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I can well remember as a child singing the great gospel song, “Standing on the Promises”. Maybe you sang it, too. I remember the words well: Standing on the promises of Christ my King, Through eternal ages let his praises ring; Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing, Standing on the promises of God. It's not a song we sing much anymore, but the message is still relevant. As Christ-followers, we can stand on the promises given to us through God's Word. What does that mean—to stand on the promises of God? Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23). Promises are as reliable as the one who makes them. God has made many promises to us, and he never forgets any of them. He is a trustworthy and faithful God. Standing on the promises of God is confident assurance in what God has promised us. That means you keep standing, even when your faith is weak. Hebrews 10:36 exhorts us to keep on patiently doing the Lord's will so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. If your faith is starting to waiver, if you haven't yet seen God's answer to your need, I encourage you to keep standing—keep on doing the Lord's will, and you will receive what he has promised. Ephesians 6:13 says after you have done everything, to stand. Just keep standing on the promises of God. Stand when you're tired; stand when you want to quit and run away; stand when your faith is weak. After you have done everything, keep standing on the promises of God, for he who promised is faithful.
We keep in step with the Spirit by a continual surrendering of our lives to the will of God. His will is revealed to us in His Word. As we follow and obey the Word of God, we are walking by the Spirit. As we abide with Jesus through prayer and worship, our hearts stay in tune with the Holy Spirit.Main Points:1. In the New Testament book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul instructs us to keep up with the Holy Spirit. God is leading our lives. We have put Him in the driver's seat. We have yielded the control of our lives to Him. In fact, we have made Him the Lord of our lives. Our job is to follow. We don't know where we are to go or how we are to live, so we must follow. 2. As Christ followers we have given up being the master of our own lives because we have discovered a better master. We've discovered that following Jesus is worth it and there is no better life to live.3. As you draw near to God, listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit as He guides you to walk in step with Him. Today's Scripture Verses:Galatians 5:25 - “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.Galatians 5:16 - “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”Galatians 5:24 - “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”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
In today's God Sighting, Chris Nolan, Parish Outreach Coordinator at St. Mark's in City Heights, shares a brief reflection on a moment when God's presence became visible in an unexpected way. As Christ's light stretches into these days, may you notice how God meets you right where you are.To learn more about St. Mark's, visit: https://stmarks-cityheights.org/Faith to Go is a ministry of The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. Click here to learn more about EDSD's great work in our region and how you can support this ministry.Remember to get in contact with us!Email: faithtogo@edsd.orgInstagram: @faithtogo
Something we often forget is that the Church teaches that Mary is the mother of Christ but she also mothers Christ in us! As Christ was born of Mary 2000 years ago, she still gives birth to him in me and you. May we turn to our Mother in this New Year, that she will love us into greater openness to Christ, that he will be born anew in us!
As Christ followers, we believe the Bible is God's infallible and eternal Word. Pastor Jack Graham challenges us today to be systematic and faithful in the reading, studying, hearing, applying and sharing of God's Word. In knowing God's Word, he says, we know the God of the Word. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/395/29?v=20251111
As Christ followers, our festivity doesn't end at Christmas. Thanks to Jesus, we have a festive future. In today's message, Pastor Jeff Ables teaches how to know the festive future that God has prepared for us. Prayed to accept Jesus? Congratulations! Text SAVED to 337-222-3210 or click here https://bit.ly/CC_saved New to Crossroads Church? Learn all about us at https://mycrossroads.org
As Christ the Center closes out another year of weekly theological conversation, this special episode reflects on God's faithfulness throughout 2025 by revisiting the most-watched and most-listened-to episodes of the year. Drawing from YouTube engagement, Camden Bucey highlights ten conversations that resonated deeply with listeners—spanning biblical exegesis, redemptive-historical interpretation, Trinitarian theology, apologetics, and pastoral formation. Together, these clips showcase the breadth of Reformed Forum's work: rigorous scholarship, confessional clarity, and a steady commitment to Christ-centered interpretation of Scripture. The episode also celebrates significant ministry milestones: thousands of students served through Reformed Academy, international reading cohorts across six continents, new books published, and the largest theology conference in Reformed Forum's history. Framed by the theme "Growing Together into Christ" (Ephesians 4:15–16), this highlights episode not only looks back with gratitude but looks forward with confidence—inviting listeners to partner in the ongoing work of theological education for the church worldwide. Watch on YouTube Chapters 00:00:07 Introduction 00:00:57 Looking Forward to 2026 00:01:38 Growing Together into Christ 00:04:26 Top 10 Episodes of 2025 00:05:05 Greg Beale | The Use of the Old Testament in Colossians (YouTube) 00:08:59 Van Til Group #15 — A Critique of Mathison's Toward a Reformed Apologetics (YouTube) 00:19:44 Robert Letham | The Holy Spirit (YouTube) 00:23:57 David Saxton | Biblical Meditation: God's Battle Plan for the Mind (YouTube) 00:29:04 William Dennison | Van Til and the Problem of Evil (YouTube) 00:34:28 Danny Olinger | Meredith G. Kline's Biblical-Theological Reading of the Book of Revelation (YouTube) 00:45:06 Marcus Mininger | Redemptive-Historical Interpretation (YouTube) 00:51:14 Vos Group #99 — Millennial Views and Modern Theories of the Kingdom (YouTube) 00:59:37 Marcus Mininger | Impossible to Be Restored? Temptation and Warning in the Epistle of Hebrews (YouTube) 01:14:02 J. Brandon Burks | The Puritans and the Salem Witch Trials (YouTube) 01:19:38 Conclusion Participants: Bill Dennison, Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Danny Olinger, David Saxton, Greg Beale, J. Brandon Burks, Jim Cassidy, Lane G. Tipton, Marcus Mininger, Robert Letham This is Christ the Center episode 939 (https://www.reformedforum.org/ctc939)
As Christ the Center closes out another year of weekly theological conversation, this special episode reflects on God's faithfulness throughout 2025 by revisiting the most-watched and most-listened-to episodes of the […]
As Christ's living body, though, we are called to do more than be filled with the Spirit; we are commanded to serve God's rich blessing to others.Subscribe to daily devotions e-mails: https://wcm.link/ddsub
Advent: Love Lifts All Places - Jason Miller (Guest) Many of us yearn for sacred spaces, believing true purpose lies elsewhere—in a grander city or a different life. But what if the divine arrives not where we expect, but in the ordinary, even out-of-the-way places we inhabit?In this Advent message, Jason reflects on his deeply personal connection to South Bend, Indiana, and how a fresh reading of the Christmas story in Luke's Gospel challenges our assumptions about sacred geography, quietly elevating Bethlehem—an unexpected and unimpressive town—into a place of profound divine significance.Through this lens, we are invited to see how God's presence has the power to transform any place, and any circumstance, into sacred ground when met with love. As Christ enters the world, our everyday “Bethlehems” are lifted up, becoming spaces of meaning, hope, and the tangible presence of God.Chapters/Timestamps:[00:52] Notice: Christmas Compassion Appeal 2025[03:20] Introduction to Jason Miller and South Bend City Church [06:53] Sermon - Jason MillerAbout Jason Miller Jason serves as a pastor at South Bend City Church (IN, USA), a sister church and kindred community to us at Redeemer Central. SBCC are described as 'community of grace & peace for our city and the world', a Jesus-centred community not afraid to wrestle with the tensions of ancient faith in a modern world. He is also the author of When The World Breaks: The Surprising Hope and Subversive Promises in the Teachings of Jesus.
Peter Rosenberger explores the rising conversation around Christian nationalism,what it is, who promotes it, and how it aligns with Scripture. As "Christ is King" trends online, Peter asks a deeper question: Where is the call to repent?
In this message, Ps. Jake teaches on the importance of living a lifestyle of revelation, where every encounter with God transforms us to reflect Jesus more clearly. As Christ is revealed in us, our lives become a living testimony of His power, presence, and purpose—marked by miracles that flow from intimacy with Him.
In this message, we discover that gratitude is not something we manufacture, but the natural fruit of lives ruled by Christ's peace, filled with His Word, and shaped by His name. Paul shows us how reconciliation with God brings deep peace that flows into our relationships and daily living. As Christ's Word dwells richly in us — through teaching, correction, and worship — our hearts are formed to give thanks. Living in Jesus' name reminds us that every moment belongs to Him, shaping how we speak, act, and respond. Gratitude becomes the overflow of gospel-shaped identity rather than a forced habit.
Though Hebrews 6 unpacks six core principles—repentance from dead works, faith toward God, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment—that trace the believer's life from new birth to final destiny, we hone in our focus on Eternal Judgment.We press into the hard but hopeful truth: judgment begins in the house of God. Ezekiel 34 confronts shepherds who feed themselves while neglecting the weak, and that pattern still speaks today. Then we follow Jesus' strategy in Matthew 10: seek the “worthy,” let peace rest where the message is received, and shake the dust where it is not. Worthiness is not status; it's reception. As Christ later pronounces woes on cities that witnessed miracles yet refused to repent, the stakes become clear—greater light brings greater responsibility. Rejecting the messenger means rejecting the One who sent him, and reception brings the first blessing of peace and hope.We also hold up a mirror to our religious reflexes. Jesus names the Pharisees' hypocrisy: heavy burdens, polished appearances, fixation on tithes while ignoring justice, mercy, and faith. That indictment challenges modern church culture to lift burdens, prioritize the wounded, and keep the weightier matters central. The call is simple and searching: preach the gospel, discern hunger, invest where the word is received, and move on without rancor. For every listener wrestling with spiritual leadership, mission, and endurance, this conversation offers clarity, courage, and a path toward the resurrection of the just."Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response"Support the showThank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms:Substack: https://ourfathersheart.substack.com/Website: ourfathersheart.orgPodcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/shareTwitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheartYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheartMay God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!
In this episode, we walk through Philippians 3 and explore what Paul calls “a new way of becoming.” It's a life marked by pursuing Christ, letting go of the past, and pressing toward God's upward call. But this transformation isn't just personal—it's missional. As Christ reshapes us, He sends us out to impact the world around us. Join us as we unpack how spiritual maturity fuels a life on mission.Today's scripture passage is found in Philippians 3WANT MORE CONTENT?Click the link below to see the teaching that's tied to this podcastwww.genesischurchorlando.com/sermonsDISCUSSION GUIDE BELOW (COMING SOON) ⬇️ !!!GOT QUESTIONS?DM us on our Instagram and/or TikTok or email us at postsundaypodcast@gmail.comLIKE, SUBSCRIBE and leave a 5 star REVIEW on Spotify & iTunes.PSP Social Media at:Instagram: @postsundaypodcastYoutube.com/postsundaypodcastTiktok.com/postsunday.podcastTwitter.com/postsundaypodcastThread: @postsundaypodcast
Seeing Others as Christ Sees: The Gospel Call Revealed in Soldiers and Saints I was hungry. You fed me thirsty. You gave me to drink. I was alone, and you were with me. I was naked and you clothed me. This marvelously simple description of the greatness of Christian life. That ability, not so much to see Jesus in each other as to see others as Jesus sees them. Today's Gospel draws from Matthew's teaching on the Final Judgment, . . . . . . where Jesus separates people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats, praising those who cared for “the least of His brothers.” The Homily then focuses on Saint Martin of Tours, a soldier-turned-bishop whose famous act of charity . . . cutting his cloak to clothe a beggar . . . reveals the heart of the Gospel: seeing others as Christ sees them and responding with compassion. Martin's life of disciplined holiness, service, and unwavering focus on Christ is presented as a model of Christian discipleship. Seeing Others as Christ Sees Them The Homily also highlights two American military chaplains whose causes for sainthood are advancing: Father Vincent Capodanno, a Marine chaplain killed in Vietnam after repeatedly risking his life to save wounded soldiers, and Father Emil Kapaun, a Korean War chaplain known for heroic sacrifice, spiritual strength, and care for fellow prisoners of war. Each embodies Christlike service . . . feeding the hungry, comforting the suffering, and valuing every human life. On Veterans Day, the Homily emphasizes that the vocation of a soldier, when lived with compassion and courage, mirrors the Gospel call to serve others. As Christ nourishes and strengthens us in the Eucharist, we are sent forth to care for the hungry, the thirsty, and the vulnerable in our own lives, following the example of these remarkable witnesses. Listen to: Seeing Others as Christ Sees: The Gospel Call Revealed in Soldiers and Saints --------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Seeing Others as Christ Sees: The Gospel Call Revealed in Soldiers and Saints : AI and Queen of All Hearts' Digital Team: 2025
I wonder if this feast of Christ the King is as much about Christ's leadership as it is about our call to serve. As Christ's disciples, we use our gifts in the service of mission and, like Christ, we use any power we have to serve people.by Sister Leslie Keener, CDP Here's a link to Dr. Brené Brown's book Strong Ground: the Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit, that's referenced in the episode: https://brenebrown.com/book/strong-ground/ I hope you check it out!Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter at www.GodSpaceCommunity.com. Subscribe to the Providence Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! At God Space, you can come as you are. You belong here.God Space is a ministry of the Sisters of Divine Providence of Kentucky. Do you want to learn more about the Sisters of Divine Providence? Check out our website here: www.CDPKentucky.org.You can find all of the Scripture readings from the lectionary here: https://bible.usccb.org/readings/calendar Music credits: Thanks to Pixabay and these artists for their royalty free music: intro and outro music Acoustic Inspire by The_Mountain, reflection questions music, Relaxing Meditation Music by SamuelFrancisJohnson
In this episode, Fr. Anthony reflects on Christ's call of St. Matthew as a revelation of the Lord's pastoral wisdom, patience, and mercy. Drawing on St. John Chrysostom, he shows how Christ approaches each person at the moment they are most able to receive Him, gently leading sinners to repentance while shielding the weak from the self-righteous. The homily invites us to imitate this divine pedagogy—offering mercy before rebuke, healing before judgment, and a way of life that draws others to the knowledge of God. +++ Mercy, Not Sacrifice: Christ's Pastoral Method in the Calling of Matthew St. Matthew 9:9-13 At that time, as Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and He said to him, "Follow Me." And he rose and followed Him. And as He sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when Jesus heard it, He said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." When looking at this encounter, it is important to know the context. Jesus had been at this for a while. He had already called at least four of the twelve; Andrew, Peter, James and John, to be his disciples. Moreover, in addition to them, many others were following him. He had already been baptized, been tempted, given the Sermon on the Mount and performed several public miracles. Knowing this allows us to better appreciate Christ, how He operates, and therefore how we might better imitate Him as we claim to operate in + His name. Example One: Calling the disciples Let's go back to His calling the disciples. Why didn't He call Matthew at the same time He called Andrew, Peter, James, and John? St. John Chrysostom indicates that it was Christ's pastoral heart that determined when we called each of His disciples. Remember, as the Logos, He shares the Father's will that "all be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:4). This means that He addressed people in the time and manner they were most likely to hear. St. John Chrysostom points out that Matthew's heart was not open to Christ's call at the same time as Andrew, Peter, James, and John. It took miracles and profound teaching to soften His heart for the encounter. And He didn't just do this for Matthew, look how long it took for the Apostle Paul! And perhaps, we can look at long he waited for us! We should learn from this lesson from Christ's earthly ministry and imitate Him. We may need to live among some people for a while, showing the miracle of God's love working in and through us in the way we act and the things we say, before they are ready to accept an invitation to join us in The Way that heals and perfects. Many of us jump the gun; skipping the vital step of living a public life of miraculous love – and then are surprised when the call to "follow Christ" goes unheeded. Yes, there are times when the modern equivalents of scribes and pharisees need to be confronted, but once again, let's imitate Christ and let them out themselves when they question our motives and sanity for performing acts of sacrificial compassion. If we skip the step of imitating Christ in His love for mankind, not only won't we win converts, we may also be indicating that we aren't really working in His Name at all. Example Two: Leaving, not owning the opposition Speaking of which, Christ also demonstrates his pastoral care at the very beginning of today's lesson. You may remember that today's lesson begins with something that seems to be a throwaway line; a transitional clause that lets the reader know that the narrative is moving on to another scene. St. Matthew writes; "At that time, as Jesus passed on from there,…" and then segues into this lesson about how Christ called him, the author, to be His disciple. But what did He leave and why? What did He "pass on" from in the previous scene? Let me share that with you; just prior to this, Jesus had publicly corrected some scribes - leaders in the Jewish community - by healing a man of his paralysis after they doubted His ability to forgive sins. Do you see how they out themselves as fools? But Christ doesn't want them to remain in ignorance. He desires that they, too, be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth … but He also knew that they were not ready to accept the truth, so He left before they could double down on their sin and thus become even less likely to change their way of thinking and eventually answer His call to discipleship. As St. John Christostom puts it; For when He had performed the miracle, He did not remain, lest, being in sight, He should kindle their jealousy the more; but He indulges them by retiring, and soothing their passion. This then let us also do, not encountering them that are plotting against us; let us rather soothe their wound, giving way and relaxing their vehemence. Jesus could have owned those scribes! This is what our polarized and self-indulgent culture seems to require of us: to immediately jump on any perceived weakness to show the superiority of our way. We even manufacture offenses so that we have an opportunity to score points and play to the crowd. But that's not what Jesus did; there was a real offense and a real weakness – but He didn't want or need to impress anyone. Again, his desire is that of His Father; that all be saved and come to a knowledge of the Truth. And so He forbeared and gave them an opportunity to cool off and repent while He moved off to spend time with someone who was ready to hear Him. These are the kinds of lessons that are obvious to those who have "eyes to see and ears to hear," but for the rest of us, it takes time. As we have discussed previously, we still see the Gospel "through a glass darkly" and only see reality as "trees walking." But we want to learn, and so we ask those who have made this journey successfully before us, men like the Holy Apostle and Evanglist Matthew, whose memory we celebrate today and St. John Chrysostom who shares the deeper Truths that St. Matthew shared – we ask them to guide and pray for us as go deeper into The Way. Let's see what more we can learn about Christ's approach to evangelism and pastoral care in today's lesson. It is worth remembering that Matthew was a tax collector. When Jesus gave him the invitation to "follow me", he responded with hospitality. He opened his house to the Lord, his disciples, fellow tax collectors, and unspecified sinners. Just to make sure everyone had a good time, this was all done within view of some local Pharisees. The Pharisees spent their whole lives dedicated to righteousness (as should all of us). I am perfectly willing to believe that they were sincere in their devotion to the Law. In fact, it was probably their devotion to the Law that led to their revulsion at seeing an alleged rabbi (Jesus) eating with sinners. They shared their righteous indignation with the Lord's disciples and He overheard them. We can learn a lot about how to pastoral ministry by looking at Christ's response. First, He said (e.g. St. Mark 2:17); Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick do. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. This is the most obvious point: God was explaining what His mission to these sinners (and the world) was: He had come to bring them to repentance. This would hardly satisfy any ultra-Orthodox takfirists – they always want their pound of flesh! After all, they say, repentance requires tears, and the best way to bring someone to tears is not to eat with them and provide them a living example of the better way; no, surely it is more effective to beat them over the head with the Sin-Stick, right?! Evidently not, at least according to the all-knowing and all-loving God-man Jesus Christ. After acknowledging the sinfulness of His dinner companions and their need for repentance, He corrected the Pharisees' dubious pedagogical and evangelical instincts with this (e.g. St. Matthew himself in 9:13); Go and learn what it means, 'I will have mercy, and not sacrifice': for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Christ is quoting Hosea when He says; "I will have mercy, and not sacrifice". The full passage (which was implied) continues with (Hosea 6:6); "… and [I desire] the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." This is huge. The Pharisees knew the full quote and its context; they would have seen that Christ was telling them that they were guilty of the very same sorts of things that went against God throughout the Old Testament. He was telling them that they were more concerned with fulfilling the letter of the law (i.e. doing the "burnt offerings" well) than they were with knowing God or bringing others to Him. At that meal, He was doing something that they should have been doing themselves. How Christ Discipled His Sinners cum Apostles More importantly, along with His entire response, Christ used this quote to describe His method for bringing the "knowledge of God" to sinners; He would use mercy to lead them to repentance, which would in turn allow them to grow in the knowledge of God. St. John Chrysostom brings this point out at the end of his homily on this passage; What Christ is saying through his words and deads is this, "The disciples have not yet become strong; they still need a lot of condescension. They have not been renewed by the Spirit yet. You really shouldn't put a lot of injunctions on people who are still weak." And He said all these things in order to set laws and rules for His own disciples, so that when it was their turn to train disciples, they would deal with them very gently. To reiterate St. John Chrysostom's point, God is showing His disciples how the Gospel is to be taught: gently and with mercy … while protecting the weak from the attacks of the self-righteous. This is important for us as Christian leaders: we are called to follow Christ! We are called to take His Gospel to sinners so that they might repent, come to the knowledge of God, and be saved. Keep the Sin-Stick ready, but use it the way Christ Himself did; to defend the weak from the attacks of the self-righteous. There is a temptation to bring sinners to a full awareness of their sin in order to drive them towards repentance, but be careful with this. Psalm 129: 3-4 (which we often repeat as a prokimen so that we will master it – or rather so that it might master us); If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee. And later in that same Psalm, we learn from the Psalmist, in the Spirt, what the purpose of this merciful forgivness is; so that He might bring salvation to Israel (129:8). Repentance, kenosis, and discernment are fostered over time. It is an iterated and communal process. The wounds this world inflicts on God's children are serious and it takes time for Him to heal them. This means that you may not be able to see the process through to its conclusion, but it is okay to simply begin the treatment; the Church has trained other physicians that can continue the process, just as you will be called to continue the work others have begun. As Christ said "One soweth, and another reapeth." (St. John 4:37:4) Conclusion Saint Matthew's life is a testimony to the efficacy of this gentle discipleship process. He was a sinner. The Lord protected Him and showed Him mercy. Over time, through His example, His holiness, and His teachings, He brought Matthew through repentance to the true knowledge of God. As a recipient of this grace, St. Matthew could do nothing else but offer it to others. It is true that the Church is a hospital, and that Christ is the Great Physician; and it is also true that St. Matthew found healing in the Church under the Doctor's care. But it is also true that He did not stay in the hospital bed. After a lifetime spent spreading the Gospel, this "good and faithful servant" earned the martyr's crown in Ethiopia. May the Lord transform us into the kind of patient, merciful, and holy pastors who can do the same.
Send us your feedback — we're listeningHebrews 1 : 8 — Your Throne O God Will Last Forever : Prayer for National Revival and Justice “But about the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a sceptre of justice will be the sceptre of your kingdom.'” — Hebrews 1 : 8Recorded live here in London, England with Reverend Ben Cooper.At noon the nations stand beneath the same sun and the same Sovereign. Hebrews 1 : 8 declares a throne that no human power can move. Across Ethiopia, Ukraine, Mexico and Indonesia, believers cry out for justice and revival. The sceptre of Christ is righteousness — His rule is peace. When leaders fail and systems fall, the Kingdom of Jesus still stands. This hour we pray for nations to turn back to the King who reigns forever.Paragraph 1 – Context Nations rise and fall, but the throne of Christ remains. Hebrews 1 : 8 is a reminder that governments are temporary, yet His justice is eternal. When injustice rules, the people of God stand as witnesses to a greater Kingdom.Paragraph 2 – Reflection Justice in our time begins with the heart. As Christ's followers walk in integrity, His rule extends through them. Prayer becomes an act of governance — declaring that the Son's sceptre is still raised over the earth.Paragraph 3 – Intercession & Vision We pray for Ethiopia, Ukraine, Mexico and Indonesia. Let corruption fall and truth be enthroned. Raise leaders who fear God and serve with mercy. May revival sweep these lands and the justice of Christ cover the nations.Prayer PointsPray for revival and justice in the nations.Prayer for governments to act with righteousness.Ask God to raise leaders who fear the Lord.Prayer for peace where violence has ruled.Declare that Jesus reigns over every nation.Pray for integrity and truth in public office.Ask God to heal divided lands and communities.Prayer for justice systems to serve with fairness.Pray for revival fires to ignite across Ethiopia, Ukraine, Mexico and Indonesia.Thank God that His Kingdom rules with justice forever.Life ApplicationWhen you see injustice, pray Hebrews 1 : 8. Jesus still rules with a sceptre of justice — your prayer invites His reign into your nation.DeclarationWe declare tSupport the showFor more inspiring content, visit RBChristianRadio.net — your home for daily devotionals, global prayer, and biblical encouragement for every season of life. We invite you to connect with our dedicated prayer hub at DailyPrayer.uk — a place where believers from every nation unite in prayer around the clock. If you need prayer, or would like to leave a request, this is the place to come. Our mission is simple: to pray with you, to stand with you, and to keep the power of prayer at the centre of everyday life. Your support through DailyPrayer.uk helps us continue sharing the gospel and covering the nations in prayer. You can also discover our ministry services and life celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net — serving families with faith, dignity, and hope. If this devotional blesses you, please consider supporting our listener-funded mission by buying us a coffee through RBChristianRadio.net. Every prayer, every gift, and every share helps us keep broadcasting God's Word to the world.
When accusations or misunderstandings come against your faith, what does it look like to give a Christ-centered defense rather than a self-defensive reaction? In his sermon: “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose!” centered on Acts 24:1 – 25:12, Pastor Josiah walks us into the Roman courtroom of Caesarea, where the apostle Paul stands accused before Governor Felix. Surrounded by power, politics, and hostility, Paul defends himself not with manipulation but with conviction—his worship is to the Lord, his hope is anchored in the resurrection, and his conscience is clear before God and man. This passage reveals that the gospel itself, not merely Paul, is on trial—and that even in chains, God's mission is unstoppable.As Christ's chosen people, we are called to live with integrity and to boldly defend His truth before all. When our eyes are fixed on Christ and our hearts are full of love for Him, we truly can't lose—because even through persecution and hardship, the gospel advances, God's purposes prevail, and His truth cannot be silenced.
Pastor Terry's message reminds us that giving God our best is about excellence, not perfection. Like Daniel, we're called to develop a spirit of excellence from the inside out, allowing God to shape our hearts and attitudes. As Christ's representatives, we honor Him through the way we live, serve, and interact with others, showing His love in everything we do.
11/02/2025 Putting off the old lifeColossians 3: 1-11Big Idea: New life in Christ means saying goodbye to the old you.As Christ followers, we put off the old life and put on the new life…1. New life means a new focus (vs 1-4). This is an ongoing process (24/7), not just when it's convenient. (Gal 2;20, John 10:28).2. New life means killing old sin (vs 5-9). Get rid of our old, bad habits so that God can form new ones in us. Our lives reflects what we believe. This requires us to surrender. (Gal 5:24).3. New life creates a new identity (vs 10-11). Our faith in Christ is what needs to define who we are.How you can walk in newness of life as a Kingdom person:1. Identify an old “outfit” you've been wearing (…sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed, anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language, gossip, lying…)2. Confess it and put it to death (“Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature” Colossians 3:5.3. Allow God to replace it with new life (Keyword: surrender; it's not about behavior modification, it's about heart transformation. Gratitude is the evidence of new life.4. Live from your new identity. Believe the truth of who you are in Christ.
The whole of Jesus' life was lived under the shadow of the cross. As Christ faithfully served His Father each day, the agony of Calvary loomed ever nearer. Today, Sinclair Ferguson begins to reflect on the life of our Lord. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/living-under-the-shadow-of-the-cross/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
As Christ followers our present and our future is eternal life in Jesus Christ
Have you ever looked back and felt the sting of a missed opportunity? In Missed Opportunities and Growth, Vivian Bricker reflects on Ephesians 5:15-17 and reminds us that while fear can cause us to step back from God-given opportunities, His grace still leads us to growth. Even when we stumble, God redeems our regrets and uses them to strengthen our walk with Him. Highlights Ephesians 5:15-17 calls us to live wisely and make the most of every opportunity. Fear often blocks us from stepping into new seasons of growth. Missed opportunities can lead to regret—but also reflection and transformation. God provides continual chances to grow in wisdom, courage, and faith. Learning from setbacks prepares us for future opportunities aligned with His will. Join the Conversation Have you missed an opportunity God placed in your path? How did He use that moment to help you grow? Share your story and encourage others to walk in wisdom and courage. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #FaithAndOpportunities #GodRedeemsRegret #WalkInWisdom to join the conversation.
As Christ-followers, we see in Acts that any opposition we face—while not pleasant—makes sense. Jesus taught it, and the Bible records it. Acts is much like the Bible's playbook for what to do with our faith in Jesus. That is to believe it, hold tight to it, and spread and share it with others.
On today's PowerPoint, Pastor Jack Graham takes a special look at heaven and the resurrected body. Heaven is a real, tangible place, Pastor Graham teaches. As Christ followers, we will live in a perfect place with a perfect Savior and a perfected state of life. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/395/29
Our world is burdened by the broken place of hatred. We see discrimination, racism, genocide, dehumanization, and segregation along so many different lines (gender, age, race, nationality, ability, etc.). Most of the time when we try to fix these problems, however, we don't acknowledge the fact that these are outcomes of a much longer path of hatred which starts anytime we see ourselves as better than the “other” we are encountering. To heal the broken place of hatred, we must walk an entirely different path: the path of self-giving love. In Philippians 2:1-11, Paul pleads with the church in Philippi to “love one another” and “work together with one mind and purpose.” To do this, he suggests we must have “the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” And how did Jesus live? He walked the path of self-giving love. Even though he had all power in the universe, he “gave up his divine privileges,” lowered himself in humility, and lifted broken humanity up through his self-sacrificial love on the cross. As Christ's church, we can show the world an alternative to the hatred we see around us. When we encounter “others,” we must follow our savior down the humble path he chose to walk.
Christ is the perfect manifestation and revelation of God.Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:1-3, John 14:9 Christ is eternally sovereign and supreme over creation.Colossians 1:15, Psalm 89:27 Christ is the creator and sustainer of all things.Colossians 1:16-17, John 1:3, 2 Timothy 4:1 Christ is the head of His Church.Colossians 1:18, Ephesians 1:22-23, Galatians 3:28 Christ is the firstfruits of resurrected bodies.Colossians 1:18, Matthew 10:28, 1 Corinthians 15:20, Philippians 3:20-21 Christ is fully God and fully man.Colossians 1:19, 2:9 Christ is the reconciler of all things.Colossians 1:20-23, 1 Corinthians 1:7-9 Is it clear in every area of my life that the worship of Christ is preeminent?Colossians 1:18 As Christ's ambassadors, are we fulfilling our God-appointed ministry of declaring Christ's message of reconciliation to the world?2 Corinthians 5:17-21 --------DAILY DEVOTIONAL WITH RON MOOREGet Ron's Daily Devotional to your inbox each morning; visit biblechapel.org/devo.CAREGIVINGDo you have a need we can pray for? Do you need someone to walk alongside you? Do you know of another person who needs care? Let us know at caregiving@biblechapel.org.GROWTH TRACKWe all have a next step - what's yours? To learn more about our Growth Track and to take your next step, biblechapel.org/connect.
Jesus enters Jerusalem on a colt; a public display of His lineage to David and of His divine kingship. Jesus comes with peace and sorrow as He weeps for the people He would die for who reject Him. As Christ-followers, we are the exemplify the traits of our Savior, concerned for those who have yet to repent of their sin and turn towards the Prince of Peace.
According to the New York Post, Charlie Kirk's memorial service last Sunday has racked up 20 million views and counting, not to mention the popularity of short videos with lines like “I forgive him” from Erika Kirk, “We are Charlie” from other speakers, and the many posts of “Here I am, send me” from Isaiah 6:8. As Christ-followers, the story of Charlie's death and memorial might be causing us to stop and ask, “Do I measure up to this?” Come find your answer this Sunday, as we continue our message series, Imperfect Together, and find out how to measure our maturity. You might find you're using the wrong measuring stick.
As Christ has delivered peace to us in salvation, so we must live in peace, forbearing with our brothers and sisters in Christ for the glory of God.
Join Dr. Edith Davis on "Into the Glory Zone" as she shares a profound revelation on receiving and maintaining divine health. This episode focuses on the critical, yet often overlooked, role of the soul—your mind, will, and emotions—in your healing journey. Dr. Davis teaches that just as we have spiritual power, we also have "soul power," and the enemy fiercely attacks us in this realm. Key Points: -- God wants you well: God does not use sickness or disease to punish or teach you. He desires for you to walk in divine health and healing. -- The power of your soul: Your mind, will, and emotions are pivotal for life and death in the physical realm. You must renew your mind with the Word of God and take control of your emotions rather than letting them control you. -- As Christ is, so are we: Dr. Edith Davis shares a powerful revelation that as Christ Jesus is in heaven—without sickness, disease, or lack—so are we on this earth. We are members of his body, and what is true for him is true for us. -- Beware of unbelief and "mixture": Using the story of the Israelites, Dr. Davis warns against unbelief and spiritual "mixture." Just as the Israelites with their unbelief died in the wilderness, listening to voices that contradict God's Word can lead to death in various areas of your life—including your health. -- The authority of the believer: We have been given authority and power on this earth. By aligning our words and faith with God's promises, we can walk in the victory and dominion that Christ has secured for us. Scriptures for Further Study: -- Exodus 12 -- Joshua 14:10-12 -- Romans 12:2 -- Galatians 5:22-23 -- 1 John 4:17 This is episode 373. +++++++ Check out my new website: https://www.enterthegloryzone.org/ MY AUDIO BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE You can Divorce Proof Your Marriage by understanding the Secret Keys of Love. You will come to understand that your Marriage has an enemy. You will come to understand that you are dating your future spouse representative. You will come to understand that your Marriage has the gift of Supernatural Sex. For more information about purchasing this audio book, click here: https://personalbuy.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/product8702.html
As Christ-followers, the Bible says we should put no confidence in the flesh. It's pretty undependable. But you can and should be totally God-confident. Confident that you have become a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ and confident that God has good plans for you—good works for you to do which he determined before you were born. There's nothing to be gained by being constrained and handcuffed by a lack of confidence. James put it this way: But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do (James 1:6 – 8). James says if you're blown and tossed—like happens with lack of confidence—you are unstable in all your ways. You need confidence to be what God created you to be and do the good works he put you here to do. And the confidence you need is not self-confidence, but rather it is God-confidence. What is hindering you from this God-confident life? Many times, it is the constant thought you simply are not good enough. Thoughts like: you've sinned too much; your past is too bad; you can never be worthy. You know where that comes from, don't you? Satan will tell you lies about yourself, like thinking you're not good enough. But remember this wonderful truth. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Whether condemnation is coming at you from others or yourself, you are believing a lie because God never deals with us through condemnation—making us feel unworthy and without hope. The Holy Spirit who indwells every believer will convict you of sin for the purpose of helping you repent and get rid of the drag on your spiritual life. But God never deals with you through condemnation; that's what the enemy tries to do. When the enemy is successful at destroying your God-confidence by his sneaky and sinister words of condemnation, he is keeping you from the joy of the Lord, which is your strength, and from the abundant life Jesus died to give you. You're missing all the good stuff! But there's hope in Jesus!
The cross finished what we could never do—your old life is gone, and a new creation has come. As Christ takes center stage, He must increase, and everything else fades into the background. What remains is not striving or self-denial, but the joy of His life fully alive in you.
The cross finished what we could never do—your old life is gone, and a new creation has come. As Christ takes center stage, He must increase, and everything else fades into the background. What remains is not striving or self-denial, but the joy of His life fully alive in you.
Invited and Wanted - "Grow" - Ephesians 3:14-19 In this second message of our series around our mission statement—We exist so every man, woman and child can KNOW Christ, GROW in Christ, and GO as the body of Christ—we look at Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14–19. Spiritual growth is more than outward effort; it begins with God's power at work in us. As Christ makes His home in our hearts, we are rooted in love, strengthened in community, and led toward the fullness of God. This passage shows us what it truly means to grow in Christ.
As Moses approached the end of his life, his focus wasn’t on regret, bitterness, or personal loss—it was on God’s people. In Numbers 27:15-17, Moses prayed that the Lord would appoint a leader to guide Israel so they wouldn’t be “like sheep without a shepherd.” Despite his mistakes and missed opportunities, Moses left a legacy of faith, humility, and care for God’s people. This devotional reminds us that true spiritual leadership looks beyond ourselves and points others toward the ultimate Good Shepherd—Jesus—who leads us into rest, protection, and eternal promise. ✨ Highlights Moses’ selfless prayer — Even at the end of his life, Moses was focused on God’s people, not his own loss A legacy of faith — Despite failure, Moses’ life still pointed others toward God’s promises Jesus, our ultimate Shepherd — The fulfillment of Moses’ prayer is found in Jesus, who leads us to spiritual safety and rest (John 10:11) Kingdom perspective — God calls us to live with an eternal mindset, thinking beyond our present circumstances and investing in future generations Carrying God’s light — As Christ-followers, we are called to shine His light wherever we go and leave the world “better than we found it”
Big Idea of the Series: In this eight-week series on the book of Philippians, we will examine the source of Paul's defiant joy while he lived under house arrest in Rome. The apostle Paul was a light to the Philippians, radiating joy to a church disheartened by their mentor's imprisonment. Like Paul's letter to the church in Philippi, this series is designed to encourage the church to find joy in the midst of suffering, bringing hope to those who are hurting.Key Truth: A Christ follower's joy is based on the faithfulness of GodKey Verse: Philippians 1:19–26Summary: Paul's joy was based in the faithfulness of God. As Christ followers, we too should focus on and trust in God rather than our circumstances.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/legacychurchtx/Join us in person:https://legacychurchhutto.comMusic used with permission:Dreamers by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6) As Christ hung on the cross, the Jewish leaders ... More...
Send us a textEphesians 1Paul's letter to the Ephesians opens by praising God for His spiritual blessings in Christ and highlighting God's predestined plan, choosing before the foundation of the world to make believers holy and blameless. Through Jesus, we have redemption, forgiveness of sins, and the riches of God's grace. Paul emphasizes that God's purpose is to unite all things in Christ, both in heaven and on earth. He then speaks of the Holy Spirit as the guarantee of our inheritance, sealing believers until final redemption. Paul prays that the Ephesians grow in wisdom and knowledge of God, understanding the hope of their calling and the immeasurable power at work in them. He concludes by exalting Christ as the head over all things, seated at God's right hand with authority over all creation. Our identity in Christ gives us confidence and purpose, reminding us that we are chosen, redeemed, and sealed with the Holy Spirit. Knowing that salvation comes by God's grace should lead us to live with gratitude and trust in His plan. This passage challenges us to seek deeper wisdom and understanding, growing in faith, and relying on His power. As Christ reigns with authority over all things, we are called to submit to Him, trusting that He is in control. Instead of living in fear or uncertainty, we should embrace the hope and inheritance we have in Him. Our response should be one of worship, obedience, and a commitment to living out His purpose as His church, the body of Christ. Great Father, we pray that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened, so that we will know what is the Hope of Your calling, what are the riches of the glory of Your inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of Christ's power toward us who believe. Please seal us with the Holy Spirit and preserve us eternally. Redeem us from sin, and help us understand our fellowship as Christ's body. Lead us to honor Him as our head and to function as one, unified in the effort to carry out His work in this world. Thought Questions: - What does it mean to say that God “chose us in Him before the foundation of the world”? What part does your faith play in that process? - The Holy Spirit has sealed believers and is a pledge of our inheritance. What does that mean to you, and how does it help your confidence? - Christians must continue to grow in their knowledge of Jesus Christ. How can you ensure that your connection to Him continues to deepen?
We live in a culture that urges us to build our own brand—to perform and project an image that wins recognition. Yet this constant performance leaves us exhausted and empty. Modern branding taps into our longing for connection and meaning, but what it offers is shallow compared to the grace of God, who knew and loved us before we ever achieved anything. In Jeremiah, we see that God calls and equips imperfect people—not because of merit, but because His purposes are already accomplished through Jesus. As Christ's ambassadors, we are invited to lay down the pursuit of being "enough" and instead embody His love, resting in the truth that through Him, we already are. -------------- Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-10 NRSVUE Jeremiah's Call and Commission 4 Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” 6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.” 7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a boy,' for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.” 9 Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”
Do you live your life with intentionality? Or do you live on the whims of the world around you? As Christ followers we're called to live our lives to a different standard. Join Pastor Mike and Tyler as they dive into Psalm 101 and see a great example of an intentional life. Support the show
Is Amanda Bynes crazy? We'll look at the top ten signs of Monarch Mind Control and then dig into the Ebola crisis and its possible results. Is our fear of Ebola more deadly than the disease? Are there mind controlled victims unknowingly bringing the Apocalypse? Fritz Springmeier brings his encyclopedic knowledge to decode and dispel popular beliefs and even makes a prediction of what we might see with Katy Perry at the Superbowl Halftime Extravaganza! Are you eating cloned meat? Is it possible for you to be cloned and will this lead to immortality? Which politicians have doubles? Fritz explores the Dulce New Mexico Underground and learns of super soldier's despair from being genetically modified. Let's learn the secrets to help repair the Trauma-Based Mind Control and stop the Apocalypse. Fritz Springmeier is foremost a follower of Yahshua the Messiah. He gave his life to Christ when he was 13. And believes that what happens with his life is not about himself but about Christ. As Christ wanted to save the world, Fritz has also done projects that would significantly help improve the world. He believes that we are called to love our enemies and do good to our enemies. Evil can not be overcome with more evil. His life can only be understood that Christ came to give us life and a more abundant life even in the here and now. Let us take care of the here and now to improve life.
Joshua 9 – The story of the Gibeonites reminds us that it is easy to be deceived. Discernment is a necessary tool to navigate life. As Christ followers, we need to be people who are committed to our word as our bond. We have to take ownership of our failures and learn to make the best of poor decisions.
I thought it important to talk about times of crucial conversations, because quite honestly, they can be helpful in unifying people on the job. But if not handled correctly, they can cause division. As Christ-followers we should always speak the truth in love, and that just means you hold these crucial conversations for the purpose of helping another person understand, keeping their welfare in mind. You speak the truth with the right motivation. Every crucial conversation needs to be surrounded by prayer. If you know in advance that such a conversation will occur, obviously you have time to pray specifically about it. If not, that's when you send up emergency prayers for that conversation. If you will pray in advance, asking for wisdom, making certain your motivation is one of helping not blaming or condemning, asking God to help you see this person as he does, it will make a huge difference in how you handle the conversation. Here's an example of a crucial conversation on your job: Imagine you are a manager, and you have an employee who is not being truthful with you. Records are lost, money is missing, reports are doctored—and now you must have a crucial conversation with this employee about these issues. The stakes are high—the employee could be fired—and you are already feeling the emotions of such a conversation in advance. How do you handle this crucial conversation? Consider first that it is best not to cause the other person to become defensive or shut down and refuse to share if you can avoid it. Even if you have proof that they are guilty, a finger-pointing approach doesn't work. In our hypothetical case, you might begin by saying, “If the information I have is correct, it seems that your reports are not factually accurate, and it appears that the use of funds has not been according to company policy. Can you shed any light on these?” Think of what you really want to achieve through this crucial conversation. Do you want the relationship to survive? Do you want this person to learn from these mistakes and move forward? If your goal is not only to confront wrongdoing but to correct it and move forward, then think of how you need to approach this person to achieve those results. In a conversation about a church situation where a staff person had to be confronted about wrong behavior, the question was asked, “Did you try to restore that person?” In this case, the position had to be relinquished because of the nature of the offense, but was anyone trying to help restore this person spiritually? Unfortunately, the answer was no. The goal was to ask for his resignation, with little or no thought given to restoration. This conversation might have had a better outcome if the goal of the conversation had been more than just requesting a resignation but also trying to restore that person to a right relationship with God. Galatians 6:1 reminds us: Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. That's a good guideline for determining our purpose for a crucial conversation. Now, let's talk about how we deal with strong emotions in a crucial conversation. If you're like me, you probably have difficulty controlling your emotions when you're in these situations. Crucial conversations are almost always high-charged emotional conversations. They are about issues that are sensitive; they often bring to light some wrong behavior or mistake that is not easy to talk about. And that can cause all kinds of emotional responses. In this hypothetical situation of an employee who has proven to be dishonest in several areas, it's like catching your kid with his hand in the cookie jar—the proof is irrefutable, but they still try to avoid the consequences. So, how can this crucial conversation move forward to an effective conclusion when you or the other person is angry, scared, or hurt?
Life can be tough—full of unexpected bumps, bruises, and heartaches. And while band-aids may cover surface wounds, they don't always reach the deeper pain. As Christ-followers, how do we find true healing—not just quick fixes—for the wounds life leaves behind? In this conversation, we'll explore what it means to heal in healthy, Christ-centered ways that go beyond surface-level solutions.--------Sign up for Pillars: A 12 Week Discipleship JourneyBuilding Saints who are STRONG, SMART, and STABLE.https://weareoneyouth.com/pillars--------Text the We Are One Hotline for prayer needs and all things We Are One: 844-641-8147For bibles, prayer requests, giving, and more, click the link below to get connected!https://weareoneyouth.com/famIf you just accepted Jesus, if you have a prayer request, or you want to know more about us, CLICK THIS LINK! https://weareoneyouth.com/fam
We suggest about 5 different practices you can do to celebrate Śrāvaṇa, the month of Śiva:1. Vratam. Many people will observing vows like abstaining from a particular kind of food (salt, sugar, pickles etc.) or observing sunrise-sunset fasts or keeping vigils etc. Generally, these vows are observed on all the Mondays of this śrāvana period and so it is often called the Śrāvaṇa Somavara Vrātam (The Monday Observance of Śrāvaṇa) since Mondays are sacred to Lord Śiva. You can decide just what kind of thing to offer or to abstain from as part of your vrāta, vow, just whatever that is do-able and reasonable and makes spiritual sense and is spiritually nourishing to you. This is a bit like the Christian concept of lent, I suppose. 2. Japa (Puraścarana). You can pledge to chant a certain number of repetitions of your dīkshā mantra or any śiva mantra that you like (we often suggest the pancakshara mantra) every day during this period or just on the Mondays. When we systematically chant a certain number of mantras daily for a fixed period of time, we call that "puraścarana". Generally, we recommend that we sit in the same place, at the same time when we do our chanting and generally we suggests that you chant on a rudrāksha-mālā since those beads are sacred to Śiva. You get to decide what number you'd like to pledge, whatever number that is do-able and reasonable and spiritually nourishing for you. 3. Pūjā. Every Monday (or if you want, every day) during this period you can perform a pañcāmrita pūjā and/or a pañcopacāra-pūjā to your Shiva lingam or murti. We demonstrate this simple and elegant pūjā towards the end of this video but you can find all the mantras in Sanskrit with transliteration and translation as well as the ritual procedure in the description of this video. 4. Kirtana/Bhajana. A chanting practice is very beautiful and nourishing since it is essentially, like pūjā, a celebration! Perhaps you might decide to chant some hymns to Shiva on the Mondays or every day; you might simply commit to learning (and memorizing) a specific hymn that you like. (l) Nirvāna-śatakam 5. Karma Yoga. And our favorite practice of all as part of the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda lineage: worshipping Shiva in the form of the jīva, the embodied soul. As Christ said "that which you do unto the least of ye, you do unto me", the best possible pūjā is to actually serve everyone (including plants & animals & spirits & what not) in a spirit of worship. Never think you are helping anyone. Instead, feel that everyone is giving you an opportunity to worship God by coming to you for help. Don't feel that they owe you any gratitude for your having helped them. Rather, you be grateful to them for giving you the opportunity to worship God through them. In this way, your work, your daily tasks, all become transformed into Śiva-pūjā. This is the acme of non-duality, to recognize each movement of life as an encounter with the divine!May all beings, who are none other than Shiva, worship Shiva! Hara Hara Mahadeva! Support the showLectures happen live every Monday at 7pm PST and Friday 10am PST and again Friday at 6pm PST.Use this link and I will see you there:https://www.zoom.us/j/7028380815For more videos, guided meditations and instruction and for access to our lecture library, visit me at:https://www.patreon.com/yogawithnishTo get in on the discussion and access various spiritual materials, join our Discord here: https://discord.gg/U8zKP8yMrM
Mike and Kenny review the Summer action blockbuster F1: The Movie starring Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, Damson Idris, and Kerry Condon and directed by Joseph Kosinski. Pitt stars as race car driver Sonny Hayes, who is invited to join an F1 team despite a 30 year absence from the F1 circuit following a traumatic crash. The team's owner, Ruben Cervantes (Bardem) drove with Hayes when he was a rookie and is desperate for his team to show success or else he will lose it. Part of Hayes's impact on the team needs to be mentoring the team's rookie sensation but yet to be successful driver, Joshua Pearce (Idris.) Produced by Jerry Bruckeimer and Apple Studios, F1 The Movie included scenes shot during F1 on location at several Grand Prixs, the British, Italian, Las Vegas, Japan and Abu Dhabi. Faith Spotted: The place and necessity of Community: I Corinthians 12, the Body of Christ consists of many parts, all of which are vital and dependent on one another. Such dependency requires trust and faith in each other. As Christ had total faith in God, discisples of Jesus must also have faith in the God's redemptive power and in the new life promised in Christ. This is reflected in F1 in all the members of the team, from the owner, drivers, and all crew members. Without everyone working together the team fails. Living in Community requires Humility. As Paul teaches in Philippians 2 all persons of faith are called to imitate the humility of Christ. As Jesus did not use his position as God to gain attention, power, and to be served, but rather to serve God and others, discipleship of Christ calls for persons to be humble and use talents and other blessings of God in the service of God and others. Hayes, Pearce, and others in the film are challenged to reign in their ego's and desires for personal fame and glory in order for the team to win and all to be successful. Over coming Adversity, Failure and Fear: Faith in God's love, grace, and the promise of new life, allows us the freedom to struggle against adversity and the fear of failure. The teaching and life example of Jesus calls us to live out of faith rather than in the midst fear because God cherishes all people for who they are, God's children, not for what they accomplish. Calling, Purpose, and Passion: Sonny Hayes was born to race. It doesn't matter if he was racing in the glamorous world of the F1 circuit or isolated Baja races. In contrast Joshua Pearce saw racing as a means to an end, glory, wealth, popularity. Pursuing his purpose and passion rather than the perks of success enabled Hayes to find joy in all circumstances. Children of God are called to discover their purpose and use the gifts and blessings that God offers that drive that purpose.
Colossians 3:13 says, “As Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” Really, God? Begin the process of healing. How?...