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Read Online“But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.” John 10:2–4Do you recognize the voice of the Shepherd? Does He lead you each and every day, guiding you into His holy will? How attentive are you to what He speaks each day? These are some of the most important questions to ponder.Recognizing God's voice is something that many people struggle with. There are often many competing “voices” that speak to us each and every day. From the latest news in the headlines, to the opinions of friends and family, to the temptations all around us within the secular world, to our own self-drawn opinions, these “voices” or “ideas” that fill our minds can be hard to sort through. What is from God? And what is from other sources?Recognizing the voice of God is indeed possible. First of all, there are many general truths that God has already spoken to us. For example, everything contained in the Holy Scriptures is the voice of God. His Word is alive. And when we read the Scriptures, we become more and more familiar with God's voice.God also speaks to us through gentle inspirations that result in His peace. For example, when considering a certain decision you may need to make, if you present that decision to our Lord prayerfully and then remain open to whatever He wants of you, oftentimes His answer comes in the form of a deep and certain peace of heart.Learning to recognize the voice of God in your daily life is accomplished by building an interior habit of listening, recognizing, responding, listening some more, recognizing and responding, etc. The more you hear the voice of God, the more you will recognize His voice in the most subtle of ways, and the more you come to hear the subtleties of His voice, the more you will be able to follow. In the end, this is only accomplished by an ongoing habit of deep and sustaining prayer. Without that, it will be very difficult to recognize the voice of the Shepherd when you need Him the most.Reflect, today, upon how attentive you are to God in prayer. What does your daily prayer look like? Do you spend time each day listening to the gentle and beautiful voice of our Lord? Do you seek to form a habit by which His voice becomes clearer and clearer? If not, if you do struggle in recognizing His voice, then make the decision to establish a deeper habit of daily prayer so that it is the voice of our loving Lord Who leads you every day.Jesus, my Good Shepherd, You speak to me each and every day. You are constantly revealing to me Your most holy will for my life. Help me to always recognize Your gentle voice so that I can be led by You through the challenges of life. May my life of prayer become so deep and sustaining that Your voice always echoes within my heart and soul. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Cadetgray, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at http://TWBWFoundations.com--Series: Wisdom for Work from PhilippiansDevotional: 2 of 4Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. (Philippians 2:14-15)Want to “shine among” the non-Christians you work with? Paul tells you how: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Apparently, working without grumbling and complaining was as countercultural in Paul's day as it is in ours.C.S. Lewis once said that, “Hell begins with a grumbling mood.” The inverse is also true. People can get a whiff of heaven through the joyful mood of its citizens. Dr. Randy Alcorn goes so far as to say that, “Happiness in Christ is one of our most powerful evangelistic tools.”The question, of course, is how can we be joyful and work without grumbling when your co-worker replies all to yet another email or your boss makes an urgent request at 4:45 on a Friday? By focusing on what Christ has done for us.Just a few verses before today's passage, Paul writes about how Christ “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death” for you and me (see verse 8). “Therefore,” Paul says in verse 14, “do everything without grumbling or arguing.”The cross is the source of our joy amidst less than desirable circumstances. Once you focus on what Christ accomplished for you at Calvary, grumbling about the smell in the office refrigerator feels ridiculous. Tim Keller once compared it to being a “spiritual billionaire…wringing your hands over ten dollars.”Grumbling is so second nature we often don't notice we're doing it. Here are three simple ways to prevent, confess, and respond to complaining.First, prevent grumbling by writing Philippians 2:14-15 somewhere you'll see it while you work. On a post-it note, your phone background—wherever.Second, confess grumbling by creating a grumble jar. And every time you or someone on your team complains, drop in a dollar (or, if you're like me and never carry cash, an IOU to tally later). My family and I did this recently to break a different habit and it was shockingly effective. We were able to kick our habit in less than a month. Finally, respond to grumbling by expressing gratitude. Think back to the last thing you complained about and thank God for something related to that thing. For example, this morning I grumbled about the house being a mess. But I then said a quick prayer of gratitude that I have children to make said mess.Do whatever it takes to wrestle your grumbling to the ground, believer. Because as Dr. Alcorn put it, “Our happiness makes the gospel contagiously appealing; our unhappiness makes it alarmingly unattractive.”
Where we work we are called to do it to the glory of God. To let our light shine, serve those we are called to serve, and do the very best that we can. Being holy isn't about working in a church God uses you where you are.Philippians 2:3-4Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.Matthew 5:14-16“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
First ReadingJEREMIAH 7:1-111The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 2"Stand in the gate of the LORD's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all you men of Judah who enter these gates to worship the LORD. 3Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will let you dwell in this place. 4Do not trust in these deceptive words: `This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.' 5"For if you truly amend your ways and your doings, if you truly execute justice one with another, 6if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own hurt, 7then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your fathers for ever. 8"Behold, you trust in deceptive words to no avail. 9Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Ba'al, and go after other gods that you have not known, 10and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, `We are delivered!' -- only to go on doing all these abominations? 11Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I myself have seen it, says the LORD.
“But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.” John 10:2–4Do you recognize the voice of the Shepherd? Does He lead you each and every day, guiding you into His holy will? How attentive are you to what He speaks each day? These are some of the most important questions to ponder.Recognizing God's voice is something that many people struggle with. There are often many competing “voices” that speak to us each and every day. From the latest news in the headlines, to the opinions of friends and family, to the temptations all around us within the secular world, to our own self-drawn opinions, these “voices” or “ideas” that fill our minds can be hard to sort through. What is from God? And what is from other sources?Recognizing the voice of God is indeed possible. First of all, there are many general truths that God has already spoken to us. For example, everything contained in the Holy Scriptures is the voice of God. His Word is alive. And when we read the Scriptures, we become more and more familiar with God's voice.God also speaks to us through gentle inspirations that result in His peace. For example, when considering a certain decision you may need to make, if you present that decision to our Lord prayerfully and then remain open to whatever He wants of you, oftentimes His answer comes in the form of a deep and certain peace of heart.Learning to recognize the voice of God in your daily life is accomplished by building an interior habit of listening, recognizing, responding, listening some more, recognizing and responding, etc. The more you hear the voice of God, the more you will recognize His voice in the most subtle of ways, and the more you come to hear the subtleties of His voice, the more you will be able to follow. In the end, this is only accomplished by an ongoing habit of deep and sustaining prayer. Without that, it will be very difficult to recognize the voice of the Shepherd when you need Him the most.Reflect, today, upon how attentive you are to God in prayer. What does your daily prayer look like? Do you spend time each day listening to the gentle and beautiful voice of our Lord? Do you seek to form a habit by which His voice becomes clearer and clearer? If not, if you do struggle in recognizing His voice, then make the decision to establish a deeper habit of daily prayer so that it is the voice of our loving Lord Who leads you every day.Jesus, my Good Shepherd, You speak to me each and every day. You are constantly revealing to me Your most holy will for my life. Help me to always recognize Your gentle voice so that I can be led by You through the challenges of life. May my life of prayer become so deep and sustaining that Your voice always echoes within my heart and soul. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured images above: Jesus, the Good Shepherd window at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Charleston, South Carolina, via Wikimedia Commons
1Am I not free?Am I not an apostle?Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?2If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you arethe seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 3This is my defense to those who would examine me.4Do we not have the right to eat and drink?5Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife,[a]as do the other apostles andthe brothers of the Lord andCephas?6Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living?7Who serves as a soldier at his own expense?Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? 8Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same?9For it is written in the Law of Moses,You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain. Is it for oxen that God is concerned?10Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was writtenfor our sake, becausethe plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop.11If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?12If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless,we have not made use of this right, but we endure anythingrather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.13Do you not know thatthose who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings?14In the same way, the Lord commanded thatthose who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. 15ButI have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyonedeprive me of my ground for boasting.16For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. Fornecessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!17For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted witha stewardship.18What then is my reward? That in my preachingI may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.
Philippians 1:27Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel.Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel.Mark 1:14-15…Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."Acts 28:30-31He lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.Jesus' gospel is simply this: the kingdom of God has now, through Jesus, become available for ordinary human beings to live in. It's here. Now. You can live in it if you want to. God is present here and now. God is acting. You can revise your plans for living around this cosmic opportunity to daily experience God's favor and power.John Ortberg'Gospel' is the announcement that everything has changed in the coming of Jesus and it leads us to a new kind of living. It is a kingdom of God lifestyle with allegiance to a King as the ultimate restorer.N.T. WrightGod is becoming King, and he is doing it through Jesus! And therefore, phew! God's justice, God's peace, God's world is going to be renewed.N.T. WrightIn God's kingdom, everything is exactly how God wants it to be.Genesis 1:27-28So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it…Through the cross, there is forgiveness of sin, restoration of God's image, and restoration of our heavenly vocation to fill and subdue the earth. The kingdom of God has become available to you through Jesus, so whatever happens, keep living your lives based on the reality of the greatest announcement of all time. Philippians 2:3-4Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interest of others.A life formed with the gospel in mind is a life dripping with humility. Humility: renouncing self-centered pursuits, actively regarding others in the best light possible, paying attention to the concerns and interests of others.To live a life in a manner worthy of the gospel, we need to be people whose hearts and minds are directed away from self and toward others in the practice of attentive, humble service.Philippians 2:5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:6-11Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.Blessed be his name, he stoops, and stoops, and stoops, and when he reaches our level and becomes man, he stoops, and stoops & stoops, lower and deeper yet.Spurgeon No one ever humbled himself more than Jesus. No one ever started so high, and no one ever descended so low. No one has ever given up as much as Jesus gave up.Philippians 2:5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.How to cultivate a humble heart:1 - Calculate One Another.Philippians 2:3Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.Count = To Calculate (+) Needs Of Others(-) Your Personal Interest= What Would Benefit Others2 - Concern Yourself With Small Things.Philippians 2:4Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.Ministry of the Small Things (The Little Way) = Unrecognized Conquests Over Selfishness.3 - Cooperate with God.Philippians 2:12-13…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.Sanctification is the lifelong process of pursuing holiness—the process of God's continuing work in his beloved. Sanctification is working out what God has worked in. Grace is opposed to EARNING. Grace is not opposed to EFFORT.Philippians 2:12-13…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.Philippians 2:14-15Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world
In this episode we continue our conversation entitle "For the Lord sees not as man sees" 1 Samuel 16:7But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”Exodus 18:21 Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.Philippians 2:3-4Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.Psalm 135:6 Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, in Heaven and in Earth, in the seas and in all the deeps.”Daniel 2:21 He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;Psalm 22:28For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.Proverbs 19:21 Many plans are in a person's heart, but the LORD's decree will prevail.”Proverbs 21:1The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. Psalms 33:10-11God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.'Deal with the devil': Evangelical pastor testifies about bargain Christian conservatives made with GOP. Brad Reed December 8, 2022, 4:44 PM EThttps://www.rawstory.com/robert-schenck-testimony-video/ Former Anti-Abortion Lobbyist Rev Robert Schenck Statement on "Operation Higher Court"https://www.c-span.org/video/?524567-1/hearing-politics-supreme-courtReverend Schenck was a prominent activist in the pro-life movement before 2019 and cited the Supreme Court's recent decision to overturn Roe v. Wade as part of an unequal exchange between Christians and politicians. Schenck later repudiated his anti-abortion position and has preached in more than 40 countries since 1982, including every state in the US.The Rev. Robert Schenck, who was once a prominent anti-abortion activist, testified before the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday that he and his fellow conservative Christians made a Faustian bargain with the Republican Party as part of their quest to overturn Roe v. Wade.During his testimony, Schenck described a meeting he and his fellow evangelicals had with Republican operatives in which they were told that, in order to get what they wanted with Roe, they would have to accept and promote an entire package of right-wing policies that they otherwise might have found objectionable."In that meeting that I participated in, the conversation went something like this: ‘You guys want Roe v. Wade overturned, we can do that for you, but you take the whole enchilada, you take the whole thing,”‘ he said. “You take everything else that comes with it. Because if you want Roe gone, you have to work with us.” ( Rev. Robert Schenck).Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/622a9079e8fb640012cb94f3. I pray that God would "give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. 18I, pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance" https://plus.acast.com/s/blueprint-of-faith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Guard Against DiscouragementGetting Unstuck by Meredith Schafer on YouversionWhen we fail, when life doesn't turn out the way we hope, or when someone lets us down, we can feel discouraged–that is a natural human response.We get stuck when we stay in that place of discouragement too long (or can't figure out how to move out of it).There will be times when discouragement overwhelms us. But we can get unstuck when we begin to think about the things of God: things that are true, noble, lovely, excellent, and of good report, just as Philippians 4:8 reminds us. When we start meditating on those things instead of the ways we are disappointed, that can go a long way toward moving forward.Change Your PerspectiveIf you want to supercharge getting unstuck, try to look at things from a new perspective. Did your best friend hurt your feelings? Zoom out to see if something else is going on. Were they having a bad day, or did their words come from their own place of hurt?Maybe you are discouraged because you didn't get your dream job despite your best efforts or being qualified for it. If you can begin to look through the lens of gratitude for the ways God has shown up for you before, it can keep you from sitting in discouragement too long.Often, getting unstuck is as simple as changing our minds. Don't get me wrong: It is ok to feel what you feel. You just can't stay there.So, what are other ways to change your perspective? Ask a mentor or trusted friend what their thoughts on your situation are. Play worship music–it is hard to feel discouraged for too long when you begin to praise the Lord. Write out your frustrations; sometimes, dumping them out helps relieve the emotion surrounding them.It is so hard to feel stuck, but the good news is that you can take action to change your perspective. Getting unstuck may take some time, and it is usually a process, so don't forget to give yourself a little grace. That, plus a new perspective, can open your eyes to the way out of the rut you find yourself in.Action: Journal your gratitude, reach out to a friend, pour your heart out to the Lord, or worship. Pick any one of these things to help walk you through the process of getting unstuck.For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23Prayer: God of Heaven and earth, thank you for being with me even in the stuck places. You know the way out, and I put my trust in you. I know you will show me the next step at exactly the right time. Help me guard my heart against discouragement and help me change my perspective. Please show me what I am missing right now. Help me change my mind, in Jesus' name. Amen!
We are continuing our deep dive into our Google Business Profile! Today we are doing step #4Do you know that 90% of people click on the first set of Results when Googling? Are you that business? Rebel Woman, PLEASE don't miss out! Tap into your Google Business Profile and put this FREE resource to work! Be known, liked and trusted FASTER!Episode 155 - Eight Steps to be "The Only Option in Town!" step #3Episode 153 - Eight Steps to be “The Only Option in Town!”#brickandmortarvisibilityforstudioowners#businesscoachforstudioowners#brickandmortarvisibilitypodcast#marketingforstudioonwers#scalingastudiobusiness#dancestudioowner#yogastudioonwer#pilatesstudioowner#musicstudiownerDid you love today's podcast?
First ReadingJEREMIAH 7:1-111The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 2"Stand in the gate of the LORD's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all you men of Judah who enter these gates to worship the LORD. 3Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will let you dwell in this place. 4Do not trust in these deceptive words: `This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.' 5"For if you truly amend your ways and your doings, if you truly execute justice one with another, 6if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own hurt, 7then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your fathers for ever. 8"Behold, you trust in deceptive words to no avail. 9Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Ba'al, and go after other gods that you have not known, 10and then come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, `We are delivered!' -- only to go on doing all these abominations? 11Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I myself have seen it, says the LORD.Responsorial PsalmPSALMS 84:3-6, 8, 112My soul longs, yea, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. 3Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at thy altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. 4Blessed are those who dwell in thy house, ever singing thy praise! [Selah] 5Blessed are the men whose strength is in thee, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. 7They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion. 10For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.GospelMATTHEW 13:24-3024Another parable he put before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25but while men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27And the servants of the householder came and said to him, `Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?' 28He said to them, `An enemy has done this.' The servants said to him, `Then do you want us to go and gather them?' 29But he said, `No; lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'"
And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. Acts 2:2–4Do you think there was really a “noise like a strong driving wind” at this first outpouring of the Holy Spirit? And do you think there really were “tongues as of fire” that came and rested on everyone? Well, there most likely was! Why else would it have been recorded that way in the Scriptures?These physical manifestations of the coming of the Holy Spirit were made present for numerous reasons. One reason was so that these first recipients of the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit would have concretely understood that something amazing was happening. By seeing and hearing these physical manifestations of the Holy Spirit they were more properly disposed to understand that God was doing something awesome. And then, upon seeing and hearing these manifestations, they were touched by the Holy Spirit, consumed, filled and set on fire. They suddenly discovered within themselves the promise Jesus made and they finally began to understand. Pentecost changed their lives!We most likely have not seen and heard these physical manifestations of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, but we should rely upon the witness of those in the Scriptures to allow ourselves to arrive at a deep and transforming faith that the Holy Spirit is real and wants to enter our lives in the same way. God wants to set our hearts on fire with His love, strength and grace so as to effectively live lives that effect change in the world. Pentecost is not only about us becoming holy, it's also about us being given all we need to go forth and bring the holiness of God to all those we encounter. Pentecost enables us to be powerful instruments of the transforming grace of God. And there is no doubt that the world around us needs this grace.As we celebrate Pentecost, it would be helpful to ponder the primary effects of the Holy Spirit in a prayerful way. Below are the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. These Gifts are the primary effects of Pentecost for each and every one of us. Use them as an examination of your life and let God show you where you need to grow more deeply in the strength of the Holy Spirit.Lord, send forth Your Spirit in my life and set me on fire with the Gifts of Your Spirit. Holy Spirit, I invite You to take possession of my soul. Come Holy Spirit, come and transform my life. Holy Spirit, I trust in You. Seven Gifts of the Holy SpiritFear of the Lord: With this gift the Christian becomes keenly aware of anything that may hurt his/her relationship with God. There is a holy “fear” of hurting this relationship and grace is given to avoid these things at all cost.Wisdom: With this gift the Christian is given a special grace to “ponder divine realities” in his/her speculative reason. We are able to see the big picture and know how best to be an instrument of peace and harmony in our world.Understanding: This is the ability to have a supernatural assurance of the matters of faith. Life makes sense. We can make sense of the deeper parts of revelation, make sense of suffering and understand those things that tempt us to doubt. With this gift we come to see how everything in life can work for good in accordance with God's plan.Knowledge: With this gift the Christian knows, more in the practical intellect, what God's will is in this or that situation. We know how to live, how to discern God's will and what decision to make in our daily life. It also enables us to learn from our past mistakes.Counsel: With this gift the Christian sees him/herself as a link in a chain which makes up the entire Church. God uses each one of us to help and support one another on our journey. We know what to say and how to act so as to do our part to build up one another.Fortitude: Simply put, it is a firmness of mind and spirit to do good and avoid evil. It's a sort of Christian courage. The Gospel will call all of us to a radical life of love. Fortitude gives us the strength we need to follow through.Piety: This gift enables us to first reverence and love God, but also to see the dignity of one another and reverence each other as children of God.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2022 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
The panel reassembles for the 4DO, digital deluxe horses, and most importantly the Season Finale of Violence Island, the Shadowban Championship.
Anchor Passage: Zechariah 3:1-4Do you ever feel like you're not enough or that you'll never measure up? Join Brandon Hiltibidal and see how God, our advocate, silences these words of accusation and condemnation with His words of truth, forgiveness, and grace.
Anchor Passage: Zechariah 3:1-4Do you ever feel like you're not enough or that you'll never measure up? Join Steve Bang Lee and see how God, our advocate, silences these words of accusation and condemnation with His words of truth, forgiveness, and grace.
1The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2“Stand at the gate of the LORD'S house and proclaim there this word, and say, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, all you of Judah, who enter by these gates to worship the LORD!'” 3This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: “Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you live in this place.4Do not trust in deceptive words, saying, ‘[a]This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.' 5For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly practice justice between a person and his neighbor,6if you do not oppress the stranger, the [b]orphan, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, nor follow other gods to your own ruin, 7then I will let you live in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever. - Jeremiah 7: 1-7 Welcome to the Legion of Michael and thank you.Of all the times of the year, it seems that autumn is the time that people most often consider the change of the seasons, followed by the spring. Why is this? Besides PSL and calf boots? 1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. - Ecclesiastes 3:1-8Let us consider Revelations 22:12-21, the final words of the Holy Bible.Warrior's Prayer Lord, I come before you seeking the strength and skill to overcome my enemies. Grant me I pray, the wisdom to recognize evil, the courage to confront it, and the strength to destroy it. In Jesus name I pray, amen.www.legionofmichael.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/legionofmichael/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
I've accepted Jesus • https://willamette.cc/follow-christ • Let us know you made this decision, and we'll help you discover what's next! Get Baptized • https://willamette.cc/baptisms • If you have accepted Jesus but have never had the opportunity to celebrate your new life in Him through water baptism, this is your next step! Let us pray with you • https://willamette.cc/prayer • Fill out a quick form to let us know how we can be praying for you. Sermon Notes - August 1, 2021The Greatest Stories Rarely Told- Brian Becker Sacrificial GenerosityRadical HospitalityUncommon Humility Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Acts 10:1-2 (NIV)At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. Acts 10:3 (NIV)One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” Acts 10:4 (NIV)Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Acts 10:5-6 (NIV)Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.” Acts 10:9-10 (NIV)About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. Acts 10:11-13 (NIV)He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” Acts 10:14-15 (NIV)“Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Acts 10:16 (NIV)This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven. Acts 10:17-18 (NIV)While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate. 18They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there. Acts 10:19-20 (NIV)While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” Acts 10:23b (NIV)The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. Humility crosses barriers and clears the way for others to follow. Acts 10:27-28 (NIV)While talking with (Cornelius), Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. Acts 10:28b-29a (NIV)But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. Acts 10:34-35 (NIV)Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. Acts 10:39-40 (NIV)“We are witnesses of everything (Jesus) did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. Acts 10:44 (NIV)While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. Acts 10:45-46 (NIV)The (Jewish) believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Acts 10:46b-47 (NIV)Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” Acts 10:48 (NIV)So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. “All so like ourselves. For, how we also bundle up whole nations of men and throw them into that same unclean sheet. Whole churches that we know nothing about but their bad names that we have given them, are in our sheet of excommunication also… Every party outside our own party in the political state also. We have no language contemptuous enough wherewith to describe their wicked ways and their self-seeking schemes. They are four-footed beasts and creeping things.”- Alexander Frederick Whyte James 1:19Quick to listen; Slow to Speak Philippians 2:3-4Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. It's only in humility that we can surrender to God. It's only in humility that we can be like Jesus.
Colossians 3:1-4Do you have a prayer request? https://ubcellsworth.org/#prayerBe a part of SPRING AND SUMMER SONGS PSALMS READING PLAN https://ubcellsworth.org/spring-and-summer-songs-psalms-reading-plan/If you need help or counseling....click here https://ubcellsworth.org/biblical-counseling-ministry/
Exodus 15:22-26, Luke 22:19, 3 John 2, Philippians 4:4Do you struggle with un-forgiveness or bitterness? I know all too well what a cruel bondage that can be. But Praise the Lord, I also know what it is to be set free! Jesus Christ, Himself, takes the bitter waters in our hearts and turns them sweet. He brings in the light. He brings in the life. And He leaves us with nothing else to do but to enjoy what He's done and say thank you! Hallelujah! I would love to hear from you. If you have a prayer request, a praise report or simply wish to contact me you can reach me at: gracegang20@gmail.com
But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. John 10:2–4Do you recognize the voice of the Shepherd? Does He lead you each and every day, guiding you into His holy will? How attentive are you to what He speaks each day? These are some of the most important questions to ponder.Recognizing God’s voice is something that many people struggle with. There are often many competing “voices” that speak to us each and every day. From the latest news in the headlines, to the opinions of friends and family, to the temptations all around us within the secular world, to our own self-drawn opinions, these “voices” or “ideas” that fill our minds can be hard to sort through. What is from God? And what is from other sources?Recognizing the voice of God is indeed possible. First of all, there are many general truths that God has already spoken to us. For example, everything contained in the Holy Scriptures are the voice of God. His Word is alive. And when we read the Scriptures, we become more and more familiar with God’s voice.God also speaks to us through gentle inspirations that result in His peace. For example, when considering a certain decision you may need to make, if you present that decision to our Lord prayerfully and then remain open to whatever He wants of you, oftentimes His answer comes in the form of a deep and certain peace of heart.Learning to recognize the voice of God in your daily life is accomplished by building an interior habit of listening, recognizing, responding, listening some more, recognizing and responding, etc. The more you hear the voice of God, the more you will recognize His voice in the most subtle of ways, and the more you come to hear the subtleties of His voice, the more you will be able to follow. In the end, this is only accomplished by an ongoing habit of deep and sustaining prayer. Without that, it will be very difficult to recognize the voice of the Shepherd when you need Him the most.Reflect, today, upon how attentive you are to God in prayer. What does your daily prayer look like? Do you spend time each day, listening to the gentle and beautiful voice of our Lord? Do you seek to form a habit by which His voice becomes clearer and clearer? If not, if you do struggle in recognizing His voice, then make the decision to establish a deeper habit of daily prayer so that it is the voice of our loving Lord Who leads you every day.Jesus, my Good Shepherd, You speak to me each and every day. You are constantly revealing to me Your most holy will for my life. Help me to always recognize Your gentle voice so that I can be led by You through the challenges of life. May my life of prayer become so deep and sustaining that Your voice always echoes within my heart and soul. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2021 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
Strangers in a Strange Land: Living in a Hostile Culture 1 Pet 3:13-17 Five Keys to living in a Hostile Culture1. A Passion for Goodness:The answer is no one; Peter is focused on the prize: Psalm 56:4What can a mere mortal do to us? Rom 8:31We belong to God: Mt. 10:28Be eager to do good: (William Barclay) 2. A Willingness to Suffer: It is a blessing! Suffering is not the opposite of Blessing: Mt. 5:10-12Suffering leads to maturity: James 1:2-4Do not fear the enemies of God: Isaiah 8:12bThe words frighten means to be shaken: Jn. 14:21 3. A Devotion to Christ He is again thinking about Isaiah 8:13 4. A Readiness to Defend of the Faith Defending the faith is about personal testimony, not factual proof: Luke 4:11-12Paul says, “Speaking the truth in love…(Eph 4:15)” 5. A Pure Conscience According to Roman 2:14, even those without God's written law have an innate moral sense of right and wrong; Yet, human conscience is tainted by sin.At salvation, God cleanses the conscience from its lifelong accumulation of guilt, shame, and self-contempt: Heb 9:14The purpose is again evangelism: 1 Pet 2:12This goes back to the first verse: 1 Pet 3:14; 2:20 Support the show (https://paypal.me/pwp398?locale.x=en_US)
The Sower And The Seed, Mark 3-4Do we sometimes write people off, thinking they will never believe? Jesus' words encourage us to change our thinking.
As a piece of technology, social media is forming us into people we weren't before we started using it. In this episode we take a hard look at the ways social media forms us specifically when we make posting a daily rhythm. What Happens When I Post?Curating our Lives 6:40Pride 10:45Concentration on the Externals 18:09Insensitivity to Others 21:42Social Media becomes the Mediator 28:50Scriptures 1 Peter 3v3-4Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel-- rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.1 Corinthians 13v4-7Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.Isaiah 53v2For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him.1 Corinthians 10v31-33Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.LinksFor all things Philly Young Adults visit phillyyoungadults.com
And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. Acts 2:2–4Do you think there was really a “noise like a strong driving wind” at this first outpouring of the Holy Spirit? And do you think there really were “tongues as of fire” that came and rested on everyone? Well, there most likely was! Why else would have it been recorded that way in the Scriptures?These physical manifestations of the coming of the Holy Spirit were made present for numerous reasons. One reason was so that these first recipients of the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit would have concretely understood that something amazing was happening. By seeing and hearing these physical manifestations of the Holy Spirit they were more properly disposed to understand that God was doing something awesome. And then, upon seeing and hearing these manifestations, they were touched by the Holy Spirit, consumed, filled and set on fire. They suddenly discovered within themselves the promise Jesus made and they finally began to understand. Pentecost changed their lives!We most likely have not seen and heard these physical manifestations of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, but we should rely upon the witness of those in the Scriptures to allow ourselves to arrive at a deep and transforming faith that the Holy Spirit is real and wants to enter our lives in the same way. God wants to set our hearts on fire with His love, strength and grace so as to effectively live lives that effect change in the world. Pentecost is not only about us becoming holy, it’s also about us being given all we need to go forth and bring the holiness of God to all those we encounter. Pentecost enables us to be powerful instruments of the transforming grace of God. And there is no doubt that the world around us needs this grace.As we celebrate Pentecost, it would be helpful to ponder the primary effects of the Holy Spirit in a prayerful way. Below are the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. These Gifts are the primary effects of Pentecost for each and every one of us. Use them as an examination of your life and let God show you where you need to grow more deeply in the strength of the Holy Spirit.Lord, send forth Your Spirit in my life and set me on fire with the Gifts of Your Spirit. Holy Spirit, I invite You to take possession of my soul. Come Holy Spirit, come and transform my life. Holy Spirit, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2020 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
Thoughts inspired from the study ofCome, Follow Me: March 9 - 15thBook of Mormon: Jacob 1-4Do you feel the weight of parenthood? Do you feel anxiety for the welfare of your children? Do you find it hard to be honest and communicate effectively with your loved ones? If we have a responsibility to love our family, what does that “LOVE” look like? Today we learn how to be clear in our conversations and how to recognize love. I know I could use ALL THE things!Jacob is a very loving leader. He also tries his best to follow the Lord’s will and sometimes that means doing hard things. He had to be bold and honest with his people. Being honest and saying hard things doesn’t mean he loves them any less even when they are doing wicked things. It just means he loves them more. He never gives up on them. In this episode we talk about how we can learn from Jacob example of leadership. How similar is our role as parents? What tools does Jacob use to care for and lead his people? Can we learn from and use some of those tools in our family? Today we cover it all.... ObjectivesIdentifying our role as parents, where it comes from, and why it matters.How to be more plain and truthful in our conversations. Why Love is so important in the Home and what Love looks like.Episode LinksWe would love to have you read along with us. To request a free Book of Mormon from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: https://www.comeuntochrist.org/requests/free-book-of-mormonHappiness in the Family: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/family/love?lang=engFight, Flight, or Love: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2020/02/fight-or-flight-or-love?lang=engThe Gottman Institute: https://www.gottman.com/blog/5-ways-make-small-gestures-count-marriage/DisclaimerSimple Joyful Home follows the Come, Follow Me curriculum of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but is not a product of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Links to learn more about:Curriculum: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/come-follow-me?lang=eng&cid=rdb_v_come-follow-me_engChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: https://www.comeuntochrist.org/If you are longing for more Simple Joyful Home in your life connect with us on:Facebook: @SimpleJoyfulHomeInstagram: @SimpleJoyfulHome
News Konami Confirms Japanese Versions Coming to Castlevania Anniversary Collection Post-Launch YouTuber does what Nintendon’t and builds a working GameCube Classic Sega adds rare 'Mega Man' and more to Genesis Mini lineup 8bitdo releases DIY Modkits for PS1 & PS1 Classic Earthworm Jim 1 & 2 Getting A SNES Reprint Courtesy Of iam8bit The Curse of Illmoore Bay NEScape!, an escape room game for the original NES Rare’s bear ‘n’ bird duo come to Kongo Jungle in Banjo-Kazooie x DKC crossover mod Topic: The sad state of 3DO emulation? archive.org 3DO redump 4DO 3doh Phoenix FreeDO The 3DO Blaster 3DO SDK Game Club Discussion The Last Blade Virtua Racing New Game Club Games Castlevania IV Shark! Shark!
Matthew 5:4Do you ache with the guilt of your sin before a holy and righteous God?
Discerning The Voice Of GodBible Study Verses: 1 Samuel 3.1-10, Matt. 4.4Do we hear the voice of God today?What causes sleepiness in the flock of a church?How do we know what the voice of God is and what is another voice?Will God speak to you about life and ministry?What are the seven requirements for hearing the voice of God on a regular basis?Pastor Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounter Radio Podcast originally aired on Oct 13, 2018 on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcast to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble earth floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible.GOT 181013 Episode #38 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Morning Show w/ Ms.B - What's Coming Out of Your Mouth Pt.4Do you use profanity spontaneousely in general conversations? Are your descriptions of others harsh and abusive? Did you know your words are impacting others and they reveal your charcter as negative?Scripture:Matthew 12:36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, James 3:10 ESVFrom the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so2 Timothy 2:16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, Matthew 15:11It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”The Morning Show w/ Ms. B ( Bonita Claiborne) shares timely topics to enhance daily living and encourage spiritual growth. Non denominational, faith-based discussions with scriptural and general knowledge resource materials.★★★COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER★★★We do NOT own these published podcasts ,songs nor the images featured in any of the videos NOT produced by Storm Talk 365 Radio/ Storm Radio 24/7.. All rights belong to its original owner/owners. No copyright infringement intended. For promotional purposes only.www.stormtalk365radio.comhttps://www.spreaker.com/user/ms.bonitahttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC36hcruA_LclIHbfRlreAoA?view_as=subscriberhttps://www.facebook.com/stormtalkradio247/https://www.facebook.com/groups/stormtalk365radio/?ref=bookmarkshttps://www.facebook.com/The-Prophetic-Storm-321753668232402/https://www.facebook.com/The-Storm-Chronicles-494007287651339/https://www.facebook.com/canyoubeliveitwithmsb/https://www.facebook.com/StormTalkMinistries/https://www.facebook.com/stormtalk365msb/https://www.facebook.com/groups/stormtalk365radio/