pastoring a church at a great distance from where we had originally grown up. My husband shared that he had a vision of a different kind of church and felt God was calling him to plant one. Honestly, I didn't sense the same calling. But I trusted him, and in submission, followed him in his endeavors. After five years, the church closed due to financial constraints and declining attendance. Reflecting on that time in our lives, it would be easy for me to blame my husband and say he didn't hear God correctly. I could even say that, because I didn't sense his calling, I should have stopped it. There is a saying, “God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called.” The Lord honors our obedience to do whatever we feel God may be calling us to do. Although it's not always easy to hear what the Lord is saying and to discern whether a calling is our thoughts or God's, God honors our hearts when we choose to give up many things to fulfill His purpose. Mary's response to the angel’s visitation is one we should all emulate. It's interesting to note that Mary was at first troubled by the angel's words because God highly favored her. However, once the Angel explained to her exactly what that might mean, her response above demonstrates that, even amidst difficulty, peril, and public humiliation, she was willing to fulfill God's call. Unlike many people in the Bible, Mary never flinched at the obedience God was calling her to. She, like Jesus, considered herself a servant of God. She was willing to do whatever He wanted, whenever He wanted. Think about your life. What is your response when God calls you to do something? Do you immediately ignore it, believing it is only your thoughts rather than God's thoughts? Analyze the difference in your response between something easy that God calls you to do, versus something more difficult that God calls you to do. Do you find you respond more readily to something that doesn't cost you significant comfort, time, money, or resources? Mary said yes to God regardless of the high cost. Being a young girl, she knew she would be subjected to public ridicule, humiliation, rumors, and false accusations regarding the father of that baby. She also risked losing Joseph, her betrothed. In her human nature, part of her must have worried about Joseph's response when he learned of her news. Would he believe her? Would he think, like so many others, that she had had relations with a man other than him? Although the Angel of the Lord protected her from the misery that would come from a divorce, she chose to forsake personal comfort for the sake of serving the Lord. She considered herself a lowly servant, ready to serve God at a moment's notice. If God asked you to do something great for Him, what would you do? Would you sell your home, move to a new location, or give up all your luxuries and comforts just to serve God? Analyze your heart as you read these words. What emotions do the above words evoke for you? Do you feel excited to serve the Lord, or do you feel a sense of dread, anxiety, or anger? Mary was ready to serve God on a moment’s notice. She chose to accept a calling that cost her dearly in this life, but in the end, would make her known as the mother of Jesus for generations to come. Mary, once a lowly servant girl, was elevated to the position of the mother of God's son all by saying yes to God. She wouldn't have it any other way. Would you? Father, let us be people who accept God's calling even if it comes at a high cost. Let us consider ourselves servants who, upon hearing God highly favors us, are willing to serve Him at any cost. Let us forsake our own comforts, luxuries, money, time, and resources to further the gospel. Let us accept God's calling even if we don't fully understand what costs will come to us as we do. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: Has God ever called you to do something great for Him? What was your response? Further Reading:Luke 2:39-45 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.