Podcasts about Asaph

July 19, 2026John SyversonPsalm 81: 1-16

Sermon Outline: "A Table in the Wilderness" Preacher: Pastor Rhonda Davis I. Introduction: The Accusation of Unbelief The Wilderness Setting: Written by King David's chief musician Asaph, Psalm 78 serves as a historical reminder of Israel's behavioral cycles in the desert. Fresh out of Egyptian deliverance—having witnessed the ten plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and being physically guided by pillars of cloud and fire—the people began to bitterly complain against God a mere three days into their journey. An Honest Question vs. An Accusation: In Psalm 78:19, the people ask, "Can God really prepare a table in the wilderness?" Pastor Rhonda noted that the word really transforms a seemingly innocent question into a toxic accusation dressed up as reason. It is the phrase used when a human heart has already decided the answer is "no," waiting around only to prove its own doubt correct. Covenant Over Anger: Despite their rebellion, God did not slam the door or cancel His covenant. Instead, He commanded the skies to open and rained down manna—the food of angels. God systematically spread a feast in front of the very people who were whispering against Him in their tents the night before. The Three Divine Tables Pastor Rhonda unpacked the three distinct tables God establishes throughout biblical history: 1. The Table for the Doubters (The Wilderness Table) The Purpose of the Table: The wilderness table is never a structural reward for individuals who possess perfect, unwavering faith. It is a table of pure grace, deliberately established right in the middle of your human doubting. The Goodness that Pulls: Relying on Romans 2:4, it is the unmerited goodness of God—not His anger—that gently leads broken, derailed, or disappointed individuals into true repentance. The Commitment of God: God remains infinitely more committed to your ultimate destiny than your lingering doubt is committed to keeping you away from His presence. As highlighted in Psalm 78:38-39, He stays full of compassion, frequently holds back His anger, and remembers that human beings are fragile, temporary flesh. 2. The Table for the Enemies (The Battlefield Table) The Blinded Army at Dothan: In 2 Kings 6, the King of Syria surrounded the prophet Elisha at Dothan with a massive host of horses and iron chariots. When Elisha's servant panicked, shouting, "What shall we do?", Elisha uttered the historic reality: "Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those with them." The Spiritual Sight Shift: Elisha did not pray for his servant's natural eyes, but for his spiritual eyes to be opened. Instantly, the young man saw the surrounding mountains packed with the fiery chariots of God's angelic hosts. A Feast Instead of a Sword: After praying for God to strike the Syrian army with blindness, Elisha boldly walked into their ranks and led them directly into the capital city of Samaria. When the King of Israel eagerly asked, "Shall I kill them?", Elisha commanded him to serve them a massive feast of comfort food and water instead. The Victory of Mercy: This exact battlefield feast provides the historical background for Psalm 23:5 ("Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies"). It was not the edge of a sword that permanently stopped the Syrian invasions—it was an overwhelming act of covenant mercy. Pastoral Application on Stiff-Arming: Pastor Rhonda paused the message to deliver a deep word on forgiveness and breaking internal chains (Psalm 44:21). True forgiveness does not excuse the offender; it releases the victim from an emotional prison. She shared a transparent personal testimony of a spiritual son and backup worship leader who left her ministry years prior. Though she smiled outwardly, she spent years "stiff-arming" him to protect her own heart from being hurt again. After her late husband confronted her behavior, she broke down at the altar, embraced the man, repented of her coldness, and unlocked a deep, ongoing fellowship that persists to this day. 3. The Ultimate Table (The Salvation Table) Crushing the Enemy's Head: The framework for the final table was established in Genesis 3, where God promised that the seed of the woman would eventually crush the head of the serpent. Because Satan acutely understands this legal decree, he target-attacks human families with desperation and fear. Spread While We Were Rebellious: Reading from Romans 5:6-8, Christ did not wait for humanity to surrender, perfect their theology, or clean up their lives. He set out the bread and wine of the ultimate table at Calvary while we were actively operating as His lifestyle enemies. The Table of Communion: At the Last Supper, Jesus willingly broke bread, dipped from the same cup, and washed the feet of Judas Iscariot—the very man orchestrating His betrayal. He fully established a table in the literal presence of His enemy. Conclusion: The Mandate of the Church Jesus Is Better: Moving into corporate communion, Pastor Rhonda echoed the foundational theme of the Book of Hebrews: Jesus is structurally better than legalism, religion, and all earthly material goods. He is the express image of the living God. Prophetic Prophecy Declared: During a prolonged moment of corporate worship, a prophetic word was delivered over the room: “I have not brought you this far to leave you, says the Lord. You are hidden in the hollow of My hands, and I am preparing you to move like an arrow shot from a bow at the right time. You are the ones called to set My tables of mercy in the wilderness of this world.” The River in the Desert: Standing across the sanctuary, the congregation applied Isaiah 43:18-19, commanding all spiritual squatters of doubt to leave, completely releasing old bitterness against parents, employers, or former spouses, and taking communion with a fresh, childlike awareness of Christ's healing power. Scripture Index Here are the primary scriptures read, cited, or expounded upon during the service: Psalm 78:19 > "Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish [prepare] a table in the wilderness?" Romans 5:6-8 > "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly... But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners [enemies], Christ died for us." Romans 2:4 (Referenced) – Knowing that the goodness of God leads human beings to repentance. Psalm 78:38-39 > "But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away... For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again."   2 Kings 6:16-17 > "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." Deuteronomy 31:6 (Referenced) – Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee. 2 Chronicles 32:7 (Referenced) – Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him. Psalm 23:5 > "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." Psalm 44:21 (Referenced) – Shall not God search this out? For He knoweth the secrets of the heart. Revelation 3:20 > "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Isaiah 43:18-19 > "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." Numbers 6:24-26 (The Benediction) > "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." "Thanks for listening! For more information, visit churchoftheharvest.com. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and YouTube @cothcleveland.

Most times, we end up fighting our own battles. But sometimes, the opposition is just – well, it's overwhelming. Then what? Well that's when we can discover that the battle, belongs to the Lord.   I Can Do Anything I Want In this day and age one of the things that they teach us is to be self reliant. To have confidence in our own abilities. You can do anything you set your mind to they tell us. You can make it, it's all up to you. That's ok to a point I guess. It's a good thing to have some confidence in who we are that God made us to be. But you can take this idea too far and it will bring you undone. The positive turns into a terrible negative. See what happens, when the situation we're in or the circumstances that we're facing are so far beyond our ability to deal with them, that any idea of self reliance is completely ridiculous. What happens when the problem confronting us requires skills and abilities that we don't have. What happens when the career we've chosen just doesn't fit who we are? What happens when the one we love, our wife or our husband or one of our children is going through some tough times. Something that as much as we love them, we can't seem to be able to help them through. An illness, a depression, a crisis. And nothing we can say or nothing we can do seems to make any difference. Well, then what? What happens when a tsunami hits our lives? What do we do when the enemy that gathers around us completely outnumbers and outguns us? Come on. Then what do we do? And this isn't some theoretical exercise. This is life. It's my life and it's your life. Because this happens. It's real. There are times in our lives when the enemy whoever or whatever that is, when the enemy is so much bigger than our ability to survive. It happens in families. It happens in work places. And it happens in our hearts. When sickness hits for no good reason. When a loved one is taken in their prime and the grief overwhelms us. When a marriage falls apart. It happens when retrenchment hits. When the economy takes a nose-dive. When their isn't enough food to feed the family. When people betray us. This is life. It's real life. Let me ask you something. When the enemy is so much bigger and so much stronger than anything that you or I could ever handle, what do we do? Some people panic and they run around in ever decreasing circles wasting their precious energy on panicking. You've seen it I've seen it. You know we've both probably been their too. Some people pull over and stop because they're immobilised by fear. That's what happens you know. But neither of those things cut the mustard. Neither of them help. Running around like a headless chook. It's exhausting. Wallowing in self pity is destructive. What do we do? See I'm a pretty self-reliant kind of guy. I like to think that I can handle most things. BUT – there are times when things happen that are completely and utterly beyond anything I can handle. And in those times to hang on to this notion of self-reliance, this delusion of "I can do anything", that will only make it worse. It's OK to believe in ourselves but the reality is that sometimes, maybe this time, we can't swim against this tsunami. It's too big. It's too scary. I was talking the other day with a young woman. She's extremely competent and confident in her field. Professionally she's a class act in every way that you can imagine. We got onto the fact that she had a couple of young kids. And her demeanour changed. See, as someone who's got kids and now they're all grown up, I'm well and truly past the stresses and the strains of bringing up young children. I love telling parents, "Don't worry it's the first 25 years that are the hardest. After that it's a piece of baklava!" It's my, I guess it's my gift of encouragement. Right?" But like any young mother, this motherhood thing was a struggle for this competent, professional woman. It's so tiring. There is so much that is new and is challenging. There's so much in bringing up kids. It's beyond our control. That's the key isn't it. When we're dealing with things that are under our control and we happen to have the skills and the ability and the inclination to control them, well, it's all good isn't it. But the further things are out of our control the more they look like that tsunami and that wave that we can't ride. Then, then it gets scary. I want to introduce you today to one of the kings in Israel's history. Actually he's the king of a couple of the tribes of Israel, Judah and Benjamin. His name was Jehoshaphat. Ok it's a long name. We don't use that kind of name these days. But he was definitely one of the good guys. And there was a time when he was confronted with an enemy that was way, way, way beyond his ability to fight and defeat. Let's pick up the story in 2nd Chronicles Chapter 20 verse 1. After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle. Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, "A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; already they are at Engedi. Jehoshaphat was afraid; See this was an army much bigger than his own. The odds were completely overwhelming and Jehoshaphat were facing absolutely certain defeat. To the king that meant death for his people it meant death or slavery or loss of all their possessions and land. Probably rape for the woman. The higher the stakes are the scarier it gets, doesn't it? And for Jehoshaphat the stakes couldn't have been higher. He was in that place well and truly that you and I find ourselves in for time to time. I just want to establish here that old king Jehoshaphat, well he was human like you and me. He's not some super-human king. There were armies coming in against him. He was completely outnumbered and outgunned. This was a life and death situation and it says Jehoshaphat was afraid. Jehoshaphat is just one of us. I remember as a young boy going to the dentist. I'd walk in the front door and there was this staircase leading up to the dentist. And the smell of the dental surgery the moment you walked in the door. And their was a knot in my stomach sitting in the waiting room. Fear is something that disables us. It's not good for anyone when we're disabled by fear. It's not good for ourselves, it's not good for God. It's not good for those who need our help. Jehoshaphat was afraid. But it's what he did in his fear that made all the difference and we're going to take a look at that in just a moment   What Happens When I Can't? Well let's get back into God's word and take a look at what happened king Jehoshaphat. What he was facing in this completely overwhelming odds. Have a listen. We're starting, if you have a bible grab it, in 2 Chronicles chapter 20 beginning at verse 3: Jehoshaphat was afraid; he set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. Judah assembled to seek help from the LORD; from all the towns of Judah they came to seek the LORD. Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court, and said, "O LORD, God of our ancestors, are you not God in heaven? Do you not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? In your hand are power and might, so that no one is able to withstand you. Did you not, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? They have lived in it, and in it have built you a sanctuary for your name, saying, 'If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house, and before you, for your name is in this house, and cry to you in our distress, and you will hear and save.' See now, the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy— they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession that you have given us to inherit. O our God, will you not execute judgment upon them? For we are powerless against this great multitude that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." Meanwhile all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. See Jehoshaphat didn't let his fear immobilise him. He didn't get into a flap or into a panic in the face of overwhelming odds he turned to God. Sometimes that's the only way that God gets our attention. I'd like to be able to tell you that I first turned to God because I was wise and loving and understood that Jesus is the Son of God. But if I told you that I would be lying. I needed to be hit across the back of the head with a lump of four by two for God to get my attention. Overwhelming odds. That's what did it for me. I turned to God in the middle of fear. And for me it was the last resort but for Jehoshaphat God was his first port of call. Now a king is supposed to have all the answers. A King like Jehoshaphat should have a powerful army and contingency plans based on a comprehensive threat assessment. He should be self-reliant. A man for the people to respect and to follow and to trust for their safety and their future, but listen again to what Jehoshaphat says when he's praying to God in 2nd Chronicles Chapter 20 verse 12: O our God, will you not execute judgment upon them? For we are powerless against this great multitude that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. I relate to this. When I stepped out of the secure, well-paid job as a consultant into full time ministry, that was a step of faith. Leaving security behind to serve God and I can't begin to tell you how many times since then I have been in that place that Jehoshaphat and his people were in. See I started out with this naive notion that if I was going to be about God's work, well lit should be easy. And yet so many times people and circumstances have conspired to be against God's work. Every couple of years our board gets together to do some strategic planning. That's important and the strategic plan always looks good on paper. Gives us a sense of what direction we think that God wants us to head in. And then invariably all hell breaks loose because the enemy wants to overwhelm us. He doesn't want to see God's will done here on earth as it is in heaven. And that's what's going on with Jehoshaphat and Judah. Remember these are God's chosen people. The king honoured God and by all accounts and by all accounts he was wise and competent. But in the face of overwhelming odds he admitted to God, "We do know what to do." So was the solution How did he cope with this? And the same sentence, the same breath, he says "but our eyes are on You." I wonder sometimes when I see people who profess to believe in Jesus running around in panic wasting so much of their energy complaining and worrying and being afraid. See, it takes a lot of energy to be afraid, you realise. I wonder if they spent even half that amount of their energy having their eyes on God, how much better off they'd be. You and I, we can't help but be afraid. Jehoshaphat was afraid. It's a natural human, reaction. I'm not here to tell you somehow to pretend that you're not afraid when fear is rocking you to the very core. That's ridiculous. But it's what we do when fear strikes that makes all the difference. When we panic we burn energy, when we frozen and immobilised that's probably the end of us. That's what fear does. Stop's us dead in our tracks. We go nowhere. Had Jehoshaphat done that, he and all his people would have been dead literally. Or we can just turn and look at God. "You know something Lord, this is so huge, I just know what to do but my eyes, my eyes are on you. I'm just going to wait on you. I don't know what you are going to do, I don't even know if you are going to show up, but no matter what, my eyes are on you." And here's the bit that blows me away about this story. It's this. That God wasn't Jehoshaphat's last resort. God was his first port of call. He trusted in the sovereign grace of God. Jehoshaphat was afraid, but he set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. I wonder how different if things would be amidst our fear, if instead of running around and spending all that energy on panic or instead of running to the phone to talk to a friend, if we first ran to God. If the very first thing we did was to take stock and in our hearts, deep inside somewhere – decided to set ourselves to seek the Lord? God, the first point of call, rather than the last resort!   A Powerful Outcome So how did it end? Was Jehoshaphat's trust misplaced or well placed? Let's take a look. 2 Chronicle 20 beginning at verse 14: Then the spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the middle of the assembly. He said, "Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you: 'Do not fear or be dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours but God's. Tomorrow go down against them; they will come up by the ascent of Ziz; you will find them at the end of the valley, before the wilderness of Jeruel. This battle is not for you to fight; take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you." Then Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the LORD, worshiping the LORD. And the Levites, of the Kohathites and the Korahites, stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice. They rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God and you will be established; believe his prophets." When he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy splendor, as they went before the army, saying, "Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever." As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the Ammonites, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. For the Ammonites and Moab attacked the inhabitants of Mount Seir, destroying them utterly; and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another. When Judah came to the watchtower of the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude; they were corpses lying on the ground; no one had escaped. When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take the booty from them, they found livestock in great numbers, goods, clothing, and precious things, which they took for themselves until they could carry no more. They spent three days taking the booty, because of its abundance. Unbelievable I hear you say. How could this possibly happen?? I'll tell you how. Because Jehoshaphat decided that he would stand and wait on God - no matter what the outcome! That's the key. That's the faith that God was looking for. No matter what the outcome. Let's take another look. 2 Chronicles 20:9-12: If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house, and before you, for your name is in this house, and cry to you in our distress, and you will hear and save. See now, the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy – they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession that you have given us to inherit. O our God, will you not execute judgment upon them? For we are powerless against this great multitude that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. This is the do or die faith that God is looking for. When we place our faith in God in this way – for things that are completely out of our control – right when that tsunami hits His Spirit and His Word come along and witness His truth to us: This battle is not for you to fight; take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the LORD on your behalf.' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you." (2 Chronicles 20:17) Listen to me. Have you put your trust in Jesus Christ? Have you? Then those times of fear are times when we discover what a beautiful thing it is to trust in the Lord, no matter what is coming against us. No matter what the world throws at us. No matter how overwhelming the odds might be. Those times are the times that we get to stand still and discover in our very own experience that the battle isn't our it's not ours at all. But the battle belongs to the Lord. Can I encourage you that if you feel right now that you're on death row, as though there is no tomorrow, to listen to the words of apostle Paul from his dungeon as he writes in Philippians Chapter 4 beginning at verse 6: Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. See that's the word of the Lord for us today. Jehoshaphat knew it and learned it again in his experience. The people of Judah learned it again under the leadership of Jehoshaphat. This overwhelming army came against them. They couldn't win. It was a no win situation. And they discovered afresh and anew the battle was not theirs but the battle belonged to the Lord. And they listened to God through His prophets when he said, "Stand still to see and to watch what the Lord would do for you." Can I encourage you today to remember the battle is not yours. The battle belongs to the Lord. Stand still and watch to see what the Lord will do for you.

Thought to share? Send me a text...Are you faithfully doing all the "right" things spiritually, yet feeling disconnected from God?We go back to Episode 39 today.  Psalm 50 confronts a struggle that's just as relevant today as it was for Israel: the temptation to substitute religious routines for genuine devotion. In this episode, we explore Asaph's powerful words as God reminds His people that He isn't looking for empty rituals—He's looking for grateful hearts, faithful obedience, and lives marked by authentic worship. We'll also consider why God's patience shouldn't be mistaken for indifference and how gratitude can transform the way we endure life's hardest seasons. Discover what Psalm 50 teaches about the difference between authentic worship and simply going through the motions of faith.  Learn why thankfulness is described as a sacrifice that honors God and how gratitude reshapes our perspective during difficult circumstances.  Be encouraged to trust God's patience, grace, and sovereignty while renewing your commitment to walk faithfully with Him. Press play to discover how Psalm 50 can help you move from routine religion to a life of grateful, wholehearted faith.New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday mornings.To connect with Betsy for speaking, resources, or curriculum head to https://betsymarvin.com/contact-me/For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head tohttps://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/A Christian podcast centered on Jesus, the Bible, and God explores faith through the Old Testament and New Testament, sharing Bible stories and Bible explained insights to help women of faith and Jesus followers grow in faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and know God more deeply through Bible study, women Bible study, and practical Christianity, all while encouraging spiritual growth, understanding identity in Christ, and learning to understand Bible teachings to become closer to God.

2 Chronicles 29:30 NLT King Hezekiah and the officials ordered the Levites to praise the LORD with the psalms written by David and by Asaph the seer. So they offered joyous praise and bowed down in worship.

Are there times when it feels like God might be good, but he's not good to you? Asaph was one of the main worship leaders in Jerusalem during David's reign, and he felt like there was a gap between God's goodness and his experience. Psalm 73 is Asaph's account of what changed the weather in his soul—he went into the sanctuary.

Psalm 73 confronts one of the most corrosive forces in our spiritual lives: envy. This ancient song reveals how a worship leader named Asaph nearly abandoned his faith, not because of persecution or intellectual doubt, but because of envy toward the wicked and prosperous. The psalm takes us on a journey from bitter comparison to radical contentment. Asaph confesses that while he preached God's goodness, his feet had almost stumbled as he watched ungodly people thrive while he struggled. He describes their apparent freedom from trouble, their pride, and their complete lack of fear of God. The turning point comes with a single word: until. Until he entered the sanctuary of God, his vision remained clouded. But in God's presence, everything shifted. He saw with an eternal perspective that the wicked stand on slippery ground, destined for destruction, while those reconciled to God inherit eternal riches. The sanctuary for us is Jesus Christ Himself, the true meeting place between God and humanity. When we realize that we have Christ, we have everything. This psalm challenges us to examine what we believe will finally make us content. Is it wealth, health, status, or someone else's life? Or is Jesus our rare jewel of contentment? Envy is a hole in the heart that leaks joy, but Christ alone fills that hole completely and eternally.

July 12, 2026John SyversonPsalm 77: 1-20

Do Christian comforts last for life and evaporate at death? According to Asaph in Psalm 73:24, addressing the Lord, he says, "You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." A Christian's life is not easy, but it is secure, and our death is full of hope, our confidence grounded in the Christ who has overcome death. So we here consider death without Christ, death in Christ, and death for a Christian, full of grace and hope, leading to glory.

Ministração de 07 de Julho de 2026 - Fudamentos da Igreja - Doutrina dos Apóstolos | (Igreja em Florianópolis)

John 16:31 “Jesus answered them, ‘Do you now believe?'” The disciples had just declared that they believed that Jesus came from God. Yet, Jesus knew what they were about to face and knew that they nor He could trust their hearts. Our flesh and our hearts may fail, even though we are well-intentioned and think we stand in the moment. Jesus asked this penetrating question, “Do you now believe?” He knew the hour had come for their faith to be tested, and that they would act as if they did not believe that He came from God. There's a lesson in this for us that is vital if we are to live to love with Jesus. We must not trust in our own hearts or faith. Proverbs 28:26, “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but he who walks wisely will be delivered.” Rather, we must trust 100% in Jesus' heart and righteousness. Remember what He had said only minutes before this. “I am the vine, you are the branches. Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Asaph, the Psalmist, wrote in Psalms 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” He said it well, didn't he? Even though we believe, we can still have an “evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God” as the writer of Hebrews warned in 3:12. We need daily encouragement to abide in Christ and place our entire confidence in the fact that our lives are hidden with Christ in God. He is our righteousness and our peace in this troubled world. His love abides in us, and He will love through us today. “Do you now believe?” Our answer is, “Lord, You know all things, and my hope is in You, today.” Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com

On today’s edition of SUFTT, Mary takes a look at Psalm 73 as a much-needed answer to the wrestling we all do in the face of a world gone awry. Levite, prophet and worship leader Asaph, author of a dozen Psalms, takes us on a tour through his heart and mind over the seeming success of the rich and famous of his time. We wonder at times what he all struggled with, since we have all the knowledge of good and evil at our fingertips through global media. Nevertheless, he certainly had his share of wrestlings when it came to being distracted by those who had it all, and gave no thought to their own eternity. Why do people who know they will die at some point seem to not even care how it all ends? Asaph knew that God is good, and He has a covenant with Israel – but he still had lots of deep questions for His Maker. But has God ever taken away those who vex us with instant relief? No, the rich and carefree have been with us always, it is US who change after being with our God, in His house. A great lesson for us all who struggle with cultural issues and how to respond in our hearts with a life of contentment.   Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

Have you ever looked at your life, compared it to everyone else's, and wondered, "If God is good, why doesn't it feel like He's good to me?"Psalm 73 gives voice to one of the deepest struggles of faith. Asaph watches the wicked prosper while he suffers, leaving him discouraged, envious, and questioning whether following God is even worth it. But everything changes when he enters God's presence.In this message, we explore:Why comparison quietly erodes our faithThe spiritual danger of constant doomscrollingHow God's presence reshapes our perspectiveWhat mature faith looks like when circumstances don't improveWhy God's presence—not comfortable circumstances—is our greatest goodWhether you're wrestling with unanswered prayers, discouragement, doubt, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the world around you, Psalm 73 reminds us that real hope isn't found in changing our circumstances but in encountering the God who walks with us through them.Scripture: Psalm 73If this message encouraged you, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who needs hope today.

"Psalm 73 gives voice to one of the hardest questions people ask: Why do the wicked seem to prosper while those who seek God struggle? In this sermon, we explore the honest doubts of Asaph, who wrestled with envy, discouragement, and the apparent unfairness of life. Rather than ignoring these questions, Scripture invites us to bring them before God, where our perspective begins to change. As Asaph enters God's presence, he discovers that lasting hope isn't found in earthly success but in God's faithful presence. This message reminds us that faith doesn't require pretending everything makes sense—it calls us to trust the One who remains our strength and our portion forever. Whether you're wrestling with disappointment, comparing your life to others, or searching for deeper confidence in God, Psalm 73 points us toward the hope that endures beyond every circumstance."

Psalm 77 is for anyone who has felt anxious, overwhelmed, frustrated, depleted, or desperate for hope. In this message, we see Asaph cry out to God, wrestle honestly with his distress, and learn to reframe his prayer by remembering the deeds, miracles, and works of the Lord. When anxiety makes the future feel uncertain, remembering what God has done gives us confidence to trust Him again.

July 5, 2026Alex KretzschmerPsalm 75: 1-10

This sermon explores Psalm 73 to address the crisis of faith arising from the apparent prosperity of the wicked. The preacher explains how Asaph's initial envy and doubt are resolved through entering the sanctuary of God, which provides a fresh perspective on divine love and eternal judgment. By focusing on the gospel and the reality of eternity, believers can recognize that their suffering is under God's loving care rather than His anger. The message encourages Christians to find true satisfaction in God alone, trusting in His guidance and ultimate glory despite present circumstances. Ultimately, the sermon asserts that drawing near to God through Christ restores faith and confirms His goodness.

  Sermon Notes: Activating Dominion Through Signs and Tokens — Part 3 Preacher: Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Okronipa Main Text: Genesis 1:26–28 Cross-References: Joel 2:28, 1 Corinthians 12:4, Exodus 4:2, 2 Kings 4, Exodus 31 Core Theme: Understanding the diverse expressions of the prophetic office and learning to deploy signs, tokens, and materials as keys to execute God's legislative mandate of dominion on earth. 1. Introduction: The Blueprint of Dominion The Sovereign Intent: God's original purpose in creating humanity was to empower man to have dominion, meaning to be in charge, to be in control, to subdue, to police, and to take over a territory. The Conduit of Heaven: God executes His ultimate will on earth not by coming down directly, but by placing His dynamic thoughts and plans inside the hearts of men whom He has authorized to rule. The Sovereign Toolbox: Dominion does not manifest cheaply; it requires tools. If a believer understands and implements the spiritual tools provided by God, everything in life is structurally programmed to fall directly into place. 2. The Power and Function of the Prophetic A Key Instrument: Throughout scripture, the prophetic operates as one of God's chief instruments for enforcing dominion. Every child of God carries an inherent grace to function prophetically. Prophecy Defined: To speak inspired words that originate directly from the Holy Spirit. A true prophecy contains the raw spiritual energy required for immediate physical manifestation. The Sovereign Conflict: Many believers miss out on prophetic manifestations because they mistakenly blend all expressions of the prophetic into one category. While it is the same Spirit, there are vastly different operations. 3. The 8 Diverse Dimensions of Prophetic Expression 1 Corinthians 12:4 > "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit." Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Okronipa broke down the distinct prophetic functions outlined in Scripture: I. The Nabi (The Spoke-Person) Operation: One who speaks directly on behalf of God as His mouth-piece. Mechanics: Most anointed preachers operate in this dimension. As they preach, they deviate from their physical text to speak words straight from the Spirit that speak directly into the precise life situations of listeners. Examples: Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah. II. The Ro'eh (The Seer) Operation: One who sees deeply into the spirit realm. Mechanics: They see highly spectacular visionary revelations—such as revealing exact passport numbers, names, birthdays, and specific dates. This produces a sense of awe, but the Preacher noted that the seer dimension alone does not always carry the power to manifest miracles or physical healings. Examples: Samuel, Daniel, John the Revelator. III. The Chozeh / Hozeh (The Visionary) Operation: A prophet who receives revelations specifically concerning God's future strategy, plans, and long-term purposes. Mechanics: They possess future-oriented revelation that unlocks strategic insight into where things are going, showing communities or believers exactly what steps to take to bypass upcoming crises. Example: Daniel (who saw into the end times and the days of the Antichrist), Elisha. IV. The Shamar / Shamar (The Intercessor / Watchman) Operation: A watchman who guards, protects, and stays alert through sleepless nights on their knees. Mechanics: They do not always prophesy publicly from a stage; their prophetic function is entirely exercised through deep spiritual vigilance, warning, discernment, and dynamic intercession. Examples: Abraham (interceding for Lot), Ezekiel, Isaiah. V. The Psalmist Prophet Operation: Believers who release prophetic revelation strictly through songs, lyrics, poetry, and written worship. Mechanics: Their songs are not standard human music; they sing under the raw inspiration of the Holy Ghost, declaring mysteries and realities of heaven. Examples: David, Asaph, the sons of Korah. VI. The Dancing Prophet Operation: Prophetic revelation communicated directly through precise physical movements, symbolic acts, and spiritual dance. Mechanics: This is a highly spiritual choreography where a physical movement captures a frequency from heaven to impact the church atmosphere. Examples: Miriam, David, Ezekiel. VII. The Scribe (The Creative Writer) Operation: Prophets who preserve and release the words of God through text, visual arts, design, digital media, and architecture. Mechanics: They may never stand before a congregation, but their written words and creative expressions carry an undeniable prophetic voice that alters hearts. Examples: Bezaleel, Aholiab. VIII. The Prophet of Signs and Tokens Operation: A specialized prophetic dimension where God commands the minister to deploy material elements to anchor and trigger raw spiritual breakthroughs. Mechanics: This dimension carries massive structural power. It bypasses regular preaching to use physical objects to solve material problems. Example: Elisha (who used salt to heal waters, flour to neutralize poison in a pot, and a stick to make an iron axe-head float). 4. The Functional Reality of Signs and Tokens What is a Token? In the Hebrew text, a token translates to "Oth", which means an oracle, omen, signal, flag, or beacon. The Spiritual Definition: A physical medium or act designated by God to catch, anchor, and legally express an invisible spiritual reality. Covenants, tithing, first fruits, communion, and the laying on of hands are all active forms of tokens. Enforcing the Rule: Signs and tokens are everyday realities in both the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. When a physical action is aligned with a spiritual instruction, it releases an undeniable voice that forces physical laws to adjust. 5. Dynamic Case Studies of Prophetic Tokens Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Okronipa shared real-world testimonies demonstrating how prophetic actions override material challenges: The Token of the Axe-Head (2 Kings 6): When the borrowed iron axe-head fell into the Jordan river, Elisha didn't pray a generic prayer. He cut a piece of wood (a physical stick) and threw it onto the water. This physical sign instantly altered the material laws of density, causing the heavy iron to float to the surface. The Token of Earthly Alignment (The Shilo Sand): On a spiritual mission trip to Nigeria at Winners Chapel International, the Pastor picked up a physical handful of sand from Shilo. Upon returning, he poured it over the church's local land as a prophetic token, decreeing alignment with that global dimension of grace. The very next day, an intercessor, completely unaware of this act, had a clear vision of Bishop David Oyedepo walking defensively across their exact landscape. The Token Over Professional Restriction: A sister (Linda) was facing intense workplace opposition blocking a major promotion. Following a specific midnight prophetic direction, water was prayed over and poured directly onto the bare ground at her workplace. This token broke the hidden spiritual resistance, completely turning the administrative atmosphere in her favor and securing her promotion within days. The Token Over Stroke and Paralysis: A local driver was hit by a severe stroke that left him entirely paralyzed,  unable to walk, stand, or talk. A prophetic token was deployed where his name was written down and permanently laid upon the altar. The localized legal voice of that altar completely reversed the stroke, restoring him to full physical mobility and speech. The Token of Light Over Death: In a late-night emergency, a young girl was completely unresponsive and suffocating on her way to the hospital. Receiving an immediate divine instruction, the Pastor took a physical flashlight on his table, declared that life would push out darkness, and switched it on. At that exact moment, miles away, the grip of death broke, and her respiratory system instantly returned to normal functionality. 6. Action Steps to Activate Your Prophetic Dominion Discover Your Prophetic Stream: Stop assuming you don't carry a prophetic gift just because you don't see visions. Recognize whether your grace flows through writing, intercession, song, or inspired speech, and use that tool to police your environment. Execute Prophetic Directions with Strict Commitment: When a prophetic instruction comes, whether it is to use oil, communion, or a physical seed—do not treat it as a light ritual. Signs and tokens require consistent, continuous implementation to release their full weight. Enforce Altar Interception: When facing patterns of stagnation, professional attack, or biological illness, do not address them in silence. Bring physical representations of your challenges (names, documents) and legally place them upon the church altar to invoke the legislative hand of God over your reality.

  Sermon Notes: Activating Dominion Through Signs and Tokens — Part 3 Preacher: Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Okronipa Main Text: Genesis 1:26–28 Cross-References: Joel 2:28, 1 Corinthians 12:4, Exodus 4:2, 2 Kings 4, Exodus 31 Core Theme: Understanding the diverse expressions of the prophetic office and learning to deploy signs, tokens, and materials as keys to execute God's legislative mandate of dominion on earth. 1. Introduction: The Blueprint of Dominion The Sovereign Intent: God's original purpose in creating humanity was to empower man to have dominion, meaning to be in charge, to be in control, to subdue, to police, and to take over a territory. The Conduit of Heaven: God executes His ultimate will on earth not by coming down directly, but by placing His dynamic thoughts and plans inside the hearts of men whom He has authorized to rule. The Sovereign Toolbox: Dominion does not manifest cheaply; it requires tools. If a believer understands and implements the spiritual tools provided by God, everything in life is structurally programmed to fall directly into place. 2. The Power and Function of the Prophetic A Key Instrument: Throughout scripture, the prophetic operates as one of God's chief instruments for enforcing dominion. Every child of God carries an inherent grace to function prophetically. Prophecy Defined: To speak inspired words that originate directly from the Holy Spirit. A true prophecy contains the raw spiritual energy required for immediate physical manifestation. The Sovereign Conflict: Many believers miss out on prophetic manifestations because they mistakenly blend all expressions of the prophetic into one category. While it is the same Spirit, there are vastly different operations. 3. The 8 Diverse Dimensions of Prophetic Expression 1 Corinthians 12:4 > "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit." Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Okronipa broke down the distinct prophetic functions outlined in Scripture: I. The Nabi (The Spoke-Person) Operation: One who speaks directly on behalf of God as His mouth-piece. Mechanics: Most anointed preachers operate in this dimension. As they preach, they deviate from their physical text to speak words straight from the Spirit that speak directly into the precise life situations of listeners. Examples: Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah. II. The Ro'eh (The Seer) Operation: One who sees deeply into the spirit realm. Mechanics: They see highly spectacular visionary revelations—such as revealing exact passport numbers, names, birthdays, and specific dates. This produces a sense of awe, but the Preacher noted that the seer dimension alone does not always carry the power to manifest miracles or physical healings. Examples: Samuel, Daniel, John the Revelator. III. The Chozeh / Hozeh (The Visionary) Operation: A prophet who receives revelations specifically concerning God's future strategy, plans, and long-term purposes. Mechanics: They possess future-oriented revelation that unlocks strategic insight into where things are going, showing communities or believers exactly what steps to take to bypass upcoming crises. Example: Daniel (who saw into the end times and the days of the Antichrist), Elisha. IV. The Shamar / Shamar (The Intercessor / Watchman) Operation: A watchman who guards, protects, and stays alert through sleepless nights on their knees. Mechanics: They do not always prophesy publicly from a stage; their prophetic function is entirely exercised through deep spiritual vigilance, warning, discernment, and dynamic intercession. Examples: Abraham (interceding for Lot), Ezekiel, Isaiah. V. The Psalmist Prophet Operation: Believers who release prophetic revelation strictly through songs, lyrics, poetry, and written worship. Mechanics: Their songs are not standard human music; they sing under the raw inspiration of the Holy Ghost, declaring mysteries and realities of heaven. Examples: David, Asaph, the sons of Korah. VI. The Dancing Prophet Operation: Prophetic revelation communicated directly through precise physical movements, symbolic acts, and spiritual dance. Mechanics: This is a highly spiritual choreography where a physical movement captures a frequency from heaven to impact the church atmosphere. Examples: Miriam, David, Ezekiel. VII. The Scribe (The Creative Writer) Operation: Prophets who preserve and release the words of God through text, visual arts, design, digital media, and architecture. Mechanics: They may never stand before a congregation, but their written words and creative expressions carry an undeniable prophetic voice that alters hearts. Examples: Bezaleel, Aholiab. VIII. The Prophet of Signs and Tokens Operation: A specialized prophetic dimension where God commands the minister to deploy material elements to anchor and trigger raw spiritual breakthroughs. Mechanics: This dimension carries massive structural power. It bypasses regular preaching to use physical objects to solve material problems. Example: Elisha (who used salt to heal waters, flour to neutralize poison in a pot, and a stick to make an iron axe-head float). 4. The Functional Reality of Signs and Tokens What is a Token? In the Hebrew text, a token translates to "Oth", which means an oracle, omen, signal, flag, or beacon. The Spiritual Definition: A physical medium or act designated by God to catch, anchor, and legally express an invisible spiritual reality. Covenants, tithing, first fruits, communion, and the laying on of hands are all active forms of tokens. Enforcing the Rule: Signs and tokens are everyday realities in both the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. When a physical action is aligned with a spiritual instruction, it releases an undeniable voice that forces physical laws to adjust. 5. Dynamic Case Studies of Prophetic Tokens Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Okronipa shared real-world testimonies demonstrating how prophetic actions override material challenges: The Token of the Axe-Head (2 Kings 6): When the borrowed iron axe-head fell into the Jordan river, Elisha didn't pray a generic prayer. He cut a piece of wood (a physical stick) and threw it onto the water. This physical sign instantly altered the material laws of density, causing the heavy iron to float to the surface. The Token of Earthly Alignment (The Shilo Sand): On a spiritual mission trip to Nigeria at Winners Chapel International, the Pastor picked up a physical handful of sand from Shilo. Upon returning, he poured it over the church's local land as a prophetic token, decreeing alignment with that global dimension of grace. The very next day, an intercessor, completely unaware of this act, had a clear vision of Bishop David Oyedepo walking defensively across their exact landscape. The Token Over Professional Restriction: A sister (Linda) was facing intense workplace opposition blocking a major promotion. Following a specific midnight prophetic direction, water was prayed over and poured directly onto the bare ground at her workplace. This token broke the hidden spiritual resistance, completely turning the administrative atmosphere in her favor and securing her promotion within days. The Token Over Stroke and Paralysis: A local driver was hit by a severe stroke that left him entirely paralyzed,  unable to walk, stand, or talk. A prophetic token was deployed where his name was written down and permanently laid upon the altar. The localized legal voice of that altar completely reversed the stroke, restoring him to full physical mobility and speech. The Token of Light Over Death: In a late-night emergency, a young girl was completely unresponsive and suffocating on her way to the hospital. Receiving an immediate divine instruction, the Pastor took a physical flashlight on his table, declared that life would push out darkness, and switched it on. At that exact moment, miles away, the grip of death broke, and her respiratory system instantly returned to normal functionality. 6. Action Steps to Activate Your Prophetic Dominion Discover Your Prophetic Stream: Stop assuming you don't carry a prophetic gift just because you don't see visions. Recognize whether your grace flows through writing, intercession, song, or inspired speech, and use that tool to police your environment. Execute Prophetic Directions with Strict Commitment: When a prophetic instruction comes, whether it is to use oil, communion, or a physical seed—do not treat it as a light ritual. Signs and tokens require consistent, continuous implementation to release their full weight. Enforce Altar Interception: When facing patterns of stagnation, professional attack, or biological illness, do not address them in silence. Bring physical representations of your challenges (names, documents) and legally place them upon the church altar to invoke the legislative hand of God over your reality.

Nehemiah: Rebuilding What Matters Most • Friday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give 1. Prayer Must Come Before Action Nehemiah 1:4 (NKJV) “So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” 2. God Uses People Who Care Nehemiah 1:3-4 (NKJV) “And they said to me, ‘The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.' So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” 3. Favor Comes Through Faithful Obedience Nehemiah 2:8 (NKJV) “And a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he must give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel which pertains to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house that I will occupy. And the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me.” 4. Vision Requires Courage Nehemiah 2:17 (NKJV) “Then I said to them, ‘You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.'” 5. Opposition Is Often Confirmation Nehemiah 2:19 (NKJV) “But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they laughed at us and despised us, and said, ‘What is this thing that you are doing? Will you rebel against the king?'” 6. Stay Focused on Your Assignment Nehemiah 6:3 (NKJV) “So I sent messengers to them, saying, ‘I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?'” 7. Work and Warfare Often Happen Together Nehemiah 4:17 (NKJV) “Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon.” 8. Unity Accomplishes Great Things Nehemiah 4:6 (NKJV) “So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.” 9. Repentance Leads to Renewal Nehemiah 9:2 (NKJV) “Then those of Israelite lineage separated themselves from all foreigners; and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers.” 10. God's Word Must Remain Central Nehemiah 8:8 (NKJV) “So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading.” Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV) “Then he said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'”

“Water has tremendous erosive power, particularly when carrying large amounts of sediment and rock, like the Colorado River does with flooding.” So says the National Park Service when explaining the role the Colorado River has had in the forming and carving out of the Grand Canyon. They go onto describe; “When large amounts of water are moved through a river channel, large rocks and boulders are carried too. These rocks act like chisels, chipping off pieces of the riverbed as they bounce along.”Isn't that how life feels at times? Trials come our way like a flood followed by doubts, discouragements, and despair chipping away at our faith causing us to lose our footing. In Psalm 73, Asaph begins; “Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.”The cause of Asaph's struggle was seeing how those who love Jesus suffer while those whose worship and love are for themselves seem to prosper. It is a real and raw question – if we have found favor in the Lord's sight, why then is life so dang hard? The thing that lifts us up out of the flood and sediment that follows is to gaze on our Shepherd. He is our sanctuary, He is our strength, He is near and He is good. How wonderful it is to know that our faith may falter, our hope may dim and our strength may fail, but God is steadfast, His love is unfailing, His grip is strong. Jesus alone is able to keep us from falling and to present us before His glorious presence without fault and with great Joy. Jude 24-25Let us shift our gaze onto the Comfort and Care of our Shepherd who promises us mercy and grace to help us in our times of need. Hebrews 4:16Prepare for this week's teaching by reading Psalm 73 

“Water has tremendous erosive power, particularly when carrying large amounts of sediment and rock, like the Colorado River does with flooding.” So says the National Park Service when explaining the role the Colorado River has had in the forming and carving out of the Grand Canyon. They go onto describe; “When large amounts of water are moved through a river channel, large rocks and boulders are carried too. These rocks act like chisels, chipping off pieces of the riverbed as they bounce along.”Isn't that how life feels at times? Trials come our way like a flood followed by doubts, discouragements, and despair chipping away at our faith causing us to lose our footing. In Psalm 73, Asaph begins; “Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.”The cause of Asaph's struggle was seeing how those who love Jesus suffer while those whose worship and love are for themselves seem to prosper. It is a real and raw question – if we have found favor in the Lord's sight, why then is life so dang hard? The thing that lifts us up out of the flood and sediment that follows is to gaze on our Shepherd. He is our sanctuary, He is our strength, He is near and He is good. How wonderful it is to know that our faith may falter, our hope may dim and our strength may fail, but God is steadfast, His love is unfailing, His grip is strong. Jesus alone is able to keep us from falling and to present us before His glorious presence without fault and with great Joy. Jude 24-25Let us shift our gaze onto the Comfort and Care of our Shepherd who promises us mercy and grace to help us in our times of need. Hebrews 4:16Prepare for this week's teaching by reading Psalm 73 

June 28, 2026Robert KoehnPsalm 73: 1-28

Jun 21st  | Fathers day | Psalm 78:1-8In this powerful Father's Day message, Derrick Jackson opens with the remarkable story of his grandfather, a World War II veteran who landed in Normandy just days after D-Day and carried both the scars of battle and a legacy of quiet faithfulness. Through that story, Derrick draws a compelling connection to Psalm 78, where Asaph reminds God's people that every generation is responsible for passing on the stories of God's faithfulness.Why do stories matter? Because the most important stories are always one generation away from being forgotten. In Psalm 78, we discover that faith rarely dies in open rebellion—it usually dies in silence. Derrick challenges parents, grandparents, church leaders, and every believer to embrace their calling as storytellers of God's grace, mercy, provision, and salvation.This message explores three timeless truths: the stories must be heard, the stories must be told, and the stories must produce hope. Along the way, listeners are reminded that the greatest story ever told is the Gospel of Jesus Christ—the story of a Savior who lived, died, and rose again to redeem sinners and transform families for generations to come.Whether you're a parent seeking to leave a spiritual legacy, a believer who has grown silent about God's work in your life, or someone searching for hope in Christ, this message will encourage you to make sure the story survives.Do you know JESUS? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbgilmer.org/do-you-know-jesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need PRAYER? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbgilmer.org/pray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support through GIVING: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbbctx.org/giving⁠ 

Psalm 73 shows how comparison can cloud our faith and distort the way we see God, ourselves, and others. Asaph wrestles with envy, confusion, and the feeling that life is unfair, but everything begins to change when he enters the presence of God. This message reminds us that looking to God restores our perspective and helps us see what matters most.

Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,2 Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,3 Shechaniah, Rehum, Meremoth,4 Iddo, Ginnetho, Abijah,5 Miamin, Maadiah, Bilgah,6 Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jedaiah,7 Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These were the chief of the priests and of their brethren in the days of Jeshua.8 Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, which was over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren.9 Also Bakbukiah and Unni, their brethren, were over against them in the watches.10 And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib begat Joiada,11 And Joiada begat Jonathan, and Jonathan begat Jaddua.12 And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;13 Of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan;14 Of Melicu, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph;15 Of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai;16 Of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam;17 Of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai:18 Of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;19 And of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;20 Of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber;21 Of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; of Jedaiah, Nethaneel.22 The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.23 The sons of Levi, the chief of the fathers, were written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.24 And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward.25 Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, were porters keeping the ward at the thresholds of the gates.26 These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe.27 And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.28 And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain country round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Netophathi;29 Also from the house of Gilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth: for the singers had builded them villages round about Jerusalem.30 And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.31 Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate:32 And after them went Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah,33 And Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam,34 Judah, and Benjamin, and Shemaiah, and Jeremiah,35 And certain of the priests' sons with trumpets; namely, Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph:36 And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.37 And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.38 And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;39 And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.40 So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me:41 And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;42 And Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah their overseer.43 Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.44 And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.45 And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.47 And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron.

We all know the feeling: someone else has what we want, and the maths just doesn't add up. This week, Ps. Matt opens up Psalm 73, where the ancient songwriter Asaph wrestles with the same comparison trap we scroll into every day, and nearly loses his faith over it. A message about how a shift in perspective can turn envy into worship, and why God might just be enough after all.

And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.2 And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.3 Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.4 And at Jerusalem dwelt certain of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah; Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalaleel, of the children of Perez;5 And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Colhozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni.6 All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem were four hundred threescore and eight valiant men.7 And these are the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jesaiah.8 And after him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty and eight.9 And Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer: and Judah the son of Senuah was second over the city.10 Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin.11 Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, was the ruler of the house of God.12 And their brethren that did the work of the house were eight hundred twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah.13 And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,14 And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of one of the great men.15 Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;16 And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God.17 And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.18 All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four.19 Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, were an hundred seventy and two.20 And the residue of Israel, of the priests, and the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.21 But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinims.22 The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God.23 For it was the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.24 And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people.25 And for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah dwelt at Kirjatharba, and in the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and in the villages thereof, and at Jekabzeel, and in the villages thereof,26 And at Jeshua, and at Moladah, and at Bethphelet,27 And at Hazarshual, and at Beersheba, and in the villages thereof,28 And at Ziklag, and at Mekonah, and in the villages thereof,29 And at Enrimmon, and at Zareah, and at Jarmuth,30 Zanoah, Adullam, and in their villages, at Lachish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and in the villages thereof. And they dwelt from Beersheba unto the valley of Hinnom.31 The children also of Benjamin from Geba dwelt at Michmash, and Aija, and Bethel, and in their villages.32 And at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,33 Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim,34 Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,35 Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.36 And of the Levites were divisions in Judah, and in Benjamin.

In our lives, there are times and seasons where pain is real, and God seems silent. God's answer to our pain and suffering is not always a quick fix or immediate relief. In Psalm 77, Asaph is suffering greatly, and the relief for suffering seems far off. In this state, what does he do? He repeatedly, and intentionally, meditates on God, his Word, and his works. This is what we must do in all our pain and suffering.

Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed,2 That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.3 And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.4 Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.5 And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein,6 These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city;7 Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Israel was this;8 The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.9 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.10 The children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two.11 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred and eighteen.12 The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.13 The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five.14 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.15 The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight.16 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight.17 The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty and two.18 The children of Adonikam, six hundred threescore and seven.19 The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven.20 The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five.21 The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.22 The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight.23 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and four.24 The children of Hariph, an hundred and twelve.25 The children of Gibeon, ninety and five.26 The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight.27 The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.28 The men of Bethazmaveth, forty and two.29 The men of Kirjathjearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty and three.30 The men of Ramah and Gaba, six hundred twenty and one.31 The men of Michmas, an hundred and twenty and two.32 The men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred twenty and three.33 The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two.34 The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.35 The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.36 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.37 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one.38 The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.39 The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.40 The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.41 The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.42 The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.43 The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four.44 The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred forty and eight.45 The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight.46 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth,47 The children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon,48 The children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Shalmai,49 The children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar,50 The children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda,51 The children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah,52 The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim,53 The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,54 The children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,55 The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah,56 The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.57 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida,58 The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,59 The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon.60 All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two.61 And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel.62 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.63 And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name.64 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.65 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.66 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,67 Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women.68 Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six: their mules, two hundred forty and five:69 Their camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses.70 And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments.71 And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver.72 And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests' garments.73 So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities.

Pastor Dan teaches through Psalms 73, focusing on the struggle of seeing wicked people prosper while those who follow God suffer. He explains that Asaph nearly loses his footing because he becomes consumed with envy and frustration, questioning whether following God is even worth it. Everything changes when Asaph enters God's presence and gains an eternal perspective, realizing that earthly success is temporary while God's justice and goodness are eternal. Dan encourages believers to bring their honest doubts and frustrations to God, but not to remain focused on their circumstances. Instead, he calls Christians to lift their eyes to God's character, trust His timing and justice, and find their hope in His presence rather than in comfort, success, or circumstances. Ultimately, the sermon reminds believers that even when life is difficult and unfair, God Himself is their greatest treasure, their refuge, and their portion forever.

Why do people who ignore God often seem to prosper while those who seek to follow Him struggle?In Episode 80 of the Wisdom Calling Podcast, we begin a new section in our chronological journey through Scripture by exploring Psalm 73, a powerful song written by Asaph, the leader of King David's royal choir. Wrestling with envy, comparison, and the apparent success of the wicked, Asaph confronts a question that still challenges us today: Is faithfulness to God really worth it?Everything changes when he enters God's presence.Join us as we discover how God's perspective transforms our understanding of success, prosperity, and contentment. We'll explore why perception isn't always reality, how comparison can quietly steal our joy, and why true wisdom begins with seeing life through God's eyes.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why envy and comparison are so spiritually destructive• How God's presence reshapes our perspective• The difference between appearance and reality• Practical ways to cultivate discernment and contentment• Why God Himself is our greatest treasureKey Passage: Psalm 73Wisdom Calling is a podcast designed to help Christian professionals cultivate wisdom in their lives and work by thinking more critically and living more strategically through the lens of God's Word.You can order the devotionals at https://amzn.to/4h8zFe6 or https://wisdomcalling.orgFollow us on Instagram: @wisdomcallingnow

Psalms Book 2 - Asaph & King DavidReadings this week:Psalm 50Psalms 53 & 55Psalms 58 & 61Psalms 62 & 64Psalm 65For more information, please see the Reading Plan

And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.2 Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,3 And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?4 Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.5 And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.6 And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.7 Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;8 And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.9 Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.10 When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.11 So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.12 And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.13 And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.14 Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king's pool: but there was no place for the beast that was under me to pass.15 Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and so returned.16 And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work.17 Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.18 Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

Drawing from Asaph’s transparent confession in Psalm 73:2-3, this reflection explores how unresolved hurt and constant focus on injustice can slowly lead us toward disillusionment. Like Asaph, many believers struggle when they see harmful people thriving while their own wounds deepen. Yet the turning point in the psalm comes when Asaph intentionally enters God’s sanctuary and regains an eternal perspective. In God’s presence, he remembers that earthly success is temporary, but God’s love, justice, and guidance are eternal. This devotional encourages Christians to stop carrying pain alone and instead seek refuge in the Lord. God does not dismiss our hurt or ignore injustice. He sees every wound, strengthens weary hearts, and offers healing to those who draw near to Him. Even when circumstances remain difficult, His presence steadies us and renews our faith. Highlights Psalm 73 honestly addresses discouragement over injustice and evil. Comparing our suffering to others’ success can lead to bitterness and despair. Rumination and isolation often pull us further away from God’s peace. Asaph found clarity only after intentionally entering God’s presence. God offers refuge, healing, and perspective in seasons of pain. Justice may seem delayed, but God remains faithful and sovereign. Drawing near to God strengthens faith and quiets fear. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: When We Feel Discouraged by the Evil in Our WorldBy: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;I had nearly lost my foothold.For I envied the arrogantwhen I saw the prosperity of the wicked. - Psalm 73:2-3 (NIV) Some time ago, I met with a sweet woman trying to heal from some deep emotional wounds. Because of past harm, she struggled to trust others and feel safe in relationships. Relatively new in her faith and transformation journey, she was just beginning to make sense of her emotions and inner world. As her understanding grew, so did her anger. This multiplied when she learned the person who’d most harmed her had slandered her to others, causing some to misjudge her and others to withdraw completely. She felt like she would never break free from her pain and bitterness. Worse, her offender didn’t seem to suffer any consequences for her actions. The person actually seemed to be thriving. Have you been there? Watching someone else treat others with ruthless cruelty, and not only get away with it, but benefit from your pain and the wreckage they caused? We can all probably think of situations in which injustice left us deeply wounded, wondering why God allowed us to experience such pain. We’ve also probably watched others seem to get away with horrendous behavior, while our suffering only increases. This was precisely how Asaph, the royal musician who penned Psalm 73, felt. We don’t know when he wrote this passage. But if this is the same Asaph who served during the time of King David, he may have been watching the betrayal David experienced at the hands of his son. Or perhaps the wickedness he refers to hits closer to home. His words might also stem from a more existential reflection on considering the world at large. At times, it does seem like the wealthy, powerful, and unscrupulous thrive, with little worries or pain, while we fall into one crisis after another. And in those seasons when someone else’s success seems to mock our pain, it’s easy to question the heart, promises, and plans of God. Unfortunately, if we cease tending to our souls, our sorrow can turn to disillusionment and eventually bitterness. Our inner angst can turn us from, rather than to, the One who knows us fully, loves us deeply, and is always working on our behalf. When we sense ourselves tiptoeing toward disillusionment and despair, we can follow Asaph’s example, as revealed in verses 16-17. Initially, he attempted to make sense of his circumstances on his own (v. 16). This only increased his inner angst. But then, in the next verse, we read: “… till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny” (NIV). He intentionally turned to God. I don’t know how far he needed to travel to reach the Temple. But this required effort and determination. It also meant setting aside whatever other tasks he wanted to complete that day. When we’re hurting, frightened, or struggling with doubt, it’s easy to get stuck in our heads as we rehearse all the evils we’ve experienced or seen. The more we ruminate on what feels hard and uncertain, the more powerless and discouraged, and potentially, even abandoned, we feel. And our mind rarely remains focused on the inciting incident. Often, one negative thought leads to another, then another, until we’re overwhelmed. And like I said earlier, unmitigated introspection can pull us further from God, which only increases our fear or despair. But the converse occurs, as well. When we turn to God, seek His presence, and authentically engage with Him, He meets us in the intensity of our emotions and speaks clarity to our confusion, truth to our doubts, and surrounds us with His love. Did you catch how the Lord did this for Asaph? In God’s sanctuary, the place in which His presence dwelt, He gained faith-building understanding. Yes, the wicked seemed to thrive without any concerns or consequences. But justice would come, and Asaph would experience God’s goodness. Notice how he ended his poetic prayer. In verses 23-26, we read: Yet I am always with you;you hold me by my right hand.You guide me with your counsel,and afterward you will take me into glory.Whom have I in heaven but you?And earth has nothing I desire besides you.My flesh and my heart may fail,but God is the strength of my heartand my portion forever. And then, in verse 28: But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; Intersecting Life & Faith: I don’t know what you’re going through currently, what feels heavy and unfair and unjust. But I do know God sees you, loves you, and is for you. He won’t abandon you in your pain, nor will He allow the wicked to thrive forever. He brings justice, healing, hope, and refuge. If you’re feeling disillusioned by someone else’s sinful behavior, bring your emotions, unfiltered, to God and trust Him to meet and to heal you there. To shield and uphold you in His love. Before you sign off, if this episode hit a tender place in your soul and you’re struggling to make sense of some relational patterns that are leading to more anxiety than joy, visit the Faith Over Fear podcast to listen to my conversation with Jennifer Renee Watson on the threads of people pleasing and how to gain the confidence to tend to your soul—when others try to beat you down. That episode is titled "When People Take Advantage of Your Kindness: Biblical Help for People Pleasing." Further Reading: Psalm 37:1-7 Romans 12:19 Psalm 94:1-3 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.2 Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God.3 And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the Lord, even burnt offerings morning and evening.4 They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;5 And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the Lord that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the Lord.6 From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the Lord. But the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid.7 They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.8 Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the Lord.9 Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites.10 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.12 But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:13 So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

Psalm 78:2 reminds believers of the importance of remembering and recounting God’s faithfulness through every generation. In this devotional, Jennifer Slattery explores how seasons of chaos, uncertainty, fear, and hardship can tempt Christians to lose sight of God’s power, provision, and promises. When life feels overwhelming, believers often try to regain control on their own, yet Scripture continually points back to the faithfulness of God as the true foundation for peace and stability. This devotional highlights how the Israelites repeatedly witnessed God’s miraculous provision and deliverance, yet often forgot His faithfulness when new challenges arose. Through intentional reflection and remembrance, Christians can strengthen their faith, overcome fear, and build deeper trust in God’s character. Remembering God’s past faithfulness becomes a powerful way to steady the heart, encourage future generations, and remain anchored in hope during uncertain times. Highlights Remembering God’s faithfulness strengthens faith during difficult seasons. Fear and anxiety often grow when believers forget God’s past provision. Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to reflect on His works and promises. The Israelites struggled because they continually forgot God’s deliverance. God remains faithful even when His people are fearful or weak in faith. Reflecting on God’s past provision helps believers trust Him in present trials. Intentional remembrance builds peace, hope, and spiritual endurance. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: How Remembering God’s Faithfulness Rebuilds Your FaithBy: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading:I will open my mouth with a parable;I will utter hidden things, things from of old. —Psalm 78:2 Lately, life has felt heavy and chaotic, hasn’t it? Sometimes it feels like everything is spinning backward, upside down, and inside out, and frankly, there’s not much I can do about it. I can’t fix our economy or prevent the next recession. I can’t undo the division and polarization plaguing our nation. I can’t solve my loved one’s problems or prevent their pain. And when everything hits simultaneously, or my hardship continues for any length of time, I temporarily lose sight of the power, promises, and love of Christ. Such forgetfulness is dangerous in times of crisis, because it tempts me to rely on myself and seek control. But I’ve created enough messes to know the foolishness of any so-called solutions not provided by Christ. Thankfully, He never leaves me to navigate life’s challenges alone. I watched Him resurrect my marriage when it seemed dead. He’s provided for us in miraculous ways and guided us through confusion and uncertainty. My life has become a living testimony of His grace. A grace that, when remembered and reflected upon, deepens my faith, strengthens my obedience, and purifies my love for the One who never leaves my side. I see this strategic interaction all throughout Scripture. We humans excel at falling into messes; the Lord excels at pulling us out and setting us on a new, brighter, freer path. This is the message Asaph, the prophet and royal musician who penned Psalm 78, conveyed. He wanted the Israelites to consider God’s faithfulness to His often faithless and rebellious people. He asked them to listen, and then to repeat the lessons he taught, as a way to encourage their souls, yes. But also to build faith into the next generation. To help insulate them from falling into the same self-defeating traps as the older generation (vs 6-8). Scripture records some of the most shocking examples in Exodus, a historical narrative recounting the people’s liberation from slavery and oppression and journey to the Promised Land. They should’ve completed this 200 to 400-mile trek within ten days, a few weeks max. But when it came time to enter their new, God-given land, they refused, out of fear. This, after having witnessed the Lord’s miraculous intervention numerous times. Consider how their story began—an entire population, held captive, powerless, for centuries. They had no recourse, no voice, and likely assumed things would never get better. How could they, a weak and beaten-down people group, possibly break free from the most powerful ruler in the ancient world at that time? That’s also why God’s rescue would’ve made such an impact. He infused hope into a seemingly hopeless situation, proving His power over the most oppressive and established systems and history’s most vicious tyrants. But then, soon after their liberation, they found themselves trapped again, this time with a large body of water on one side and a skilled, armed, and trained military advancing on the other. Understandably, the people panicked. They deemed their circumstances hopeless. But again, God came through, parted the water so they could pass across on dry ground, then swept their cruel abusers into the sea. Again and again, God’s people found themselves in dire situations. And again and again, God came through, proving His love. Demonstrating His attentive care. In each instance, He presented them with an opportunity to deepen their faith, build greater trust in their Maker, and establish a more secure connection with Him. Sadly, they never seemed to accept His beautiful invitation—because they refused to learn from their past. Instead, they remained reactive, fearful, anxious, and in repeated chaos with themselves, one another, and their Lord. Asaph challenged the later generations to consider their ancestors’ self-defeating patterns so that they could learn to live differently, with more faith and less fear. And he did so by highlighting God’s faithfulness, often displayed when His people behaved most faithlessly. Intersecting Life & Faith: Each day, God offers us the same lesson. He invites us to engage in intentional reflection, where we periodically pause to recall evidence of His love and examples of His care. This remembering strengthens our faith and our attachment to our Savior. As we consistently draw closer to Him, listen for His life parables, and fortify our souls with truth, He steadies us. He enables us to stand firm, immovable, regardless of how shaky the ground beneath us feels. How might intentionally remembering God’s power, promises, presence, and provision increase your faith and peace and decrease your anxiety for whatever difficulties you might face? Perhaps journal on one instance each day. In a year’s time, you’ll have 365 accounts of His faithful care for you and those you love. Further Reading:Joshua 4:6-7Psalm 105:1-5Psalm 145:4-7 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

SHOW NOTES   In Podcast Episode 376, “When Kindness & Generosity Flow,” Kim discusses the natural flow of encouragement, kindness, and generosity we see in the celebration of the Passover described in today's scripture passage. Today, what automatically flows from your life?   Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Chronicles 35:1-19, and with 14-15 as the focal verses:   14 Afterward the Levites prepared Passover offerings for themselves and for the priests—the descendants of Aaron—because the priests had been busy from morning till night offering the burnt offerings and the fat portions. The Levites took responsibility for all these preparations. 15 The musicians, descendants of Asaph, were in their assigned places, following the commands that had been given by David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, the king's seer. The gatekeepers guarded the gates and did not need to leave their posts of duty, for their Passover offerings were prepared for them by their fellow Levites.     WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE:   Pray Psalm 139:23-24 for yourself, asking the Lord to show you what naturally flows from your heart.   Additional Resources and Scriptures:   23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalm 139:23-24) Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM -  https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus   I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST.   RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings (1 & 2 Chronicles) PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. xAI. (2026). Grok [Large language model]. https://x.ai/grok/chat      "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group:   Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus.   This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus.   In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives.   If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week.   Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!”   If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com.     National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline   988   https://988lifeline.org/   Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004.   Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay.     The HIDDEN Episodes:  If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/  

Comparison is a subtle thief. In Psalm 73, Asaph takes us on a painfully honest journey from confidence in God to frustration, envy, and spiritual confusion. While looking at the success of the wicked, he began to lose sight of the goodness of God, and what started as comparison slowly became a slippery slope away from the Lord. Join us as we walk through Psalm 73 and rediscover this powerful truth: no matter how far our hearts may wander, it is always good to draw near to God.

This week's lie is that trusting God is trivial. In Psalm 73, Asaph shares his struggle to understand how remaining faithful has benefited him when the world around him seems to prosper despite its ungodliness. But everything changes when Asaph enters the sanctuary of God's presence and finds renewed relief, perspective, and hope of rescue. Trusting Is Trivial Josh Pruitt

This sermon, drawn from Psalm 77, explores the raw honesty of a godly leader in deep spiritual struggle, revealing that faithfulness does not guarantee immediate relief or answers to prayer. Centered on Asaph's lament, it confronts the tension between divine sovereignty and human suffering, affirming that God is not a vending machine but a holy, unchanging Lord whose ways are mysterious yet trustworthy. The message pivots from despair to hope as Asaph intentionally shifts his focus from personal pain to meditating on God's past faithfulness, wonders, and redemptive power, reminding believers that even in silence and sorrow, God is still working. The sermon calls listeners to honest prayer, intentional remembrance of God's character, and trust in His ultimate goodness, especially when circumstances defy expectations, urging a posture of waiting, reflection, and surrender rather than despair.

Comparison, bitterness, disappointment, and hopelessness all begin to shape us when our eyes are fixed in the wrong direction.In week two of our Imprinted series, Pastor Bobby walks through Psalm 73 and the honest struggle of feeling frustrated when life doesn't seem fair. Through the poetry of Asaph, this message explores how comparison steals joy, how bitterness takes root, and how the presence of God is the only thing that truly restores our perspective.No matter what season you're walking through, this sermon is a reminder that what we focus on shapes the way we see everything — and when we turn our eyes back to Jesus, temporary things stop pretending to be ultimate things.

Comparison, bitterness, disappointment, and hopelessness all begin to shape us when our eyes are fixed in the wrong direction.In week two of our Imprinted series, Pastor Bobby walks through Psalm 73 and the honest struggle of feeling frustrated when life doesn't seem fair. Through the poetry of Asaph, this message explores how comparison steals joy, how bitterness takes root, and how the presence of God is the only thing that truly restores our perspective.No matter what season you're walking through, this sermon is a reminder that what we focus on shapes the way we see everything — and when we turn our eyes back to Jesus, temporary things stop pretending to be ultimate things.

We find ourselves discouraged at times in our walk with the Lord. We don't see the blessings that were once abundant but now seem nowhere to be found. Today, with Dr. James Boice we'll be studying Psalm 77. The psalmist, Asaph, is discouraged. He knows God is good, but it seems like a long time since he's seen evidence of that goodness. Join us as Asaph deals with the discouragement of feeling distant from God. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Friday Bible Study (5/8/26) // *Nehemiah Sent to Judah* // 2 In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence. 2 And the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. 3 I said to the king, “Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” 4 Then the king said to me, “What are you requesting?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' graves, that I may rebuild it.” 6 And the king said to me (the queen sitting beside him), “How long will you be gone, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me when I had given him a time. 7 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah, 8 and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress of the temple, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me.Website: https://mbchicago.org *FOLLOW US* Facebook: https://facebook.com/mbc.chicago Instagram: https://instagram.com/mbc.chicago TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@mbc.chicago Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others *TO SUPPORT US* Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Website: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch DAF Donations: https://every.org/mbc.chicago PayPal: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=AA74AC7V5WYMJ #Nehemiah #BookOfNehemiah #BibleStudy #BibleExplained #Bible #BiblicalStudies #BibleTeacher #WordOfGod #BiblicalLessons #BibleJournal #BibleReading #BibleStudyNotes #biblestudycommunity #ChicagoChurch #BibleVerse

Welcome to Day 2859 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2859 – “In Defense of a Doubter”  based on Luke 7:18-35 Putnam Church Message – 04/12/2026 The Good News According to Luke: “In Defense of a Doubter.”   Last week's message was: “He is Risen Indeed!” We will celebrate the resurrected Christ and the assurance we have in the salvation that He brings. Today, we return to Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today's message is: “In Defense of a Doubter.” We will explore the doubts of Jesus's cousin, known as John the Baptizer. Our core passage today is Luke 7:15-35, which is found on page 1603 of your pew Bibles.  Jesus and John the Baptizer 18 John's disciples told him about all these things. / Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?'” 21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” 24 After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'[b] 28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.) 31 Jesus went on to say, “To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: “‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.' 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.' 34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' 35 But wisdom is proved right by all her children.” Opening Prayer Father, thank You that You are not threatened by our questions and not surprised by our weakness. Thank You that in Jesus Christ You meet us not only in strength, but also in struggle. As we open Your Word today, give us honesty, humility, and hope. Help us to see that doubt does not have to destroy faith, and that Your Son is still enough / even when life does not make sense. In Jesus' name, amen. Introduction There is a kind of faith that sounds strong but is actually fragile. It never asks hard questions. It never admits confusion.  It never confesses pain. It smiles through gritted teeth and calls that spirituality. But the Bible gives us something far more honest than that. The Bible gives us John the Baptizer. The same John who leaped in Elizabeth's womb at the presence of Christ. The same John who thundered in the wilderness. The same John who said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” The same John who pointed away from himself and toward Jesus. And now in Luke 7, that same man is in prison, and he is asking a question he never expected to ask: “Are You the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (Luke 7:19) That question surprises us. But Luke includes it because he wants us to learn something important: A season of doubt does not automatically mean the death of faith. Sometimes doubt is rebellion. Sometimes doubt is unbelief. But sometimes doubt is the cry of a wounded believer trying to reconcile what he knows about God with what he is living through. And that is where many believers live at one point or another. You may trust God and still have questions. You may love Christ and still ache. You may believe deeply and still struggle honestly. So today we are going to stand in defense of a doubter—not to glorify doubt, but to understand what Jesus does with it. Main Point 1: Faith Can Be Shaken Without Being Destroyed Luke 7:18–20 John's disciples come to Jesus and ask the question straight out: “Are You the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” Let's not rush past how astonishing that is. John was not a casual observer. He was not a spiritual dabbler. He was not a man who had built his beliefs on rumors. He knew the prophecies. He had heard the voice of God. He had publicly identified Jesus. He had baptized Jesus. He had seen the Spirit descend. And yet now, from a prison cell, John is trembling. Why? Because circumstances can shake even the strongest believers. John expected the Messiah to come with power, to cleanse, to judge, and to bring visible kingdom change. And yet Herod still sits on the throne, evil still seems to prosper, and John himself—the faithful prophet—sits forgotten in a dungeon. If Jesus is truly the Expected One, why does the world still look so wrong? That is not a foolish question. That is an agonizing one. And many of us know something about it. A praying parent watches a child drift farther from God. A faithful wife buries a husband too soon.  A godly man loses his job while dishonest people advance. A believer fights disease, grief, betrayal, or depression and quietly wonders, “Lord, where are You?” That does not mean the believer has become an unbeliever. It may mean the believer has run out of easy answers. Object Lesson — The Storm-Bent Tree Imagine a strong tree in a storm. The wind bends it. The branches whip. Leaves tear loose. For a while, it looks unstable. But when the storm passes, the roots remain. That is John. He is bent, but not uprooted. He is shaken, but not blown away. And that is a needed reminder. A believer can be deeply troubled and still deeply rooted.   Matthew's Parallel Helps Us Matthew 11 records this same incident. Matthew gives us the same question, the same prison setting, and the same answer from Jesus. That tells us this was not a minor moment in Christ's ministry. The Spirit wanted the church to remember that even the greatest prophet of that generation went through a dark night of the soul. So, if you are in a season of doubt, do not assume that the struggle itself means your faith is fake. Some doubt is corrosive. But some doubt is the painful honesty of a real disciple asking, “Lord, help me understand.” Related Scriptures Psalm 73 — Asaph struggling with the prosperity of the wicked. Habakkuk 1 — “How long, O Lord?” Mark 9:24 — “I...

We feel a sense of loss as we watch our country turn from the godly principles on which it was founded. But can we imagine how it would feel to have our nation overrun and our places of worship destroyed? In this message, Dr. James Boice will be studying Psalm 74, a lament for the loss of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple. Psalm 74 is also a psalm of faith, and Asaph "reminds" God of His promises and His covenant with His people. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Many of us have probably struggled with the question: why do bad things happen to good people? But in Psalm 73, the author Asaph asks the opposite question: why do good things happen to bad people? In this message, we'll see how Asaph's struggle with envy almost destroyed his faith, and the confidence that he regained as he entered into the sanctuary of God.

Have you ever known an ungodly person who seems to have everything and to have everything go his way? Has it caused you to feel resentful and maybe even question God? This week on The Bible Study Hour with Dr. James Boice we're studying Psalm 73, a Psalm of Asaph as he inquires, “In God's universe, why do the wicked prosper?” To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Summary In Psalm 50, Dr. Michael Easley walks through a powerful courtroom scene where God Himself appears as Judge over His covenant people. Asaph paints a vivid picture of a divine courtroom where the “Mighty One, God, the Lord” summons heaven and earth not to judge the nations, but to confront His own people. The issue is not a lack of religious activity, but a heart corrupted by formalism and hypocrisy. Easley explains that Israel's worship had become mechanical—focused on ritual without relationship. God does not need their sacrifices, because He owns everything already. Instead, He desires thanksgiving, trust, and dependence. Religion had been reduced to a system of managing guilt, but God exposes its emptiness. The second indictment is hypocrisy. The people speak of God's law but live in open contradiction to it—celebrating sin, tolerating wrongdoing, and assuming God is indifferent. The chilling rebuke comes when God says, “You thought that I was just like you,” revealing how sin distorts our view of God. Easley emphasizes that God's patience is real, but not approval. Judgment will come, yet mercy is offered through thanksgiving and trust. True worship is not a transactional religion—it is a grateful response to God's grace. Only a right relationship with God, not religious performance, brings salvation. Takeaways God confronts His own people when worship becomes formalism without heart. Religion fails because it tries to manage God instead of trusting Him. God does not need sacrifice—He desires thanksgiving and trust. Hypocrisy is revealed when people claim God's truth but live against it. God's patience should never be mistaken for approval of sin. True worship flows from gratitude, not religious performance or guilt management. To read the Psalms, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.