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Lent is the 40 days leading up to Easter. Traditionally, during Lent, Christians fast or give something up. In today's episode, I talk about giving up sugar, plus give some tips on how best to use flashcards to learn vocabulary. Vocabulary: Give something up, Lent, Ramadan, Abstain, Hold someone accountable, Hojicha, Taste buds, Crave, Vain, Spring (verb), Daylight savings, Flashcards Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Lent for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mike McCoy 3-23-2025 AM Brother Mike brings us a pertinent message concerning a subject dating back to Biblical times, and reminds us if it was true then, it certainly is now. Crossville First Free Will Baptist Church www.crossvillechurch.com
Pastor Steve Perez | March 25, 2025The Fountain Apostolic Churchone_ (2025)Learn more at tfachurch.com/plus
God's will for your sanctification requires that you abstain from sexual immorality, possess your body in honor, and live holy before God.We are living in a hyper-sexualized culture. It seems sexual perversion and sexual immorality are everywhere.However, though the world may be full of sexual immorality, the command of God and the evidence of salvation is that Christians must abstain from sexual immorality. How, then, can you live sexually pure in a sexually perverse world? This passage teaches three requirements that you must do to live a life holy before God.You must be saved. (1-3a) You must be self-controlled. (3b-6) You must be submissive before God. (7-8)Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.Sermon preached 3/10/2025.Books and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben's sermon notes are available at http://bensmithsr.org/resources.For more information on Central Baptist Church, visit www.cbcwaycross.org.
It's not about eating fish—it's about choosing simplicity, penance, and uniting with the poor. Why do Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays? Join Fr. Jonathan Meyer as he unpacks the deeper meaning behind this Lenten practice. Let's embrace this season with the right intention!
Today is Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Ash Wednesday, a 1st class feast, with the color of violet. In this episode: The meditation: “The Mystery of Lent,” a preview of the Sermon: “Why Do We Fast and Abstain?,” today's news from the Church: “The Ukrainian Rift Separates the Vatican From the United States,” and today's thought from the Archbishop. Sources Used Today: From Epiphany to Lent (Angelus Press) “The Ukrainian Rift Separates the Vatican From the United States” (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/ukrainian-rift-separates-vatican-united-states-51034 “Why Do We Fast and Abstain?” (SSPX Sermons) Watch on YouTube Listen & Subscribe: SSPX Sermons Podcast The Spiritual Life- Archbishop Lefebvre (Angelus Press) - - - - - - - We'd love your feedback on these Daily Devotionals! What do you like / not like, and what would you like us to add? podcast@sspx.org - - - - - - - Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> - - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional - it's a perfect companion! Subscribe to this Podcast to receive this and all our audio episodes Subscribe to the SSPX YouTube channel for video versions of our podcast series and Sermons FSSPX News Website: https://fsspx.news Visit the US District website: https://sspx.org/ - - - - - What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. https://sspx.org
We fast and abstain during the Lenten season in order, among other things, to control the concupiscence of the flesh while elevating our souls to God. Both practices also offer us an opportunity to make reparation for our past sins and imitate Our Lord, fasted in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights.
Get the QuitByHealing Program: https://quitbyhealing.com/program/Join the newsletter: https://quitbyhealing.com/newsletter/There's a lot of talk about semen retention in the men's advice and nofap worlds. Unfortunately, almost everything people are saying about this is plain wrong. Really just entirely missing the point and probably doing more harm than good.If you're going to do this, do it right and avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that I explain in this video. Here, you'll learn about the Taoist and Yogic roots of the idea of semen retention, why there are stories of people gaining superpowers from not nutting for a while and what you should and shouldn't do if this is a path of spiritual development you want to take.Chapters:00:00 We need to talk about this...00:41 A quick disclaimer02:01 What semen retention is NOT about03:42 What semen retention IS about04:50 "Moving Energy"05:58 Okay, but how?07:56 The Real Thing vs. The Side Effect09:43 Why it does more harm than good11:19 Don't Abstain(?)12:27 Mistake Number 114:57 Mistake Number 216:17 What it SHOULD Feel Like18:33 Do this instead19:39 My personal experience20:32 Get out of the Struggle Cycle23:26 The World Needs Good MenRelated videos: - Why it's harmful to expect benefits/superpowers on a specific timeline: https://youtu.be/bIdb60GrI18- Don't get stuck in your masculine development: https://youtu.be/nLsEGUF3JUg- How to develop a healthy masculine communication style: https://youtu.be/u4kOqFU7oj0
5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 5:10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 5:16 Rejoice evermore. 5:17 Pray without ceasing. 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 5:19 Quench not the Spirit. 5:20 Despise not prophesyings. 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 5:25 Brethren, pray for us. 5:26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. 5:27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. 5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
The occasion of Māgha Pūjā commemorates the sponteneous gathering of 1,250 awakened disciples of the Buddha (Arahants) in the Veḷuvana Monastery (Bamboo Grove Monstery) in Rājagaha, and the teaching of the Ovādapātimokkha, a concise summary of the teaching of the Buddha in verse: Abstain from any evil deed, accomplish what is good and true, And fully purify your mind - That is what all the Buddhas teach. Enduring patience is the best of all ascetic practices; The best of everything at all is called Nibbāna by the sage. If you cause harm to anyone you can't be called a genuine monk! Refrain from harming and abuse, and strictly keep the Buddha's rules; Be moderate when taking food, and dwell alone in solitude devoted to the Higher Mind - That is what all the Buddhas teach. Dhammagiri WebsiteOur Spotify PlaylistsNewsletterDhammagiri Youtube ChannelPics#Maghapuja #Dhamma #Dhammatalk #Arahant #Buddha #Sangha
Online sermons from Grace Baptist Church of Chariton Iowa. Preaching the gospel to anyone willing to listen!
*Only a low resolution recording was able to be obtained this week*
Today David spoke about prayer and fasting and what it means to pray Faithfully and full of faith. Listen as we learn how to Focus , Abstain , Set aside and Talk.
Sam and Al duscuss the readings. Step 11 Readings from “Opening Doors Within” by Eileen Caddy and “24hrs a Day” by Richmond Walker. #12steps #recovery #addiction #AA #CA.
First Thessalonians Series: 1 Thessalonians 5:22-The Thessalonians Must Continue to Abstain from Every Kind of Evil-Lesson # 89
First Thessalonians Series: 1 Thessalonians 5:22-The Thessalonians Must Continue to Abstain from Every Kind of Evil-Lesson # 89
By Mary Lindow I'm going to make a few statements about this podcast before I begin. I hope I am not required by Lord to make many podcasts like this one, but I will obey him if he does ask me to do so! To even things out a little bit, my next few podcasts are going to be sharing about some magnificent and overwhelming experiences that I have had in meeting First Native Chiefs throughout the United States and Canada. All of these events were orchestrated by the Lord in order for us to meet. The things that I learned from these godly individuals who love Jesus, but understand the strongholds in our cities, our nations and upon our lands, has been absolutely Life-changing. I hope to share at least two podcasts telling you these stories and experiences that glorify Jesus, and show the power of his supernatural ability to get us to the places we need to go without ever having to push our way in or manipulate anything. Now let's begin today's crucial podcast. We are in a time when many people are seeing much evil take place, not only in our nation, not only in large and small corporations, but in church organizations and organizations that claim to bear the name of Christ on their letterheads. One of the greatest deceptions taking place is that people are being told to NOT “discuss”/not to tell the truth about the abuses that are taking place in some of these organizations. With the multitude of public exposures that is taking place right now all over social media regarding unconscionable and difficult happenings, I have been agonizingly yet strongly prompted by the Holy Spirit, to share my thoughts and the experiences that I have had in walking other people out of dark places, because of the harm done to them in some of these institutions. I do this with a heavy heart, and yet I must take courage and be obedient in order to be an “Advocate of Hope” for those who feel that they cannot speak out for fear of being threatened or ridiculed, letting them know that there are others who will champion and stand with them by calling “wolfish abuse” what it is, instead of sweeping it under any kind of Church Carpet, Corporate Carpet, or Institutional Carpet. I am by far, not the perfect believer by any means! I've had some wonderful mentors and training from others in ministry as well as in the counseling arena who have been strong and good people of discernment. When something inside of you is alerted or feels really uncomfortable, or even just the thought of, “there's something not right about that” pops in, that's a built-in radar God gives us. Now, if someone's judging someone because they don't like that they're loud, or seem to be "too meek, obese, skinny, or speak a truth that they aren't comfortable with or don't have wisdom about", then that's where all the speculating and suspicion move in. Being set free from critical behavior and suspicion takes a willingness to admit that we don't trust anybody, or, that we think we have an exclusive lead on how God speaks all the time. I certainly need the accountability friends in my life who speak truth to me firmly and regularly! The soul loves to put itself in its own place of authority and override discernment, humility,and often the need to prove that our opinion matters. Honestly, keeping a heart pure and clean before the Lord every day, (and that's truly not just an easy thing), but pursuing him with the right heart, keeps that place where we hear from him very sharpened and aware! Studying his word, digging into what it really means, provides a depth and place of resource to go to, to check whether our heart is in accordance with his word or if we're making up our own ideas about things. It's so easy to let other people think or speak for us, or their opinions, being strong, driving a message to us that says we should probably do what they say. This is where we get into trouble! We are supposed to question or “test” things and not just take everything hook, line, and sinker! In 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 it tells us, “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, BUT, test everything; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” Friends! Evil can be deceptive and cunning! The word of God has an omnipotent power that cuts through all of the fog of self-deception and definitely pontificating! Many people quote the scripture and use it to their benefit when they want to self promote or appear to be somewhat spiritual. This is where discernment has to come in!!! If something feels wrong, if something is spiritually off key, is not in alignment with what Jesus said or what the scriptures speak, then discernment has to come in to play. The road gets narrower as you walk your Christian journey with Jesus, and you absolutely will be called many names because of the stance of wanting to be more like him, and more detached from the volumes of worldly knowledge. Wisdom isn't easily gained! But, it's so worth it when you get a little nugget that lasts for eternity. Suspicion vs. Discernment. I've seen this destroy and have been painfully more than a few times, a recipient of ugly and ruthless “suspicious” judgments. Suspicion destroys relationships. It destroys lives. It listens to hearsay rather than God's inward warnings. Suspicion can feed a self satisfaction (which is actually pride) when our choices to put others in a lesser and suspicious light, even sabotaging them, justifies our own agendas. When we are constantly suspicious of the motives of others, we drive people away that could be a great blessings to us. (They may even walk with a bit of a limp due to the battles and hard fought victories they've fought throughout their lives.) Check your life today. Are you discerning, or merely suspicious? The problem is, sometimes we label suspicion with the pious name of “discernment” and think we're being super spiritual. It's so important to learn the difference between discernment and suspicion! The difference is quite simple. Discernment comes from God and will recognize evil for what it is. Suspicion come from or soul and will imagine evil when there is none. If you see genuine compassion, kindness, mercy, accountability, humility and a forgiving nature in someone, you are seeing a surrendered soul. Not many want to talk about how hard spiritual growth and dying to ourselves, our opinions our interpretations is. It's not a one time thing, it's every day. It's remaining quiet when we want to speak. It's trusting God's timing when we would, rather control. It's doing it God's way when it doesn't make sense to us. It's quietly walking away from what might “appear to be a lucrative or more publicly promoting opportunity” when you know there are political or spiritually abusive environments involved. We don't get a lot of accolades or crowns here on earth for that kind of brave but necessary decision. But in heaven, when we do behold the face of the one who literally bled out for us, and he says, “Well done, so well done my good and faithful servant! Enter into my rest!” Oh my goodness, how absolutely all of the hardship and persecution will melt away in that moment, and the joy that is unspeakable and has yet to be fully understood, will be complete in our lives. It is necessary in life to learn from those who have more wisdom and experience, because they can help us see things that we don't notice. Even though modern culture tells us that we should “live our own truth and do whatever we think is best”, it's this type of thinking that leads us into trouble. This is why Scripture tells us not to be wise in our own eyes. True wisdom comes from fearing God. This means we should have a high regard for God's Word and His instructions to us. He knows all things, including, what is best for us. We can also gain wisdom from other people. When we can learn from the mistakes and experiences of others, we're better equipped to not make the same mistakes. However, if you think you're the only one who knows best, you are bound to repeat the same errors. There's a huge amount of exposure taking place in pulpits, Ministry organizations, Christian Media Corporations, Governments, Christian Universities and Bible Schools... ...Right now. Of course, we all know the Lord is doing a lot of the exposing and dealing with painful and shocking events that have or, are currently occurring, or are being investigated. Why is he doing this? Because he will not allow these kinds of charades, criminal acts or hiding of sexual misconductsto NOT be caught. Sadly many individuals who are sitting in church pulpits or are serving in ministry environments such as youth ministries, children's church, Young adult groups and more, are often made uncomfortable by things they see taking place with some of the staff members. The big question now is do you dare say anything? If you see a male individual in a place of authority as a teacher, a pastor, any kind of youth worker anywhere, being over familiar with females, and by that I mean, resting their hand on their back too often with letting it linger, standing too closely to them in their personal space, spending time alone with them in their office etc. with doors shut and no visible way to see anything taking place. These are red flags! A little bit of investigating and watching and taking notes is appropriate. Always document things that you see that make you feel there is something wrong going on and always date it. But be honest, not suspicious and don't exaggerate or embellish. If necessary, take pictures. These are now used as evidence in court cases. Another example! If you would happen to know that there was a youth minister who sexually approached or interfered with a child or a young adult, and it was hidden and “dealt with” in an internal investigation among elders or leaders of a church or youth organization, club or scouting group, but was never reported, and this individual was then packed up and sent off to another state to minister or workelsewhere, they have basically turned this person into a repeat offender. These things must be reported to the police! Here's the hard thing. We sure hope that we could go to people like elders or other leaders in the church if we see something taking place and know that deception is involvedand that others are covering it up. If there has ever been a question that you have seen or a child has reported to you, that a young adult has reported to you or a teenager has reported to you that something inappropriate, whether it was conversation, whether it was physical touch, whether it was a threat that took place, you must go to the police. Taking it to the pastor or taking it to the leadership "feels" like a good idea. But when there's a wolf in the crowd, when there are wolves in leadership positions, we don't take time to try to defend ourselves against wolves or predators. If you know, for a fact that these things have taken place, you must document and you must protect the children. You must protect the young developing adults. And, you must protect the future generations that would be affected if this perpetrator is permitted to be allowed to continue to remain in any organization, and not have appropriate legal consequences take place. There are many who are holding positions in churches that are hiding inappropriate events of their own, within their own staff, or within their own organization, who value their building, their notoriety and their income, more than they value protecting the sheep or telling the truth. Some people do not believe this is true! They think that surely the Holy Spirit would be exposing these things if they were really happening! Well, my friends, the Holy Spirit uses practical human beings who are aware and have cultivated discernment and see that there is something very wrong and very out of order going on, and these human beings must be bold, courageous, and speak out like the prophet Nathan spoke to King David when he was having a long-term affair with Bathsheba and murdered his own military leader in order to cover his own manipulative and adulterous behavior. There were terrible, painful consequences that took place because of what David did. Yet God in his mercy when David repented, restored David's relationship back to himself. But if forever changed David, and there were things that he was no longer permitted to partake in because of his wickedness. But God did not shun him. God corrected him. Here are a few basic recommendations I'd like to share as a Pastoral counselor (and as a minister myself), with those who are in some form of ministry. It's not wise for men to counsel Women alone, but if necessary they must have a glass window where another safe office or staff member can see into the room. I have seen too many people get enmeshed emotionally with intimate counseling and I have historical documents that sadly indicate where several ministers who fantasized or planned or, actually have run off with people they were counseling for marriage difficulties! They have devastated marriages, families and churches because they crossed a line and blew clear past healthy boundaries, and safety protocols for counseling. I also strongly recommend that men are not often alone in an office setting or ministry facility with women, especially if single, because they're vulnerable women, because the table can turn two ways. The woman can become needy or manipulative and play on the affections or the emotions of a tender, kind hearted man, and then turn around and accuse them of some kind of inappropriate actions. Men in buildings alone with women who are married and it's late at night with a woman who is beautiful and lovely, or even sweet and precious, can create a sense of desire in a man whois tired of the grind of life, maybe hard work, might be having some strain at home, and in a few moments of weakness, begins to pursue an emotional affair, talking too openly, sharing too openly, and it can quickly lead to other kinds of affection, emotional bonding and inappropriate touching. I know some of this sounds pretty heavy, and we as believers just don't want to have to hear about the horrible, dark things that could possibly take place! We so want to believe the best in everyone and we want to be merciful and forgiving! But, with the recent rash and exposure of well-known names, seemingly appearing holy and virtuous, many well protected individuals are now being exposed in multiple areas and in multiple environments, for hiding harm done to children, harm done to staff, and then using spiritual gifts or “spiritual pedigrees” to justify that they were just “tired or weak in the moment” and that they thought they'd handle it in house privately! Well, to speak bluntly and boldly, this fakery and denial is just all hogwash when the gaslighting and lying starts! We have to call it what it is! It's called spiritual abuse (SA) or clergy sexual abuse. (CSA) . Returning to my original introduction regarding the need for discernment versus suspicion, we have to be very wise and make sure that our hearts are right as we begin to walk out these very difficult times of exposure as well as needing to be vocal. There are victims among us who have not said anything for years about the things that took place in back rooms or offices or church buildings, camps or cars. For some reason, people run to suspicion and say, “Why are you now just beginning to talk about this? Why did you wait so long? What do you want out of this?” In legal terms when someone speaks out immediately about sexual abuse or harm done,the term is called “Outcry”. They “cry out”, they “tell”. When someone takes awhile to be able to process abuse, especially children (male, and female!) or young vulnerable teenagers or women who have been abused in the past, and have been threatened to remain silent or paid off to be quiet, and are easily preyed upon by those who are able to spot vulnerability, it takes them longer, and healthy unpacking and dialog frees them to tell. This must be tenderly and wisely handled with a skilled CHRISTIAN trauma counselor who works in these areas of sexual, church or cult abuse, or child abuse. The term for this, when someone takes so long or doesn't remember everything that happened (because they've been threatened and they have shut it out), this is called “Delayed Outcry.” With the proper counseling and the proper police reporting involved, then there becomes an investigation or a forensic investigation that listens to and reviews documents, the stories or events, does the investigating, looks at any kind of proof which could be documents, notes, texts, emails, pictures, clothing, the location or rooms these things happened in. Then, they begin to question and cross examine those who are being accused. Yes! There have been people who have lied and set others up for something they never did. Or, they lured people into getting them to be involved in nefarious behaviors, use of drugs, alcohol, inappropriate touching, looking at unsafe objects, videos or pictures, and then turn around and use it to project onto that individual in order to hide their own very Addictive sicknesses. Here's the Honest Deal. When there are wolves operating the pulpits, we don't say, “well they were once a really nice sheep so we have to be nice to them!” A wolf is a wolf! A wolf puts on a mask like a sheep and can appear saintly and beautiful and tell sad, well oiled stories about themselves to make themselves look like they're repentant over something “small” that they may struggle over and then everyone feels like, “what a lovely, humble soul!” They can con, they can cry, they can preach, they can look compassionate. They can talk a good line, they can be very convincing. But, if they have been predators, touching children, often touching women, touching men, plagiarizing, mishandling funds for their own purposes and lavish living... …These are wolves. We have to call them for what they are. They thrive on building their egos and are very convincing in order build their own empires, claiming that it was the Lord giving them all the blessings. 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 addresses this so strongly! “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light!” Friends, Discernment is at an all-time low and the Lord is bringing it to the forefront. The Spirit of God is saying to you and saying to me, “cultivate develop and train yourself to be discerning and to test everything!” This means school boards, politicians, those in the pulpit, those in other ministries and any other position of authority. Some of the slickest and most well promoted people are often those of who have charming, manipulative narcissistic traits and harm many in their wake. The posture of power, inflated titles, fake tears, swiftly changing of trends and movements that claim it's “THE thing” God is doing, are lures to draw crowds, train people to trust the speakers to hear from God for them ( but not fully train the audience to discern and judge.) Oh the wretched and unbelievably twisted things I have heard behind the doors of Pastoral counseling! Oh the ugly and extremely uncomfortable things I've witnessed in Green rooms before live “Christian” broadcasts. Oh the unbelievably huge complex and disgusting competition that goes on among ministries and Christian organizations, when monetary policies are used as a way to enrich those at the top. If There's Anything I'd Scream From the Rooftops Today It Would Be, “Cultivate and Learn Discernment!” Be sober! Be wise! Be accountable!” Oh Lord Jesus! Mature your people. Teach them to hear your voice. I would like to share a statement from a wonderful man of God who is a seasoned Husband, Father, Pastor, Speaker, and Author. His name is Tim Challies. He shares these very potent and deep words. “With discernment comes division. A person who seeks to be discerning must be willing to suffer the effects of this division. It will divide not only the believer from the unbeliever, but it may even divide a discerning believer from one who is undiscerning. It will separate the mature from the immature and the naïve from the prudent.” SO well said! In my closing out of this podcast today, I would like to share a few potent words from Dr. Diane Langberg who has worked in multicultural and many international settings were abuse and tragedy of every kind, (those imagined and those that you cannot imagine that have taken place). She works as a specialist among those who have been traumatized by Church abuse in its many forms. She is a wise Senior woman who I greatly admire and have learned much from. As I share her statements in closing, allow them to speak to the deeper part of you where the Lord is developing discernment and greater awareness. Diane says, “Many of us have confused the church system with Jesus Christ; they are not the same. There are wolves among the sheep, tares among the wheat. Jesus called humans that looked good on the outside, white-washed tombs full of stink. My work has taught me that many poor sheep have followed a blind guide, a gifted wolf, and landed in a pit. No so-called Christian system is truly God's work unless it “fleshes out” his character. Toleration of sin, pretense, and crookedness do not reveal the character of God, even if they bear his name. Arrogance is never godly. Covering up sin is never godly. Abuse of power is never godly. Shepherds who feed on sheep are abusive. Leadership that preserves and protects the system, rather than the people, turns the house of God into a safe place for predators. Those who come to feed on God himself then find themselves being the main course instead. We have failed to protect leaders from their own bondage to self-deception and sin. Exposure brings hope, for it brings the cancer to the light. To hide sin by cover-up or silent complicity is spiritual abuse. It is a failure to love the perpetrator. Demise of a system—even a spiritual system—is not the worst that can happen! We must acknowledge and tell the truth about these things. Great damage is being done to God's sheep, in his name. He weeps over such leaders and the sheep they harm. Be watchful. Recognize coercive and manipulative behavior. Call it by its right name when someone in power uses spiritual words and ideas to silence, control, and intimidate. Be discerning about those who hold power—including yourself. Do not be deceived. May we, with Daniel, call out to God: “O Lord, hear! O Lord forgive. O Lord listen and act. For your own sake do not delay, because your church and your people are called by your name.”(Dan. 9:19). Source: https://erlc.com/resource/when-the-sheep-are-preyed-upon/ Finally, I would like to say these words. Trauma can leave people feeling shattered and alone. But through our faith, we discover that God's love is unwavering and His healing touch can mend even the deepest wounds. Let's remember that we are not defined by our pain, But by the Grace that lifts us up, and leads us toward restoration. If you find yourself carrying the weight of trauma, know that you are not alone on this journey. For those of you who may be trembling with fear or who have experienced any kind of abuse. For those of you, how are trembling and fear, because you know you have done something and have hidden it from others or have protected others who you know have done harmful, evil things, the word of God says to confess your faults to one another to confess your sins so that you may be clean, freed, and that you may be forgiven. To those of you who have been abused, don't be afraid to find a safe, godly, skilled trauma counselor who will be able to help you be freed from the prisons of shame, control, and intimidation within, so that you can walk in the light of grace and freedom and know that your Father in heaven has rescued you from those that harm. To help you in your journey, I have included a link where you can quickly locate or begin to research a Christian counselor who is skilled and able to help you with whatever specific area that you may need to have help with. https://tinyurl.com/5h4zfc9u Let's pray together before we end this time together. Heavenly Father, May everyone who knows your mercy keep putting their trust in you, for they can count on you for help no matter what. O Lord, you will never, no, never, neglect those who come to you." -Psalms 9:10 Heavenly Father, in the face of fear and uncertainty, I call upon your strength to fill those who are listening to, or who are reading this message, fill them with courage. When the wounds of traumatic experiences seem too deep to overcome, remind them that you are the ever-present help in times of trouble. Grant them the bravery to face their fears head-on, knowing that you go in front of them, leading them into a future, free from the shackles of the past. Thank you for being our fortress and our deliverer. With you by their side, They will not be afraid. Amen. Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed, as long as the complete message, Website, podcast link and information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You! "2025" "THE MESSENGER" - Mary Lindow www.marylindow.com www.marylindow.podbean.com If you would be so kind to assist Mary by helping her to meet other administrative needs such as website, video messages and podcast costs, or desire to bless her service in ministry with Spirit-led offerings or regular support: Please JOYFULLY send your gift in the form of: ► Personal Checks ► Business Checks ► Money Orders ► Cashiers Checks To: His Beloved Ministries Inc. PO Box 1253 Denver, Colorado 80614 USA Or feel free to use or send a tax-deductible gift with Pay Pal paypal.me/mlindow Under the name of - Mary Lindow - His Beloved Ministries ALL gifts are tax-deductible under His Beloved Ministries 5013c non-profit status. We are financially accountable and have been in full compliance since 1985 THANK YOU! To Learn More About Steve and Mary Click this Picture!
Happy Friday all, I was so excited to connect with fellow creative mum Charlie Swift who I met (I think) on instagram some years back… This was an impromptu live as Charlie shared with me she'd like to try a Substack Live in our members call and her word/ phrase of the year is ‘Show Up' so here we are… Beautiful things happen online every single day. Here's you invite to see more of them and less of the things that fry your nervous system. In our Substack live, Charlie shared more about her creative process, her work, self expression, expression. We also delve into her ‘viral moment' on IG and our relationships with platforms (IG and Substack plus the others that ‘work' for us). We go deep into online literacy including ‘being' online, present, authentic, editing or curating ourselves and leaning into our feelings on that. We also share more on how we make our unique creative and business eco systems work. You might like to connect and listen to Charlie's podcast over here too;Other things/ links/ classes we mentioned;* Abstain or Moderate? with Gretchen Reuben * Substack with Ease retreat* Laura Pashby and her retreat here* Your Creative and Content Eco-System class - it's free join us live or catch the replay in a couple of weeks. * Write your Book with us this year in 12 Chapters Club* The reel with the hair. * Sign up for visioning class next week (Sparkle members) - * Charlie's website to book mentoring with her. We'd love to continue this conversation in the comments if you fancy it over the weekend and into next week,Claire and Charlie ✨ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe
The end of 1 Thessalonians is the practical boots on the ground portion of this brilliant letter. It gives the church both its marching orders and the plan to construct a community that lives into its given righteousness.
The end of 1 Thessalonians is the practical boots on the ground portion of this brilliant letter. It gives the church both its marching orders and the plan to construct a community that lives into its given righteousness.
Support Common Prayer Daily @ PatreonVisit our Website for more www.commonprayerdaily.com_______________Opening Words:Watch, for you know not when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning; lest he come suddenly and find you asleep.Mark 13:35, 36 Confession:Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God. Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen. Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. The InvitatoryLord, open our lips.And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Alleluia. Venite (Psalm 95:1-7)Our King and Savior now draws near: Come, let us adore him.Come, let us sing to the Lord; * let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving * and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.For the Lord is a great God, * and a great King above all gods.In his hand are the caverns of the earth, * and the heights of the hills are his also.The sea is his, for he made it, * and his hands have molded the dry land.Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, * and kneel before the Lord our Maker.For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. *Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!Our King and Savior now draws near: Come, let us adore him. The PsalterPsalm 26Judica me, DomineBCP p. 616Give judgment for me, O Lord,for I have lived with integrity; *I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered.Test me, O Lord, and try me; *examine my heart and my mind.For your love is before my eyes; *I have walked faithfully with you.I have not sat with the worthless, *nor do I consort with the deceitful.I have hated the company of evildoers; *I will not sit down with the wicked.I will wash my hands in innocence, O Lord, *that I may go in procession round your altar,Singing aloud a song of thanksgiving *and recounting all your wonderful deeds.Lord, I love the house in which you dwell *and the place where your glory abides.Do not sweep me away with sinners, *nor my life with those who thirst for blood,Whose hands are full of evil plots, *and their right hand full of bribes.As for me, I will live with integrity; *redeem me, O Lord, and have pity on me.My foot stands on level ground; *in the full assembly I will bless the Lord. Psalm 28Ad te, DomineBCP p. 619OLord, I call to you;my Rock, do not be deaf to my cry; *lest, if you do not hear me,I become like those who go down to the Pit.Hear the voice of my prayer when I cry out to you, *when I lift up my hands to your holy of holies.Do not snatch me away with the wicked or with the evildoers, *who speak peaceably with their neighbors,while strife is in their hearts.Repay them according to their deeds, *and according to the wickedness of their actions.According to the work of their hands repay them, *and give them their just deserts.They have no understanding of the Lord's doings,nor of the works of his hands; *therefore he will break them down and not build them up.Blessed is the Lord! *for he has heard the voice of my prayer.The Lord is my strength and my shield; *my heart trusts in him, and I have been helped;Therefore my heart dances for joy, *and in my song will I praise him.The Lord is the strength of his people, *a safe refuge for his anointed.Save your people and bless your inheritance; *shepherd them and carry them for ever. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. LessonsIsa. 5:13-17, 24-25A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah.Therefore my people go into exile for lack of knowledge; their honored men go hungry, and their multitude is parched with thirst. Therefore Sheol has enlarged its appetite and opened its mouth beyond measure, and the nobility of Jerusalem and her multitude will go down, her revelers and he who exults in her. Man is humbled, and each one is brought low, and the eyes of the haughty are brought low. But the Lord of hosts is exalted in justice, and the Holy God shows himself holy in righteousness. Then shall the lambs graze as in their pasture, and nomads shall eat among the ruins of the rich.Therefore, as the tongue of fire devours the stubble, and as dry grass sinks down in the flame, so their root will be as rottenness, and their blossom go up like dust; for they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, and have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against his people, and he stretched out his hand against them and struck them, and the mountains quaked; and their corpses were as refuse in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. Te Deum laudamusYou are God: we praise you;You are the Lord: we acclaim you;You are the eternal Father:All creation worships you.To you all angels, all the powers of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,heaven and earth are full of your glory.The glorious company of apostles praise you.The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.The white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;Father, of majesty unbounded,your true and only Son, worthy of all worship, and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal Son of the Father.When you became man to set us free you did not shun the Virgin's womb. You overcame the sting of deathand opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God's right hand in glory.We believe that you will come and be our judge.Come then, Lord, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saintsto glory everlasting. 1 Thess. 5:12-28A Reading from the First Letter to the Thessalonians.We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. Brothers, pray for us. Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.The Word of the Lord.Thanks Be To God. Benedictus Dominus DeusBlessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; * he has come to his people and set them free.He has raised up for us a mighty savior, * born of the house of his servant David.Through his holy prophets he promised of old, that he would save us from our enemies, * from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers * and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, * to set us free from the hands of our enemies, Free to worship him without fear, * holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, * for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, To give his people knowledge of salvation * by the forgiveness of their sins.In the tender compassion of our God * the dawn from on high shall break upon us, To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, * and to guide our feet into the way of peace.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. The Apostles CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The PrayersThe Lord be with you.And also with you.Let us pray.Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Suffrages AV. Show us your mercy, O Lord;R. And grant us your salvation.V. Clothe your ministers with righteousness; R. Let your people sing with joy.V. Give peace, O Lord, in all the world;R. For only in you can we live in safety. V. Lord, keep this nation under your care;R. And guide us in the way of justice and truth.V. Let your way be known upon earth;R. Your saving health among all nations.V. Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten;R. Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.V. Create in us clean hearts, O God;R. And sustain us with your Holy Spirit. The CollectsAdvent 2Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.Daily Collects:A Collect for PeaceO God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.A Collect for GraceO Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that, guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Take a moment of silence at this time to reflect and pray for others. Collect of Saint BasilO Christ God, Who art worshipped and glorified at every place and time; Who art long-suffering, most merciful and compassionate; Who lovest the righteous and art merciful to sinners; Who callest all to salvation with the promise of good things to come: receive, Lord, the prayers we now offer, and direct our lives in the way of Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls, cleanse our bodies, correct our thoughts, purify our minds and deliver us from all affliction, evil and illness. Surround us with Thy holy angels, that guarded and instructed by their forces, we may reach unity of faith and the understanding of Thine unapproachable glory: for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen. A Prayer of St. John ChrysostomAlmighty God, you have given us grace at this time, with one accord to make our common supplications to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. DismissalLet us bless the LordThanks be to God! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen
Your flesh, carnality, is your enemy. Are you starving and ignoring your flesh? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/encouragingchristians/support
Abstain is still taught in the Bible. Do you practice it? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/encouragingchristians/support
6 Guidelines: Mind Your Behavior #RTTBROS #Nightlight Mind Your Behavior 1 Thessalonians 5:22 - "Abstain from all appearance of evil." In crowds, our conduct speaks louder than words. You have no doubt been at a gathering, perhaps a holiday get together, where others engaged in questionable activities, this always brings to mind Paul's admonition to the Thessalonians. Though certain behaviors seem harmless, their appearance could stumble another's faith or tarnish our witness. Scripture teaches in Romans 14:13, "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way." Our actions in groups carry weight beyond our intentions. A moment of careless behavior can undermine years of faithful testimony. Consider Daniel, who "purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself" (Daniel 1:8) even when surrounded by Babylon's influences. His steadfast conduct, especially in group settings, ultimately glorified God before a pagan nation. In today's world of constant documentation through social media, our behavior reaches far beyond immediate witnesses. What we do in groups becomes our testimony. Philippians 2:15 calls us to be "blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world." Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant us wisdom to conduct ourselves worthy of your calling, especially among others. May our behavior reflect thy light and draw others to thee. In Jesus' name, Amen. Be sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out. https://linktr.ee/rttbros
Such Good Lives: Love Always 1 Peter 2:9-12 YOU have a ROLE to PLAY in what Christ is doing through his church for the sake of the world. Wherever there is a task, there is an opportunity to REPRESENT JESUS. Baptism is not only LIFE-SAVING and LIFE-CHANGING, it is LIFE-DETERMINING. God loves HIS PEOPLE. He TREASURES and CHERISHES you. This is NOT our forever home! ABSTAIN from sinful desires. Beware of two extremes: ACCOMODATION and ISOLATION Good/beautiful lives can turn ACCUSATION into ADORATION. We live with an “EVEN IF” resolve . . .
We don't need research studies to tell us we're stressed (although they do, and frequently—a 2021 Gallup poll found that 41% of adults worldwide experience a lot of stress). We feel it everywhere: demanding hours and clients at work; raising kids; the news; the ever-ending list of things to do—the list goes on. Are you ready to leave stress behind? We've got you covered! In this podcast episode, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender rip off the band-aid: We can't get rid of stress entirely. But we can get a better handle on it by dealing with it in healthier ways. Part of the trick is recognizing when you're stressed; what responses and behaviors you default to when overwhelm takes a hold. Then, when you feel it coming on, implement one or more of these six practical tips for mitigating stress: Take time for self-care. Talk to someone you trust. Get moving. Find the humor. Abstain from social media when necessary. Practice gratitude. As Darlene and Julie chat through each of these tips and their application, you'll find specific combinations and variations that work best with your schedule and emotions to deal with stress head-on. Quote of the episode: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid." —James 14:27 Resources Related "Feeling Stressed Out? Here Are 5 Tips to Stay Calm" "Stop the Holiday Hustle: Celebrate More, Stress Less - 064" Mentioned Check out the Smart Living book series here! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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Be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Hebrews 12:28 ESVA heart that walks in grace and gratitude will experience God's power for following in every season and circumstance. Complaining or having a grumpy attitude, will short circuit your best efforts at following God!Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 ESVGratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others. CiceroIt happened that as he made his way toward Jerusalem, he crossed over the border between Samaria and Galilee. Luke 17:11 MSGThe shortest path to God's purpose is always through God's will.Resentment and bitterness are not just the long way, they're the wrong way!As he entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met him. They kept their distance but raised their voices, calling out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Luke 17:12-13 MSGJesus isn't afraid to walk into your mess or mine.When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Luke 17:14 ESV When the Lord gives you instruction, direction, or correction, don't argue, obey.Obedience is a necessary step for breakthrough, but it's Jesus who makes it happen.One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus' feet, so grateful. He couldn't thank him enough. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said, “Were not ten healed? Where are the nine? Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this foreigner?” Luke 17:15-18 MSGGlad comes from focusing on the gift, grateful comes from focusing on the giver! If you walk in grace before your breakthrough, you're more likely to walk in gratitude after it. Then he said to him, “Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you.” Luke 17:19 MSG
Be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Hebrews 12:28 ESVA heart that walks in grace and gratitude will experience God's power for following in every season and circumstance. Complaining or having a grumpy attitude, will short circuit your best efforts at following God!Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 ESVGratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others. CiceroIt happened that as he made his way toward Jerusalem, he crossed over the border between Samaria and Galilee. Luke 17:11 MSGThe shortest path to God's purpose is always through God's will.Resentment and bitterness are not just the long way, they're the wrong way!As he entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met him. They kept their distance but raised their voices, calling out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Luke 17:12-13 MSGJesus isn't afraid to walk into your mess or mine.When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Luke 17:14 ESV When the Lord gives you instruction, direction, or correction, don't argue, obey.Obedience is a necessary step for breakthrough, but it's Jesus who makes it happen.One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus' feet, so grateful. He couldn't thank him enough. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said, “Were not ten healed? Where are the nine? Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this foreigner?” Luke 17:15-18 MSGGlad comes from focusing on the gift, grateful comes from focusing on the giver! If you walk in grace before your breakthrough, you're more likely to walk in gratitude after it. Then he said to him, “Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you.” Luke 17:19 MSG
Pastor David MorrisonOur culture values strength, perhaps too much and maybe in the wrong way. Our culture's lie is that I can be strong enough on my own. Today, I will share a story that shows where absolute strength is found...that true strength is found by sight.Instructions for reading the Old Testament:1. The Old Testament highlights humanity's need for God, showing that even those who had God's law couldn't succeed by merely following rules - they needed something greater. 2. The Old Testament held significant value for its original audience, those who lived before the time of Jesus. 3. The Old Testament is full of imperfect people and is often descriptive instead of prescriptive. 4. The Old Testament ultimately points to one central hero - Jesus.Judges 13-16 (NLT)- What is a Nazarite? - A Nazarite would be someone who took an even greater vow, beyond the standard expectation, to keep the law of God out of a desire to be set apart and be used by God. - The Nazarite Vow: - Refrain from cutting their hair - Abstain from grapes and alcohol - Never touch a corpse of a human or animal- As a Nazarite, Samson was to be set apart for God's use. As he grows, he gets himself into trouble.- Just because God's Spirit is active doesn't mean God approves of everything that has happened.Ways I Am Like Samson:- I choose my own way, even though I know better.- God still uses me, even when I am imperfect.- I still think I am strong enough on my own.Judges 21:25 (NLT)- Samson reflected the people's attitudes. They did what was right in their own eyes.Jesus has some powerful words about Eyes.- Matthew 5:29 (NLT)- Matthew 6:22-23 (NLT)Where are you looking? What are you looking for?- Samson's story is a cautionary tale about a man with a calling on his life who allows the distractions around him to shift his perspective away from what matters the most. I have been praying an essential prayer for a few years now that I believe is the secret to true strength:- "Lord, give me eyes to see."When I pray this prayer, I am asking:- God help me to see things like You do.- God help me to see into the unseen.- God help me to turn my eyes away from things that would distract or destroy me.Isaiah 50:11 (NLT)- When I live according to my light, I will indeed find darkness. When I strive to be my strength and source, I will fall.In many ways, Samson's story was like Jesus; there was an angelic meeting before his birth, and he was set apart for God's purpose and sent to deliver God's people. The difference is that Samson kept his eye fixed on what he wanted. Jesus was the only one up to the task. Jesus is the only one who can walk the gauntlet of life and not allow His eyes to wander. He went to the cross, and instead of crying out for vengeance as Samson did, He cried out, "Father, forgive them."And He died so that we could live in freedom. And now He says, follow Me.Response:- If the temptations of this world have pulled you away from God's plan for your life, it's time to repent.- Have you been looking at yourself as your source of strength?- Are you willing to be set apart and replace your eyes with His?
It's Friday, September 27th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Small but committed church in Syria Although the Syrian Civil War has faded from the headlines after 13 years, the conflict continues — and a smaller yet more committed church remains, reports International Christian Concern. A United Nations commission recently stated that the war is intensifying as war crimes and fears of a larger regional conflict mount. Although the Christian population in Syria has dwindled, those who remain are insistent on seeing God's kingdom advance in their homeland. At the start of the conflict, Syria was solidly 8% Christian. Today, only 2% remain. A Christian in Syria recently told a publication called Le Monde, “The older generation has died out, and the younger ones have rebuilt their lives elsewhere. Most of them have sold their homes.” The count of Christians affiliated with established denominations in Syria has dropped from approximately 2.5 million before the civil war to about 500,000 in 2023. In Matthew 13:31, Jesus talked about how even the small faith of a few people could be transformed, in God's economy, into something spectacular. “The kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” Hurricane Helene slams Florida with 140 mph winds At 11:10 p.m. Eastern last night, the eye of Hurricane Helene made landfall southwest of Perry, Florida along the Gulf Coast, as a dangerous Category 4 storm with 140-mph winds, reports AccuWeather. The risk to lives and property will remain extreme as Helene plows inland with hurricane-force winds sparking widespread power outages into Georgia that can last for an extended period of time. Additionally, Helene could cause a flooding disaster as it unloads more than a foot of rain in the mountains of North Carolina, South Carolina, and northern Georgia. AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter warned, “Some communities may be cut off with no way to enter or exit for days if there is damage to infrastructure such as bridges and roadways.” In partnership with local churches, Samaritan's Purse will need volunteers to help homeowners in Jesus' Name. You can sign up to be notified to be a volunteer and you can make a donation to help Floridians hit by Hurricane Helene through special links in our transcript today at www.TheWorldview.com. Lila Rose to Trump: “Stand for life” Leading pro-life activist Lila Rose is not backing down in the face of intense condemnation for criticizing Donald Trump's retreat from his former pro-life position, reports LifeSiteNews.com. She reiterated that her purpose is not to depress pro-life voter turnout, but to encourage Trump to change course. Rose is founder and leader of the pro-life group Live Action which produces original investigations into the abortion industry, educational resources on prenatal development, and daily pro-life news and commentary. Since Trump began opposing further federal action on abortion last year and criticizing state pro-life laws, Rose has been one of his sharpest critics among national pro-life leaders. In an August 27th podcast, Rose recalled the “electricity” of Trump addressing the 2020 March for Life as president. Here is what inspired her at the time. TRUMP: “It is my profound honor to be the first president in history to attend the March for Life. (cheers) We're here for a very simple reason, to defend the right of every child, born and unborn, to fulfill their God-given potential. (cheers) “For 47 years, Americans of all backgrounds have traveled from across the country to stand for life. And today, as President of the United States, I am truly proud to stand with you! (cheers) “All of us here today understand an eternal truth: Every child is a precious and sacred gift from God. (cheers) Together, we must protect, cherish, and defend the dignity and the sanctity of every human life. (cheers) When we see the image of a baby in the womb, we glimpse the majesty of God's creation.” Lila Rose said President Trump spoke clearly in 2020 about how the preborn “cannot speak for themselves” and even asked Congress to send him a late-term abortion ban to sign. TRUMP: “To defend the dignity of every person, I am asking Congress to pass legislation to prohibit the late-term abortion of children who can feel pain in the mother's womb.” (cheers) In her August 27th podcast, she urged him to return to that same conviction. ROSE: “President Trump, stand for life. President Trump, if you want the pro-life vote, fight for life. The pro-life vote is not owned. The pro-life vote is earned. And you don't earn the pro-life vote by throwing it under the bus, by listening to whatever pollsters are lying to you and throwing the babies under the bus. “You earn the pro-life vote, and I would say the respect even of the middle moderates, by getting up there and saying, ‘I'm going to fight for what I believe in, for what is good and true. I'm going to fight for the lives of children. “So, what President Trump should say specifically is what he's said in the past: ‘I will fight for life. I will fight for babies. They have no one to defend themselves. They have no one to speak for them. I will help speak for them.' “That he will sign any pro-life legislation that crosses his desk as president, including the pro-life legislation that he used to ask Congress for back in the day. And he should say that he will fight against the abortion expansion of the Democrats. He will fight against the abortion industry that is hell bent on killing and taking innocent human life.” New York City Mayor Eric Adams indicted for bribes And finally, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted for taking bribes — including $123,000 in free flights and other ritzy perks — from foreign nationals in exchange for favors, reports the New York Post. The historic five-count indictment — the first against a sitting New York City mayor — details an alleged decade-long pattern of corruption by Adams that includes fraudulently obtaining $10 million in public campaign funds. The revelations came after the mayor was indicted by a grand jury on conspiracy, wire fraud, and bribery charges amid the long-running federal probe. In the sprawling indictment, prosecutors laid bare an alleged scheme that helped Adams underwrite his 2021 mayoral campaign while showering him with free hotel rooms, flights on Turkey's national airline, and meals at high-end restaurants. In exchange, the indictment charges that Adams allegedly pressured Big Apple officials to waive inspections and push through approval for the Turkish Consulate in Manhattan. In response, Mayor Adams made this comment at a press conference. ADAMS: “It's an unfortunate day and it's a painful day. It's a day where we will finally reveal why for ten months I have gone through this. I look forward to defending myself.” Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted, “I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City. The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening government function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration. For the good of the city, he should resign." 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says, “Abstain from all appearance of evil." Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, September 27th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
Ian Jackson sets out a case for Christians to remain totally abstinent from alcohol. His passage is Genesis Ch 9:18-29 which records the time after the flood when Noah became drunk. (Recorded at Forres, Scotland, 8th Sept 2005) Complete series: Genesis Ch 1 – Ian Jackson Genesis Ch 2 – Jack Hay Genesis Ch 3 – Ian Jackson Genesis Ch 4a – Jack Hay Genesis Ch 4b – Jack Hay Genesis Ch 5 – Ian Jackson Genesis Ch 6a – The post Why Abstain? The Christian and Alcohol (36 min) first appeared on Gospel Hall Audio.
Pastor Brent Sivnksty preaches the Sunday morning service with his message titled "Abstain From the Flesh."
In today's Morning Offering, Fr. Kirby discusses the importance of observing No Meat Fridays as a form of penance and a way to honor the passion of our Lord.—Morning Offering with Fr. Kirby, August 23, 2024—————————Every morning, join Father Jeffrey Kirby as he begins the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, Father Kirby guides you in prayer, shares a brief reflection grounding your day in the Church's rhythm of feast days and liturgy, and provides you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. Let us do as the saints urge and begin our days in prayer together so as a community of believers we may join the Psalmist in saying, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3-4)
Pastor Rob preaches on abstinence in this week's sermon. "I can't imagine that I'm going to get to heaven and God's going to be like, "Hey, you played it way too safe."
Abstain from sexual immorality. Preached June 23, 2024 Pastor Aaron Frasier
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