Podcasts about Agag

Today we have a teaching about the blessings for being obedient to God. If you have any questions, or you would like to share how our teachings have affected your life, please email us or visit us at rejoicingheart.net Our email is listed under the about tab on this page. God bless you! Rob and Donna Rejoice In You From the Integrity Music Release One, featuring Planetshakers Ministries Int'l ©2009 Planetshakers Publishing (APRA) (admin. By Music Services, www.musicservices.org) All Rights Reserved. Used by permission. 1 Samuel 15:22-23 (KJV) 22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. 1 Samuel 13:12 (KJV) 12 Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. 1 Samuel 13:13-14 (KJV) 13 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. 14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee. 1 Samuel 15:3 (KJV) 3 Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass. 1 Samuel 15:9 (KJV) 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly. Isaiah 1:19 (KJV) 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: John 15:14 (KJV) 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 1 John 3:23 (KJV) 23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. Acts 4:12 (KJV) 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. James 1:25 (KJV) 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. Romans 6:16 (KJV) 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Luke 11:28 (KJV) 28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

What do you do with the sin you keep excusing, minimizing, or planning to deal with later?In this message from Is That in the Bible?: House of David, Pastor Levi Lusko unpacks one of the most shocking scenes in Scripture—when the prophet Samuel literally hacks King Agag to pieces. As strange as it sounds, this story carries a powerful warning for every believer: the sins we tolerate today can become the strongholds that take us down tomorrow. Through the story of Saul's slow drift from God, we see how compromise rarely happens all at once. It starts small, grows quietly, and eventually leads to consequences we never intended. But no matter how far you've wandered, God offers the power to cut them off at the source and walk in freedom again.This message will help you:– identify the small compromises that can quietly pull you away from God– recognize the difference between partial obedience and full surrender– break free from destructive habits and recurring struggles– walk in victory through the strength of the Holy SpiritContinue watching in House of David Season 1, Episode 1, streaming on Amazon Prime Video.NEXT STEPS:Ask for prayer or connect with a pastor: https://freshlife.church/contactRegister your decision to follow Jesus and receive free resources: https://freshlife.church/know-godGive a financial gift to support what God is doing as we take steps forward to see the Gospel reach far and wide: https://freshlife.church/giveSUBSCRIBE:Sign up to receive encouragement straight to your inbox, and to stay up to date with announcements, events, and more: https://church.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6ea4d82b2567db3e86b7767cd&id=451f2fe63eDon't miss a video! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/freshlifechurch?sub_confirmation=1CONNECT ON SOCIALS:Website: https://freshlife.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshlifeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshlifechurchTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/freshlifeYoutube: https://youtube.com/c/freshlifechurch/Fresh Life Church was pioneered by Pastors Levi and Jennie Lusko in 2007. We exist to see those stranded in sin find life and liberty in Jesus Christ. Today Fresh Life's ministry impacts people with the radical, life-changing message of Jesus' grace, spilling across Montana, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho… and beyond.

In this episode, Douglas Wilson discusses the feminization of institutions and argues that the presence of women inevitably transforms male spaces. He then continues his survey of New Testament sins with quarreling—a public sin Christians often mistake for righteousness—and closes with a review of Yoram Hazoni's God and Politics in Esther. For more from Doug, subscribe to Canon+: https://canonplus.com/  

King Saul's story reveals the dangerous consequences of partial obedience to God. When commanded to completely destroy the Amalekites, Saul spared their king and the best livestock, thinking he could offer them to God instead. This seemingly small compromise had devastating generational consequences, as descendants of those he spared later threatened to annihilate God's people. Partial obedience isn't just spiritual negligence—it's rebellion that God equates to witchcraft. Jesus, however, provides complete victory where Saul failed, declaring "It is finished" on the cross. We must identify our own "Agag"—the things we've kept alive that God told us to surrender—and embrace complete obedience rather than spiritual compromise.

Amalek: a nation of desert robbers who attacked the weakest of Israel's people as Moses led them across the desert, and against whom God made an especially severe judgment. That judgment was not carried out until the rule of Saul, some 400 years later, by which time Amalek had become even worse, destroying and depopulating whole towns in Judah and Philistia.So God commanded Saul, as the captain of his armies on earth, to carry out that terrible judgment, and Saul did it in part. That is, he did the part that he wanted to do. He did not hesitate to destroy what was weak and worthless, but he saved the best, and even Amalek's wicked and ruthless king, Agag. That was the reason why God finally made the firm and definite decision to reject Saul as king. It was also the reason why Amalek continued to trouble the southern part of Israel for long after.

Daily Anglican Prayer – Wednesday Morning – 20th May 2026 Readings NRSVUE: Psalm 48; Numbers 24.1-11; 1 Corinthians 12.14-31 . Led by Felicity Scott, an Anglican prayer minister in Queensland, Australia. The full prayer transcript is available by going to this episode on the Podcast website. https://dailyprayeranglicanprayerbookforaustralia.podbean.com Welcome to Wednesday Morning prayer. We proclaim the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ: GOD in his infinite mercy, forgives all sins, and through our baptism in the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, we are given a rebirth into new life, free from the burden of all sin. ALLELUIA With faithfulness we respond to the good news: We acknowledge Christ our Saviour and accept with gratitude, that we are forgiven for all wrong doings, past and present. To honour the gift of forgiveness, we release our burden of guilt and rise up to live in the glory of God forever more. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Blessed be God forever. Let us Pray. 1 Rejoice always pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.      Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit:  as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.    2 The Opening Canticle, A Song of God's Grace Blessed are you,  the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: For you have blessed us in Christ Jesus with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,  You chose us to be yours in Christ, before the foundation of the world: That we should be holy and blameless before you.  In love you destined us to be your children, through Jesus Christ: according to the purpose of your will,  to the praise of your glorious grace: which you freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. Ephesians 1.3-6   3 The Opening Prayer The night has passed and the day lies open before us;  let us pray with one heart and mind.   Silence may be kept. As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,  so may the light of your presence, O God,  set our hearts on fire with love for you;  now and for ever.  Amen.   4 The Psalms as appointed. A pause is observed after each.   Psalm reading… Psalm 48;     5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow We consecrate this day to your service, O Lord; may all our thoughts, words, and actions be well-pleasing to you and serve the good of our brothers and sisters; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.   6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed.   1st Reading Numbers 24.1-11 1  Now Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, so he did not go, as at other times, to look for omens but set his face toward the wilderness. 2Balaam looked up and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. Then the spirit of God came upon him, 3and he uttered his oracle, saying, “The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is clear, 4  the oracle of one who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, who falls down but with eyes uncovered: 5How fair are your tents, O Jacob, your encampments, O Israel! 6  Like palm groves that stretch far away, like gardens beside a river, like aloes that the LORD has planted, like cedar trees beside the waters. 7  Water shall flow from his buckets, and his seed shall have abundant water; his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. 8  God, who brings him out of Egypt, is like the horns of a wild ox for him; he shall devour the nations that are his foes and break their bones. He shall strike with his arrows. 9  He crouched; he lay down like a lion and like a lioness; who will rouse him up? Blessed is everyone who blesses you, and cursed is everyone who curses you.” 10Then Balak's anger was kin-dled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but instead you have blessed them these three times. 11Now be off with you! Go home! I said, ‘I will reward you richly,' but the LORD has denied you any reward.”   Hear the word of the LORD. Thanks be to God 2nd Reading 1 Corinthians 12.14-31 14Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.    17If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19If all were a single member, where would the body be?    20As it is, there are many members yet one body. 21The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect, 24whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, 25that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another.    26If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. 27  Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work powerful deeds? 30Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.   Hear the message of Christ. Thanks be to God.     7 The Canticle, We praise you O God: we claim you as Lord. All creation thanks you: The Father everlasting. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven: The cherubim and serafim sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of power and might: Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Father of majesty unbounded: Your true and only son, worthy of all praise, the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide. You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal son of the father. When you took our flesh to set us free: You humbly chose the virgin's womb. You overcame the sting of death: And opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God's right hand in glory: We believe that you will come to be our judge. Come then, God, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood: And bring us with your Saints to glory everlasting.   8 The belief and principle is said I believe in God, creator of heaven and earth, whose love and merciful forgiveness endures everlasting. I believe in Christ the saviour, whose example of love and compassion, taught us a restored way to live, in collaborative unity with all people. I believe in the Holy Spirit, whose divine guidance brings us together to be one with the Holy Trinity. Amen.   9 The Prayers Lord have mercy.  Christ have mercy.  God have mercy.      10 The Lord's Prayer and the Collect of the Day Our Father in heaven,  hallowed be your name,  your kingdom come,  your will be done,  on earth as in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  Forgive us our sins  as we forgive those who sin against us.  Save us from the time of trial  and deliver us from evil.  For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours  now and for ever. Amen.      Prayer of the Week following the Seventh Sunday of EASTER O God, the king of glory, You have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ, with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: We pray you, leave us not comfortless, but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to the same place, where our Saviour Christ, has gone before. Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one god forever and ever. Amen   11 Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be made according to local custom and need. Let us pray Wednesday prayers Lord, we give you thanks, that through your son Jesus Christ, you have shown us the way to live in your righteousness. You made us in your likeness, you gave your only son Jesus Christ who gave us forgiveness of sin, bring us together as one, different in culture but given new life in Jesus Christ. Reconciled, forgiven, sharing you with others as you have called us to do. We pray for reconciliation with you God and reconciliation with each other and ask for strength to remain in your presence in all we do. Humbly, in faith we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   Saviour God, we remember with love all those that have passed this week. We thank you for the faithfully departed and your servants in every age. We ask that our ancestors and all your saints may be brought to the joyful resurrection and the fulfilment of your glorious kingdom. Humbly, in faith we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   God of justice, we know you seek out those who murder the innocent. We are not asking calmly for you to intervene, we are screaming for your involvement. Remove us we beseech you Lord, from this cold world of violent darkness. Bring us into the bright day. Hear our cries of anger as we remember the recent death of Kumanjayi (koo-man-jye-ii) Little Baby in Alice Springs and also all the other children before her who died in the same vein.   We ask you to sternly steer child murderers away from thoughts of violent acts, to save our children from becoming their victims.   We also ask that you shine your heavenly light to guide those innocent children to rise as your saints in the fulfilment of your glorious kingdom so they may rest in peace. Humbly, in faith we Pray – LORD hear our prayer     Blessed God, we ask your blessing for those listed on the Anglican cycle of prayer: … All people joining in this prayer offering. Humbly, in faith we Pray – LORD hear our prayer     12 The Morning Collect Eternal God and Father,  by whose power we were created  and through whose love we are redeemed:  guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,  that we may give ourselves to your service,  and live this day in love to one another and to you;  through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   13 The Lord be with you. And also with you.  Let us praise the Lord.  Thanks be to God.    May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant us to live in such harmony with one another in accord with Christ Jesus, that we may with one voice gratify our God and Father.  Amen. Romans 15.5-6   Music: Song name: Sing my soul, His wondrous love by Ned Rorem – Choir of St John's college, Cambridge & Andrew Nethsingha. A reminder disclaimer to the listener. The readings in the podcast may include ancient and old-fashioned sayings and instructions that we do not in any way condone as in use or to be used in today's modern world. The readings have not been modernised to reflect todays thinking, instead the readings remain from the old version of the NRSVUE bible. The podcast owners explicitly declare that each listener is responsible for their own actions in response to the bible readings and the podcast owners bare no responsibility in this sense.

Cuid den dream a bhí ag ag an ócáid faoi chúrsaí fuinneamh ar an gCeathrú Rua an tseachtain seo caite.

If you and I had been asked what God desires most from our lives, we might have been tempted to say worship. And while God is worthy and deserving of our worship, it's obedience God desires most. Main Points:1. We cannot rationalize our acts of obedience to God. Our obedience to God and His Word is not something we do if it seems logical.2. God desires obedience. When we surrender our lives in complete obedience, we honor God for who He truly is. We also put ourselves in a place where we can receive the blessings of God. The obedient life is the blessed life.3. Search your heart. Are you offering God partial obedience? Let's fully surrender our lives to God's authority. Today's Scripture Verses:1 Samuel 15:9 - “But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs—everything that was good.”1 Samuel 15:14 - “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?”1 Samuel 15:22 -  “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

PROPHESYING DOOM and destruction during a time of peace and prosperity does not make one popular with the ruling elites. Amos learned this while declaring God's judgment on the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II (reigned 793–753 BC), the time of Israel's greatest power. The prophet was confronted by Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, and told to flee to the southern kingdom of Judah, which prompted the Lord to tell the priest that his wife would be forced into prostitution, his children would fall by the sword, Amaziah would die in a foreign land, and Israel would be taken away into exile. These things did come to pass in 732 BC, when Assyria conquered Israel and captured the capital city of Samaria. We also discuss the strange reference in the Septuagint to “King Gog” or “Agag, the king” in Amos 7:1, which is quite different from the ESV rendering, “the king's mowings” (or the NET translation, “the royal harvest”). Apparently the LXX translators didn't know what to make of the literal Hebrew (“the mowings of the king”) but recognized the context as a prophecy of destruction. Agag was the Amalekite king spared by Saul (and then executed by Samuel). In the book of Esther, Haman, the Persian official who plotted the genocide of the Jews (and thus a symbol of hatred toward Jews), was called “the Agagite.” Gog, a reference to Ezekiel 38–39, is the great end times enemy of God—essentially the Old Testament conception of the Antichrist.  Thus, the Septuagint translators who struggled to interpret an archaic reference simply plugged in a similar-sounding word (Gog or Agag) that preserved the context of a prophesied supernatural enemy of God and Israel. Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, has been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Our new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Derek's new book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! If you are looking for a text of the Book of 1 Enoch to follow our monthly study, you can try these sources: Parallel translations by R. H. Charles (1917) and Richard Laurence (1821)Modern English translation by George W. E. Nickelsburg and James VanderKam (link to book at Amazon)Book of 1 Enoch - Standard English Version by Dr. Jay Winter (link opens free PDF)Book of 1 Enoch - R. H. Charles translation (link opens free PDF) The SkyWatchTV store has a special offer on Dr. Michael Heiser's two-volume set A Companion to the Book of Enoch. Get both books, the R. H. Charles translation of 1 Enoch, and a DVD interview with Mike and Steven Bancarz for a donation of $35 plus shipping and handling. Link: https://bit.ly/heiser-enoch Follow us!• X: @gilberthouse_tv | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunker• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation | @thebiblesgreatestmysteries• Facebook.com/GilbertHouseFellowship Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! We truly appreciate your support. If you are so led, you can help out at GilbertHouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to these studies plus our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker, and the podcast that started this journey in 2005, P.I.D. Radio. Best of all, it bypasses the gatekeepers of Big Tech! The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at www.gilberthouse.org/app/. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site! Gilbert House T-shirts and mugs! New to our store is a line of GHTV and Redwing Saga merch! Check it out at GilbertHouse.org/store! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store. Our favorite Bible study tools! Check the links in the left-hand column at www.GilbertHouse.org.

PROPHESYING DOOM and destruction during a time of peace and prosperity does not make one popular with the ruling elites.  Amos discovered this while declaring God's judgment on the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II (reigned 793–753 BC), the time of Israel's greatest power. The prophet was confronted by Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, and told to flee to the southern kingdom of Judah, which prompted the Lord to tell the priest that his wife would be forced into prostitution, his children would fall by the sword, Amaziah would die in a foreign land, and Israel would be taken away into exile.These things did come to pass in 732 BC, when Assyria conquered Israel and captured the capital city of Samaria.We also discuss the strange reference in the Septuagint to “King Gog” or “Agag, the king” in Amos 7:1, which is quite different from the ESV rendering, “the king's mowings” (or the NET translation, “the royal harvest”). Apparently the LXX translators didn't know what to make of the literal Hebrew (“the mowings of the king”) but recognized the context as a prophecy of destruction. Agag was the Amalekite king spared by Saul (and then executed by Samuel). In the book of Esther, Haman, the Persian official who plotted the genocide of the Jews (and thus a symbol of hatred toward Jews), was called “the Agagite.” Gog, a reference to Ezekiel 38–39, is the great end times enemy of God—essentially the Old Testament conception of the Antichrist. Thus, the Septuagint translators who struggled to interpret an archaic reference simply plugged in a similar-sounding word (Gog or Agag) that preserved the context of a prophesied supernatural enemy of God and Israel.  

2026년 성경통독 시리즈 (Bible Reading Plan Series) 13 2026년 3월 29일 레븐교회 주일예배 설교 (박기범 목사) Text: 사무엘상 (1 Samuel) 15:20-26 Title: "세왕 이야기 속 믿음 (1): 신실함 Faith in the Stories of Three Kings (1): Faithfulness" 사무엘상 (1 Samuel) 15:20-26 [새번역/ESV] 20 사울이 사무엘에게 대답하였다. "나는 주님께 순종하였습니다. 주님께서 보내시는 대로 전쟁터로 나갔고, 아말렉 왕 아각도 잡아왔고, 아말렉 사람도 진멸하였습니다. And Saul said to Samuel, “I have obeyed the voice of the Lord. I have gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me. I have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and I have devoted the Amalekites to destruction. 21 다만 우리 군인들이 전리품 가운데서 양 떼와 소 떼는 죽이지 않고 길갈로 끌어왔습니다. 그러나 그것은 예언자께서 섬기시는 주 하나님께 제물로 바치려고, 진멸할 짐승들 가운데서 가장 좋은 것으로 골라온 것입니다." But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.” 22 사무엘이 나무랐다. "주님께서 어느 것을 더 좋아하시겠습니까? 주님의 말씀에 순종하는 것이겠습니까? 아니면, 번제나 화목제를 드리는 것이겠습니까? 잘 들으십시오. 순종이 제사보다 낫고, 말씀을 따르는 것이 숫양의 기름보다 낫습니다. And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. 23 거역하는 것은 점을 치는 죄와 같고, 고집을 부리는 것은 우상을 섬기는 죄와 같습니다. 임금님이 주님의 말씀을 버리셨기 때문에, 주님께서도 임금님을 버려 왕이 되지 못하게 하셨습니다." For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.” 24 사울이 사무엘에게 간청하였다. "내가 죄를 지었습니다. 주님의 명령과 예언자께서 하신 말씀을 어겼습니다. 내가 군인들을 두려워하여, 그들이 하자는 대로 하였습니다. Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. 25 제발 나의 죄를 용서해 주시고, 나와 함께 가셔서, 내가 주님께 경배할 수 있도록 해주시기 바랍니다." Now therefore, please pardon my sin and return with me that I may bow before the Lord.” 26 사무엘이 사울에게 대답하였다. "나는 함께 돌아가지 않겠습니다. 임금님께서 주님의 말씀을 버리셨기 때문에, 주님께서도 이미 임금님을 버리셔서, 임금님이 더 이상 이스라엘을 다스리는 왕으로 있을 수 없도록 하셨습니다." And Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you. For you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel.”

Link to the video viewed during the service: https://youtu.be/TohLXneqL7I The conflict between Israel and the Amalekites begins in the family line of Abraham. Through Isaac and Esau came Amalek, the ancestor of the Amalekite people. Generations later this line included King Agag and eventually, Haman. Amalek became Israel's enemy after attacking the Israelites in the wilderness when they were weak and vulnerable. Because of this, God declared ongoing conflict with Amalek and later commanded King Saul to destroy them. Saul disobeyed by sparing King Agag and keeping the best livestock, and as a result, God rejected Saul as king. Centuries later, Haman the Agagite (descendant of Agag) attempted to destroy the Jewish people in Persia. His plot was stopped by Mordecai and Esther. Haman and his sons were killed, and the Jews were saved—an event remembered in the festival of Purim. If God had not brought judgment on Haman and his ten sons, the Amalekite line might have continued and threatened the people through whom the Messiah would come!

7 takeaways from this study The primary purpose of Israel’s Tabernacle is God's presence among His people — not merely a system for managing sin. Obedience matters more than ritual offerings. Genuine devotion cannot be substituted by outward sacrifices. Rebuilding walls of Jerusalem parallels spiritual restoration (community, family, self). Protect what's inside, and evaluate what you allow in. Boundaries and discernment are essential to guard spiritual life and community health. True renewal is inward. The new covenant promise of a new heart and Spirit as the basis for lasting transformation. Historical context of Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah shows God working through imperfect people and situations to fulfill His purposes. Zion and God's dwelling are ultimately God's work. Holiness comes from His presence and Spirit, not merely human institutions or appearances. As we prepare for Purim and read passages for Shabbat Zachor 1Deuteronomy 25:17–19; 1Samuel 15:2–34; 1Peter 4:12–5:11 (Sabbath of Remembrance of what Amalek did to Israel), we focus on the Tabernacle's purpose, the dangers of substituting ritual for obedience, the prophetic promise of inward renewal, and the practical task of rebuilding walls — in community and in the heart. The books of Exodus, Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah provide historical context and spiritual application for believers who want God's presence to be the center of life. “God with us” — foreshadowed in the Tabernacle, brought to life in Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus). Why the Tabernacle? Throughout the study we return to a core corrective: the tabernacle's primary purpose is to house God's presence, not simply to manage sin. The tabernacle and temple signify that the Creator dwells among His people. Moses' request, “Show me Your glory” (Exodus 33), captures this longing: what Israel really desires is the presence of the One who goes with them. The Hebrew notion of כָּבוֹד kavod — “glory” or, literally, “heaviness” — points to the manifest presence of God that makes a people heavy, significant, and recognizable among the nations. When the presence departs, the reality is Ichabod (“the glory has departed,” 1Samuel 4:21). Heaven’s kavod departing the Tabernacle is also called the “abomination of desolation” (Daniel 11:31; 12:11; Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14). Some assume the Tabernacle merely regulated sin — sacrifice as transaction — and that with Messiah these structures became obsolete. The Bible lesson, rather, is ritual without the presence of God is empty. The pattern of festivals — Passover, Yom Kippur, Sukkot — points to a relationship centered on the Mediator and on deliverance, not merely on a mechanical sacrificial system. Passover inaugurates deliverance; Yom Kippur mediates restoration through the high priest; Sukkot celebrates dwelling with God. These feast-days frame a rhythm of presence and renewal rather than a formulaic checklist. Obedience over sacrifice: Lessons from Samuel and Saul The narrative of King Saul and Samuel teaches a crucial moral principle: obedience is better than sacrifice (1Samuel 15:22). Prophet Samuel's rebuke after Saul spared Amalek king Agag and the best animals under the pretext of offering them as sacrifices. One lesson from this is a sacrifice should be something that is actually yours. Devotion must be genuine and owned, not stolen or secondhand. The Hebrew term חָרָם haram and its verbal form harim denote things “devoted” — sometimes to the LORD and sometimes to destruction. Items devoted to destruction cannot be redeemed by substitution. The Jericho example shows that what is set apart by divine command resists human substitution. Aaron and the golden calf exemplify how sacred tools and artisanship meant for the tabernacle were perversely redirected. The episode shows that aesthetics and ritual can be misapplied; crafting beautiful things does not guarantee divine approval if their object is a false center. The text emphasizes accountability: you cannot cover disobedience with external offerings. Aaron's example and the later sons Nadab and Abihu offering “strange fire” (Leviticus 10) — an illustration that parents' compromises influence their offspring. Leaders and fathers should heed how their actions form the next generation. Heavens festivals: Mediation and bookends of deliverance Key festivals of the Bible are bookends in Israel's annual spiritual life. Passover and Yom Kippur present parallel roles of a mediator whose work secures deliverance and atonement. Passover's blood on the doorframe spared households from death; Yom Kippur's high priestly actions mediate atonement for the community. The festivals frame a trajectory from slavery to rest, from exile to dwelling with God. Sukkot pictures the land of rest where the Creator will set His name. This cycle invites us to see the tabernacle and temple as ongoing signposts toward God's dwelling among His people. Esther in the Persian context Esther's historical setting is Persia under Ahasuerus/Xerxes (roughly mid-5th century B.C.). Esther is thought to follow soon after the restoration work of Ezra and Nehemiah. Esther records Jewish life in the Persian court and the precarious state of Jews in exile; Ezra and Nehemiah chronicle the return and the rebuilding enterprise. While some returnees were back in the land, others remained dispersed across the Persian empire. The book of Esther is timely as Purim approaches and as it overlaps the larger narrative of restoration after exile. Rebuilding walls isn’t just for ancient cities Nehemiah's journal reveals a small, determined group rebuilding Jerusalem's walls under constant threat. The repeated detail that many rebuilt “as far as in front of his house” stresses that rebuilding was local and personal. Walls protect community boundaries and homes; they distinguish inside from outside. Rebuilding walls therefore becomes a concrete image for spiritual and communal restoration. It’s analogous to personal boundaries: Walls serve as force multipliers by enabling one person or a small group to hold off greater external pressures. Rebuilding one's family walls — restoring moral and spiritual boundaries inside the household — proves as vital as the city wall. The practical applications include discernment about what to admit into family life, intentional boundaries in relationships, and spiritual vigilance. Aliyah and the upward pull toward God's dwelling Biblical geography is focused on the directive to “go up” — עֲלִיָּה aliyah — toward the dwelling place of the Holy One. Whether in Galilee or the Negev, the spiritual aim points to Jerusalem where God's name dwells. The liturgical and physical act of ascent parallels spiritual ascent: moving toward the center where God's presence resides. Boundaries, ‘foreign’ wives & community identity The census and the question about foreign wives in Nehemiah expose tensions about identity and purity after exile. There are distinctions in Scripture between sojourners who embrace Israel's God (e.g., “Your God is my God,” Ruth 1:16) and “foreign” wives brought in via political marriages who often imported foreign deities and practices (as with Solomon, 1Kings 11:4–6). The concern during the restoration period focused on wives who introduced foreign cult practice and morally compromised the community's covenantal life, not on genuine converts. This is a warning against syncretism and about how cultural practices can redefine communal priorities. That calls for a careful balance: hospitality and inclusion for those who embrace Israel's covenant, and discernment against practices that would erode the community's spiritual center. Borders of the Promised Land: How big? Promised to whom? Biblical descriptions of Israel's borders — Genesis 15:18–21, Exodus 23:31, Deuteronomy 11:24, Joshua 1:3–4, Numbers 34:1–12, and Ezekiel 47:13–20 — vary in scope and purpose. “The river” references often point to the Euphrates River. Interpretations of these passages have varied over the centuries. Earth church fathers often allegorized these descriptions and transferred their fulfillment to the global work of Christianity. And controversy has arisen in recent months as prominent public voices have challenged the view that the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948 was an outgrowth of these prophecies. The borders of Genesis 15 range over a wide region, encompassing modern-day Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and (depending on interpretation of Euphrates and “river of Egypt”) parts of Egypt and Iraq. Yet the borders given for ancient Israel to occupy after the exodus in Numbers 34 resemble the outline of modern Israel. Prophetic texts like Ezekiel and Revelation expand the vision of the dwelling place beyond ancient or modern Jerusalem to a giant area and even beyond Earth’s atmosphere (Revelation 21:15-16). The foretold “third temple” (Ezekiel 40–48) and the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21–22) are grand visions of God's dwelling among humanity. Ezekiel’s temple would require major earthmoving (Zechariah 14) far beyond the footprint of Jerusalem today. The New Jerusalem pictures a realm that spans heaven and earth — a dwelling place that offers vertical connection (the 1,500-mile height would extend beyond the atmosphere, Revelation 21:15–16) and horizontal presence (the 1,500-mile length and width would span much of the Middle East, hence, dwelling in the midst of many peoples). The city imagery communicates God's intimate settlement with His people and the restoration of creation's intended order. This illustrates a common feature in Scripture, the merism. It’s the term for a pair of words like “heaven and earth” functions as a biblical figure of speech to describe totality. Is modern Israel really an act of Heaven? When critics dismiss modern Israel because of variegated human origins (atheist communist founders) or moral failures (e.g., Tel Aviv pride parades), Ezekiel 36 to correct the charge. Ezekiel 36:16–23 clarifies that God acts “not for your sake” but “for My holy name's sake” to vindicate His reputation among the nations. Ezekiel 36:24–28 promise gathering, cleansing, and a renewed heart: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes.” (Ezekiel 36:26–27 NASB95). God's work focuses on His covenantal purposes and on restoring relationship, not on human merit. Ezekiel rebuts the modern polemic against modern Israel being prophetic because it’s not Zion-like. God's purposes transcend human failures. The LORD preserves and restores for the vindication of His name, and He can work through flawed human histories to fulfill covenant promises. This is consistent with biblical patterns where God chooses unexpected instruments — second- or late-borns (Isaac vs. Ishmael, Joseph vs. Reuben, David vs. Eliab), humble vessels, and historically diabolical Gentile “messiahs” (e.g., Cyrus in Isaiah) — to accomplish redemption. The new covenant, Messiah & Spirit Ezekiel's and Jeremiah's new covenant prophecies (Ezekiel 36:25–27; Jeremiah 31:31–34) foreshadow the fulfillment of Zion: The Messiah inaugurates the new covenant at Passover (“This is the blood of the new covenant”). The final discourse of Yeshua (Jesus) John 13–17 and Paul's teaching in Romans 8 illustrate how Messiah and Spirit cooperate to enable Torah-observant life from the inside out. The study argues that legal adherence without Spirit-led renewal produces brittle religiosity; the Spirit empowers obedience and life transformation. Practical spiritual disciplines: Filtering thoughts and guarding the heart A vivid practical principle is in Paul's exhortation to “take every thought captive” and bring it into submission to Messiah's teaching (2Corinthians 10:5). Priestly consecration imagery — ear, thumb, toe — to stress hearing (שְׁמַע shema), doing (עָשָׂה asah), and walking (הָלַךְ halach). These form a triad: listen, act, and walk. Believers need filters — discernment practices, boundaries, and spiritual disciplines — to protect their families and communities from corrosive influences. Call to rebuild and fortify We believers must be attentive to build or rebuild appropriate (not cold-heartedly exclusionary) barriers around our communities, families and interior lives. We must orient ourselves around God's presence more than ritual forms, choose obedience over merely cosmetic offerings, reestablish boundaries that protect what belongs inside and welcome the Spirit's transforming work promised in Ezekiel 36 and Jeremiah 31. Be intentional: Rebuild your walls, train your children by example, filter thoughts and actions with spiritual disciplines, and pursue aliyah of the heart — ascent toward the dwelling place of God. Trust that God, not human perfection, makes Zion. Scripture and history show that God acts through imperfect people to restore His dwelling in the midst of the nations. 1 Deuteronomy 25:17–19; 1Samuel 15:2–34; 1Peter 4:12–5:11The post From captivity to new covenant: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther and the how of return (Exodus 33; Ezekiel 36) appeared first on Hallel Fellowship.

In this session, we continue our deep dive into Megillat Esther, exploring the darker realities behind the “beauty pageant,” the introduction of Mordechai and Esther, and the political events that set the stage for the Purim miracle. Along the way, we bring key Talmud insights and classic commentaries to uncover the deeper meaning behind the story.What we coverThe “pageant” in Chapter 2—and how some commentaries portray it as coercive (including an Ibn Ezra approach)Why Mordechai's location in Shushan mattersEsther's dual name: Hadassah vs. Esther, and what Chazal highlight about her character and presenceEsther's modesty and strategy: hiding her identity and refusing extravaganceThe assassination plot of Bigthan and Teresh—and how Mordechai uncovers itThe rise of Haman and Mordechai's refusal to bowThe king's signet ring as a turning point—and a powerful Chazal teaching about wake-up calls and teshuvahA broader Torah frame: the Amalek/Agag thread and the legacy of Saul, Agag, and Samuel (see 1 Samuel, ch. 15)Why Adar isn't “bad luck”: reframing Adar through the life of MosesTimestamps (approx.)00:00 – Recap of Part 1 (Vashti, the feast, the search for a queen)02:10 – The “pageant” through classic commentary03:30 – Introducing Mordechai in Shushan07:40 – Esther/Hadassah: identity, background, and Chazal13:45 – Why Esther hides her identity + her modest approach18:10 – Esther becomes queen + royal celebration19:15 – Bigthan & Teresh plot and its significance24:00 – Haman's promotion and the bowing decree28:10 – The genocide plot: lots (Pur) from Nisan to Adar36:30 – The signet ring moment and a major rabbinic insight42:25 – Amalek, Agag, and Saul: “misplaced mercy” as a Torah theme57:30 – Adar, Moshe's life, and closing preview

Para 6Spotify Notes . Torah 30:3 (Paragraph Vav)Big idea: Hashem created the world so we can attain השגת אלקות (hasagas Elokus) and live in relationship with Him. But because He is אין סוף (Ein Sof) and we are בעלי גבול (ba'alei gvul), the gap seems unbridgeable. The answer is צמצומים (tzimtzumim). Not for concealment, and ultimately transmission and gilui. Malchus has two functions. It contains and defines, and it also enables expression. When Malchus is pure הִתְבַּטְלוּת (hisbatlus), לית לה מגרמה כלום (leis lah m'garmah klum), it reflects like the moon reflecting the sun. That is מלכות דקדושה (Malchus d'kedusha). When the vessel takes on “identity,” and perceived intependence the whole transmission becomes warped. That is Malchus in גלות (galus), and the same “pieces” that are potentially kedusha become reoriented as מלכות דסטרא אחרא (Malchus d'sitra achra). The sharp example is secular “wisdom” like science. It can be a כלי to reveal Hashem, but when it becomes a closed framework that claims independence from the Creator, the greatest potential for gilui becomes the greatest concealment.Arba Malchuyos and the rescue mission: How it gets repaired: Chesed cuts Malchus away from the ארבע מלכויות and returns it to its source. Avraham Avinu embodies this repair. He is סונא בצע (sonei betza). He rejects spoils. He pursues the ארבע מלכים and restores Malchus to kedusha. He is the עמוד האמונה (amud ha'emunah) because he can see unity inside the world's pieces. From Avraham flows the “four sons” framework, and a major teshuvah theme emerges. True teshuvah includes asking forgiveness even for what you do not know you did wrong. Otherwise teshuvah is still confined within your own דעת (daas) and your own box.Shalosh Regalim, simcha, and restoring Ohr Panim: The life-force of Malchus d'kedusha is אור הפנים (ohr hapanim), accessed through the שלוש רגלים (shalosh regalim) and שמחת המצוות (simchas hamitzvos). Amalek represents the center of purposelessness and ליצנות (leitzanus). Shmuel “cuts” Agag, symbolically slicing the כוח of the four distorted malchuyos and reattaching Malchus to kedusha. The regalim restore alignment, rebuild the vessel, and reopen the channel so sechel elyon can once again enter sechel tachton with integrity.

IntroductionEsther chapter 4 places Esther at the crossroads moment. Esthder must choose between self-preservation and trusting the Lord. This book and the heros of this book have been operating "in the gray.” God's providence works subtly beneath the surface through flawed characters (described as God's "B team"). A central tension revolves around whether Esther will act as queen of Persia to protect herself, or as a Jewish woman to save her people from genocide. The real issue is whether the Lord will triumph through the seed of the woman or has the seed of the serpent triumphed? Can God triumph through his B team? Mordecai's Reaction: Public Mourning or Strategic ManipulationWhen Mordecai learns of Haman's decree to exterminate the Jews, he tears his clothes, puts on sackcloth and ashes, and publicly mourns. This is a universal cultural sign of lament and distress. This follows Haman's manipulation of King Xerxes (who was known to be easily influenced by advisors) to obtain the king's signet ring and issue an edict that would allow anyone to turn in Jewish neighbors, receive their property. This decree will not impact the empire since Haman paid approximately 60% of the tax revenue into the treasury. There are two ways that we can vieww Mordecai's dramatic display. First, Historical precedent shows that Xerxes' father Darius once granted audience to someone carrying on publicly in sackcloth, which suggests Mordecai may be attempting the same strategy. Is Mordacai trying to gain audience by the king's invitation? Xerxes surrounded himself with guards carrying axes who would immediately dispatch anyone who interrupted the king without permissionThe other view is that this echoes the prophet Joel 2:12, where mourning leads to repentance and divine intervention. Mordecai knows the exact details of Haman's back-room deal, including the precise sum of money involved, which demonstrates his deep connections but also his detachment because he apparently didn't receive a copy of the edict initially.We can see the bigger story that the conflict between Mordecai (tied to King Saul's line) and Haman (tied to the Amalekite king Agag) may represent either a long historical grudge on an earthly level. However, we know the more significant cosmic battle between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent. The reality is that Mordacai's motivations are unclear. We know that the Lord is working out his plan despite his B team. Esther's Reaction and Mordecai's Interaction: From Ignorance to UltimatumEsther's initial response reveals how sheltered and detached she is from both her people and the crisis at hand. When young women from the harem report Mordecai's distress, she doesn't immediately think of a spiritual or political catastrophe. She is so out of touch that she thinks it's a wardrobe problem and sends him new clothes. This humorous yet tragic detail shows a queen who should be defending her people but lacks awareness of their plight, having never received the decree herself. When the eunuch Hathach brings her a copy of the edict and explains everything, Esther's response is equally telling: she explains that she cannot help because the king hasn't called for her in 30 days. This is a big problem because anyone who approaches the king uninvited faces death unless the king extends his golden scepter. Esther is not immune or protected from this threat. Mordecai's response is brutally pragmatic: he tells her not to think she'll escape death just because she's in the king's palace. The young women in the harem know about her connection to Mordecai, and any one of them, desiring the queen's position for herself, could expose Esther's Jewish identity to the king. Once Haman begins executing Jews in eleven months, the connection will be made, and Esther will likely be executed as a dramatic example. Mordecai's crucial statement uses language rich with biblical echoes. He speaks of "relief" (sharing the same Hebrew root as "spirit") and "deliverance" (echoing the Exodus theme), subtly reminding Esther that ultimate salvation comes from the Lord's Spirit, not worldly comfort. His famous question,” Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Suggests either a genuine recognition of God's providence or a final manipulative appeal, leaving readers in the interpretive gray area that characterizes the entire book. However, his subtle echo assures us that as God protected and delivered his people in a foreign land, so he can protect them again. Esther's Orders: The Fast and the Decision to ActIn the most shocking turn of the story, Esther finally takes decisive action. She is no longer advised and instructed. Now she acts as queen. Up to this point, she has been entirely passive. She enters the beauty contest at Mordecai's command. She wins because she followed the eunuch's coaching. She is willing to compromise who she is as the Lord's child. Now she orders a fast, calling all Jews throughout the empire (from India to Ethiopia) to fast for three days. She is not doing this just for her people, but even the women of the harem. This fast has multiple layers of significance and ambiguity. On one hand, it could be interpreted as Esther wanting to be protected. The fast is not really for the Lord to take notice of their predicament. On the other hand, it can be read as genuine faith. Esther may recognize that she is at the mercy of God, not the king. She desires her people to cry out to God. The inclusion of the harem women in the fast is particularly strategic and risky: the king had ensured the women in the beauty contest were well-fed to project power, wealth, and prestige. If these women do not meet the king's demands, he will likely deal with the culprit.Esther's public call for all Jews to fast essentially confirms what Haman said in his decree—that the Jews are a self-willed people who won't simply comply with the empire's orders. These are people who will call out to their God. This act unites both the pious Jews who returned to rebuild the temple and those scattered throughout the empire in a common cause. Esther states, “If I perish, I perish.” This could be read as fatalism or as faith. We take comfort that she moves from being a passive, coached contestant to being a woman who acts on behalf of her people and potentially honors her God. She is willing to do this even at the cost of her own life. The speaker notes this doesn't end well for assertive women in this kingdom (referencing Vashti), leaving the narrative with a cliffhanger about whether the seed of the woman will triumph or the seed of the serpent will prevail.ConclusionCan God triumph through his B team? This is the question. We see that Esther faces a clear choice: protect herself through self-preservation by denying Mordecai and hoping to escape notice, or rise up in her position of authority to prevent genocide and serve God's people.The answer is not clear. Mordecai could be manipulating to gain an audience with the king. He could be manipulating Esther as well to act. Esther could simply be making a desperate final attempt. The reality is, we are reminded that we can lose sight of our heavenly identity. The subtle biblical echoes (references to spirit, deliverance, and the Exodus) suggest something deeper is happening. We, too, are an audience that lives in this present age, and we can lose sight of God. The Lord is a shield and defender for Abraham. He is the same for us today. The ultimate assurance comes through Christ's resurrection. He did not fail as the disciples suspected, but the Gospel promise is beyond our comprehension. We are called to live under the sun for God's honor and glory as His redeemed people, trusting His providence even when circumstances seem hopeless. Let us take comfort that our Lord is working even when he seems so silent. Yes, the Lord can certainly work even with his B team. Let that comfort us to strive in Christ, as we walk by faith in His Spirit.

 1 Samuel 15 – La obediencia es mejor que el sacrificioEn 1 Samuel 15 vemos una verdad central del Reino de Dios: obedecer completamente es mejor que ofrecer sacrificios mientras desobedecemos.Dios ordenó a Saúl destruir por completo a los amalecitas como un acto de justicia y juicio contra un pueblo violento y persistentemente enemigo de Israel. Esto revela la perfecta santidad de Dios y su compromiso con erradicar el pecado. No era una guerra de conquista, sino una expresión del plan redentor de Dios contra el mal.Saúl obedeció en parte: destruyó al pueblo, pero perdonó al rey Agag y guardó lo mejor del ganado. Luego se justificó, se excusó y hasta se felicitó a sí mismo, construyendo un monumento a su propio éxito. Samuel lo confrontó con palabras contundentes:“Obedecer es mejor que los sacrificios… la rebelión es como pecado de adivinación” (1 Sam. 15:22–23).Dios no se impresiona por actos religiosos externos si nuestro corazón no está sometido. La adoración verdadera se demuestra con una vida rendida.Cuando Saúl finalmente admitió su pecado, su arrepentimiento fue superficial. Estaba más preocupado por su reputación que por honrar a Dios. Quería salvar su imagen, no cambiar su corazón. El capítulo termina con una escena fuerte para recordarnos que el pecado debe ser tratado con seriedad, no encubierto ni tolerado.Idea central:Dios es santo, y es honrado a través de nuestra obediencia total, y nos llama a responder con arrepentimiento genuino y a una lucha radical contra el pecado.Preguntas para Discusión¿En qué áreas de nuestra vida podemos estar “casi” obedeciendo a Dios en lugar de obedecerlo completamente?¿Qué excusas solemos usar? ¿Cómo se manifiesta hoy la tentación de “ofrecer sacrificios” religiosos sin cambiar nuestra conducta?(Por ejemplo: asistir a la iglesia, servir, cantar, pero ignorar un área de desobediencia).¿Cuál es la diferencia entre el arrepentimiento de Saúl y un arrepentimiento verdadero?¿Cómo podemos responder al pecado de una manera que honre realmente a Dios?

IntroductionThe Book of Esther presents characters driven by passion rather than clear devotion to God, much like Samson. The narrative tension goes deeper than simply replacing Queen Vashti. The real challenge is whether God can fulfill his redemptive promise. God promised in Genesis 15, "I am your shield and defender." Abram is to have his confidence in God alone. Now the book of Esther recalls for us that God's people face potential annihilation in a foreign land where He seems silent. The central question emerges: Has God forsaken His redemptive promise? Can the Lord truly defend His people when everything appears lost and in turmoil?Potential Promotion (Esther 2:19-23)The Persian king parades young maidens through the city as a brutal reminder of his absolute power. He owns everything, and no one owns anything, not even their own children. Esther maintains her secret Jewish identity, remaining silent and compliant by Mordecai's request. When Mordecai discovers and reports a plot to assassinate the king he reports it through Esther. He expects a handsome reward, as was customary in Persian culture. Instead, he receives nothing. The conspirators face brutal execution, demonstrating the king's harsh rule. This happens while Mordecai is left unrewarded despite saving the king's life. Act One concludes with a sobering reality: the empire is in the king's control. The question still lingers, “Who is the King of kings and Lord of lords?” Is it God who claims to be a shield and defender, or is it Xerxes?An Old Grudge Manifests (Esther 3:1-6)A new character enters the scene: Haman the Agagite, descendant of Agag, the Amalekite king whom Saul failed to destroy in 1 Samuel 15. This represents an ancient enmity stretching back to Exodus 17, where God decreed that the Amalekites would be put down as the serpent seed. Haman's very existence challenges God's credibility and promises because it testifies that this line is thriving. When Haman is promoted, it is the king's order that all must bow to him. Mordecai refuses, and he eventually reveals his Jewish identity. He does not identify as Saul's descendant, but a Jew. Now we are seeing that this man is not Marduk's follower, but he is bearing the fruit of following our Lord. Hamaan is upset by Mordecai failing to bow to him. Rather than simply killing Mordecai, which would appear petty, Haman devises a more sinister plan: genocide against all the Jews. This sets up the book's central tension. This is the real tension. Can God really trample the serpent seed? It appears to the human eye that God has failed. History's Tragic Reversal (Esther 3:7-15)Haman casts lots (pur) to determine the timing of his genocide. This sets up a tension in the narrative. Now, there is a deadline. Hamaan will destroy the Jews in 11 months. This means that God has less than a year to act on His promises. The tension increases. Hamaan is a master manipulator. He starts with the truth that there are people who are scattered. He then waters down the truth to a half-truth that they have their own laws. Then he drops the ultimate lie by telling the king they will not comply. Xerxes does not like self-willed people. Mordacai knows that this king likes wealth. We have seen the king parade. He even offers to compensate the kingdom for lost tax revenue. He offers about 60% of the kingdom's revenue with 10,000 talents of silver. The king gives Haman his signet ring, granting him complete authority to issue royal decrees. The decree goes out: all Jews will be destroyed, with plunder offered as motivation for neighbors to betray neighbors. While the city itself is confused by this decision, the decree stands as imperial law. The central question crystallizes: Can God protect His people? Will man's decree override God's decree? The serpent appears to have triumphed.CONCLUSIONDespite the dire circumstances, the conclusion offers profound hope. God remains a "shield and defender" even when silent. Mordecai's identification as a Jew. He is not merely as a descendant of Saul. This suggests that God is still at work in the midst of his people. The Lord has 11 months to act, and His promises do not fall flat.The book of Esther encourages us with a powerful truth: if God can work through His "B team,' We think of imperfect people like Esther and Mordecai, and still be triumphant, how much more will God work in the midst of us as we cling to Him? We don't need SEAL Team Six; God accomplishes His purposes through unlikely means. The great irony: Haman will not carry out his genocide, but the Lord will carry out what He said He would do, triumphing over the serpent's seed despite all opposition. Just as Christ's greatest victory came through the apparent defeat of the cross, ending in resurrection and ascension, God's eternal decrees will never be annulled. Let us find our identity in Christ and trust that the Lord is at work even when He seems silent.

Pastor John Ryan Cantu brings this week's message, “Convenient Sacrifice." 1 Samuel 15:8-23 ESV: “And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive and devoted to destruction all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep and of the oxen and of the fattened calves and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them. All that was despised and worthless they devoted to destruction. The word of the Lord came to Samuel: “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments.” And Samuel was angry, and he cried to the Lord all night. And Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning. And it was told Samuel, “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself and turned and passed on and went down to Gilgal.” And Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed be you to the Lord. I have performed the commandment of the Lord.” And Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears and the lowing of the oxen that I hear?” Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites, for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen to sacrifice to the Lord your God, and the rest we have devoted to destruction.” Then Samuel said to Saul, “Stop! I will tell you what the Lord said to me this night.” And he said to him, “Speak.” And Samuel said, “Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel. And the Lord sent you on a mission and said, ‘Go, devote to destruction the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.' Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? Why did you pounce on the spoil and do what was evil in the sight of the Lord?” And Saul said to Samuel, “I have obeyed the voice of the Lord. I have gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me. I have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and I have devoted the Amalekites to destruction. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.” And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.”” Sermon Topics: Obedience, SacrificeIf you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe and share it with your friends on social media. For more information about PNEUMA Church, visit our website at mypneumachurch.org.Connect with Us: Instagram: https://instagram.com/mypneumachurch YouTube: https://youtube.com/mypneumachurch Facebook: https://facebook.com/mypneumachurch Time Stamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:30 - Welcome 07:25 - 1 Samuel 15:8-23 ESV 10:14 - Convenient Sacrifice

All the Prophets and Patriarchs, saw, heard, believed, walked with, sacrificed to, and (and the case of Jacob) wrestled with Jesus Christ. For, no man has seen the Father: ““not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God;” John 6:46.  “No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.”  John 1:18, “No one has seen God at any time.” 1 John 4:12. Jesus Christ is God the Creator, existing before the world, from the days of eternity (Micah 5:2), of one being with the Father, the Father's exact image. When the Disciples asked Jesus Christ to show them the Father, Jesus Christ said, essentially — you are looking at Him now: “He who has seen Me has seen the Father,” and “I am in the Father and the Fathers in in Me.” John 14:9-11. The Patriarchs and Prophets were Christians. What difference does this make? All the difference in the world: It is Jesus Christ that provided the ram skins to cover Adam and Eve. It is Jesus Christ that introduced the hatred between the see of the Serpent (aka the Brood of Vipers) and Himself (the Seed of the Woman). It is Jesus Christ that told Noah to build the Ark. It is Jesus Christ that Abraham worshipped, saw, spoke with and fed. It is Jesus Christ that ordered the fire-bombing of Sodom. It is Jesus Christ that orders the sacrifice of Isaac. It is Jesus Christ the Jacob wrestled and then declared “I have seen the face of God and lived.” It is Jesus Christ that Moses Worshipped. It is Jesus Christ that is the Rock giving  Living Water. It is Jesus Christ who is the subject of the First Commandment. It is Jesus Christ that gave the Ten Commandments to Moses. It is Jesus Christ who “spoke to Moses face-to face as a man speaks with a friend.” Ex 33:11 and Exodus 3:16 It is Jesus Christ before whom Samuel hacked Agag into pieces. It is Jesus Christ that ordered the Tribe of Judah to attack Benjamin (Judes 19-20) It is Jesus Christ that is the God of Gideon, Joshua, David, and Samson. It is Jesus Christ who touched the mouth of Jeremiah (Jer 1:9). It is Jesus Christ that Isaiah saw (Is 6:1) It is Jesus Christ with whom Enoch walked. It was Jesus Christ that was the “vision of God” of Ezekiel (Ez 1:1) and the “likeness of the glory of the Lord” above the Firmament (Ez 1:11-28) It is Jesus Christ that appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God Almighty. Exodus 6:3 It is Jesus Christ who established the covenant with the Patriarchs (Ex 6:4) It is Jesus Christ who whom the Levite's were loyal — their first act was to strap on weapons and slaughter those in rebellions against Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ gave to the Law to Moses and it is Jesus Christ who warns us not to ignore His Law (Matthew 5:18-19). The Church has discarded the God of the Patriarchs and Prophets, which is Jesus Christ Himself. It has discarded the God of Enoch and Noah.  It has discarded the Law of Jesus Christ which are the Ten Commandments.  The Church is in trouble: ““These people come near to me with their mouth     and honor me with their lips,     but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me     is based on merely human rules they have been taught.”Isaiah 29:13 NIV   Fritz Berggren www.bloodandfaith.com 16 December 2025 A.D.

Riding Shotgun With Charlie #243 Tonya Franklin   Back in 2020, Tonya reached out to me. She was very involved with her local politics and wanted to talk about how the news on the "pandemic" was nonsense. She's been in the medical field and may have been helping folks get a medical exemption to the vaccine. She's also a gun instructor who offers NRA and USCCA courses as well as medical courses, which is her background. Growing up in Illinois, I was taking several trips to visit family and friends. On a recent trip, I was able to make plans with Tonya and catch up with her.    Firearms weren't really her thing for some time. Her family moved from Florida to Illinois for her husband's career as a pilot. Learning about the FOID (Firearm Owners Identification Card), she thought it was ridiculous.But since there were firearms in the home and it was required by the state, she got it. When you make her do something, she says she's going to do it all the way. So, her new thing was the Second Amendment. She took several courses as a newbie, and noticed she was surrounded by males.    Over the years, Tonya took a number of courses to learn all the fundamentals. The first female instructor she had was none other than Jan Morgan. Morgan owns a range in Little Rock, AR. That's when Tonya decided that she was going to be an instructor.    In the fall of 2020, Tonya got heavily involved in A Girl & A Gun, the nation's top female firearm group. Her chapter has over 100 women in it. AGAG hosts a conference every year and has chapters all around the United States. Tonya started one in McHenry County, Illinois. The first meeting was at her house and it was packed to the rafters! They also host courses and events at some local ranges and at her home classroom.    When concealed carry became a thing in Illinois in 2013, she jumped all in with both feet. She became an instructor through both the NRA and USCCA, as well as a Training Counselor so she could teach the instructors. The permitting course requirements in Land of Lincoln is a whopping 16 hours of class time! Her business, Act Fast Academy, offers several firearms courses, but also medical courses, which is also important for gun folks to take. With a career teaching in the medical field, getting into firearm instruction was a no brainer.    During 2020, things were tough in the training business. With the state mandated live fire as part of the training, Tonya started going into her own stash of ammunition to keep the instructing business going. She has noticed a pattern that every four years, there's gun and ammo issues, which just happens to coincide with the presidential election years. Buying ammo can be tricking in states like Massachusetts where they keep track of what you're buying. On the flip side, they're also going to require that people do live fire to get permits.    All the training she's taken for herself and her students, getting certified with NRA and USCCA, and going out to competitions has earned her respect. Through her AGAG connections, she's been going to Outdoor Texas Camps to work with young females aged 9-17. She gets to instruct young women in all types of firearms and shooting. The camp has pistol, rifle, shotgun, fishing, archery, mock blood trails, fly fishing, and a whole host of events. With her experience and expertise, she keeps getting invited back.    Tonya is very energetic! She's offering courses all the time. Courses from firearms to medical and just about everything in between. She's active with AGAG, NRA, and USCCA. If you're in northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin, or eastern Iowa, you ought to look her up and take a course.   Favorite quotes: "If you make me do something, I'm going to do it all the way." "They make you a criminal just over night, with the stroke of a pen." "The firearms world can handle me. I'm going to become an instructor, too." "Women want to shoot. They want other women to shoot with. They want to have fun doing it." Act Fast Academy website https://actfastacademy.org/   Act Fast Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ACTFastMedicalTrainingIL/   Act Fast USCCA page https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/firearms-training/instructors/illinois-instructors/act-fast-first-aid-firearms-academy-1326862/   A Girl & A Gun McHenry County Chapter https://www.agirlandagun.org/chapter/il-mchenry-county/ Second Amendment Foundation https://secure.anedot.com/saf/donate?sc=RidingShotgun Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms https://www.ccrkba.org/     Please support the Riding Shotgun With Charlie sponsors and supporters.    US Law Shield Legal Defense for Self Defense. Use "RSWC" as the discount code and get 2 months for free! https://www.uslawshield.com   Patriot Mobile Use this link and get one month for free! https://patriotmobile.com/partners/rswc Or listen on: iTunes/Apple podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/riding-shotgun-with-charlie/id1275691565

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What's the big deal if you have sinful thoughts . . . but never act on them? Surely what stays in your head couldn't hurt anybody, right? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/85/29?v=20251111

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The Bible is clear that it's a sin to lie, cheat, and steal . . . but what about your thoughts . . . about keeping a pure mind? What does Scripture say about that? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/85/29?v=20251111

This podcast is largely a warning to Preachers who, like Saul, thought they could improve upon Christ's orders.  All the prophets, including Samuel and David, were Christians.  They were loyal to Jesus Christ. Saul was called and chosen but thought he was a better Christian that Christ.  Samuel sorted that out when he "hewed Agag to pieces" in the presence of the Lord" Jesus Christ. If they called the Master Beelezebul (and they did) and if they accused Jesus of being demon-possessed (and they did), they they will call us worse (racist, antisemitic!) 1 Samuel 15:33. Luke 19:27 Fritz Berggren www.bloodandfaith.com  

Send us a textIn this episode, Pastor Dom continues to teach about the story of David. 1 Samuel 15:1-31 Samuel also said to Saul, “The Lord sent me to anoint you king over His people, over Israel. Now therefore, heed the voice of the words of the Lord. 2 Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he ambushed him on the way when he came up from Egypt. 3 Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them…1 Samuel 15:99 But Saul and the people spared (king)Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were unwilling to utterly destroy them. But everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed.1 Samuel 15:2222 …to obey is better than sacrifice,…1 Samuel 30:1-4Now it happened, when David and his men came to Ziklag, on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the South and Ziklag, attacked Ziklag and burned it with fire, 2  and had taken captive the women and those who were there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone, but carried them away and went their way.  3  So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. 4 Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep. 1 Samuel 30: 6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.1 Thessalonians 5:1111 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another,…Ephesians 5:1919 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;Philippians 4:1313 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.John 14:2727 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.Matthew 11:2828 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Hebrews 13:55 … For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”1 Samuel 30:8 8 So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?”And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.”1 Samuel 30:17 Then David attacked them from twilight until the evening of the next day…. 18 So David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away,…1 Samuel 30:19 And nothing of theirs was lacking, either small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything which they had taken from them; David recovered all. Luke 6:46-4946 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say? 47 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded (built) on the rock. 49 But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell (collapsed). And the ruin of that house was great.”Romans 8:3131 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

1 Samuel 15:1–15 tells the story of Saul's partial obedience to God's command against the Amalekites—sparing Agag and the best of the livestock while claiming to obey. It's a sobering reminder that partial obedience is still disobedience, and that God desires our hearts more than our excuses.

The prophet Samuel told King Saul that because the Amalekites had treated Israel poorly when they exited Egypt, that God wanted Samuel to destroy all the Amalekites and their animals.  But 1 Samuel 15:9 says, “Saul and the troops spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, goats, cattle, and choice animals...”  Saul thought that ... The post Partial Obedience appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

When Evil Arises ReCreate Church | Michael Shockley | July 27, 2025---------- EPISODE SUMMARY What do you do when it feels like evil is winning and God is nowhere to be found? Through the dramatic story of Esther chapter 3, Michael Shockley introduces us to one of history's most dangerous villains - Haman the Agagite. From a 500-year-old blood feud to a genocidal plot that threatened to eliminate all Jewish people, discover how God works behind the scenes even when His name isn't mentioned. Learn from the inspiring story of Corrie ten Boom and her Nazi concentration camp experience that sometimes what looks like abandonment is actually God's protection. When darkness seems to triumph, remember this truth: the Cross looked like defeat, but Sunday was already on the schedule. Core Message: Evil may rise, but God is already writing the rescue. ---------- KEY TOPICS COVERED Opening Stories: Death and Faith - The loss of cultural icons from the 80s and 90s - Malcolm Jamal Warner's Christian faith and peaceful character - Hulk Hogan's recent baptism and testimony about Jesus - Ozzy Osborne's reported possible deathbed conversion to Christianity - How unexpected people can embrace the Gospel Meet the Villain: Haman the Agagite - Haman's promotion to Grand Vizier, the king's highest official - His possession of the king's signet ring and ultimate authority - The epitome of someone who clawed and connived for power - His demand for everyone to bow and pay homage to him Mordecai's Refusal to Bow - Religious convictions about not engaging in false worship - The danger of making idols out of people or political systems - Standing up to insufferable, grandstanding leadership - A quiet act of conscience rooted in faith in a Greater King The Ancient Blood Feud - Haman as descendant of Agag, king of the Amalekites - The Amalekites' history of unprovoked attacks against Israel - God's judgment through King Saul and the Prophet Samuel - King Saul's disobedience in sparing King Agag - Mordecai as a relative or likely descendant of King Saul from the tribe of Benjamin The Genocidal Plot - Haman's plan to exterminate all Jews in the Persian Empire - The empire's scope from India to Ethiopia, Greece to Caucasus Mountains - The financial incentive offered (equivalent to $200 million today) - The casting of lots (Pur) to determine the timing - How God influenced the lots to fall nearly a year later What It Looks Like vs. What's Really Happening - Evil rising vs. God writing the rescue - Haman in charge vs. God in control - Mordecai defiant vs. God faithful - Haman controlling calendar vs. God ordaining timing - King passive vs. King of Heaven active - God silent vs. God sovereign - Jews doomed vs. deliverers already in place The Corrie ten Boom Story - Dutch watchmaker's family hiding Jews during Holocaust - Arrest and imprisonment at Ravensbrück concentration camp - The flea-infested Barracks 28 that seemed like abandonment - How the fleas kept guards away, allowing Bible studies and worship - God using the very thing that seemed like punishment as protection ---------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "People get all bent out of shape when God doesn't do something to stop evil. And when God does something to stop evil, people get all bent out of shape." "Haman thought he was picking the best time for genocide. In truth, God picked the perfect time for rescue." "There is a big difference between what it looks like and what's really happening." "The Cross looked like defeat. The Tomb looked like the end. But Sunday was already on the schedule." ---------- BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: Esther 3:1-6, 7, 15 - Supporting Texts: 1 Samuel 15 (Saul and the Amalekites), 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Key Theme: God's sovereignty working through human evil for ultimate good - Historical Context: Ancient blood feud between Amalekites and Jews - Forward Connection: Preservation of Jesus' lineage through Jewish survival ---------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION When You Feel Evil Is Winning: - Remember there's a difference between what it looks like and what's really happening - Trust that God is writing the rescue even when you can't see it - Don't assume God is absent just because circumstances are difficult - Call on God and ask Him to show Himself strong When Wrong People Seem to Be in Power: - Avoid making idols out of political systems or leaders - Practice quiet acts of conscience rooted in faith - Remember that human authority is temporary, God's authority is eternal - Stand up for your convictions even when it's unpopular When You Face Systematic Evil or Persecution: - Trust that God can use even the worst circumstances for protection - Look for opportunities to minister and share faith even in dark places - Remember that what seems like abandonment might be God's provision - Hold onto hope that deliverance is coming even when you can't see how When You're Tempted to Compromise Your Faith: - Follow Mordecai's example of quiet resistance based on conviction - Don't bow to pressure when it conflicts with worship of the true God - Understand that standing for truth may bring persecution - Trust that God sees your faithfulness even when others don't When You Question God's Timing: - Remember that God ordains timing even when humans think they control it - Trust that delays in justice don't mean God isn't working - Understand that God may be positioning people and circumstances for rescue - Wait on God's perfect timing rather than demanding immediate action ---------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION On the surface, it may seem like evil is winning and God is on vacation. But underneath it all, God is at work, quietly putting the pieces together for a rescue nobody sees coming. The Cross looked like defeat. The Tomb looked like the end. But Sunday was already on the schedule. When evil rises, when darkness closes its grip, when life itches and bites and burns and stings, don't assume God is absent. Even fleas and wicked decrees become a part of His rescue. Do you see evil around you? Are you wondering where God is? Call on Him. Ask Him to show Himself strong. ---------- CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH - Website: recreatechurch.org - Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app or offering boxes ---------- Remember: God's fingerprints are all over your story even when His name isn't mentioned. The Unseen Hand of God is at work, writing your rescue before evil even makes its move.

True and Better // A Better King // Pastor Casey BushWhat made David “a man after God's own heart”? How does this ancient king help us understand the kind of King we actually need? In this message, Pastor Casey Bush invites us to take a deeper look atthe stories we think we know—and the questions we might not be asking. We're going to look at how David's rise, failures, and faith point us to something more, the true and better.Sermon Notes1 Samuel 8:4-54 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, 5 and said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”1 Samuel 8:7And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.”Kingship” - A God-ordained position of leadership, authority, and servanthood under God himself."Anointing" - The act of applying oil to someone or something, symbolizing consecration, sanctification, or divine empowerment.1 Samuel 13:13-14“13 And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”1 Samuel 16:11 Now the Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.”1 Samuel 16:6…”Surely the Lord's anointed is before Him!”1 Samuel 16:12Now he was ruddy, with [f]bright eyes, and good-looking. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.Matthew 6:33“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”1. DAVID WAITED ON THE LORDFIRST1 Samuel 18:7“..Saul has slain his thousands, but David his 10 thousands.”1 Samuel 24:6“And he says to his men, ‘The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lords anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.”2. DAVID WAS OBEDIENT TOGOD'S AUTHORITYMatthew 25:1“You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things” Gods not after your obedience to earn His love-Its aboutresponding to it.Disobedience doesn't just break the rules, it breaks the relationship1 Samuel 15:23“Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also rejected you from being king.”Malachi 3:6“For I am the Lord, I do not change…”1 Samuel 15:1-21 Samuel also said to Saul, “The Lord sent me to anoint you king over His people, over Israel. Now therefore, heed the voice of the words ofthe Lord. 2 Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he ambushed him on the way when he came up from Egypt. 3 Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them.1 Samuel 15:7-97 And Saul attacked the Amalekites, from Havilah all the way to Shur, which iseast of Egypt. 8 He also took Agag king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were unwilling to utterly destroy them. But everything despised and worthless, they utterly destroyed.1 Samuel 15:2121 But the people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.”2 Samuel 24:1010 And David's heart condemned him after he had numbered the people. So David said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done; but now, I pray, O Lord, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly.”3. DAVID WAS REPENTANTRepentance - Where our heart turns away from sin and turns toward God—a genuine sorrow, confession, and a desire to walk in obedience.A. David valued relationship over reputationB. David feared losing God's presencePsalm 51:11“Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.”C. David was tender toward conviction“Conviction” is not condemnation-its correction wrapped in compassion.Numbers 32:23“and be sure your sin will find you out.”Numbers 32:23James 5:16Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.Someone or something will sit on the throne of your life. The question is, who?

God sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a replacement for Saul, the failure who sat on the throne, from among Jesse's sons. The elders of the town trembled after hearing of Samuel's summary dispatch of Agag and asked him if he had come in peace. He replied, 'yes'. One by one the seven older brothers pass before him - each one impressive in his features; only for Samuel to be told not to look on the outward appearance (the basis of human judgment), but rather on the heart, which is Yahweh's basis of measurement. At last the youngest, who was not thought worthy of being presented, was brought, chosen and anointed. David was invited to soothe Saul's melancholic moods by playing his harp.Isaiah in chapter 60 the time of Zion's future glory, when the wealth of the nations will pour into her (Psalm 102 verses12-22). Verses 1-3 describe the LORD bringing glory from gloom to the long downtrodden nation of Israel. We are living close to the commencement of that epoch as our above quote from Psalm 102 reveals for Yahweh has restored Israel to their homeland. He has once more given them Jerusalem. Verses 4-9 tell of the flowing of the wealth of the nations into Zion. We are told that many Arab nations will be to the forefront of helping Zion, as will Great Britain through her navy. The maritime power of Tarshish (Britain) will be at the forefront of Zion's restoration. Verses 10-14 speak of the prominence that Israel will experience and those who afflicted her will coming begging for mercy. Verses 15-16 is an acknowledgment of the Almighty's role in Jerusalem's elevation. Verses 17-22 outline the abundance of blessings that will flow to her as she is blessed in Messiah's kingdom. Just as in Revelation 21 Jerusalem's glory will be the LORD God Almighty and his radiant Son.Matthew 5-7 is called "the sermon on the mount". Note from the start that after an arduous climb away from the multitude Jesus prepared a series of talks designed for disciples. It begins with a composite picture of our Lord's own character as the blueprint for all true citizens of Zion. There are 8 beatitudes: verses 2-12 - and the reward for each is the same- just expressed in different terms- that is to be blessed with a place in Messiah's kingdom. The 8 blessings - beatitudes- find their antitheses in the curses, or woes upon the Scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23. Within the 8th blessing (Greek "kairos" - a happiness borne in the knowledge of our Father's overriding love and care for His children) there is a ninth, for those who then heard and were moved to respond to the gracious words which they heard. Verses 13-6 give 2 metaphors which describe the disciple's purpose - to shine forth the gospel to others - and who the disciple truly is - a sincere follower of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verses 17-20 tell us of Christ's mission and as his followers our duty to develop a righteousness of the heart and not one of outward appearance to others. Verses 21-26 tell us to control anger and to reconcile problems, not stir up strife. Verses 27-32 deal with lust and difficulties within marriage. Verses 33-37 ask disciples to tell the truth and avoid oaths. Verses 38-42 ask us to avoid retaliation. Verses 43-48 instruct us to be as our Father and show love at all times. We note in all these words the authority of our Lord: "but I say unto you". This contrasts with the Jewish leaders who would quote one or another rabbinical authority: Matthew 7:28. In all of these segments our Lord goes beyond what the Law requires and goes straight to the issues of the heart. Let us also learn that this is how we should look at the Word of God and the words of His Son. The fifth chapter concludes with an appeal for the Father's children to appreciate and emulate His character (verses 43-48).

1 Sam 15:1-35. As Saul boasts of his obedience, he was betrayed by the bleating of sheep in the background. Sometimes the “bleating of sheep” can be heard in our own lives. We may have overcome son areas of overt sin, but what about the areas of goodness, pride or self-r/ness that have not been […]

Romanos 9:33 “He aquí pongo en Sion piedra de tropiezo y roca de caída; Y el que creyere en él, no será avergonzado”.En la vida debemos tomar decisiones firmes, dice la Palabra que Dios coloca delante de nosotros la bendición y la maldición y nos da una instrucción “Escoge, pues, la bendición para que te vaya bien…”, Deuteronomio 30:19 “A los cielos y a la tierra llamo por testigos hoy contra vosotros, que os he puesto delante la vida y la muerte, la bendición y la maldición; escoge, pues, la vida, para que vivas tú y tu descendencia” tu escoges, por un lado la salvación que es Cristo Jesús o la perdición y la condenación.Dios plantó una piedra en medio del mundo; cuando caminas por un camino y aparece una piedra en medio del camino, hay dos cosas que pueden suceder, puedes tropezarte con ella y caer o puedes colocarte sobre esa roca y afirmarte sobre ella.¿Que significa tropezar con la piedra y que significa afirmarte en ella?Aunque seamos creyentes, tenemos que entender que el proceso de cambio y transformación aún no ha terminado, aún tenemos que enfrentar batallas, todavía tenemos que lidiar con nuestros propios pensamientos y con los argumentos que se levantan contra nosotros que quieren destruirnos, ya que tendremos que superar y vencer ideales religiosos, mentiras espirituales, paradigmas equivocados y creencias erróneas, y además de todo esto se suma lo que el mundo quiere vomitar encima de nosotros para volvernos esclavos del mundo.Escuche esto: “El que no escoge con plena libertad los principios y fundamentos registrados en la Biblia como una norma de conducta, tarde o temprano Jesús será su piedra de tropiezo, se verá manejado por otros, vivirá en la indolencia como un parásito, sujeto a lo que determinen los demás. Se prestará a ser zarandeado por cualquier viento, dice la Palabra que los tales son como nubes sin agua, llevadas de aquí para allá por los vientos; árboles otoñales, infructuosos, dos veces muertos, sin raíces”. Judas 1:12-13 “Estos son manchas en vuestros ágapes, que comiendo impúdicamente con vosotros se apacientan a sí mismos; nubes sin agua, llevadas de acá para allá por los vientos; árboles otoñales, sin fruto, dos veces muertos y desarraigados; fieras ondas del mar, que espuman su propia vergüenza; estrellas errantes, para las cuales está reservada eternamente la oscuridad de las tinieblas”.Esto sucedió con los judíos en los tiempos del apóstol Pablo, quienes estaban resueltos a obrar su propia salvación en la base de su propio comportamiento, sus propias buenas obras frente a Dios, y que ocurrió: “Se tropezaron con la piedra”. Es por eso que los judíos rechazaron a Jesús, y por lo cual le rechazan hasta el día de hoy. No quieren admitir que necesitan un Salvador. Pero para aquellos que necesitan un Salvador, han sido atraídos por el Espíritu de Dios, despertados por Su gracia, por lo tanto, el mismo deseo de ser salvos, la expresión misma de su necesidad de un Salvador, les causa aceptar a Jesús, colocándose sobre esa Piedra y afirmándose en ella.. Para ilustrar esto, traigo a estudio la vida de Saul, el primer rey de Israel, un hombre que tenía todo lo necesario para ser bendecido y bendecir al pueblo que lo eligió como rey, pero que terminó en el más grande de los fracasos. Al analizar la vida de Saúl notamos que su caída comenzó desde su interior, no fue capaz de ejecutar la Palabra que Dios le había dado y se volcó a cada una de sus actitudes, decisiones y acciones de las que luego se lamentaría profundamente debido a su carácter endeble; tropezó con la piedra y cayó. Esta fue el mandato de Dios para Saul: 1 Samuel 15:3 “Ve, pues, y hiere a Amalec, y destruye todo lo que tiene, y no te apiades de él; mata a hombres, mujeres, niños, y aun los de pecho, vacas, ovejas, camellos y asnos”, y esto fue lo que hizo Saul, 1 Samuel 15:8-9 “Y tomó vivo a Agag rey de Amalec, pero a todo el pueblo mató a filo de espada. Y Saúl y el pueblo perdonaron a Agag, y a lo mejor de las ovejas y del ganado mayor, de los animales engordados, de los carneros y de todo lo bueno, y no lo quisieron destruir; mas todo lo que era vil y despreciable destruyeron”.Todos tenemos un Saúl dentro, hombres y mujeres pecaminosos que nos impide ser los hombres y mujeres que Dios desea que seamos. Por lo tanto, si aprendemos a vivir despojándonos de este viejo hombre, habremos logrado mucho en nuestro deseo por convertirnos en hombres y mujeres de Dios, ya que, el propósito del Señor es desarrollar Su carácter en nosotros. "El crisol para la plata, y la hornaza para el oro; Pero Jehová prueba los corazones” Proverbios 17:3. El carácter piadoso es el resultado de la obra de santificación del Espíritu Santo. El carácter en el creyente es una manifestación constante de Jesús en su vida. Veamos 6 características negativas de Saúl, señalemos cuáles son aquellas con las que más nos identificamos y en consecuencia tomemos las decisión de vivir los principios descritos en la Palabra de Dios, para que Jesús no sea la principal piedra con la cual tropezamos día a día:Era un hombre lleno de temores, miedos e indecisiones. Saúl tenía todo a su favor, Dios le había dado todo lo necesario para confiar en Él, había colocado a su lado al profeta Samuel, sin embargo a pesar de esas ventajas, fracasó miserablemente. ¿Por qué? Porque no le permitió a Dios ser el Señor de su vida”.Era un hombre de solo apariencia. 1 Samuel 10:24 “Y Samuel dijo a todo el pueblo: ¿Habéis visto al que ha elegido Jehová, que no hay semejante a él en todo el pueblo? Entonces el pueblo clamó con alegría, diciendo: ¡Viva el rey!”. La Biblia dice que era joven y hermoso, que entre los hijos de Israel no había otro más hermoso que él, 1 Samuel 9:2 “Y tenía él un hijo que se llamaba Saúl, joven y hermoso. Entre los hijos de Israel no había otro más hermoso que él; de hombros arriba sobrepasaba a cualquiera del pueblo”. Su apariencia exterior no fue suficiente para cumplir con los preceptos que Dios colocó sobre su vida.Era un hombre desobediente. A pesar de que Dios había avalado su reino, reconociéndolo públicamente y con una victoria frente a los amonitas, Saúl todavía demostraría que el miedo y la inseguridad en su corazón no habían sido superados. Esto le llevaría a formar otros defectos de carácter en su personalidad, acarreando serias consecuencias sobre sus decisiones, convirtiéndose en una persona desobediente al explícito mandato de Dios.Era un hombre arrogante e impulsivo. 1 Samuel 14:23-29, 43-45: Cuando supo que fue desechado debido a su desobediencia, Saúl comenzó a mostrar todos los defectos de carácter. Un siervo/sierva de Dios debe tomar decisiones con sabiduría y en dependencia del Espíritu de Dios, pero los arrebatos de ira, las decisiones apresuradas y la actitud arrogante pueden causar serios daños a las personas que amamos. “Cuidado con herir a los que amas por no aprender a controlar tu temperamento”. Eso fue lo que hizo Saul, colocó a su hijo Jonathan en boca de jarro a la muerte.Era un hombre “terco como la mula”, mentiroso, egoísta y rebelde. 1 Samuel15:13-23. ¿Era posible tal necedad en la mente de un hombre? Saúl había llegado al colmo de su rebeldía. A él no le importaba las indicaciones de Dios para que se hicieren las cosas, sólo le importaba hacer las cosas a su manera, y por esto fue desechado para siempre por el Señor. El mayor aliado de un siervo/sierva de Dios es la palabra del Señor. Es difícil para un hombre despojarse de “su razón” pero, que privilegiado aquel que se deja ser guiado por los mandamientos de Dios antes que por su parecer.Saúl era un hombre sin carácter, todos los defectos que hemos podido apreciar en la vida de Saúl, se encuentra en muchos de ...

Thoughts on pride, gratitude, and the need to tremble at the Word of God. Recorded live at Legacy Baptist Church.http://legacybaptist.comhttp://gabrielhudelson.com

Deux heures de direct à l'écoute de celles et ceux qui font le monde : le raconter, le décrypter et l'analyser pour donner des clés de lecture et de compréhension aux auditeurs.Distribué par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Méadhbh Ní Ghaora, urlabhraí an ghrúpa atá ag agóidíocht ag Óstán Chuan Charna.

God wants us to obey Him. Bible Engagement Obeying God and Denying Self Serving God and Others Sharing Christ Exercising Faith Seeking God Building Relationships Unashamed (Transparency) ⅓ We Want Control (Build In) It's Fun (Build In) I wanna do hoodrat stuff with my friends We Think We Know Better (Build In) We Think Our Way Is Faster (Build In) Obeying God is only easy when a person's own desires match God's. Obeying God is only easy when a person's own timing matches God's. John 14:15  //  “If you love me, keep my commands.” John 14:23  //  “Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching…” Those who want to be mature in Christ have a desire to obey Him. Our way is to disobey, but God's way is a way of obedience. 1 Samuel 15:2-3  //  “...This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt. Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy all that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.'” Obedience is an Opportunity    1 Samuel 15:3  //  Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy all that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.'” Time doesn't diminish sin in the sight of God. Acts 13:22  //  After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.' Obedience is an opportunity to align with God. Begin to view every act of obedience as an opportunity to align more closely with God. Obedience is 100% 1 Samuel 15:20-21  //  “But I did obey the Lord,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the Lord assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal.” 1 Samuel 15:22  //  But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. Worship is good, but obedience is better. Anything less than full obedience misses the mark of God's calling for our lives. Delayed and/or incomplete obedience is disobedience. Begin to actually do what God has called you to wholeheartedly and completely. Obedience is a matter of the Heart 1 Samuel 15:11  //  “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the Lord all that night. 1 Samuel 15:35  //  Until the day Samuel died, he did not go to see Saul again, though Samuel mourned for him. And the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel. Obedience isn't just about our outward actions; it's about the inward condition of our heart. Begin to keep a close check on your heart. What is it that God has called you to do?

Towards Amalek, Saul lacked moral clarity, but when it came to Nov and David, he acted with total (misguided) moral clarity!

Who was Agag in the Bible? How many men named Agag are there in the Bible?

For today’s installment of our Advent Meditation series, our brother Noel Armando Delgadillo provides commentary on Num 24:2-9, 15-19. Take a listen or click here to download. And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. And the Spirit of God came upon him, and he took up his discourse and said, “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, the oracle of him who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered: How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your encampments, O Israel! Like palm groves that stretch afar, like gardens beside a river, like aloes that the LORD has planted, like cedar trees beside the waters. Water shall flow from his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters; his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. God brings him out of Egypt and is for him like the horns of the wild ox; he shall eat up the nations, his adversaries, and shall break their bones in pieces and pierce them through with his arrows. He crouched, he lay down like a lion and like a lioness; who will rouse him up? Blessed are those who bless you, and cursed are those who curse you.” And he took up his discourse and said, “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, the oracle of him who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered: I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth. Edom shall be dispossessed; Seir also, his enemies, shall be dispossessed. Israel is doing valiantly. And one from Jacob shall exercise dominion and destroy the survivors of cities!” Num 24:2-9, 15-19

In this episode of "The Crazy Ex-Wives Club," host Erica Bennett is joined by Darlene, CEO of the Hestia Group, to explore the intricacies of managing emotions, parenting, and life-altering transitions. Darlene shares her journey of navigating divorce, raising children as a single parent, and the challenges of relocating. They discuss the importance of therapy, open communication, and breaking generational patterns. Erica and Darlene emphasize self-care, vulnerability, and the power of community support. Tune in for insights on emotional resilience, relocation strategies, and fostering healthy relationships post-divorce. Give yourself grace and start healing today! Learn more about Darlene Agag:  Instagram: the Hesstia Group Facebook:The Hesstia Group Website: http://thehesstiagroup.com/ 

Preached at St Paul Lutheran Church, Rockford, Illinois on Sunday, October 13th, 2024.Support Rev Fisk at SubscribeStarOrder Rev Fisk's books at AmazonCatch Rev Fisk on A Brief History of Power podcastFor video, visit Rev Fisk's Rumble channel Get the Mad Mondays newsletter, a round up of news from a Christian perspective with encouragement from Rev FiskFind out more about the Sons of Solomon, a prayer discipline for men

AG shares her personal Akashic Records Prayer for the first time ever on AGU podcast and channels a special message for you! Along with tons of habits, routines, and rituals that are serving AG in this season of life.    LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: FLAVCITY ELECTROLYTES (& PROTEIN IM LOVING) CODE ANNAGRACE https://shopflavcity.com/discount/ANNAGRACE/redirect=collections/protein-smoothies FACIAL DRY BRUSH:  https://amzn.to/3WPC593 CASTOR OIL: https://amzn.to/3McnM9y SUPERHUMAN ACTIVATIONS INFO: Get 14 days free, see my favorites and head to activations.com/ag for over 60% off your membership. The discount is only available through the website, not the app store. Money-back guarantee, 100% risk-free. AG's FLORIDA BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY EVENT: https://anna-grace-newell.mykajabi.com/offers/27zzfesq/checkout ^ CLICK HERE - early bird tickets $150 / normal tickets $175 for two hours of energy work with AG   AG's 2025 COSTA RICA TRIP: https://trovatrip.com/trip/central-america/costa-rica/costa-rica-with-anna-grace-newell-feb-02-2025   AG'S 2025 BALI TRIP: https://trovatrip.com/trip/asia/bali/indonesia-with-anna-grace-newell-jun-21-2025   How To Read The Akashic Records Course:  https://anna-grace-newell.mykajabi.com/offers/PfVmbYFN/checkout   Free Shower Prayer! https://aguniversitypod.gumroad.com/   AGU's Course ~ How to Read Angel Cards: AG teaches you how she connects with her oracle deck to pull cards for readings!  https://aguniversitypod.gumroad.com/l/angelcards AG's free grounding meditation: https://aguniversitypod.gumroad.com/l/groundingmeditation?layout=profile   —-----   AG's newsletter for more info on readings OR submit a question for her to answer LIVE on the podcast: https://www.annagracenewell.com/newsletter   What is AGU? After launching an energy work practice rooted in the Akashic Records, AG uncovered so much information that she needs the world to hear! It's her duty and personal mission to help people get in touch with their intuition and energetic gifts, and ultimately become the brightest and boldest version of themselves! This is your official acceptance letter: WELCOME TO AG UNIVERSITY! AG's Energetic Protection Courses: https://aguniversitypod.gumroad.com/ AG's Book Club: https://www.amazon.com/shop/annagracenewell/list/WD6VUBYE1HFC?ref_=aipsflist_aipsfannagracenewell  Sign up for the newsletter if you are interested in doing a reading with Anna Grace, or learning more about her energy work practice. Sessions will ONLY become available here - her booking link will never be shared on any other platforms: https://www.annagracenewell.com/newsletter If you aren't already - you can connect with AG on Instagram and TikTok: @annagracenewell on all platforms! XO  

WE ARE BACK BABY!!! Class is in session and we are calling all DANCING UNICORNS back to school. Life chats + catching up with AG and she dives deep into the topic of SURRENDER.    LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: AG's FLORIDA BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY EVENT: https://anna-grace-newell.mykajabi.com/offers/27zzfesq/checkout ^ CLICK HERE - early bird tickets $150 / normal tickets $175 for two hours of energy work with AG   AG's 2025 COSTA RICA TRIP: https://trovatrip.com/trip/central-america/costa-rica/costa-rica-with-anna-grace-newell-feb-02-2025   AG'S 2025 BALI TRIP: https://trovatrip.com/trip/asia/bali/indonesia-with-anna-grace-newell-jun-21-2025   How To Read The Akashic Records Course:  https://anna-grace-newell.mykajabi.com/offers/PfVmbYFN/checkout   Free Shower Prayer! https://aguniversitypod.gumroad.com/   AGU's Course ~ How to Read Angel Cards: AG teaches you how she connects with her oracle deck to pull cards for readings!  https://aguniversitypod.gumroad.com/l/angelcards AG's free grounding meditation: https://aguniversitypod.gumroad.com/l/groundingmeditation?layout=profile   —-----   AG's newsletter for more info on readings OR submit a question for her to answer LIVE on the podcast: https://www.annagracenewell.com/newsletter   What is AGU? After launching an energy work practice rooted in the Akashic Records, AG uncovered so much information that she needs the world to hear! It's her duty and personal mission to help people get in touch with their intuition and energetic gifts, and ultimately become the brightest and boldest version of themselves! This is your official acceptance letter: WELCOME TO AG UNIVERSITY! AG's Energetic Protection Courses: https://aguniversitypod.gumroad.com/ AG's Book Club: https://www.amazon.com/shop/annagracenewell/list/WD6VUBYE1HFC?ref_=aipsflist_aipsfannagracenewell  Sign up for the newsletter if you are interested in doing a reading with Anna Grace, or learning more about her energy work practice. Sessions will ONLY become available here - her booking link will never be shared on any other platforms: https://www.annagracenewell.com/newsletter If you aren't already - you can connect with AG on Instagram and TikTok: @annagracenewell on all platforms! XO  

With > ForI love youth ministry. I am the product of a healthy youth group from the 80's and 90's that loved me well and gave me the chance to realize my identity and purpose within a group of youth workers and teenagers who were my community during those formative years. I also was blessed by a youth minister named Troy who encouraged me and equipped me to the point that after high school (and some considerable wrestling with the call) I became a youth minister too.Church leadership through associate pastoring, music ministry, and youth ministry was my only full-time occupation before taking on the role of an executive director of a nonprofit seven years ago.As much as I love supporting teenagers and watching them realize their IPC in Christ, there is an element of highly-developed mainstream youth ministry I don't love – and that is the entertainment factor!All too often, there is a high priority in the church to keep our children, teenagers, (and adults) engaged by entertaining them. It can be seen in the games we play, the songs we sing, and even the sermons we preach! Smoke machines, stage lighting, videos, and pastors not dressing age appropriately can be distracting.One particular week, I was working on Wednesday night's bible study after coming up with and making purchases for that night's fun stage game. I had already planned out that evening's meal with one of our volunteers and needed to get started on cleaning the youth room from the previous Sunday night. It dawned on me in that moment that a lot of what we did as youth workers was to create an environment FOR our youth in hopes that they enjoy our time together and invite friends to the carnival! The problem was there were no opportunities for youth to invest their time or efforts into the ministry. In 1 Samuel 15, Saul is commanded by God to wipe out his enemies. But instead of doing so, Saul spares Agag the king and holds back some of the best livestock to make offerings to God later. Samuel reflects God's anger by telling him that obedience is better than sacrifice and that because Saul has rejected God's word, God is rejecting Saul as king. Intense!This passage reminds us that God is serious about obedience. We must remember that what we do WITH God (obedience) is so much more important than anything we can ever do FOR him (sacrifice)! In my youth ministry, we began giving students the opportunity to share in our planning and giving them projects to work on and invest in instead of simply showing up each week to be entertained.Within your mentor/mentee relationship you can start thinking of what you can do WITH your mentee as opposed to what you just do FOR them! (Example: Mow an elderly person's yard with your mentee instead of taking them to a movie.)  --Please follow @youcanmentor on social media and give us a 5 star rating! If you are a part of a mentoring organization, we'd love to get to know you! Please reach out to us!Contact us at zach@youcanmentor.com or at www.youcanmentor.com

Why is Saul later killed by an Amalekite?