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Series:  Family Traits: A Core Values SeriesScripture: Galatians 1:3-5We hope you enjoyed listening to this message! If you'd like to stay updated on what God is doing at Citylight Council Bluffs, be sure to follow us:Citylight Council BluffsFacebookInstagramCitylight Council BluffsSunday Gatherings at 8:00, 9:30 & 11:15 AMLivestream at 9:30 AM2109 Railroad Hwy, Council Bluffs, IA 51503Support the show (https://www.citylightcb.org/give/)

Scripture For Today:1 Kings 6:18“As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.” What James Had to Say About Prayer pt 5We have been studying what the Apostle James had to say about prayer. We have been studying the verses from James 5:13-18: “Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any Merry? Let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.  Confess your faults one to another, and pray on for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.  Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it did not rain on the earth by the space of three years and six months! And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and the earth brought forth her fruit.” We studied the first part, “Is there any among you that is afflicted.”  We studied the second part last time, “Is any Merry?”  Today, we will study the last part, “Is any sick among you?” What does James say if you or someone you know is sick? He's very specific. He says, “Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name of the Lord.” What the intent here, is that if someone is sick, but able to pray for themselves, they should. We covered that under “Is any among you afflicted.”  What James is saying here, is if a person is so sick, they are unable to pray for themselves, THEN you call for the elders of the church to anoint the person with oil and pray for them. This does not mean, what some Christians think, that if you have a headache, you must activate your church prayer chain, call the pastor and have him come over and anoint you with oil and say 12 Hail Mary's or whatever, dance in a circle and then baptize you six times in the bath tub! You may laugh, but there are people out there, listening to me right now, who want to call their pastor for every little thing that ails them.  “Oh, won't you pray for my big toe? I stubbed it on the chair!”  That is not what this verse means!  Your congregation will wear your pastor out if every person called for every little thing and expected him to come running over with a bottle of oil. Amen! I can hear pastor's right now saying, “Amen, brother Bob – preach it!” I'm just going to stop right there for today.  WHY? Because I want to talk a bit more on this topic and if I get started right now, well, we will be going way over. So, instead, I want to PRAY FOR YOU right now. Yup! Here's your chance!  If you have a stubbed toe or a headache, I'm going to pray for you and you will experience something you never thought possible!  That's right! What is it? YOU will learn that it is YOUR responsibility to pray for yourself and your loved ones when something minor like that ails them. It may shock you!  It may offend you! But guess what – it's what James says YOU are supposed to be doing! Amen! Let's Pray! Please subscribe to this podcast, leave us a quick 5 star review on Apple Podcasts to help us grow and be sure to visit our website for more information on our ministry: https://podcastersforchrist.com/ (https://podcastersforchrist.com). And while you are at the website, download the free resource I have for you… it is free and is called, “How to Start a Christian Podcast.” It will bless you – go and download it today. You can also WATCH these session on our Facebook Playlist at this link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtKWeKtmv-BwgkquBTsSh-GznbmuUp_R2...

Scripture For Today: Isaiah 45:20“Gather together and come; assemble, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood, who pray to gods that cannot save.” Praying for Those in Authority pt 5We have been studying about the importance of praying for our leaders and those in authority. The Apostle Paul said in 1 Timothy 2:1-2: 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” Yesterday, we discussed the importance of intercession. I shared about how Abraham was able to intercede for Sodom and Gomorrah with God (although the Lord still could not find 10 righteous souls in those cities – kind of like what we find in our inner cities today, isn't it)? Let's read Genesis 18:23-32: 23 And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also ddestroy the righteous with the wicked? 24 Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it? 25 Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” 26 So the Lord said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.” 27 Then Abraham answered and said, “Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: 28 Suppose there were five less than the fifty righteous; would You destroy all of the city for lack of five?” So He said, “If I find there forty-five, I will not destroy it.” 29 And he spoke to Him yet again and said, “Suppose there should be forty found there?” So He said, “I will not do it for the sake of forty.” 30 Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Suppose thirty should be found there?” So He said, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.” 31 And he said, “Indeed now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: Suppose twenty should be found there?” So He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty.” 32 Then he said, j“Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.” God was willing to withhold His Judgement for the sake of ten righteous people, just because Abraham asked Him to! What does that tell you about the Right Standing YOU have with God because of what Jesus did at the Cross? We are in a far better relationship with our Heavenly Father than Abraham could have ever dreamed of! Yet, most Christians refuse to walk it out! There MUST BE more than 10 righteous people in the United States right now! Am I right? So, let's pray for our leaders BOLDLY! Let's intercede for this nation BOLDLY. As the Apostle Paul said, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” I know we have been studying about God's Judgement and Wrath, but there is another side of this story that we will begin to study about tomorrow. And that is how God will move to change this nation – IF WE PRAY for the people who lead and govern this nation AND ASK GOD TO CHANGE THE NATION! Amen! Let's Pray! Please subscribe to this podcast, leave us a quick 5 star review on Apple Podcasts to help us grow and be sure to visit our website for more information on our ministry: https://podcastersforchrist.com. And while you are at the website, download the free resource I have for you… it is free and is called, “How to Start a Christian Podcast.” It will bless you – go and download it today. You can also...

Scripture For Today: Daniel 8:23 “As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision…”Refuse to Worry pt 5We have been studying about Refusing to Worry and how we need to “Cast all of our cares over on the Lord, for He cares for us.” That's in 1 Peter 5:7. Yesterday, we were discussing the three things Paul shared in Philippians 4:6 where he wrote: “…but in EVERY THING, by prayer and supplication, with THANKSGIVING, let your requests be made known to God.” First, Paul told us “don't worry.” We covered that yesterday. Next, he said “In EVERY THING” – that means, guess what? EVERY THING – he said to “…pray and let your requests be made known to God.” Third, he emphasized to “PRAY WITH THANKGIVING.”  We covered yesterday that many, many Christians do not have any thanksgiving in their prayers at all. It's mainly blaming and complaining coupled with gimme gimme gimme, my name is Jimmy, type of prayers. We left off with thanksgiving to God MUST be made before your answer manifests. Paul said we are to “pray with thanksgiving.” When you pray with “thanksgiving,” you are thanking God ahead of time because you KNOW that the answer is on the way. Amen! You know God has heard your prayer because His Word says so!  Amen!  This is something that many believers are missing out on because they fail to pray WITH THANKSGIVING.  They want to wait until the receive the answer to their prayer before they give God thanks.  That's the HUMAN way of thinking! Or, we should say, that is the way the DEVIL wants you to pray. Amen!  I know I just stepped on your Spiritual toes right there, Praise God! I believe that if people would stop asking God for the same thing over and over and over and over again – and instead, they would start to PRAISE HIM and THANK HIM for the answer to the prayer they already requested – they would receive the manifestation a lot faster! I know that steps on a lot of denominational false teaching. I know that steps on a lot of spiritual toes. But guess what – IT IS WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS you are supposed to do!  SO, are you going to continue praying in the same way that hasn't gotten you anything in the past – just because that's the way you've always prayed? Or, are you going to begin to walk by Faith and not by sight and to pray the way the BIBLE says you are supposed to pray?  It's really up to you… But I want to pray for you right now that you would begin to “walk by faith and not by sight” and start to pray the way Paul has been instructing you to pray. To “make your requests known to God – WITH THANKSGIVING.” Amen! Let's Pray! Please subscribe to this podcast, leave us a quick 5 star review on Apple Podcasts to help us grow and be sure to visit our website for more information on our ministry: https://podcastersforchrist.com/ (https://podcastersforchrist.com). And while you are at the website, download the free resource I have for you… it is free and is called, “How to Start a Christian Podcast.” It will bless you – go and download it today. You can also WATCH these session on our Facebook Playlist at this link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtKWeKtmv-BwgkquBTsSh-GznbmuUp_R2 (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtKWeKtmv-BwgkquBTsSh-GznbmuUp_R2)

Scripture For Today:Habakkuk 3:1“This is the prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, on Shigionoth…”The Peace of God pt 5We have been studying what the Apostle Paul had to say about the benefits of praying in the Spirit. Yesterday, we discovered that Peace of God can leave you if you are starting to participate in sin.  Many people will say this is your conscious speaking to you, but it is really the Holy Spirit speaking to your spirit man.  And if, instead of planning on whatever sin you are going to do, you actually follow through and DO the sin, the Holy Spirit withdraw His Peace from you and you can actually sense that as He leaves. For example, let's say you are thinking of robbing the 7-11 down the street. You know it's wrong. You know you should not do that. But, as you continue to do so, the Holy Spirit will be telling your spirit man, “Don't do that!”   As you start to walk down the street to carry out your dastardly deed, the Holy Spirit will intensify His warning, “Don't do this! Don't do this!” If you fail to heed His warnings, and actually go through with the robbery, His presence will leave. Now, as you are running away, trying to figure out how not to get caught and finding a place to hide, for what, a couple of hundred dollars, tops? Now you are nervous, anxious and worried. There is definitely NO PEACE there! Amen!  The Holy Spirit has left you. You failed to heed His warnings, you followed through on your plan – even though you knew all along it was wrong – now, you are on your own.  When you get caught (and you will), and they slam that jail cell door on you, you will then sit there and say things like, “God, why did you allow this to happen?” In actuality, the Holy Spirit was telling you all along you should not do this, but you failed to listen. He withdrew His Peace because He could not participate in sin. He had to leave you alone because He cannot sin. Amen! Let me give you another example, this one from the Bible.  2 Corinthian 5:21 says: “God made Him (Jesus) who had no sin, to become sin for us, so that in Him, we might become the righteousness of God.”  Without going into a deep, theological discussion of this verse, because it would take way too long for the format of these programs, let me just say this verse means that OUR SIN was imputed (or credited) to the Jesus.  That way, His Righteousness could be imputed (or credited) to us. Amen.  Now that we have that established, let's move to the next verse I want you to see and then we will close… In Matthew 27:46, Jesus, who has always been God as part of the Trinity, is on the cross. The sin of the world was imputed to Him. We have already established that the Holy Spirit and the Peace of God from the Holy Spirit, cannot participate in sin and will not remain present when, what? When you willfully participate in sin, right? Here, Jesus willfully TOOK the sin of the world upon Himself. At that moment, not only did He receive the sin of the world, but He felt for the first time since Eternity began, the ABSENCE of God in His Spirit man!  How shocking that must have been! And, in immediate response, He was confronted with what it will be like for unbelievers to experience the absence of God – and He shouted out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” For this was the moment when God left Him alone – to bear the entire pain, shame and loss of God's presence!  That had to be have been terrible!  And it will be terrible for everyone who is not born again. It's a horrific thought, amen? I want to pray for you right now, if you have never received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, think on what we have just shared. Let's Pray! Please subscribe to this podcast, leave us a quick 5 star review on Apple Podcasts to help us grow and be sure to visit our website for more information on our ministry: https://podcastersforchrist.com/...

Why you shouldn't opt-out of the Spiritual War that is going on right now! 1. You have an enemy that wants to kill, steal and destroy you! 2. There are people depending on you, family, friends and neighbors. 3. You were made to win this war! The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Cor 10:4 As believers, we need to understand the war that is raging. The Senators and citizens of Washington DC on July 21, 1861 had no idea what war meant. Have you noticed how some people • are failing to respond to the spiritual war that is going on around us right now? • think they can opt out of Spiritual warfare, because its HARD and costly? • don't see the destruction that is going on around them? • are just hoping everything will be alright. • don't realize there is a war? You have been given authority… not just hope… authority. Stop believing the enemies lies. We've heard the enemy's lies so many times, from so many different places, that even God's blood bought church has believed them. What am I talking about? I've heard people say they aren't spiritual enough to fight. Or that there is nothing they can do. Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. You have been given weapons that work 2 Cor 20: 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Psa 8:2 NLT You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you. Ephesians 6: 17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Scripture For Today: Acts 10:31“And the angel said, Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor…”God's Word Needs to Abide in Us pt 5We have been talking about having the Words of Jesus abide in you. We left off yesterday with a scripture from Romans chapter 10, verse 38 which reads, “But what does it say? The word is near thee, even in your mouth and in your heart: that is, The WORD OF FAITH, which we preach.” The Bible, the God inspired word is called here, “The Word of Faith.” Praise God! If this Word abides in YOU and in YOUR heart, it will cause Faith to rise up and defeat whatever devil is trying to stop you, distract you or harm you or you family. But notice, it is not the Word you know, mentally. It is not the Word you have memorized. It is the Word that is where? IN YOUR HEART. Amen! You see, when you KNOW the Word…when you KNOW IT, deep down on the inside of you, you will not be praying in the dark, because when you KNOW the Word – it brings light into whatever situation you are facing. The Psalmist said, in Psalm 119:105 – “Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” When you know the Word, you are not stumbling about in the darkness. Your pathway is illuminated with the Word of God in your heart. You will know which path to take and you will see any obstacles that are there and go around them or go over them or go through them – because greater is He that is IN YOU than he that is in the world. Amen! Some people, some PASTORS, some DENOMINATIONS, want to argue against Divine healing and the walk of Faith. I can't understand why. I just don't get it.  I believe, probably, that at some point in time, they had prayed for something or someone and their prayers were not answered. Oh, they were answered, but not the way they wanted them to be answered. For example, they prayed that someone they loved would be healed and ended up dying. So they wrote off praying in Faith forever at that point. “I'm a person of faith. I prayed and it didn't work. So that tells me praying for healing is bogus. God will do what God wants to do and we can't influence it one way or another.”  Or they prayed about their income or about a job or – well about anything. And just because God did not answer their prayer the way THEY WANTED it answered, they figure it is not God's Will that ANYONE ever get a prayer like that answered. Folks…I'm almost out of time…but let me share this with you before we close for today. Back in 1989, I lost the best career I had been working in at that time. I lost it with only 12 days notice my services were no longer required. I had no back up plan. I had not other skills. I had no savings for emergencies.  And I was lost as lost could be at that time. Even I PRAYED… but it did not work out the way I wanted it to. Fast forward 8 years. I was in another career. Top of my field. Respected by my peers. All was good. And then, the contract we were operating under was cancelled by our home office and, in a matter of 3 months time, I went from operating the #2 producing office in the nation, to shuttering the doors forever… I WAS BORN AGAIN during that time. Do you believe I was praying? You're absolutely right! But, again, God did not answer my prayers. But I did not write off the Word of Faith. Not at all. Fast forward again, about 12 years later. I was at the top of my law enforcement career. Loving life. I was the Chaplain for our departments FOP, had been for several years. I was being promoted ahead of my peers…I was living life again and enjoying life. Then an accident happened that injured me… With in just a few more years, several surgeries, dozens of procedures, I was told I would not be able to continue working in that career field.  I had been praying fervently for healing… But, if God would have answered any of those prayers – from ANY of those career fields – and answered them the way I WANTED THEM

From the teaching of Paul in the last four chapters of 2 Corinthians, we find that the church in Corinth had better shape up before Paul's next visit.  Read 2 Corinthians 10:1-62 Corinthians 10:1-6 (NLT) 1Now I, Paul, appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ—though I realize you think I am timid in person and bold only when I write from far away. 2Well, I am begging you now so that when I come I won't have to be bold with those who think we act from human motives. 3We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do. 4We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. 6And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient.Our Lord may not have been striking in His personal appearance.  But He did not walk around with a halo.  He was meek and lowly and that should be the badge of His followers.The Greek word for “gentleness” has the idea of “lenience”—like a benevolent judge being lenient on the guilty.“Meekness” in the Greek means “consideration for others.”  It's defined as being even better than just.Possible Charges Against Apostle Paul1.     Being bold when not face to face with them but not as bold when with them2.     They believe Paul was motivated by human motives aloneWhat are the mental walls of resistance in the minds of some people?  It's reasoning that is opposed to the truth of God's Word and pride of intelligence that exalts itself.But once the walls in the mind have been torn down, the door in the heart can be opened.In Greek, the words for “proud obstacle” means logic or reasoning that attempts to divert people from the Gospel.

In this episode, Gina Poirier joins the podcast to share some refreshing insights on stress and spiritually healthy ways to respond to it. She unpacks toxic thinking, the good work of boundaries, and our God-given, counter-cultural invitation to rest. If you are approaching the end of your metaphorical rope, or you’re already crispy from burnout, then do not miss this episode! About the SpeakerGina is a happily married mom of four, stress management coach, and writer who helps overwhelmed, exhausted moms find peace and purpose in the everyday. She creates resources for Christian moms at ginampoirier.com, where “Wiping noses for Jesus is legit!”Episode Notes “Burnout is nature’s way of telling you, you’ve been going through the motions your soul has departed.” Sam Keen 1. Understanding stressStress is not an inherently negative thing! It is the way God designed our bodies to respond when something we care about is at stake, and it can ultimately help us grow The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigalJames 1:2–4Curiosity is a great way to approach stress and while we often want to shove it away or get it over with; there is a process there. 2. Recognizing what we can and can't controlMost of the variables that cause stress are out of our control. By letting that go and giving it to God (Matthew 6:25–27), we can focus on the variables we can control, which are usually much more manageable.A lot of things we can stress about are hypothetical or completely out of our hands; processing that objectively can be helpful. Some choices make us more resilient, while some choices (i.e. escapism) can actually aggravate the stress response. 3. Taming toxic thinking This is hard, but it is one of the variables we can control that make a big difference in the way we respond to stress Toxic thinking aggravates the stress responses and leads more quickly to burnout. 2 Corinthians 10:5We get into these toxic thinking cycles and it really aggravates the way our bodies can respond to stress. "When we approach our minds with curiosity and work towards taming toxic thinking, that goes a long way in dealing with burnout and stress."Caroline Leaf & Neuroplasticity 4. Setting healthy boundaries (i.e. taking ownership) This is also hard, but again boundaries are variables we can control and make a difference in making us more resilient to stress. Galatians 6:2–55. Choosing restThis is a huge lesson, especially for performance-oriented people. God established rest from the beginning of Genesis, and it is a gift we can choose to accept- physically, emotionally, and spiritually. There's both a posture and a practice of rest. Matthew 11:28-30For a free video series with more practical stress management strategies, subscribe to her newsletter here! And to connect with Gina and see more of the resources she offers, check out this link to her site!Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/678206?giving_to=Woven%20In%20Truth%20Podcast)

Scripture For Today:   2 Chronicles 32:24 “In those days, Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. He prayed to the Lord, who answered him and gave him a miraculous sign.” The Prayer of Petition pt 5We have been studying about the Prayer of Petition and how you need to get into the Word of God and do a study about scripture references to your specific situation. Whether the Bible speaks directly about your situation, like healing, finances, deliverance, etc., or indirectly – either way, you need to get into the Word of God FIRST. You need to accomplish this BEFORE you prepare your Prayer of Petition and actually present it to the Lord in a formal prayer request. I'm getting slightly ahead of myself, I want to cover one more point before I get into the aspect of writing your prayer of petition. Yesterday, I left off with breaking bad habits and replacing them with Godly habits. What did I mean by that? We ran out of time, so I had to just leave that hanging there until today. So let's start there. Amen! Habits are hard to break. You do them without even thinking about it. I used to come home from work, take a shower a grab a beer from the fridge and not even think about it. That was a habit that I had established over and over and over. But, when I made the decision to stop drinking alcohol way back in 1993, it was STILL a habit. But I was making a conscious decision NOT TO DO THAT anymore. It did not take long and that habit was broken – forever! Many of us have habits we are not proud of. I do, you do, your family members do. It is in our human nature. But, that does not mean we continue with bad habits. Once we know a habit is bad, we must consciously make the decision NOT TO DO THAT! The Apostle Paul wrote, in Romans 7:14-25, “For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good.So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.       I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.” Do you think Paul knew how to pray? Absolutely.  But we see here that even HE struggled sometimes with habits. The point I'm trying to make is this. You can use the appropriate method of prayer in various situations. You may not know what God's will is in a particular situation. SO, should you pray “I don't know what to do – so Father, IF IT's YOUR WILL, answer this prayer?” NO! NO! NO! A hundred times NO! As I indicated in the The Prayer of Petition, MAKE A DECISION on the outcome you believe is in alignment with God's will. MAKE THE DECISION. Then pray along the lines of “Father, I believe option A is better than option B. If it is your will, I'm going with option A. If this is not your will for me at this time, please let me know.”  THE ONLY TIME YOU SHOULD USE “IF IT BE THY...

The Power of an Overcoming Mindset (A mind that is geared to overcome.) “Your mind is a sacred enclosure into which nothing harmful can enter except by your permission.” By Pastor George Lehman 2 Corinthians 10: 3-5 (NIV) – 3For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons* of the world. On the contrary*, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up *against the knowledge of God, and we *take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.  (Not just for out there; but for our own minds and thoughts) * Weapons of anger; bitterness; unforgiveness; hate; revenge; spitefulness; grudges *The very opposite is true *It’s those inner thoughts we battle with *We must take our own minds captive first – It all starts in the thoughts. We all have battles and issues in our lives that we either want to overcome or are in the process of overcoming. I truly believe that there is a peace, resilience* and a consistency that comes with an overcoming mentality. (*sterk taai) As a child of God you can’t just daydream your way through life…. 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) – Be self-controlled and alert. (Why) Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. You cannot drive your motorcycle and daydream – Road safety campaign slogan says: Stay Alert & Stay Alive. WE NEED TO BE ALERT. The devil can’t handle the word of God spoken in Faith – Jesus said to the devil, “It is written” and he left. At His weakest He was strong with the Word living in Him. You have to have your eyes fixed on the prize. Focused ahead on getting through whatever you’re facing.  – Determined to finish strong An overcoming mindset will get you through. All overcoming stems from the joy and peace in believing that better things lie ahead of you. Your first obstacle you have to overcome and conquer is your own negativity it will destroy an overcoming mindset. Negativity about the world around you (Garbage in - garbage out) Negativity about the Lord and His promises Negativity that involves unbelief and doubt You need to wage this war first before overcoming any other battle. LIKE: Negativity, procrastination, doubt, fear, anxiety, anger, resentment, bitterness, and unbelief give the enemy so many tools and weapons to create havoc Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) – You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. The person whose thoughts are consumed with God will have perfect peace – Instead of anxiety and worry. What are the benefits of God centered thinking? Philippians 4:1-7 talks about an overcoming mind. Philippians 4:8 (MSG) – 8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Noble – Good, Reputable: Respectable Compelling – Thrilling. Paul gives us the Keys to an Overcoming Mindset. Colossians 3:1-4 (NIV) – 1Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.   #1 An Overcoming Mindset is developed by focusing on our      resurrected position. Ephesians 1:19-20 (Amp) – 19and [so that you will begin to know] what the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His [active, spiritual] power is in us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength. 20which He produced in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places. Galatians 2:20 (Amp) – I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. You live the resurrected life that proves the cross was real and completed. #2 An Overcoming Mindset is developed by a life of continual       discipline. Colossians 3:2 (NIV) – 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Note: Set = It will take discipline. Paul says 1 Corinthians 9:27 (Amp) – 27 But [like a boxer] I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached [the gospel] to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified [as unfit for service]. Self-control – Alert – Takes discipline #3 An Overcoming Mindset is developed by focusing on our       Hidden life in Christ. Colossians 3:3 (NIV) – 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. To be hidden in Christ means protection Psalm 32:7 (NIV) – You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. #4 An Overcoming Mindset is developed by focusing on our future       in Christ. Colossians 3:4 (NIV) – 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. They way you think about your future will affect how you live today. Philippians 3:20-21 (LB) – 20But our homeland is in heaven, where our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ is; and we are looking forward to his return from there. 21When he comes back, he will take these dying bodies of ours and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same mighty power that he will use to conquer all else everywhere.  1 John 3:2-3 (LB) – 2Yes, dear friends, we are already God’s children, right now, and we can’t even imagine what it is going to be like later on. But we do know this, that when he comes, we will be like him, as a result of seeing him as he really is. 3And everyone who really believes this will try to stay pure because Christ is pure. Let us trust God to help us have an Overcoming Mindset. *********************************

Mallory was left unsupervised and talks for 20 minutes about the mind-blowing implications of God’s presence throughout history and in our lives as individuals. Whatever you’re carrying, you don’t need to carry alone. Join us as we contemplate the immanence of God with renewed wonder today! “But as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, so I can tell about all you do” (Psalm 73:28).About the SpeakerMallory is your hyphenated host that deeply loves her family, God, and buffalo wings. She is in the full-time ministry and all of her cardio comes from chasing around her spunky toddler. She is passionate about cultivating consistent platforms for women to connect and empower one another and she adores the Woven in Truth community. Episode Notes: God comforts us with His presence: Isaiah 41:10aPsalm 118:6aPsalm 94:19 “Feeling deeply overwhelmed may be a signal, not that our trials are insignificant or that our emotions are too strong, but that we have been carrying them alone.” Stephanie Tronson“Every other religion explains how we get to God, only Christianity explains how God came to us.” Question for everyone: What feeling does God’s presence solicit in you?Read excerpt from “Forming: A Work of Grace” by David TakleImmanuel or “God with us” is a Hebrew name which appears in Isaiah 7:14Then we see the fulfillment of this 400 years later in the literal PERSON of Jesus… Matthew 1:18-23“But as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, so I can tell about all you do.” —Psalm 73:28Biblical Progression of His Presence:In the Garden (Genesis 3)Ark of the covenant (Numbers 7:89) Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34)Temple (1 Kings 8:11) Jesus! ImmanuelHoly SpiritNew Jerusalem Foreshadowing/Revelation 21, etc.Question: Do you allow God’s presence to minister to you? What would that look like? Feel like? How would that change things…God’s Presence is multi-facetedOmnipresence (Psa. 139:7 ESV).Transcendence - God is not bound by any physical or time constructsManifest presence- this is physical presence, something you can process with human sensesImmanence- This is God’s presence WITHIN creation.Indwelling Presence- “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27).CS Lewis quote- “God has infinite attention to spare for each one of us. You are as much alone with him as if you were the only being he had ever created.”  Question- When or where do you connect with God’s presence the most?Reference to Aundi Kolber’s book, “Try Softer”“You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” Psalm 139:5We cannot forget that the presence of God came to earth and dwelt among humanity, not to condemn it but to save it (John 3:17).“The result of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever” Isaiah 32:17How can we be women who fully embrace & embody the Spirit who lives inside of us?Do you abide in God’s presence or are you nomadic?What would that look like? FEEL like? How would it change our perspective and interactions? Support the show (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/678206?giving_to=Woven%20In%20Truth%20Podcast)

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Jack Sharp on Unsplash Thoughts In Previous Chapters In Numbers 22-24 Balak tried to get Balaam to curse God's people because was afraid that they were a threat to him because they were so numerous. He wanted to drive them from his land. Balak was sure that if Balaam would curse them, he would be able to defeat them.  But God told Balaam that these were His people, and he should not curse them. God would not allow it. God protected His chosen people from outside threats. Lesson One But here in chapter 25, what happens? Israel brings a curse on themselves from God because of their own behavior. They begin to commit sexual sin with the women of Moab, apparently in the service of their god of fertility, Baal-Peor. I have often heard the argument that prostitution is a victimless crime, especially if both parties are willing participants. Of course that's hogwash. But I'm not here to discuss prostitution and the damage it causes. What I do want to say is that God's judgement on Israel as a result of this sin should tell you everything you need to know about how the God of the universe thinks about it. God told Moses to  “Arrest all the leaders of the people, and hang them up before the Lord in broad daylight, so that the fierce anger of the Lord may be turned away from Israel.” So those who had a responsibility to lead the people in righteousness, and who seem to have even participated in this great sin, were to be executed. And later in the chapter, we learn that God sent a plague on the rest of the people. Twenty-four thousand died from the plague, and it was only because Phinehas killed with a javelin one if the Israelites and the Midianite woman he was publicly having sex with at the entrance of the Tabernacle that God stopped the plague.  Sexual immorality is not something that we should take lightly, beloved. That's the lesson that comes through loud and clear. Lesson Two But there's another lesson that I mentioned in passing at the beginning of my comments. God did not allow Israel to be attacked from without. But because of moral and spiritual breakdowns within, they almost came to a terrible end. If it wasn't for the zeal and indignation of Phinehas, the plague that God unleashed on them might have ended them. It was the action of one righteous man that stopped the destruction of Israel. What We Must Do Beloved. Hear me. We cannot stop praying for our nation. Look at what's happening around us. Look at how far our morals have fallen. Look at the agenda of those who want to prey on our children with their perverse desire to confuse them as to whether they are boys or girls. This is is evil and perverse, completely counter to the clear teaching of scripture. Our nation is falling apart, beloved, in so many ways. Our election system is under attack. We have people in high political office that hate our way of life and the ideals that our nation was founded upon. America is under attack from enemies within. It has survived attacks from without for over 200 years, but it is in danger of falling because of rampant immorality and hatred of God within. We must not grow weary in our spiritual warfare, beloved. We must be strong. We must speak out. Some of us need to seek political office. All of us need to stand in the way of evil. With God's help, we can make a difference. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, "3We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ." As Phinehas stopped God's judgement on Israel, I believe we can stop God's judgement on America. Perhaps we are in the final moments of time, and Jesus will soon return, but we don't know that for sure.

Message NotesNo matter your profession, the Church is called to proclaim Jesus.Acts 18:3-4Don’t be discouraged by who you miss, be encouraged by who you will reach.Acts 18:6Courage comes out of a developed trust in God.Acts 18:9-10The Healthy Church SystemCALLActs 18:24, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31TRAINActs 18:26, 1 Corinthians 3:5-9reLEASEActs 18:27, 2 Corinthians 5:20aThe greatest misstep in the church is keeping people stuck in training rather than released in mission.1 Corinthians 2:1-5We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.2 Corinthians 5:20aThe greatest mission of the local church community is to release the people to be the Christ’s ambassadors.Send questions to email@redeemermn.orgScriptureActs 18; 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:5; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

For we walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 Principle:Our thoughts should be a reflection of our creator!!!! For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverb 23:7 2 Corinthians 10:4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divinepower to demolish strongholds. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 10:5We ... Read More

We all know Mr. Rogers, but maybe not as well as we think.Romans 12:5We, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS -CHRISTMAS VLESSON: ROMANS 5:6-11In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. John 1:4The evangelist says, “In him was life,” as though he were speaking of something in the past, and not, “In him is life.” But this must not be understood as a reference to the time before the world or the beginning. For the evangelist does not say here, “In the beginning there was life in him,” as he says just prior to this, “He was in the beginning with God.”One must refer this to the time of Christ's life or sojourn on earth, when the Word of God manifested Himself to men and among men. It is the evangelist's intention to write about Christ and His life, during which He accomplished all that was needed for us to have life: “In him was life.” Jesus Himself said: “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5We should understand the evangelist's statements to refer simply to the time of Christ here on earth. This Gospel is not as difficult as is sometimes supposed. Men have made it difficult with their lofty, deep, and powerful researches. The evangelist wrote it for all Christians, however simple they may be, and he set forth his word in a manner that is quite comprehensible.If someone simply disregarded Christ's life and sojourn here on earth and tried to find by his own resources that He is now sitting in heaven, he would be sadly mistaken. We must seek Him as He was and sojourned here on earth. Then we will find life, for He came to bring us life, light, and salvation. During this life on earth, all was accomplished that we should believe concerning Him, so that John declares most emphatically, “In him was life,” not the He is not now our life and that He does not now do what He did then.SL.XI.169-170,40-41AE 75,286PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, shine into our hearts with the light of your truth and be the true light of our life, for your truth's sake. Amen.

Then Shall We Know“Heaven is a school; its field of study, the universe; its teacher,the Infinite One. A branch of this school was established in Eden;and, the plan of redemption accomplished, education will again betaken up in the Eden school.”—Ellen G. White, Education, p. 301.If you are like most people, you have a lot of questions—questionsabout sin, suffering, sickness, death, about why this happened, why thathappened, why the other things happened.We have questions about the natural world, too, and all its mysteries.For all the incredible progress science has made in helping us under-stand more about the world and the universe as a whole, so much is stillbeyond our grasp.From the simplest life-forms to the sky over our heads, from themotion of subatomic particles to the whirling galaxies that are scatteredacross the cosmos, we are confronted with a reality that is so much big-ger and deeper than our minds can now grasp, especially with the littlebit of time we have here and now to study these things for ourselves.On the other hand, when you have an eternity to study, then no doubta lot of mysteries will be resolved for us.What do the following texts tell us about what we will learn once thiswhole sorry episode of sin and suffering and death finally ends?1 Cor. 13:121 Cor. 4:5We are promised that we will be given an understanding of thingsthat, for now, remain hidden to us. What a wonderful hope, too, thatonce we do see and understand things that now seem so difficult, wewill have nothing but praise for God! The key for us now is to hold onto our faith, trust in God’s promises, live up to the light that we have,and endure unto the end. And the good news is that we “can do allthings through Christ who strengthens” us (Phil. 4:13, NKJV).What heavy questions weigh on your heart? What things nowseem so incomprehensible? How can learning to trust God onthe things that you do understand help you with the things that,for now, you don’t?

Series: Immanuel: The Predicted KingScripture: Isaiah 40:1-5We hope you enjoyed listening to this message! If you’d like to stay updated on what God is doing at Citylight Council Bluffs, be sure to follow us:Citylight Council BluffsFacebookInstagramCitylight Council Bluffs | Sundays at 8:00, 9:30 & 11 AM2109 Railroad Hwy, Council Bluffs, IA 51503Support the show (https://www.citylightcb.org/give/)

Acts 16:1-5We've just been through a whole debate to declare that folks don't have to be circumcised. But now Paul circumcises Timothy. What's that about?Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here. Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org. Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge wrote and sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here. Thanks for talking about the text with us today.

“Forgiveness for the Fallen”Text: Isiah 43:16-44:5We often find ourselves feeling paralyzed by thinking of our sinful past, being unable to move forward by all the times we have fallen short. Isaiah 44 reminds us that God chose His people, and has always been there in times of adversity. As part of the people of God,…

A quick 37 minutes from https://twitter.com/WelshRev for https://www.facebook.com/Grace.Wales.online/ and http://ygrwp.com at https://www.facebook.com/TyrBugail/ online on Ruth 1:1-5We post every week so please SUBSCRIBE to our podcast to stay up to date, and be sure you are on the mailing list for our online DIY Sunday Service sheet which contains this podcast, the Word for the Week short video and a range of other useful resources.Request YOUR email subscription through the contact form on the website ... asking to be included if you are not already.http://www.yGRWP.com

“These are hard times and your feelings of frustration, fear, sadness, disappointment, and confusion are valid. We need to feel our feelings."What are you feeling right now?//Romans 5:2-5We boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.//This episode was written and recorded by Amanda Meisenheimer. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear and Threnody by Goldmund.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.This season of Be Still and Go is supported in part by Convergence as they help share each episode with their community. (You should do the same!) Convergence a network that supports the reshaping of organizations, congregations and leaders engaged in an age of movement from “organized religion” to “organizing religion” driven by the values of an inclusive, progressive theological vision for a more just world for all. Visit www.convergenceus.org to find out more.

“These are hard times and your feelings of frustration, fear, sadness, disappointment, and confusion are valid. We need to feel our feelings."What are you feeling right now?//Romans 5:2-5We boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.//This episode was written and recorded by Amanda Meisenheimer. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear and Threnody by Goldmund.Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all five seasons of Be Still and Go.Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice.This season of Be Still and Go is supported in part by Convergence as they help share each episode with their community. (You should do the same!) Convergence a network that supports the reshaping of organizations, congregations and leaders engaged in an age of movement from “organized religion” to “organizing religion” driven by the values of an inclusive, progressive theological vision for a more just world for all. Visit www.convergenceus.org to find out more.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. - James 1:5We all have a hard time making sense of life. We mostly tend to grumble about discouraging things and despair about trials. We even doubt God will help us through them! What we don’t often do is ask God about them.God promises to give us the wisdom we need for understanding. God doesn’t expect us to know everything we need to know to meet our challenges or make the right choices. But He does expect us to ask Him and listen for His answer.Through the Bible, God pours out His wisdom, and it will always be more than enough to meet our needs.Reflect: Do you remember asking God for wisdom for a situation in the past? How did it turn out?What is the difference between having more information and more wisdom?Can you think of a situation or choice where you need wisdom right now? Ask God for help.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/yourdailybible)

This week we're diving deeper into the power of praying God's word and the call to be obedient even when He's fighting the battle for us. If you missed last weeks episode (55) with Wendy Blight it is one you'll want to be sure to tune into. 2 Chron. 20:12,15,1712- For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you."15- Thus says the LORD to you, 'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.17- You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.The Lord calls us to be obedient even when He's fighting the battle for us. Matthew 15:1313- He answered, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up.The Lord wants to eradicate everything in our lives that is not meant to be there. 2 Corinthians 10:5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.The Lord gives us the opportunity to hand over the thoughts that are not from Him and we then allow Him to remove it from our lives. This has to become a habit, not a one time thing. (This is a HUGE work in progress for me).

New Series for 2020!Life Is A Treasure Hunt!First in the series: "I Found Christ, God's Treasure!"Apostle Paul, Colossians 2:1-5We find God's treasure even in our struggles. (2:1)We find fuller riches by understanding the "GOD mystery" revealed in Christ. (2:2)We claim Christ's hidden treasures as we deposit His wisdom and knowledge into our life account. (2:3)Christ's riches prevent poverty that comes by:1. deception2. isolation3. disorderly life4. flabby faithWe stand firm in Christ! (2:4,,5)Do you possess Christ and His riches?

Series: John 1: Life & LightScripture: John 1:4-5We hope you enjoyed listening to this message! If you’d like to stay updated on what God is doing at Citylight Council Bluffs, be sure to follow us:Citylight Council BluffsFacebookInstagramCitylight Council Bluffs | Sundays at 8, 9:30 & 11:15 AM2109 Railroad Hwy, Council Bluffs, IA 51503Support the show (https://www.citylightcb.org/give/)

Let's talk about Impeachment trial days 3, 4, & 5We wrap every moment of the trial so you don't have to! Lawmakers questioned Kurt Volker, a former State Department envoy to Ukraine, and Tim Morrison, a former National Security Council aide, National Security Council aide Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and Jennifer Williams, a foreign service aide detailed to Vice President Pence's office. Laura Cooper, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia, and David Hale, undersecretary of state for political affairs U.S. ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland Fiona Hill Senior Director (Former)National Security Council->Russian, Ukrainian and Eurasian Affairs David Holmes Counselor U.S. Embassy, Ukraine->U.S. Political AffairsIf you want to watch, link below - Watch Fiona Hill's testimony https://www.c-span.org/congress/

IngratitudeHolding Me DownProverbs 16:9The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.Ingratitude is a weight that holds you downIngratitude is a heart assumption based on perspective.2 Corinthians 8:1-5We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints” and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.2 Corinthians 8:1-5We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints” and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.2 Corinthians 8:1-5We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints” and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.Ingratitude is a weight that holds you downGive Up Your RightGive Up Your RightGive Up Your AssumptionsGive Up Your RightGive Up Your AssumptionsGive Up Your IngratitudeIngratitude is a weight that holds you down

I have an opportunity to speak to a group of mentors tomorrow about bridging the gap between what is and where they want to be.For the past seven years, I have received these speaking opportunities with gratitude and without having a word-for-word prepared speech, have taken the stage with a love in my heart and a desire to share what the audience is ready to hear.My heart and God’s inspiration have never failed me. Many times, words flow from my lips that I could never have planned. And always I hear comments from individuals of “that is exactly what I needed today”, or “it felt like you were talking directly to me”.I have taken courses on NLP and proper speaking technique. And I am grateful for the background that helps me be more connective in my body language on stage. However, today in our silent meditation, I realized that speaking solely based on what I have learned in a class is inauthentic to me.My gift and genius is receiving inspiration and having the ability to transfer that inspiration into digestible information that is easily understood and absorbed by those who are willing and ready to receive it.The scientific approach seems so primitive in comparison. The words that came to me in that silent meditation were: elementary, false, flesh, manipulative, preying on, false manufacture of emotion.I am not knocking techniques like NLP or body language that are taught by many to help people feel confident on stage. For me, with my particular gift of touching hearts through inspiration in the moment, it is not the best method.Trusting my gift, requires me also to trust God and to trust myself to listen. Even beyond that, I must trust that those who I am speaking to will listen and feel the power and truth of my message.Mary mentioned on our call today, that she has had a similar feeling that she must trust herself, God and even trust that she is on the right path!Felicia reminded us on the call about Queen Esther in the Bible whose uncle said: “…and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” -Esther 4:14It takes courage to trust, as Esther did, that we are being and have been prepared for whatever we are facing in our lives. Our daily habits (like Gratitude and Daily GPS), prepare us for ANY opportunity that arises for us to show in defense of a cause we believe in.One of Coleen’s favorite scriptures to quote on our calls is:“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” -Proverbs 3:5We only have part of the picture. What we observe in others, could very well be God’s guiding hand. It may look crazy to us (sometimes I feel that the guidance I receive looks crazy to other people), but God sees the outcome and if we trust Him ourselves and others, we can see a little further than if we rely only on what logic is telling us.Today, I Give Myself Permission to Confidently Act Without Perfect KnowledgeI trust God to assist meI see and I draw upon inspiration to see furtherI am preparedI am intentional in my choices and actionsI anticipate the SpiritI am purposeful in my actionsI trust myself and GodI am intentional about myI prepare daily by practicing and developing my ability to receive inspired messagesI live by intuitionClick Here for more info on living a life of gratitude.Click Here to find out how to join the Gratitude Call live every weekday morning at 7 am Mountain Time.Click Here to jSupport the show (https://wylenebenson.com)

Series: Core Values (2019)Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-5We hope you enjoyed listening to this message! If you’d like to stay updated on what God is doing at Citylight Council Bluffs, be sure to follow us:Citylight Council Bluffs Facebook InstagramCitylight Council Bluffs | Sundays at 8, 9:30 & 11:15 AM 2109 Railroad Hwy, Council Bluffs, IA 51503Support the show (https://www.citylightcb.org/give/)

Join me for episode 157. Testify is a modern-day homage to the old time gospel shows of the past. Every episode of Testify will feature a testimony interview, a worship song, and a sermon. This episode features the testimony of Dalton & Christina Loafman. They share how God brought them together in a love story that spans two cultures and countries. Phil Baker also joins us with this week's song (Better Together) and sermon (Dinning With Thieves). He shares how the rescuing love of Jesus can not only save us, but transform our very identities. So please check it out, this is truly one broadcast you won't want to miss! Want More Omega Frequency? Listen Here: http://omegafrequency.libsyn.comWant More Fourth Watch Content? Listen Here: https://www.spreaker.com/show/4th-watch-with-justen-faullWant More Of Phil’s Music? Get It Here: https://philsbaker.com/#post-5We need your prayer. Join The Frequency Force! http://www.omegafrequency.com/the-frequency-forceAlso, If you want to support Omega Frequency you can buy a shirt here: https://cottonbureau.com/people/omega-frequency

Join me for episode 157. Testify is a modern-day homage to the old time gospel shows of the past. Every episode of Testify will feature a testimony interview, a worship song, and a sermon. This episode features the testimony of Dalton & Christina Loafman. They share how God brought them together in a love story that spans two cultures and countries. Phil Baker also joins us with this week's song (Better Together) and sermon (Dinning With Thieves). He shares how the rescuing love of Jesus can not only save us, but transform our very identities. So please check it out, this is truly one broadcast you won't want to miss! Want More Omega Frequency? Listen Here: http://omegafrequency.libsyn.comWant More Fourth Watch Content? Listen Here: https://www.spreaker.com/show/4th-watch-with-justen-faullWant More Of Phil’s Music? Get It Here: https://philsbaker.com/#post-5We need your prayer. Join The Frequency Force! http://www.omegafrequency.com/the-frequency-forceAlso, If you want to support Omega Frequency you can buy a shirt here: https://cottonbureau.com/people/omega-frequency

“Lip or Life Service?” Matthew 21:28-32This Week’s Core Practice: Single-mindedness I focus on God and His priorities for my life.Matthew 6: 24, 31-33“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.Scripture: Matthew 21:28-3128 “ But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘ Son, go, work today in my vineyard. ’ 29 He answered and said, ‘ I will not, ’ but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘ I go, sir, ’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father? ” They said to Him, “ The first. ”Jesus said to them, “ Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.The Message of this Passage:From the Ligonier”s Ministry: “Jesus in today’s passage uses His discussion of John the Baptist’s authority with the religious leaders in Jerusalem as a springboard to explain why judgment is coming upon those covenant-breaking Israelites who believe themselves falsely to be God’s true people. The parable of the two sons is the first of three consecutive parables in which our Lord condemns faithless Israelites.The point of today’s parable is straightforward, namely, that it is better to obey without promising than it is to promise and not obey. As Scripture tells us elsewhere, words mean nothing if there are no deeds to back them up. It is easy to profess the truth, but our Father in heaven also demands that we do the truth as well. Those who initially refuse to submit to God but then turn to Him are His children, not those who honor Him with their lips and yet have hearts that never serve Him.Of course, the priests and elders believe they are represented by the obedient son. Jesus, however, has a different estimation. The tax collectors and prostitutes, those whom the leaders see as farthest from the kingdom, are those who in hearing the preaching of John and Jesus have recognized their poverty of Spirit and repented. John Calvin comments that although they are great sinners, “they are greatly preferable to the scribes and Pharisees in this respect, that they do not continue to the end in their vices, but, on the contrary, submit gently and obediently to the yoke which they had fiercely rejected.” It is the son who does not follow through on his pledge that represents the Jerusalem authorities; they have not seen their desperate need of forgiveness and consequently, have not turned from their sin (v. 32; see 3:7–10).Being able to discern the faithful son is actually an act of self-indictment on the part of the leaders. If they can rightly choose as faithful the son who left his disobedience, surely they must also be able to discern in themselves their own lack of righteousness and need of the Savior. Yet they never acknowledge their guilt. Let us never be so confident in our own goodness that we fail to recognize our need of repentance and forgiveness.For Personal Reflection and Discussion:What is the truth contained in the main point of this parable?What motivated the parableWhat is Jesus’ personal application of the parable? (v. 31)What does this parable teach us about service?In what ways are these two sons similar? How do those similarities apply to Jesus’ listeners and those of us that read this parable today?In what ways are the two sons different? Who do they represent?What do you think is the whole point of this parable?What point is Jesus making in verses 31–32? Why does He sound so harsh here?What does it mean that Jesus says the harlots and tax gatherers will get into the kingdom of God before the chief priests and elders of Israel?This parable is different from some of the others, in that there is no burning of one side, like the wheat and tares, and there is no casting of one side into the place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. Is there any significance to this fact? If so, what is it?Where would you place yourself on the spectrum of the older to younger brother? How does this parable specifically apply to us today…to you today?What Core Competencies do you see positively or negatively in the passage? 30 CORE COMPETENCIES10 FOUNDATIONAL BELIEFSTrinity: 2 Corinthians 13:14We believe the God of the Bible is the only true God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.Salvation by Grace: Ephesians 2: 8-9We believe a person comes into a right relationship with God by His grace,through faith in Jesus Christ.Authority of the Bible: 2 Timothy 3: 16-17We believe the Bible is the Word of God and has the right to command our belief and action.Personal God: Psalm 121: 1-2We believe God is involved in and cares about our daily life.Identity in Christ: John 1: 12We believe we have significance because of our position as children of God.Church: Ephesians 4: 15-16We believe the church is God’s primary way to accomplish His purposes on earth today.Humanity: John 3: 16We believe all people are loved by God and need Jesus Christ as their Savior.Compassion: Psalm 82: 3-4We believe God calls all Christians to show compassion to those in need.Eternity: John 14: 1-4We believe there is a heaven and a hell and that Jesus Christ is returning to judge the earth and toestablish His eternal kingdom.Stewardship: I Timothy 6: 17-19We believe that everything we are or own belongs to God.10 FOUNDATIONAL PRACTICESWorship: Psalm 95: 1-7We worship God for who He is and what He has done and will continue to do.Prayer: Psalm 66: 16-20We pray to God to know Him, to intercede for others, to let our request be known to Him and tofind direction for our daily lives.Bible Study: Hebrews 4: 12We read the Bible to know God, the truth and to find direction.Single Mindedness: Matthew: 6: 33We focus on the Lordship of Christ and His Priorities for our lives.Spiritual Gifts: Romans 12: 4-5We know and use our spiritual gifts to fulfill God’s purpose in our life and add to the benefit of theBiblical or Transformational Community.Biblical Community: Acts 2: 44-47We fellowship with other Christians to accomplish God’s purpose in our lives,other’s lives, andin the world.Giving Away My Time: Colossians 3: 17We give away our time to fulfill God’s purposes and for the building of His Kingdom.Giving Away My Money: 2 Corinthians 8: 7We give away our money to fulfill God’s purposes and for the building of His Kingdom.Giving Away My Faith: Ephesians 6: 19-20We give away our faith to fulfill God’s purposes and for the building of His Kingdom.Giving Away My Life: Romans 12: 1We give away our life to fulfill God’s purposes and for the building of His Kingdom.10 FOUNDATIONAL VIRTUESJoy: Psalm 95: 1-7I have inner contentment and purpose in spite of my circumstances.Peace: Philippians 4: 6-7I am free from anxiety because things are right between God, others, and myself.Faithfulness: Proverbs 3: 3-4I am faithful to fulfill God’s will for my life.Self-Control: I Thessalonians 5:6I have the power, through the Holy Spirit, to choose to control myself.Humility: Philippians 2: 3-4I choose to show consideration for others above myself.Love: I John 4: 10-12I am committed to love others unconditionally.Patience: Proverbs 14:29I am patient with others.Kindness/Goodness: I Thessalonians 5: 15I choose to do the right things in my relationship with others.Gentleness: Philippians 4:5I choose to be thoughtful, considerate and calm in dealing with others.Hope: Hebrews 6: 17-20It is because of the hope I have in Christ I can cope with the hardships of lifeand with death.Notes:

Title: I Saw No TempleText: Revelation 21:10; 21:22-22:5We continue the journey through John's Revelation. Listen in as worship becomes everlasting. Pastor James preaches all three services.

No matter which book we read, podcast we hear, or youtube video we watch....It all points back to Jesus!“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” - John 1:1-3In the teaching, life and work of Jesus, God communicated everything he desired.He tells us to Believe in Him and He wants us to spread the Word of Him to EVERYONE. So...no matter what conclusion we come up just know, “Every Word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." -Proverbs 30:5We can always look to the source of Truth, the Bible.

Series: Galatians: Just Give Me JesusScripture: Galatians 5:26-6:5We hope you enjoyed listening to this message! If you’d like to stay updated on what God is doing at Citylight Council Bluffs, be sure to follow us:Citylight Council BluffsFacebookInstagramCitylight Council Bluffs | Sundays at 8, 9:30 & 11:15 AM 2109 Railroad Hwy, Council Bluffs, IA 51503Support the show (https://www.citylightcb.org/give/)

A Day in the LifeSermon series on the book of Job. 1/6Job 1-2This book is a literary masterpiece in its own right. Perhaps the oldest book of the Bible Job covers themes of human suffering, the unfairness of life, the inadequacy of human understanding and the sovereignty of God in a manner that engages the reader to experience the sadness and despair of the main character.Though written during the time of the patriarchs (Job lived to be many hundreds of years old), the issues this book grapples with are relevant to our Christian experience.An honorable Man 1-5We are introduced to a godly man. He's from Uz - somewhere between modern Jordan and Iraq. He's not from the Promised land. He's not a jew. He worships God. He has been blessed beyond measure - an ancient sign of God's approval. That God approves of Job is proven by verse 8: there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?There was perhaps no better example of a God-fearing person than Job.If there is one topic that will boil the blood of even the best Christian, it is unfairness or injustice. We want to believe in a world where things are equal and fair and when the truth of the situation is revealed it makes us ask the most difficult questions. And this is where Job takes us.A horrible Loss 13-19The story moves from earth to heaven and back twice in the first two chapters and this morning we are going to remain on earth. We will consider the scenes in heaven next week. Job's experience did not include this peek into heaven's events.One fateful afternoon Job received four messengers. With each delivery more of Job's wealth is destroyed. His farm implements - the oxen - and his source of milk - the donkeys - are killed by an invading force. His source of fabric - the sheep - are killed by fire from heaven. His transportation - the camels - were raided by a caravan. His kids were killed in a freak building collapse. In one fell swoop Job is left with four servants and a wife. What would your response be? What if you lost your job, your car, your house, your savings and your kids on one afternoon? Job praised God. This isn't a platitude… this is the expression of a faithful believer who won't let go of God.A hideous Sickness 2:7-8Job is still reeling from his loss when he feels a lump on his forehead. Before long he is covered in loathsome sores. Chapter 7:5 give us a bit more detail about these sores. An itch. Infection. Infested with worms. This man is in agony.“At least I have my health.” Not anymore. When his friends arrive at the end of the chapter he is unrecognizable to them and they mourn. Not only does he lose his health, he loses his dignity, lying naked in a heap of ashes, scraping his sores with a broken piece of pottery.What would your response be? You discover that lump while taking a shower. You worry and fret until the doctor's appointment comes. You pray and cry while you wait for the results from the biopsy. It's cancer and it's bad.You fall. You break something. It doesn't heal properly. Now you live every day with pain. How do you respond?Job praises God.A harsh response 2:9It's all too much for Job's wife. Don't be too harsh on her. She has lost her wealth and her security in a time when widows didn't have much status. She lost ten children. Now she sees her husband become a pathetic, oozing heap of humanity. She says: “Just curse God and die.” Get it over with. Just be done with God.Here is the response many of us struggle not to have in times like this. And here is the temptation for Job - he loses his spousal support.His answer is loving… I don't think it is scathing. “This isn't you… you sound like one of the silly women.”Job can still help and guide and correct his wife.How do you respond when you spouse doesn't give the support you hope for?The unthinkable circumstances strengthened Job's trust in God 1:21 and the medical crisis enlarged Job's dependence on God. 2:10In none of the things Job says about holding onto God did he sin. Job's commitment was firm and he would not let anything steal God from him.